Spark Control Review With Unboxing, Features, Issues, & More

[@joethompson2910]

So…,you mentioned the Xsonic Airstep being from China…but so are all 3 of the Positive Grid Spark amps and controller unit. I might also add that the Airstep SPK (spark edition) works without AND WITH the app.., so thats been fixed plus the Airstep adds not only channel switching and effects toggling on & off but adds a LOOPER & the Airstep SPK works for 300 hours on a single charge verses 150 on the positive grid controller…and the aluminum chassis of the Airstep is more robust than the plastic PG controller….also the Airstep has 5 buttons versus 4 on the PG controller and its less money…

[@SumDumChum]

As a spark owner for the last 14 months I had to hop onto this product. Some learnings after using this app/Amp setup. All your Bluetooth connections need to be turned off, even connecting to your smart watch and your Amp the same time will cause disconnection issues. I've since overcome this now that I understand those nuances. As for the Spark Control and looper conversation, I'm a solo at home play here and there, a looper is almost a must. YES it's true it takes pedals well, but it's pre effect chain, this just means if you want to loop a melody and then you want a different effect for your lead, your loop will use that effect chain. Sure I can pull out all my old pedals and operate as I have pre Spark but then why get the spark in the first place. Neither here nor there the spark is an amazing Amp with the very minor complaint of being tied to an app while using it. I'm optimistic about them updating the software to support a loop function that will inevitably take this hardware to the Ultimate at home solo player Amp Even if positive grid came out with yet another hardware that can loop in addition to the Control I'd be all over it. They are pretty active to keep their app up to date and am happy to be in the Positivegrid ecosystem.

[@RocktCityTim]

Received mine in the first batch and was confused about the linking. Good to see that the FAQ is finally updated. Spent Christmas away - returned home today, saw your video and reset everything and then followed the FAQ and bingo! I am not seeing the latency in switching that you are, however. And, you are correct in your description of why the pedal must go through the app.

[@allenblackwell4979]

I like that song "Anyway The Wind Blows"!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@wadepreston3401]

You have to understand all the different amp models and effects pedals are not built into the amp itself, you have to have the app on your device running to have that option. So the switches are changing software options on the app, not the amp directly.

[@sjon54]

I fixed the lag on mine - It was actually an issue with the amp as it was laggy to switch channels even with the preset buttons on the amp itself. Factory Reset followed by reinstall of the firmware has sorted it completely. Give it a go if your amp does the same thing when switching manually - hopefully that will fix yours too 👍

[@Ultima2876]

Did this fully eliminate the lag for you? I’ve done a firmware update and factory reset but mine still has a (short) silence between preset changes. If I hit he preset buttons alternately, it sounds like a tremolo.

[@sjon54]

@@Ultima2876 not 100%, no. But removed it enough that it’s very useable for me

[@patthegunsmith]

EXCELLENT choice of unboxing utensils! Also, a really good video!

[@Guitar770]

Nice video and music, oh, I forgot, you too. It was very informative for me. Thanks for sharing, WJD

[@MrBlacksharpie]

The problem with using a 3rd party looper pedal is that you can't switch amps or tones. Meaning you can't loop in a clean tone and then switch to a crunch tone to solo over it. Unless you know some way of doing it that I dont? But I would buy the spark pedal in a heartbeat if the added a looper to it somehow. Great video by the way!

[@nazmoking3171]

My zoom multieffect pedal with built in looper allows me to do what you said you cannot do when you use a looper with the spark.

[@MrGlasstech]

I have the airstep spark pedal and it works with the app amp and pedal all at the same time. At first I tried to use it with my Android phone and it didn't work so I bought an iPad and now it works perfect with all three. No issues!

[@nazmoking3171]

I have the air step and it works great! I can change modulation, drive, or reverb as well as changing to any of the four saved patches with the unit. It is also Bluetooth and does NOT need me to use the Spark app.

[@kennethborrett8074]

Problem setting up the spark control footswitch via Bluetooth please advise. Thankyou

[@wirelesselectrode]

That's not the reason mate, it's just because it was simpler and cheaper (for them) to program the app to interact with the pedal and let the app send the commands to the amp, it's just simpler and eliminate the need to have a more complex programming on firmware level on the spark40, at the same time they might need to have some hardware upgrade on the spark40 which will kill most of their comsumers base they already wont by selling the amp, I will need to check the hardwarespecs anyways to be sure of it, other thing I need to check too is if the other cheap solutions online (like those Bluetooth control pedals u can find on aliexpress) can handle direct connection to the amp, what u said about double Bluetooth connection don't apply if you have the preset already loaded on the amp and u r not using the application, in that case your assumption should not apply, and I have the impression from what u said that the pedal won't connect either. Thanks for your review good that you touched that point, that's a deal breaker for me. Keep up the good work!

