Blackstar has given its best-selling Fly mini amp platform an injection of high-gain tone with the launch of the Blackstar Fly 3 High Gain, a compact practice amplifier designed to deliver modern metal tones in an ultra-portable format.
Building on the foundation of the original Fly, the new Blackstar Fly 3 High Gain introduces an all-new Nitro channel alongside expanded tonal flexibility, offering players everything from pristine cleans to saturated, high-gain distortion in a battery-powered package that can fit in a backpack.
A new Nitro channel targets heavier players
The biggest update comes in the form of the Fly High Gain’s new Nitro voicing. Joining the familiar Clean and Overdrive channels, the dedicated high-gain mode has been voiced specifically for modern rock and metal, promising tighter low-end response, increased saturation and a more aggressive character than previous Fly models.
Despite its compact dimensions, Blackstar says the amplifier is capable of delivering everything from chunky rhythm tones to soaring lead sounds, thanks to its responsive three-channel architecture.
ISF puts British and American-inspired tones at your fingertips
As with many of the company’s larger amplifiers, the Fly High Gain features Blackstar’s patented Infinite Shape Feature (ISF) EQ. ISF allows players to switch between tighter, scooped modern tones and warmer, more mid-focused British-inspired voicings, providing a surprising amount of tonal flexibility for such a compact amplifier.
A straightforward five-knob control layout keeps operation simple, while a built-in digital delay adds ambience and depth without the need for external pedals.
Small size, surprisingly big sound
At the heart of the Fly High Gain is a custom three-inch full-range speaker powered by a three-watt amplifier. While compact enough to fit comfortably on a desktop or travel alongside a guitar in a gig bag, the amplifier is designed to deliver a full-bodied sound that builds on the reputation established by previous Fly models.
Like the rest of the Fly family, portability remains central to the design. The Fly High Gain can run from six AA batteries, making it ideal for rehearsals, backstage warm-ups or impromptu jam sessions where mains power isn’t available.
An EQ-bypassed auxiliary input allows players to stream backing tracks without colouring the source audio, while the emulated headphone output supports silent practice and can also double as a recording output for direct capture.
Get the Blackstar Fly 3 High Gain mini-amp at the links below for $99.99:
