thanks - if you haven’t already, would be great to have a basic video on intro to looping for absolute zeros 😊 with creative tips as well as basic tech
Ordered one as soon as I saw it was out. Thanks for the great video. I’m glad someone finally took it into their own hands to make something that looks pretty straightforward versus the Loopy HD solution. Not sure why Positive Grid hasn’t come up with their own?!
smart little box, ordered me one. Managed ok with a little looper pedal I had, but this will be so much more fun, gonna try to loop some bass lines and then plug my guitar in. Interesting idea to even add vocals using my Live. Great price too, I think I'm gonna have some fun with this little box!
Would love it if this looper worked with my Yamaha THR30ii A (acoustic version) also! 🤞🙏 I have the Spark GO and the Spark Cab, and the THR does also work with the Spark Cab! I have a Boss RC-5 looper currently but no effects loop in the Spark or the THR30ii A. 🙄
Weird a really good home and practice amp with all the features it comes cannot just loop. I love also my gtrs guitar which actually includes a pedal and IRs, drims a looper in it. Maybe for a future update from Positive Grid
The other solution to the problem is to use a Spark Go as a kinda super-preamp, take the Go output and use it as the input for the looper of your choice, take the OP of the looper and send to a tonally neutral PA (you could even put a drum machine between the looper and the PA), use the Spark Control to switch your tone to your heart's content...
Wondering if you can do a review comparison to all of the foot pedals for these amps. I know they just came out with the control x pedal. I’m assuming they will be sending you this to do a review. They would be stupid not to. Great instructional videos. Appreciate your hard work. Please keep it up
So why doesn't this company (or another) just make a USB interface WITHOUT the looper and allow us to use whatever looper we choose? That's really the "magic" in this pedal-- the USB interface, not the basic looper they included. Imagine this pedal, with an "in" and an "out" jack where the looper exists in the chain. Am I missing something about how this works? I'd pay their full price for THAT, so I could use my Boss RC-5, Digitech Trio+ or other more sophisticated looper pedal with the Spark.
Isn't this basically just adding a Send and Return connection to the Spark amps? Because the looper needs to be inserted into the speaker side chain, just before the signal amplification after all modeling has been completed. But if using the Spark amp as just an amplifier head and using a separate cabinet speaker, you should already be able to add any looper you want?
Pedal is connected to digital amp USB. The loop is not audio, only the guitar signal is... As a bonus you have a line output without cutting the speaker sound. By the way that company seems to be already dead. I cannot find their website.
Spark 2 coming out next month…….looper included, waiting on the current day by day previews of new features. Having been using the Go for the last few months I’ll be looking at picking up the Spark 2 40 a little later in the year once it’s released subject to price point. Currently great discounts on the current Spark and expect there will more once the 2 is released.
You know more than anything what this has gotten me wondering? I own a Spark 40 and a Spark Go. I also have the foot control. What I’m thinking is what’s to stop me using the Go as a sort of amp head. So… Guitar>input of Spark Go, headphone out of Spark Go> Looper Pedal, Looper Out>aux in of the Spark 40 (amp sims turned off and everything set neutral). Any thoughts?
Many of the amp models master volume actually alter the sound and not just the overall volume. Kinda like the amps in real life. For example the plexi model in the spark.
If you have an amp and a looper save yourself the money by plugging your guitar into the Spark, and run a 3.5mm to 6.35mm from the headphone out to your looper's input and output through your amp.
Yes, it would. You will need to have the amp with you all the time. Make sure you set up the spark mini to output to line. On the Spark 40, you might need to use a summing cable with resistors. I’ve got a Spark 40 on the way, I’ll update when I find out.
8:27 in terms of using this with the Spark Cab, is this the capability, the line out feature, that will make it so sound will come out of the cab AND the go or 40, instead of only the cab? Being able to add a looper AND make sound come out of the 40 and cab is ideal.
