Getting Started with the Spark Amp

[@tlbennett1973]

Just received mine yesterday. Couldn’t leave it alone. Even came home early from work “not feeling well”. I had the “blues”. To tool around with it. For all you get, you’re basically giving these amps away. Best guitar accessory I’ve bought in a long time! Thanks!

[@positivegrid]

Welcome, Thomas! Keep playing and have fun with it!

[@kevincozort]

I am at 5y3 house

[@LuciaLauren-n9c]

Hello can the Spark Go be used for Bass practice? Thank you!

[@vettemaniac2237]

I've had my Spark 40 for about two hours now ... I LOVE the thing already. The tones are amazing and I haven't even touched the app yet. The Spark almost makes me sound good. I said "almost".

[@Joe-c5c1e]

I was learning the night we met by Lord Huron he kept saying spark 40 and I just got one I'm setting it up. Thank you so much I love your lessons

[@nadimsawaya]

Good to see an Aussie guitarist doing a demo :-)

[@uziel0550]

Ordered mine on Weds, delivered on Sun. Have spent the past 3 hours playing. This is truly an amazing sounding amp and boosted even more by easily on the fly changeable controls. 10 outta 10 Positive Grid, ty!

[@positivegrid]

Thank you! Glad you're digging it. Keep playing!

[@albertolanfranco8540]

@@positivegrid sssà

[@jbrondos]

I like your presets. Is it possible to link to them in your video description?

[@miehai444]

Please!!

[@jazzylei143]

A D.I out is a must for the next generation of this amp at the same price point

[@never_mention_it]

I watched countless vids and then settled on this model. Mine arrives Wednesday ☺️

[@racecar388]

How do you like the amp?

[@harpothehealer]

For me the best description I've come across on this piece of kit. I am purchasing tomorrow on black Friday. I will be using it very differently than most people. All my videos to date used with a 3W fly amp black Star , so this should be an interesting ride, Positive Grid and a Blues Harp😀

[@wc6975]

great video demo on this amp. Well done.

[@RKTPROD22]

Excited to use this! Just ordered today 😜🎸🔥

[@BLUESKY-zt1nv]

are you happy with it ...?

[@MrGeorgeferreira]

Excellent bud...Just what I was looking for for initial Spark set up basics...tku.

[@lord6scale21]

I am having volume issues. Out put volume at 9 o’clock but I have to crank my guitar main volume about 7 or all the way up and hearing some ground when at low volume about 5. Any suggestions?

[@KennyBulla]

I have been looking for the information you have shared. Many thanks, very well done.

[@JohnnyRoggio]

Just did a video play through of some songs. My conclusion is it’s an awesome sounding amp. 👍 Nice explanation iof functions.

[@justwoody4648]

Hi! Love your preset sounds. Would you be able to share the adjustment of you lr preset?1-4? if you don't mind.

[@steveanddebbiepeach4820]

Love your saved tones. Could you share? Thanks

[@WolfsOfRagnarok]

i could be wrong but was 5:40 Halo On Fire by Metallica? (the ending breakdown part anyway)

[@kmortensen]

I love this amp, just got the foot switch. I'm able to get youtube videos playing but the audio is coming out of my phone. Can't I route the audio though the amp? It has a volume knob for this seemingly.

[@Jonathan-L]

I'd like to see the Spark available with an alternative design theme, including chicken head knobs, so that you can know what the levels are without looking at the panel. And while you're at it Mr Spark designer, we want quarter inch line out. Oh, and more presets, with multiple banks of presets.

[@positivegrid]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@DavidLaFerney]

You could order chicken heads and easily swap them.

[@Jonathan-L]

@@DavidLaFerney Good suggestion. Even consider different colour knobs to make it easier to use :)

[@JohnTubeOwens]

Great video! I got my amp this week and learning the features. This was a great starter video. With the backing tracks that you can play along with, all the chords appear to be the basic open chord form, no barre chords?

[@bobdistel1360]

Very good review and information. Thanks for going over it. Extremely helpful

[@simona7517]

Fantastic primer, thank you!

[@grahamparker325]

Great overview Dave. One thing, you talked about the left most knob, the amp selector, does this override the save presets so the save presets are not in use until they are selected again? Does the bass through reverb knobs affect the amp selector tones until the amp selector tones are again selected back to the default amp selector tone?

