Can you identify which sound sample was the Cab Rig Lite and which was the Microphones? Get the Blackstar ID core 40 V4 Sweetwater - sweetwater.sjv.io/213JDz Get the Blackstar ID core 40 V4 at Thomann - thmn.to/thocf/r5jfktijc9 Get the Blackstar ID core 40 V4 at Andertons - elkqr.link/jbbam
I had my phone in my pocket while listening on headphones, and there may have been a little more 'space' on the second recording but it was marginal. The ID:Core 40 does feel a little like a fish out of water, as it feels like a desktop amp that's been bulked up beyond its ideal size. But the sounds you got from it were amazing. If the 10 watt version sounds as good and has the same features I'd recommend it to people in a heartbeat.
The quality of beginner and practise amps and starter guitars is phenomenally better than anything over the last 4 decades since I started with a Cort Les paul bolt on with single coils inside humbucker covers and the Yamaha budokan 10 watt amp. It was an angry swarm of bees. These days anyone can have a killer rig for such a small outlay . Technology has democratised guitar playing for everyone .
dude, tell me about it... I got my first amp in 1992... a Crate with clean/distortion, bass/mid/high, and volume. No reverb. Sounded so cheap and sterile. Reverb would have made it tolerable. I remember it cost $100... around there. In today's money that's $230. For complete crap. Same with guitars like you said... you can get a REALLY decent used electric for 200-300 dollars. Kinda why buying a new American made Fender or Gibson is dumb these days. Les Paul Standard I just saw a guitar center for 3000 dollars. American Strats are like 2000 dollars. Fk that world.
This is one of the best channels that I've discovered in the past few years. I love your reviews. You seem to genuinely have fun with the gear, plus get great tones. I wish more companies would do like Blackstar did with the international power ability.
I just bought it and can't wait to get it in the mail. These kinds of modeling amps are perfect because they have a headphone output that I can connect to my big JBL PartyBox 310. And an amp that is already excellent becomes absolutely incredible when connected to the right speaker system. When I feel like it and want to play with something light, I can unplug it and use the amp alone. And the Blackstar Architect software is really excellent-intuitive, well-designed where it needs to be, simple, and so on. I still keep a tube amp with a 2x12 cab for when I want to change things up and need a big, full sound, but I stick with modeling amps because there's no need for big amps nowadays. I even have the little Positive Grid Spark Go.
In my opinion, the ID core series is probably the best allround, well sounding, practise amps out there. I do have an older, 20 w v3, but it really shines when used together with the architect software. I just wish they also had an virtual overdrive section there (of their own overdrives and distortion pedals)
The one thing I like about Blackstar amps is whatever speaker they're using, it fills the room even with their smaller 10w models. Best of all, super reliable! The additional 6 amp settings are very spot on too!
The entire ID:CORE Super Wide Stereo series has that room filling audio effect. The 40W SWS effect will fill the room in the average sized home living room or HT room so it sounds a lot more amp than it is. It's even more pronounced if the amp is decoupled from the floor on a speaker stand. It's remarkable.
sounded like it has that "nasally" small speaker in a small box sound. which is a shame. Blackstar is better than many give them credit for. it would be interesting to hear the output direct from the amp thru your computer and studio monitors.
(It might be a lot of things, but it's almost certainly not YT compression. I would be willing to bet people talking about YT compression would not be able to tell YT compression in a blind test.)
I put two speaker output jacks on the cabinet and connected my ID:CORE 40 V2 into my Marshall 4x12 cabinet(each channel gets a 2x12 wired to 16 ohms) and became a real Godzilla, that stands tall with my 32 watt Orange and my 50 watt Marshall. What's really great is you get truck loads of Fender tones as well. There's a lot of egghead stuff going on but when you get the patches you like reamped, there's an ocean of tones waiting for you.
Thank you, Andy! I've really been waiting for this review. Your review and deep dive of the v3 are what got me off of the fence about purchasing one. I felt that some of the v3's features are outdated and have been wanting a new one. Jeremy's pick of the week! 🎶
I enjoy your reviews, Sir. I owned a tweed Fender Blues Deluxe reissue (40 W) tube (valve) amplifier that was ridiculously L O U D! Much too loud for home use. 😲I want an amp that I can repair myself and solid-state amps these days use Integrated Circuits (ICs) that are difficult to find replacements for and difficult to remove and replace on the PC board. BLACKSTAR makes a Single W tube amp head that is right up my alley. I am purchasing one at my next opportunity. I am building my own cabinet with a Mahoghany wood kit from Stewart MacDonald and a CANNABIS REX loudspeaker!
I took the handle off the back of my 20watt v3 ID core to stop the air blowing out the top (also improves the sound and makes it sound better) Cheers Jason
@@averageguy-nl5qr on the back 4 screws (or 6 screws cant remember) hold the handle on. you need a crosshead screwdriver ,undo the screws then just pull it out.
I recorded some guitar with tha blackstar Id Core and i got a tip, dont use usb for it otherwise you have a lot of work on the mix table. The best result i got was with 2 microphones like Andy did .. Then the sound is more full and dynamic.. Andy was right in the microphone setting .. You can set the mics pretty close to the amp .. Mine where only 15 cm from the speakers and i used SM58 Beta 2 times.
