I just pre bought mine today based it off how much I love my 40. I know a lot of people hate em but whatever! I love mine and since I work offshore it’s the ultimate lightweight amp that doesn’t take much space and does a lot! I like to jam to backing tracks and the spark is awesome at that! Can’t wait for my spark 2😊
I was all ready to stick with my 40 - I don't play much and it does what I need. The improvement in sound on the Spark 2 vs the 40 is crazy though, huge step change on those comparisons
Like any amp , it’s comes down to tweaking and tuning your tone, there are some good features on the new one, but no matter what you have it’s up to you to update or tweak, your device
It’s an upgraded and bigger version of the spark mini. The spark 40 does not sound good without serious eq tweaks. Meaning the speaker sounds are not close to the headphone or direct sounds. On the mini they’re almost identical to each other. Much improved seams on the spark 2
That is good to know. I love my Spark 40's sound though my headphone, but not so much though it's speaker. I have ordered the Spark 2. Can't wait to get it!
@@GuitarZero2Hero I mostly want a practice amp with looping capabilities to learn guitar at home. Down the road i'd like to incorporate vocals. Would you recommend the spark live or get the spark 2 now & a simple vocal amp later?
Just ordered the Spark 2 in white thanks to your review .i didnt know what i should get but this helped me make my mind up . Love all your videos and lessons by the way :)))
Glad they’re using the same battery pack and didn’t make a specific unit. One of my favorite things about the LIVE version is that I can set it up anywhere, plug in a mic and guitar and go. It’ll be interesting to see what the discount is for current owners.
they need to open the app to enable it to used the on desktops and laptops til then it's still very limited for my uses and which tablet is best to handle the app without shutting down the wah from memory overload
I own a Spark40, a Mini, a Go, and I just received my Spark 2 .. I love these amps.. In fact when I'm jamming wirh a full crew I'll slave my Marshall Plexi to one of my Sparks and ....Boom!! Tone + Power + options.. Nothing in it's class beats a Spark.. I recommend it for any guitariest beginner to pro.
Thank you for this review !! I definitely will add the Spark 2 to my gear collection, it is undoubtedly the best practice amp available right now. I really like that they added a battery, updated the speakers and bass port. The only negative thing I see, is that we double DSP capabilities we still have to chose either a Mod or an EQ. This is annoying but in general I really appreciate all the efforts they put in it and I am definitely in 🤘
i agree they need to give you control over the order of effects and the ones you can use at the same time as well as give better guidelines to which tablet to purchase that can handle the operations without it shutting down the wah effects for lack of memory.
Does the Spark 2 allow the user to create their own “Amp Groups”? Example, I play a Tele, a Strat, a PRS. I would like to save presets based on the guitars I use.
The way to demo an amp like this is to show us what it can actually do and showcase its full range of capabilities. Show off its effects and dial up some various Pink Floyd tones, say, "Another Brick in the Wall" and "Run Like Hell." Show me a good ACDC tone and ZZ Top tone I can use. Many players like myself also enjoy playing classic metal, so demonstrate a good Metallica tone. Show a tone that works well for Pantera. Additionally, highlight tones for rockabilly, vintage surf music, country, and funk. Essentially, display the amp’s tonal palette and effects and how it can be used to cover a wide range of material. I wish Positve Grid would send me one. I'd really put it to the test.
I've had the Spark 40 for about 3 years now and I love this practice amp. I like to bring it to school whenever I give guitar lessons. This video brings a question though. Does the release of the second model mean the end of the updates for the Spark40? It's a practice amp so I don't really feel obliged to get the most recent model since I don't need the battery feature and I also have more powerful amps to play with. I also bought the NUX MG-30 a few weeks ago and I love it. Hello from Ottawa, ON.
The amp seems great, but upgrading and adding new software would be really cool, a game changer, like a drop pitch pedal, so we can play songs in other tunings, like Eb, D standard, things like that. Also it would be nice in the software app to be able to move the pedals around. maybe a foot switch to switch to different presets. Maybe the ability to create a preset list. Thank you for posting this.
Really enjoyed your review, @GuitarZero2Hero - nice one! I have the Spark 40 and recently got the Spark 2, and I confirm that everything you said about the upgrade and superior functionality of the Spark 2 is accurate. One thing for everyone to be aware of, though, is that (on both the 40 and the 2), the video recording function doesn't work on later Android tablets/phones (I'm using Android 13 on a Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+), as it keeps asking for permission to access your device's storage, even though no permissions are denied. Positive Grid has been aware of this for at least 5 months, but it's still not fixed (as of 2 September 2024). It's a fairly minor issue, but worth being aware of.
