Thanks for the in-depth review and tutorial of the Spark 40. Now that we have all this information, we're looking forward to your video on the new Spark 2. I should live so long as to check out all these and the new features of the Spark 2. One thing about Spark, if you don't like the sound you hear, you can always "pick" your own!
Unless Positive Grid sponsors a video and send me a unit or I get one from zzounds for review, I'm not sure that it'll happen, but I am impressed with what I've seen so far from the Spark 2.
Have to say I truly appreciate you sharing your knowledge in such detail and clearly presented. I have been watching many TH-cams while waiting for my 40 to arrive. It came today and I am so impressed with it. With your videos I can now flatten the learning curve. Thanks!!!!
That's what I love to hear! I just got the Spark Go and I've been having fun with it too. A little different than the 40 and I have to make some adjustments to my tones. I'll have a video up on that one in a few days. If you're interested, I have a video on a battery pack and wireless guitar dongles you can integrate into your 40 to make it wireless and completely portable. Oh, and the 40 works great as a bluetooth speaker for listening to music at parties, on your deck, etc. And if you;re ever interested in the Boss Katana MK2,, I have a tone of videos on that too! th-cam.com/video/IUZB4j2kpNw/w-d-xo.html
This is great! Just what I wanted. I bought the Spark over a year ago but haven't really used it much cos I felt it may be a steep learning curve. Your walkthru is right on the money!
Great explanation! I stayed with you through the whole vid ànd will actually be returning to this for at least a second helping! You have natural talent for explaining things quickly yet thoroughly! Subscribing & 👍
Great explanation. I recently picked up a used one for $200. I wish you could save more than just 4 patches. I know you can save more on the app, but you have to keep overwriting the 4 patches. I also wish it had an external speaker output to run it into a bigger cabinet.
Appreciate the reset info to you know I wanted the first ones and I need to upgrade the firmware in it so this is very helpful my friend. I appreciate it.
Anyone besides me having an issue with the amp popping when turning off the power? I'm worried about messing up my electronics on my guitars. Did enjoy the video. Very educational.
Nice one... Helped me a lot in understanding how this great little amp works as I'm a bit of an old Luddite when it comes to this type of tech... Many thnx ,,,,
On another YT's video he shows that the three pedals to the right have one knob/pot on each controlled by the Mod/Delay/Reverb knobs on the amp, the only one with a quirk is the EQ pedal instead of controlling the output level it controls the mid level slider but it does turn it off if moved all the way to the bottom...all three can be turned off if you move them to zero, but when you move them up or down they control only one knob on the pedal.
Good morning. What is your opinion of the Spark vs Boss Katana for a stay at home player. Probably will never play in public or as part of a band. I sold the Katana and picked up the Spark for cheap. I do have some sellers remorse. But for using it for practicing will I actually miss the Katana? Does the Spark sound good enough clean to dirty to even worry about it?
The Spark 40 sounds great in my opinion, but other people say it sounds too bassy. You can get plenty of good clean and distorted sounds out of it. If you only play at home, either a Katana or Spark is good enough. It all comes down to personal preference. I sold my Spark. I enjoyed using it, but I just found myself always using the Katana.
awesome very useful thank you! What would be a realistic expectation when you compare the sound of each amp versus the real counterparts? I know it’s subjective but will like to know your opinion. thanks
Good job on this! I had issues connecting iPad to this amp. Long story short, I had to go into Settings and find Spark and turn the Bluetooth on from there, not from the Bluetooth area where WiFi is located. Took a couple hours to figure this out. Aggravating to say the least. PG suggested turning Location Services on - Never! One lame thing is when you want to use songs from Apple Music. I can’t find playlists. That sucks because I have a ton of music on my iPad that I don’t play guitar with but, everything in your Apple Music on your iPad comes in and it’s so laborious to find a song because you have to find where Apple decided to put it. Oh well, I have a second iPad to use for this and use a different set of speakers. PG help sucks! No phone number to call to talk to someone that might be able to help.
I used a program called scrcpy to mirror my Android onto my PC. I learned it form this video. th-cam.com/video/WHcF1ges2bY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=T3UaK5IYN0HhqyEk
Thanks for the detailed video! Question: Is it a total of 4 presets on the amp or is it 4 for each instrument on the knob (I.e Bass, acoustic, clean, metal…etc)?
Only 4 presets channels. The 4 presets are set to whatever you want to set it to. Now, if you're in a specific patch and turn the amp selection knob, it'll change the amp (only) within that preset to whatever amp is factory spec to the knob selection.
Great video! I am using the phone Spark app and I don't see all the pedal options like in your video. Did you have to buy extras or did all of those come with the app? Are you using a phone app in your video or a computer? Thanks again for making this. It was super helpful!
If you have bias fx 2 or bias Amp and save stuff to the tone cloud with pedals that aren’t on the Spark 40, and download them to your phone and use them on the Spark 40?
Great guide. Thanks. Can I use a univibe or muff effect together with the EQ in the mod/eq's section ? Also because it seems that the Spark is kinda bassy.
Well I’m sold. Friday, headed to pick one up. Ordered the battery pack. I have been using another battery brand for 2 years now. They are great items. Not sure if I’ll use any of the app’s presets but it would be foolish of me not to check them out. I have to give you credit for helping me decide. THANK YOU!
The factory presets leave a.lot to be desired, but there are thousands of times in the tonecloud and you can dial in your own pretty easily.i hope you enjoy it.
@@Guitarnivore Yes, most factory presets suck. But in reality, how can a company take in every guitar, every players ability and style. They are there to be tweaked. I have a lot of outboard gear and I have never used any of their presets. Friday I’ll go my local store and get the Spark.