I have a Fender Mustang 1, which basically does the same stuff but is a few years old now. That software looks a lot better than Fender Fuse (now unsupported) which I use. As a beginner I did suffer from a lot of option-paralysis. I kinda wish I'd started with something more basic and got one of these later.
The fender mustang 1 is also a great basic amp that actually isn’t the basic. My first amp had clean and crunch, volume, gain and eq. I kind of like the basic approach
Ya man, I'm on this video because I'm looking for an amp for a friend who's getting his first electric guitar. I first looked at that Fender and it looked way too complicated, like diving into menus and stuff. Even this amp might be a little over his head. Like O.P. said to you: Back in our day practice amps had volume/EQ/clean/crunch... and you might get reverb. Amps these days are fkn complicated! Too many things you can do. Makes you want to get a basic amp and then a few pedals instead.
I love Blackstar. They put out quality, affordable products. I’ve had a Club 40 for about 8 years now, and haven’t even had to change out the tubes yet. That said, I can’t stand amps that have the one knob to dial through effects. I get the market they’re aiming at, but even beginners, on electric guitar, have an effect pedal or two. The rest of the layout is fine. Just skip the effects and add an effects loop, will go a lot further in educating a beginner. Imo.
Personally, I cannot get over how long Blackstar has pretended that their HT Venue hybrid amps are tube amps (and how long the entire industry has let them get away with it). To this this day, online stores which allow filtering amps by architecture place those amps in the wrong category. This has made teaching somewhat-new players about amps more difficult because they were misinformed early.
Completely disagree. An overwhelming majority of already overwhelmed genuine beginners won't have a clue pedals exist nor need of them, let alone be interested in pedals, not even a tuner or looper. The included 12 selectable effects are more than sufficient even for intermediates, easy to use if you RTFM, and that's on top of 6 patchable default voices! As you know, not all pedal types require an effects loop, and many do work fine through the ID:Core's input socket in front of the preamp. The ID:Cores are exactly what they are meant to be. Inexpensive versatile intrinsically fully featured yet surprisingly affordable great sounding full digital modelling practice amps, the 40W with average home room filling Super Wide Stereo sound. Perfect at what they do for their raison d'etre. Blackstar's Debut 50R would be a better fit with *your* preferences.
@@jimmcdougall9973 Concur manufacturers should be upfront about the hybrid nature of tube amps when they are. But Blackstar are far from the only ones doing it by a long shot. Many long established manufacturers (i.e. VOX) are doing it today, because they work surprisingly well, more reliably, & with greater longevity and cheaper maintenance for a lower price in a very competitive marketplace. It's a niche of purist curmudgeons making the highest SNR noise about them.
@@jamescreswell9037 yes, I suppose if the said beginner has been hiding under a rock, in Tanzania,they wouldn’t have a clue what a pedal is. However, in the western world, most kids are reading up on what their “hero” is using and asking for it at the store. The Ed Sheeran looper is aimed at the same market.
My cousin has one of the V3 and honestly, I plan on buying one of the V4 40's as a take around amp, $230 brand new, light with a handle and great sound? Absolute steal.
I've got the V3, but only got my guitar last month so it'll keep me going for a good while I think. Hadn't even looked at half the features till now so was glad to watch this vid and hear some. I'm in very little danger of streaming or recording any time soon - I wouldn't do that to anyone! Great review, really nice to see what these things can do when I figure more stuff out.
I love your amp reviews, not only because you're knowledgeable but you show us what the amp sounds like and what tones are achievable just using the amp not showing us what a pedal board sounds like through it like some TH-cam channels, mentioning no names but it rhymes with Smandertons. A real breath of fresh air. Thank-you!
years ago i bought an idcore 10 version 1 at a flea market. i don't use it that often these days, but when i do i am usually blown away with how big and wide the stereo sounds. 20€ well spent
I hated mine. I didn't think there was a good sound to be had. And it made weird digital noises. I'm really pleased that looks like a huge improvement.
@@11000038 interesting. i hated it at first too but after i went into the software and set it up it was alright. nothing crazy but really nice chorus clean sounds i.e. i still remember that amp opening up after i disabled the noise gate
What a great tool for anyone. It will be especially good for begging players. My first amp sucked balls. It was a Truetone solid state with a 6" speaker. $15 new. The early 70's was a brutal time for beginners.
Thanks Andy, new to (electric) guitar, shortlisted this amp and been waiting on your assessment. The one thing I wish it had was bluetooth. Really enjoy that in the new Katana GO and would very much like the feature in a modern combo from the brands I prefer. Blackstar seems to be among the most forward-focused tech wise, perhaps bluetooth is coming in a refresh or v5...?🤔
Being a 6L6/5F8 snob (yeh, I'm looking at you Fender Twin) really hurts when I hear something like this. I had an original ID:Core 10, but was never excited by it. This one, on the other hand, is rather mind-blowing 🤯.
I have the first version ID Core stereo 40 that i bought used at my local Music-Go-Round for just under $100 usd a few years ago. at 14 lbs it's easy to carry anywhere. It's quite loud with it's twin 6.5 in stereo speakers .. it used a guitar strap type carry strap I will soo modify it with a pair of switched 1/4 in output jacke for exterior speaker cabs which i play to build These willl be 4X 12" tower cabs to stand on either side of my b=100" big screen on the wall and when stood together side by side with the amp face down and controls forward I get essentially a "Foll Stack" (internal speakers disabled when the out put cables are plugged in. Of course the cabs will be impedence matched to the amp speakers at 4 Ohms each .the Strat that I built with custom extended brushed Stainless steel Pick guard loaded with 3 quad rail/coil humbuckers wired like 50's les Paul with coil splitting and a P/P pot also in the bridge position to activate the bridge and neck Pick ups together regardless of any other controls. the pick ups measure at 18.6 K Ohms each and when split are still essentially humbuckers but sound more like single coils as thre ciols are wired in pairs north and south. start and finish like any regular humbucker. the sport 5 wires .Ome braided ground and the start and finish for each pair of coils. with all the variations from the controls and all the effects in the Id Core stereo 40 available I can't rven count how many there actually are. the guitar painted with a Black and dark blue base done with spray cans and the stars and planets space theme paint job with airbrushed detailing looks great and it plays and sounds really nice as well... Wanna Play???
Why do I feel like Blackstar has been sorely ignored in the past few years. They strike me as a company with a lot of depth and love of music. And I’m noting that going forward. Because one day I will be in the market for a much larger amp.
Glad I watched the full video. I didn't like it until I saw you could adjust the eq on the app. I've never liked amps that only have one eq setting. After you got into the program and adjusted some stuff, that thing was screaming. One thing nobody has mentioned that I have a question about. Do those apps/programs come with the amp or are they a separate thing you have to pay for?
The apps are free. You are right, i did not mention that and I will endeavour to change that in future videos. A simple visit to the Blackstar website will give you everything you need to know here.
as you may hav read my other comments on other of your videos on the ID Core series, I own a first issue (V-1)ID Core stereo 40 amp lacking some of the later added features of the V2, V3 and V4 such as Blu tooth. and others which i wouldn't use anyway I like mine just fine. it only lack a pair of switched 1/4" extension speaker output jacks which I will soon add to power the twin tower cabs that will house anything from 4X8" up to 4X12" speakers stood together side by side with the amp laid face down with the controls forward as the internal speakers are inactive when the extension jacks in use. and with the use of a custom built switching box I can combine the extension and or the surround sound system as I desire. for as much volume and depth of tone as possible. or go stealth mode using a good pair of headphones. the guitar with 3 humbuckers wired like a 50's Les Paul with coil splitting. the bridge tone also a P/P to activate the bridge and neck P/U's together regardless of the 5-way switch position. amp and guitar controls together will give nearly unlimited tonal variations available.. so many options. It looks, plays and sounds great in my humble opinion. well I did build the guitar to my desired specs. so much fun playing with all those controls. I can use software as well with mine if I like. I have the cable to hook into my computer. I save all the cables and other adaptors I can to have what I need in any case.. Pack rat for a purpose. LOL I got the amp used for less than $100 a few years ago and the guitar a year later for about the same. Both wre bought at my local Music-Go-Round down the street. why pay more than you have to for what you want. and the mods including the guitar price cost me around $400 give or take. for all the hardware and electronics. Mostly from Amazon and tools from Harbor Freight. to save cost. i gave my wife the excuse of being handy for home projects too. so all in I have about $500 total in my rig all told. the guitar I built/modded that is unique, looks so cool and sounds great.
If you want a Starter Amp that's Stereo get this. If a Mono Amp is all you need get a Boss Katana MK2 50watt. Right now both are only like US $230.00 at Sweetwater!
It sounds like it has a tube screamer in front of it to take out the low mids. 6.5in speakers eh! Great sounds for the price. 10min - do you remember Grange Hill, Andy...
Well, I personally don't get how a 40W amp is designated "practice", at least for living in an apartment 😝 I have a Vox VT-20 (which you haven't reviewed, I think? You should 😁) and I don't think I've ever cranked it above 20-25% or so - because that would drive my incredibly patient neighbors insane. - which is why I want to ask: Anyone know if the general quality, options etc. transfer reasonably across the ID:Core series? Like, if I got a 10 or 20W, would I get largely the same amp, only less powerful? 🙏
I had recently purchased the Boss Cube LX. But after seeing your video on this, and finding out that Blackstar makes a lithium battery powerpack, it's become a no brainer (for me ) to switch. I'll be able to play anywhere and have 30 more watts of available umph. Thx.
Love the ID Core 40 no matter what version.. I have to say though. I also have an ID Core 150 and there is no comparison... The 40 watt v1 still sounds better hands down
At the end of the video, you mentioned that the Blackstar ID Core 40 V4 is lighter than the Boss Katana 50 MkII and that the Blackstar is stereo and the Katana isn't. You didn't mention it, however, they both retail for exactly the same price. Please do a video comparing the sound quality of the two using similar clean/dirty and effects settings. That's what I'm most interested in. Thank you.