I'd like to see how it stacks up to other brands' new desktop amps coming out in the next few months and if they have fixed the bugs from the Spark 40 I'm on my second one after hardware failure in the first one and I see signs of this one going down in the same way in the future. you have to be careful how long you leave the amp on because it really can shorten the amp's life and PG tech support sucks as far as I have experienced so far. the difference between a good solid-state amp and a bad one is the tech support period. It is good to remember these amps are disposable and no one knows how to work on them
i ordered my Spark 2 yesterday. Looks amazing but with all these features are their tutorials that teach you how to use them? I’m not really an expert on looping and tones. I want to learn of course.
man, they should have added a DI out, that's why many go with other amps like fender mustang or line 6 catalyst. If you make an amp do all this great backing track stuff, would be nice to DI it without a mic for a quiet stage. So simple. We play at home, but would also like to use it for small venues. Cant believe this hasn't come up in a meeting at positive grid
The looper is definitely a selling point for me. I was already thinking about getting a drum and loop pedal and then playing my Spark 40 with a Boss IR-2, but now it makes more sense for me to sell my Spark 40 and get the Spark 2, especially since it will also be available in white. Maybe I would have liked a foot switch connection to switch back and forth between two presets (rhythm and lead), for example. That would have been easy to do, since you would only have had to put the impulse when pressing the preset control onto a foot switch.
I bought the 40 2 weeks before they announced the spark 2, then I was away for a week and then got covid. I know the 40 is pretty much perfect for my needs but wish I’d had a warning of some kind. Hell, if it was $100 off, I could probably rationalize it. As it is, not so much.
That was the best deep dive that I have seen on that thank you! I have the 40 and I can get pretty damn good sound out of that and even adjust either the guitar or the amp itself to get rid of the woofiness . Also, they give you a break if you already own the 40 so you can pick it up for 238 for the Spark two.! I love that you preset eight instead of four presets. and also you don’t have to buy and if the other software it’s all included. So I’m looking forward to my Spark to arriving!
I'm predicting that the Spark 3 will have a built in touch screen that runs the spark app, removing the need to control it with a phone or tablet and keep it at the same or similar price point. Also, maybe have a cabinet out so you can power an external guitar cab. Those are the only things off the top of my head that I can think of where they could improve it for the next version.
All I can say is that since Spark 2 has been announced, the amount of used half-priced Spark 40 (v1) is tremendous. It can be bought for 160 Eur in perfect state.
Okay how does that tiny Spark go sound 100x better than the original spark 40 haha. The spark 2 seems like a 100% buy if you own the first one and LOVE it. It just sooo much better.
I am surprised how the spark go sounded. I never checked it out because every tiny amp I have tried didn’t sound that great. But for a tiny amp I am surprised. I had the spark 40 when it first came out, and played around with it for a few months. But there is some features on the new spark 2 I like, and I think it would be great for parks and camping ect. Probably give it a try once it’s available. Great review!
Goes spark 2 and then mini for sound. Can’t wait for a mini 2 upgrade. Still need an app upgrade though so you can use more pedals and even in different orders.
I have a Mini, but I ordered a Spark 2. Funny thing is I just received the Xsonic Ulooper, I only learned about the Spark 2 having a looper afterwards. Doh!
I love my Spark 40. Its got so many uses that you'll sometimes forget its a guitar amplifier in the first place. My cheap wireless unit actually kills that unwanted ooompf this amp gives. It really sounds a bit shrill to be honest but if you use it as a monitor, it will actually give you a flat response output. Use it as a bluetooth speaker and it will give you a "Apple-devices" like EQ shape. I modded mine with a battery and sometimes thats all i need. A loud, guitar amp that can do what i want it to do, despite a the need for a extra tweaking here and there.
I would like the sparks more if the eq/mod was separated. For me it's the only downside to have to choose between modulation effects or eq. I want both.
I actually like that heavy low end sound. I glad to hear about the looper, but I feel they could do more before releasing a new amp. Like an ai chord/key recognition, as well as tone recognition. And maybe have a guitar sound swap like the bias fx plugin
I loved my spark 40ntill smoke came from power area so I bought the Mighty Space Amp rechargeable and an awesome App to control it it’s near perfect Can you do a Spark 2 vs Mighty Space ?
Great review and video as usal. Thanks for sharing. I can't agree more on the user scenarios you've described as I own Go, Mini, 40 and now Spark 2. And Spark 2 is a great step forward. Love it.
Almost there... Missing from what I can see: Spring reverb Full size headphone jack (Not PCB mounted) FX-loop Assignable Expression pedal input The "upgrade" price has to be very competitive if they expect me to jump on it as it only addresses the boominess of the 40 in my case.
@@thehappyheretic2136that pedal is shit ( I think the whole pack was a waste of money only bought it to get the wah) You can barely hear the octave The spark needs a proper pitch shifter That can be used as an octaver
I would like to see a specific preset to bypass all amps and effects implemented without icons so there would be no confusion (or the option to remove them completely from the instrument list i .e. the icons) as an option, rather than just off/on.
FYI: I have and love an OG Spark 40, pre-ordered. For about 98% of its life to date, my Spark 40 was 100% off AC grid. Using a standard laptop style battery bank of compatible specs which matches the Spark electrical needs, my Spark has been used in parks, camping and my terrace, with zero AC power. The battery bank is non-destructively, magnetically attached to the rear of the unit using stuck on metal plates and super strong magnets from car phone mount kits. I've never done battery life testing, but with near daily 30-45 minute sessions, I can easily go several weeks between charging the laptop battery bank. The Spark 2 definitely addresses a few issues with the OG Spark and the added features are generally cool. But to be honest, they're simply not must haves for me. Not enough to upgrade and grab Mark II, though to be fair I have not confirmed the upgrade pricing offer to OG Spark owners. Anyway, good overview look and review here :) BOTTOM LINE: Overall, factoring the combined calculus of tone, features, design and price, the top tier Spark amps are indeed the finest deskop practice amp I've ever owned. And I have personally owned nearly every desktop practice amp on the market over the last 5-7 years. On tones alone, I still feel that the Yamaha THR series is slightly superior overall, but a nearly twice the price and without a whole lot of the PG Spark 40 and Spark 2 features.
Great job. Spark 2 is far more articulate and the heavier bass is gone compared to Spark 40. Man, I wish I could afford it right now. Do they take Spark 40's for trade in? I'd gladly pay the balance! lol🤘🏻🎸
Before watching, my biggest problem was that I was getting drowned out by other amps, even similar sized ones, with the 40. I hope the 2 will resolve that problem but, listening to the side by side comparison, I also didn't realize how muffled the 40 sounds compared to the cleaner/crisper sound of, well, all the rest. Still love my 40 but, definitely upgrading to the 2... if not the Live! Anyone interested in a used, very well taken care of 40? lol...
Received my Spark 2 in advance (I used the pre order offer 😃), I already had the mini and go but did not like the muddy sound of the 40. I am quite delighted to say that it has been fixed and that the spark 2 now has fantastic sounds, as good as the mini and other practice amps (I have the yamaha thr 30ii, the Boss Dualcube lx and some Nux too). The looper was the functionality I was expecting the most and that's fantastic it is now integrated. However I have a question as I am an heavy home studio player and I do record lots of videos for fun : is it possible in a Daw to split the loop and the guitar lead, meaning to record the loop on one track and the lead guitar on another one, things I am doing with the Boss RC 500 .... As the Spark 2 has a stereo Line out option , I thought it would be possible to do it, is it ? Thanks for your answer 🙏
From what I understand, you need to register your amp on your positive grid account. As long as it's a spark 40, you should get access to an additional discount when they open to orders.
Is the Aux In truly independent of other functions, so we can use modelers via the Aux In with no lag? (This is infamously impossible with the Spark Mini?)
I have been a Spark 40 user for over three years, I bought the Spark 2 because it has line outputs, big disappointment when I realized that using them mutes the amplifier. Is there any solution, Is it possible to pair the two Sparks? Thanks a lot for your support. Ciao
I like the brighter, more dynamic sound versus my version 1. Put me down for one 😉…edit- I still wish you could re-order the effects and since they are software based, swap them out with newly created ones when they get made. That would be cool
how „silent“ can the Spark 2 go, compared with the mini? i often use the minis guitar knob only at around 9am to 11am, or about a fourth / third of the possible loudness. how loud is the Spark 2 compared? could you do db measurements?
Could you help us with something. With the new Control X, what expression and volume pedals are compatible with it? It’s easy to see Positive Grid videos showing one connected but they don’t sell one so what model are they using? Thank you for your help and all of your great videos.
Nice amp but there's still no option to modify the effects signal chain and that's extremely important to me. And PG still has the equalizer as one of the Mod/EQ options instead of as a stand alone--why PG why?? I'll still use my TRIO+ to loop and already have a portable battery to power it up. There's just not enough here for me to upgrade, my 40 still suits me just fine.
Spark 40 sounds darker. Bottom line Spark is a practice amp and sometimes a very amateur busking amp. At the end of the day a Spark GO is all you really need from the Spark family. If you are doing a proper gig, you gonna haul out all your expensive tube amps anyways…
Biggest negative I've seen is the line outputs defeat the speakers. What?? Bonkers idea that. Massively limits its use in small live situations. Done to protect the Spark Live? Maybe, but poor choice from the user perspective. Rules it out for my uses as a Spark Mini owner already. Still not heard a spring reverb. I hope their supposedly 'different' reverbs actually sound significantly different this time, but I have my doubts.
It seems Spark Live and Spark 2 both have the new DSP so I'd like to think the Live will get stuff like the new "HD amps" and the AI feature via firmware upgrade. But no, the Live doesn't have a looper. What else are you looking for?
@@SteveMallard-pz8cc Spark Live doesn’t seem to have the DSP, only the Sonic IQ feature. My point is that the upgraded amp sims could have easily been included for an amp that was released less than four months ago. Positive Grid is just doing a quick cash grab, and it’s disappointing because Spark Live did not meet my mixing or sound expectations at all. This is especially frustrating as a former owner of a Spark 40 and Spark Go. Looking forward for Spark Ai but i think it will be limited to the tones compared to Spark 2. Pathetic.
So I brought my Spark 2 and it just got announced for delivery, so I'm online looking for reviews and everybody's seems to be reading ad copy. Is this an ad? Any amount of clarity on that point would be helpful.
I am thinking about a Spark 2. Going to see what the upgrade price is on Aug 1. I use it as a living room amp and it would be nice to be able to loop out there. Just hoping my AIrpStep pedal can work the looper so i dont have to buy the Spark Connect Pedal as well.
@@MicksMechanics The mini is a completely separate product line and much smaller. Also, it looks great whilst the Spark 2 (and Spark 1 for that matter) are fugly.
