ID:CORE STEREO 10, ID:CORE STEREO 20,

ID:CORE STEREO 40 & ID:CORE STEREO 40H

Owner’s Manual

Designed and Engineered by

Blackstar Amplification UK
 Introduction Features
Thank you for purchasing this Blackstar ID:Core amplifier. Like all our products, this Since it's launch in 2007, Blackstar has led the way in the innovation of guitar

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amp is the result of countless hours of painstaking Research and Development by amplification. ID:Core represents the culmination years of technical Research and
our world-class design team. Based in Northampton (UK), the Blackstar team are Development. These amps have an intuitive control set like a traditional amp, but
all experienced musicians themselves and the sole aim of the development process have the versatility of programmability. The unique controls allow you, the guitarist,
is to provide guitarists with products which are the ultimate tools for self-expression. to custom design your own sound.
All Blackstar products are subjected to extensive laboratory and road testing to The Voice control has six different settings – Clean Warm, Clean Bright, Crunch,
ensure that they are truly uncompromising in terms of reliability, quality and above Super Crunch, OD 1, OD 2. When used together with Blackstar’s patented ISF
all TONE. control you can get the exact tone you’re thinking of.
ID:Core represents a truly ground-breaking achievement, combining unique The effects section delivers studio quality Super Wide Stereo modulation, delay and
innovations, an intuitive, traditional control set and the versatility of programmability. reverb effects simultaneously that you can store with your sound.
Please read through this handbook carefully to ensure you get the maximum benefit Deep editing and storing of patches is simple using the Blackstar INSIDER software.
from your new Blackstar product. Patches can be shared, uploaded and downloaded via the online community. The
USB connector also allows you to record from your amp directly to your computer.
If you like what you hear and want to find out more about the Blackstar range of
products please visit our website at www.blackstaramps.com. An emulated output and MP3/line input complete the package.
Thanks! By using the unique Voice control and the patented ISF, ID:Core Series amplifiers
allow unparalleled flexibility and ease of use, enabling you to design the sound in
The Blackstar Team your head and deliver it at home, in the studio or in rehearsal.

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 Factory Reset Front Panel
The default factory patches and settings can be restored to your amplifier at any 1. Input

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time. Simply hold down the MOD, DLY and REV switches simultaneously, whilst
switching on the amplifier. Plug your guitar in here.
Always use a good quality screened guitar lead.
The voice LED will count down to indicate that a factory reset is imminent. If any of
the MOD, DLY and REV switches are released before the Voice LEDs have switched 2. Voice
off, then the operation is cancelled and the amplifier will remain unaffected. The Voice control changes the preamp voicing, ranging from ultra clean to extremely
Finally, switch the amplifier power off to complete the process. When powered on, overdriven.
your amplifier will be restored to the factory default settings.  Clean Warm – Classic clean, dynamic
 Clean Bright – ‘Boutique’, will break up when pushed hard
IMPORTANT NOTE:  Crunch – Classic medium gain overdrive
This process will overwrite any user saved patches and settings.  Super Crunch – More gain and punch than Crunch
 OD 1 – Hot-rodded Master Volume overdrive
 OD 2 – Mid boosted overdrive

This setting is saved when you store a patch.

3. Gain
The Gain control adjusts the amount of overdrive or distortion. Low settings (counter
clockwise) will deliver a clean sound on the edge of break-up. As the Gain control is
turned clockwise the sound will become more overdriven, moving through beautiful
crunch tones until, at its maximum position, a full distorted tone is achieved. This
setting is saved when you store a patch.

4. Volume
This controls the preamp volume. High levels of volume will introduce the effect of
valve power amp distortion and compression. This is a global setting and not saved
when storing a patch.

5. ISF
The patented ISF control allows you to choose the
exact tonal signature you prefer. Fully counter clockwise
has a more American characteristic with a tight bottom-
USA UK
end and more aggressive middle, and fully clockwise
has a British characteristic which is more ‘woody’ and
less aggressive. This leads to a very familiar, musical
response. This setting is saved when you store a patch.

6. MOD (Modulation)
Press this switch to turn the stereo modulation effect on, off, or focus the effect for
editing. This setting is saved when you store a patch.

7. DLY (Delay)
Press this switch to turn the stereo delay effect on, off, or focus the effect for editing.
This setting is saved when you store a patch.

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 8. REV (Reverb) 11. Tap
Press this switch to turn the stereo reverb effect on, off, or focus the effect for The Tap switch is used to set the rate/time of the current ‘focused’ effect. The time
editing. This setting is saved when you store a patch. between each press of the tap button defines the rate set.

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For all three effect switches/buttons, the LED shows what state the effect is in: Once set, the Tap LED will flash in time with the set rate of the currently ‘focused’
effect.
LED Effect State Description

LED not on Effect off Effect not active The Effects Table below shows the modifiable parameters:

LED red Effect on but not ‘focused’ for editing Effect is active, but not affected by the front Effects Table
panel effect controls

LED green Effect on and ‘focused’ for editing Effect active and affected by the front panel Effect Segment Parameter Level Parameter Tap Parameter
effect controls

MODULATION
Repeatedly pressing each effect switches on the front panel has the following effect: Phaser Mix Depth Speed

Current Effect State Next Effect State Flanger Feedback Depth Speed

Chorus Mix Depth Speed

Effect off Turns the effect on and ‘focuses’ the effect. Any previously focused effect
reverts to an ‘on’ state Tremolo Frequency modulation depth Amplitude modulation depth Speed

Effect on but not ‘focused’ Focuses the effect. Any previously focused effect reverts to an ‘on’ state DELAY

Effect on and ‘focused’ Turns the effect off. If any other effect(s) are on, the previously ‘focused’ effect Linear Feedback Delay level Time
resumes being ‘focused’
Analogue Feedback Delay level Time

NOTE: Only one effect may be ‘focused’ at any time. Tape Feedback Delay level Time

Multi Feedback Delay level Time

9. Effect Type
REVERB
This changes the effect type and edits a parameter of the currently ‘focused’ effect
(modulation, delay, or reverb). Room Size Reverb level -

Hall Size Reverb level -

Each segment represents a different effect (four for each type of effect). An
LED shows which effect type is currently active. The distance travelled through Spring Size Reverb level -
the ‘segment’ modifies an effect parameter. The Effects Table below shows the
Plate Size Reverb level -
modifiable parameters.
This setting is saved when you store a patch. This setting is saved when you store a patch.

10. Effect Level 12. Power Switch

This modifies an effect parameter. For modulation and delay effects, turning the Level This switch is used to turn the amplifier on and off; the white dot marks the ON
control while holding down the Tap button (11) modifies the rate/time of the effect. position.

The Effects Table below shows the modifiable parameters. 13. USB
This setting is saved when you store a patch. Plug a USB cable in here to connect the amplifier to a Windows PC or Mac.
Blackstar’s INSIDER software offers a host of features and can be downloaded
from: www.blackstarinsider.co.uk
See the USB Audio section on page 15 for more information.
NOTE: The amplifier will appear on a personal computer as an audio capture device
within recording software.

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 14. Manual 15. Footcontroller (ID:CORE STEREO 20, 40 and 40H only)
Press this switch to toggle between Patch and Manual Mode. When the amplifier Connect a Blackstar FS-11 footcontroller (not supplied) to control your ID:Core in
one of the following modes:

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is in Manual Mode, the sound will reflect the current physical position of the knobs.
This is applicable to the Voice, Gain, Volume and ISF knobs. Any effects that are
active when switching to Manual Mode will be turned off. FS-11 Switch 1 Switch 2

Default Mode Toggles between 2 patches, Toggles all saved patch effects
While in Manual Mode any of the controls can still be modified by the Blackstar selectable via INSIDER on/off
INSIDER software but this means that the sound will not represent the positions of
the knobs on the front panel Alternative Mode Patch down Patch up

Patch Mode In Alternative Mode (selected via INSIDER) patches will cycle on a ʻloopʼ.
Patch mode is indicated by the Manual LED (14) being unlit. See Programmability e.g switching up from OD2 will move to Clean Warm.
section on page 14 for more information.
When in Manual Mode, the effect of any footcontroller switch will depend on its last
Tuner Mode state. Pressing Switch 1 will return the amplifier to Patch Mode. Pressing Switch 2
will toggle the effects off and on without returning to Patch Mode.
Holding the Tap (11) and Manual (14) switches together for one second will engage
the tuner. The Recall Indicator LED (18) will flash continuously to indicate the 16. MP3/Line In
amplifier is in Tuner Mode. The amplifier output will be muted whilst in Tuner Mode. Connect the output of your MP3 or CD player here. Adjust the player’s volume to
match that of your guitar to enable you to play along.
The Voice LEDs will indicate the closest note to the note being played.