It sounds... pretty good on some settings I suppose, but this trend towards simplified modelling amps with some token effects thrown in that are sub-Behringer level (that's a compliment to Behringer as they make good clones of famous pedals for not much money) which you'll barely use still leaves me asking... who is it for? There's still some of that "digital fizz" to the gain tones that I thought we'd left behind in the early 2000s. Line 6 amps that had this kind of approach in that era are where a lot of amp makers are cloning their template from (the little red LEDs on a rotary dial are a dead giveaway), and other than the Katana series I don't think most of them are up to snuff as they live in an uncomfortable space between home playing/amateur level and gig playing/semi-pro level but I don't think most pros would pick these over a good clean amp and carefully chosen pedalboard.
In the US, little to no support. I have been trying to get my ID Core Beam repaired for 5 months. This company is in the UK and nobody you contact can help other than tell you to try to download firmware. Found a Roland repair center that Blackstar recommended as a repair center. They immediately knew of a problem with an electronic board that quits. They have not been able to get the part so far. Never buy a Blackstar in the US. ID Core Beam. Great amp when it worked but, only got about 2 years of casual home practice and it died.
I have Blackstar BEAM amps, which are basically V1 Core amps. The preset select button can be pressed to turn the selector light green and give you a new bank of presets, as it covers bass and acoustic guitars too. Does the V4 Core amp have that second bank, albeit they might be different presets to the BEAM?
As always, a good video from Andy. However, my impression from the video is that this amp sounds rather thin and trebly which would be fatiguing after a while.
I was looking into the ID:Core 10 because I will surely only use it for in door practice at an apartment building (and maybe some recording). I'm assuming the features are the same, only the output changes? Also, what would fly better: this, a Katana:GO or a Positive Grid Spark GO?
I live in a 1.5 bedroom apt and my ID Core 10 V2 has suited me for home practice for at least 4 years, VERY WELL! The feature I like the most about SS amps is you can get breakup at a fairly low point by tweaking your levels without blowing out a window!
@@TheGuitarGeek I just had a look at Andertons and ... the amps seem to be labeled as 1 to X watts where X is either 10, 20, 40, 100 (can't remember about 50 watt option) So it seems power usage rather than volume of sound - not all watts are equal
@TheGuitarGeek I'm thinking of a modeller. I think the L6 catalyst is favourite,but it's more expensive. But,then again a Blackstar 50r and a zoom pedal is a possibility. I can't cope with all this.....Decisions, decisions.
Can you identify which sound sample was the Cab Rig Lite and which was the Microphones?
Get the Blackstar ID core 40 V4 Sweetwater - sweetwater.sjv.io/213JDz
Get the Blackstar ID core 40 V4 at Thomann - thmn.to/thocf/r5jfktijc9
Get the Blackstar ID core 40 V4 at Andertons - elkqr.link/jbbam
I had my phone in my pocket while listening on headphones, and there may have been a little more 'space' on the second recording but it was marginal.
The ID:Core 40 does feel a little like a fish out of water, as it feels like a desktop amp that's been bulked up beyond its ideal size. But the sounds you got from it were amazing. If the 10 watt version sounds as good and has the same features I'd recommend it to people in a heartbeat.
The quality of beginner and practise amps and starter guitars is phenomenally better than anything over the last 4 decades since I started with a Cort Les paul bolt on with single coils inside humbucker covers and the Yamaha budokan 10 watt amp. It was an angry swarm of bees. These days anyone can have a killer rig for such a small outlay . Technology has democratised guitar playing for everyone .
dude, tell me about it... I got my first amp in 1992... a Crate with clean/distortion, bass/mid/high, and volume. No reverb. Sounded so cheap and sterile. Reverb would have made it tolerable. I remember it cost $100... around there. In today's money that's $230. For complete crap. Same with guitars like you said... you can get a REALLY decent used electric for 200-300 dollars. Kinda why buying a new American made Fender or Gibson is dumb these days. Les Paul Standard I just saw a guitar center for 3000 dollars. American Strats are like 2000 dollars. Fk that world.
Start on one watt, wait for complaint, THEN press the button!
Nailed it 😉
Pretty nice.
As long as my THR10 is working I'm not really looking for another "amp".
Thanks for the video.
This is one of the best channels that I've discovered in the past few years. I love your reviews. You seem to genuinely have fun with the gear, plus get great tones.
I wish more companies would do like Blackstar did with the international power ability.
Glad you like them! I GENUINELY love have fun and pushing gear a little past it's intended use. If it's not fun, I don't do it.
I just bought it and can't wait to get it in the mail.
These kinds of modeling amps are perfect because they have a headphone output that I can connect to my big JBL PartyBox 310.
And an amp that is already excellent becomes absolutely incredible when connected to the right speaker system.
When I feel like it and want to play with something light, I can unplug it and use the amp alone.
And the Blackstar Architect software is really excellent-intuitive, well-designed where it needs to be, simple, and so on.
I still keep a tube amp with a 2x12 cab for when I want to change things up and need a big, full sound, but I stick with modeling amps because there's no need for big amps nowadays.
I even have the little Positive Grid Spark Go.
So you love it, like it? What are your thoughts if you may
I thought your first chord sounded like Jailbreak. Then you did it. Made my day! Although you can't play Lizzy on 1 watt!
In my opinion, the ID core series is probably the best allround, well sounding, practise amps out there. I do have an older, 20 w v3, but it really shines when used together with the architect software. I just wish they also had an virtual overdrive section there (of their own overdrives and distortion pedals)
Great demo! I have this amp and love it. The sound quality gap between valve amps and modeling amps is getting smaller and smaller.
