I have been using the headphone output also mainly because I couldn't seem to get the USB on my system to work. I use a Focusrite interface and I can't seem to use two interfaces using Spark on my DAW. I also go into the amp settings on Spark and compensate for that lack of mids you mentioned on the Spark. It sounded like you are boosting them after recording them unless I misunderstood. I'll check out your tones. Thanks for the video.
Would be nice if Spark would fix the USB output only in mono issue in an update. As for the song, it really rocks! Can you post the whole song here, it sounds really interesting.
I am getting some great sounds using the spark as the wet in a wet-dry-wet setup. I am using the UAD Bluesbreaker amp plugin dry in the middle with the bass turned all the way down. The wet has modulation and delay but no reverb. I then send all three tracks to a bus with Oceanway Studios and EMT 140. It’s huge but still articulate as well.
Great video. I think you've shown that you can use the spark as a recording amp if that's all you have on hand. Perhaps could make another short video with a sample of the original recording versus the one you made with the spark for comparison.
For those of us new to DAWs as well as Spark, we really need a nuts-and-bolts tutorial about recording app backing tracks as well as guitar parts, live playback while recording, etc. I just got a Spark and recording what I'm playing on guitar using the USB cable and StudioOne seems fairly simple, but it won't record the backing track as well. In your videos we're hearing a backing track along with your guitar, and I assume you're recording both. How do you accomplish that exactly? What cables, interface, StudioOne settings, etc. Seriously, for someone who doesn't know an audio interface from a toaster, nuts-and-bolts, please.
I've been trying to get answer to that question for a while now. Has anybody got a solution. I would love to be able to record the killer guitar tone and backing track I hear from the spark amp but can only record my Guitar parts. Im just using the free Studio One DAW supplied
Nice vid! Unfortunately my spark is useless in a recording studio as the pitch wobbles at random intervals during recording! You can play a pure harmonic and hear it drop by like 50 cents or so at random points and then back up again, infuriating to say the least! Glad yours works well I may have to try the headphone to stereo splitter method to see if this issue is just regarding USB!
Salut je viens d,avoir mon spark et j'autilise uAD Luna et dans la console je ne vois pas de signal d'entré et je suis connecter en usb pourrais tu me dire comment faire svp si non j'ai l'option de la prise écouteur mais je voudrais essayer en usb merci
Does the amp clean up well? My best clean tones I get is by rolling back the guitar volume while the master is at 10 and gain not too high (plexi). Does this amp do that? (My old thr10 did this very well). I have not seen a TH-cam vid where this is demonstrated. Great video's by the way!
Thanks this is really helpful! When you plug in the splitter cable into the headphone jack does that silence the amp? Do you still get to hear the Spark through your studio monitors? I've not had a lot of luck with the Spark's audio interface function. Terrible sound and strange pitch wobble
I’m running Positive Grid Studio 1 (v3) for my DAW, and when I try to use my spark as a record I can’t get the software to acknowledge it’s plugged in. Any my recommendations??
Thanks very much for this! Would you know if there’s any audible difference between using the Headphone jack and the USB interface? It sure seems like recording the Spark is a great way to songwrite and build demo tracks!
@@TheStudioRats Thank you for responding! That’s certainly a drawback to using the USB. I was referring more towards the actual reproduction / frequency response, ie does one sound “fuller” or tinnier then the other...
Really good video and information! I tried using a Hosa 1/4" TRS to 3.5 mm TRS adapter and then into a balanced interconnect 1/4" TRS to XLR3M, which I plugged into my Scarlette 2i2 interface. And recorded to an audio track in Logic Pro X. It sounded like it was coming out of a cave. Lots of reverb! What am I doing wrong? When I use the USB out, it sounds way better, but I was hoping to get the stereo effect as you did. FYI - I subscribed. I really enjoyed going through your channel.
@@TheStudioRats Yes and thanks for getting back to me. I've tried a couple of times in the past week. The only way I can stop the reverb is to turn the reverb off on the amp. Then I can turn up the master volume and get a better sound, but still not that good. And when any adjustments are made on the amp, except volume... the tone gets messed up.
@@StevenParente have noticed the reverb when all the way down, is still on, but at the minimal setting, the minute you tweak knobs (other than the amp knob), the sound shift from the App to the Amp sound.
@@berlymahn Thanks for the input! I solved the problem. You have to split the headphone out signal. I bought a UGREEN 3.5mm 1/8" TRS to Dual 6.35mm 1/4" TS Mono Stereo Y-Cable Splitter Cord. It sounds good, but I didn't find a big difference in sound between the headphone out jack and the USB out to my computer. I created a video comparison about it on my TH-cam channel. th-cam.com/video/crYnRb6D6OM/w-d-xo.html
Hi! Is it possible to connect Spark directly to active studio monitors? Just trying to find a way to improve sound that i get out of Spark. What kind of monitors could be suitable with lower budget?
Since this video was released Positive Grid added a 6- band equalizer pedal for both guitar and bass that solves the mid-scoop issue talked about in this video The Fix - th-cam.com/video/HnHUerYr4Qo/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for the video. I am actually becoming a bit frustrated with the Spark 40. On its own, presets etc sound great. However, I must be missing something when it comes to recording. Using Ableton with Spark on USB straight into computer, the input signal strength from guitar looks and sounds decent, around -12db. However, compared with the backing track, the recorded sound is thin, weedy and quieter, whether using a clean or distorted preset. I've tried adjusting the Mids, Gain and Master in the app settings but no noticeable difference. I tried the headphone output into my Zoom U-22 single input and this sounded awful. I actually got a decent recorded signal connecting Headphone socket to Line In on Zoom interface but I'm sure it's not supposed to be this complicated. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
I'm also having issues recording with mine. Similar to what you mentioned. But the main issue I'm really having with it is random spurts of static noise while playing. The FAQ on positive grid's website's only solution is to minimize CPU usage. But CPU isn't the issue here. Would love to hear if anyone else has had the same problem and if they've solved it or not.
Love this song, i heard it couple of months ago in a Q&A session with UAD. Don’t think the Spark can cover this, though it’s not bad. The original guitar sound got more defenition. I record my guitars with a Kemper and have no complains at all. I really dig LUNA! Greetz from Amsterdam, peace.
I do not agree. the speakers are no where close to the fidelity you get with good headphones, or with 1/8" out to your interface. but, by all means, there certainly can be applications for micing the speakers (they sound pretty good). I did a comparison to my fender bassbreaker 15 tube amp. real amp had far more clarity and grit, as expected. Still, I love this Spark Amp. great product.
I have been using the headphone output also mainly because I couldn't seem to get the USB on my system to work. I use a Focusrite interface and I can't seem to use two interfaces using Spark on my DAW. I also go into the amp settings on Spark and compensate for that lack of mids you mentioned on the Spark. It sounded like you are boosting them after recording them unless I misunderstood. I'll check out your tones. Thanks for the video.
Would be nice if Spark would fix the USB output only in mono issue in an update. As for the song, it really rocks! Can you post the whole song here, it sounds really interesting.
I am getting some great sounds using the spark as the wet in a wet-dry-wet setup. I am using the UAD Bluesbreaker amp plugin dry in the middle with the bass turned all the way down. The wet has modulation and delay but no reverb. I then send all three tracks to a bus with Oceanway Studios and EMT 140. It’s huge but still articulate as well.
I’d like to see a video on that, it sounds awesome
Thanks for sharing!
It sounds better than expected
I agree.
Thanks. You just help me decide to buy the spark amp. Thanks alot !!
Glad I could help!
Great video. I think you've shown that you can use the spark as a recording amp if that's all you have on hand. Perhaps could make another short video with a sample of the original recording versus the one you made with the spark for comparison.
Cheers Ryan
Thanks!
It would be great to hear the parts individually too. How they come together.
