Positive Grid Spark 40 - Overview and Tones
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Had my Spark for 6 months and really love it. You just have to get over what the Spark isn't, and embrace what it is. An amazing little practice amp with tons of features that make practice more fun and productive. I would love to see this platform in a 2x12 with a built in screen
Well said, that pretty much sums up my thoughts
@@LeonTodd hey leon, always love your vids. About the spark being just a good practice amp, i think that depends on whose using it. Check out any of my spark demos and youll see that it can be a great recording tool too. I have a full triaxis rig and find myself gravitating towards the spark for its versatility and ease of use.
Yes would love a built in screen
I like the fact that you can switch from a smartphone to a tablet or bigger tablet etc rather than having to depend on a built-in screen which probably wouldn't be as practical as a large screen tablet. Also, the unit connects directly into any recording app on Windows with the included usb connector. For anyone not happy with the overbearing bass, they've just recently added an EQ for guitar and bass. As for 2x12 or anything else, you can use an amp interface like a 44Magnum or any old stereo tuner/amp and run it through bigger setups as well as any mixing patch to PA system using a 1/8 stereo to 1/4 mono or RCA plug-in wiring. Even better, I don't have a pedal but now you can get either the PG Spk pedal or Xsonic's AirStep Lite which includes a looper. There's just about nothing one can argue on for the price of this thing, it's a beast in a tiny box.
You guys made me order this geetarbox. Thx in advance
You don't look impressed, but IMHO the Spark 40 is the best practice amp since the discovery of electricity. I use mine at least 2 hours every day, almost always with headphones and backing tracks. I never use the speakers. One rarely mentioned positive feature it has over other modelers is that when you connect it to your computer via USB, it doesn't disable your computer's volume controls. You can easily set the levels of your guitar and backing tracks independently without diving deep into some exotic USB setup menu.
As a practice amp, I think it's just great. Looks like lots and lots of stuff in there, which gives people the opportunity to practice tweaking "gear" along with guitar.
Just ordered one. Can’t play at home because i have a kid who is persistent so can only play at work. Not trying to lug around a ton of equipment so i think this will be perfect for what i need it for. Cool vid by the way.
Just ordered mine and im super stoked now!
“I hope you enjoyed that extended jam.”
Why yes I did! Well done product review with a bonus jam thrown in! As always, great video my friend. 😎👍
Glad you enjoyed it!
I LOVE my spark. The tones are insane for what it is. I travel with it
that recto is fierce hey!
The Plexi tone is to die for.
I'll make this short . I bought one and absolutely Love it ! This little Amp packs a real punch . It does everything and more than you would ever expect from a Practice Amp . Get one , you will not regret it .
Ordered it yesterday and just cant wait to plug it in... this amp just does it all for little money
I have one as well and it is really fun…when it’s working. Returned my first one for repair as it no longer produced any sound…amp or Bluetooth. They actually sent be a brand new replacement, which was great…but it died shortly thereafter from the same issues. Hopefully third time is the charm and I’ll have her home and working just fine.
I would have loved this starting out. The tons of videos, the tabs, the other things that are just taken for granted today including this kind of amp are great.
I just had the 40w pearl edition delivered a few days ago, I started playing in 1997 and I can't imagine how it would have been having something like this back in the day. Most of the technology it uses didn't even exist!
i heard about this amp through a social media friend. I've been doing some video research for the last few months and i am happy to say i just ordered my spark like 20 mins ago lol
i cant wait to play around with it and mess around with the features. this is defiantly something very exciting. glad to see you reviewing it and jamming out on it.
Don't know if it's defiantly exciting , but it definitely is a great little amp for the cost !
For what it is, the size, weight, price, features, etc., I don't think it can be beat. I had this and the Yamaha THR30-II, and I sold the Yamaha. I even prefer it to the Katana that I had, just could never get along with the tone and feel of that. It kills me when I see people putting it down because "tube amps are better". Well, in terms of outright tone, response, etc., yes, and I have plenty of those that each cost many times the price of this, but that's not the point of this amp. This can give you all kinds of decent tones and effects all in one small package that you can keep in the living room, or wherever. And it works as a decent Bluetooth speaker too. As always, thanks Leon!
Is it mobile or do I need to be tethered to an electrical outlet? Thats the only thing making me lean towards a yamaha atm.
