Blackstar ID:CORE Stereo 100 and 150 Owner’s Manual

Blackstar ID:CORE Stereo 100 and 150

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings.
8. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
9. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
10. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
11. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
12. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

“TO COMPLETELY DISCONNECT THIS APPARATUS FROM THE AC MAINS, DISCONNECT THE POWER SUPPLY CORD PLUG FROM THE AC RECEPTACLE.”

“WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. THE APPARATUS SHALL NOT BE EXPOSED TO DRIPPING OR SPLASHING AND THAT OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, SHALL NOT BE PLACED ON APPARATUS.”

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operation and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that  may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

|

CAUTION

|
---|---|---

Risk of Electric Shock

Warning!

Important safety information!
READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CAREFULLY. SAVE ALL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE!

Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product! Danger! High internal operating voltages.

Do not open the equipment case. There are no user serviceable parts in this equipment. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

Clean only with a dry cloth.

Condensation can form on the inside of an amplifier if it is moved from a cold environment to a warmer location. Before switching the unit on, it is recommended that the unit be allowed to reach room temperature.

Unauthorised modification of this equipment is expressly forbidden by Blackstar Amplification Ltd.

Never push objects of any kind into ventilation slots on the equipment casing.

Do not expose this apparatus to rain, liquids or moisture of any type.

Avoid placing vessels filled with liquid on top of the amplifier.

Do not place this product on an unstable trolley, stand or table. The product may fall, causing serious damage to the product or to persons!

Do not cover or block ventilation slots or openings.

This product should not be placed near a source of heat such as a stove, radiator, or another heat producing amplifier.

Use only the supplied power cord which is compatible with the mains voltage supply in your area.

Power supply cords should always be handled carefully and should be replaced if damaged in any way.

Never break off the earth (ground) pin on the power supply cord.

The power supply cord should be unplugged when the unit is to be unused for long periods of time.

Before the unit is switched on, the loudspeaker should be connected as described in the handbook using the lead recommended by the manufacturer.

Always replace damaged fuses with the correct rating and type.

Never disconnect the protective mains earth connection.

High loudspeaker levels can cause permanent hearing damage. You should therefore avoid the direct vicinity of loudspeakers operating at high levels. Wear hearing protection if continuously exposed to high levels.

If the product does not operate normally when the operating instructions are followed, then refer the product to a qualified service engineer.

The U.S. Government’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specified the following permissible noise level exposures:

8

| 90
6|

92

4

| 95
3|

97

2

| 100
1½|

102

1

| 105
½|

110

¼ or less

|

115

According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of the above permissible limits could result in some hearing loss.

Ear plug protectors in the ear canals or over the ears must be worn when operating this amplification system in order to prevent a permanent hearing loss if exposure is in excess of the limits as set forth above. To ensure against potentially dangerous exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended that all persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high sound pressure levels such as this amplification system be protected by hearing protectors while this unit is in operation.

All electrical and electronic products should be disposed of separately from the municipal waste stream via designated collection facilities appointed by the government or the local authorities.

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing this Blackstar ID: Core amplifier. Like all our products, this amp is the result of countless hours of painstaking Research and Development by our world class design team. Based in Northampton (UK), the Blackstar team are all experienced musicians themselves and the sole aim of the development process is to provide guitarists with products which are the ultimate tools for self expression.

All Blackstar products are subjected to extensive laboratory and road testing to ensure that they are truly uncompromising in terms of reliability, quality and above all TONE.

ID: Core represents a truly ground breaking achievement, combining unique innovations, an intuitive, traditional control set and the versatility of programmability.

Please read through this handbook carefully to ensure you get the maximum benefit from your new Blackstar product.

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.

Thanks!

The Blackstar Team

Features

Since 2007, Blackstar has led the way in the innovation of guitar amplification. ID: Core represents the culmination of years of technical Research and Development. These amps have an intuitive control set like a traditional amp, but have the versatility of programmability. Designed to be compact and lightweight with high power, the unique controls allow you, the guitarist, to custom design your own sound.

The Voice control has six different settings – Clean Warm, Clean Bright, Crunch, Super Crunch, OD 1, and OD 2, all of which have been enhanced from the original ID: Core voices for an articulate live sound. When used together with Blackstar’s patented ISF control you can get the exact tone you’re thinking of.