Thanks for the great review! I was using a Ditto+ looper, can upload backing tracks, etc. But issues with use with the Spark Go, Mini and 40, as when the tone is changed, all the recorded loops are through the same tone - as you mentioned. The U Looper looks like it will solve this. But is there any way to "upload" or "download" loops from/onto a computer? Looks like it is just a one loop, multiple dub style looper (like the Ditto original)...
Yeh at this stage I don’t think there’s any way to upload loops. There’s no real interface or anything like that so no memory bank. Just functions like a super basic looper. Hopefully they’ll try something more elaborate in the future
Are the input/output jacks for future compatibility? It appears that it will not easily work with existing pedal boards. Thanks for the comprehensive demo.
The left jack is for line out, the right one is for future use (maybe a pedal or addtional footswitch). Not really designed to be a pedal you can put in a regular signal chain of a pedal board.
so you have to have this AND the Airstep? Come on Positive Grid. What is so complicated ? I was hopeful that when you came out with the Spark pedal that you would make the software/firmware work.
The reality is that despite the promise of ‘new features’ to be added in the future when they released the spark control, little to nothing has been added and they’ve been scratching their heads for over two years while they focussed instead on new products. It’s really disappointing that they’ve now looked to address this via an entirely new amp (the spark 2). The promise of discounts to spark 40 owners via the registration programme is probably behind this.
I experienced a buzzing as well and some popping with my Spark 40 hooked up in conjunction with my Spark Cab. It sounds more like the Cab than the 40. The popping is annoying. It’s on some, but not all presets. I’m going to try and chance all the cables and see what happens. Frustrating. Thanks for the video.
not a clue on how to do this. Where did the second pedal come from. He doesn't say hit this one, and then hit this. I have bought 2 loopers and have never been able to figure it out. I almost bought this, but I am more confused now than I thought I would be.
I'm reading elsewhere that this pedal does NOT do overdubbed loops well, and people are using workarounds with two amps etc. If that's the case, how is it done seamlessly in this video?🤔
Bought my spark 40 and mini a couple years ago. Ran into all the limitations, and ultimately got a real looper (EHX 22500) and external effects pedals, and just use my sparks mostly as 'dumb' speakers. Turned out to be kind of a waste, considering Spark amps also don't work that well as an interface with Ableton, etc. (probably so they could sell Bias FX).
Thanks for the vid! I just received mine! I’m having trouble connecting it to my Spark 40. It starts with a solid purple then flashes red for about 10 seconds is a solid green for a mill then resets. I’ve updated the firmware on both products and I have followed the connection. Instructions. Appreciate any ideas all the best.
Make sure your Spark is operating at 48 kHz sampling rate and the ASIO driver works when you connect it to windows via USB. Some Spark 40 units made during the 2nd half of 2023 run at 44.1 kHz sample rate and the ulooper won't work with those.
So why isn't it working with my spark 40 or Mini? I get absolutely no lights with the mini. With the spray it continues to flash red unless I hold the switch in then it goes to continuous red as if it is recording... but that's it. It's doesn't ever change from that.
The input jacks on this device won't function like a regular looper. I'm pretty sure the left jack will always be for line out and the right jack might be for a footswitch or pedal, not sure though.
Thanks the video! This is great, but I need 2 or 3 chanel in loop.. I think about I put he headphones out to an rc-500, and back it to aux. Maybe it can work? Or there' s too much latency to livin in loop? Or maybe the speaker muted, when I plug the headpones?
I'm a bit confused. You say that you don't plug any 1/4 inch cables into the looper, but when you demonstrate its use, you have a cable coming out of the left side of the looper.
That’s for me to record the line out for the purpose of hearing the audio in the video. It’s not something you need to do unless you want to record your spark through an audio interface.
@@GuitarZero2Hero True, although, I'm thinking if you've got a slow 12 bar blues going, with a few overdubs, .... yeah, still, you're right, 180 minutes would allow for a long song even with multi over dubs.
I just got mine and the instructions leave alot to be desired. I'm not getting any power and I'm not sure how to hook this up. I thought you hook usb c from amp to usb a on pedal correct. Then hook guitar as normally to the amp? I get no lights.
