Blackstar HTV-DA-100 Doug Aldrich Signature 100w Valve Head (ex-display)

Doug Aldrich is one of the world’s most respected rock guitarists, known for his high-octane performances with Whitesnake, Dio, Burning Rain, Hurricane, Bad Moon Rising, House of Lords, Revolution Saints and, since 2016, the powerhouse supergroup The Dead Daisies. With countless iconic riffs, legendary live shows and critically acclaimed solo releases, Doug’s tone has inspired guitarists for decades.

Now, for the first time in his career, Doug has collaborated on a signature amplifier – and Blackstar is proud to bring the DA100 Ruby Edition to life. After more than a year of close development and touring feedback, the DA100 captures Doug’s signature sound with unmatched authenticity, power and flexibility.

Main Features

• Custom-voiced circuitry developed with Doug Aldrich
• New OD Voice switch for vintage hot-rodded Plexi-style punch
• Footswitchable effects loop with software-adjustable tails
• 4 x EL34 and 2 x ECC83 valve power section
• Switchable power reduction down to 10 percent
• Blackstar ISF for American-to-British tonal shaping
• Striking Ruby Red finish inspired by Doug’s daughter
• CabRig IR-based speaker simulation with custom patches
• USB audio and XLR D.I. for modern recording and live environments

Unmatched Artist-Driven Design

Since early 2023, Doug has been using the HT Stage 100 MK III paired with a modified HTV-412B MK III cabinet loaded with Celestion Vintage 30s. He was so impressed with the amp’s dynamic range – from buttery cleans to crushing high-gain firepower – that he approached Blackstar to refine and customise it into his dream rig.

The result is the DA100: a fully stage-proven, sonically enhanced amplifier shaped to Doug’s exact specifications.

New OD Voice: Hot-Rodded British Power

Doug is renowned for his bold, articulate drive tones. The DA100 introduces a new overdrive voicing switch that delivers a vintage, modded Plexi-style punch with enhanced aggression and attitude. Combined with a refined midrange response, the DA100 hits with chest-thumping authority on every power chord.

Footswitchable Effects Loop with Customisable Tails

The upgraded effects loop is fully footswitchable using the included FS-14 DA 5-way foot controller. Dive into the free Architect software to customise effect “tail” behaviour – perfect for seamless transitions when switching the loop in and out mid-performance.

Classic Valve Power: True British Growl

Powered by 4 x EL34s and 2 x ECC83s, the DA100 achieves the unmistakable roar of a true British valve amp. From articulate cleans to explosive high gain, the dynamic response is immediate, expressive and authentic.

Power Reduction: Loud Tone at Any Volume

A switchable power reduction circuit allows transparent scaling down to 10 percent power, making the DA100 equally at home on stage, in rehearsal rooms, studios or even at home.

Blackstar ISF: Endless Tonal Shaping

ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) allows you to sweep from a tighter, more aggressive “American” response to a broader, warmer “British” character. Combined with the new OD voicing, the DA100 offers huge versatility for players who need multiple tones in one amp.

Custom Ruby Red Aesthetic

In honour of Doug’s daughter, Ruby, the DA100 features a striking Ruby Red covering, colour-matched knobs, a brushed aluminium control panel and vintage-style black Artisan fret cloth. It looks every bit as special as it sounds.

CabRig IR-Based Speaker Simulation

The DA100 Ruby comes with three artist-designed CabRig patches, precisely dialled in with Doug:

• Two patches tailored for live performance
• One patch optimised for studio recording

CabRig delivers ultra-realistic cabinet, mic and room simulations with:

• Near-zero latency
• No phase mismatch
• Deep editing flexibility via software
• Stunning realism through USB, XLR or headphones

Perfect for silent recording, re-amping or direct-to-FOH live use.

Professional Connectivity

Designed for modern guitarists, the DA100 includes:

• USB audio interface for direct studio-grade recording
• XLR D.I. output with CabRig simulation
• Footswitch input for the included FS-14 DA controller
• Full compatibility with Architect software for deep editing