Blackstar's ID:Core V3 raises the bar for its entry-level practice guitar amps

GEAR 2021 (opens in new tab): Blackstar's reputation for getting huge tones out of affordable small amps is well-founded, and it looks like the Brits have made sure to deliver innovation  on its new ID Core practice amps (opens in new tab).

Blackstar

(Image credit: Blackstar)

Blackstar retains the Super Wide Stereo feature that makes these amps such a tempting proposition and adds in the new Cab Rig Lite along with its its free Architect software for advanced cab simulation for recording, along with Architect's "deep editing" and patch management. 

NAMM 2021 is cancelled, but we'll be covering all the big January gear announcements right here on MusicRadar.

Cab Rig Lite enables you to fine tune virtual mic placement – it's designed by the same R&D team behind Blackstar's amp for an organic and detailed experience.

Along with re-voiced effects onboard there are no handy panel shortcuts on the amp, including Effect Speed / Time for those stunning stereo delays.

Effects include four reverb and delay types, phaser, chorus / flanger / envelope filter and tremolo.

Blackstar

(Image credit: Blackstar )

The ID:Core V3 also recognises contemporary needs with its TRRS 3.5mm input / output for easy live streaming to a compatible device such as a smartphone. 

 

Blackstar

(Image credit: Blackstar)

Three models are available: the ID: Core V3 Stereo 10 (£119), Stereo 20 £155) and Stereo 40 (£185) featuring 2 x 3", 5" and 6.5" Blackstar speakers respectively. And because they're full range, these amps can be used as your everyday home speaker if required, or a USB audio interface (opens in new tab) for your guitar recording.  

For more info visit Blackstar (opens in new tab)

Rob Laing
Guitars Editor, MusicRadar

I'm the Guitars Editor for MusicRadar, handling news, reviews, features, tuition, advice for the strings side of the site and everything in between. Before MusicRadar I worked on guitar magazines for 15 years, including Editor of Total Guitar. I've currently set aside any pipe dreams of getting anywhere with my own songs and I am enjoying playing covers in function bands.