For those of us new to DAWs as well as Spark, we really need a nuts-and-bolts tutorial about recording app backing tracks as well as guitar parts, live playback while recording, etc. I just got a Spark and recording what I'm playing on guitar using the USB cable and StudioOne seems fairly simple, but it won't record the backing track as well. In your videos we're hearing a backing track along with your guitar, and I assume you're recording both. How do you accomplish that exactly? What cables, interface, StudioOne settings, etc. Seriously, for someone who doesn't know an audio interface from a toaster, nuts-and-bolts, please.
i agree..to bad nobody got back to you
I've been trying to get answer to that question for a while now. Has anybody got a solution. I would love to be able to record the killer guitar tone and backing track I hear from the spark amp but can only record my Guitar parts. Im just using the free Studio One DAW supplied
Yes!!!
Great!
cheers Steelwiz.
Nice vid! Unfortunately my spark is useless in a recording studio as the pitch wobbles at random intervals during recording! You can play a pure harmonic and hear it drop by like 50 cents or so at random points and then back up again, infuriating to say the least! Glad yours works well
I may have to try the headphone to stereo splitter method to see if this issue is just regarding USB!
I just noticed that myself. Is this a problem that is common on all sparks?
@@michaelvarney. It would be unfair for me to say all sparks, but it is definitely a common discussion thread on forums etc!
@@DudeWheresMyTom Thanks. I verified it is both USB and Bluetooth when using the amp as a monitor as well.
This happened to me too and seems to be a common problem. I definitely would not recommend the spark for recording
I have this issue also, makes it completely useless at recording
Great vid... and great song. Where can I hear the full track please?
The Studio Rats - Falling To Pieces Feat. Chris Stjerne From H.E.R.O
Salut je viens d,avoir mon spark et j'autilise uAD Luna et dans la console je ne vois pas de signal d'entré et je suis connecter en usb pourrais tu me dire comment faire svp si non j'ai l'option de la prise écouteur mais je voudrais essayer en usb merci
Can you send a link to the split lead you’re using out of the headphone jack?
Thanks for this video! What's the name of the cable you used to get the sound from the mini jack to your interface?
1/8" TRS to Dual 1/4" TS Cable?
That’s the one.
Does the amp clean up well? My best clean tones I get is by rolling back the guitar volume while the master is at 10 and gain not too high (plexi). Does this amp do that? (My old thr10 did this very well). I have not seen a TH-cam vid where this is demonstrated. Great video's by the way!
Hey Diana, thanks for the message. It cleans up fairly well, it is only a coffee table practice amp but for what it is it does well.
Thanks this is really helpful! When you plug in the splitter cable into the headphone jack does that silence the amp? Do you still get to hear the Spark through your studio monitors? I've not had a lot of luck with the Spark's audio interface function. Terrible sound and strange pitch wobble
Yes it cuts the speakers on the unit but you can then hear them on your monitors depending on what daw you use and if your mac or pc.
I’m running Positive Grid Studio 1 (v3) for my DAW, and when I try to use my spark as a record I can’t get the software to acknowledge it’s plugged in. Any my recommendations??
Thanks very much for this! Would you know if there’s any audible difference between using the Headphone jack and the USB interface? It sure seems like recording the Spark is a great way to songwrite and build demo tracks!
Hi Christian, I’ve only been able to record mono out of the USB port. If you use the jack out you get the pseudo stereo efffect from the reverb.
@@TheStudioRats Thank you for responding! That’s certainly a drawback to using the USB. I was referring more towards the actual reproduction / frequency response, ie does one sound “fuller” or tinnier then the other...
i dont have any issues getting the spark 40 to record in stereo? thats strange
Is the Spark mic-ed up or is it direct into the recording program? Thank you in advance
Where is the link to get the tones pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!
Really good video and information! I tried using a Hosa 1/4" TRS to 3.5 mm TRS adapter and then into a balanced interconnect 1/4" TRS to XLR3M, which I plugged into my Scarlette 2i2 interface. And recorded to an audio track in Logic Pro X. It sounded like it was coming out of a cave. Lots of reverb! What am I doing wrong? When I use the USB out, it sounds way better, but I was hoping to get the stereo effect as you did. FYI - I subscribed. I really enjoyed going through your channel.