Clean Warm String 1 (E)

17. Emulated/Headphone Out
This output emulates the tonal characteristics of a guitar speaker cabinet and
Clean Bright String 2 (A)
provides a natural tone for connection to headphones, a recording device, PA
Crunch String 3 (D) system or mixing desk.
Super Crunch String 4 (G) To make full use of the Super Wide Stereo effects, use a ‘stereo 3.5mm jack to
OD 1 String 5 (B) two mono jacks’ splitter lead to feed two channels of the recording device or mixer.
Always use a good quality screened lead.
The MOD, DLY and REV LEDs act as indicators to show how close the played note Turning the Volume knob will control the Emulated Output level.
is to the tuned note.
NOTE - ID:CORE STEREO 10/20/40 ONLY: The Amplifer speakers will mute when
a cable is connected to the Emulated Output.
MOD LED red Note is sharp (above pitch)

DLY LED green Note is in tune

REV LED red Note is flat (below pitch)

All other LEDs on the front panel will be off in Tuner Mode.
Pressing any button will exit Tuner Mode.

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 18. Recall Indicator Recalling Patches
The Recall Indicator shows if there is a mismatch between the current value of a When in Patch Mode turn the Voice control to choose the desired Voice patch.
parameter within the amplifier and the corresponding physical front panel control.

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For example, when you change to a different patch the controls on the front panel Patches can also be recalled via the Blackstar INSIDER software or a connected
may not always reflect the setting you are hearing. footcontroller (ID:CORE STEREO 20, 40 and 40H only).
To prevent unexpected level jumps in the control you are adjusting, the front panel NOTE:To recall a patch, the Manual LED must be off to indicate Patch Mode.
knobs will have no effect on the sound until the knob reaches the current parameter Turning the Voice control while the Manual LED is on (in Manual Mode) will only
value. Once reached the Recall Indicator flashes twice and the knob ‘takes control’ select the indicated voice.
of the value and can increase or decrease the value.
USB Audio
The recall indicator will flash each time the physical knob ‘passes through’ the
currently active value that you are hearing. Standard audio drivers are used to connect the amplifier to a PC or Mac. No specific
drivers are required. For a guide on low-latency USB recording visit:
Recall is active for Gain, Volume and ISF. www.blackstaramps.com/usbrecording
When the Tuner is active the Recall Indicator will flash continuously.
NOTE: Always connect the amplifier via a main USB port, often found on the rear
Rear Panel of the computer.
The amplifier will appear as an audio capture device within recording software.
1. DC Input The USB audio signal output level from your ID:Core amplifier can be controlled
The supplied detachable DC power supply is connected here. Always ensure the independently of your amplifier’s speaker volume by holding down the Tap switch
Power Switch (12) is in the OFF position before connecting the power supply. The (11) whilst turning the Gain control (3) on the front panel (see the Advanced Features
lead should only be connected to a power outlet that is compatible with the voltage, section on page 16). This will allow you to achieve a strong recording signal level
power and frequency requirements stated on the power supply. If in doubt seek whilst monitoring the output at a lower, more comfortable level, or even silently if you
advice from a qualified technician. prefer; simply turn the amplifier speaker volume to zero using the Volume control
on the front panel.
2. Stereo Speaker Outputs – ID:CORE STEREO 40H ONLY The output of the audio over USB can be changed via the Blackstar INSIDER
Your ID:Core amplifier has a stereo pair (1x left channel, 1x right channel) of speaker software, and can be one of the following:
outputs for connecting to one or more external speaker cabinets. The minimum
impedance for each of the two independent speaker outputs is 8 Ohms.  Speaker emulated stereo effected audio channels
 2 x mono audio channels
WARNING: The impedance of each output must never be less than 8 Ohms. Failure - Left – effected amplifier signal
to correctly match the impedance of the amplifier and speakers may damage the - Right – unprocessed guitar signal
amplifier.  Reamping Mode

Programmability Reamping
The amplifier can be switched into Reamping Mode via the Blackstar INSIDER
Storing Patches software. This is a non-storable setting and will be switched off either when the
USB cable is removed, or when the amplifier power is switched off.
Your ID:Core amplifier stores 6 patches (1 patch per Voice setting).
When activated, Reamping Mode allows the amplifier to accept a pre-recorded, dry
To store the current sound as a patch press and hold the Manual switch for two
guitar signal via USB and return a fully processed audio signal. This return signal can
seconds. The currently selected Voice LED will flash to indicate the patch has been
then be captured using recording software on the connected PC or Mac.
stored.
Storing a patch will overwrite any previous patch in that location.
Patches can also be stored via Blackstar’s INSIDER software.
NOTE: Each patch on your ID:Core must use the Voice setting assigned to that
patch i.e. the Clean Warm patch uses the Clean Warm voice.