[@theaverageguitarist580]

Hey there! Thanks for watching and your comment. Click here to win...HAHAHA..just kidding. Seriously though, did you find out any info in your research? I'm interested in hearing what you learned. Also, to you and everyone else reading, sorry for the delay. I said I was going to have allot of content coming soon and I had it planned but a HUGE life event happened that took me off line for 4 months. I am just getting back into the swing of things and dusting off the camera (even though I have a face for radio). More stuff will be coming soon!

[@kencurtisjr]

Fixed the lag by buying a $40 track phone (android) and only using it for the spark via wifi. My reg phone has too many apps needing attention and competing for processing power. One phone running one app for this works great.

[@sjon54]

I have identical lag issues to you - I think it’s actually an issue with the amp itself? Like yours, if I use the pedal just to turn a pedal effect on or off it’s instant (i.e within the app itself). But the lag is when switching presets. The Amp actually has the same lag when I directly press the preset buttons on the Amp with my fingers. - does your amp do this too or not?

[@danlawrence1739]

I can’t get my Controller to work at all when the Spark App is left open but relegated to the background. I use AnyTune for my backing tracks, and as soon as I move it to the top, the Controller stops working. When I bring the Spark App back to the top, I get a brief pop-up message that it’s reengaging, and everything works fine as long as it stays on top. Disappointing as I was hoping to use the Controller to switch between Rhythm/Lead Setups while actively controlling my backing track playlists and loops with AnyTime as the top/active app.

[@theaverageguitarist580]

Ahh, yes, I do understand. I heard from PG and there is an update coming soon. I hope it address this as I can see this frustration.

[@sprayter2037]

I’m glad I watched this. This is not for me since you need to use the app at the same time. I do like the amp and was excited about the foot switch

[@anniheit]

Same with me. Tablet is always empty, and I like to play without switching and connecting App (it mostly needs Time to connect, and that annoy me) so not useful for me

[@ismailibrahim1234]

can it still be connected when exiting the application..thank you

[@ronaldpena8990]

I can not get mine to connect. I updated the amp firmware and updated the app. My blutooth says the control is connected but when I click on + control it searches and says no device located. I click try again and it says the same thing.

[@jazzbox1]

I received my Spark 40 in March 2022. I had the same issue with delivery info updates. I had been chatting numerous times with Support trying to get an idea on when it will ship. Their last email stated that it was still out of stock, but they expected to ship within 3-4 weeks. The next day the amp arrived at my door. So they have not corrected the delivery status section on their web site. It is something you'd think they would address. The Left doesn't seem to know what the Right hand is doing?? Thank gawd their Assembly dept is alot more adept than their website tech dept. The amp is Great, website updates not so much.

[@d.killdos9927]

thank you very much!

[@austinsammielee3837]

I’m getting choppy audio while using the Spark Control. I was really excited about the KZbin playback features (skipping back, going to the beginning of the video, etc). This choppiness while the Spark Control is connected makes that impossible. I tried factory resetting the amp, un/reinstalling the app on my iPhone…same problems. PLEASE HELP! Does anyone have a response from Positive Grid or a solution?

[@jakesquarejeans]

Dude insane love your videos

[@theaverageguitarist580]

Thanks Jake.

[@Batapotamus]

Thanks for this! Can you add tone/amp presets from the user submitted tone cloud to a channel on this?

[@gdv67]

Did you try to use the Spark control with Bias Fx2 on PC?

[@theaverageguitarist580]

I don’t have the Bias but interesting idea! Maybe someone here will answer.

[@markdouglas8073]

My Airstep just arrived a week ago. This will help me determine whether I will also order this product. It is slightly smaller. The Airstep is 12” long.

[@stephenmc6018]

Is the Airstep worthwhile? I am trying to decide which to go for

[@markdouglas8073]

@@stephenmc6018 Actually you might also consider the even better Airstep Smart Control, which I just ordered, because it has more features including MIDI. Most importantly for me, it works with the Boss Katana BTS app, does Bluetooth of course, but they have already done the hard work in their own Airstep app that instantly lets you match it to every multi effects unit out there, as well as popular amps, including the Spark. Check it out. It costs around $250. I like the Spark version Airstep just fine, but I have not tried the Positive Grid one yet.

