Spark amp jimi hendrix8/31/2023 I’ve seen neither of these glitches reported on the larger Spark. Positive Grid promised a firmware update to fix the USB issues, but I hadn’t heard about a resolution for the low guitar signal output issue as of this writing. The app also had a tendency to disconnect while the Bluetooth was still paired. The other issue was occasional digital garbage from the USB audio interface. Said line output from the guitar signal (not Bluetooth or auxiliary input) was extremely low (-28 dB with output and inputs cranked to the max), and I could find no adjustment for it. There are separate Bluetooth tone control and audio connections. According to Positive Grid’s forum users, the iOS version can connect via Bluetooth and USB at the same time, albeit only to edit sounds. July 11th 2022: The issue just described seems to effect only Android users such as myself. It too is configurable via the Spark app. There’s also an $109 optional Bluetooth Spark Control floor unit that allows you to tap switches with your foot to change presets or effects. In total, the Mini can mimic 33 different guitar/bass amp types (heads and speakers are married), and 43 effects.Īlong with playing back through the speakers, the Mini can also output a line level signal (see below) from the line/headphone jack, or via USB as an audio interface (44.1 kHz/16-bit). The best thing about the modeling approach is that you can have the same amplifier emulate any number of others: clean Fenders, crunchy Voxs, distorted Marshalls, metal Mesas, and so on. The same arrangement is found in any number of practice/small gig amps out there, including the Marshall CODE, Boss Katana, Yamaha THR10, and the Fender Mustang GT. In truth, the Spark series are simply the same software simulations in a box containing a processor, amp, and speakers. Its first software products were the much-hyped Bias FX and Bias Amp, which are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. (I kid.)Īs I mentioned earlier, Positive Grid began as a software company–specifically, it started out as a guitar amplifier simulation, a.k.a. Crank it up, and well, it’s good, but size does matter. Sitting on a night table in a bedroom or hotel room, and at low volumes, it’s nigh on perfect. The Spark Mini delivers far beyond what you might expect as a practice amp, especially given its diminutive stature. And if there’s a hint of musical talent in anyone you know, the next bit makes it a steal. At $229 (but currently on sale for $189), it’s pricey to employ solely in that role, but not outrageous if you look at the competition. Minimal stereo separation aside, If you’re looking for a cool-looking, conversation-starting Bluetooth speaker that sounds good, the Spark Mini is quite possibly what you’re looking for. There are plenty of similar speakers that don’t do as well as the Spark Mini. In other words, it’s the nature of the beast. That’s endemic to single-box units with forward-firing speakers and no side-firing radiators. In the end, my only complaint is that despite the angled speakers, there’s only a bare minimum of stereo separation. Speaking of which, the Mini can get plenty loud–louder than is comfortable when you’re near it. The high-end was well-represented, and the mid-range nicely defined, though it became a tad more strident as volume increased. You can see the slight 8-degree angling of the twin speakers, which gives you a modicum of stereo separation.
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