I haven't figured out how to change cabinet or how to bring up the tuner from the app. The tuner looks and works much better on the screen, but I can't find the button aside from the physical one.
You can't change the cabinet. It's attached to whichever amp you're using. But here is how to access the tuner from the app. help.positivegrid.com/hc/en-us/articles/8140721234189-How-to-use-Tuner-in-Spark-app
If I wanted to use the Bias fx 2 app with the Spark 40, I would simply disable all of these in the software that is the Spark app. Is that correct. Then use the red audio thing and plug my guitar into that then output that into the Spark 40.
It's all app dependent. The only thing that saves to the amp is the presets when you assign them to a channel. Everything else saves to the app/your profile. So even if you bought another spark amp or changed/added mobile devices, you'll still retain any purchases you've made.
You can only access what comes on the amp or expansion packs. As far as I know there is only the Jimi Hendrix expansion pack. help.positivegrid.com/hc/en-us/articles/8645729254029-How-do-I-purchase-an-expansion-pack-for-Spark
I just got the same amp the other day and you did awesome explaining the app. I've been trying to figure out the app and the spark pedal at the same time, and you covered the app so well. Thank you. Now I guess I have to download the firmware for the pedal to get all the scenarios. I heard you can update it off my android, but it says I'm updated, and it's not showing anything.
The foot switch can be kind of a pain in the ass to sync up to BT sometimes. I don't recall my firmware being out of date on the foot switch. I found it synced better to my phone than it did my older android tablet.
Is the app compatible with windows 11 and will it still be able to access my iTunes music in windows as well as TH-cam videos to jam with? Or do I need my iPad?
There is an app available for desktop/windows, but it doesn't doo all the same stuff as the Spark app. You will need your ipad for that. I screenshared my tablet on my computer for this video.
Does the music and backing tracks play through the amp or only on the IOS device. I thought that once I connect the App I can play along my Apple Music…
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.
@@Guitarnivore I had updated the program a month ago, but, bottom line, I don't have time to play footsie with this stuff. I'd rather get something else with reliability. I posted this so that interested buyers would hear about the unreliability. BTW.. cool name!
My Spark 40 has been cutting out intermittently.- either with the guitar or computer USB connection. Each dead period lasts for a minute or 2. Firmware update did not resolve the issue. So right now its useful only to hold the door open or as step to reach high places. I'm waiting to hear from PG.
I have been interested in thecSpark and Yamaha THR series. I’ve seen many complaints about the Spark’s low end being overwhelming. I did. notice a firmware update addressing tone issues. Your review being fairly new, what’s your opinion n this? Also, is the battery pack a Positive Grid product or a third party item? I use a great battery pack for my Roland GR55 and it has a 19v setting. Great interview!
I love my Spark 40 and I've never had a problem with the low end. You can adjust for that. Some people even stuff a sock in the bass response port. The battery pack is a third party item. The one I use is the TalentCell and it has worked really well. amzn.to/44FyKvD
@@Guitarnivore Thank you for your reply. I just some current reviews and no one mentioned the low end. For the price, the Spark is a choice I can’t pass up. I looked on Positive Grid and no battery there. But I know what and where to get a battery pack. THANK YOU AGAIN!
I’m trying to clear the presets from the previous owner. After following the steps I’m still getting delay and reverb. I just want a clear signal from my guitar.
When you reset t factory it goes back to the factory presets that probably have a delay and reverb in them. Just turn them off in the app and save it to a channel.
I'm using an Samsung tablet synced with Windows so I could capture what I was doing. I think I was using a program called scrcpy.exe to sync up to windows for demo purposes. I used this video to learn how to do it, but there are other ones out there you can use. th-cam.com/video/WHcF1ges2bY/w-d-xo.html
Hey Scott, great video. I also follow you on the boss videos. Can you tell me if you can save the main presets on the app to another location on the app? Another words if I want to use the four spots with other tones can I save the original four somewhere else in the app, hope that makes sense
I haven't had the Spark in a while, so I'm a bit rusty, but if I remember correctly, you should be able to back up the factory settings by saving them to the local app library like you would any other tones you create or download. I'm sure someone probably saved them to the tone cloud too.
Both are great amps. However, if you want to be able to play with a band, the Katana is much louder and the EQ can be tweaked a lot easier to account for room acoustics.
Two very different animals. Some things to take into consideration are, how loud do you need it? How much do you need different tones and how do you want to dial them in and how tech savvy are you. The Spark 40 sounds great for it's size and connected to a phone or tablet, you can get plenty of tones out of it. The Katana is a beast and it can be a bit complicated. You can work from the panel just fine, but if you want to fine tune every aspect of your tone, then you need to connect it to a computer or tablet/phone, which can be a little more complicated than the Spark. I would say if you want simplicity in a practice amp and you don't need it loud enough to play over a drummer, the Spark might be the way to go for you. Plus the app has a ton of features that I really didn't deep dive into here that can be a lot of fun.
@@Guitarnivore Thank you for help I am pretty good with computers and cellphones but would prefer something more simple and I don't play loud because I don't want to bother me wife. I was leaning towards the spark and after your explanation the spark will be here Sunday. I'm sure I would like both but the fits my needs best. Again thank you for all your help it's good people like you that makes TH-cam a good place to find answers. I will let you know what I think of it. I always give you a thumbs up on your videos and already subscribed.
awesome video! just wonderiing how do you get that app on your computer? I also have the spark 40 amp and I have always wanted to connect it to my computer.
Thanks for doing this! So I think I know answer to this but just wanted to confirm. Can we use the Spark Amp as an independent amp? What I mean by that is say we just turn on the amp and not using the App. Is there always a preset in use OR are we able to use the Spark amp without the presets engaged? Thanks!
