Positive Grid Spark Amp

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Summary

Product Specification

AUDIO SPECIFICATIONS

Details frequency range, stereo/mono, sound pressure level, and cabinet principle.

POWER

Specifies mains input voltage and frequency for the amplifier.

CONTROLS AND CONNECTIVITY

Lists top panel controls, effects, and various connectivity options.

PHYSICAL UNIT

Provides dimensions, weight, covering, grille cloth, and handle details.

BOX CONTENTS

Lists all items included in the Spark amplifier package.

SOFTWARE

Information regarding available mobile applications for the Spark.

Top Control Panel

(A) Power Switch

Describes the function and operation of the main power switch.

(B) Tap; Tuner

Details how to activate tuner mode and set delay tempo using the TAP button.

(C) Preset Switches

Explains how to select, modify, and overwrite amp presets.

(D) Adjust the volume from Bluetooth audio, AUX in, or USB audio playback.

Controls playback volume for Bluetooth, AUX, and USB audio sources.

(E) Headphone Port

Describes the headphone output and its effect on the main speaker.

(F) Amp Type

Covers changing the amplifier model within the current preset.

(G) Amp Control

Details control of gain, EQ, and volume for amp models.

(H) Effects Control

Explains adjustment of modulation, delay, and reverb effects.

(I) Output

Adjusts the overall volume output for the guitar signal.

(J) Guitar Input

The primary input port for connecting a guitar to the amplifier.

Rear Panel

(K) Bluetooth Status Indicator

Indicates the status of the Bluetooth audio connection.

(L) AUX In

Connects the analog output of an audio device for playback.

(M) USB Port

Used for computer connection for recording or firmware updates.

(N) DC In

Connects the supplied power adapter to the amplifier.

USING SPARK AMP AS A WIRELESS SPEAKER

Instructions for connecting and using the Spark amp via Bluetooth.

Using Spark Amp as USB Audio Interface

The Spark Amp is a versatile guitar amplifier designed for both practice and recording, offering a wide array of features to enhance a musician's experience. It combines traditional amplifier controls with modern digital capabilities, allowing for extensive tone shaping and interaction with a dedicated mobile application.

Function Description

At its core, the Spark Amp functions as a guitar amplifier, providing various amp models and effects to sculpt a desired sound. The top panel features a comprehensive set of controls, including an Amp Type selector that allows users to switch between different amplifier characteristics such as Clean, Glassy, Crunch, Hi-Gain, Bass, and Acoustic. This enables the amp to cater to a broad range of musical genres and instrument types. Beyond the amp type, dedicated knobs for Gain, Bass, Mid, Treble, Master, Modulation, Delay, and Reverb offer granular control over the amplifier's tone and effects. An Output knob adjusts the overall volume of the guitar, while a separate Music Volume knob controls the playback level of external audio sources.

The Spark Amp also doubles as a Bluetooth speaker, allowing users to stream music wirelessly from their smartphones or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. This feature is particularly useful for playing along with backing tracks or simply enjoying music through the amp's speakers. For wired audio input, an 1/8" Aux Input is provided, and an 1/8" Headphone port allows for silent practice, muting the main speaker sound when connected.

A significant feature of the Spark Amp is its USB audio interface capability. By connecting the amp to a computer via the supplied USB cable, users can record their guitar signal directly into a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) or other recording software. The amp can record either the processed signal (after amp/FX modeling) or a dry guitar signal, offering flexibility for post-processing. The USB connection also facilitates firmware updates for the device.

The amp includes four programmable preset buttons, allowing users to save and recall their favorite tone settings. A Tap/Tuner button serves a dual purpose: a long press engages the TUNER mode, where the LEDs indicate the pitch being played, and a short press (tapped multiple times) can set the tempo for delay effects.

Usage Features

The Spark Amp is designed for intuitive use, both as a standalone unit and in conjunction with its companion mobile application.

Onboard Control: Users can directly adjust amp types, gain, EQ, and effects (Modulation, Delay, Reverb) using the physical knobs on the top panel. The four preset buttons allow for quick switching between saved tones.
Bluetooth Speaker Functionality: To use the Spark Amp as a wireless speaker, users simply enable Bluetooth on their device and select "Spark 40 Audio" from the available options. The amp automatically pairs with previously connected devices.
USB Recording: For recording, the Spark Amp connects to a computer via USB, acting as an audio interface. The USB playback volume is controlled by the MUSIC VOLUME knob.
Mobile App Integration (Spark App): The Spark App, available for iOS and Android, significantly expands the amp's capabilities.
- Tone Adjustment via App: The app provides a visual representation of the signal chain, allowing users to swipe through and double-tap effect icons to select and adjust various amp models and effects that may not be directly accessible via the physical Amp Type switch. Users can fine-tune detailed effects settings and save their custom presets.
- ToneCloud: The app connects to ToneCloud, a platform where users can download and share a vast library of tones created by other Spark users and artists. Users can also save their own presets to ToneCloud or directly to the Spark Amp's hardware slots.
- Smart Jam: This innovative feature allows the Spark Amp and app to analyze a user's playing style and generate authentic drums and bass tracks to accompany them. Users can create new backing tracks, choose specific music genres, or load popular backing tracks. The app uses the smartphone's microphone to detect chords, so playing in a quieter room is recommended for optimal detection.
- Voice Control: The app incorporates a voice command feature, enabling users to control certain functions by speaking into their smartphone's microphone. Commands like "Play drums," "Play a backing track," or "Metronome" can be used to quickly access these features.
- Auto Chords: For learning songs, the Auto Chords feature automatically displays chords in real-time for any song imported from Apple Music or Spotify. Intuitive controls within the app allow users to slow down the song's tempo or loop difficult sections for practice.

Maintenance Features

The Spark Amp includes a factory reset function to restore the device to its original settings. This process involves a specific sequence of button presses during power-on and will clear all four stored presets and Bluetooth pairing information. After a factory reset, users should remove the Spark Amp from their device's Bluetooth settings before attempting to pair again. Firmware updates can be performed via the USB connection, ensuring the amp stays up-to-date with the latest features and improvements. The device is designed for ease of use and reliability, with a focus on software-driven enhancements and a robust physical build.