Blackstar ID: Core 20W – Innovation On a Budget

Controls:
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Performance:
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Blackstar's amplifiers have gained the reputation for being a decent bang for the buck option. Many have learned to appreciate this, especially considering all of the overpriced models out there. Blackstar is one of the rare brands that still keeps it straightforward. Their ID: Core 20W is a perfect example of what we mean. For around $200, it is among the most capable and competitive combos you can grab at the moment.

Controls

Just like it is the case with many modern modeling amps, the controls found onBlackstar's ID: Core 20W are going to be somewhat complex. At least from a conservative's point of view. In terms of knobs, there are only three which we can consider being standard. These are gain, volume, and EQ. Entire ID: Core series comes with a single band EQ that is pretty unique to Blackstar and goes by the name of ISF. More on that later. Other controls allow you to pick one of six available voices, as well as a variety of effects. Each of these has four different versions which you can dial in. To top things off, Blackstar also gives you the choice to create your own patches and upload them directly onto the amp.

Features

For an affordable modeling amp, Blackstar ID: Core 20W packs a decent amount of heat. We are looking at 20 Watts of power, as its name indicated, pushed through two separate speakers. The idea was to create a type of stereo effect. The results are interesting, to say the least. This combo is primarily a great choice for home use and studio applications. In addition to that, you can use it as a great recording amp if that is something you are into. In terms of gigs, it definitely does pack a decent punch. However, you might find it to be relatively underpowered when the time comes to really crank up decibels and move some air. Considering the number of effects and voices you get on top of the whole software side of things, it is still a powerful little amp.

Performance

Usually, the first compromise you run into with modeling amps is the tone quality of various voices. This is even more apparent with affordable models. However, Blackstar's ID: Core 20W definitely breaks that stereotype. Is it anywhere close to a decent tube amp? Unfortunately, it isn't. However, the performance you get is on a very edge of sounding organic. This goes for all six of its voices as well as all of its
twelve effects. Dialing a great tone is a blast. With so many options, you are going to find something rather quickly. Once the stock voices and patches become boring, you can always download new ones which and spice things up once again. Needless to say, versatility is what this combo is all about.

Conclusion

Blackstar ID: Core 20W might come across as a ‘quantity over quality' type of model, but it really isn't. They have balanced the performance, price and overall versatility to a point where you get the best of all three worlds. Sure, it's just another modeling amp, but no one can dispute the unique twist Blackstar has delivered here. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, ID: Core 20W worth checking out.

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