Absolutely. You can use it with the presets that it comes with, which are still really good. But connecting it to your phone is.teally easy and opens up a world of options.
@@Guitarnivore oh of course! I just wanted to confirm that at minimum, when you turn the amp on, there is, at least, a preset engaged. At first I thought you could just play it, without a preset engaged, independently. I was always wondering why it sounded like it had effects on when I thought it didn’t. (All effects knobs were turned down)
@@geddy1001 Oh yeah. If I understand you correctly, even after you have some presets loaded, they stay on the amp once you disconnect and can play them that way.
I am missing something in this user guide. Lets say i have a backingtrack on my phone and want to play that through the music bluetooth speaker, so i can play along. How to go about that.?
Just like playing music through Bluetooth, except you plug in your guitar and play along with it. Adjust the volume between the guitar and Bluetooth to balance them out. However, I have noticed if you're trying to play along with something like Songsterr or Ultimate Guitar tabs, there is a slight delay between the audio and the tab movement.
@@Guitarnivore Thank you. When i want to play some backingtrack on my phone through my desktop computer, i still have to make a connection on my desktop computer to play the track from the phone. What is mean is, how does the Positive grid spark know it is supposed to play a track from a phone? i don't see anything on the amp to make the connection, or is it automatically connected? Thank you .
Sorry for the late response. Your comment got held for review for.somw reason. Anyway, you just pair your gone with the amp like any other device and it uses it like a Bluetooth speaker. I think you can connect Spotify, TH-cam and Pandora accounts through the Spark app as well.
@@Guitarnivore Ok Thanks, spark uses two bluetooth connections, one as bluetooth speaker and one for setup the sounds, so all good, and it works great. Jean
I love this little amp but the only issue I have is they kind of blew it re:the USB feature....the world now uses USB C ! Both the older 40w and the new 50w both outdated with USB B.
I have my Android screen projecting to my computer.. I used a program called scrncpy. You can learn how to do it here: th-cam.com/video/WHcF1ges2bY/w-d-xo.html
I wish that I could get a list of amp and pedal correlations. It would also be nice if I could rename the dumb names to the actual names. No, it isn't obvious what they are. I also don't care about sounding like Dave Gilmore but I would like to have a set of effects to get the early Donald Roesear sound.
The tap tempo button always blinks, and the speed of it depends on the tap tempo that is currently on it. The other buttons only blink if you've changed something from the preset. You'll notice at 2:29 after the restart from the factory reset, the channel one light isn't blinking, but as soon as I change the amp selection on the panel, it start blinking. Once you save it again, it will stop blinking.
@@franksylva9031 I wish I could tell you off hand, but I have since traded my 40 to my son and I have no way of checking. From what I've just googled, it looks like the answer is no. Only 4/4
I’ve been looking for a guitar headphone amp. I’ve been tempted to buy the new Boss Waza Air headphones but they’re too damn expensive for just a headphone amp. I’ve been looking for videos explaining how this sounds with headphones, and there’s almost nothing. Now I’m all for everyone having their own opinions, but I hate when collective ignorance causes a lack of demand for something. Playing guitar through headphones lets you play as loud as you want without worrying about anyone else, gives you privacy in what you play (let’s say I’m high as fuck and want to completely fuck around without worrying how it sounds to anyone else, and eliminates the need to pay for good speakers. It would be nice if someone would combine something like this with Bluetooth headphone capability that gets the full sound of the amp. (For example I’ve heard that the headphones output on a Katana doesn’t sound that great compared to the Waza Air headphone amp)
The headphone output on the Katana is fantastic because it emulates the sound of the cabinet. It also doubles as the record out. I use it all the time for my Katana videos. I have heard the Waza Air headphones are fantastic, but that price tag is insane.. The Spark headphones out sound really good too. If you don't want to spend much and don't care about it without headphones, check out the Spark Go. To me it doesn't sound all that great through the speaker, but from headphones it sounds great. Unfortunately, none of these are compatible with blue tooth headphones. I don't know of any that are.
@@Guitarnivore Thanks for the information. I'm curious now to try the Katana and Spark with headphones plugged in. As far as sound, independent of the cabinet/speaker quality, (just the quality and variety of sounds you can dial in), do you have a preference between the Katana and Spark?
@@Alan_Page I prefer the Katana, but with any of them, you need a good set of headphones and noise-canceling is always a plus. If you want simplicity and portability, the Spark is the way to go though, whether it's the mini, 40 or the Go. I found I wasn't using my Spark 40 much and ended up trading it. On a side note, one am that has been around awhile that I love is the Vox VT40X, but I don't think any of those Vox amps sounds very good with headphones.
I don’t suggest using a bass on this amp, my bassist had to get an actual bass amp cause he burnt out his spark 40 within a month of using it with his bass, and he used it for Bedroom use too, so he didn’t even have it cranked, just be careful with how low you’re going with this amp on a bass
need to go into more detail like using a android device instead of a laptop or computer like on a android device the preset's don't work like you said put out a new video explaining into more detail 😢
I used an android tablet to demonstrate all of the Spark app settings in this video. I simply used software to project my tablet screen onto the computer for recording as I was using the app.
The spark developers are idiots! Using a headphone jack for their cabinet...the thing is noisey as crap! Do a mod on how to add an XLR output!....making it so the bass overwhelms everything. Can't use an Eq and a chorus at the same time. The knobs go wanky when you turn on and use a preset. This company pisses me off.
