Blackstar Dept. 10 Dual Drive

Dept. 10: the "tube amp" approach in a pedal

With the Dept. 10 series, Blackstar aimed to recreate the feel of a tube preamp in a compact format, without the common compromise of "underpowered tubes." The Dept. 10 Dual Drive features a ECC83 tube operating at high voltage, resulting in a more organic response, naturally musical compression, and rich harmonics close to a real preamp stage.
Within the range, the Dual Drive stands as a versatile drive solution: it covers multiple gain levels and adds a modern dimension with a Cab Rig D.I. section and connectivity designed for both stage and home studio.

Who is it for, and in which styles?

The Blackstar Dept. 10 Dual Drive is aimed at guitarists who want a "central" gain pedal: one that stays on to shape the tone or is engaged to switch from a clean verse to a denser chorus, then to a singing lead. Its two independent channels architecture makes it particularly relevant for minimalist setups (guitar, pedalboard, PA) as well as to complement an amp already on the edge of breakup.
In terms of styles, it excels in blues, rock, classic rock, pop, indie, and any genre where a lively saturation reactive to guitar volume and pick attack is desired. In live contexts, its DI output and cab simulations facilitate quick stage setups. In the studio, the USB allows direct recording while maintaining a very "amp-like" playing feel.

Features and connectivity: a drive pedal that can become your preamp

The Dual Drive offers 2 footswitchable channels, each with dedicated controls: Gain 1 / Level 1 for channel 1 and Gain 2 / Level 2 for channel 2. Each channel also has its own voice selector (two modes per channel), totaling 4 gain characters: ideal for setting a base tone and a boosted tone, or separating rhythm and lead.
To shape the overall tone, there is a shared Bass / Middle / Treble EQ and the ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) control, which shifts the tonal signature from a more "US" character (attack, tighter lows) to a more "UK" character (woodier mids, rockier grain). The built-in Cab Rig section allows selection of onboard cabinet environments, convenient for feeding a mixing console, audio interface, stage monitor, or headphones without adding extra gear.
Regarding integration, the pedal includes a USB audio interface for direct recording and a balanced DI XLR output for stage use. It also features an effects loop (send/return) to place modulations, delays, and reverbs at a more "preamp-friendly" point, as well as a stereo headphone output in 6.35mm Jack format for silent playing.

Sound

The Dept. 10 Dual Drive delivers saturation that emphasizes grain and dynamics: at low gain, it can serve as a clean boost or edge of breakup with a clear high end and breathing chords. Increasing the gain yields a dense crunch, then a more sustained overdrive, with the typical "push" feel of tube stages: the sound fills out, sustain develops, and the guitar responds finely to playing intensity.
The 3-band EQ and ISF allow adapting the pedal to very different setups: single coils for snappy attacks and punchy rhythms, humbuckers for a thicker, singing drive. The Dual Drive is also spotted on artists' pedalboards: Bradley Will Simpson (The Vamps) is among the identified users, confirming its "pro" orientation and stage focus.

Technical specifications

Effects	Preamp, Cabinet Simulator, Overdrive	EQ	3 channels
Technology	Analog	Type	sector
Format	Pedal	Use	electric guitar
Number of tracks	2	Color	Red

Per channel controls	Gain 1, Level 1, Gain 2, Level 2	Effects loop	Send and Return
Shared EQ	Bass, Middle, Treble	Stereo headphone output	6.35mm Jack
Instrument input	6.35mm Jack	Required power supply	9V DC
Main output	6.35mm Jack	Consumption	500 mA