Sold. I’m getting one this weekend. Wish it had an effects loop but in my situation and how I’ll be using it that’s not an absolute necessity.
Loving the Foo Fighters riffs.
The one thing I like about Blackstar amps is whatever speaker they're using, it fills the room even with their smaller 10w models. Best of all, super reliable! The additional 6 amp settings are very spot on too!
The entire ID:CORE Super Wide Stereo series has that room filling audio effect. The 40W SWS effect will fill the room in the average sized home living room or HT room so it sounds a lot more amp than it is. It's even more pronounced if the amp is decoupled from the floor on a speaker stand. It's remarkable.
sounded like it has that "nasally" small speaker in a small box sound. which is a shame. Blackstar is better than many give them credit for. it would be interesting to hear the output direct from the amp thru your computer and studio monitors.
That might be youtubes compression. I don't get that nasally sound from even my IDcore 10w V2.
(It might be a lot of things, but it's almost certainly not YT compression. I would be willing to bet people talking about YT compression would not be able to tell YT compression in a blind test.)
Plug it to a JBL Partybox and it becomes a beast
I put two speaker output jacks on the cabinet and connected my ID:CORE 40 V2 into my Marshall 4x12 cabinet(each channel gets a 2x12 wired to 16 ohms) and became a real Godzilla, that stands tall with my 32 watt Orange and my 50 watt Marshall. What's really great is you get truck loads of Fender tones as well. There's a lot of egghead stuff going on but when you get the patches you like reamped, there's an ocean of tones waiting for you.
That 1/40 toggle is amazing.
ur amazing
Thank you, Andy! I've really been waiting for this review. Your review and deep dive of the v3 are what got me off of the fence about purchasing one. I felt that some of the v3's features are outdated and have been wanting a new one. Jeremy's pick of the week! 🎶
Jeremy’s Pick Of the Week!!!! 😂
Glad it helps
I enjoy your reviews, Sir.
I owned a tweed Fender Blues Deluxe reissue (40 W) tube (valve) amplifier that was ridiculously L O U D! Much too loud for home use. 😲I want an amp that I can repair myself and solid-state amps these days use Integrated Circuits (ICs) that are difficult to find replacements for and difficult to remove and replace on the PC board.
BLACKSTAR makes a Single W tube amp head that is right up my alley. I am purchasing one at my next opportunity. I am building my own cabinet with a Mahoghany wood kit from Stewart MacDonald and a CANNABIS REX loudspeaker!
I took the handle off the back of my 20watt v3 ID core to stop the air blowing out the top (also improves the sound and makes it sound better)
Cheers Jason
oh that is a good idea! I will try that
Thank for the tip, Jason!
I have same exact amp like you how can i remove the handle my id core sound wobbly and boxy on od and crunch channels
@@averageguy-nl5qr on the back 4 screws (or 6 screws cant remember) hold the handle on. you need a crosshead screwdriver ,undo the screws then just pull it out.
I recorded some guitar with tha blackstar Id Core and i got a tip, dont use usb for it otherwise you have a lot of work on the mix table.
The best result i got was with 2 microphones like Andy did .. Then the sound is more full and dynamic..
Andy was right in the microphone setting .. You can set the mics pretty close to the amp .. Mine where only 15 cm from the speakers and i used SM58 Beta 2 times.
I've got the Stereo 10 V4 as my first amp and this video helped me so much on learning how to use it!
I have a Fender Mustang 1, which basically does the same stuff but is a few years old now. That software looks a lot better than Fender Fuse (now unsupported) which I use. As a beginner I did suffer from a lot of option-paralysis. I kinda wish I'd started with something more basic and got one of these later.
The fender mustang 1 is also a great basic amp that actually isn’t the basic.
My first amp had clean and crunch, volume, gain and eq. I kind of like the basic approach
Ya man, I'm on this video because I'm looking for an amp for a friend who's getting his first electric guitar. I first looked at that Fender and it looked way too complicated, like diving into menus and stuff. Even this amp might be a little over his head. Like O.P. said to you: Back in our day practice amps had volume/EQ/clean/crunch... and you might get reverb. Amps these days are fkn complicated! Too many things you can do. Makes you want to get a basic amp and then a few pedals instead.
Nice Demo + Review. Thank you. I will buy one for my grandmother. She also plays an SG very loud.
That is one cool Grandma!
Darn, loud can be a good keyword for SG's! Definitely would sound awesome when loud!
Your grandmother rules. 🤘🏻
@@TheGuitarGeek Damn you Andy. I now have an image of my Grandma, togged up to go skiing, playing AC/DC very loudly. It's lodged itself in my brain...
Please, tell me she plays My Generation (by The Who, in case that needs to be said because OH MY GOD I AM MIDDLE AGED)!
I love Blackstar. They put out quality, affordable products. I’ve had a Club 40 for about 8 years now, and haven’t even had to change out the tubes yet.
That said, I can’t stand amps that have the one knob to dial through effects. I get the market they’re aiming at, but even beginners, on electric guitar, have an effect pedal or two. The rest of the layout is fine. Just skip the effects and add an effects loop, will go a lot further in educating a beginner. Imo.
