Summer NAMM 2012: Blackstar Amplification Expands Revolutionary ID: Series

Versatile, affordable amps include patent-applied-for True Valve Power (TVP) Technology; USB connectivity for online sharing capabilities

Blackstar Amplification has expanded their groundbreaking ID: Series of programmable guitar amplifiers with the addition of the 15W ID:15TVP Combo an 30W ID:30TVP Combo. Designed by the same team responsible for the acclaimed Blackstar tube amps, this series of affordable amps represents the culmination of over seven years of technical research and development to redefine what guitarists can expect from amps of this price point. Each amp in the Series has a control set like a traditional amp, coupled with versatile programmability and USB connectivity. In addition, new proprietary True Valve Power (TVP) technology ensures that the amps will deliver in a live environment at the same performance level as a tube amp.

Blackstar’s patent-applied-for True Valve Power™ mode exactly reproduces six distinct power tube responses – EL84, 6V6, EL34, KT66, 6L6, KT88. When engaged, it delivers the response, dynamics, sag and break up characteristics of a tube amp and uniquely delivers the same power output as an equivalent tube power amp. This means that for the first time ever in an affordable programmable series, guitarists will have an amp that can deliver live, with the same loudness and feel as a tube amp.

The Voice control offers a selection of six channels – Clean Warm, Clean Bright, Crunch, Super Crunch, OD1, OD2. When used together with Blackstar’s patented ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) control and the True Valve Power mode, these amplifiers allow unparalleled flexibility in enabling players to design ‘the sound in your head.’

The effects section delivers studio quality modulation, delay and reverb effects that can be used simultaneously and stored with user sounds.

Deep editing and storing of up to 128 patches can be easily done using the supplied Blackstar GUI software and USB connector. Patches can then be shared and uploaded/downloaded via the online community. The USB connector also allows for direct recording to a computer, or re-amping guitar tracks. A speaker emulated output, MP3/line input and MIDI footswitching (60W and 100W) complete the package.

Blackstar Amplification Technical Director, Bruce Keir, notes, “I grew up around valve [tube] amps, playing and designing them from an early age. Since then, I’ve developed amps in all technologies. For me, amp design has always been about applying elegant engineering solutions to enhance the creative experience of musicians. In this way, these amps represent the culmination of my life’s work.”

The full ID: Series of programmable guitar amplifiers now includes the following models:

ID:15TVP – 15W programmable combo

ID:30TVP – 30W programmable combo

ID:60TVP – 60W programmable combo

ID:260TVP – stereo 2 x 60W programmable combo with 2x12” speakers

ID:60TVP-H – 60W programmable head

ID:100TVP – 100W programmable head

ID:412A – 4 x 12 angled cabinet

ID:412B – 4 x 12 straight cabinet

For more information, please visit www.blackstaramps.com.