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September 27, 2024
The Spark MINI has been a favorite of Steve Vai for quite some time. We’d often see him with it in the green room on tour, using it for quick practice sessions. So when we noticed him taking it everywhere—including one with his logo on the grille—we knew we had something special. That's when the idea of a Steve Vai signature model started brewing.
Read moreAugust 02, 2024
It’s been more than a few years since the release of the original Spark practice amp, and it’s been a wild ride, to say the least. After making huge waves in the ultra-portable guitar amp scene with the incredibly tiny Spark GO and pushing the boundaries of live performance with Spark LIVE, there was something that almost every guitarist with a Spark wanted: a built-in looper. So without further ado, let’s dive into the built-in looper included with the brand-new Spark 2. What is the Spark 2 Simple Looper? Those new buttons located on the top of Spark 2 aren’t just for show. They control the brand-new looper that is included. The Simple Looper is built right into Spark 2, and does exactly what you think it does—loops to your heart's content with two types of modes: Count-In and Punch-In modes. Count-In ModeIn this mode, you can use the Tap button to set a tempo, and Spark 2 will give you four beats before it starts recording your layer. It defaults at 120 bpm, but you can change by tapping the button or setting it in the Spark app. Once you have your base layer, you can overdub your next layer with any tone by hitting the record button again and playing over your original loop. Don’t like what you just recorded? Hit undo to start over again! Punch-In ModePunch-In mode does away with the metronome and starts recording the second you start playing. Once you’ve finished playing your first recording, just hit the stop button. And it’s as simple as that. You now have complete freedom to loop however you want. What is the Spark 2 Creative Groove Looper? The Spark 2 Creative Groove Looper is where the real fun begins. It includes hundreds of drum tracks that you can layer on top of for a complete full-band experience. Choose from a massive list of genre-spanning tracks that will fit any type of song or lick you can think of. Spark 2’s Creative Groove Looper can be accessed in the free Spark app, which also includes a huge library of amps and effects. With the Creative Groove Looper, your practice sessions will never be the same, inspiring you to play more and explore new musical ideas. Check out this demo of Spark 2’s looper here: Be first to get the latest about Spark 2. Already have the original Spark (40-Watt)? You can sign into your Positive Grid account and register your gear for a chance to win a beautiful Nuno Bettencourt Signature Washburn guitar. You’ll also get access to exclusive updates, promotions and more.
Read moreJuly 24, 2024
With all the buzz surrounding the sound and feature upgrades of Spark 2, we thought it would be a great time to take a closer look at its updated design. Not only does Spark 2 sound better, but looks better too. Everything from the grille to its oversized knobs has been meticulously crafted to make your jam sessions flow smoother than ever before. Spark 2 is designed with such quality and attention to detail that you can see and, more importantly, feel! Upgraded Cabinet and Grille The cabinet, wrapped in high-quality Tolex, has been upgraded for enhanced durability. The brand-new dark weave grille gives Spark 2 a sleek, and dare we say, a slightly edgier look. It’s perfect whether you’re jamming at home, recording in the studio, or rocking out on stage (with the help of a Spark CAB). Spark 2 fits in anywhere and looks great doing it. Plus, it comes in classic black or pearl. The strap had a durability upgrade, making it easier to carry without worrying about wear and tear. Full Onboard Control All of the knobs you need to create the perfect tone are available on Spark 2. From EQ to gain, all the way to reverb and now looper control—the knobs make it easy for you to dial in your dream tone and loop to your heart’s content. The controls are easily visible with elevated labels and feel great. Spark 2 also features 8 customizable presets that you can save directly to the Preset Knob. Craft custom presets in the Spark app with the huge collection of amps and effects, then save them for quick and easy switching. The music volume control is also larger, making it easier to adjust the volume of your backing tracks. Inputs and Outputs We’ve moved the guitar input to a more convenient position, because let’s face it, sometimes it’s the little things that make a big difference. Spark 2 also includes stereo outputs and a headphone input, so you can practice in private or connect to an external source with ease. More outputs mean more ways to integrate Spark 2 into your setup, whether you’re practicing, recording, or performing. Firmware updates can be installed over-the-air thanks to Spark 2's built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. Simply connect your Spark 2 to your local network, and you can download updates directly from our servers straight into your amp. Click here to learn more about Spark 2 and sign up to get notified when pre-orders go live! If you’re already a Spark owner, you can get access to a limited-time exclusive upgrade discount on Spark 2 by registering your Spark with Positive Grid.