@@cnutella9947 it's corded but it can be powered with a rechargeable 19v battery pack
The tone cloud is the real reason to get the spark. Endless downloadable tones perfected by others already many times over. Just about any artist tone ever is in there.
analog is better
I'm learning guitar in the UK and just got this beauty, very well packaged, great service and I love it, I use it as a Bluetooth speaker too, sound quality is top notch! Lovely build quality, I love it
Great to hear!
First video IV found that mentioned the aux input, thank you.
Subbed.
This amp does it all! Great for what I've been looking for. Im no gigger or anything special, just and intermediate whom loves picking up my guitar and play to escape reality.. Man I'm ordering this thing ASAP! So many features in a little package!
Very tasteful soloing over your backing track!
I just bought one a couple weeks ago. Just getting used to all the features but I'm loving it. Such a range of tones. Great price too for what it can do.
Positive Grid hit a home run!
Was looking for reviews on the Spark and found your channel. I just bought mine and freakin love it...mainly because it makes me want to play more than I already did. Great channel...i just subscribed...
Welcome aboard!
With the new EQ pedals they added and the capability of adding a sprk pedal or XSonic AirStep Lite with the looper, the direct recording capabilities with the USB wire, just patching this into any PA system or other setup (ie. using and 44Magnum or other tuner/amp or mixer setup) you can literally plug this into anything and use it for just about everything. Add a Wah pedal before it and enjoy! There isn't much one cannot dislike about this little thing at the going prices.
Great vid.
Thanks
Thx, excellent content., I bought one a couple years ago and I’m still trying to figure out how to use. It had some health problems but thank you so much because you made it very clear.❤
Well done. I'm impressed with my Spark.
It’s an excellent amp that in my opinion rivals every practice amp out there for a cheaper price. The one thing that really surprises me is that they have found a way to move the resonant frequency out of the range of the amp but at the same time make it sound really good at the same time. And if it’s too bassy you can take the grill off and stuff the port with foam to really tame the bass
Not necessary, simply lift the amp off the floor or raise it above a flat surface and the bass "falls away"
The new software update included an equalizer where you can change the bass output. Problem solved. Download the update.
I will simply say, so many Spark owners INCLUDING YOU, like it so much, they wish they could use it as a head. That is all you need to know about how it sounds and feels playing. As a practice amp/tool, and under that function umbrella, it is a fantastic tool, for, imho, all levels of skill. Even advanced players, can hae such a small, great sounding and playing option in their living room. And, frankly it is a pretty decent BT speaker, if nothing else.
Great review. I worked in a guitar shop in the late 70¨ties. All we could sell was either Pignoses or Cubes without anything else than amplification.
Cube 20 .. my first amp 1985! LOL!
For the bedroom or the apartment this is ideal. Seems like it’s a fun amp for sitting around with and playing. Tube amps are great but not ideal for home.
I love my spark,gets used everyday 👍 and I got mine just before covid hit our shores of Australia. So it was a life saver during lockdown.
Oh dude I bet, guitar has been one of the few things keeping me semi-sane the last 18 months
@@LeonTodd thankfully I'm on the Sunshine coast,so I can still go to my guitar store,I've been buying a guitar every month😂 PRS SE Santana, squire 70's classic vibes and this week Epiphone prophecy flying v🤣 preparing for Armageddon 👍
@@heavybrett-al4082 those prophecy V's are wicked guitars, what colour you getting?
@@LeonTodd I had to get the tiger yellow,I'm just blown away by the Fishman pickups👍🤘🙏🎸
As an American, it makes me sad to know people in other countries had to go through such traumatic times. Outside of California and New York, we didn't really have the hardcore lockdowns you guys had. Life pretty much continued on as normal, at least in the Midwest, anyway. Sorry you had to go through all of that.
Man...that jam over the first backing track was money! Some serious Neal Schon-ism happening there Mr. Todd! By the way, the "nobodies" of the world are making THE best music available these days. Indie artists and small labels are where it's at!
I do not have or use one but I recommend this unit to many people in my path that are generally first starting out and it's a great tool - I have positive grid guitar amp software (DAW) so I know there products - there very good!
you made is sound good with your jams. playing along to your songs with little set up is cool.
😎Best human made thing in decades!!!🤳🏾🌌📻🎶🎶🎶🔥🔥🔥🔥
Great video. I bought the Boss Katana Artist and the Spark a couple weeks ago for $125! Really enjoying both, but need to plan plan some deep dives in the near future.
I plan to use the Spark to teach my soon to be 7 year old. She’s a little metal head like her dad
I have had my spark for a year maybe longer and being a older player beginning again this amp is great for searching tone and smart jam and other things wish I would have had something like this when I was younger I could only imagine how much better players can use all the tools on this amp very Kool Leon 🎸
Excellent demo and playing. You can use the Headphone Out and run into a powered speaker which am doing. As a result, you have a full blown state of the art amp :-)
I’m so glad to see you do this review! I’ve had mine over a year. It’s priceless for home practicing or jamming with buds when you can’t crank up the Marshall stack😬. I’ve also got the AIRSTEP controller that is just brilliant for wireless channel switching. Great review!🔥🎸🔥
Yeah it scratches the itch!
Really great demo of this little amp. I really like your playing. Thanks
Thank you kindly!
Another very fair review from you. I enjoy my Spark, and I think it works really well for what it is. thx....Todd
Man, that was some awesome playing! Just bought 1 and is anxiously waiting for it to be delivered.
Hope you enjoy it!
I use one in the living room at night when my wife is sleeping. Works well. When not in my studio I really enjoy this.
You have so much Kings X in you it's wonderful
This is a perfect amp to discover and experiment with the exact kinda rig that you desire without tons of cash upfront and going back and forth.
you just sold me. buying one now.
Hi Leon love the review! I absolutely love mine that I bought during the lockdown. What it does for me is the simplest way to play guitar without the wiring hassle and set up and gives
a great bunch of clean to face melt tones! Playing with good headphones is another revelation over the speakers btw. I have my FM3/amps/mac DAW for my music cave but the Spark sits in the tv room and I can noodle away. I had a little Blackstar HT5 for quiet practice but it was so limited towards the Spark that has all the “pedal” bonus and Bluetooth feed without the hassle. It’s like you know when you are inspired to play your guitar but then think nahh its too much bother I play probably more now than I have done in ages! I wish this amp was around when I was 16(many moons ago!) and playing a Copicat and an AC 30 was hi tech then. I posted your review on the Spark Amp Owners group on FB btw so it will enlighten a few I’m sure👍
Plug'n'play!
Nice, just bought the spark mini, love it!
Its a killer practice amp. I love mine. I keep it setup in my room for quick access and it has everything I need effects wise. Its a no-brainer for home!
Oh, wow! So glad *you* are doing a demo. Now i'll know whether my preorder of the Pearl version was a good choice. I already have the Yamaha THR30ii, but i don't love it-even though i *did* love the old THR10x.... You can tell i'm jazzed to see your take on this, as i'm typing even as i'm only a minute into this video.... But, also check out *The Studio Rats* videos on the Spark. Paul really knows how to set them up so that they sound *_much_* better than they do 'out of the box.'
Did you end up liking it?
@@wishmeluck95 Hi, Brandon. I've had it for over a year. I did prefer it to the Yamaha THR30II, so i returned the Yamaha. But, i don't love the Spark, either. I never had them both at the same time to compare them, but i have only very, very fond memories of the old THR10x and i think it is better than the current gen of desktop amps. I think. I mean, i'm at the point right now where i was considering getting an old 10x, but then, as my tendency dictates, i begin with a reasonable idea and then it grows and grows and i think 'bigger is better.' So, i bought a Katana Artist Mk II. But i didn't like that either. just returned it yesterday, and was planning to buy a Fender Deluxe Reverb, but the shops didn't have one in stock. I tried a cosmetically damaged floor model, and was quite disappointed. This was the '65 Reissue. Now i think i'm going to get the '68 Reissue. but, i also just happened to try a used Supro yesterday, and it was fantastic-for cleans. I don't like it for its own drive/dirt tones, though. I was planning, with the Fender Deluxe Reverb to add a Friedman Smallbox pedal to handle my Van Halen/80s metal stuff. // Basically, my katana Artist experience began badly-it sounded very bad right out of the box. After a couple of weeks of just thinking it was not a good amp, i found that people reset it to factory standard with just some button presses. I did that, and the one tonal problem i had with the amp was primarily resolved, but i was just put off by the whole digital/firmware/OS thing, plus the clumsy multiple effects on concentric knobs thing and... you know-the UX just wasn't as simple and direct as i wanted. I decided i just wanted a simple, old-fashioned tube amp. Something still for the same purpose as the Spark-to sit next to my sofa for practice and songwriting. I have the Spark back in that spot right now but it just feels like the sound can be loud, but it still seems like it's coming from small speakers. I just want a 'bigger,' more vintage-vibe type of experience-that's why i'm turning to a much more expensive tube amp solution. Sorry for the rambling, but that's my longwinded reply to your very simple question.
TLDR: Eh. It's okay.
