The Positive Grid Spark is a versatile smart amp perfect for guitarists stuck at home – TechCrunch

Powered amplifiers for electric guitars have gotten some neat tricks over the years powered by modern mobile technology, but the new ones Positive grid spark ($ 299) could be the one that has the most intelligence and versatility in a single package. From a companion app to voice commands to adjustable modeling and home recording – in addition to functioning as a standalone Bluetooth speaker – the Spark offers functions for beginners and professionals.

The basics

The Positive grid Spark physically looks like your average portable exercise amp. It’s a little over a foot long and about half a foot wide and high, and it weighs just under 12 pounds. A detachable leather shoulder strap is attached for movement and contains a 1/4 “guitar input, a 1/8” auxiliary input and a 1/8 “headphone jack for connecting your audio devices as well as a USB port for recording and as a USB Audio interface to connect to your computer.

The Spark has a host of built-in controls, including a dial to choose from a range of preset amp types, as well as custom dials to quickly adjust Gain, Bass, Mid, Treble, Master, Mod, Delay and Reverb. There are physical controls for output volume and music volume, as well as four user-programmable buttons for accessing presets and a Tap / Tuner button for access to the built-in tuner and other functions.

Credit: Positive grid

There are 30 different potential amp models built into the amp, as well as 40 effects that you can use to customize the sound, including a noise gate, compressor, distortion, modulation, delay and reverb. The Spark also has a bluetooth connection for streaming audio. Inside there are two 4-inch speakers for real stereo sound that are rated for 40 watts.

Features and design

The Spark’s exterior design isn’t far from most standard exercise amps – but it feels high quality, and the grill has a nice retro finish that looks really good even when it’s not in use and just sitting on a side table. The leather is synthetic which makes it more durable and ethical, and the buttons have excellent color-coordinated brass-toned details that complete the look. The metal flip switch to turn on and the red LED leave no confusion as to whether you’re ready for a jam, and the touch buttons have a similarly bright backlight.

Spark’s built-in handle, which you can remove when you’re not in use, is comfortable and does the job well. The amplifier also has rubber feet to lift it off surfaces and provide stability while in use.

In terms of basic performance and features, the Spark is already an excellent amplifier. Even if you never download the Positive Grid app (which you should) and just plug in your guitar, bass, ukulele, or electro-acoustics instead, the physical controls let you set up a sound you like and head to town. When you download the app, you get a whole host of other features that add significantly to the value of the Spark and set it above almost any other amp in its price range (and beyond).

Credit: Positive grid

The app has a number of features including that of Positive GridClever Jam ”that effectively learns your style as you play, and then can create auto-generated bass and drum tracks to accompany you. It’s a very cool feature that eliminates the need to hunt for generic backing or companion titles when all you want to do is jam and come up with interesting compositions.

There is also an auto-chord function if you are not looking for your own stuff but want to master your existing favorite song. This integrates with Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube, which means you should be covered no matter which music service you subscribe to, and automatically display the guitar chords for a track on your device as you play along. You can even slow down the track or grind certain sections if you get stuck on a bit or are just starting out.

The Spark app also provides access to more than 10,000 guitar and bass amplifier presets, expanding the versatility of the amplifier hardware. It’s also voice-controlled, so you can just ask them to provide you with a virtual band, for example, and if necessary.

Bottom line

The Positive Grid Spark is a one-of-a-kind proposition in the amp space that has lots of expandable smarts through the Companion app – or a great, highly customizable, but simpler experience if you’d rather leave your phone off, just come and play. At $ 299, it’s hard to argue with as a top pick considering how much more you get for your money when you factor in its advanced software features and versatility as a great Bluetooth speaker.