Spark 2 All Effects, ALL Effects Pedals On Positive Grid Spark 2

[@GearSounds]

00:00 Reverbs 13:02 Delays 22:43 Tremolo 24:23 Chorus 25:44 Flanger 27:15 Phaser (MXR Phase 90) 28:11 Vibrato 29:59 Univibe 33:20 Chorus (EHX Small Clone) 35:05 Classic Vibe (Voodoo Labs Micro Vibe) 35:56 Tremolo (My favorite) 36:35 Tremolo Square 37:28 EQ 39:02 Drives 44:02 Compressor 47:44 Noise Gate Today's Gear: Spark 2: amzn.to/4e0gykh Mogami Gold 10' Cable: amzn.to/4f9kAb3 Affiliate links help the channel but cost you nothing extra.

[@djbmanifestomode]

It’s deal breaker without true stereo fx. So much potential if they actually didn’t put the money in for stereo effects, they need to fix that ASAP or to me. It’s a sham and a shame.

[@GearSounds]

You aren't the first person to say this but I have tested the effects and they are indeed true stereo. There are different levels on each side when you do both delay and reverb. It is a fully stereo device with two speakers in it and it's always sending two signals. Where did you get this information from?

[@djbmanifestomode]

@@GearSounds going through all the effects with headphones in Guitar Center. It sounds like a stereo simulation, but when you actually listen closely to it with headphones, I only heard mono with a reverb background which simulates stereo, but maybe I’m missing something but then again maybe you are because I listened to it with headphones.

[@GearSounds]

I listened to it through the speaker in the room. If what you're saying is true, it would essentially mean the entire guitar general public is wrong and you're right. I'm not saying you're wrong I'm just doubtful that stereo simulation isn't stereo in the context of a reverb simulation. If the entire thing including the amp is a simulation then of course the stereo itself is a simulation. I guess I'm having trouble understanding what you mean by fake stereo.

[@eearts]

I love mine. I was blown away by how good the Spark2 sounds.

[@GearSounds]

I was actually blown away by how the spark 40 sounded and I had never played it in 5 years. I was then told there was a new model releasing and I should wait so I did.

[@daveplant1611]

I've ordered 1 today so I'm excited to see how the drum and base backing ccompanies what I'm playing so excited about that, I like the fact it's all in 1 so no messing with wires and mains etc

[@GearSounds]

There is no bass backing track only drums. But I have tried this amp with bass guitar and it actually works very well. So you could certainly overdub a bass line.

[@johnnygreenway3579]

Thanks for a great review of this amp. I really love it. I hope to buy it soon. Great playing man. First time seeing your channel. Thanks again!

[@GearSounds]

You're very welcome and I hope I earned your subscription. Thank you, I'm glad you like my playing as it's all I do these days!

[@johnnygreenway3579]

​@GearSounds you did more than earn my subscribing to your channel. I've only been learning guitar for about 8 or 9 months at 67. I'm having a blast! This amp produces some awesome reverb and ambient sounds which I love. Your playing style suits it well. I like the fact that your not a guitar snob trying to show everyone what you know and especially that I don't have to sit through a demo of an amp I like listening to metal. You do have a cool sound and it shows your passion for guitar and that inspires me. Thanks for replying.

[@GearSounds]

What do you mean that you don't have to sit through a demo of an amp? You like metal? Well I also love metal even though I can't play it very well. I'm very glad you're learning guitar, it's never too late to learn and start something new and you definitely can teach an old dog new tricks. Your proof of that Johnny. I hope to catch you in the comments again soon.

[@johnnygreenway3579]

@GearSounds I mean many other videos demonstrating amps don't go into details like yours actually demonstrating the amp. They usually just play metal, which me personally am not into. Anyone can like the music they choose, but it's not for me. So all I was saying it's great to see an actual demo of an amp and not just someone's playing style or preference. No disrespect for those who like metal, because my guitar teacher loves metal, but is actually a classical guitar player. He graduated from the University of Calgary in Canada.

[@GearSounds]

@johnnygreenway3579 Yeah I noticed an interesting obsession with technique when it comes to metal players and I also myself don't prefer metal especially when it comes to hearing a demo of an amp. I want to hear clean tones because I am mostly going to be using clean tones. I also find distorted tones to almost be like the teenager of tone in terms of maturity. I think a clean tone is much more mature and difficult to get right. That being said I'm happy you enjoy my music and my style of presentation. I'll keep delivering great demos for you and everyone else. If your guitar teacher loves metal and classical I'm sure you are learning a lot of music theory from him! I'm also a guitar teacher though I don't teach classical, or jazz or metal

[@777Skyworx]

I love your style of playing man

[@GearSounds]

Thank you very much :). You might like my music. youtube.com/@pyriscent?si=WiLzi3TyqFd5Fdxs

[@Doodleman999]

Some really surprising comments here? I tried learning about 20 years ago and gave up, now I'm starting to give it another go and I can't believe something like this is now available on the market! Like wow!!!! For the price, this is an INCREDIBLE bit of kit. Especially when I think back to my first amp. Id love to hear from people who are turning their nose up as to why, and what's a better alternative?

