There are 30 amp simulations as it comes from the factory, and as of this writing you can purchase additional amp sims from Positive Grid for download. The total impedance is 4 ohms which implies a very efficient (read louder at lower power) system. Given the small speaker size, I expect that there is some computational audio being done as it sounds decent, even when used with a bass guitar with active pickups. It provides stereo output at up to 116dB at 1m using a 40 watt Class D amplifier into a pair 4” speakers in a standard bass reflex design cabinet. There is also an LED for when you use the unit as a Bluetooth speaker.įrequency response is quoted as 20Hz-20KHz but that means little as it includes no + or - qualifiers. There is a bi-driectional USB Type A port and a ⅛” input for an Auxiliary music source such as your Smartphone or other media player. The power block supports input voltage from 110v to 240v. On the back is the connector for power which is provided by the included power block that plugs into a standard AC outlet. There are four preset selector buttons as well as a button that doubles as a tuner on or tap temp function. The main knobs are the Amp Type selector, Gain, Bass, Middle, Treble and Master Volume, followed by Modulation, Delay, Reverb and overall Output. There is a small on off switch and a music volume control. There is a standard ¼” input for your instrument and ⅛” output for your headphones. I bought mine in what they call Pearl White tolex but by default it comes in black. It weighs in at about 11.5 pounds and is about 14 inches long by 7 inches tall and 7 ½ inches deep. The Spark 40 is a pretty flexible product. If you choose to buy any Spark amplifier check Amazon and Positive Grid and use one of those internet coupon hunters. I bought mine direct because I wanted the Pearl White tolex, as I have plenty of black tolex already around here, and the price direct was better than Amazon and included a padded transport bag at no additional charge. You can find them on Amazon, often with special pricing or directly on Positive Grid’s site. Positive Grid Spark amps are sold direct. So for me, the assessment had no value, and as I do, I decided to do my own. I asked him about his experience with it and was advised that one of his friends had been sponsored by Positive Grid but didn’t like the amp. It’s about the size of a decent sized lunchbox, slightly taller and not as wide as the Yamaha THR II 30 or the Boss Katana Air that offer similar power output but that also cost a lot more money.Ī professional musician of my acquaintance told me that I would not like the Spark 40. The power output, the speaker size and the presence of real controls is what convinced me to go with the Spark 40. I chose the Spark 40 because while I can use an app, I like the simplicity of actual knobs that I can easily tweak without having to go to well laid out but very small interface on my phone. I don’t think that you could gig successfully with the Spark 40, but it won’t likely get you evicted either. As I have written before, watts are watts, but the loudness of s 40w solid state amp bears no resemblance to the loudness of a 40w tube amp. My review only covers the Spark 40.Īll power notations reflect a Class D solid state amplifier that is lightweight and effective. The smallest is the 5w Spark Go, the 10w Spark Mini and the 40w Spark 40. Positive Grid at time of writing offers three amplifiers. Don’t get that confused with Snark tuners, not even close to each other. Positive Grid has been producing small amplifiers under the Spark name for a while. Part two, when it comes, will focus on the app specific functions including ToneCloud, Smart Jam, and Auto Chords. I’m breaking it into two parts because I wanted in the first place to focus on the usefulness of the Spark 40 as a home/practice/bedroom amplifier for electric guitar, acoustic guitar and electric bass. This is part one of my review of the Positive Grid Spark 40.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |