Blackstar ID30TVP Modelling Amplifier

This second hand guitar amplifier is in very good condition

The Blackstar ID:30TVP is one of the most versatile and feature‑rich modelling combos in its price range. Its standout feature, True Valve Power (TVP) ,gives it a convincing tube‑like feel, while the amp voices, effects, and deep editing options make it a powerful tool for home players, gigging musicians, and recording guitarists. It’s not perfect, but it’s one of Blackstar’s most underrated amps.

The ID:30TVP is a 30‑watt programmable modelling combo with:

• 6 amp voices (Clean Warm, Clean Bright, Crunch, Super Crunch, OD1, OD2)
• True Valve Power (simulated power‑amp valves: EL84, 6V6, EL34, KT66, 6L6, KT88)
• 12" custom speaker
• USB audio interface
• Built‑in effects (modulation, delay, reverb)
• 128 programmable patches
• Blackstar Insider software for deep editing

It’s essentially a hybrid of a modelling amp and a programmable tube‑style combo.

 Sound Quality

Amp Voices

The six core voices cover a huge range:

• Clean Warm – round, Fender‑ish, great for jazz and blues
• Clean Bright – more sparkle, great with single coils
• Crunch – classic rock rhythm tones
• Super Crunch – AC/DC‑style bite with more gain
• OD1 – modern rock, tight and punchy
• OD2 – saturated high‑gain, ideal for metal

True Valve Power (TVP)

This is the amp’s secret weapon.
Each TVP setting changes:

• Dynamic response
• Sag
• Compression
• Low‑end feel
• Headroom

For example:

• EL84 – chimey, responsive, Vox‑like
• 6L6 – big, clean headroom, American punch
• EL34 – mid‑forward British crunch
• KT88 – huge low end, tight modern feel

It’s not identical to real valves, but the feel is impressively close.

Effects

Blackstar’s effects are solid and musical:

• Modulation – chorus, phaser, flanger
• Delay – tape, linear, analogue
• Reverb – room, hall, plate

Usability & Interface

Front panel

Simple and intuitive:

• Gain
• Volume
• ISF (Blackstar’s British/American tone sweep)
• TVP button
• Effects section
• Patch selector

Insider software

This is where the amp becomes a deep editor:

• Patch creation
• Noise gate
• EQ shaping
• Effect parameter control
• Patch library management

It’s not the prettiest software, but it’s powerful.

USB Recording

One of the best features:

• Direct USB out
• Quiet, clean signal
• Great for home recording
• No interface needed

Real‑World Use

Home

• Quiet enough for bedroom use
• Headphone output
• USB recording
• Tons of tones without needing pedals

Studio

• Direct USB is excellent for demos
• TVP adds realism to recorded tones
• Easy to dial in consistent patches

Live

30 watts with TVP feels louder than you’d expect:

• Enough for pub gigs
• Cuts through a mix well
• Programmable patches make setlists easy
• Lightweight and portable

The Blackstar ID:30TVP is a feature‑packed, great‑sounding, and highly versatile modelling combo that punches far above its weight. The TVP system gives it a dynamic, tube‑like feel, the amp voices are genuinely useful, and the built‑in effects and USB recording make it a brilliant all‑rounder.

If you want a flexible home/studio amp that can also handle small gigs and you like the idea of programmable patches, the ID:30TVP is still one of the best value amps on the used market.