[@JakeJendell]

please share these 4 amp settings.... are they on the app as they appear in this video?

[@servantoyea9272]

Excellent video. Thanks

[@zivkitaro]

Fantastic, thank you for this.

[@larrymiller4583]

Hi Dave. I've been watching you play for a short time. I saw the pedal order you put out. My question would you prefer the individual pedals or the Spark 40? Let me know at your convenience. Thanks, L.D. from Glendora Ca.

[@drkspasic81]

Can be like acoustic amp? For acoustic guitars? Thanks

[@A.WebbAndFriends]

Video very informative but I would have liked to see you cover the downloads, and how to set up the SPARK with cell phone and PC.

[@tomfuller9432]

can you provide the settings you used for the presets please?

[@WigsLtd]

Received mine 2 days ago, really loving messing around with Everything it can do. One question though - in tonecloud someone has created a preset sound of a famous song. It's good but it really really suits another song I have in mind to learn. How can I save it to my own list of songs without having to put it in (for instance) Rock preset? I do not want to have to go to 'Pop' for this song, then 'Blues' for another and so on.... I want to be able to put it in one list I've created and rename it accordingly so every time I want to just play this set of songs they're here in one place. Thanks in advance

[@geogoga]

Thank you Sir, very good video, I love the amp, it is a jewel, but I have a issue related to the background noises. I know it has a audio interface (which gives you the choice to record in great condition your performance - and it does do that) but I tried to record from the headphones socket to an audio mixer, in which case, the volume of the headphone didn't had any meaning (has no function) and the background noises where so uncomfortable so the experience of recording something was awful. I changed so many types of cables that I got tired of trying. I must add that, listening in headphones, I do not have any background noise. Also, the audio mixer has no problem. Has anyone encountered anything like this? Why this amp doesn't include a stereo line out? It wouldn't have been a big deal.

[@positivegrid]

Hi Geo Goga, as a practice amp, Spark was not designed with line out jacks but many people have had success recording and using it in live situations by running a a cable from the headphone jack to a PA mixer or powered monitors. It's best to use a DI box specifically designed to convert headphone to balanced XLR out but if you keep your output level at about 1/3 the way up you should have a usable signal. Any higher and you can easily overdrive the mixer. Please contact our help desk for more information. help.positivegrid.com/hc/en-us/requests/new

[@screamat333am7]

I'm new to guitar playing. I plugged in my guitar but I can't hear anything coming out the amp. I connected the my phone with the amp. Idk what I'm doing wrong.

[@steveburg3381]

Nothing happens when I use my reverb knob. Any idea what may cause this? Just got er and trying to familiarize myself with it. Probably something I am over looking.

[@PlanoTexan1776]

I dig your presets, are they uploaded to the tone cloud?

[@BeefHatley]

What’s better to use for volume, master or output?

[@333chriski]

Why does the volume get crazy load every time I change sounds or amps

[@musicvideos1846]

Thanks for the video. Is this a wireless amp or do you have to plug it in? Please advise. Thank you so much.

[@lassev1182]

I just got my spark and realy liked your presets. Is there anywhwere I can find Them for downloading

[@dtsenear]

Are your 4 presets in the tone cloud and if so what are they called? I would love to try them 😊

[@billschlickman2686]

I would like to know as well. Did you ever find out the presets?

[@hallydklown]

I would like to know what presets he was using.

[@GAMEZONE-zl4sl]

Does this thing needs to be plug or just a battery or Both? Btw you play very well Thanks for the Demo.

[@tv-cx8gv]

Good review.

[@glennedwards2891]

Can you tell me what your 4 presets are? They sound great. Just ordered a spark. Thanks

[@Smokey_2603]

thanks Dave, helped a lot!

[@markparen4295]

Can it be set as a bass amp?

[@stevenmeansphotography3861]

I just bought one how do I charge the amp

[@petschem]

Ok does this happen to anyone else? I bought and returned one in a single day because it was cutting out. I was disappointed to say the least. But I figured maybe I just got a lemon. So I bought another one. And it's doing the same thing. I've tried with different cords and guitars. So it's not that. However, it seems to only happen with certain tones from the Tone Cloud. This morning it was the "La Grange Crunch" near the top of the list in the "rock" category. Is it possible that the tone "file" itself is somehow corrupted? Because it goes from sustaining indefinitely on one strum. Then I strum again, and it fades out instantly and goes silent. Has anyone else experienced this?

[@racecar388]

Will this amp make a low end guitar sound good?

[@rmiraflor]

When are you going to incorporate a looper?!? A looper is a great learning/practice tool that would take this amp to the next level.

[@positivegrid]

Hey! Totally hearing the demand for a looper. Thanks for the input!

[@atticusfinch4687]

Great overview. I got one of these yesterday from an estate sale but all I got was the amp. Where can I buy a power supply? Will I be able to update the firmware and use it with the Bluetooth app? And is there a manual online? Thanks

[@jaymeU2]

Just got mine today and am stoked. You mentioned that all the knobs don't take affect when a preset is loaded. But when you change the amp on the spark it changes the amp in the app. Is there a way to disable that? Or do you just have to change the amp to match the preset you choose in the app? Clean, metal, etc

[@metalcikiz2779]

Can we stop he tab butoon from blinking

[@tjtamnguyen7405]

Hi David, I have no sound after plugging in the guitar to the Spark Amp. Please let know if you can help me.

[@BLUESKY-zt1nv]

have you got any sound yet ...?

[@jorgelucero4231]

ANDTOBO USB to Aux Audio Adapter • 3.5mm Male to USB Female won't this work to run USB to 1/8" stereo out?

[@MRxr400]

I assume the headphones out can be used as a direct out to a desk if you want to use live for small gigs

[@positivegrid]

Yes, many people send the headphone out to a mixer or powered monitor.

[@redhorsereincarnated]

"USB does not pass through raw audio". Can I use the amp to monitor my DAW output? I get too much latency on my cheap PC so I use my audio interface to monitor both my playing and the tracks from my DAW. Can I do this with the spark?

[@jessejorgensen3931]

Got the katana mk2 a couple weeks ago. It felt cheap honestly. They don't have android support. I was forced to buy wires and had to use an unofficial app. It wasn't user friendly. No Bluetooth. The sound really doesn't do it for me. I woke up this morning went to switch it on. Nothing. Switched chords with my orange Nothing. Returned it got the spark. Night qnd day. Came with everything i needed plus stickers. It took about an hr to get a handle on it. So easy to use. And so much free stuff on the app. Backing tracks and you can even look up songs the app will analyze and do it best to give you the correct chords. And when i want to along with anarchy in the uk i have a pre set with the the phaser and tube screamer. It's a value to say the least.

[@bloodflower2141]

you still diggin the spark?... Im trying to decide on a good practice amp

[@timwysocki6837]

Just ordered one for Amazon prime day..thanks for this tutorial..

[@user-sh4tn7iv9f]

Can all the features and sounds be used with an EWI-Wind synth? Thanks

[@Okkah40]

Hello I can not connection with Spotify. Can you help me

[@chalbert70]

Can you plug in external pedals?

[@SergeiVlassov]

Traditional 60's MIJ strat?

[@TheFoo_Fighter]

My spark does not produce any sound anymore whatsoever. No Bluetooth, no aux, no instrument. It has been sitting idle for quite a while and when I wanted to pick it up it wasn’t working anymore. I’m on the latest firmware, did a factory reset… what should I do? It can’t be that I have a bricked device now, can it?

[@gergemall]

Your video is very helpful

[@cirovazquez1028]

I'm already updated the firmware and the app on my phone but the new amps and features are not showing up I would like to know what's going on

[@positivegrid]

You should be able to double tap the amp in your app and scroll down to see the OD50, Blues Boy and Insane amps. Double tap the modulation pedal to see the new EQ pedals, etc. Please contact our help desk if need assistance. help.positivegrid.com/hc/en-us/requests/new

[@BillnYou1]

Ok guys you have had plenty of time to do this .. how about a pedal to switch presets for the Spark .. you should not have to walk over and do it by hand. Let's make this thing useable as much as possible. Thanks

[@danielnugent7046]

Yes, I'm hoping this is the reason for the price drop, encouragement to buy accessories.

