Blackstar Unveils Artist FR Series: The FRFR Solution That Actually Feels Like a Guitar Amp

For guitarists using high-end modelers and IRs, the struggle is real: finding a monitoring solution that balances clinical accuracy with the “moving air” feel of a traditional cabinet. Today, Blackstar officially bridges that gap with the launch of the Artist FR series.

Designed for players who find in-ear monitors too isolating and standard monitor speakers too sterile, the Artist FR (Full Range) series delivers a flat-response performance housed in a familiar, amp-style chassis.

Precision Tone Meets Raw Power

These could be the perfect companion for Blackstar’s new ID:X Floor Series, launched at NAMM.

The standout feature of the Artist FR line is its active 3-band EQ. Unlike many FRFR (Full Range, Flat Response) cabinets that offer little more than a volume knob, Blackstar provides intuitive tone-shaping tools on the front panel. This allows players to adjust to different room acoustics or swap guitars without diving into deep-layer menus on their floorboards.

Key Technical Highlights:

• Whizzer Diaphragm Technology: Delivers crystal-clear highs without the “ice-pick” harshness often found in budget monitors.

• Rear-Mounted Bass Reflex Port: Engineered for a tight, defined low end that mimics the punch of a classic 1×12 cab.

• Presence Control: A dedicated knob for fine-tuning the high-end “shimmer” to ensure you cut through any mix.

Two Sizes, One Mission

Blackstar is launching the series with two distinct models to suit different playing environments:

Both models feature a built-in kickstand that allows the cabinet to be tilted back into a monitor position. This solves the age-old problem of “beaming” your tone at your ankles instead of your ears.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is an FRFR cabinet?

FRFR stands for Full Range, Flat Response. Unlike a traditional guitar cab that colors the sound, an FRFR speaker is designed to output exactly what your modeler (like a Helix, Kemper, or Quad Cortex) sends it, including the cabinet and mic simulations.

Can I use this with a standard tube amp head?

No. These are powered cabinets designed specifically for line-level signals from modelers, preamps, and floorboards.

Why does it have an EQ if my modeler already has one?

Room acoustics change every night. Having an active EQ on the cabinet lets you make “global” adjustments to the venue without affecting the carefully crafted settings in your individual presets.

The Verdict

The Blackstar Artist FR series is a game-changer for the digital guitarist. It successfully marries the convenience of digital modeling with the tactile response of a real amplifier.

At a price point starting under £300, it offers a professional, reliable, and aesthetically “correct” alternative to clinical-looking PA wedges. If you want your digital rig to feel like a real rig, the Artist FR Special is likely the best value-for-money upgrade you can make this year.