@@Guitarnivore I just had a headphone plugged in 5 minutes ago....it sounds horrible! Nothing like the speakers. I used a wireless to send it to my Pa...sounds horrible just like what's coming through the headphones. These guys threw this together and pushed it out cause they're greedy bastards....they absolutely didn't do it right. The cabinet they're selling is a mess! People are complaining about it....the headphone out is a disgrace. I like the sound through the speakers but they didn't reproduce it in the headphone signal. I can add a mic with a cheap 20.00 battery operated mixer from Temu. I run the guitar and mic thru the mixer and into the guitar input jack and it's 100 times better then what comes out of the headphone jack. Can't get much volume....maybe enough for 30 x 30 room. A small quiet bar or busking on the street. (I use a 19V battery for the amp). They're trying to force people to buy the cabinet with an XLR for a mic and 140w but it's a piece of crap system hook it into the headphone jack! Tons of noise. Somebody needs to come up with a mod to do a XLR out or 1/4" line out.
@@Guitarnivore Yes...the full fat version. It's sitting in its box where it has since I first bought it and was completely underwhelmed. I might get it out and try a factory reset to see if that wakes it up.
Last I checked, I still lived in the United States where we use the Imperial system, so...I am with it. Multiply inches by 2.54. The conversion is that easy. I make a video to try to help people and out of 25 minutes of video, you want to bitch about the metric system? 🙄
I just want to use it as a straight acoustic amp sometimes with no effects I can't seem to do that? It's driving me crazy. Can anybody help me I go back to my Boss or Fishman but I want to play with this but I just can't get a clean straight signal path. I just can't figure it out. Am I that stupid????
In the spark app, turn off all of the FX and save it as one of the channels on the amp, then you can always go to it when you want to use it like that.
This is the only place I found this information in detail. A must see for new spark owners. Thanks 🤘
Thanks for the in-depth review and tutorial of the Spark 40. Now that we have all this information, we're looking forward to your video on the new Spark 2. I should live so long as to check out all these and the new features of the Spark 2. One thing about Spark, if you don't like the sound you hear, you can always "pick" your own!
Unless Positive Grid sponsors a video and send me a unit or I get one from zzounds for review, I'm not sure that it'll happen, but I am impressed with what I've seen so far from the Spark 2.
Really great overview. I’ve owned the amp about a month but haven’t had chance to dig in and this gives me a great starting point. Thanks
Have to say I truly appreciate you sharing your knowledge in such detail and clearly presented. I have been watching many TH-cams while waiting for my 40 to arrive. It came today and I am so impressed with it. With your videos I can now flatten the learning curve. Thanks!!!!
That's what I love to hear! I just got the Spark Go and I've been having fun with it too. A little different than the 40 and I have to make some adjustments to my tones. I'll have a video up on that one in a few days. If you're interested, I have a video on a battery pack and wireless guitar dongles you can integrate into your 40 to make it wireless and completely portable. Oh, and the 40 works great as a bluetooth speaker for listening to music at parties, on your deck, etc. And if you;re ever interested in the Boss Katana MK2,, I have a tone of videos on that too! th-cam.com/video/IUZB4j2kpNw/w-d-xo.html
This is great! Just what I wanted. I bought the Spark over a year ago but haven't really used it much cos I felt it may be a steep learning curve. Your walkthru is right on the money!
Best tutorial I've seen. Thanks. I just bought one and am playing it.
Thanks. Glad you like the spark.
Great explanation! I stayed with you through the whole vid ànd will actually be returning to this for at least a second helping!
You have natural talent for explaining things quickly yet thoroughly! Subscribing & 👍
Great explanation. I recently picked up a used one for $200. I wish you could save more than just 4 patches. I know you can save more on the app, but you have to keep overwriting the 4 patches. I also wish it had an external speaker output to run it into a bigger cabinet.
You can run the line out to a powered cabinet if you want to, but yeah, a simple output for a non-powered cabinet would be nice.
Appreciate the reset info to you know I wanted the first ones and I need to upgrade the firmware in it so this is very helpful my friend. I appreciate it.
This is a really great presentation. Congratulations.
Excellent tutorial. Now subscribed and passed your channel info onto friends.Thank you 👍😊
Thanks. You're awesome!
Best video on this!
Thanks for posting. Really informative for those of us that are real novices 🙏
Such an informative Video. I see myself making things like this when I’m older. Thanks 😊
LOVED the video. I love Spark amp and your video is fantastic.
Thanks!
Very interesting, I purchased this amplifier 4 months ago and I 'm still ignorant when it comes to what it offers until I watched your video
Awesome. Glad it helped. It's a great little amp and a loud Bluetooth speaker.
I totally got distracted zooming in looking at your motu figures lol 😂.. oh yeah the amp!!
Anyone besides me having an issue with the amp popping when turning off the power? I'm worried about messing up my electronics on my guitars.
Did enjoy the video. Very educational.
I don't think you have to worry about the electronics on your guitar. But I would try to back up your tines on the app and then do a factory reset.
Great info but can you advise on which amps and echo reverb which will give a Hank Marvin sound?
I would go with the Vox AC30 type amp, a spring reverb and a tape echo delay.
Nice one... Helped me a lot in understanding how this great little amp works as I'm a bit of an old Luddite when it comes to this type of tech... Many thnx ,,,,
Glad it helped!
thank you man
this was great!
On another YT's video he shows that the three pedals to the right have one knob/pot on each controlled by the Mod/Delay/Reverb knobs on the amp, the only one with a quirk is the EQ pedal instead of controlling the output level it controls the mid level slider but it does turn it off if moved all the way to the bottom...all three can be turned off if you move them to zero, but when you move them up or down they control only one knob on the pedal.
Hi thanks for the great tutorial! Where can I get a list of all the amp and pedal emulations that you described here? Thanks again!
sparkamplovers.com/kb/available-amp-simulations-list/
Very nice job Scott...thanx
Hi, thank you for this very instructive video! One question, how to have the application on computer better than phone?
I was using third party software to mirror my tablet, but there is a third party software out there. soundshed.com/
Great overview. Love the Spark so far.
Me too! Great little amp for its size.
Good morning. What is your opinion of the Spark vs Boss Katana for a stay at home player. Probably will never play in public or as part of a band. I sold the Katana and picked up the Spark for cheap. I do have some sellers remorse. But for using it for practicing will I actually miss the Katana? Does the Spark sound good enough clean to dirty to even worry about it?
The Spark 40 sounds great in my opinion, but other people say it sounds too bassy. You can get plenty of good clean and distorted sounds out of it. If you only play at home, either a Katana or Spark is good enough. It all comes down to personal preference. I sold my Spark. I enjoyed using it, but I just found myself always using the Katana.
awesome very useful thank you! What would be a realistic expectation when you compare the sound of each amp versus the real counterparts? I know it’s subjective but will like to know your opinion. thanks
Like just about any modeller, they aren't perfect, but from what I've heard of the real amps, it's pretty close.
Great video, only critism is it would have been brilliant if you just played a couple of chords on each one you chose.
Fantastic video
Thanks
I'd love to see some more information on programming the channels on the spark Control pedal
Sorry, I no longer have the Spark .
Good job on this! I had issues connecting iPad to this amp. Long story short, I had to go into Settings and find Spark and turn the Bluetooth on from there, not from the Bluetooth area where WiFi is located. Took a couple hours to figure this out. Aggravating to say the least. PG suggested turning Location Services on - Never! One lame thing is when you want to use songs from Apple Music. I can’t find playlists. That sucks because I have a ton of music on my iPad that I don’t play guitar with but, everything in your Apple Music on your iPad comes in and it’s so laborious to find a song because you have to find where Apple decided to put it. Oh well, I have a second iPad to use for this and use a different set of speakers.
PG help sucks! No phone number to call to talk to someone that might be able to help.
what software did you get on your computer, bro? The download didn't come with whatever you're adjusting there. ThankS!
I used a program called scrcpy to mirror my Android onto my PC. I learned it form this video. th-cam.com/video/WHcF1ges2bY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=T3UaK5IYN0HhqyEk
@@Guitarnivore Right on! thanks so much!!
Thanks for the detailed video! Question: Is it a total of 4 presets on the amp or is it 4 for each instrument on the knob (I.e Bass, acoustic, clean, metal…etc)?
Only 4 presets channels. The 4 presets are set to whatever you want to set it to. Now, if you're in a specific patch and turn the amp selection knob, it'll change the amp (only) within that preset to whatever amp is factory spec to the knob selection.
Where do I get the battery pack?
amzn.to/47AYiMS
Great video! I am using the phone Spark app and I don't see all the pedal options like in your video. Did you have to buy extras or did all of those come with the app? Are you using a phone app in your video or a computer? Thanks again for making this. It was super helpful!
Some of them were from the Jimi Hendrix paid purchase.
If you have bias fx 2 or bias Amp and save stuff to the tone cloud with pedals that aren’t on the Spark 40, and download them to your phone and use them on the Spark 40?
I don't think that's possible.
Thanks man!
Great guide. Thanks. Can I use a univibe or muff effect together with the EQ in the mod/eq's section ? Also because it seems that the Spark is kinda bassy.
I don't think you can use the vibe and the EQ at the same time.
I'm 64 and just bought this great amp ... Amazon . $350 Canadian . ✨🎸✨🇨🇦🇺🇸🏆🎬🍻 ( April 2024 )
Enjoy it! It's a great little amp with a big sound!
Can you help explain using Spark with PreSonus recording? Much appreciated.
Working on it. Give me a couple hours.
I think this is what you wanted: th-cam.com/channels/TZP6_wHUQ6TjMnWn3xIK-g.html
Well I’m sold. Friday, headed to pick one up. Ordered the battery pack. I have been using another battery brand for 2 years now. They are great items.
Not sure if I’ll use any of the app’s presets but it would be foolish of me not to check them out.
I have to give you credit for helping me decide. THANK YOU!
The factory presets leave a.lot to be desired, but there are thousands of times in the tonecloud and you can dial in your own pretty easily.i hope you enjoy it.
@@Guitarnivore Yes, most factory presets suck. But in reality, how can a company take in every guitar, every players ability and style. They are there to be tweaked. I have a lot of outboard gear and I have never used any of their presets.
Friday I’ll go my local store and get the Spark.
my friend, how are you using a mouse with the app? emulator / if so, which? thanks.
There is a 3rd party software you can use from soundshed.com, or you can mirror your android screen by using scrcpy from here: scrcpy.org/
I haven't figured out how to change cabinet or how to bring up the tuner from the app. The tuner looks and works much better on the screen, but I can't find the button aside from the physical one.
You can't change the cabinet. It's attached to whichever amp you're using. But here is how to access the tuner from the app. help.positivegrid.com/hc/en-us/articles/8140721234189-How-to-use-Tuner-in-Spark-app
If I wanted to use the Bias fx 2 app with the Spark 40, I would simply disable all of these in the software that is the Spark app. Is that correct. Then use the red audio thing and plug my guitar into that then output that into the Spark 40.
Does the hendrix package save to the amo itself or is it all app dependent
It's all app dependent. The only thing that saves to the amp is the presets when you assign them to a channel. Everything else saves to the app/your profile. So even if you bought another spark amp or changed/added mobile devices, you'll still retain any purchases you've made.
So if I use the presets- does it override the physical buttons and render them not active?
If you're using a preset, the knobs on the panel will make adjustments to whichever preset you're using. That make sense?
How do you access more amps?
You can only access what comes on the amp or expansion packs. As far as I know there is only the Jimi Hendrix expansion pack. help.positivegrid.com/hc/en-us/articles/8645729254029-How-do-I-purchase-an-expansion-pack-for-Spark
I just got the same amp the other day and you did awesome explaining the app. I've been trying to figure out the app and the spark pedal at the same time, and you covered the app so well. Thank you. Now I guess I have to download the firmware for the pedal to get all the scenarios. I heard you can update it off my android, but it says I'm updated, and it's not showing anything.
The foot switch can be kind of a pain in the ass to sync up to BT sometimes. I don't recall my firmware being out of date on the foot switch. I found it synced better to my phone than it did my older android tablet.
Is the app compatible with windows 11 and will it still be able to access my iTunes music in windows as well as TH-cam videos to jam with? Or do I need my iPad?
There is an app available for desktop/windows, but it doesn't doo all the same stuff as the Spark app. You will need your ipad for that. I screenshared my tablet on my computer for this video.
@@GuitarnivoreTank you for the reply.
Where did you get the batter pack from ????
Here: th-cam.com/video/B6FoPNOqgP4/w-d-xo.html
Thank you this is great information
Does the music and backing tracks play through the amp or only on the IOS device. I thought that once I connect the App I can play along my Apple Music…
I think you can play iTunes through the app.
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.
Have you tried a factory reset?
@@Guitarnivore I had updated the program a month ago, but, bottom line, I don't have time to play footsie with this stuff. I'd rather get something else with reliability. I posted this so that interested buyers would hear about the unreliability. BTW.. cool name!
My Spark 40 has been cutting out intermittently.- either with the guitar or computer USB connection. Each dead period lasts for a minute or 2. Firmware update did not resolve the issue. So right now its useful only to hold the door open or as step to reach high places. I'm waiting to hear from PG.
Have you tried a factory reset? I've had to do that once or twice in the last year.
Did u ever get this resolved? @donmilland7606
Thx . I have one but don’t know how to use it?, I ordered another cord because I can’t find the original one. Thank you so much…….❤
Appreciate it so much.?
I have been interested in thecSpark and Yamaha THR series. I’ve seen many complaints about the Spark’s low end being overwhelming. I did. notice a firmware update addressing tone issues. Your review being fairly new, what’s your opinion n this?
Also, is the battery pack a Positive Grid product or a third party item? I use a great battery pack for my Roland GR55 and it has a 19v setting.
Great interview!
I love my Spark 40 and I've never had a problem with the low end. You can adjust for that. Some people even stuff a sock in the bass response port. The battery pack is a third party item. The one I use is the TalentCell and it has worked really well. amzn.to/44FyKvD
@@Guitarnivore Thank you for your reply. I just some current reviews and no one mentioned the low end. For the price, the Spark is a choice I can’t pass up. I looked on Positive Grid and no battery there. But I know what and where to get a battery pack. THANK YOU AGAIN!
I’m trying to clear the presets from the previous owner. After following the steps I’m still getting delay and reverb. I just want a clear signal from my guitar.
When you reset t factory it goes back to the factory presets that probably have a delay and reverb in them. Just turn them off in the app and save it to a channel.
Hi guy m what kind of power pack can I use with Spark ? Thank you and greetings
This one is the most common. amzn.to/3KvAReg
Good job of explaining usage.
Thanks.
What are you moving around in? iPad with a mouse or do you have a windows program?
I'm using an Samsung tablet synced with Windows so I could capture what I was doing. I think I was using a program called scrcpy.exe to sync up to windows for demo purposes. I used this video to learn how to do it, but there are other ones out there you can use. th-cam.com/video/WHcF1ges2bY/w-d-xo.html
Hey Scott, great video. I also follow you on the boss videos. Can you tell me if you can save the main presets on the app to another location on the app? Another words if I want to use the four spots with other tones can I save the original four somewhere else in the app, hope that makes sense
I haven't had the Spark in a while, so I'm a bit rusty, but if I remember correctly, you should be able to back up the factory settings by saving them to the local app library like you would any other tones you create or download. I'm sure someone probably saved them to the tone cloud too.
@@Guitarnivore thank you for you reply. I was able to save them to my drop box and I put them on the cloud and tagged them so they’re easy to find.
do you have any experience with the spark go? i'm looking into one
I had one. Like the 40, I loved all the features, but it just wasn't loud enough for me.
Hi, do you like this or the boss katana 50 better
Both are great amps. However, if you want to be able to play with a band, the Katana is much louder and the EQ can be tweaked a lot easier to account for room acoustics.
@ thanks. I bought the Spark yesterday and it’s awesome. I just play at home, no band
This may have been covered already and I apologize. But does the app override what is set on the physical knobs?
Yes it does. When using the app, you don't even have to worry about the panel except for the master volume.
I'm a 59 year-old retired beginner and I'm looking for a good practice amp. In your opinion would you recommend this or the boss katana 50 mkII.
Two very different animals. Some things to take into consideration are, how loud do you need it? How much do you need different tones and how do you want to dial them in and how tech savvy are you. The Spark 40 sounds great for it's size and connected to a phone or tablet, you can get plenty of tones out of it. The Katana is a beast and it can be a bit complicated. You can work from the panel just fine, but if you want to fine tune every aspect of your tone, then you need to connect it to a computer or tablet/phone, which can be a little more complicated than the Spark. I would say if you want simplicity in a practice amp and you don't need it loud enough to play over a drummer, the Spark might be the way to go for you. Plus the app has a ton of features that I really didn't deep dive into here that can be a lot of fun.
