Blackstar ID:Core V3 Stereo 40 Combo
first play
BLACKSTAR ID:CORE V3 STEREO 40 COMBO
20
GUITARIST MAY 2021
BLACKSTAR ID:CORE
V3 STEREO 40
COMBO
PRICE: £185
ORIGIN: UK design, made in China
TYPE: Digital modelling combo with
stereo power stage and built-in effects
OUTPUT: 2x 20W stereo
VALVES: None
DIMENSIONS: 336 (h) x 434 (w) x
185mm (d)
WEIGHT (kg/lb): 6/14
CABINET: MDF
LOUDSPEAKERS: 2x 6.5” Blackstar
special design
CHANNELS: 6x fully programmable
voices/memory slots
CONTROLS: Voice select, gain,
volume, ISF, mod/del/rev select
buttons, effects select knob, tap
tempo button, hold/store button
FOOTSWITCH: FS-11 or FS-18,
not supplied
ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Cab
Rig/headphones output, line in/
streaming jack, USB for recording and
connection to the Architect software
editor, built-in tuner
OPTIONS: FS-11 & FS-18 footswitches
(both £39)
RANGE OPTIONS: The ID:Core V3
range includes a 10W 2x3” (non-
footswitchable) combo for £119 and
20W 2x5” combo at £155. The FS-11
and FS-18 footswitches are both £39,
while the PB-1 rechargeable battery
pack costs £60
Blackstar Amplification
01604 817817
www.blackstaramps.com
PROS Great-sounding entry-level
modern practice amp at a highly
competitive price
CONS At this price? We can’t think
of anything negative
9
recording tool thanks to four-channel USB
audio that allows reamping. The streaming
function is equally simple to use, although
iPhone/iPad users will need that Lightning/
TRRS adaptor to hook things up.
Verdict
With most live music venues still shuttered
because of the pandemic, the internet
has taken over for the time being as the
primary performance space for bands and
solo artists. Many of us have had to learn
new broadcast and finance technologies
to get our music out there and hopefully
earn a crust. Anything to help that is more
than welcome, so we think the ID:Core
V3’s new streaming feature alone is worth
a hefty portion of the asking price. With
the enhanced effects and software app,
Blackstar’s upgrade to the ID:Core has
once again put the company back into pole
position. Aimed at all levels from beginner
to seasoned pro, this is a highly compelling
choice for studio, home and small gigs.
Cab Rig Lite’s cab/mic
emulations turn the
amp into a powerful
recording tool
Behind the attractive grille cloth are
two 6.5-inch special-design Blackstar
speakers in a sealed cabinet, generating a
surprisingly powerful bottom-end response.
Blackstar’s Super Wide Stereo feature
creates the illusion of a much larger cab, a
clever effect that works really well
The Architect software is an integral
part of the playing experience, allowing
real-time editing as well as storing
and saving patches. There are clever
‘randomise’ buttons for those moments
when creativity needs a nudge; rolling the
dice for unexpected preamp and effects
combinations works really well and adds
to the fun. The app is a breeze to use –
updates to the software and amp firmware
are painlessly downloaded and applied
at start-up, while the clean, uncluttered
graphics make it easy to navigate.
Blackstar’s Cab Rig Lite is superb and far
more flexible than IRs, providing highly
authentic cabinet/microphone emulations
that turn the ID:Core into a powerful
GIT471.rev_blackstar.indd 20 13/03/2021 10:06