I ordered the Spark2 that just came out. It now has a built-in looper. Everyone at work is buying them, too. Can't wait! Thanks for the video. Rock on!
Thanks Mark ! 👍 Some more great insight into the Spark's capabilities, and shortcomings . This Pedal not being able to be used with the Amp without the App, is both very frustrating, and IMHO a huge disappointing oversight on Positive Grids development Team's part . Sometimes you just want to keep things simple, plug into the Amp, and play something with the presets you've already loaded . These are deficiencies that should be clearly stated in the Product literature ? Cheers ✌️🤙
What a great video. I’ve been thinking about one of these for too long. Doesn’t sound like the foot control would be for me. Valuable information and excellent presentation. Ranking your present and past 12-strings is the absolute best guitar review I’ve ever seen. Great job as always.
Wow. I really appreciate that. This video took almost twice as long as usual to make. I couldn't even tell you why. There wasn't anything particularly hard about it. I just kept feeling like something was missing and added a lot late in the process, which I don't normally do. Enjoy the rest of your day. Mark
Hey Mark its ironic that you had this as your subject for today. As a owner of a spark I had been wondering when they would get a decent foot switch. After your explanation you did a fine job of convincing me NOT to purchase one. Totally agree having to use the app makes it user unfriendly in my thinking. Have a great weekend
Hey Al. It works perfectly at what it does. It doesn't do anything that's going to affect the way I use it. In all fairness, other than looping I don't know what I could have offered. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Mark
Yep, me too. I'd be more convinced by it if it had a jack for adding an expression pedal, something that would open up a whole world of stuff you just can't do with the spark.
Thanks Mark. I use my Spark onstage and found switching between hardware presets during a song required a dexterity I do not possess. So when PG offered the control pedal I thought it would be the perfect solution. This pedal, coupled with my Mini has made my rig incredibly easy to transport.
Hi Rocket Rose, are you still enjoying the foot pedal? I've had the 40W Spark for a while and as much as I like it (great to learn guitar on, switching from grungey to metal to super psychadelic to blues made it much more fun to learn!) it's not ideal for an apartment, shakes the walls, the floors, etc. Got a Spark Mini a few months ago and I'm starting to get good enough that I want to switch tones without having to stop, swipe through the app on my phone, etc. Not sure if I should go with this or the Airstep, I know that one has the looper function but don't think I'll need that plus I can just buy a pedal
This is super helpful. I bought the Spark and I'm considering picking up the pedal as well. I trust your opinion and appreciate the thorough walkthrough.
Good review. But I disagree with most folks saying they won’t buy it. I use it live at practice to switch between presets, or kick in the overdrive or boost during a lead. Works perfect! I guess it depends on what you expect it to be or want it to be.
Hey Bill! I love the Spark. I actually bought the mini today. I think it's great that you're getting good use out of it. I think the third time I heard about the future proofing stuff I went too far on a tangent. For what it's made of and compared to the pricing on the 40, I think it should go for around $60. Honestly, I dont know I should expect it to do. I tried to be fair. I wish it would go grab my phone for me when I forget to bring it into the studio. Lol. I appreciate your time and for sharing something positive. Take care. Mark
John Mallinckrodt 1 second ago REALLY great review. Thank you for getting RIGHT into it, for not wasting our time, for being straight about the pros and cons, and for covering things so quickly, clearly, and completely. This is a model for how the generally woeful “review/how to” video genre should be done.
Thanks brother. This one took forever to make and then last minute I decided to play a bit. The play through section was recorded around 3am. I wont be able to make the chat today. First time. I'll be on the road. Take care. Have a great weekend. Mark
Great video Mark! As a musician and software engineer, I have a ton of problems with products which couple too tightly to mobile platforms. Also, there are tons of features here, but the absence of looping capability makes me think that these features were developed at the behest of startup-mentality techies, and not musicians.
Hey Gabe. It was kind of an unfair review to begin with as I already knew that I had no need for foot control. The looper would have been the only thing to make it worthwhile. A couple people have reached out and said that they would find value with it. That's good.
Hey Mark. I have the Spark right next to my computer monitor. At least 4 or 5 times a week, a video will catch my eye that has some good playing or interesting tips. I'll grab an electric and I already have a silent cable plugged into the Spark. Set up time is less than 30 seconds. Without a doubt, the Spark has made me a better player. Now, does that mean it's better than the other lunch box amps? From everything I gather it's easier to use and has more features but some others sound better and more like classic amps. It's the one I was motivated to buy. I don't think beyond that too much unless I'm reviewing something. If you're planning on using UA-cam backing tracks, it's well worth it. Otherwise, it doesn't do much that I can't do with the app that I have to open anyway to use it. :). Mark
Hey Andy. It's good to hear somebody that sees value in it. I think I should have called more attention to the fact that there's really nothing it could have controlled to be worth it to me. Maybe a bit unfair. Talk this week. mark
Thank you for the honest review. I got the foot-controller primarily for live performance, so hoping it will serve that purpose well. I also added a lithium ion battery to the back of the Spark amp - meaning I don't need to be near an electrical outlet to use it. The battery seems to help cut out the noise the Spark Amp makes on high gain. They don't seem to be as well grounded as they could be when using the power supply that comes with the amp.
