With its Spark series, the American company Positive Grid has broken new ground with the concept of a "smart amp". More than just a buzzword, the Spark Mini lives up to its "smart" moniker by not only combining an amplifier, USB audio interface, and Bluetooth speaker in one ultra-compact device, but also by offering a whole suite of intelligent control options via the free Spark App. The integrated USB-C rechargeable battery with up to eight hours of life means that the Spark Mini is the perfect on-the-go companion for every occasion, and the amp is also a breeze to operate. With voice command functionality via the Spark App, the user can tell it to stream a Rock song or a Blues backing track, or even ask for a virtual band to accompany a performance. The app also provides access to a whole host of sound presets, an Auto Chords function, and much more. With the Spark Mini, Positive Grid proves that smart doesn't have to mean expensive.
Although the Spark Mini has a wealth of features, it is first and foremost an intuitive and powerful amplifier for guitar and bass. The front panel features separate volume controls for the instrument and music channels as well as a knob for selecting one of four presets. Powered by a class D power stage, the Spark Mini features a pair of angled 2" custom speakers for a vivid near-field stereo experience, while a passive radiator pumps out omnidirectional bass. Those looking to tap into the full potential of the Spark Mini can access 33 amp models and 43 effects via the Spark App, where they can also explore and download thousands of additional tones created by others on the ToneCloud platform. Additionally, the Spark Mini can be connected to a computer via USB to start recording to any DAW software. Thanks to its Bluetooth functionality, the Spark Mini also serves as a fantastic-sounding portable speaker.
Positive Grid's Spark App and the deep integration it offers between a smartphone and the Spark Mini amp is at the core of what makes this offering so unique. Those open to embracing the newest innovations will discover not only the space-saving benefits of a three-in-one solution, but also how technologies such as machine learning can intelligently build bass and drum backing tracks to compliment and expand one’s musical style. The Spark App also serves as an excellent learning tool by automatically displaying guitar chords and fingering charts in real time for millions of songs via various music streaming services, with intuitive controls to slow down the tempo or loop tricky sections. The Spark Mini's dimensions, weight, and integrated battery also make it ideal for mobile use away from power sockets.
Positive Grid was founded in the Californian city of San Diego in 2013, and from the very beginning the company’s mission statement was to bridge the gap between mobile technologies such as smartphones, as well as the potential offered by the digital world, and the analogue feel of guitar and bass equipment. The company’s pursuit of this goal has produced a range of exciting products, the most significant of which is undoubtedly the award-winning BIAS FX 2 amp and effects modelling software platform. With its “Spark Amp” series, Positive Grid has combined the limitless possibilities that the digital world provides with conventional guitar and bass amplifiers. Positive Grid’s spirit of innovation and the speed with which new developments are produced is a clear indication of what this still relatively young company has in store for the future.
The Positive Grid Spark lineup does not end with the Mini amplifier and the Spark App: The Spark Mini is even easier to operate with the optional Spark Control, a wireless footswitch that is connected to the Spark Mini via Bluetooth and can be used to select between the amp's four presets. The four switches on the Spark Control can also be programmed with customised functions, for example to toggle between different effects or to start and stop backing tracks. If more power and volume are required, the Spark Mini can be complemented with the Spark Cab for a truly serious guitar rig setup. And for those looking to mix it up from the typical standard black look, a variety of interchangeable grille covers are available to customise the Spark Mini.
The Spark App
Positive Grid's proprietary app, available free of charge for Android or iOS devices via the respective app stores, is an integral part of the Spark philosophy and enables extensive signal chain customisation with the choice of 33 amp and cabinet models in addition to 43 effects. Positive Grid have gone to great lengths to maintain the feel of analogue gear when using the Spark App, while also adding modern flourishes. The app's amps and pedals feature realistic control knobs and switches that can be used with intuitive touch gestures. The sound engine is the multi-award-winning Positive Grid Bias FX 2 platform, and all settings in the app are immediately audible on the Spark amp. Once a preset has been customised, it can be seamlessly saved to the Spark app or to the preset buttons on the Spark amp for instant access.