@@Guitarnivore Thank you for help I am pretty good with computers and cellphones but would prefer something more simple and I don't play loud because I don't want to bother me wife. I was leaning towards the spark and after your explanation the spark will be here Sunday. I'm sure I would like both but the fits my needs best. Again thank you for all your help it's good people like you that makes TH-cam a good place to find answers. I will let you know what I think of it. I always give you a thumbs up on your videos and already subscribed.
@@jsr-uz3oj I hope you like it. I think you'll have a lot of fun with it.Thanks!
awesome video! just wonderiing how do you get that app on your computer? I also have the spark 40 amp and I have always wanted to connect it to my computer.
I used a program call scrcpy. scrcpy.org/
just starting
Thanks for doing this! So I think I know answer to this but just wanted to confirm. Can we use the Spark Amp as an independent amp? What I mean by that is say we just turn on the amp and not using the App. Is there always a preset in use OR are we able to use the Spark amp without the presets engaged? Thanks!
Absolutely. You can use it with the presets that it comes with, which are still really good. But connecting it to your phone is.teally easy and opens up a world of options.
@@Guitarnivore oh of course! I just wanted to confirm that at minimum, when you turn the amp on, there is, at least, a preset engaged. At first I thought you could just play it, without a preset engaged, independently. I was always wondering why it sounded like it had effects on when I thought it didn’t. (All effects knobs were turned down)
@@geddy1001 Oh yeah. If I understand you correctly, even after you have some presets loaded, they stay on the amp once you disconnect and can play them that way.
@@Guitarnivore Did you find out if this was true?
@@Jbuginas As long as you save the presets to a channel.
I am missing something in this user guide. Lets say i have a backingtrack on my phone and want to play that through the music bluetooth speaker, so i can play along. How to go about that.?
Just like playing music through Bluetooth, except you plug in your guitar and play along with it. Adjust the volume between the guitar and Bluetooth to balance them out. However, I have noticed if you're trying to play along with something like Songsterr or Ultimate Guitar tabs, there is a slight delay between the audio and the tab movement.
@@Guitarnivore Thank you. When i want to play some backingtrack on my phone through my desktop computer, i still have to make a connection on my desktop computer to play the track from the phone. What is mean is, how does the Positive grid spark know it is supposed to play a track from a phone? i don't see anything on the amp to make the connection, or is it automatically connected? Thank you .
Sorry for the late response. Your comment got held for review for.somw reason. Anyway, you just pair your gone with the amp like any other device and it uses it like a Bluetooth speaker. I think you can connect Spotify, TH-cam and Pandora accounts through the Spark app as well.
@@Guitarnivore Ok Thanks, spark uses two bluetooth connections, one as bluetooth speaker and one for setup the sounds, so all good, and it works great. Jean
How do the small speakers affect the sound?
They actually sound really good and quite loud for their size. A lot of people complain that it has too much bass, but that can be adjusted.
Thanks man! 🎵🎸
How to stop delay light from blinking?
It doesn't seem that you can.
What’s the battery for dc again?
amzn.to/3SqHmmT
Guitar and MOTU! Hell yeah
I wish I still had all my stuff from the 80's, but don't we all?!?
I love this little amp but the only issue I have is they kind of blew it re:the USB feature....the world now uses USB C ! Both the older 40w and the new 50w both outdated with USB B.
I agree. Everything should be USB-C by now.
@@Guitarnivore Been looking at the Blackstar CoreV4...
Maybe I missed it, but how are you using a mouse with this? I thought the software for this amp was only phone based apps?
I have my Android screen projecting to my computer.. I used a program called scrncpy. You can learn how to do it here: th-cam.com/video/WHcF1ges2bY/w-d-xo.html
Also, there is a desktop app you can use: soundshed.com/
wow thank you!@@Guitarnivore
What battery pack are you using? Thx
This one: amzn.to/41kma2M
@@Guitarnivore thank you
Nice Amp..Id get it if I didn't have the Fender Studio 40 Bluetooth Bass
amp that is very similar ..
I wish that I could get a list of amp and pedal correlations. It would also be nice if I could rename the dumb names to the actual names.
No, it isn't obvious what they are.
I also don't care about sounding like Dave Gilmore but I would like to have a set of effects to get the early Donald Roesear sound.
Spark Amp List: sparkamplovers.com/kb/available-amp-simulations-list/
Spark FX List: sparkamplovers.com/kb/spark-available-effects/
May I ask what kind of device you're using with this app?
A Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10" tablet.
@@Guitarnivore Thank you so much!
My wired headphones plugged aren't producing any sound of my playing. Has anyone else had the same issue?
Is the jimmy hendrix pack, only one payment or subsciption
Just one payment.
@@Guitarnivore thank you so much
How do you switch amps on the app ?
11:38 just like you switch fx. Click on the amp and then scroll through them to find the one you want.
has something to do with the prset buttons he didn't explain it good enough
Do those lights constantly blink?
The tap tempo button always blinks, and the speed of it depends on the tap tempo that is currently on it. The other buttons only blink if you've changed something from the preset. You'll notice at 2:29 after the restart from the factory reset, the channel one light isn't blinking, but as soon as I change the amp selection on the panel, it start blinking. Once you save it again, it will stop blinking.
@@Guitarnivore Thank you! Is the jam drumming only in 4/4? Or can that be changed?
@@franksylva9031 I wish I could tell you off hand, but I have since traded my 40 to my son and I have no way of checking. From what I've just googled, it looks like the answer is no. Only 4/4
@@Guitarnivore thank you. I couldn't find anything other than 4/4 too
It says it has a battery how do I charge the battery
The Spark 40 doesn't have a battery.
I’ve been looking for a guitar headphone amp. I’ve been tempted to buy the new Boss Waza Air headphones but they’re too damn expensive for just a headphone amp. I’ve been looking for videos explaining how this sounds with headphones, and there’s almost nothing. Now I’m all for everyone having their own opinions, but I hate when collective ignorance causes a lack of demand for something. Playing guitar through headphones lets you play as loud as you want without worrying about anyone else, gives you privacy in what you play (let’s say I’m high as fuck and want to completely fuck around without worrying how it sounds to anyone else, and eliminates the need to pay for good speakers. It would be nice if someone would combine something like this with Bluetooth headphone capability that gets the full sound of the amp. (For example I’ve heard that the headphones output on a Katana doesn’t sound that great compared to the Waza Air headphone amp)
The headphone output on the Katana is fantastic because it emulates the sound of the cabinet. It also doubles as the record out. I use it all the time for my Katana videos. I have heard the Waza Air headphones are fantastic, but that price tag is insane.. The Spark headphones out sound really good too. If you don't want to spend much and don't care about it without headphones, check out the Spark Go. To me it doesn't sound all that great through the speaker, but from headphones it sounds great. Unfortunately, none of these are compatible with blue tooth headphones. I don't know of any that are.
@@Guitarnivore Thanks for the information. I'm curious now to try the Katana and Spark with headphones plugged in. As far as sound, independent of the cabinet/speaker quality, (just the quality and variety of sounds you can dial in), do you have a preference between the Katana and Spark?
@@Alan_Page I prefer the Katana, but with any of them, you need a good set of headphones and noise-canceling is always a plus. If you want simplicity and portability, the Spark is the way to go though, whether it's the mini, 40 or the Go. I found I wasn't using my Spark 40 much and ended up trading it. On a side note, one am that has been around awhile that I love is the Vox VT40X, but I don't think any of those Vox amps sounds very good with headphones.
Would be great if you gave the specs for everyone else on earth. Have no idea how a pound is.
Whenever someone uses a weight or measure I'm not familiar with, I simply Google a conversion instead of criticizing. Try it some time.
I don’t suggest using a bass on this amp, my bassist had to get an actual bass amp cause he burnt out his spark 40 within a month of using it with his bass, and he used it for Bedroom use too, so he didn’t even have it cranked, just be careful with how low you’re going with this amp on a bass
Good to know. Thanks.
need to go into more detail like using a android device instead of a laptop or computer like on a android device the preset's don't work like you said put out a new video explaining into more detail 😢
I used an android tablet to demonstrate all of the Spark app settings in this video. I simply used software to project my tablet screen onto the computer for recording as I was using the app.
@Guitarnivore But can you do some more spark content ? Please !
@@justinwhitehead7767 Sorry, I don't have the Spark anymore.
@@Guitarnivore Dang ok, thanks anyway!
That strap thing sucks but the amp rocks
The spark developers are idiots! Using a headphone jack for their cabinet...the thing is noisey as crap! Do a mod on how to add an XLR output!....making it so the bass overwhelms everything. Can't use an Eq and a chorus at the same time. The knobs go wanky when you turn on and use a preset. This company pisses me off.
EQ's definitely should have been a totally different section and XLR or at least a 1/4" line oput would have been a much better option.
@@Guitarnivore I just had a headphone plugged in 5 minutes ago....it sounds horrible! Nothing like the speakers. I used a wireless to send it to my Pa...sounds horrible just like what's coming through the headphones. These guys threw this together and pushed it out cause they're greedy bastards....they absolutely didn't do it right. The cabinet they're selling is a mess! People are complaining about it....the headphone out is a disgrace. I like the sound through the speakers but they didn't reproduce it in the headphone signal. I can add a mic with a cheap 20.00 battery operated mixer from Temu. I run the guitar and mic thru the mixer and into the guitar input jack and it's 100 times better then what comes out of the headphone jack. Can't get much volume....maybe enough for 30 x 30 room. A small quiet bar or busking on the street. (I use a 19V battery for the amp). They're trying to force people to buy the cabinet with an XLR for a mic and 140w but it's a piece of crap system hook it into the headphone jack! Tons of noise. Somebody needs to come up with a mod to do a XLR out or 1/4" line out.
I don't have my 40 anymore, but last year I got the Spark Go. It was garbage, so I sold it. I'm done with Spark anything.
Nice guitar tones…wait YOU DIDNT PLAY ANY!
It's a video guide for the basics of using the amp and app and its features. Not a review or demo.
Spark amps are the most sold amps for 3 consecutive years and counting, you either got a lemon or just like to complain ?
Who's complaining?
Without doubt, the worst buy I"ve ever made. My Marshall cheapo MG10 has a better sound and is considerably louder.
You must have got a bad unit, because this things sounds louder and better than any 10 watt amp I've ever had.
@@Guitarnivore So I've been told but it doesn't sound faulty just not very good...and quiet.
@@plantagenant We're talking about the 40 and not the mini or the go, right?
@@Guitarnivore Yes...the full fat version. It's sitting in its box where it has since I first bought it and was completely underwhelmed. I might get it out and try a factory reset to see if that wakes it up.
Inches? Still??? C'mon get with it. How tall is it? In cm's dude!
This shouldn't be necessary in 2023!
Last I checked, I still lived in the United States where we use the Imperial system, so...I am with it. Multiply inches by 2.54. The conversion is that easy. I make a video to try to help people and out of 25 minutes of video, you want to bitch about the metric system? 🙄
I just want to use it as a straight acoustic amp sometimes with no effects I can't seem to do that? It's driving me crazy. Can anybody help me I go back to my Boss or Fishman but I want to play with this but I just can't get a clean straight signal path. I just can't figure it out. Am I that stupid????
In the spark app, turn off all of the FX and save it as one of the channels on the amp, then you can always go to it when you want to use it like that.