The pedal needs an external power source, so you’ll need another cable to plug into the USB-C of the pedal and have that plugged into a power brick. Watch the video and there’s a section explaining it
Can you explain the airstep thing you are using? You don't really explain that and it looks like its important to whatever it is you're doing. I'm a looping newbie and I have a spark, so some context around that would help.
It's just to change tones on the amp, not important for this setup at all. You can change tones off the app or on the amp itself. I'm just using the airstep as it's hands free.
Can you use it with other amps the have built in effects like the Spark? I have a fender mustang lt25 amp and I was wondering if it will work with it too? thanks
Hey guys, I bought a BOSS RC-1 and I’m trying to loop and then pedal switch with the spark controller.. but when I change tone it changes my original loop?? Anyone know if there is a way around this? Or do I need to buy another looper :(
Minimalist Design Translation: you could use a $20 looper if you weren't a chump that bought into PositiveGrid's crippleware S40 product so we can suck an extra $80 out of your pocket for a device that comes with warnings for a reason and by the way if you have an Spk that decides to drop its Bluetooth connection when it wants don't blames us for that either its a feature.
@@GuitarZero2Hero Maybe i didnt understand, sorry for my English. If i have my looper plugged from the spark40 USB . Is there a way to play music audio like a backing track through the spark amp?
Great device but a 100 bucks? Are u kidding me. Something like this should already be integrated in the spark to begin with. Id pay 70 at max for this but a 100(and 120 if not on sale real or not)? What a joke.
Excellent. So, with the line out to another speaker, I have 2 scenarios, 1) out to the Spark Cab, so I can hear both Spark 40 & Cab together (my main goal), or 2) out to an unpowered regular speaker (e.g., my 1x12 Celestion Greenback). Will these 2 both work? Thanks
thanks - if you haven’t already, would be great to have a basic video on intro to looping for absolute zeros 😊 with creative tips as well as basic tech
Ordered one as soon as I saw it was out. Thanks for the great video. I’m glad someone finally took it into their own hands to make something that looks pretty straightforward versus the Loopy HD solution. Not sure why Positive Grid hasn’t come up with their own?!
This is a great video! Very well explained and super articulate. First class instruction here.
Thanks so much brother!!
Been waiting for a solution like this! Not a fan of Positive Grid, so hopefully other similar products are supported in the future!
smart little box, ordered me one. Managed ok with a little looper pedal I had, but this will be so much more fun, gonna try to loop some bass lines and then plug my guitar in. Interesting idea to even add vocals using my Live. Great price too, I think I'm gonna have some fun with this little box!
How did it go?
Got the Spark 2 update which is in beta. It works great. thank goodness...
Would love it if this looper worked with my Yamaha THR30ii A (acoustic version) also! 🤞🙏 I have the Spark GO and the Spark Cab, and the THR does also work with the Spark Cab! I have a Boss RC-5 looper currently but no effects loop in the Spark or the THR30ii A. 🙄
非常具有创新性的好产品！这肯定是LOOP效果器未来的趋势！
Wow. Wish this had come along sooner. I bought an IPad, Airstep, and adapters to hook it all up. Finally, I installed Loopy. Have yet to loop a lick.
Looks great Dave!
Thanks John
Weird a really good home and practice amp with all the features it comes cannot just loop. I love also my gtrs guitar which actually includes a pedal and IRs, drims a looper in it. Maybe for a future update from Positive Grid
Thank you!
The other solution to the problem is to use a Spark Go as a kinda super-preamp, take the Go output and use it as the input for the looper of your choice, take the OP of the looper and send to a tonally neutral PA (you could even put a drum machine between the looper and the PA), use the Spark Control to switch your tone to your heart's content...
