BLACKSTAR POLAR GO (01) PDF Document

The BLACKSTAR POLAR GO provides the following features:

• In-built stereo microphones for true on-the-go recording

• Combi jack input with phantom power for connecting any microphone or instrument

• TRRS headset input for hands-free capture and monitoring

• POLAR GO App with intuitive control over effects, levels, presets, and reverb

• USB-C connectivity for iOS, Android, Mac, and PC

• Rechargeable battery or USB bus powered for flexible operation

• Multitrack USB routing and loopback, perfect for modern livestream workflows

• Built-in metal base, compatible with magnetic stands for hands-free use in any setting

The box for the BLACKSTAR POLAR GO contains the following items:

• POLAR GO

• Quick Start Guide

• USB-C to USB-C Cable

If your mobile device uses a Lightning port (such as any iPhone model prior to iPhone 15), you will need a separate Lightning-to-USB adapter capable of data transfer. This adapter is not included with the BLACKSTAR POLAR GO.

The BLACKSTAR POLAR GO audio interface is compatible with:

• iOS 14.0+ (iPhone 8 or newer)

• Android 9.0+ with USB-C and OTG support

The desktop and laptop system requirements are:

• macOS 10.15+ (no driver required)

• Windows 10+ (Blackstar ASIO driver required)

• Minimum: 4GB RAM, Intel i3 or better

You need to download the POLAR GO app and the optional Windows ASIO driver. The app allows full control of levels, built-in effects, reverb, presets, routing, and video recording features.

The hardware features of the BLACKSTAR POLAR GO are:

1. Built-in Stereo Microphones

2. INPUT (Combi Jack) – XLR/1/4″ jack for mics, guitars, basses, keyboards

3. Input Level Control – Adjusts gain for the INPUT (does not affect built-in mics)

4. +48V Phantom Power Switch

5. Output Level Control – Controls headphone output volume

6. LED Indicators – Signal, clip, battery, +48V, output, etc.

7. TRRS Headset Jack – Connect headphones or headset mic

8. Power Switch – Battery or USB powered

9. USB-C Connection Port – Audio/data

10. USB-C Power Port – Charging

The underside also includes a magnetic metal base for mounting.

The POLAR GO app offers full control of levels, effects, routing, and recording. Key features include:

• App Layout: Tabs for Home, Camera, and Settings, allowing for parameter adjustment in real time.

• Input & Mic Controls: Adjust Gain (sensitivity), Space (Reverb), and built-in effects for the Mic Channel. Adjust Gain, Body / Clarity (EQ), Space (Reverb), and enable Magic Wand for the Input Channel.

• Presets and Parameters: Includes presets such as Vocal, Guitar, Podcast, Ambient, and Flat. You can adjust and save your own settings.

• Reverb and Built-in Effects: Add Space reverb to any input, tailored for natural feel and stereo width.

• Multi-Track Mode: Sends each input to separate USB channels for mixing or editing later.

• USB Loopback: Combine playback and live input for livestreaming or recording.

• Camera and Video Recording: Use the Camera tab to capture synced video with POLAR GO audio. You can also monitor in real-time and apply processing live.

In the POLAR GO App, make sure to press the Save button to write all current parameters to the POLAR GO device. These settings will be recalled when the unit is powered off and back on.

The BLACKSTAR POLAR GO is compatible with all major DAWs on macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. For macOS, no driver is required (Core Audio). For Windows, you need to download and install the ASIO driver.

Monitoring Tip: The POLAR GO has direct monitoring enabled by default. If you prefer to monitor through your DAW, enable Multitrack Mode and disable direct monitoring in the app.

Here are setup guides for popular DAWs:

• Ableton Live: Select POLAR GO as input/output in Preferences. Arm an audio track. Disable monitoring in Ableton or adjust in the POLAR GO App.

• Logic Pro X: Select POLAR GO in Audio Preferences. Arm an audio track. Disable monitoring in Logic or adjust in the POLAR GO App.

• Pro Tools: Select POLAR GO in Playback Engine. Arm an audio track. Disable monitoring in Pro Tools or adjust in the POLAR GO App.

• Cubase: Select POLAR GO in Studio Setup. Arm an audio track. Disable monitoring in Cubase or adjust in the POLAR GO App.

• FL Studio: Select POLAR GO in Audio Settings. Arm a mixer track. Disable monitoring in FL Studio or adjust in the POLAR GO App.

• Studio One: Select POLAR GO as the audio interface. Arm a track and record. Disable monitoring in Studio One or adjust in the POLAR GO App.

• GarageBand (iPhone): Connect via USB-C or Lightning adapter. GarageBand auto-detects the POLAR GO. In track input settings, disable monitoring if not using Multitrack Mode. To monitor through GarageBand, enable Multitrack Mode and disable direct monitoring in the app.

1. Plug your microphone or instrument into the INPUT combi jack.

2. If you are using a condenser microphone, enable the +48V phantom power.

3. Plug headphones into the headset jack for monitoring.

4. Adjust the gain and output levels in the POLAR GO app.

To use a headset with a built-in microphone, plug the headset into the TRRS headset jack and select ‘Headset Mic’ in the POLAR GO app settings.

1. Use the onboard mics without any cables connected to the inputs.

2. In the app, adjust the Body, Clarity (EQ), and Space (reverb) settings for the mics.

This setup is great for mobile or ambient recording.