@@fincito mate I own all 3 I know the size is different I could be wrong they may do a spark 2 mini But I was just saying I don’t see the point now that the spark 2 has an optional battery
Well that does it for me. I've had a Spark 40 Gen 1 and always thought it was just me. This demo proves it just kinda sucks, especially the 40. No upgrade for me, thanks for enforcing what I felt all along.
I'm of the opposite opinion. For a practice amp, teaching tool, and just a grab and go amp to take on a weekend trip, I think the Spark is awesome. Its not meant to gig with, its just meant as an all in one training tool or something to play in a small place with friends. For that, its amazing.
@nunyabusiness6691 but he's right, the 40 sounds fundamentally terrible. Where he's wrong is not upgrading to the 2, as it is awesome (I have one), but I suppose once bitten, twice shy.
@@dg1294 l'm pretty sure positive grid could have fixed the bass issue with a firmware update. That is the main reason I won't be spending more $ with them.
I just last week bought the Spark40...It is ok .. but it turns out it is far too boomy for my home set up. I will move it on and buy the Spark2. The battery and looper on Spark2 is a great move.
They are offering an upgrade discount if you own and have registered the original 40. May be worth seeing how much you get off especially considering you don't need to trade in your current amp for the discount.
My Spark 40 was really cool for tuning, but the EQ doesn't work, and the system can't use gain without a loud HISSY fit, rendering it useless for my purposes. Customer service says they are too busy selling the newer units right now to fix this issue. Hmmm. I'll see about returning it.
Why can't all reviewers be as thorough and as smart as you are 😅 so surprisingly rare to see anyone actually pull off a good and thorough review!
Thank you!
I just pre bought mine today based it off how much I love my 40. I know a lot of people hate em but whatever! I love mine and since I work offshore it’s the ultimate lightweight amp that doesn’t take much space and does a lot! I like to jam to backing tracks and the spark is awesome at that! Can’t wait for my spark 2😊
I was all ready to stick with my 40 - I don't play much and it does what I need. The improvement in sound on the Spark 2 vs the 40 is crazy though, huge step change on those comparisons
That new Spark 2 sounds great! Can't wait to grab one. My Spark 1 is my favorite amp by far! Such a great learning and playing tool!
I'm so happy I watched this first... would've ordered the Spark 40 and thought it was the Spark 2
Like any amp , it’s comes down to tweaking and tuning your tone, there are some good features on the new one, but no matter what you have it’s up to you to update or tweak, your device
It’s an upgraded and bigger version of the spark mini. The spark 40 does not sound good without serious eq tweaks. Meaning the speaker sounds are not close to the headphone or direct sounds. On the mini they’re almost identical to each other. Much improved seams on the spark 2
That is good to know. I love my Spark 40's sound though my headphone, but not so much though it's speaker. I have ordered the Spark 2. Can't wait to get it!
Great review/comparison video. 👍🏼 Was about to get the mini, but the addition of the looper & fixing the low end sound sold me on the Spark 2.
Glad it was helpful!
@@GuitarZero2Hero I mostly want a practice amp with looping capabilities to learn guitar at home. Down the road i'd like to incorporate vocals. Would you recommend the spark live or get the spark 2 now & a simple vocal amp later?
Mine showed up today, I’ll set it up tomorrow 👍
Just ordered the Spark 2 in white thanks to your review .i didnt know what i should get but this helped me make my mind up . Love all your videos and lessons by the way :)))
Glad they’re using the same battery pack and didn’t make a specific unit.
One of my favorite things about the LIVE version is that I can set it up anywhere, plug in a mic and guitar and go.
It’ll be interesting to see what the discount is for current owners.
did he say it’s the same? if so big deal as i have spark live and battery
i went to the site. i believe it is the same battery
Discount for current owners? All it said was early bird price of $259 instead of the usual 299
@@J.C...once you register your spark 40 online the discount will appear :)
$239 (plus Tax) price for upgrade.
It's indeed an upgrade, BUT WE NEED A DESKTOP SOFTWARE!
Bluetooth or direct would be nice.
Isn't that what Bias Effects 2 is?
I'd much rather them put money and resources into important/needed features over desktop software....
@@dbillett1 no. It has nothing to do with the spark amp. It is a standalone with higher quality sounds and features.
Well said. I'm definitely upgrading from my spark 40
they need to open the app to enable it to used the on desktops and laptops til then it's still very limited for my uses and which tablet is best to handle the app without shutting down the wah from memory overload
I own a Spark40, a Mini, a Go, and I just received my Spark 2 .. I love these amps.. In fact when I'm jamming wirh a full crew I'll slave my Marshall Plexi to one of my Sparks and ....Boom!! Tone + Power + options..
Nothing in it's class beats a Spark..
I recommend it for any guitariest beginner to pro.
Thank you for this review !! I definitely will add the Spark 2 to my gear collection, it is undoubtedly the best practice amp available right now. I really like that they added a battery, updated the speakers and bass port. The only negative thing I see, is that we double DSP capabilities we still have to chose either a Mod or an EQ. This is annoying but in general I really appreciate all the efforts they put in it and I am definitely in 🤘
i agree they need to give you control over the order of effects and the ones you can use at the same time as well as give better guidelines to which tablet to purchase that can handle the operations without it shutting down the wah effects for lack of memory.
@@adilO.o Nux mighty space is superior to spark
Does the Spark 2 allow the user to create their own “Amp Groups”? Example, I play a Tele, a Strat, a PRS. I would like to save presets based on the guitars I use.
I had no idea they were adding this to the spark family.
if you mean saving a tone you made for a specific guitar then totally! i save my tones with a guitar in the name, for example "zeplin tone les paul "
@@hachiroku5407 today, there are categories like Rock, Pop, etc. I mean it would be good to create my own category like Tele, Les Paul, etc.
The way to demo an amp like this is to show us what it can actually do and showcase its full range of capabilities. Show off its effects and dial up some various Pink Floyd tones, say, "Another Brick in the Wall" and "Run Like Hell." Show me a good ACDC tone and ZZ Top tone I can use. Many players like myself also enjoy playing classic metal, so demonstrate a good Metallica tone. Show a tone that works well for Pantera. Additionally, highlight tones for rockabilly, vintage surf music, country, and funk. Essentially, display the amp’s tonal palette and effects and how it can be used to cover a wide range of material. I wish Positve Grid would send me one. I'd really put it to the test.
I have it. (Spark mini). Those tones and options are there. Check online it’s called tone cloud
Buy one you cheapskate!😁
@@dg1294 They're not available yet, genius. Only pre-order. Very soon though.
wow, it's almost like musicians are running out of reasons to practice and write songs instead of arguing online with strangers.
Haha agreed
😂👍😉😅
Nuh uhh
😂
What
Spark 2 and Spark Live definitly sounds the best. Hopefully the Loop will come for the live Version as well on the App.
Hi Dave. Can I use my existing Spark 40 footswitch with the Spark 2 or is there a new footswitch coming too?
I've had the Spark 40 for about 3 years now and I love this practice amp. I like to bring it to school whenever I give guitar lessons. This video brings a question though. Does the release of the second model mean the end of the updates for the Spark40? It's a practice amp so I don't really feel obliged to get the most recent model since I don't need the battery feature and I also have more powerful amps to play with. I also bought the NUX MG-30 a few weeks ago and I love it. Hello from Ottawa, ON.
You did a great job. Most useful review I’ve seen so far on this product. I’ll definitely get one.
Thanks! Hope you enjoy it!
Great review! Does it also have a clean for acoustic guitar model? Many thanks
Yup it works for acoustic guitars too :)
The amp seems great, but upgrading and adding new software would be really cool, a game changer, like a drop pitch pedal, so we can play songs in other tunings, like Eb, D standard, things like that. Also it would be nice in the software app to be able to move the pedals around. maybe a foot switch to switch to different presets. Maybe the ability to create a preset list. Thank you for posting this.
Really enjoyed your review, @GuitarZero2Hero - nice one! I have the Spark 40 and recently got the Spark 2, and I confirm that everything you said about the upgrade and superior functionality of the Spark 2 is accurate. One thing for everyone to be aware of, though, is that (on both the 40 and the 2), the video recording function doesn't work on later Android tablets/phones (I'm using Android 13 on a Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+), as it keeps asking for permission to access your device's storage, even though no permissions are denied. Positive Grid has been aware of this for at least 5 months, but it's still not fixed (as of 2 September 2024). It's a fairly minor issue, but worth being aware of.
I'd like to see how it stacks up to other brands' new desktop amps coming out in the next few months and if they have fixed the bugs from the Spark 40 I'm on my second one after hardware failure in the first one and I see signs of this one going down in the same way in the future. you have to be careful how long you leave the amp on because it really can shorten the amp's life and PG tech support sucks as far as I have experienced so far. the difference between a good solid-state amp and a bad one is the tech support period. It is good to remember these amps are disposable and no one knows how to work on them
i ordered my Spark 2 yesterday. Looks amazing but with all these features are their tutorials that teach you how to use them? I’m not really an expert on looping and tones. I want to learn of course.
I'm hoping for a Spark Live 2
oh dont worry they will release a 2 of all their amps ... give it some time
man, they should have added a DI out, that's why many go with other amps like fender mustang or line 6 catalyst. If you make an amp do all this great backing track stuff, would be nice to DI it without a mic for a quiet stage. So simple. We play at home, but would also like to use it for small venues. Cant believe this hasn't come up in a meeting at positive grid
You always do the best product reviews. 😊
Oh thank you!
The looper is definitely a selling point for me. I was already thinking about getting a drum and loop pedal and then playing my Spark 40 with a Boss IR-2, but now it makes more sense for me to sell my Spark 40 and get the Spark 2, especially since it will also be available in white. Maybe I would have liked a foot switch connection to switch back and forth between two presets (rhythm and lead), for example. That would have been easy to do, since you would only have had to put the impulse when pressing the preset control onto a foot switch.
Finally having a looper is great but can it be managed via any foot controls?
Yes, the Spark foot controller pedal
And I’d assume the AIRSTEP to
@@Incacal71 Thanks for confirming.