Read moreJuly 24, 2024
We know what you’re thinking. How can AI help with guitar playing? While AI might not be able to shred a solo or feel the groove of a jam session, it can certainly make some of the more time-consuming parts of tone creation a lot easier. That’s where Spark AI comes in. Being released alongside Spark 2, Spark AI is set to open a whole new world of tone discovery for guitarists of all levels. Introducing Spark AI How Spark AI Helps You The Spark AI Beta is designed to help guitar players worldwide find their dream tone with ease. Whether you're a beginner trying to find your sound or a seasoned pro looking to experiment, Spark AI simplifies the process. No more endless tweaking of settings – just tell Spark AI what you’re aiming for, and let it do the hard work. How Spark AI Works Describe Your Tone: Simply tell Spark AI the tone of your favorite artist, band, or song. You can also describe it in your own words – how you want it to feel, sound, or even what mood you’re aiming for. Explore the Options: Spark AI will present you with multiple tone options based on your description. Test out all the tones Spark AI gives you. Chances are, it will provide the exact tone you’re looking for, or at least something very close to it. Get Smarter with Use: The more you interact with Spark AI, the smarter it gets! It learns from your preferences and refines its suggestions, making it an excellent starting point for the tone that defines your next masterpiece. So make sure to give the tones you like a thumbs up! Try some Suggestions: Want to get inspired with some tones from other genres that you’re not so familiar with? Dive into some of the suggestions below the prompt area to get started. The best part? Spark AI will be compatible with all Spark series amps through the Spark app in an upcoming update so keep an eye out! In the meantime, get your Spark 2 pre-order in now at an exclusive price and be the first to plug into the ultimate practice amp. There’s something for you Spark owners too – just register your Spark (40-Watt) and you’ll unlock a unique upgrade deal for Spark 2.
Read moreJuly 24, 2024
The long-awaited successor to the #1 best-selling practice amp is finally making its way to guitarists around the world. The original Spark (40-Watt) paved the way for the ultra-portable Spark GO and the incredibly versatile Spark LIVE, but with all the things we’ve learned along the way, it was only appropriate to give our most beloved smart amp a major overhaul with Spark 2. Here’s an overview of what to expect! A Whole New Sound Spark 2 has been updated with an all-new speaker design featuring angled speakers for wider stereo imaging. Powered by Sonic IQ Computational Audio and an all-new HD amp modeling engine, Spark 2 delivers improved tone and 25% more volume, now boasting 50-Watts of power and double the processing capability. Similar to Spark LIVE, Spark 2 includes a dedicated audio chip that seamlessly integrates its physical speaker design and digital amp simulation, bringing unparalleled depth, clarity, and responsiveness to your playing. Built-In Looper Yes, you heard that right. Spark 2 has a looper built right into it. Create loops effortlessly with the intuitive onboard controls, allowing you to start, stop, and layer loops right on the amp. Whether you're practicing riffs, building solos, or composing songs, the onboard looper makes it simple to capture your creativity on the fly. But there’s more. Inside the Spark app, you’ll find the Creative Groove Looper. Beyond simply creating loops, the Creative Groove Looper offers hundreds of drum tracks to jam along with. Spanning multiple genres, these drum tracks make looping not only more fun but also inspire you to get more creative with whatever you’re working on. Spark AI (Beta) Discover your perfect tone with the new Spark AI beta. Just describe the tone you’re imagining—whether it’s inspired by a specific artist, band, or a unique sound you’re dreaming of—and Spark AI will present you with multiple options to explore. The more you interact with it, the smarter it gets, making it easier than ever to find your ideal sound. And the best part? Spark AI will be available to use on all >Spark series amps. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Dave Tran dives into everything that’s new in Spark 2 from its upgraded build specs to optional battery power and more. Check out his walkthrough video here: Be first to get the latest about Spark 2. Already have the original Spark (40-Watt)? You can sign into your Positive Grid account and register your gear for a chance to win a beautiful Nuno Bettencourt Signature Washburn guitar. You’ll also get access to exclusive updates, promotions and more.
Read moreJune 14, 2024
It’s a tale as old as time – the never-ending quest to keep ears ringing well after your band practice or show. Well, Positive Grid’s newest addition to their award-winning line of Spark guitar amps, Spark LIVE, is paving the way for musicians to break out of their living rooms and onto the stage. So, for all of you Spark LIVE owners out there who think the 150-Watt multi-channel amp and PA system isn’t loud enough (I mean, really?), may we offer this suggestion: maybe take a gander at Spark CAB?
Read moreJune 14, 2024
Ready to take Spark LIVE to the stage? We’re happy to hear it. Whether it’s your first time under the spotlight or you’re a seasoned veteran, it’s always a good idea to learn how to mic your own amp just in case your sound guy isn’t too familiar with Spark LIVE.
Read moreJune 14, 2024
Are mic setups not your thing, or maybe you're caught without a mic at your gig? No worries—if you’ve got a few cables handy, connecting directly to a sound console is a straightforward alternative. After exploring how to mic Spark LIVE for both performing and recording, let’s dive into how to connect your Spark LIVE directly to the PA system or front of house (FOH), enhancing your live sound setup.
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