[@GeorgeRhodesMN]

I'm late to the party but, it is on order.

[@OTCRock4one]

Is there a foot pedal for changing presents?

[@Yoshi1up]

You have to stomp on your phone 😅

[@azcharlie2009]

I don't know... A buddy let me borrow his. I think it sucks. Maybe I just don't know how to use it. The effects always seem to sound louder than the actual tones.

[@neurocosm]

I'd be curious to know how this can work for us Bass and Chapman Stick players.

[@pedraportuguesa7373]

Hi!!! This amp os loud enough for a besement or not?? Thanks!!

[@positivegrid]

It's 40 watts, so it gets quite loud! It's got enough volume to allow you to jam with a couple friends, but it's not meant for use with a loud drummer.

[@b.j.thomas8606]

40 watts into 2 x 4 speakers seems like a train wreck waiting to happen.

[@pedraportuguesa7373]

@@b.j.thomas8606 lol.....and excited to buy mine next Friday!!!!! Thanks!!

[@AlanMcCarthyguitar]

@@positivegrid it be ok to gig at a small venue with just singers and no drummer ?

[@positivegrid]

@@AlanMcCarthyguitar It would depend on a few things, like how big the venue is, and how loud the singers are! Generally we do not market it as an on stage amp. It's more for at-home playing. That being said, 40 watts gets pretty loud, and we do see users playing live with it for certain scenarios. My guess is you'd probably be fine.

[@WarlockCore]

Has anyone else have issues registering their amp, when I try I get invalid serial number every time, however the amps serial number shows up on my app, tried quite a few times to register, same result

[@comment_below]

simple is safe and tube is still king

[@stevensevdy5404]

I bought this at positive grid last week and they still have not sent it to me. They do not answer any of my questions or request. Just automated answers.

[@brawdygordii]

I ordered mine on the Saturday morning, I broke my arm on Saturday evening. It arrived Monday morning and now sits on the sideboard glaring at me like a dissatisfied wife 😡

[@brawdygordii]

@@janusn9 Thanks. It's on the mend. I asked the doctor if I'd be able to play piano when it's healed. He said there should be no problem. I replied that's great because I can only play guitar up to now:-))

[@Baru_089]

how does it perform at really low volume?

[@wpkg]

might be too late to answer, but I tried one out at guitar center yesterday with a tele and a stingray bass. I tried it specifically for low volume. It sounded great with the guitar and great with the bass, which was a total surprise

[@peteytwofinger]

the milliamp draw was blocked out of the last shot . class d .

[@dwayne4715]

What happened to Roy?

[@monmounhaokip1018]

Price?

[@cameroww]

So question; does it come with shipped ample effects/amps, or do you just get a taste like I got with the iRig? (very expensive add-ons)

[@positivegrid]

It comes with all the amps and effects included in the free accompanying app. The only paid add-on is the Experience Jimi Hendrix™ pack.

[@SIDERRIDE]

After updating firmware. I am not getting any sound from the amp. please help

[@felderup]

linux app? i know, company shills aren't going to say yes if someone else makes the app, but you're not the only one here. anyone? i've decided that if there's third party linux or better support for the features, i'll get this instead of a bare bones amp.

[@Thelma-q3v]

Good for children

[@zzzkarlzz]

I regret buying this one..sigh…just bought it literally 4 hours ago..tapping the ipad to turn on and off the effect is. Hassle..and other midi switchpedals wont work..it only accepts the airstep.and i thought i can use bias fx via spark.. but it wont connect on my ipad

[@brich2929]

why doesn't this thing use USB-C?

[@billwarrior234]

Can I still use the Irig with this, to use like bias fx and stuff !???

[@positivegrid]

BIAS FX 2 does not work with the Spark amplifier. It is a separate product. There is no need for an iRig with Spark. It has a built-in USB recording interface. Thanks.