Personally, I cannot get over how long Blackstar has pretended that their HT Venue hybrid amps are tube amps (and how long the entire industry has let them get away with it). To this this day, online stores which allow filtering amps by architecture place those amps in the wrong category. This has made teaching somewhat-new players about amps more difficult because they were misinformed early.
@@Robstafarian “Hybrid” being the key word here.
Completely disagree. An overwhelming majority of already overwhelmed genuine beginners won't have a clue pedals exist nor need of them, let alone be interested in pedals, not even a tuner or looper. The included 12 selectable effects are more than sufficient even for intermediates, easy to use if you RTFM, and that's on top of 6 patchable default voices! As you know, not all pedal types require an effects loop, and many do work fine through the ID:Core's input socket in front of the preamp. The ID:Cores are exactly what they are meant to be. Inexpensive versatile intrinsically fully featured yet surprisingly affordable great sounding full digital modelling practice amps, the 40W with average home room filling Super Wide Stereo sound. Perfect at what they do for their raison d'etre. Blackstar's Debut 50R would be a better fit with *your* preferences.
@@jimmcdougall9973 Concur manufacturers should be upfront about the hybrid nature of tube amps when they are. But Blackstar are far from the only ones doing it by a long shot. Many long established manufacturers (i.e. VOX) are doing it today, because they work surprisingly well, more reliably, & with greater longevity and cheaper maintenance for a lower price in a very competitive marketplace. It's a niche of purist curmudgeons making the highest SNR noise about them.
@@jamescreswell9037 yes, I suppose if the said beginner has been hiding under a rock, in Tanzania,they wouldn’t have a clue what a pedal is. However, in the western world, most kids are reading up on what their “hero” is using and asking for it at the store. The Ed Sheeran looper is aimed at the same market.
My cousin has one of the V3 and honestly, I plan on buying one of the V4 40's as a take around amp, $230 brand new, light with a handle and great sound? Absolute steal.
I've got the V3, but only got my guitar last month so it'll keep me going for a good while I think. Hadn't even looked at half the features till now so was glad to watch this vid and hear some. I'm in very little danger of streaming or recording any time soon - I wouldn't do that to anyone! Great review, really nice to see what these things can do when I figure more stuff out.
I love your amp reviews, not only because you're knowledgeable but you show us what the amp sounds like and what tones are achievable just using the amp not showing us what a pedal board sounds like through it like some TH-cam channels, mentioning no names but it rhymes with Smandertons. A real breath of fresh air. Thank-you!
I’ve had V1, 2 and 3 and liked them all ❤
Pretty cool stuff from Blackstar! Great video Andy! 🤘😎
years ago i bought an idcore 10 version 1 at a flea market. i don't use it that often these days, but when i do i am usually blown away with how big and wide the stereo sounds. 20€ well spent
I hated mine. I didn't think there was a good sound to be had. And it made weird digital noises. I'm really pleased that looks like a huge improvement.
@@11000038 interesting. i hated it at first too but after i went into the software and set it up it was alright. nothing crazy but really nice chorus clean sounds i.e.
i still remember that amp opening up after i disabled the noise gate
I have the V2 and it's great. No digital undertones or anything. The ISF feature is super useful too if you spend some time with it.
Not only am I watching a video about a Blackstar amp, it is a modeling amp; I must really like you.
😃😃😃
What a great tool for anyone. It will be especially good for begging players. My first amp sucked balls. It was a Truetone solid state with a 6" speaker. $15 new. The early 70's was a brutal time for beginners.
Playing and talking at the same time. 😮 Now you are just showing off! 😉😄
Nice job micing up the stereo, sounded great on my home system.
I think I could work with this. Good job Geek sir.Many nice features.Sounds good.
Might just upgrade to this, time to retire the old line 6 spider III
I have the v3, and for 160 quid it's pretty bloody good. The effects I can take or leave but the preset amps are very impressive.
Everlong tone was bang on!
Thanks Andy, new to (electric) guitar, shortlisted this amp and been waiting on your assessment. The one thing I wish it had was bluetooth. Really enjoy that in the new Katana GO and would very much like the feature in a modern combo from the brands I prefer.
Blackstar seems to be among the most forward-focused tech wise, perhaps bluetooth is coming in a refresh or v5...?🤔
Being a 6L6/5F8 snob (yeh, I'm looking at you Fender Twin) really hurts when I hear something like this. I had an original ID:Core 10, but was never excited by it. This one, on the other hand, is rather mind-blowing 🤯.
great content from a great character
Thank you Steven
I have the first version ID Core stereo 40 that i bought used at my local Music-Go-Round for just under $100 usd a few years ago. at 14 lbs it's easy to carry anywhere. It's quite loud with it's twin 6.5 in stereo speakers .. it used a guitar strap type carry strap I will soo modify it with a pair of switched 1/4 in output jacke for exterior speaker cabs which i play to build These willl be 4X 12" tower cabs to stand on either side of my b=100" big screen on the wall and when stood together side by side with the amp face down and controls forward I get essentially a "Foll Stack" (internal speakers disabled when the out put cables are plugged in. Of course the cabs will be impedence matched to the amp speakers at 4 Ohms each .the Strat that I built with custom extended brushed Stainless steel Pick guard loaded with 3 quad rail/coil humbuckers wired like 50's les Paul with coil splitting and a P/P pot also in the bridge position to activate the bridge and neck Pick ups together regardless of any other controls. the pick ups measure at 18.6 K Ohms each and when split are still essentially humbuckers but sound more like single coils as thre ciols are wired in pairs north and south. start and finish like any regular humbucker. the sport 5 wires .Ome braided ground and the start and finish for each pair of coils. with all the variations from the controls and all the effects in the Id Core stereo 40 available I can't rven count how many there actually are. the guitar painted with a Black and dark blue base done with spray cans and the stars and planets space theme paint job with airbrushed detailing looks great and it plays and sounds really nice as well... Wanna Play???