[@nazmoking3171]

The air step is larger because it has more foot pedal buttons five compared to four on the spark device. Do you step also does not require you turn on the Spark app - in fact it will not work in conjunction with the Spark app. It interacts directly with the Spark amp via Bluetooth.

[@joethompson2910]

@@nazmoking3171It now DOES work with the app….

[@billypeen4947]

I am having the same glitch issue trying to use the pedal while playing a song through the amp using iTunes

[@marctamtonthat]

I bought the spark control but It is not usable. Everything is connected but the music is not playing properly while the spark control is connected. The audio stream is briefly interrupted every seconds. Tried everything, making new fresh connections but the problem is still there. I have the latest firmware and app. The audio stream is working properly while the spark control is off…

[@theaverageguitarist580]

Hey Marc. Just saw this message. Did you get this figured out?

[@marctamtonthat]

No. I still have the problem. Thé audio stream is choppy while using the spark control. Beware before you buy.

[@theaverageguitarist580]

@@marctamtonthat Have you tried contacting positive grid? Have you also tried a hard reset of your amp? I don’t want to assume you did these things but then again I don’t want to assume you didn’t which is why I’m asking. Positive grid, once you get them online are extremely helpful. The first thing I would do is try hard reset of Spark.

[@marctamtonthat]

@@theaverageguitarist580 I haven;t had the time to open a ticket yet. I m pissed off right nowbecause the product should work right away. Investing time in the debugging frankly is not my job.

[@theaverageguitarist580]

@@marctamtonthat You are 100% correct. I’ll see what I can find out in my end. I obviously do t work for PG, but I’ll do what I can.

[@haus05]

the reason you have to use the app is because the spark only has one bluetooth connection signal so it connects to the app it cant connect to anything else

[@nazmoking3171]

This is correct. Thus you cannot use the air step while using the Spark app at the same time since the air step is talking Bluetooth to the spark. The cool news is the air step does not need to use the app.

[@tconnell1121]

what I mean is there are six effects slots and four buttons on the footswitch. Can you select which four it toggles?

[@theaverageguitarist580]

Absolutely. When you set it to stomp box mode, you can go in and change around which buttons do what. I like OD on slot one with delay on the end. It works well. Thanks for watching.

[@redhorsereincarnated]

Casual question since I don't own the amp (yet)... It sounds like the mobile device you use needs to connect to two devices at the same time via Bluetooth. Is that common for phones and tablets?

[@theaverageguitarist580]

Hey bud. You bet. The Spark Control connects via BT to the iPad or Android and that device connects to the Spark. Your device (tablet or phone) should handle that just fine. For instance, I use a BT keyboard at times while listening to BT headphones at the same time and no issues at all. I hope that helps! BTW, if you end up getting the amp - which is pretty awesome as a practice amp, consider using the link in my description. It won’t cost you any more money but amazon will give me a small commission and that helps me make these kind of videos.

[@tconnell1121]

go this for early cristmas present. hav'ten used it yet. Can you control which effects it controls?

[@theaverageguitarist580]

Absolutely Tim! When you Connect the pedal, you just go to the settings on the main screen and you can chose which mode you want to use the pedal in. One is effects mode (stomp box mode). You can also control which buttons do whatever you want. It’s pretty nifty.

[@guitar9121]

Man I dig them 👢 Boots.

[@erix777]

Dude! Hit the pedal on the offbeat 8th of the 4th beat in the bar.

[@GuitarsandDrones]

Looks smaller than I thought it be .. good video tho thanks

[@theaverageguitarist580]

Thanks for watching!

[@Tigers25]

One needs to use the Control ONLY via the App??......hahaha.....how many Times did U mention IT? 4times?or 5? Cutie

[@kmortensen]

Cheap controller but still not really worth it. Had a DOA IV switch and support was a nightmare to deal with.

[@nalukeko]

Need the phone app OPEN and RUNNING while you use the footswitch... it basically controls the APP, and NOT the AMP. what a pain in the rear. just let me turn on amp and footswitch and play, but know gotta find the d@## phone and open the app the whole time.😠

[@salahbaker4089]

what is it? it's a airstep.