The effects section delivers studio quality Super Wide Stereo modulation, delay and reverb effects simultaneously that you can store with your sound.

Deep editing and storing of patches is simple using the Blackstar ARCHITECT software. 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.

The new built in looper provides both live performance and personal home practice options for players of all skill levels. Whether playing live as a solo artist or as the lone guitarist in a power duo (or trio), the simple and intuitive looper helps you to achieve a stage filling, multiple track sound at the press of a footswitch (included), with unlimited overdubs.

An emulated output, MP3/line input and effects loop complete the package.

By using the unique Voice control and the patented ISF, ID: Core amplifiers allow unparalleled flexibility and ease of use, enabling you to design the sound in your head and deliver it at home, in the studio and live.

Factory Reset

The default factory patches and settings can be restored to your amplifier at any time. Simply hold down the MOD, DLY and REV switches simultaneously, whilst switching on the amplifier.

The Voice LEDs 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 off, then the operation is cancelled and the amplifier will remain unaffected.

Finally, switch the amplifier power off to complete the process. When powered on, your amplifier will be restored to the factory default settings.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This process will overwrite any user saved patches and settings.

Front Panel

Input

Plug your guitar in here.
Always use a good quality screened guitar lead.

Voice

The enhanced Voice control changes the preamp voicing, ranging from ultra clean to extremely overdriven.

• Clean Warm – Classic clean, dynamic
• Clean Bright – ‘Boutique’, will break up when pushed hard
• Crunch – Classic medium gain overdrive
• 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.

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.

Volume

This controls the preamp volume. High levels of volume will introduce the effect of valve power amp distortion and compression. This setting is saved when you store a patch.

Bass

The bass control adjusts the amount of low end frequencies in your tone. This amp has an advanced tone shaping circuit which allows the tone to be tight and cutting (counter clockwise) to warm and thumping (clockwise). This setting is saved when you store a patch.

Middle

The middle control adjusts the amount of middle frequencies in your tone. The middle frequencies are particularly important in setting the amount of ‘body’ your tone has. With the middle control set to its minimum position (fully counter clockwise) the sound will be aggressive and scooped, a tone ideal for aggressive rhythm playing. As the middle control is increased (clockwise) the amount of ‘body’ is increased, which is more suitable for sustained lead guitar tones. This setting is saved when you store a patch.

Treble

The treble control allows exact adjustment of the treble frequencies within the sound. At low settings (counter clockwise) the sound will be warm and dark in character. As the treble control is increased (clockwise) the sound will become brighter. At the maximum settings the sound will be aggressive and cutting. This setting is saved when you store a patch.

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 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.

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.

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.

REV (Reverb)

Press this switch to turn the stereo reverb effect on, off, or focus the effect for editing. This setting is saved when you store a patch.

For all three effect switches/buttons, the LED shows what state the effect is in:

LED

| Effect State| Description
---|---|---
LED not on| Effect of|

Effect not active

LED red

| Effect on but not ‘focused’ for editing| Effect is active, but not affected by the front panel effect controls
LED green| Effect on and ‘focused’ for editing|

Effect active and affected by the front panel effect controls

Repeatedly pressing each effect switches on the front panel has the following effect:

Current Effect State

| Next Effect State
---|---
Effect of|

Turns the effect on and ‘focuses’ the effect. Any previously focused effect reverts to an ‘on’ state

Effect on but not ‘focused’

| Focuses the effect. Any previously focused effect reverts to an ‘on’ state
Effect on and ‘focused’|

Turns the effect off. If any other effect(s) are on, the previously ‘focused’ effect resumes being ‘focused’

NOTE: Only one effect may be ‘focused’ at any time.

Effect Type

This changes the effect type and edits a parameter of the currently ‘focused’ effect (modulation, delay, or reverb).
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 the ‘segment’ modifies an effect parameter. The Effects Table below shows the modifiable parameters.
This setting is saved when you store a patch.

Effect Level

This modifies an effect parameter. For modulation and delay effects, turning the Level control while holding down the Tap button (14) modifies the rate/time of the effect.
The Effects Table below shows the modifiable parameters.
This setting is saved when you store a patch.

