The BLACKSTAR ID:CORE 20 V2 is the perfect entry level guitar amplifier. The amplifiers simple control set gives you great flexibility and incredible tone, all delivered in a super wide stereo to give you an immersive experience that will have you hooked up on playing the guitar.
This amp is the best practice amp that a beginner and an intermediate level guitarist needs. The 20 watt solid state amp has a simple control set like an traditional amp. It allows the guitarist to design their own sound.
The player gets to choose from 6 amp voices which runs from clean to standard overdrive. The amp lets you dial in the perfect blend of American and British touch with the Blackstar’s ISF control. Three additional effects that delivers studio quality sound.
Six Amp Voices
- Clean Warm: A classic clean amp
- Clean Bright: Boutique amp
- Crunch: Delivers classic medium-range overdrive
- Super Crunch: More gain and punch than crunch
- OD 1: Amp with plenty of overdrive
- OD 2: Mid boosted overdrive
Super Wide Stereo
The Blackstar’s Super Wide Stereo technology gives you an great experience. 12 stereo effects and the flexibility of plugging your mp3 media lets you jam with your backing tracks for hours.
Effects
- Modulations: Phaser, chorus , tremolo and a new envelope filter with tonal colour
- Delays: Linear, Analogue, Tape, multi delays offers vintage to modern based effects
- Reverb: Hall, Springs, and plate reverb, adds dimension to your playing.
The effects can be toggled with 4 different types with the type nob and the level nob lets you adjust the level of the effects, from 0 to 10.
Infinite Shape Feature – ISF
The ISF control of the BLACKSTAR ID:CORE 20 V2 works in conjunction with the tone control. It lets the player choose the right tone as per their preference. When fully turned counterclockwise you get an american characteristic with a tight low and an aggressive middle. Turn all the way right for a British characteristic which is more woody and less aggressive.
By using the unique voice control and ISF ID:Core series amplifiers allows unparalleled flexibility and ease of use. Enabling you to design the sounds of your choice during practice , on stage or during recording.
Features Made For Recording
The Blackstar ID: Core 20 comes with USB 2.0 functionality which makes recording a breeze. Record directly from your amp to your computer. Deep editing and storing of patches is made simple using the Blackstar INSIDER software. Patches can be shared, uploaded and downloaded.
This software is loaded with features that will maximise you practice sessions. Features such as built in audio player and a phrase trainer for looping and time stretching passages.
Additional Features include the Presonus Digital Audio Workstation software studio one. It gives you the tools to record, edit and master your music.
Specification
- Power: 2 x 10 W stereo amp
- Speaker Size: 2 x 5″
- Effects: Modulation, Delay, Reverb
- Voice: 6 classic channels
- EQ: ISF tone control
- Input: 1 x 1/4″(instrument), 1 x 1/8″(line in)
- Output: 1 x 1/8″ (Emulated out)
- USB: 1 x Mini-B
- Power Source : AC adaptor
- Height: 11.5″
- Width: 14.7″
- Depth: 7.3″
Conclusion
The BLACKSTAR ID:CORE 20 V2 is great for players looking for a affordable yet a versatile amplifier. The stereo speaker, different voices and effects will keep the players playing for hours. The crunch and the OD are great for rock and metal tones.
The digital features available with this amp are just the cherry on the top for an amp for this price range. As an user of this amplifier for more than 2 years i have had great experience with it.