Positive Grid has announced the full details of its Spark 2 amp, which aims to change the modeling amp game like its older brother did in 2017.
The announcement follows a series of teasers, including confirmation that it will have a looper feature, responding to a frequent critique of the widely-lauded first-generation model.
Other key improvements include AI preset recommendations, DSP modeling, and greater power as its makers look to go one better than its best-selling predecessor and mount a challenge to the competition that upped its game in the wake of the Spark’s arrival.
The looper is no doubt the most exciting addition for many players. It looks to go above and beyond the typical loop and layer approach by allowing players to incorporate drum and tracking tracks into the experience.
Basic record and play controls are accessible on the amp’s interface, with greater flexibility provided via the accompanying app.
The AI feature may prove a little more polarizing, considering the love/hate relationship the creative world tends to have with the technology, but if it works, it could be a fantastic concept.
As per a Positive Grid Instagram post, players can “describe the tone you’re imagining, and Spark AI will bring it to life.”
In response, it provides a list of suggested preset downloads based on their requests. The feature is true AI in that it will learn from player picks and refine its algorithm to find more tailored solutions the more it is used.
The amp has also been bumped up to 50 watts – a 10-watt increase. It’s perhaps a move to make these amps more viable outside of homes, such as in practice rooms, and even in small gigs.
It’s an upgrade that may help the amp go toe-to-toe with the likes of the Boss Katana and Blackstar’s ID:Core series.
A DSP amp modeling engine powers the Spark 2’s tones, doubling the processing power of the first-gen Spark. It's further bolstered by a duo of FRFR speakers inside the unit for greater audio quality.
Representing a more subtle change, the control panel now features large controls for music, guitar, and master volume, while there’s handy wi-fi connectivity for easier installation of firmware updates.
The Sonic IQ computational audio tech that debuted in the Spark LIVE also features. Positive Grid says it “fuses advanced digital signal processing, acoustic engineering, and speaker optimization” to ensure you always get the best tone possible.
A travel-friendly optional extra comes in the form of a 12-hour rechargeable battery.
The Spark 2 follows in the wake of other recent (ish) additions to Positive Grid’s roster, including the Spark Go for players on the move and its Spark Mini amp and Bluetooth speaker.
The Spark was an instant hit when it launched seven years ago, mainly for its affordability and user-friendly operation. Its success greatly intensified market competition as rival brands scrambled to respond. With the Spark 2, Positive Grid wants to reassert itself at the top of the tree.
There is the small issue of satisfying a cluster of disgruntled Spark owners who have been hoping for a firmware update to the original amp to add features like the Looper to the amp’s arsenal. As things stand, it seems that is but a pipe dream.
Its humble $299 starting price (with an early bird offering at $259) may help. Notably, that’s the same price as its predecessor, reiterating the firm’s commitment to affordability.
Nuno Bettencourt, an early advocate of the amp, is set to feature during Positive Grid’s livestream premiere event on August 1. It will be hosted by Guitar World’s Paul Riario.
“I’ve used a ton of practice amps while touring the world for over 38 years and it was always just a technical, bland exercise,” says Nuno Bettencourt. “Spark 2 is like taking Madison Square Garden wherever you go – epic and versatile.”
Head to Positive Grid to learn more.
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