Blackstar ID:Core V3 Stereo 40 Combo

first play
19
MAY 2021 GUITARIST
BLACKSTAR ID:CORE V3 STEREO 40 COMBO
A USB mini ‘B’ socket connects the
ID:Core to a desktop for recording and
editing with the Architect app. The USB
audio is versatile, with four simultaneous
output channels including stereo left and
right, a mono ‘dry’ preamp without effects,
and a clean guitar signal as it appears at
the input jack for reamping. The USB
also accepts stereo left and right line inputs
and a clean guitar reamping input on
channel 3.
Feel & Sounds
The ID:Core Stereo 40’s twin full-range
loudspeakers kick out plenty of volume and
bass, with a valve-like dynamic kick from
each of the six amp voices making for a
rewarding playing experience. Both clean
sounds are great for rhythm work: Clean
Warm has the highest headroom, while
Clean Bright can be pushed into a mild,
chiming overdrive. Crunch is a ticket to 70s
classic rock, while Super Crunch has a more
contemporary voicing with extra gain. OD1
is the smooth ballad solo overdrive, and
then, finally, OD2 is aimed more at metal,
with a tight, fast attack. Super Crunch is
the real stand-out for us – articulate and
responsive with a hint of OD2, it’s ideal for
classy fusion leads and cleans up nicely with
the volume control.
The revoiced effects are superb and
definitely a step up in quality, with lush
modulations, plenty of delay options and
a choice of plate, room, hall and spring
reverbs, enhanced by the clever Super Wide
Stereo effect, which gives the illusion of a
much wider sound stage.
2. The ID:Core V3 Stereo
40 and Stereo 20
models can both be
footswitched, with
two different modes
available in Blackstar’s
new Architect software,
which replaces the
familiar Insider app.
The default mode
uses one button to
toggle between two
pre-selected patches;
the other button turns
all effects on or off. In
Alternative mode, the
two buttons function
as patch up/down
2
3
3. The USB socket sends
and receives audio
for recording and
reamping, as well as
connecting the ID:Core
V3 to the Architect
software. Existing
ID:Core owners needn’t
fret – Architect is fully
compatible with all past
and present amps that
use Insider
GIT471.rev_blackstar.indd 19 13/03/2021 10:05