Blackstar FLY3 Bluetooth is a compact guitar amp recommended for those seeking quality sound in a small package. The FLY3 boasts features like superior sound quality for its size, Bluetooth connectivity, and battery operation. While it offers many benefits, it has some drawbacks, such as not providing heavy distortion suitable for metal genres and selling its power adapter separately.
For those who are looking for a guitar amp that is as small as possible with good sound quality, and who also want to use it as an outdoor Bluetooth speaker or as a speaker for a PC or smart device, I introduce the Blackstar FLY3.
Pros of Blackstar FLY3 Bluetooth
- The sound quality exceeds its size
- Bluetooth speaker
- Battery-operated
Sound Quality Beyond Its Size
With dimensions of 170mm x 126mm x 102mm and a weight of just 900g, it boasts an ultra-compact design. While there were super mini amps like the Marshall MS-2 in the past, the sound quality has significantly improved since the introduction of this FLY3. The MS-2 sounds decent when recorded with a microphone, but in reality, it has a rather thin sound.
The sound-making is also simple. The controls are straightforward, with a switch for clean and overdrive, a knob for gain distortion, and volume adjustment. The equalizer is Blackstar’s patented ISF control. Although there’s only one knob, it affects the bass, middle, and treble, allowing you to mix the aggressive and tight character of a US amp with the woody character of a UK amp. It also features a delay, with controllable delay time and level.
Bluetooth Speaker
Thanks to Bluetooth connectivity, it can also be used as an audio speaker. You can play songs or play the guitar while streaming audio from YouTube etc. Please note that there are versions of the FLY3 with and without Bluetooth functionality. You can distinguish between them by checking if the product name includes “Bluetooth”. Even the non-Bluetooth version can play music using a standard mini stereo cable.
Battery Operated
In addition to the dedicated power adapter, it can also run on six AA batteries. It’s usable indoors and outdoors, making it suitable as a speaker for leisure activities like camping.
Cons of Blackstar FLY3 Bluetooth
- Doesn’t distort enough for metal
- Power adapter sold separately
- Later brands offer more appeal
Doesn’t Distort Enough for Metal
The overdrive channel doesn’t provide heavy distortion. For example, if you don’t have a high-output pickup or haven’t mastered the picking technique to achieve metal-like distortion, you might find the distortion lacking. On the other hand, the nuances of picking are quite pronounced for clean and drive sounds.
Well, if you really want to play metal, do it, it’s not impossible.
Power Adapter Sold Separately
The dedicated adapter, FLY Power Supply (PSU-1), costs $16. Given the amp’s compactness, many might find the power adapter’s cord cumbersome, so many users opt for rechargeable AA batteries.
Later Brands Offer More Appeal
There’s an amp called NuX Mighty Lite BT MKII that seems to have copied the Blackstar FLY3 and added more features. It offers 13 types of amp modelings, 19 types of effects, rhythm patterns, and Bluetooth, all for under $100, with a power adapter. The only functional advantage of the FLY3 is that it can be used in stereo with a separately sold extension cabinet. If you’re using it as a guitar amp, a slightly larger amp might be more convenient. However, it seems to work well for purposes like watching videos on a tablet or as a monitor speaker for a laptop.
Blackstar FLY3 Summary
While home amps like the YAMAHA THR10II offer superior functionality, the Blackstar FLY3 is recommended for those who can’t spend $330 on a home amp and just want something easy to use. For those who want more features, the NuX Mighty Lite BT MKII is recommended.
