Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $527
Standard/Professional
$300
$701+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
Revitalize your sound with the Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 40, a combo guitar amplifier that transcends the ordinary. Perfectly suited for any guitarist, from novice to seasoned pro, this amp offers a dynamic and immersive experience. The ID:Core Stereo 40 is built with a lush stereo speaker design that fills any room with rich, detailed sound. Its 12 onboard effects, including delay, reverb, and modulation, provide an expansive palette of sonic textures to explore.
At the heart of this amp lies Blackstar's proprietary Infinite Shape Feature (ISF) technology, allowing you to effortlessly sculpt your tone across a broad spectrum, from British to American amp sounds. This unique feature sets the ID:Core Stereo 40 apart, making it a versatile tool for musicians who crave tonal diversity. With six distinct voicings—ranging from Clean and Crunch to Overdrive—you can easily find your perfect sound with just a few twists of a knob.
The convenience of a dedicated USB port enables seamless recording and playback, transforming your practice sessions into professional-grade recordings. Whether you're jamming alone or preparing for a live performance, the Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 40 delivers exceptional sound quality and adaptability.
Key Features:
- 40-watt combo amp with stereo speaker design
- 12 onboard effects including delay, reverb, and modulation
- Six distinct voicings: Clean, Crunch, Super Crunch, OD 1, OD 2, and OD 3
- Infinite Shape Feature (ISF) technology for versatile EQ control
- USB connectivity for easy recording and playback
- Intuitive controls for effortless tone shaping
Product specs
| Brand | Blackstar |
| Model | ID:Core Stereo 40 2x20W 2x6.5 Programmable Guitar Combo |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2010s |
| Made In | China |
| Categories | Guitar Combo Amps |
| Built-In Effects | Built-In Effects |
| Color Family | Black |
| Electronics | Solid State |
| Number of Channels | 1 Channel |
| Number of Inputs | 1 Input |
| Output Power (Watts) | 40 |
| Power Tube Type | None |
| Reverb | Digital Reverb |
| Speaker Configuration | 2x6.5" |
FAQs
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 40 for rock music?
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The Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 40 offers a wide range of tones suitable for rock music, thanks to its versatile voice control and built-in effects. You can achieve anything from clean, crisp tones to heavy, saturated overdrives, making it ideal for various rock styles.
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Is the Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 40 suitable for home practice?
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Yes, the Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 40 is well-suited for home practice. Its compact size, manageable 40-watt output, and stereo effects make it perfect for personal use without overwhelming volume levels.
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Does the Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 40 have built-in effects?
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The Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 40 features built-in effects, including modulation, delay, and reverb, allowing you to experiment with various soundscapes and enhance your playing experience.
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Can I use the Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 40 for recording?
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Yes, the Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 40 can be used for recording. It includes a USB output for direct recording to your computer, making it convenient for capturing your playing sessions.
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What is the speaker configuration of the Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 40?
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The Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 40 features a 2x6.5" speaker configuration, providing a rich stereo sound experience that enhances the amp's built-in effects and overall tonal quality.
Videos
Rob Chapman
Blackstar ID Core Guitar Amps - NEW Version 2 Range!!
Blackstar ID Core Guitar Amps - NEW Version 2 Range!!
Rob Chapman
Blackstar ID:Core 40 Demonstration with J. Hayes
Blackstar Amplification
ID:Core Stereo 40 Super Wide Stereo Demo
Blackstar Amplification
Blackstar ID:Core 40 V2 Stereo Combo Amp Review
Sweetwater
Fender Mustang GT 40 vs Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 40 Comparison
Alamo Music Center
Reviews
PROS
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Versatile modeling and effects for creative exploration
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Superior plug-and-play ease for immediate use
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Excellent for silent recording with direct output
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Good for both beginners and home practice
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ISF feature enables tonal flexibility between British and American sounds
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Can achieve loud volumes for its size
CONS
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Durability issues, with some units failing under a year
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Costly and inconvenient customer service and repair process
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Lacks the ability to adjust bass, mids, or trebles
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Sounds digital when used for professional recording or live performance
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May not meet expectations for customization
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 40.
