Blackstar Polar 4
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Manufacturer Information
Blackstar
https://www.blackstaramps.com
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Safety manager:
Hol Music Dral SLU
Email: info@holmusic.es
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POLAR: Blackstar's "amp" approach applied to recording
With the POLAR series, Blackstar transfers part of its guitar amplification expertise into a desktop-format studio audio interface. The POLAR 4 is positioned as the most versatile version for those who want to multiply simultaneous recordings (multiple guitars, vocals, amp mics, synths, or drum machines) while maintaining a familiar playing feel. The goal is clear: to reduce typical friction encountered when plugging a guitar into a conventional interface by offering a responsive, "forgiving," and enjoyable input to control.
Who is it for and what studio uses?
The Blackstar POLAR 4 is aimed at guitarists recording at home as well as creators needing a complete interface for producing, streaming, or editing content. Its 4 mic preamps and 48 V phantom power allow recording vocals, acoustic guitar with a mic, miked amps, or a small multi-mic setup. The 2 headphone outputs facilitate sessions for two (musician + engineer, vocal/guitar duo, interview), while the loopback function simplifies recording system audio (streaming, app audio capture, tutorials).
Key features: playing, levels, monitoring, and control
FET inputs + "Enhance": more feel, less gain stress
The heart of the POLAR 4 lies in a FET input stage designed to handle and enhance signals from instruments, pedals, and microphones. Activating "Enhance" introduces a network of components in the signal path to emulate the behavior of a "tube"-style guitar amp input: you get more response, character, and a more natural feel under the fingers. On the instrument inputs, "Enhance" has another major benefit: digital clipping is avoided, limiting ruined takes due to unwanted saturation and allowing level adjustment as you would on an amp preamp.
"Enhance" also useful on vocals and line sources
On mic and line inputs, "Enhance" provides natural clarity and brightness, especially appreciated on vocals and acoustic guitars. This approach can also reduce the need for an external DI or additional preamp to get a guitar signal ready to use immediately in the mix.
Accurate monitoring and modern workflow
The POLAR 4 offers a monitor output and two headphone outputs with independent controls, convenient for adjusting a comfortable level without affecting speaker volume. The POLAR Control software allows management of levels, panning, and monitoring routing, enabling quick adaptation of the setup for vocal takes, guitar re-recording, or multi-source sessions. Finally, the MIDI In/Out connectivity helps centralize a master keyboard, control surface, or expander without multiplying adapters.
Technical specifications
| Sampling frequency | 192 kHz |
| Max resolution | 24-bits |
| Headphone outputs | Yes |
| Nominal mode power consumption (Wh) | 5 W |
| Type | 4-channel USB audio interface (desktop format) |
| Simultaneous I/O | 6 x 6 (including loopback inputs) |
| Loopback | yes |
| A/D conversion resolution | 24-bit / 192 kHz |
| Supported sample rates | 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz |
| Connectivity | USB Type-C |
| Protocol | USB 2.0 |
| Bus-powered | yes (960 mA) |
| Phantom power | yes, 48 V |
| Power supply | USB 960 mA; external (optional) 4.8 W |
| Accessories | USB A to DC cable, USB A to C cable |
| Number of mic preamps | 4 |
| Mic inputs | 4 |
| Instrument inputs | 4 |
| Line inputs | 4 |
| Line outputs | 2 |
| MIDI I/O | yes |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz to 20 kHz +/-0.1 dB |
| Dynamic range | 109 dB (A-weighted) |
| THD+N | -101 dB (-103 dB A-weighted), 0 dB gain, 950 mVrms, bandwidth 20 Hz to 24 kHz |
| EIN noise | -121 dBu (A-weighted) |
| Maximum input level | 2 dBu |
| Gain range | 53 dB |
| Impedance | 3.3 kOhms |
| Maximum output level | 12.8 dBu |
| Maximum output power | 85 mW at 33 ohms; 66 mW at 300 ohms |
| Analog-to-digital converter | THD+N -100 dB; dynamic range 114 dB |
| Digital-to-analog converter | THD+N -100 dB; dynamic range 114 dB |
Questions frequently asked
How many sources can be recorded simultaneously?
The interface features 4 microphone preamps and a 6 x 6 configuration, including loopback inputs. It allows connecting up to four microphone, instrument, or line sources depending on the input configuration.
Does the guitar input prevent digital clipping?
The Enhance function applied to the instrument inputs is designed to prevent digital clipping. The FET input stage provides a response inspired by a guitar amplifier input, with a gain range of 53 dB.
Blackstar Polar 4: Can two headphones be used?
Two headphone outputs with independent controls allow separate adjustment of listening levels. The maximum power specified is 85 mW at 33 ohms and 66 mW at 300 ohms.
Can condenser microphones be connected?
A 48 V phantom power supply is available for microphones that require it. All four microphone inputs have preamps with an EIN noise level rated at -121 dBu A-weighted.
Is loopback available for streaming?
The loopback function is integrated and part of the 6 simultaneous inputs/outputs. It enables capturing the system or application audio return in a streaming or recording feed. Connection to the computer is via USB-C using the USB 2.0 protocol.
