Blackstar ID 60 Programmable Head Review

Makes Home Recording Easier

Like most musicians, I don't have the money to always head into a state of the art studio to record my music.

That's why I bought my Blackstar ID 60 Head. It makes recording guitar in the home studio easier, and sounds better than always using amp simulation software.

Improved Sound and Playability

An issue I continued to have with amp simulation software, like amplitube and ampire, is that when I play fast material the notes have a terrible time ringing out. In other words, the fast notes kept getting cut off. You couldn't hear them!

Now, using a compressor pedal and tube screamer can certainly help with that (and I still use those for recording), but another issue in recording direct is not having the best sound possible when you record.

With the Blackstar ID 60, you don't need to use compressor pedals or the like. It simplifies the process of plugging directly into your audio interface, and records a far better sounding performance.

The sound you send into your interface has already been saturated by the Blackstar, colored with your preferred distortion and gain settings, and enhanced with the Valve Power feature. This gives a much richer audio recording of your guitar.

In other words, it's best to have a great sounding guitar going into your interface instead of trying to make it sound great after you've recorded.

Designed for Direct Recording

Some amp heads require a cabinet or load box even though there may be a direct out line for recording.

The Blackstar ID 60 Head is designed so you can plug directly from the head into your interface without the need to use a cabinet or load box.

Why Not Just Mic Your Guitar Amp?

If you're like me, you don't live in a place where you can get away with blasting an amp to get the best sound out of it. Micing a guitar amp for me just isn't optimal.

Another issue with using a mic to record your guitar is that you need to get your material recorded that day. At the very least, all the guitars for one side of the mix must be done for that song. Because if you try to punch in on that track on a different day, or try finishing your guitar parts (like the 2nd half) on a different day, chances are you won't have the exact same sound.

Speaking from experience, even if you don't change an amp's settings, or mic placement, you can still end up with a slightly different tone that is definitely noticeable when played directly against what you recorded earlier. Direct recording eliminates this possibility, granting you more freedom and time in how you record your material.

True, a properly miced guitar amp/cabinet in a well designed recording studio will absolutely sound the best. But, I need convenience, and direct recording with my Blackstar provides the convenience I'm looking for.

Blackstar ID 60 Head Features

• 60W 1x12 programmable amplifier head with True Valve Power - LOUD as Valve
• 6 classic channel voices (EL84, 6V6, EL34, KT66, 6L6, KT88) and 128 user storable patches
• 3 band EQ with patented ISF gives you access to infinite sound options from the USA to the UK
• Multi-effects include: 4 modulations, 4 delays and 4 reverbs based on classic and boutique effects
• USB connectivity to edit or record and GUI software for deep editing, practice and sharing online

User Reviews

"It really does capture a remarkable spectrum of tones and does it very close to real tube-like dynamics."

-Bret

"Dirt/distortion tones, unaided, are the best SS dirt tones, I have heard or tried."

-The Great Solderdini

"In love with this head. It sounds just as loud and as powerful as a Valve amp while being solid state. For those heavy, metal tones, there is no other comparison."

-Joseph

The Only Thing Missing

Something important to keep in mind, is that you WILL need some kind of guitar cabinet simulation software (commonly referred to as impulse response emulators) when recording direct. This will make your guitar sound even better! Typically I use Recabinet.

You could also run your head into a cabinet/speaker emulator (this is hardware) like these two:

Make Home Recording Easier

If you're looking for great sounding direct recording and you want it simple, I highly recommend the Blackstar ID 60 Head.

Start Recording ====>

Share Your Thoughts

Have you used any Blackstar products before? What do you think of them? What do you do for home recording? Do you have a different preferred method of direct recording? Share your thoughts in the comments section!