Blackstar HT VENUE 100H MKIII 100w Doug Aldrich Ruby Signature Head

Doug Aldrich is widely regarded as one of the most respected guitarists in the world, boasting an impressive career with legendary bands such as Whitesnake, Dio, Burning Rain, Lion, Hurricane, House of Lords, Bad Moon Rising, and Revolution Saints. Since 2016, he’s also been a key member of the all-star rock supergroup, The Dead Daisies, all while releasing several solo albums.

While Doug has numerous signature products to his name, he has never before ventured into the world of signature amplifiers—until now. We’re proud to be part of this milestone in his story and welcome him into the Blackstar family. Since February 2023, Doug has been performing with the HT Stage 100 MK III valve amp, paired with a modified HTV-412B MK III cabinet loaded with Celestion Vintage 30s. Doug loves the amp, quoting “it can cover anything from buttery clean tones to the ballsiest sound you have ever heard!” and asked us to make some key tweaks, to make it his dream amplifier. Over the past 12 months, we’ve worked closely with Doug to develop the DA100. We’ve made a series of functional and sonic adjustments, resulting in an amp that is nothing short of extraordinary.

Doug is known for his signature drive tones and our R&D team have worked with him to create a new OD Voice – when you engage the switch it delivers a vintage, hot-rodded Plexi-style punch instead. We also tweaked the midrange to give the amp a chest-thumping experience when striking a power chord. We upgraded the Effects Loop to be footswitchable via the included 5-way foot controller and added software customisation. This allows players to adjust the effect “tails” after the loop is disengaged. Using our free Architect software, you can set the tail length and store it in the amp for seamless transitions. As part of Doug’s signature setup, we’ve incorporated his long-standing preference for cabinets loaded with iconic Celestion Vintage 30s. The striking red looks are a tribute to Doug’s daughter, Ruby. The design is completed with colour-matched knobs, a sleek brushed aluminium panel and vintage black Artisan fret cloth, giving the DA100 a timeless yet bold look. 
 
“It feels like I’ve spent my entire life chasing the perfect tone. Over the years, I’ve owned dozens of amps—from modern to boutique, modded to vintage classics. Most of them were tube amps, and each had something special, but I was always searching for more. I’ve been lucky to build great relationships with many amp companies and received several offers to create a signature amp. Yet, I never fully committed. I just wasn’t 100% sure... until now. Blackstar and I are pleased to present the DA100 RUBY. A huge shoutout to their R&D team—these guys absolutely nailed every detail I was looking for and then some. Blackstar has always been a trailblazer in the amp world, carving out a reputation for innovation, and this amp is, without a doubt, the most perfect live and recording amp I’ve ever played. It brings all the sounds in my head to life. From the very first playthrough, I was blown away—this amp delivers everything, from lush, warm cleans to the most aggressive, ripping leads I’ve ever felt or heard. And though I’ve found my go-to settings, the tonal possibilities are endless—seriously, this amp goes places I never imagined. What struck me first was the amp’s incredible responsiveness—it immediately reacts to every nuance of my playing. We tweaked the midrange EQ, and it just feels amazing. Whether you’re playing blues or metal, the DA100 RUBY has that perfect “sticky” bark that rips right out of the speakers. It’s a very confident amp with very strong personality. Get ready to soar!” - Doug Aldrich

Features:

• Custom voiced to Doug’s specification: We worked closely with Doug and road tested these amps to ensure they sound incredible and perform night after night in the most challenging environments.
• Loaded with Vintage 30s: The DA412B has a significant artist-requested upgrade of Celestion Vintage 30 speakers – an iconic British powerhouse loudspeaker.
• Footswitchable Effects Loop: The Effects Loop is footswitchable via the included 5-way FS-14 DA Footcontroller with tail lengths adjustable via Architect for seamless switching.
• Valve Driven Power: At the heart of this amplifier lies the classic British amplifier setup of 4x EL34s and 3x ECC83s to achieve that iconic rock ’n’ roll growl.
• Power Reduction: A switchable power reduction circuit is included giving reliable, transparent reduction down to 10% of the amp’s rated power, making it easy to switch between the stage, rehearsals, studio or home.
• Blackstar’s patented ISF on the OD channel(s): ISF stands for ‘Infinite Shape Feature’. Unique to Blackstar products, this control can take you from a more ‘American’ sounding amp all the way through to a classic ‘British’ amplifier and anywhere inbetween.
• Custom Ruby Red Livery: In honour of Doug’s daughter, Ruby, we’ve finished this amp and cab in a striking Ruby Red covering that sets it apart from anything else on the market and earns the amp’s name. We even kitted it out with colour matched knobs.