Thomann has it for €249 and the Katana 100 for €329. I paid €319 for it about a week ago, and I feel it's a lot more bang for the buck.
Sold @5:34 mark doing 'Everlong'....sounded great!!!!
Love the channel, thanks for the content!
You are welcome
Keep creating videos Andy I love what you do, someday I will be as good as you playing the guitar
Good catch! 0:10
THIS IS A MODERN AMP! HOLY SHIT! ONLY 230$ USD TOO!
Cheeep!
Why do I feel like Blackstar has been sorely ignored in the past few years. They strike me as a company with a lot of depth and love of music. And I’m noting that going forward. Because one day I will be in the market for a much larger amp.
Glad I watched the full video. I didn't like it until I saw you could adjust the eq on the app. I've never liked amps that only have one eq setting. After you got into the program and adjusted some stuff, that thing was screaming. One thing nobody has mentioned that I have a question about. Do those apps/programs come with the amp or are they a separate thing you have to pay for?
The apps are free. You are right, i did not mention that and I will endeavour to change that in future videos. A simple visit to the Blackstar website will give you everything you need to know here.
Noise gates are ON by default (in pre-patched voice settings) on both OD1 & OD2. Can be toggled ON or OFF in Architect settings.
I'm fairly well impressed with my silverline 50.
I'm sure this is quite good too
as you may hav read my other comments on other of your videos on the ID Core series, I own a first issue (V-1)ID Core stereo 40 amp lacking some of the later added features of the V2, V3 and V4 such as Blu tooth. and others which i wouldn't use anyway I like mine just fine. it only lack a pair of switched 1/4" extension speaker output jacks which I will soon add to power the twin tower cabs that will house anything from 4X8" up to 4X12" speakers stood together side by side with the amp laid face down with the controls forward as the internal speakers are inactive when the extension jacks in use. and with the use of a custom built switching box I can combine the extension and or the surround sound system as I desire. for as much volume and depth of tone as possible. or go stealth mode using a good pair of headphones. the guitar with 3 humbuckers wired like a 50's Les Paul with coil splitting. the bridge tone also a P/P to activate the bridge and neck P/U's together regardless of the 5-way switch position. amp and guitar controls together will give nearly unlimited tonal variations available.. so many options. It looks, plays and sounds great in my humble opinion. well I did build the guitar to my desired specs. so much fun playing with all those controls. I can use software as well with mine if I like. I have the cable to hook into my computer. I save all the cables and other adaptors I can to have what I need in any case.. Pack rat for a purpose. LOL I got the amp used for less than $100 a few years ago and the guitar a year later for about the same. Both wre bought at my local Music-Go-Round down the street. why pay more than you have to for what you want. and the mods including the guitar price cost me around $400 give or take. for all the hardware and electronics. Mostly from Amazon and tools from Harbor Freight. to save cost. i gave my wife the excuse of being handy for home projects too. so all in I have about $500 total in my rig all told. the guitar I built/modded that is unique, looks so cool and sounds great.
Nice the sound❤
Seems a bit tinny sounding... I would prefer the Katana 50 because of the 12 inch speaker.
That's right the manikin was well pleased with od1
Switch subtitles on and go to 10:10 to watch it subtitle the guitar!🤣
It's a profanely good tone. 😆
Impressive stuff
Put a 12 in it and it will be perfectly fine for a home amp.
If you want a Starter Amp that's Stereo get this. If a Mono Amp is all you need get a Boss Katana MK2 50watt. Right now both are only like US $230.00 at Sweetwater!
It sounds like it has a tube screamer in front of it to take out the low mids. 6.5in speakers eh! Great sounds for the price.
10min - do you remember Grange Hill, Andy...
Grange Hill was exactly what i was thinking of 😂
Well, I personally don't get how a 40W amp is designated "practice", at least for living in an apartment 😝 I have a Vox VT-20 (which you haven't reviewed, I think? You should 😁) and I don't think I've ever cranked it above 20-25% or so - because that would drive my incredibly patient neighbors insane.
- which is why I want to ask: Anyone know if the general quality, options etc. transfer reasonably across the ID:Core series? Like, if I got a 10 or 20W, would I get largely the same amp, only less powerful? 🙏
I had recently purchased the Boss Cube LX. But after seeing your video on this, and finding out that Blackstar makes a lithium battery powerpack, it's become a no brainer (for me ) to switch. I'll be able to play anywhere and have 30 more watts of available umph. Thx.
“I’m TNT!”
I can use the archetect software even with my V1 ID Core Stereo 40 amp.