Expanding it to work with the Katana GO or Pocket GT would make for amazingly powerful compact rigs
Wondering if you can do a review comparison to all of the foot pedals for these amps. I know they just came out with the control x pedal. I’m assuming they will be sending you this to do a review. They would be stupid not to. Great instructional videos. Appreciate your hard work. Please keep it up
So why doesn't this company (or another) just make a USB interface WITHOUT the looper and allow us to use whatever looper we choose? That's really the "magic" in this pedal-- the USB interface, not the basic looper they included. Imagine this pedal, with an "in" and an "out" jack where the looper exists in the chain. Am I missing something about how this works? I'd pay their full price for THAT, so I could use my Boss RC-5, Digitech Trio+ or other more sophisticated looper pedal with the Spark.
Isn't this basically just adding a Send and Return connection to the Spark amps? Because the looper needs to be inserted into the speaker side chain, just before the signal amplification after all modeling has been completed. But if using the Spark amp as just an amplifier head and using a separate cabinet speaker, you should already be able to add any looper you want?
Seems they have a product called xtone that actually is a pedal shaped interface with inputs and outputs…
Pedal is connected to digital amp USB. The loop is not audio, only the guitar signal is...
As a bonus you have a line output without cutting the speaker sound.
By the way that company seems to be already dead. I cannot find their website.
@@danielbarbieri8199XTone is by XSonic
That was an awesome demostration Dave thank u u mention they may do it for the boss katana 50 have they given u a rough idea when ?
No I haven’t been given any more info on that sorry! Maybe just keep checking back on their site every couple of months :)
@@GuitarZero2Hero ok thank u
Spark 2 coming out next month…….looper included, waiting on the current day by day previews of new features. Having been using the Go for the last few months I’ll be looking at picking up the Spark 2 40 a little later in the year once it’s released subject to price point. Currently great discounts on the current Spark and expect there will more once the 2 is released.
Would you recommend this with the air step foot control or the spark foot control? Thanks. Great video demos for spark btw. Very helpful.
You know more than anything what this has gotten me wondering?
I own a Spark 40 and a Spark Go. I also have the foot control. What I’m thinking is what’s to stop me using the Go as a sort of amp head. So…
Guitar>input of Spark Go, headphone out of Spark Go> Looper Pedal, Looper Out>aux in of the Spark 40 (amp sims turned off and everything set neutral).
Any thoughts?
Many of the amp models master volume actually alter the sound and not just the overall volume. Kinda like the amps in real life.
For example the plexi model in the spark.
If you have an amp and a looper save yourself the money by plugging your guitar into the Spark, and run a 3.5mm to 6.35mm from the headphone out to your looper's input and output through your amp.
does this work with any looper?
Yes, it would. You will need to have the amp with you all the time. Make sure you set up the spark mini to output to line. On the Spark 40, you might need to use a summing cable with resistors. I’ve got a Spark 40 on the way, I’ll update when I find out.
This doesn't work if your only amp is the Spark amp.
Please make a video tutorial on 'Two of us' by the 'Beatles'
Thanks for this great review Dave! Is it also possible to delete an Overdub only , instead of the whole recording?:
Could you please do a tutorial for "are you dreaming" by looking glass.
Thanks dave.
Can you run the looper through the SPARK CONTROL X foot controller????
Do you need the U looper if you already have the Control X? Basically can you do all you can do with the u looper form the Control X?
8:27 in terms of using this with the Spark Cab, is this the capability, the line out feature, that will make it so sound will come out of the cab AND the go or 40, instead of only the cab? Being able to add a looper AND make sound come out of the 40 and cab is ideal.
Thanks for the great review! I was using a Ditto+ looper, can upload backing tracks, etc. But issues with use with the Spark Go, Mini and 40, as when the tone is changed, all the recorded loops are through the same tone - as you mentioned. The U Looper looks like it will solve this. But is there any way to "upload" or "download" loops from/onto a computer? Looks like it is just a one loop, multiple dub style looper (like the Ditto original)...
Yeh at this stage I don’t think there’s any way to upload loops. There’s no real interface or anything like that so no memory bank. Just functions like a super basic looper. Hopefully they’ll try something more elaborate in the future
Great, thanks, but there's no 'undo' feature?