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 Advanced Features Firmware Update
Firmware updates are initiated via the Blackstar INSIDER software. A new version
Your ID:Core amplifier has further advanced features which are aimed at more in- of the Blackstar INSIDER software will be released whenever an update is available.
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depth users who enjoy getting the most from their amplifier. These features do
not have independent controls on the front panel of the amplifier, but instead are Important note: Always connect the amplifier to a main USB port (usually found on
accessed by using the Tap switch (11) as a ‘shift key’ and using other controls to the on the rear of your PC or Mac) when updating the firmware. Never use a front
access these features. mounted USB port, USB hub or a USB extension cable. Doing so may result in a
failed update, which could cause your amplifier to become unresponsive.
Independent Music Playback Volume – Tap + Volume
When the amplifier is connected (via USB) to a version of the Blackstar INSIDER
Under most circumstances, the volume of your music playback via the MP3/ software containing newer firmware, a message will be displayed prompting you
Line Input is effectively controlled directly from your playback device. For quieter to install the latest files. Whilst updating, the amplifier controls will be unresponsive.
environments and general convenience you can also further reduce the music Front panel voice LEDs will cycle to indicate data activity during the update process.
playback volume of your ID:Core amplifier by simply holding down the Tap switch
(11) whilst turning the Volume control (4) on the front panel. The amplifier power should not be switched off during a firmware update. If the
amplifier is switched off during an update, the controls may be unresponsive after
USB Recording Level – Tap + Gain the power is reapplied and the amplifier will produce no sound. The voice LEDs will
As stated in the USB Audio section (see page 15), the output level of the USB audio cycle to indicate that the amplifier contains no valid firmware.
signal from your ID:Core amplifier can be controlled independently of your amplifier’s
If you are experiencing problems with the firmware update process the amplifier
speaker volume by holding down the Tap switch (11) whilst turning the Gain control
can be forced to power up in Update Mode. Hold down the Manual (14) & MOD (6)
(3) on the front panel.
switches simultaneously, whilst switching on the amplifer to enter this mode with the
Effect Speed/Time – Tap + Effects Level voice LEDs cycling to indicate Update Mode. Connect the amplifier to the Blackstar
INSIDER software to begin a firmware updae.
As stated in the Effect Level section (see page 10), the speed/time of the modulation
and delay effects can be controlled by holding down the Tap switch (11) whilst The amplifier must be connected to the Blackstar INSIDER software to reinstall
turning the Effect Level control (10) on the front panel. This can be very useful for valid firmware. The update process will start automatically if the Blackstar INSIDER
setting a specific accurate effect tempo instead of using the Tap switch. software detects that the amplifier is in this state.

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 Technical Specification

Français
ID:CORE STEREO 10
Power: 2 x 5 Watts (Stereo 10 Watts)
Weight (kg): 3.7
Dimensions (mm): 340(W) x 265(H) x 185(D)

ID:CORE STEREO 20
Power: 2 x 10 Watts (Stereo 20 Watts)
Weight (kg): 5.2
Dimensions (mm): 375(W) x 292(H) x 185(D)
Footcontroller (not supplied): FS-11 footcontroller

ID:CORE STEREO 40
Power: 2 x 20 (Stereo 40 Watts)
Weight (kg): 6.2
Dimensions (mm): 434(W) x 336(H) x 185(D)
Footcontroller (not supplied): FS-11 footcontroller

Cet appareil doit être utilisé dans un environnement bien ventilé et ne doit jamais être
ID:CORE STEREO 40H mis sous tension si l'endroit est confiné.
Power: 2 x 20 (Stereo 40 Watts)
Weight (kg): 2.5
Dimensions (mm): 320(W) x 160(H) x 185(D)
Footcontroller (not supplied): FS-11 footcontroller

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ID:CORE STEREO 10 Front Panel