Have you made sure the jack was plugged fully in?
@@TheStudioRats Yes and thanks for getting back to me. I've tried a couple of times in the past week. The only way I can stop the reverb is to turn the reverb off on the amp. Then I can turn up the master volume and get a better sound, but still not that good. And when any adjustments are made on the amp, except volume... the tone gets messed up.
@@StevenParente have noticed the reverb when all the way down, is still on, but at the minimal setting, the minute you tweak knobs (other than the amp knob), the sound shift from the App to the Amp sound.
@@berlymahn Thanks for the input! I solved the problem. You have to split the headphone out signal. I bought a UGREEN 3.5mm 1/8" TRS to Dual 6.35mm 1/4" TS Mono Stereo Y-Cable Splitter Cord. It sounds good, but I didn't find a big difference in sound between the headphone out jack and the USB out to my computer. I created a video comparison about it on my TH-cam channel. th-cam.com/video/crYnRb6D6OM/w-d-xo.html
Thank you Paul...Looking foreward to trying this in Presonus Studio One...
Thank you for this video. So, what is your answer to the titled question? :)
Its ok, I wouldn’t use it in my setup, but if its all you’ve got it does a good job.
Thank you
Hi! Is it possible to connect Spark directly to active studio monitors? Just trying to find a way to improve sound that i get out of Spark. What kind of monitors could be suitable with lower budget?
you can if you are careful, just use the headphone out and keep the level down. Its not ideal but it will work.
with the interface sounds great but how is the actual amp sound in the room?
Like shit sadly.
Awesome
What’s the name of the song you’re playing against? I’d like to run comparisons to the recorded tones and the ones downloaded on tonecloud. Thank you.
Hi, it The Studio Rats - Falling To Pieces Feat. Chris Stjerne From H.E.R.O
Since this video was released Positive Grid added a 6- band equalizer pedal for both guitar and bass that solves the mid-scoop issue talked about in this video
The Fix - th-cam.com/video/HnHUerYr4Qo/w-d-xo.html
tone at 2:02 to 2:12 sounds like Black Betty to me.
Thanks for the video. I am actually becoming a bit frustrated with the Spark 40. On its own, presets etc sound great. However, I must be missing something when it comes to recording. Using Ableton with Spark on USB straight into computer, the input signal strength from guitar looks and sounds decent, around -12db. However, compared with the backing track, the recorded sound is thin, weedy and quieter, whether using a clean or distorted preset. I've tried adjusting the Mids, Gain and Master in the app settings but no noticeable difference. I tried the headphone output into my Zoom U-22 single input and this sounded awful. I actually got a decent recorded signal connecting Headphone socket to Line In on Zoom interface but I'm sure it's not supposed to be this complicated. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
I'm also having issues recording with mine. Similar to what you mentioned. But the main issue I'm really having with it is random spurts of static noise while playing. The FAQ on positive grid's website's only solution is to minimize CPU usage. But CPU isn't the issue here. Would love to hear if anyone else has had the same problem and if they've solved it or not.
I had the exact same problem and ended up selling the amp because of that
Love this song, i heard it couple of months ago in a Q&A session with UAD. Don’t think the Spark can cover this, though it’s not bad. The original guitar sound got more defenition. I record my guitars with a Kemper and have no complains at all. I really dig LUNA! Greetz from Amsterdam, peace.
Cheers JB, The Kemper is a great tool!
are you high again?
just playing man....
Mic the amp. Much better sound.
I'm looking for a video where someone tried this
I do not agree. the speakers are no where close to the fidelity you get with good headphones, or with 1/8" out to your interface. but, by all means, there certainly can be applications for micing the speakers (they sound pretty good). I did a comparison to my fender bassbreaker 15 tube amp. real amp had far more clarity and grit, as expected. Still, I love this Spark Amp. great product.