Are the input/output jacks for future compatibility? It appears that it will not easily work with existing pedal boards. Thanks for the comprehensive demo.
The left jack is for line out, the right one is for future use (maybe a pedal or addtional footswitch). Not really designed to be a pedal you can put in a regular signal chain of a pedal board.
so you have to have this AND the Airstep? Come on Positive Grid. What is so complicated ? I was hopeful that when you came out with the Spark pedal that you would make the software/firmware work.
This was a question I was going to ask. So, is it fact that you need both the AIRSTEP and Ulooper?
The reality is that despite the promise of ‘new features’ to be added in the future when they released the spark control, little to nothing has been added and they’ve been scratching their heads for over two years while they focussed instead on new products. It’s really disappointing that they’ve now looked to address this via an entirely new amp (the spark 2). The promise of discounts to spark 40 owners via the registration programme is probably behind this.
Boss loopers include rhythm. Is that a likely future update for the u looper?
I experienced a buzzing as well and some popping with my Spark 40 hooked up in conjunction with my Spark Cab. It sounds more like the Cab than the 40. The popping is annoying. It’s on some, but not all presets. I’m going to try and chance all the cables and see what happens. Frustrating. Thanks for the video.
Does it work if we don't have the AirStep but only the app on android device to change the effects?
Have they fixed the latency with a patch yet?
Also do they ever go on sale?
not a clue on how to do this. Where did the second pedal come from. He doesn't say hit this one, and then hit this. I have bought 2 loopers and have never been able to figure it out. I almost bought this, but I am more confused now than I thought I would be.
I'm reading elsewhere that this pedal does NOT do overdubbed loops well, and people are using workarounds with two amps etc. If that's the case, how is it done seamlessly in this video?🤔
it can overdub without any problems
@@xsonic9268 hopefully that's the case. I'm waiting on mine to arrive, and will test it myself.
Bought my spark 40 and mini a couple years ago. Ran into all the limitations, and ultimately got a real looper (EHX 22500) and external effects pedals, and just use my sparks mostly as 'dumb' speakers. Turned out to be kind of a waste, considering Spark amps also don't work that well as an interface with Ableton, etc. (probably so they could sell Bias FX).
Is there anyway to add drums with this pedal?
And do you need an airstep or can you just change tones on the spark app?
can it work with HX Stomp?
Does it work with Smart Jam, or does that drum get mixed into the loop?
Awesome vid, thanks!
I hope next guitar tutorial is Lady by the sea By. Stephen Sanchez
Thanks for the vid! I just received mine! I’m having trouble connecting it to my Spark 40. It starts with a solid purple then flashes red for about 10 seconds is a solid green for a mill then resets. I’ve updated the firmware on both products and I have followed the connection. Instructions. Appreciate any ideas all the best.
Make sure your Spark is operating at 48 kHz sampling rate and the ASIO driver works when you connect it to windows via USB. Some Spark 40 units made during the 2nd half of 2023 run at 44.1 kHz sample rate and the ulooper won't work with those.
Hey Dave, can you use this with a Spark Go all by itself, or do you need the Airstep pedal too?
No need for the airstep pedal. I use the pedal just for an easier way of changing tone but you could just change it manually on the amp with your hand
So why isn't it working with my spark 40 or Mini? I get absolutely no lights with the mini. With the spray it continues to flash red unless I hold the switch in then it goes to continuous red as if it is recording... but that's it. It's doesn't ever change from that.
Have you tried updating the firmware of the amp?
I have the Mini so this should be useful. However, in the future, the in and out can be used as a normal looper with amps having S/R loop, correct?
The input jacks on this device won't function like a regular looper. I'm pretty sure the left jack will always be for line out and the right jack might be for a footswitch or pedal, not sure though.
@@GuitarZero2Hero Thanks for your comments. Also, can the loop be saved, and if so, just the past loop or multiple?
Thanks the video!
This is great, but I need 2 or 3 chanel in loop..
I think about I put he headphones out to an rc-500, and back it to aux. Maybe it can work? Or there' s too much latency to livin in loop?
Or maybe the speaker muted, when I plug the headpones?
I'm a bit confused. You say that you don't plug any 1/4 inch cables into the looper, but when you demonstrate its use, you have a cable coming out of the left side of the looper.
That’s for me to record the line out for the purpose of hearing the audio in the video. It’s not something you need to do unless you want to record your spark through an audio interface.
@@GuitarZero2Herothanks
It would be perfect for going intonpa in a live contest@@GuitarZero2Hero
What's the maximum amount of time for a loop? The loop duration max?
Max duration is 180minutes (although don't think you'd need that) haha
@@GuitarZero2Hero True, although, I'm thinking if you've got a slow 12 bar blues going, with a few overdubs, .... yeah, still, you're right, 180 minutes would allow for a long song even with multi over dubs.
Will it work with the spark control x? Also I use spark link, will it work all to gether?
Yes, sure
Do you need the AirStep or can you switch tones via phone or tablet like normal?
No don't need the airstep, you can switch tones on the amp or tablet.
@GuitarZero2Hero can i ask if *Cuvave* brand are good ?
I'm a beginner and intend to buy some effect and soundcard from *Cuvave* brand.
I just got mine and the instructions leave alot to be desired. I'm not getting any power and I'm not sure how to hook this up. I thought you hook usb c from amp to usb a on pedal correct. Then hook guitar as normally to the amp? I get no lights.
The pedal needs an external power source, so you’ll need another cable to plug into the USB-C of the pedal and have that plugged into a power brick. Watch the video and there’s a section explaining it
Can you explain the airstep thing you are using? You don't really explain that and it looks like its important to whatever it is you're doing. I'm a looping newbie and I have a spark, so some context around that would help.
It's just to change tones on the amp, not important for this setup at all. You can change tones off the app or on the amp itself. I'm just using the airstep as it's hands free.
Can you use it with other amps the have built in effects like the Spark? I have a fender mustang lt25 amp and I was wondering if it will work with it too? thanks
Not yet but I believe they may add support in the future. Best to email them directly to ask
Hey guys, I bought a BOSS RC-1 and I’m trying to loop and then pedal switch with the spark controller.. but when I change tone it changes my original loop?? Anyone know if there is a way around this? Or do I need to buy another looper :(
This ULooper will solve your issue
wow how many layers does it have?
Ultimate layers
🎶🎸❤🤗
Minimalist Design
Translation: you could use a $20 looper if you weren't a chump that bought into PositiveGrid's crippleware S40 product so we can suck an extra $80 out of your pocket for a device that comes with warnings for a reason and by the way if you have an Spk that decides to drop its Bluetooth connection when it wants don't blames us for that either its a feature.
Tldr: Apart from it not working very well it works ok in some situations
Why won't PG release it's own looper for spark after all these years! 😡
Not sure 🤷🏻♂️
@@GuitarZero2Hero Maybe i didnt understand, sorry for my English. If i have my looper plugged from the spark40 USB . Is there a way to play music audio like a backing track through the spark amp?
Apparently my 40 doesn't have a port to connect
So that one little looper make something that's portable and battery-powered you totally not portable anymore cuz you need to plug it in
Hi dave, please would you make a tutorial of when will i be alright from ed sheeran? its a beautiful song. Thanks and best regards from México
Great device but a 100 bucks? Are u kidding me.
Something like this should already be integrated in the spark to begin with.
Id pay 70 at max for this but a 100(and 120 if not on sale real or not)? What a joke.
Ride the wave and build back better broo
Excellent. So, with the line out to another speaker, I have 2 scenarios, 1) out to the Spark Cab, so I can hear both Spark 40 & Cab together (my main goal), or 2) out to an unpowered regular speaker (e.g., my 1x12 Celestion Greenback). Will these 2 both work? Thanks
Yes! Both are gonna work.
Please make a video tutorial on 'Two of us' by the 'Beatles'