7:36 im sold
Love the ID Core 40 no matter what version.. I have to say though. I also have an ID Core 150 and there is no comparison... The 40 watt v1 still sounds better hands down
Blackstar ID:Core 40 V4 or Boss Katana MK2?
As soon as I hit od2 toneful bliss & pleasure was the game, that's what she said!
Solana 🎸
So Blackstar's Katana eh?
korg pandora fender fuse plus mustang amps had it right 25/20 years ago
At the end of the video, you mentioned that the Blackstar ID Core 40 V4 is lighter than the Boss Katana 50 MkII and that the Blackstar is stereo and the Katana isn't. You didn't mention it, however, they both retail for exactly the same price. Please do a video comparing the sound quality of the two using similar clean/dirty and effects settings. That's what I'm most interested in. Thank you.
USB-C: that's where the tone comes from
😂😂
@@mylogify For some audiophile digital tone goodness
@@ickebins6948 Hahahah
This or the boss katana MKII 50w? i’m more of a reverb/delay + clean tones kind of guitarist
I like it
Pretty amazing. Pity I'm not in the market for an amp.
Seems that would be mono out of two speakers. To be stereo there would have to be two inputs each coming out of separate speakers.
Nope, the effects make it stereo
Disappointing that it doesn’t have a 12 inch speaker. That’s a minimum requirement for me in any amp I buy
Is it loud enough to scare the hell out of my neighbor's orange cat?
Regular cat, definitely.
Orange cat, needs to be tested.
It sounds... pretty good on some settings I suppose, but this trend towards simplified modelling amps with some token effects thrown in that are sub-Behringer level (that's a compliment to Behringer as they make good clones of famous pedals for not much money) which you'll barely use still leaves me asking... who is it for?
There's still some of that "digital fizz" to the gain tones that I thought we'd left behind in the early 2000s. Line 6 amps that had this kind of approach in that era are where a lot of amp makers are cloning their template from (the little red LEDs on a rotary dial are a dead giveaway), and other than the Katana series I don't think most of them are up to snuff as they live in an uncomfortable space between home playing/amateur level and gig playing/semi-pro level but I don't think most pros would pick these over a good clean amp and carefully chosen pedalboard.
What guitar was that on the foo fighters?? Black n red
In the US, little to no support. I have been trying to get my ID Core Beam repaired for 5 months. This company is in the UK and nobody you contact can help other than tell you to try to download firmware. Found a Roland repair center that Blackstar recommended as a repair center. They immediately knew of a problem with an electronic board that quits. They have not been able to get the part so far. Never buy a Blackstar in the US. ID Core Beam. Great amp when it worked but, only got about 2 years of casual home practice and it died.
Hi! This will work well with bass guitars?
I have Blackstar BEAM amps, which are basically V1 Core amps. The preset select button can be pressed to turn the selector light green and give you a new bank of presets, as it covers bass and acoustic guitars too. Does the V4 Core amp have that second bank, albeit they might be different presets to the BEAM?
As always, a good video from Andy. However, my impression from the video is that this amp sounds rather thin and trebly which would be fatiguing after a while.
Whats your guitar
Was there reverb on this thing?
What?
It's digital built in.
I was looking into the ID:Core 10 because I will surely only use it for in door practice at an apartment building (and maybe some recording). I'm assuming the features are the same, only the output changes?
Also, what would fly better: this, a Katana:GO or a Positive Grid Spark GO?
I live in a 1.5 bedroom apt and my ID Core 10 V2 has suited me for home practice for at least 4 years, VERY WELL! The feature I like the most about SS amps is you can get breakup at a fairly low point by tweaking your levels without blowing out a window!
can we use semi acoustic guitar on this
How would you compare it to the equally priced Katana MK-50 II ?
It’s a different beast. This is convenient and the katana is for the road
Is it better than v3??
I’m good for practice amps but that dual mic stand is intriguing. 🤔
Gravity! Very useful thing
@@TheGuitarGeek thanks ill check em out
Im not in the market for this type amp but i am curious about the black T style guitar you used.
It's a Chapman ML3.
Y el software para android?
hmmm - just wondering - 40 watts, two 6 inch speakers?
Is it 40 watts tortal power consumption or 40 watts RMS volume output?
The blackstar website will have that info
@@TheGuitarGeek I just had a look at Andertons and ... the amps seem to be labeled as 1 to X watts where X is either 10, 20, 40, 100 (can't remember about 50 watt option)
So it seems power usage rather than volume of sound - not all watts are equal
Well its no Friedman Pink Taco but it makes sounds
Biiiiig price difference too
@@TheGuitarGeek True, I was just being cheeky. Love your show!
Cool cooll 100000
Can you alter the noise gate settings,Andy?
yep! in the software. Sensitivity and Amount
@TheGuitarGeek I'm thinking of a modeller. I think the L6 catalyst is favourite,but it's more expensive. But,then again a Blackstar 50r and a zoom pedal is a possibility.
I can't cope with all this.....Decisions, decisions.
That’s cheaper than Monoprice
What’s the brand/model of the black offset guitar at 5:17 mark?
That’s the jet guitars jj350
@@TheGuitarGeek thank you. Offset guitar is growing on me since last year.
Things may appear smaller in this video. 😄