[@TOPMOSTPOP]

I like this company. I feel like i not in thdark &not getting snaked. Also, this amp comes closest 2evrything i wanted since 1984. I always wanted strong but not muddy bass tones. Educational read: *STEREO AMP SCAM* Stop buying mono amps from these companies. I was th1 taught companies guitar amps should be stereo.They say Spark Mini stereo lol. Really? Ah ok. 2 " 2" speakers. What I trying do is educate u users. About engineering scams &rip offs. U need 2b aware some things. Guitar amps should be 2 SEPERATE speakers placed EITHER SIDE room. Every time. Period. With (actual) stereo. (most is fake) Never mono. &Surround sound. It resonates thru your soul. What i did, i wrote all thcompanies, tricked them in2 having 2come out with stereo b4 next guy. Sparks Mini got 2b thdumbest example of stereo ever concieved. What they trying do? See how close they could squeeze those2 "stereo" speakers 2gether? Th40, there4 will be significantly more pronounced stereo. Speakers not butted against each other people should notice this? These evil companies always try downgrade an ideal then filter in (genuine) engineering upgrades lure buyers. If company has pseudo stereo they liars. Dont buy from them. What else they lying 2u about? I just here 2stand up an army. Start MENTIONING stereo 4godsakes. People finally buying stereo amps. Good. Reviewers never once mentioning noticing superiority stereo vs mono? Should be night&day. Here is why it isnt: These companies often not using TRUE stereo specifically actual stereo thats why. Most "stereo" anymore = scam. True Stereo - Stereo signal consist of2 related channels = correlated material in left &right outputs. 4Example, using 2microphones spaced apart2 capture signal. Pseudo-stereo (aka “simulated stereo:) - 1 of several different techniques 4creating 2-channel output from mono input, often utilizing processing4 1channel& no processing other channel, including adding slight delay 2one side, adding chorus2 one side, etc. For example, mixing a mono guitar amp to two channels with the left side dry (no effects) and right side processed with a very short delay (a few milliseconds). Listen guyz simply stop buying mono amps. Lol note that having 2speakers also allows4 2seperate effects simultaneously lol if u HEARD this with surround sound u would be irrepairably born again. They fooled u once wont lie 2u twice. Maybe 1of these clown companies wanna hire me on teach thm how 2point lol. Stop stabbing your neighbors in thback 4cash flo. Who am i? In 1987 i discover as beginner I wrldz best guitarist. After 35 years I playing again.

[@Robert-sn6vk]

Horrible customer service and experience with this company. Ordered my amp over a month ago and received only the foot controller and no amp. Contacted positive grid who has been no help, barely communicates, and tells me to check around the house for the package. I work from home and am here to receive every package I order so I know I didn’t miss it. I’m canceling the order as positive grid doesn’t care and takes days to a week to respond one time. I opened a return ticket to stop the order but they canceled my return request. Check the BBB, this company is garbage and can not be trusted. DO NOT ORDER ANYTHING FROM THEM! Edit: look at the Facebook reviews, the positive ones aren’t even posts about the product, they are fake reviews boosting the rating of this garbage company. Plus my bank doesn’t even have a phone number listed for them. This company is sketchy and unethical.

[@ashleyjohnson1702]

It’s not loud at all.

[@johnholms2055]

bought one brand new and out of the Box wont Power up..Not 1 light./.....JUNK

[@Yoshi1up]

Happens with every company. Sorry ya got the 0.2% of the bork'd ones. Call them and get another one lol

[@mwa1252]

Assumes you are already familiar with how this kind of system works. Go somewhere else if you are just getting started.

[@Scooter7706]

Where?

[@mwa1252]

@@Scooter7706 LOL... I dunno. Use google search

[@bobubastardbbqandmetal9908]

This inspired me to review a Lamborghini..But not actually drive it

[@skyesun4750]

customer service is very bad.

[@alwidener7333]

All I get is distortion. How can I just play it as a practice amp. Im really beginning to regret this purchase. I would really like my money back

[@mojojojo7923]

It’s pure garbage! They spam my email everyday trying to get me to buy more garbage. No way to unsubscribe even though I tried 5 times now. What jerks at positive grid ! You should be embarrassed working for them.

[@rcadenow7543]

im dissapoint, 95% of the tones i tried suck and the app is ancient built with poor search options.

[@relishketchupmustardpickle]

Honestly the worst amp I've ever owned. Waste of money. Buy yourself a fender, some pedals and you'll be light years ahead of this pile of garbage.