Comparisons
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The Blackstar ID:Core 40 V2's stereo feature is a noted advantage over the Boss Katana 50, enhancing sound depth, particularly for metal tones.
Source -
Overdrive is considered less impressive than Marshall amps, but acceptable for practice; a pedal can enhance the overdrive quality.
Source -
The Positive Grid Spark 40 has a smaller footprint, making it more suitable for limited space compared to the Blackstar ID:Core 40 V3.
Source -
It's noted that at the same wattage, users often consider a used Boss Katana 50 as a viable alternative to the Blackstar ID:Core 40 V3.
Source
Features and functionality
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The Blackstar ID:Core 40 V2 allows for channel recall directly on the device, which is a highlighted convenience over the Katana's reliance on software.
Source -
Users appreciate the Blackstar ID:Core 40 V3's ability to maintain clean tones even with the gain maxed, adding a chunkier, heavier sound.
Source -
The amp's reverb is highlighted as a standout feature, praised for its quality compared to other onboard effects.
Source -
The ID:Core 40 V3 includes built-in delay and chorus effects, enhancing versatility for practice sessions.
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The EQ is limited to a single knob that shifts between an American and British sound with "pushed mids," offering basic tonal adjustments.
Source
Software and compatibility
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Users question if the Blackstar's software matches the versatility of the Katana's Tone Studio, which offers extensive tone customization.
Source
User experience
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Owners of Blackstar amps, including the ID:Core series, often express satisfaction with their performance over the Boss Katana, citing superior sound quality.
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At low volumes, the amp maintains strong sound quality, but its high volume is noted to be potentially disruptive for neighbors.
Source -
Users enjoy the Blackstar's built-in effects while running clean, bright tones, often complementing it with external pedals for enhanced sound.
Source
Critic Reviews
3.5 out of 5
Based on 8 Reviews and 21 Ratings
108
Bad experience
This amp was fun for the time that it worked. I did not use it often, but when I did all of the modeling and effects features were really cool. It failed just under a year from purchase. Blackstar customer service wanted me to spend 60 bucks shipping it across the country to get (possibly)repaired. So now it is a collecting dust in my garage. Sounded great and had great features while it lasted though.
209
.
Recently sold my Vox VT30 in favor of this ID:Core Stereo 40 so I could record silently in the event that I move out of my dad's place and into my old apartment. When I bought this amp used from someone on Craigslist for $120, it was honestly between this and a new Marshall Code amp, and this amp blew the Marshall out of the water. I was searching for a Green Day type tone and maybe if I had worked with the Marshall a bit more it could've gotten me there, but purely for its sheer plug-and-play ability, I felt I couldn't pass up the Blackstar. Plus, after taking it for a test drive plugging it straight from the headphone out into my DAW, it sounds great for silent recording!!
150
Great Bedroom amplifier or for practice.
I think that personally that this is a great practice/bedroom amp especially for beginners, It is easy to use and easy to understand. If you want to buy a footswitch with it there is an input for that. It can get loud for a small amp, which is really good for a 40w.
77
Nice Sound
Good amp for the money and is good for Recording. ISF feature lets you choose if you want a more British sound or more of a American Sound.
449
An ASTOUNDING In Person Sound, Recording Always Has Too Little Distortion Or FAR To Much
Perfect For Any Beginner, Easy Controls And Plenty of Software Features, the Amp Is SO Incredible Live But On Record It Sounds Too Heavy Or Too Clean, I Paid $150 For Mine And Tbh That's A Fair Price! (You Should Save For Something Like An Orange IMO)
Very good.
This is a really good practice amp but if you're recording professionally or playing live it is going to sound a bit almost.. digital?
154
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