Got it ! I will wait for the Spark 3 Amp
Considering it took them 4 years to come out with Spark 2, good luck!
Impressive deferred gratification. You must not be American. We MUST buy each iteration that manufactures crank out. Witness IPhone.
I bought the 40 2 weeks before they announced the spark 2, then I was away for a week and then got covid. I know the 40 is pretty much perfect for my needs but wish I’d had a warning of some kind. Hell, if it was $100 off, I could probably rationalize it. As it is, not so much.
That was the best deep dive that I have seen on that thank you! I have the 40 and I can get pretty damn good sound out of that and even adjust either the guitar or the amp itself to get rid of the woofiness . Also, they give you a break if you already own the 40 so you can pick it up for 238 for the Spark two.! I love that you preset eight instead of four presets. and also you don’t have to buy and if the other software it’s all included. So I’m looking forward to my Spark to arriving!
I'll wait for Spark Mini 2, as I already own Spark 40 and Go. And I mostly play through headphones. 50w is way more than I really need.
I put my 40 on a battery ,but it shuts off when i plug in my headphones 😢
I'm predicting that the Spark 3 will have a built in touch screen that runs the spark app, removing the need to control it with a phone or tablet and keep it at the same or similar price point. Also, maybe have a cabinet out so you can power an external guitar cab. Those are the only things off the top of my head that I can think of where they could improve it for the next version.
Il n'est pas possible de sélecter un son à partir d'une application externe. Une implémentation midi le permettrait.
Sounds like a +$100 cost adder for the manufacturer...
All I can say is that since Spark 2 has been announced, the amount of used half-priced Spark 40 (v1) is tremendous. It can be bought for 160 Eur in perfect state.
I hope the looper will make its way to the other variants like the Spark Go. Nice playing btw!
Thank you!
ulooper by xsonic might be worth looking into
Does the X Footswitch be used to operate the onboard Looper?
Their info page says it does.
How much does it cost to upgrade???
Is the looper going to be available for the 40 in the app - just not onboard?
Okay how does that tiny Spark go sound 100x better than the original spark 40 haha. The spark 2 seems like a 100% buy if you own the first one and LOVE it. It just sooo much better.
I am surprised how the spark go sounded. I never checked it out because every tiny amp I have tried didn’t sound that great. But for a tiny amp I am surprised. I had the spark 40 when it first came out, and played around with it for a few months. But there is some features on the new spark 2 I like, and I think it would be great for parks and camping ect. Probably give it a try once it’s available. Great review!
I was thinking about the Spark amp for awhile then now they come out with the Spark 2 and blow my mind away lol.
Goes spark 2 and then mini for sound. Can’t wait for a mini 2 upgrade. Still need an app upgrade though so you can use more pedals and even in different orders.
I have a Mini, but I ordered a Spark 2. Funny thing is I just received the Xsonic Ulooper, I only learned about the Spark 2 having a looper afterwards. Doh!
I love my Spark 40. Its got so many uses that you'll sometimes forget its a guitar amplifier in the first place.
My cheap wireless unit actually kills that unwanted ooompf this amp gives. It really sounds a bit shrill to be honest but if you use it as a monitor, it will actually give you a flat response output.
Use it as a bluetooth speaker and it will give you a "Apple-devices" like EQ shape.
I modded mine with a battery and sometimes thats all i need. A loud, guitar amp that can do what i want it to do, despite a the need for a extra tweaking here and there.
I would like the sparks more if the eq/mod was separated. For me it's the only downside to have to choose between modulation effects or eq. I want both.
Yep eq should be on it’s own bank
I have the eq always on so I can never use modulation effects
Get an actual pedal!
I actually like that heavy low end sound. I glad to hear about the looper, but I feel they could do more before releasing a new amp. Like an ai chord/key recognition, as well as tone recognition. And maybe have a guitar sound swap like the bias fx plugin
I loved my spark 40ntill smoke came from power area so I bought the Mighty Space Amp rechargeable and an awesome App to control it it’s near perfect
Can you do a Spark 2 vs Mighty Space ?
I just received mine. The sound is by far better than the spark1. Really it is impressive
Hi just curious - I think the sound on this video is very well done - what was your setup ? Looking forward to spark 2
Great review and video as usal. Thanks for sharing. I can't agree more on the user scenarios you've described as I own Go, Mini, 40 and now Spark 2. And Spark 2 is a great step forward. Love it.
Thanks for watching :)
Almost there...
Missing from what I can see:
Spring reverb
Full size headphone jack (Not PCB mounted)
FX-loop
Assignable Expression pedal input
The "upgrade" price has to be very competitive if they expect me to jump on it as it only addresses the boominess of the 40 in my case.
spring reverb. big missing feature.
Is there an Octave effect yet?
in the Hendrix upgrade package
@@thehappyheretic2136that pedal is shit ( I think the whole pack was a waste of money only bought it to get the wah)
You can barely hear the octave
The spark needs a proper pitch shifter
That can be used as an octaver
I would like to see a specific preset to bypass all amps and effects implemented without icons so there would be no confusion (or the option to remove them completely from the instrument list i .e. the icons) as an option, rather than just off/on.
Er...stick to an acoustic?
Can you upload the loop created to a DAW on the computer through the USB-C?
