I’ve never been a big fan of Blackstar amplifiers. Not because they’re bad, but because they don’t offer anything particularly unique. I find that’s the problem with many tube amplifiers; they all sound almost the same when you use the same speakers. It’s the speaker that makes the most significant difference in sound; otherwise, the amps sound more or less the same. However, what really impresses me about Blackstar is their modeling amplifiers. Especially the Silver Line series, which is just incredible. It sounds amazing whether I connect it to my Orange 2x12 cab or my JBL Partybox 310. I’m really looking forward to them updating this range. In the meantime, I bought the latest ID:Core 40 V4. I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m sure it’s going to be fantastic with my JBL. Modeling really is the future. As long as you have good speakers, it sounds just as good, if not better, than a tube amp, all for a much lower price, much easier to transport, and with settings that can be adjusted via computer much more easily.
Thank you Nick. I found your video very helpful. I am looking for a lighter amp. and this goes a long way to fit the bill. I am particularly interested in the Clean Channel and found your coverage better than most, particularly regards the comparison with adjusting the Master and Volume controls. I intend to use my pedals with the Clean channel as well. I like the High Headroom aspect. Your guitar playing is excellent and demonstrated both channels really well. Thanks again. Wish you all the best.
Not sure if I’ll get a response on a 9 month old video, but worth a try. Bottom line, I’d consider myself a passable “blues lawyer” who has never ventured beyond plugging his guitar into a physical amp. I don’t record, I don’t play in a band, etc. As someone who only knows plugging into a physical amp, I’m utterly clueless on how the software and cab stuff works on what seems like every product that comes out nowadays. I recently bought this very amp model Nick is playing (6L6 combo). My question is this: when you download the Architect software and select the different cabs and microphone placement, does it only change the sound if you’re recording directly into recording software? Or maybe the headphones? I guess a better way to ask is whether it alters the sound of the actual Zephyr speaker in the amp itself, making the physical amp sound differently? Im sure the right thing to do would be to just try it out, but don’t want to spend half a day figuring out how to set everything up only to find it doesn’t do anything to the amp itself. 😂 Thanks in advance.
Nope,the amp speaker will only ever be the amps speaker, the recording sound will only change in your monitors through your DAW via the architect software or any other IR you may be using .
@@acousticguitars123 I know the rocker and the el84 version of this don't get quite as high gain as the 6l6 ST. James does but both ST. James are much lighter weight have the cab sim output and can be trimed all the way down to 2 watts so you don't even need a cab if the venues you're playing have a good enough PA and you have a decent recording software at home. But the Rocker does have a bit more character and still takes pedals well.