Leon: As Always , you make everything sound great !!!
Wow, thank you!
ive got the app on my phone....best fx ive played thru in 30+ years of playing...sounds killer!!!!!
Great, great job, Leon! I bought one a few months back but haven't even unboxed it since, as you said, I have a lot "the toys.". That said, I plan to open mine up and put it through some paces. Sure appreciate all you do. Keep rockin' my friend!
It's a great, cheap, flexible practice amp. So many features that I still haven't used them all even after 18 months. No line out, but you can use the headphones out and a 1/4" adapter and it's fine.
However, when the firmware needed to be upgraded my Spark crashed and refused to work again. Ever. But Positive Grid were great to deal with. I emailed them and after several attempts to resuscitate/reboot/update the amp they replaced it free of charge. Even though it was out of warranty.
Rock on
Yeah my Spark did that during an update , wouldn't even do a factory reset and the updater wouldn't read serial number . Positive Grid sent me an older firmware updater with a data logger so they could see what problem was if it did not work , but it fixed problem no worries !
I sure enjoyed that extended jam 👍
Glad you enjoyed it!
Fair play to everyone who loves their Spark, but I watched this video hoping to learn some obvious tweak I've been overlooking to make mine usable. When you have to turn the treble all the way up and the bass and mids all the way down to get any semblance of note definition out of a Strat bridge pickup... well, only so much of that can be attributed to old strings and even older ears. 😄
The app is where it shines. I don't even mess with the knobs on the actual amp.
Very tastful playing as usual. This is a great practice tool and beneficial to teach newer players how to tweak amps/effects chains to achieve awesome tones on this or other gear. I would have loved to have something like this when I started playing 43 years ago as a 9 year old. The golden age is now! God bless and rock on 👍😎🎸
I use my Spark in my office. I live and work in two different cities so when I’m at work during the week I just bring a guitar and I can jam. Only after work hours naturally
Good little home practice amp, I like it and probably use one.
As a 25 year+ player that doesn’t play in a band the spark is unbeatable for the price, when rebuilding my gear after the 2008-09 roughness I bought this instead of getting like a twin and pedals or such things, I play in my breezeway which is brick and glass, it sounds great in that acoustic space, does it replace a tube amp? No, but it’s a perfect home amp for 250 bucks, and it can give newer players a damn good idea of what amp and effects they may want to build a sound with and how to use them, for the most part, absolutely knocked it out of the park, punches way above it’s weight, the lack of a spring reverb would be my only gripe and it’s just a tiny one.
Super content! Thanks
i tried it and returned it after aweek. i couldnt get any good tones out of it. and switched it out for a boss katana 100 mk2 i get the best tones from that thing. couldnt be happier with my decision. i can get some great clean blues and metal tones from that thing!
Couldn't get ANY good tones? Yeah, I doubt that. The Spark is great.
Mr Leon in your house everything sounds good !😎❤👍
I know where my OT is going towards buying next
Awesome video ..This is very helpful suggestion👍👍🎸🎸🎶🎶🌏Thanks so much.
Great demo. I got mine a about a month ago. For me it is the best sounding amp I have tried at super low volumes eg talking volume.
I had a Katana MK2 side by side with this and at the super low volume I need to practice at the Spark sounded way better. I sold the Katana. The Katana was better at high volume and I do miss the foot controller but plan to buy the new Airstep foot controller so that won't be a problem.
Also find the app really easy to use, and not spending anywhere near as much time tweaking the sound as much as I did with the Boss tone studio.
Yeah the Katana will fill a room a lot better than this but doesn't have all the bells and whistles for really low vol stuff.
I can’t help but think that you’re going to get more than a handful of people on here asking for the Tabs for the solo you played from 645 and on
This is what I've been using all year but if anything it has just made me realize what I really want is a legit modeler like AxeFx/FM3 or FM9 or Quad Cortex or Helix.
They are all good though Leon would be a great resource for all things Fractal especially.
I liked the LT SLO with the Vibe!
I’m gonna get 1.
I just cannot WAIT to wreck all over a Ragdoll song, that was the selling point! 👏😹
Go hard!
I’m still waiting for PG to fix the frequency warble in the Bluetooth, aux and usb out. Can’t use it as an audio interface until that is fixed.
i think its a great amp .tones are great not cheap sounding.i own fractal axe3 and ax8.i think this has great sound easy to take with you ,loud ive taken it to practice worked
I've been told to not use the headphone output to record or go to a cab. They say it fries the jack.
I like your honesty. The whole review you can almost smell the fart in the room, metaphorically.
Yeah Man... i have my white cream Spark 40 (with a beautiful amp leather handle mod on it 😁 and the power bank mod too)... and yes... it sounds pretty good for what it is... but Man... you can make sounds awesome even the cutlery drawer!!! 😱
Great vid mate \_/ I love the jam track !!!! ….. what model is the LP ? Stock pus? Thanks mate ….. Spark is a great cheap tool for quick jams I enjoy my \_/
2002 Standard Premium Plus - Martin A. Smith vintage humbuckers
Its great for quick recordings
Hi, I am mostly playing my own stuff on Guitar. I admire those guys who do perfect covers of an entire Band just by themselves... Till this day I used a DigiTech BandCreator Plus and a Boss ME-25. But its not very useful for life gigs... Would the positive Grid Spark 40 Amp solve that? Or do you advise me to buy other stuff...?
Best 250$ I've spent in my life.
Just bought one,
I have to try one 👍
quick suggestion: have your main video frame fill the entire screen and the app recording overlay that. the trippy clouds in the background are messing with my brain and IMO don't add much to the video composition.
I tried it, and was initially impressed, it did sound bigger than its size, but it ran out of steam really quick and DSP overload before i could get the sounds i really wanted to hear... good try but a bit more juice needed i think... Sent it back.. :-(
I am torn between buying this one or the NUX Mighty Space
Cool dude 😎 mint program just frond👍
Just got having a really hard time trying to get the app on my fire. 10
This is pretty nifty
It IS nifty! Nifty gifties!
Is it all apps driven now, no more usb and windows interface
for editing patches?
Just curious if there is something wrong with the mixing ability with the spark amp because everyone whos demoing these always seem to be drowning the backing track beneath their lead soloing
I hear extremely abruptly loud lead and the backing tracks are nearly inaudible
Don't get me wrong the playing is great just seems like it should sit a little lower in the mix
PS when you switched to the mic'ing the actual speaker I was pretty shocked by how good this thing sounds through those small speakers
Especially the high gain stuff!
I'm in!
I'm getting this little thing!
He just didn't adjust the music volume to same level as lead tone . You'll love this little amp , as long as you don't try and compare it to something that costs thousands of dollars more , as a lot do in the user groups , forums etc .
Looked at this for a live rig going through a Headrush FRFR 12 but couldn't see any way of using with a controller to change patches so went with the Bias Processor Head and all three pro version Bias Pedals for thier MIDI capabilities in conjunction with a Rocktron Midimate
You can tap off the headphone jack into the Headrush and use the Airstep Spark edition to change your four hardware presets th-cam.com/video/4myNM9_NY4o/w-d-xo.html
The xsonic spk version and full version allow you to foot control the spark. Airstep.
@@leifpearson5205 yeah I've seen that people have managed to hook up controllers since it's release, but when emailing Positive Grid at the time of release they said there was no controller option.
@@leifpearson5205 And the lite as well ! Spark edition though the cheapest only controls the amp nothing else !
How did you DI it ? Through the usb or from the headphone jack?
Is that a Ibanez 550 or 350M in desert sun yellow you have in the back? If so I've been looking at them and have been trying to see how people like them
550. Fun guitar
I have the spark.i really like it.
But be warned don't do a firmware update.
I did it to mine it crappt out.and had to go back to positive grid for a replacement.eventhough I done the factory reset it still stopped it working.
Customer service is good a few emails and I had a returns labe now waiting for my new one to come.i will not be doing any firmware update on this one.
How would this perform as a head unit for a really good FRFR speaker like an Atomic CLR?
Anyone else having problems with the app?
I downloaded a song I wanted to learn and when click on the song the app shuts down - wtf!
Does it work with an aux pedal for looping without count-in? For some reason the iPhone/iPad version of Bias FX does not support that.
considering this or the Nu-x
Hi looking to create The Hank Marvin sound please advise settings. Thankyou
What guitar is it and what string gauge ?
2002 LP Standard, EBMM JP7, PRS SC245 all have 10-52's
@@LeonTodd The Les Paul sounds great, what pickup does she have?
I've got a spark that likes to break up while playing low tones. I've tracked down s a pair of JBL 4 in speakers hoping the stock speakers are bad. Anyone else notice this problem?
How do I use metronome? I turned it on and see its flashing in the proper tempo but I can't hear no beats.
Update the firmware.
I've only had it for 2 days and I am very disappointed that I only get great tones when I use the headphones. Anyone have a solution/tips?