[@GearSounds]

It's not that there is a better alternative it's that people turn their nose up at this technology due to it not sounding as good as a tube amp. That being said for the price this is incredible and the sounds are getting so close that analog gear is getting harder and harder to justify given its size and unreliable nature. I've been a guitar teacher for over 20 years and I'd love to teach you how to play if you're in the Los Angeles area. Even if not I'm going to start up a lesson academy and a free KZbin lesson channel soon.

[@Doodleman999]

@GearSounds unfortunately I'm. In the UK 😄 But hey, I'll look forward to seeing what you put on KZbin!!! Keep up the good work!! Watching great guitar players like yourself is a great inspiration and motivates us beginners to learn

[@GearSounds]

@Doodleman999 I'm happy you think I'm a great guitar player and that you enjoy the channel. I'll catch you in the comments again soon.

[@Anjohl]

It's absolutely perfect for someone like you :)

[@GearSounds]

This amp is perfect for someone like me? In what way? I prefer recording on the headrush but this is great for recording too.

[@arturmoscicki8618]

Very comprehensive review, thanks! 👍 BTW, what kind of effects do you use for the microphone? - it sounds great!

[@GearSounds]

No effects on either microphone. For the few times that I add a reverb to my voice when I am singing for a joke, it is just the reverb in premiere pro. The effects you are hearing are from the amp itself.

[@arturmoscicki8618]

@@GearSounds Thanks! :)

[@GearSounds]

You're very welcome, I hope I've earned your subscription.

[@GearSounds]

MULTI BAND COMPRESSER ON THE MIC from premier pro, set to broadcast setting with custom adjustments from me. That is KEY! I forget to mention that.

[@Eddyvnhln5150]

I have this and the XSONIC SPK pedal for the 40 when I bought that one it kinda works but only as up & down maybe looper I’m not sure but at least you can still use it. The 2 is not as bass sounding and there is a acoustic clean sound in cloud I found by using AI tool I said wanted choir tone and omg it’s now my preset 1

[@GearSounds]

Yeah, the spark AI is pretty great and I am looking into other pedals to combine with the spark. The xsonic is something I'm considering for sure.

[@Jonwsm]

Hi, What pickups do you use in your 'strat' please? They sound great.

[@PioneerPrint3D]

G&L Legacy special with hot rails.

[@GearSounds]

2014 G&L Legacy Special with hot rails made by G&L

[@TheAlbertocasanova]

El micrófono también està conectado al amplificador?

[@GearSounds]

Yes, although you want to make sure it is a full range, flat response speaker just like the spark speaker is. They make a larger cabinet that you can plug it into.

[@DanielDavis730]

What reverb did u use on your microphone now thats a reverb

[@GearSounds]

If I ever am using reverb on the microphone that is added later in the editor just for comedic effect.

[@graphicartdude]

A lot of people are complaining about the limitations of the looper (drums getting off time from loops, no record options, etc). Anyone know if these have been resolved yet? A main reason for me wanting to upgrade from the Spark 40 to the v2 is the looper, since I can’t figure out how to use the Spark 1 with my existing Ditto looper, or sync to the drums on my Beat Buddy. Also not a fan of how the noise gate removed all sustain on every high gain tone.

[@GearSounds]

Yeah you cannot use a looper with a spark given that you would need to essentially have two inputs, one for the guitar signal and one for the looped signal. While the Spark 2 solves this issue the looper certainly is limited. That being said I have found it very useful and a lot of fun to use. I always just press the button on the app because I'm an old man and I haven't even got into the details of the looper yet.

[@jasonlight8813]

@@GearSounds Andertons in the UK demonstrated a Bluetooth looper with the spark 2 to great effect

[@GearSounds]

That isn't a Bluetooth looper that is the Bluetooth extension for the Spark 2. There is no such thing as a Bluetooth looper. The Bluetooth extension for the Spark 2 is simply a wireless foot pedal that can be programmed to do anything, a lot more than just a looper.

