Positive Grid Spark Guitar Amplifier, Electric, Bass and Acoustic Guitar 40-Watt Combo Amp, Mobile App (Spark Black)

Product Information

I thought that it could be useful, for both we users and for Positive Grid staff, to have a single thread that gathers and lists all the issues the users are experiencing with the Spark Amp/App. And I mean real "issues", meaning things that do NOT work properly, with the phisical amp or the app. Therefore, no delay issues, or communication issues, or tones one is not satisfied with etc. :-) Spark makes it truly easy. The mobile app offers several pre-set tones for different genres, but the real magic comes through the community sourced tones created by fellow users. Aside from the headline-making connected features, this is essentially a 40W Class-D stereo practice amp. Inside sit a pair of 4-inch custom-designed speakers, and the frequency range spans from 20-20,000Hz. The sound is massive: it can get super-loud and, although the Spark Amp isn’t designed for gigging, is mighty enough to get you through any open mic night in the noisiest bars. Just as importantly, for a practice amp, it sounds great at lower volumes as well. Out of the box, there are 33 on-board amp models that can be replicated and a total of 43 effects that can be deployed courtesy of Positive Grid’s amazing BIAS modelling software – which made its name as a platform for digital music production. On the Spark, the amps and FX are transported via Bluetooth LTE.

But there is more to it than that. Positive Grid recognises one central truth about guitar players; most of us play at home. And they have kitted out this desktop amp to provide all the features you might want from your stay-at-home amplifier. Credit is provided by a panel of lenders with whom we have a commercial relationship (so we cannot provide independent advice). A fully wireless 30-watt amp that includes a bluetooth transmitter for your guitar. Boss’s Tone Studio app offers 50 effects with COSM modelling and impressive amp voices.

About Positive Grid SPARK

Controls are on top and include style channels (Acoustic, Hi-Gain, Metal, Bass and so on) along with the EQ and effects you’d expect from a standard guitar amp: Gain, Bass, Mid, Treble, Master, Modulation, Delay, Reverb and Output. These are all adjustable manually, too, meaning you don’t always need the app to play around and create great sounds. The barrel plug into the amp is: outside 5,5mm and inside 2,5mm. If this doesn't fit your amp, you have a different (later?) model You can design your own signal chain then save those choices into one of seven amp voices across the four preset banks. It might take a while; not because it’s difficult, but it is easy to get carried away with so many tonal possibilities.

There is a huge online database of chords and song for Auto Chord to pull from. But say you choose a song that is not on its list, Auto Chord will analyse the song and figure out the chords within minutes. Once you get a little more experience, you can design, save and share your own tones with the community. There is a third-party option available, too, the Airstep from Xsonic, which is wireless and specifically designed for use with this amp – although I haven’t tried that. Spark Amp Auto Chords The Spark is fully equipped with amp models designed for electric, acoustic and bass. A perfect solution for multi-instrumentalists and those looking to expand their musical horizons. Clever piece of equipment . If someone produces a comprehensive instruction manual they’ll do very well

Conclusions

Bluetooth, USB and AUX inputs offer all the connectivity options you need from your contemporary desktop digital. A best-in-class audio interface that transforms your computer or mobile device into a fully loaded dream guitar rig. RIFF is fully integrated with BIAS FX 2 – it’s everything you need for playing, recording, and practicing guitar. The finish is high quality and there is a leather removable carrying strap for porting it about (at 5.2 kg, it is very portable). There are channels to choose from – including bass and acoustic. The controls are familiar enough, with three-band EQ, gain, master and output.

Furthermore, you have full control over the signal chain. You can save your favourite sounds and then assign them to any of the seven amp voices across four preset banks. Certainly, it makes a convincing case for being the ultimate amp for the home. The Spark comes in a compact format, with a pair of 4" speakers offering stereo performance from a unit that weighs just 5.2kg. Please try to update the firmware with a different computer if attempts to update the firmware keep failing. The great thing about this is you’re not limited to how the tone is configured. Every knob on the amp is adjustable via the touchscreen by swiping up and down on it (hence the reason the tablet app is preferable). As is every knob and switch on the effects pedals in the array. And, if you don’t want the delay or reverb at all, you can swipe up to turn that pedal off completely.Playing along with a Smart Jam virtual band is fun and a great practice tool, and the Auto Chord feature does a remarkable job of displaying the correct chords from songs streamed from your library. I like that I can slow things down to practice the chord changes on parts of Jimi Hendix’s “Angel,” a song that I have always had trouble playing smoothly. Look for a "universal" replacement with the correct voltage/amperage that also comes with multiple barrel tips. One should work with your amp. Something like this: This is the little amp that could, and did, offering 40 watts through a stereo speaker setup, and making its respectable wattage count for a lot. Play it at house-friendly volumes or through headphones, but if the mood takes you, this amp can really sound expansive and loud, with modelling tech that offers valve-like dynamics in a digital practice amp format.