Great review I'm looking forward to getting my Spark 2 🤘🏻🎸
Will the spark live be updated to use the groove looper?
It delivers everything but the real thing
Very cool, but it still sounds rather dark to me. Can it do a jangly Fenderish tone?
Hey buddy it's not a Princeton
FYI: I have and love an OG Spark 40, pre-ordered. For about 98% of its life to date, my Spark 40 was 100% off AC grid. Using a standard laptop style battery bank of compatible specs which matches the Spark electrical needs, my Spark has been used in parks, camping and my terrace, with zero AC power. The battery bank is non-destructively, magnetically attached to the rear of the unit using stuck on metal plates and super strong magnets from car phone mount kits. I've never done battery life testing, but with near daily 30-45 minute sessions, I can easily go several weeks between charging the laptop battery bank.
The Spark 2 definitely addresses a few issues with the OG Spark and the added features are generally cool. But to be honest, they're simply not must haves for me. Not enough to upgrade and grab Mark II, though to be fair I have not confirmed the upgrade pricing offer to OG Spark owners.
Anyway, good overview look and review here :)
BOTTOM LINE: Overall, factoring the combined calculus of tone, features, design and price, the top tier Spark amps are indeed the finest deskop practice amp I've ever owned. And I have personally owned nearly every desktop practice amp on the market over the last 5-7 years. On tones alone, I still feel that the Yamaha THR series is slightly superior overall, but a nearly twice the price and without a whole lot of the PG Spark 40 and Spark 2 features.
Wow! You must have a big shed with all those practice amps!
@@dg1294 Why? They're all mostly smaller or around shoebox size. And I did not say I actually KEPT all of them...
Would the S2 be compatible with the XSONIC Airstep Spk Edition I use to control the S40...?
Great job. Spark 2 is far more articulate and the heavier bass is gone compared to Spark 40. Man, I wish I could afford it right now. Do they take Spark 40's for trade in? I'd gladly pay the balance! lol🤘🏻🎸
Before watching, my biggest problem was that I was getting drowned out by other amps, even similar sized ones, with the 40. I hope the 2 will resolve that problem but, listening to the side by side comparison, I also didn't realize how muffled the 40 sounds compared to the cleaner/crisper sound of, well, all the rest. Still love my 40 but, definitely upgrading to the 2... if not the Live! Anyone interested in a used, very well taken care of 40? lol...
"Is it worth a buy? Is it? Is it? Let's read the words, the words of the words of the words the words."
Great comparison. Is there any noticeable difference in tone when playing through quality headphones due to the new DSP?
Slight difference, spark 2 and live have overall more natural sounding tones then the other 3 due to the upgraded modeling
Received my Spark 2 in advance (I used the pre order offer 😃), I already had the mini and go but did not like the muddy sound of the 40. I am quite delighted to say that it has been fixed and that the spark 2 now has fantastic sounds, as good as the mini and other practice amps (I have the yamaha thr 30ii, the Boss Dualcube lx and some Nux too). The looper was the functionality I was expecting the most and that's fantastic it is now integrated. However I have a question as I am an heavy home studio player and I do record lots of videos for fun : is it possible in a Daw to split the loop and the guitar lead, meaning to record the loop on one track and the lead guitar on another one, things I am doing with the Boss RC 500 .... As the Spark 2 has a stereo Line out option , I thought it would be possible to do it, is it ? Thanks for your answer 🙏
Great review! I still am wondering if I should upgrade or not. The sound is discernably better on the 2 than the 40.
How does the upgrade program work? Is there a discount for existing g Spark 40 owners?
From what I understand, you need to register your amp on your positive grid account. As long as it's a spark 40, you should get access to an additional discount when they open to orders.
@@SolomonKrul which I've done. Just curious if they have leaked that discount. It's going to need tk be significant to justify upgrading
Upgrade price is $239
@@Archtops yeah. Finally got that. Wow a whole $10 🤦♂️
Hi, great demo. Boss katana gen 3
Or Spark 2? Which is better for home use.
Is the Aux In truly independent of other functions, so we can use modelers via the Aux In with no lag?
(This is infamously impossible with the Spark Mini?)
I have been a Spark 40 user for over three years, I bought the Spark 2 because it has line outputs, big disappointment when I realized that using them mutes the amplifier.
Is there any solution, Is it possible to pair the two Sparks? Thanks a lot for your support. Ciao
could I use this for playing a gig at a small venue or is it just for use as a practice amp?
With spark cab, yes, without, only quiet jazz gigs.
I hate I missed the September drop. Going to be overseas by the time the October drop rolls around.
does the Spark2 now has the power/functionality to pitch shift / downtune the incoming guitar signal like a Digitech The Drop?
I like the brighter, more dynamic sound versus my version 1. Put me down for one 😉…edit- I still wish you could re-order the effects and since they are software based, swap them out with newly created ones when they get made. That would be cool
One thing for sure the spark sounds the best of them all.
Sounds fine with single coils, humbuckers would like a try. 😉
how „silent“ can the Spark 2 go, compared with the mini?
i often use the minis guitar knob only at around 9am to 11am, or about a fourth / third of the possible loudness.
how loud is the Spark 2 compared?
could you do db measurements?
Could you help us with something. With the new Control X, what expression and volume pedals are compatible with it? It’s easy to see Positive Grid videos showing one connected but they don’t sell one so what model are they using? Thank you for your help and all of your great videos.
The spark live sounded the best, to my ears.
Can you plug the spark 2 to a DI and play live without any problems?
Or can you plug the spark 2 to a different cab and use it only as a preamp?
wonder what the upgrade price will be
Nice amp but there's still no option to modify the effects signal chain and that's extremely important to me. And PG still has the equalizer as one of the Mod/EQ options instead of as a stand alone--why PG why?? I'll still use my TRIO+ to loop and already have a portable battery to power it up. There's just not enough here for me to upgrade, my 40 still suits me just fine.
If the Spark 2 sounds better what will it take to upgrade the S40 to similar specs ? What is the main explanation for "improved" sound ?
The speakers and the digital processing :)
Can I use that line out as a send and return ?
Spark 40 sounds darker. Bottom line Spark is a practice amp and sometimes a very amateur busking amp. At the end of the day a Spark GO is all you really need from the Spark family. If you are doing a proper gig, you gonna haul out all your expensive tube amps anyways…
Biggest negative I've seen is the line outputs defeat the speakers. What?? Bonkers idea that. Massively limits its use in small live situations. Done to protect the Spark Live? Maybe, but poor choice from the user perspective. Rules it out for my uses as a Spark Mini owner already.
Still not heard a spring reverb. I hope their supposedly 'different' reverbs actually sound significantly different this time, but I have my doubts.
They should have added these upgrades to the Spark Live released a couple months ago. I thought that would have solved all my issues but i was wrong..
It seems Spark Live and Spark 2 both have the new DSP so I'd like to think the Live will get stuff like the new "HD amps" and the AI feature via firmware upgrade. But no, the Live doesn't have a looper. What else are you looking for?
@@SteveMallard-pz8cc Spark Live doesn’t seem to have the DSP, only the Sonic IQ feature. My point is that the upgraded amp sims could have easily been included for an amp that was released less than four months ago. Positive Grid is just doing a quick cash grab, and it’s disappointing because Spark Live did not meet my mixing or sound expectations at all. This is especially frustrating as a former owner of a Spark 40 and Spark Go. Looking forward for Spark Ai but i think it will be limited to the tones compared to Spark 2. Pathetic.
So I brought my Spark 2 and it just got announced for delivery, so I'm online looking for reviews and everybody's seems to be reading ad copy. Is this an ad? Any amount of clarity on that point would be helpful.
Er...it's a tutorial and comparison to previous Spark products. What is your confusion?
I am thinking about a Spark 2. Going to see what the upgrade price is on Aug 1. I use it as a living room amp and it would be nice to be able to loop out there. Just hoping my AIrpStep pedal can work the looper so i dont have to buy the Spark Connect Pedal as well.
The spark mini sounded great. Might be worth waiting for the V2.
I don’t think they will do one
Seems pointless if you can buy a battery for the spark 2
@@MicksMechanics The mini is a completely separate product line and much smaller. Also, it looks great whilst the Spark 2 (and Spark 1 for that matter) are fugly.
@@fincito the mini was only released cause people were asking for a battery powered spark amp
And I wouldn’t say it’s a completely different product
The size is completely different....by a long way
@@fincito mate I own all 3
I know the size is different
I could be wrong they may do a spark 2 mini
But I was just saying I don’t see the point now that the spark 2 has an optional battery
How loud is it? Is it comparable to the boss katana mkii 50 watt loudness?
dam i just bought a spark 40 a few months ago
Same here..but if this one works out, I’m going to donate my original one to a friend.
Well that does it for me. I've had a Spark 40 Gen 1 and always thought it was just me. This demo proves it just kinda sucks, especially the 40. No upgrade for me, thanks for enforcing what I felt all along.
I'm of the opposite opinion. For a practice amp, teaching tool, and just a grab and go amp to take on a weekend trip, I think the Spark is awesome. Its not meant to gig with, its just meant as an all in one training tool or something to play in a small place with friends. For that, its amazing.
@@nunyabusiness6691 the Mini sounds better
@nunyabusiness6691 but he's right, the 40 sounds fundamentally terrible. Where he's wrong is not upgrading to the 2, as it is awesome (I have one), but I suppose once bitten, twice shy.
@@dg1294 l'm pretty sure positive grid could have fixed the bass issue with a firmware update. That is the main reason I won't be spending more $ with them.
sounds less heavy on the bass / the problem everyone had with the 40, am I right?
I just last week bought the Spark40...It is ok .. but it turns out it is far too boomy for my home set up. I will move it on and buy the Spark2. The battery and looper on Spark2 is a great move.
They are offering an upgrade discount if you own and have registered the original 40. May be worth seeing how much you get off especially considering you don't need to trade in your current amp for the discount.
My Spark 40 was really cool for tuning, but the EQ doesn't work, and the system can't use gain without a loud HISSY fit, rendering it useless for my purposes. Customer service says they are too busy selling the newer units right now to fix this issue. Hmmm. I'll see about returning it.