[@jasonlight8813]

@@GearSounds my mistake it was a USB looper. However, it seems to work really well m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4uUkn6ZlL-Vl7s&pp=2AEAkAIB

[@GearSounds]

Oh wow that is interesting but the Spark 2 has a built-in looper. I'm not sure this would be necessary for the Spark 2 as I think you could use the separate Bluetooth switch for the Spark 2 to get that functionality wirelessly.

[@Eddyvnhln5150]

Oh yeah the XONIC PEDAL automatically connects but does not show in list I turned on pressed middle foot switch and function and foot switch D E were up & down and A B C are looper and tuner

[@GearSounds]

That isn't the official spark unit? I'll have to try it out.

[@stuartdennis8506]

How decent are the trails part of the reverb pedals? In your opinion (I’ve written this under a minute into the video, apologies if it’s answered further in)

[@GearSounds]

1. If you mean how does the pedal react when you turn off the reverb, does it continue to trail? I actually didn't test this function. 2. If you mean how do The reverbs sound in terms of their reflection characteristics and fall off characteris, I actually believe they sound pretty good. The reverb is why I bought this amp. I hope I've earned your subscription.

[@aschneider70]

This amp is awesome. But it is ridiculously expensive here in Brazil.

[@GearSounds]

It's only $300 US, how much is it in Brazil so I can do the math?

[@StiloNautica]

@@GearSounds 6299 real ( 984 euro / 1105 us dollar )

[@GearSounds]

That's insane? I'd like to buy some and resell them to Australia on eBay. What's stopping me?

[@BounceChord]

This is quite a service you've done here. Kind of a letdown that there aren't more flanger/phasers. Verbs sound nice though.

[@GearSounds]

That was exactly my thought but to be honest I care more about the phasers than the flangers. All I needed was that EHX phaser and I actually would have been happy with what came with the unit. That being said for 300 bucks this is actually an amazing deal. I'm happy you enjoyed the video and I hope I earned your subscription.

[@BounceChord]

@@GearSounds which EHX phaser do you like?

[@GearSounds]

Well ... The small stone of course! Haha I say That assuming it's their most popular phaser.

[@BounceChord]

@@GearSounds probably is. I think they only made…..3ish

[@GearSounds]

I had a vintage small stone from the 70s. It was cheap and the knob was broken. It gave me a random value at every gig! Great fun lol

[@djbmanifestomode]

A stereo tremolo or ping pong delay should demonstrate it if you record direct correct.

[@GearSounds]

Yes but there is no ping pong or stereo delays listed. However they do have seperate volumes. The reverbs also have seperate volumes minus the delay.

[@djbmanifestomode]

@@GearSounds yep sounds like it’s simulated that’s my final thought after I just read this comment. No more needs for dialogue. Thanks for all your responses…. i’m listening to Alexa. Describe the spark listening experience and she’s saying things like them NOT actually using stereo FX might be because they are trying to concentrate on the overall tone of the signal rather than dynamic FX to utilize processing power just like what I thought ,..and it’s geared more towards entry-level user & practice experience for ease of use which is just an excuse to cut costs if you ask me.. so basically it’s geared more towards practice and entry-level,. Which is a shame because the amp has so much potential.

[@djbmanifestomode]

Also, I have to add that the big amplifier has a stereo fx loop so that you could add your own stereo fx because I don’t think I saw ping-pong echo when I was scanning the units for stereo sounds. Honestly, I did not try it on the big unit to see if they had a separate set of FX, but we would’ve heard somebody talking about that in the main demonstrations . The fact that they don’t have stereo FX tells me everything And stereo FX are ping-pong echo stereo Tremelo and stereo tape delay and stereo chorus ,..and it will specifically tell you often on the FX and give you an option switch to switch to mono or stereo, and I saw none of those on the units from my brief experience with it ,..so to me now it’s obvious that they cut back on stereo processing power to utilize the processor for tone rather than quality stereo FX.

[@GearSounds]

Gearing something towards practice use or towards an entry-level guitar player is not a way to cut costs. It's a way to target a specific market and it's an intelligent idea. That's exactly what I do with this channel. Every company does this and it's very normal. Please don't listen to Alexa when it comes to sound engineering advice. Thank you

[@GearSounds]

Yes, the spark effects black stereo width but they are indeed true stereo. I'm glad you know what you prefer as something like a neural DSP going through studio monitors might be more your taste. You are critiquing a $300 unit for not doing what a $2,000 unit does. I really don't understand but you're free to make any statements on the internet that you want to.

[@videomove]

don’t say it’s still mono??

[@GearSounds]

No this recording like everything on my entire channel is full stereo as always. Full stereo is the gear sound standard. Unless the pedal does not offer stereo I always record in stereo. Assume that it is the default here on the channel.

[@videomove]

@@GearSounds please name one stereo effect - like a ping pong delay or a stereo chorus - 2c outputs doesn't mean it is actually stereo...

[@GearSounds]

I believe most all of the effects are stereo even if they aren't labeled as such. I can test this theory by recording direct out but I don't think I need to. The fact that it has a left and right output means that stereo information is contained within the effect pedals as well as the amp.

[@videomove]

@@GearSounds sorry, i don’t buy this. i have not heard a stereo effect, yet…

[@GearSounds]

I recorded this using a stereo microphone next to the amp cabinet. I will do a direct input recording so that you can hear the stereo nature of the effects in the next video.

[@djbmanifestomode]

Hey bro, would you please answer me the question that seems to be mystifying me for some reason? Do These amps have actual stereo effects? I’m watching your video now to get that question answered but I would appreciate a quick answer if you’re there because I like the idea of having a bunch of FX in your pocket.

[@GearSounds]

I believe it does otherwise the stereo speakers and stereo output would serve no function. How to test this out gets interesting as I can hear it in the room, but it doesn't come out as well in the recordings. More details coming soon about this.

[@djbmanifestomode]

@ please do make a video showing off stereo effects only. And thanks for your help

[@GearSounds]

Okay, I'll make that video soon.

[@djbmanifestomode]

@@GearSounds how soon?

[@djbmanifestomode]

@@GearSounds there is what’s known as stereo simulation. A lot of our sound bars use the technology.. I believe black star is doing it because I’m not sure if it’s really stereo but it seems like that in the room.

[@PaulOgrady-s3t]

They need to upgrade there effects. An put 6 inch speakers

[@GearSounds]

I would love an FX upgrade, especially for the newer units. I think the larger version does have a six inch speaker or larger.

[@djbmanifestomode]

JUST PROVE IT BY PLAYING THE MOST STEREO FX SPARK HAS PLEASE OR GIVE ME A TIME CODE NUMBER WHERE IT CAN BE CLEARLY HEARD,.....PLEASE

[@GearSounds]

I did a direct input demo with the spark but it was just with the amp. That wouldn't show up. I can do a short where I show the volume levels of left and right being different. Would that prove it to you?

[@djbmanifestomode]

@ not if there is no panning that’s apparent. left to right at different volumes from left to right does not mean stereo fx. They have to actually pan back and forth automatically without changing volume manually.

[@GearSounds]

What do you mean by changing volume manually? What is changing the volume manually between the left and the right channels? The left and the right channels are indeed different volumes with reverb and delay on thus indicating stereo. I'm not sure how much more I could test it beyond relaying that factual information to you. If you perceived the stereo width to be shallow it can't be adjusted and this you don't enjoy the stereo sound. I don't blame you. It is a shallow stereo effect compared to something like the headrush

[@djbmanifestomode]

@@GearSounds just listen to it with headphones and get back to me and tell me your experience, please and thank you for responding so often. Headphones are the best way to test stereo effects. I’m sure you know. Like I said, when I tested it out with headphones at Guitar Center I heard no stereo effects at all as far as stereo separation, and what I heard was a simulated experience with reverb and delays, adding a layer of sound, but not stereo separation. But again, I have not spent that much time on the Amplifier so that’s why I’m asking you. Thanks for your help as I would buy the pocket sized one if I could have a guarantee of true stereo effects.

[@GearSounds]

As a sound engineer I have to ask you this question. You keep saying simulated stereo simulation. What do you mean by that? Any form of stereo that is not coming out of two physical speakers is a replication of stereo separation.

[@greysuit17]

You may have talked me out of buying this.

[@GearSounds]

Well that's good that I helped you make a decision and I hope I earned your subscription. That being said, what did I say that made you not want to buy it?

[@greysuit17]

@@GearSounds nothing you said in particular, I just think quality wise it might not be the best long term way to go for what I’m wanting to do. I definitely subscribed, I like the long format and breaking down all the sounds. I hope you go through the Boss Gx-10.

[@GearSounds]

@greysuit17 I was thinking about picking that up actually. I might be a little late on it but I could take a look. Yeah when it comes to quality with digital it really depends on what you want to do. For me I actually wanted to use the reverbs so it works for me.

[@greysuit17]

@@GearSounds looking forward to your future content. I’m about to binge watch all your Boss synthesizer videos.

[@GearSounds]

I'm glad you find my content that entertaining. I can vouch for my sound quality but maybe not my guitar playing but if you like it thank you. That being said the thumbnails with my face in it have high quality audio just for reference.