Tap

The Tap switch is used to set the rate/time of the current ‘focused’ effect. The time between each press of the tap button defines the rate set.
Once set, the Tap LED will flash in time with the set rate of the currently ‘focused’ effect.

The Effects Table below shows the modifiable parameters:

Effects Table

Effect

| Segment Parameter| Level Parameter|

Tap Parameter

---|---|---|---

MODULATION

Phaser

| Mix| Depth| Speed
Chorus/Flanger| Morph| Mix|

Speed

Octaver

| Octave down/up blend| Octaver/original guitar mix| –
Tremolo| Frequency modulation depth| Amplitude modulation depth|

Speed

DELAY

Linear

| Feedback| Delay level| Time
Analogue| Feedback| Delay level|

Time

Tape

| Feedback| Delay level| Time
Multi| Feedback| Delay level|

Time

REVERB

Room

| Size| Reverb level| –
Hall| Size| Reverb level|

–

Spring

| Size| Reverb level| –
Plate| Size| Reverb level|

–

This setting is saved when you store a patch.

Master Volume

This controls the overall volume of your amplifier. Turning it clockwise increases the volume. This is a global setting and is not saved when storing a patch. If the master volume is at zero this allows for silent recording via the Emulated/Headphone Output or USB. The emulated level is controlled via the preamp volume.

USB

Plug a USB cable in here to connect the amplifier to a Windows PC or Mac.
Blackstar’s ARCHITECT software offers a host of features and can be downloaded from: www.blackstaramps.com/uk/architect
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.

Manual

Press this switch to toggle between Manual Mode and the current patch. When the amplifier is in Manual Mode, the sound will reflect the current physical position of the knobs. This is applicable to the Voice, Gain, Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble and ISF controls. Any effects that are active when switching to Manual Mode will be turned off. While in Manual Mode any of the controls can still be modified by an external source (Blackstar ARCHITECT software, foot controller), but this means that the sound will not represent the positions of the controls on the front panel.

While in Manual Mode any of the controls can still be modified by the Blackstar  ARCHITECT software but this means that the sound will not represent the positions of the knobs on the front panel.

Tuner Mode

Holding the Manual (17) switch for two seconds will engage the tuner. The Recall Indicator LED (20) will flash continuously to indicate the amplifier is in Tuner Mode. The amplifier output will be muted whilst in Tuner Mode.

The Voice LEDs will indicate the closest note to the note being played.

The MOD, DLY and REV LEDs act as indicators to show how close the played note is to the tuned note.

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 switch will exit Tuner Mode.

Bank

Press the Bank switch to scroll through the first three banks of patches.
Bank 1 -> Bank 2
Bank 2 -> Bank 3
Bank 3 -> Bank 1

The green LED indicates you’re in Bank 1, the orange LED indicates you’re in Bank 2 and the red LED indicates you’re in Bank 3.

NOTE: The first three banks can be selected from the front panel. When you activate Bank 4 and higher from an external controller (e.g. Blackstar ARCHITECT software, foot controller), the Bank LED will not be lit but the channel LEDs will continue to show you the patch location. For example:

Patch 9 – Bank LED red, Channel 3 LED lit.

Pressing Bank UP from an external controller will switch you to Patch 12 – Bank LED off, Channel 3 lit.

The channel will be remembered, therefore the corresponding patch within the current bank will be loaded when scrolling through the banks.

When the amplifier is in Manual Mode, the Bank LED will not be lit.

Channels 1-3

Channel 1 activates the first patch within the currently active bank.
Channel 2 activates the second patch within the currently active bank.
Channel 3 activates the third patch within the currently active bank.

Recall Indicator

The Recall Indicator shows if there is a mismatch between the current value of a parameter within the amplifier and the corresponding physical front panel control. For example, when you change to a different patch the controls on the front panel may not always reflect the setting you are hearing.

To prevent unexpected level jumps in the control you are adjusting, the front panel knobs will have no effect on the sound until the knob reaches the current parameter value. Once reached the Recall Indicator flashes twice and the knob ‘takes control’ of the value and can increase or decrease the value.

The recall indicator will flash each time the physical knob ‘passes through’ the currently active value that you are hearing.

