Blackstar Acoustic:CORE 30
The Blackstar Acoustic 30 stands out among acoustic combo amps for its versatility and vibrant acoustic tone. Equipped with must-have functionality for stage performance and studio recording, here’s why the Acoustic 30 combo amp will be a great solution.
Blackstar Acoustic 30 Acoustic Guitar Amp FAQs
Does the Blackstar Acoustic 30 have a good DI for stage performance?
Yes: the Acoustic 30 has a balanced XLR DI output to connect to the sound system. The DI output is a mix of both channels, plus Reverb and Chorus effects if you have applied them.
Can I use the Blackstar Acoustic 30 for studio recording?
Yes: you can record directly to DAW software and recording apps with the USB audio interface, or connect the XLR DI output to a mic input on your audio interface.
What makes the Blackstar Acoustic 30 good for content creators?
A TRRS port makes it easy to use the Acoustic 30 as your livestream interface. Connect to your phone, open audio and camera apps, and you’re ready to record high-quality performances for YouTube, Instagram Reels, and other social platforms.
Can the Blackstar Acoustic 30 accurately reproduce my acoustic tone?
Yes: the Acoustic 30 is built with high-quality components and masterful circuit design to reproduce the full dynamic range and wide frequency response of your acoustic. You can use the Enhance feature to engage advanced DSP that adds width and depth to your sound.
Is the Blackstar Acoustic 30 good for basic home use?
Yes: at 30 watts the Acoustic 30 can easily be played at home-appropriate volume levels. The Acoustic 30’s relatively compact size, pleasing appearance and built-in tilt-back stand would make it a great addition to any music room.
Can I use headphones and disable the Acoustic 30’s speakers?
Yes: connect your headphones and completely reduce the Master volume control for silent sessions. Use the channel Gain controls to manage your signal volume, and apply EQ and effects as you like.
Can I use a guitar and a vocal microphone simultaneously?
Yes: the Acoustic 30 offers true 2-channel operation, with separate channels for guitar and vocal mic. The guitar channel’s Enhance effect applies a studio-style EQ for greater clarity and depth, while the vocal channel’s Vocal Clarity effect applies dynamic enhancement to help your vocals cut through the mix.
What are the built-in effects in the Blackstar Acoustic 30?
The guitar channel features Chorus and Reverb effects, each with two Super Wide Stereo modes to select from. The vocal channel features a Reverb effect with two Super Wide Stereo modes.
Can I use a footswitch to control the Blackstar Acoustic 30?
Yes: you can use any standard 2-button footswitch, or specifically the Blackstar FS-18 footswitch (sold separately). Button 1 will toggle the guitar channel’s chorus effect, while Button 2 will toggle the guitar and vocal reverb effects simultaneously.
Blackstar Acoustic 30 — How Does It Compare?
We've found the Blackstar Acoustic 30 to deliver player-focused performance for a wide range of applications, particularly stage performance and home recording. Here's how the Blackstar Acoustic 30 compares to similar acoustic combo amplifiers.
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Channels | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Phantom Power | No | Yes | No | No |
| Watts | 30W | 50W | 40W | 30W |
| Speakers | 2 × 5-in | 1 x 8-in | 2 x 6.5-in | 2 x 3.5-in |
| Headphone Out | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Direct Out | XLR | TRS | XLR | 2 x TS |
| Effects | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Looper | No | No | No | No |
| USB Interface | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Feedback Control | Phase | Phase | — | No |
| FX Loop | No | No | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Tuner | No | No | No | Yes |
| Weight | 16 lbs | 9 lbs. | 16.5 lbs. | 9.7 lbs. |
| Feedback control | — | — | No | — |
The Blackstar Acoustic 30 strikes a great balance between home convenience and stage worthiness. Similar amps like the Fender Acoustasonic 40 don’t offer the USB interface for recording simplicity. More expensive amps like the VOX VX50AG can offer phantom power for vocal condenser microphones, but may not include conveniences like the tilt-back stand and USB interface. Similar home-centric amps like the Yamaha THR30 II A will offer more functionality including the number of effects, Bluetooth, and microphone modeling, but you’ll also pay much more for these features.
- Introduction
- Blackstar Acoustic 30 Acoustic Guitar Amp FAQs
- Does the Blackstar Acoustic 30 have a good DI for stage performance?
- Can I use the Blackstar Acoustic 30 for studio recording?
- What makes the Blackstar Acoustic 30 good for content creators?
- Can the Blackstar Acoustic 30 accurately reproduce my acoustic tone?
- Is the Blackstar Acoustic 30 good for basic home use?
- Can I use headphones and disable the Acoustic 30’s speakers?
- Can I use a guitar and a vocal microphone simultaneously?
- What are the built-in effects in the Blackstar Acoustic 30?
- Can I use a footswitch to control the Blackstar Acoustic 30?
- Blackstar Acoustic 30 — How Does It Compare?
