Blackstar POLAR4 4 Channel Guitar Interface
Introducing Blackstar’s POLAR audio interfaces, designed specifically for anyone who records guitar. Our market research shows that most people who use an audio interface to record music at home record guitar. We conducted extensive Human Centred Design (HCD) which identified three main challenges people experience when recording guitar directly through an interface: poor feel / response, difficulty setting input levels without clipping and hard to use. Our POLAR interfaces overcome all these challenges making them the ultimate solution for anyone who records guitar.
POLAR provides the ultimate solution for these customers, with three clear reasons to purchase:
1. Feel and response of a real guitar amp
The only audio interface in the market with a FET input stage and “Enhance” feature that mimics the behaviour, characteristics, and electronics normally found on the input stage of a valve guitar amplifier. Plugging a guitar directly into a normal audio interface produces an anaemic signal with peaky transients, which makes playing through amp plugins sound like... a plugin, not an amp.
With the flick of a switch, POLAR’s “Enhance” feature makes all software amp plugins sound better by restoring the touch, feel and response of real amps. Works perfectly with pedalboards, no need for D.I. boxes or extra hardware.
2. Setting levels made foolproof
Our innovative input stage will never digitally clip, allowing the user to drive the interface like an amp. The input stage has an impressive amount of headroom running on +/- 12V giving 24V headroom, an outstanding comparison to competitor units at 5V. Setting guitar input levels and improving your tone has never been easier.
We put an equal amount of effort into designing the POLAR MIC preamps, which boast a response that matches one of the most famed preamps in studio history: the Neve 1081. In a blind A/B setup, the POLAR sounded identical to the vintage Neve. Additionally, the “Enhance” function on the MIC input acts as a gentle high-frequency lift that adds just the right amount of air and clarity to vocals.
3. Quick and simple to use
While “Enhance” improves feel, it was also engineered with an input stage that can never digitally clip for foolproof input level setting. Users can set levels quickly without worrying about clipping, allowing them to focus on the most important part: the music.
POLAR’s innovative features, alongside an incredibly low noise floor (115db), 48V phantom power and headphone outputs that can drive both high and low impedance models, make POLAR the go-to audio interface for all musicians who record guitar and audio.
POLAR 4 also adds MIDI capability and dual headphone outputs, elevating its feature set for professional recording and production situations.
Specification
- 2-channel and 4-channel versions
- FET high headroom +/-24V inputs, low noise -121dB
- INST “Enhance” switch reacts like the input stage of a valve amplifier
- INST “Enhance” input never clips, foolproof input level setting
- MIC “Enhance” adds air and clarity
- MIC preamp same response as Neve 1081
- Headphones Outputs (two on 4-channel)
- Monitor Outputs
- 48V Phantom Power
- MIDI In & Out (4-channel only)
Chicago Music Exchange
Payment Terms - Orders Internet orders may be paid for using the following methods: VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and PayPal. For phone or mail orders you may pay money orders and cashier's checks by mail. Just call us at 773-525-7773 to place your order. All non-credit-card orders are subject to a 10-business-day hold. We do not accept international credit card or PayPal payments from international accounts. For international security reasons, please call the store to arrange a Bank Wire: +01-773-525-7773.
Shipping Charges - Taxes and Title Separate charges for shipping and handling will be shown on your order form. As a security precaution, initial orders and orders shipping to alternate addresses may be held for extended verification. We reserve the right to make partial shipments, which will not relieve you of your obligation to pay for the remaining deliveries. All items purchased from Chicago Music Exchange are made pursuant to a shipment contract. This means that the risk of loss and title for such items passes to you upon our delivery to the carrier. The published rates are for US domestic shipping only. Contact us directly if you wish to place an international order. For more information on our shipping policies, including rates, delivery times, and delays, please visit our website at chicagomusicexchange or call us at: 773-525-7773. If applicable, a separate charge for taxes will be shown on the invoice. We are required to collect sales tax on all orders shipped to Illinois.
3-Day / 15-day Return Policy If you are not completely satisfied with any product, return it for a full refund of the product purchase price, full credit, or exchange of your choice. We give you 3 days from the shipping date on Vintage instruments, and 15 days on New instruments. Credit card returns are issued a credit for purchase price. Refunds are made for product value only, excluding shipping and handling charges. New, Unopened items: You may return most NEW, untouched, unopened items within 15 days of delivery for a full refund. if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.) we'll also pay the return shipping costs. AmEx credit cards: Note that if your order was paid using an AmEx card we may pass on a 3.5% fee of the purchase price to process your refund. Vintage, Used items: We have to evaluate vintage and used guitars, amps, and other items on a case by case basis. We spend a lot of time with you and the item before your purchase to try to avoid any surprises after your purchase. AmEx credit cards: Note that if your order was paid using an AmEx card we may pass on a 3.5% fee of the purchase price to process your refund. You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, we strive to issue your refund sooner. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days). Send your return to: Chicago Music Exchange 3316 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60657 The following items are returnable only if defective OR unopened or unused: strings, harmonicas, microphones, cleaners, polishes, and polishing cloths. Software/soundware, cassettes, CDs, DVDs, and videos may be returned for credit only if they are in their original, sealed packaging. If defective, these items will only be exchanged for the same product. For complete details on our guarantees, shipping, and return policies, please contact our Customer Service Department at 773-525-7773; fax us at 773-525-2775; visit our website at www.chicagomusicexchange.com, or write us at Chicago Music Exchange, 3316 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657.