Recall is active for Gain, Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble and ISF.

When the Tuner is active the Recall Indicator will flash continuously.

When looping, the Recall Indicator will flash once to show when the currently playing loop has restarted. When a loop or overdub is being recorded, the Recall Indicator will flash continuously.

Rear Panel

Power Switch

This switch is used to turn the amplifier on and off.

Mains Input

The supplied detachable mains lead is connected here. Always ensure the Power Switch is in the OFF position before applying mains power. The lead should only be connected to a power outlet that is compatible with the voltage, power and frequency requirements stated on the rear panel. If in doubt get advice from a qualified technician.

Emulated/Headphone Output

This output emulates the tonal characteristics of a guitar speaker cabinet and provides a natural tone for connection to a recording device or mixing desk. To make full use of the stereo effects, use a stereo jack to two mono jacks splitter lead to feed two channels of the recording device or mixer. The output will also function into a mono guitar type lead. Always use a good quality screened lead. Turning the Volume knob (4) will control the Emulated Output level. The Master Volume knob only affects the internal speakers.

NOTE: To ‘silently’ record or practice via headphones, set the Master Volume to zero.

MP3/Line In

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.

Footswitch

Connect your included FS-13 foot controller here, or any other compatible Blackstar foot controller (e.g. FS-12 programmable foot controller). See the Foot controllers section on pages 16-17 for more information.

Effects Loop

In addition to using the studio quality effects within your amplifier, you can place your own external effects processors and stomp boxes ‘in the loop’ for the best sonic performance. Connect the amplifier ‘Send’ to the input of your effects unit, and connect the output to the ‘Return’. If your effects unit has a stereo output, connect to both ‘Return’ sockets on your amplifier. If your external effect is mono connect the output of your effects unit to only the ‘Return L (Mono)’ socket .

Programmability

Storing Patches

To store the current sound as a Patch:

1. Press and hold any of the three Channel switches (19) for one second. All three Channel LEDs will begin to flash.
2. Press the Bank switch to scroll through the three banks (green, orange, red) to choose the store location.
3. Press any of the three Channel switches once to store the patch in the chosen location.

The LED corresponding to the chosen store location will illuminate and the new patch will be active.

Green bank = Patches 1-3

Orange bank = Patches 4-6

Red bank = Patches 7-9

The amplifier controls can be used to edit the patch at any stage of the store process. Press the Manual switch at any stage to cancel the store process and return the amplifier to the last state.

Storing a patch will overwrite any previous patch in that location. Patches can also be stored using Blackstar’s ARCHITECT software when connected to the amplifier via USB.

Recalling Patches

Press any Channel switch to load that patch. Pressing the Bank switch will cycle through the three banks – green-orange-red. The Channel will be preserved, therefore the corresponding patch within the current Bank will be loaded when scrolling through the Banks. Alternatively, patches can be recalled via Blackstar’s ARCHITECT software or any compatible foot controller.

USB Audio

Standard device drivers are used to connect the amplifier to a PC or Mac, therefore no additional device drivers are required. If your computer’s audio latency is found to be too high a generic ASIO driver can be downloaded and associated with your amplifier, for example ASIO4ALL – www.asio4all.com. For a guide on low latency USB recording visit: www.blackstaramps.com/usbrecording

NOTE: Always connect the amplifier via a main USB port, often found on the rear of the computer.

The amplifier will appear as an audio capture device within recording software.

The output of the audio over USB can be changed via the Blackstar ARCHITECT software, and can be one of the following:

• Speaker emulated stereo effected audio channels
• 2 x mono audio channels
  • Left – effected amplifier signal
  • Right – unprocessed guitar signal
• Reamping Mode

Reamping

The amplifier can be switched into Reamping Mode via the Blackstar ARCHITECT 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.

When activated, Reamping Mode allows the amplifier to accept a pre recorded, dry guitar signal via USB and return a fully processed audio signal. This return signal can then be captured using recording software on the connected PC or Mac.

Footcontrollers

FS-13 2-way footcontroller (supplied)

Connect this footcontroller to the Footswitch socket on the rear of your amplifier using any standard mono guitar cable or speaker cable (supplied).

A ction

| LOOPER MODE| PATCH MODE
---|---|---
Toggle|

Scroll

A (press)

| Play/Record/Start and Stop overdub| Patch toggle (CH1 and CH2 of the current BANK)| Patch Down (1-12)
B (press)| Stop playback/Cancel| BANK scroll up|

Patch Up (1-12)

B (hold)

| Erase loop memory| –| –
A + B (press)| Undo last overdub| –|

–

A + B (hold)

| Switch to PATCH mode| Switch to LOOPER Mode| Switch to LOOPER Mode

By default, your FS-13 footcontroller will be in Looper Mode (see table above) Switch ‘A’ is used to start and finish recording your loops and overdubs, and switch ‘B’ will stop the loop playback, or cancel the current overdub if still recording. A single press of both switches ‘A’ and ‘B’ simultaneously will undo the last recorded overdub. Holding switch ‘B’ will erase the loop memory.

By holding down both the ‘A’ and ‘B’ switches for 3 seconds you can set your footcontroller to Patch Mode. In this mode, button ‘A’ will toggle between the patches in Channel 1 and Channel 2 of the currently active Bank. Pressing button ‘B’ will scroll ‘up’ through the first 3 Banks of patches, operating in the same way as the BANK switch on the amplifier front panel. The operation of Patch Mode can be changed via the Blackstar ARCHITECT software, as reflected in the table above. Simply hold down both the ‘A’ and ‘B’ switches again for 3 seconds to change back to Looper Mode.

The current mode of the FS-13 footcontroller will be stored when you power off the amplifier, and will be and recalled each time you power on. Upon powering on the amplifier with the FS-13 footcontroller connected (or connecting the FS-13 footcontroller with the amplifier already powered on) the current mode of the footcontroller will be indicated by an animation using the MANUAL, BANK, CH1, CH2 and CH3 LEDs. Looper Mode will be indicated by a ‘looping’ count up of these LEDs, whereas Patch Mode will be indicated by these LEDs flashing simultaneously twice before returning to normal operation.

FS-12 5-way programmable footcontroller (not supplied)

Connect this footcontroller to the Footswitch socket on the rear of your amplifier using any standard mono guitar cable or speaker cable.

Switches ‘A’-‘C’ correspond to the ‘CH 1’ – ‘CH 3’ switches on the front panel of your amplifier. Pressing any of the ‘A’-‘C’ footcontroller switches will recall the corresponding patch within the current Bank. Banks can be navigated by a single press of both switches ‘A’ and ‘B’ simultaneously (Bank down) or a single press of both switches ‘B’ and ‘C’ simultaneously (Bank up). All 36 amplifier patches (12 banks of 3) can be accessed using the FS-12 footcontroller.

Switches ‘D’ and ‘E’ on the FS-12 footcontroller are programmable and can be configured to a number of different functions to suit your preference. By default, Switches ‘D’ and ‘E’ will control the Looper feature of the amplifier, and will behave as described in the following table.

Action

| LOOPER MODE
---|---
D (press)|

Play/Record/Start and Stop overdub

E (press)

| Stop playback/Cancel
E (hold)|

Erase loop memory

D + E (press)

|

Undo last overdub

To change this default setting, connect the amplifier to your computer via USB and use the free Blackstar ARCHITECT software to make your personal selection from various options such as Modulation/Delay/Reverb On/Off, Modulation/Delay Tap Tempo, Super Wide Stereo On/Off, amongst others. Please see the Footcontroller section of the ARCHITECT software for detail of the programmable functions.

Holding down the ‘D’ and ‘E’ switches will activate Tuner Mode of your amplifier. With the multifunctional FS-12 footcontroller you gain access to a fully chromatic tuner with note and cents display information appearing on the footcontroller display and LEDs. Press any switch to exit Tuner Mode.

FS-12 + FS-13 7-way switching

Connect the FS-12 5-way footcontroller to your amplifier as detailed above, then connect your supplied FS-13 2-way footcontroller to the ‘EXT.’ socket of your FS-12 footcontroller, using any standard mono guitar cable or speaker cable.

In this configuration you can add two extra, programmable switches which are configurable via the Blackstar ARCHITECT software. Please see the Footcontroller section of the ARCHITECT software for detail of the programmable functions.

By default, switch ‘A’ on your FS-13 will toggle the current Modulation effect, and switch ‘B’ will toggle the current Delay effect. When using this 7-way switching configuration the two markers at right side of the display of the FS-12 will show the on/off state of the effect for each switch, as shown below.

Advanced Features

Your ID: Core amplifier has further advanced features which are aimed at more in 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 accessed by using the Tap switch (14) as a ‘shift key’ and using other controls to access these features.

Resonance – Tap + Bass

The Resonance control sets the overall bass response. At lower settings the cleans will be tight and funky and overdrives will be focused in their bass response. At increased settings the clean sounds will be become full and warm, whilst the crunch and overdrive tones will be more bass heavy and resonant.

Presence – Tap + Treble

The Presence control sets the overall treble response. Percussive high end can be accentuated on clean sounds and the amount of aggressive treble controlled with crunch and overdrive settings.

USB Recording Level – Tap + Gain

As stated in the USB Audio section (see page 15), the output level of the USB audio signal from your ID: Core amplifier can be controlled independently of your amplifier’s speaker volume by holding down the Tap switch (14) whilst turning the Gain control (3) on the front panel.

Effect Speed/Time – Tap + Effects Level

As stated in the Effect Level section (see page 11), the speed/time of the modulation and delay effects can be controlled by holding down the Tap switch (14) whilst turning the Effect Level control (13) on the front panel. This can be very useful for setting a specific accurate effect tempo instead of using the Tap switch.

Global Emulated Output/Headphones Level – Tap + Volume

This controls the overall output volume of the Emulated Out/Phones connection, allowing you to tailor the level to best suit the connected device, whether audio interface, PA system or headphones of various impedance. This control can both cut and boost the level, with the halfway position of the Volume knob (4) being the default volume.

Firmware Update

Firmware updates are initiated via the Blackstar ARCHITECT software. A new version of the Blackstar ARCHITECT software will be released whenever an update is available.

Important note: Always connect the amplifier to a main USB port (usually found on the on the rear of your PC or Mac) when updating the firmware. Never use a front 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.

When the amplifier is connected (via USB) to a version of the Blackstar ARCHITECT software containing newer firmware, a message will be displayed prompting you to install the latest files. Whilst updating, the amplifier controls will be unresponsive. Front panel voice LEDs will cycle to indicate data activity during the update process.

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 the power is reapplied and the amplifier will produce no sound. The voice LEDs will cycle to indicate that the amplifier contains no valid firmware.

If you are experiencing problems with the firmware update process the amplifier can be forced to power up in Update Mode. Hold down the Manual (17) & MOD (9) switches simultaneously, whilst switching on the amplifer to enter this mode with the voice LEDs cycling to indicate Update Mode. Connect the amplifier to the Blackstar ARCHITECT software to begin a firmware updae.

The amplifier must be connected to the Blackstar ARCHITECT software to reinstall valid firmware. The update process will start automatically if the Blackstar ARCHITECT software detects that the amplifier is in this state.

Technical Specification

ID:CORE STEREO 100

Power: 2 x 50 Watts (Stereo 100 Watts)

Weight (kg): 12.5

Dimensions (mm): 573(W) x 447(H) x 241(D)

Technical Specification

ID:CORE STEREO 150

Power: 2 x 75 Watts (Stereo 150 Watts)

Weight (kg): 14.5

Dimensions (mm): 624(W) x 486(H) x 259(D)

ID:CORE STEREO 100 Front Panel

ID:CORE STEREO 150 Front Panel

ID:CORE STEREO 100 Rear Panel

ID:CORE STEREO 150 Rear Panel

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Whilst the information contained herein is correct at the time of publication, due to our policy of constant improvement and development, Blackstar Amplification Ltd reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice.

Designed and Engineered by
**Blackstar Amplification UK

**

Blackstar Amplification Ltd, Beckett House, 14 Billing Road, Northampton, NN1 5AW, UK
For the latest information go to:
www.blackstaramps.com

References

• ASIO4ALL Official Home – Universal Windows ASIO Driver
• UK Warranty Policy - Blackstar
• Architect Software - Blackstar
• YouTube

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