Thanks very much for the honest review, my foot control is due in next week. I was fortunate enough to get it on a Christmas sale for $79 so thought I'd take a chance. Primarily I use the Spark amp to play along with UA-cam music videos or lessons. I can see where this will be very helpful to me to back up the video and change speeds instantly rather than reaching over to the computer. If it does just this well it will be worth it in my book. As I am just an intermediate player and lessons (especially when slowed down) are critical. Again, thanks for your well thought out comments and evaluation.
Yes. That's definitely an advantage, especially if you're using it in a real time live setting. If you haven't purchased it yet, a lot of the issues have been ironed out with the Spark 2 which is coming out next month. I really appreciate you checking out the video. Take care and have a great rest of your week. Mark
Great review Mark. As I have a looper pedal I don’t see much advantage in getting the Spark control. Maybe down the road if there are significant upgrades.
I have the ditto. It's the most simple looper out there. You really need good timing to use it effectively. I know some of the others have a built in drummer that you can start with. If you're doing pure looping, it's an art. Talk soon. Mark
The first thing I thought about when you started talking was"practice?! Practice?!!!! I'm a franchise player!!! 😳😳😳" I guess I wasn't the only one. 😂😂😂
@@8MinuteAxe No worries Mark, I always try to get round to everyone in the notifications even if sometimes I'm a couple of days behind. I hope you have a great day as well 😀🤘
Hey Johnny. Maybe the cards were stacked against it a bit, but the $109 price tag alone has to make you scratch your head. As always, I really appreciate your support. Take care. Mark
Hej Marc, thanks for your critical review! I also wanted to use the control for practicing, but if you haven’t developed a routine including spark-backing tracks absolutely usually yet, you probably won’t with the spark control as far as my experience goes. I really hope for the software integrated looper, that is also fx-customisable because a looper in front of the amp will change its sound with every effect change you do. Though, I did not find any workaround yet. Ideas appreciated. ;-) The need of the app for the connection really is a dealbreaker, but I don’t think there will be another option. That’s something I really would consider before buying - thanks for clarifying this in your video. Keep on creating great content! Cheers!
Hey brother. It sounds like you've thought it out pretty good. I always caution people (my students AND myself included), pay attention to how much time you spend looking at gear and fiddling with gear. Both can be fun but for most of us, if we even devote 10% of that time to more practice it's quite a bit. Thanks so much for checking out the video. I appreciate your time and your comment. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and take care. Mark
Thanks for the thoughtful review. I've loved the Spark - it's helped me bust out my Strat more in the last 6 months after decades of playing acoustic. I don't like fiddling with electronics, and I appreciate how easy it is to download different sounds and play with backing tracks. It's been a big help to my playing and opened up areas of playing I'd long shut off. As to the pedal, I'm intrigued with looping, so I was hoping to see this get updated on this as the looper function already works on the Airstep SPK edition. I'm probably sitting back a bit and looking for the best looper to pair with the Spark. Thanks again!
It does, but there are some steps involved to make it work. The downside to a looper pedal (as far as I can tell) is you can’t easily use your amp effects in the looper mix. I think the choice depends on how important that is to you. Ease of use favors the pedal, the options favor the airstep, but you have to jump through more hoops to make it work.
Thanks for the review. The only thing that turned me off is a fact you need to connect it and use it with an app. As far as I figured out, you don't need to use an app with alternative Airstep for Spark Foot switch. I may be wrong. It would be great to do a comparison between those two. Hope it makes sense. Cheers!
Hey Andrej. First off, thanks so much for checking out the video. One of my students has the Airstep and he says you have to use another app. That makes it even less attractive. If this video catches on a bit I will pick up an airstep and do a comparison. Out of the gate, this is my worst performing video in 18 months. It's early though. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and take care. Mark
@@8MinuteAxeHi, I think that's for the looper capability only (and it's IOS-only, just to add to the user unfriendliness) but from everything else I've seen the changing of presets etc seems to be airstep going directly to amp. Just investigating though!
Would u please clarify the following. If I’m using chordify or u tube connected to the amp to practice that is a blutooth connection. Isn’t the pedal a second BT connection. Just trying to confirm both with work and not be an either or scenario. Trying to use chordify with the ability to stomp box preset effects in flight. TY
Great review. Very practical. Love this amp, but I’m strictly a basement player (not ready for prime time). So I took your advice and bought a strap and a more comfortable chair so I play more. 😂
Hey Misael. I'm glad you got something out of it. Review videos always take me forever. I don't like to cut corners and misrepresent what's actually going on in the room when I'm filming. PG is really obsessed with bragging about what the future might hold. LOL. Take care and be well. Mark
LMAO. Yeah John. I just don't see what might be as a big selling point. I love the Spark but there are a few things that it does that are needless and a few things that it doesn't do which are almost fundamental these days (looping). I really appreciate you checking out the video. Thanks for your time and comment. take care and be well. mark
Hey Sandra. Exactly. You have to dial in the app so you're not really hands free. Talk to you next week. This was the first premiere I've ever completely missed. :)
Hey Bob. Somebody just asked me if I'd recommend the Spark to someone that doesn't play ANY electric. I told him he's better off getting a nice little PA or an acoustic amp. Mark
Thanks for the great review, wish I'd seen this review prior to ordering, seeing as how it's tied to the app and I already can't update the firmware because I don't use Windows or Mac, as soon as it gets here, it's going right back and I'll get a SparkyPedal instead.
Hey Charles. I apologize for the delayed response. I do appreciate you checking out the video and I appreciate your nice comment. I saw your other comment as well and I will definitely check that out. I ordered the spark two and I should get that next week sometime shoot me an email at Markaranalli@gmail.com if you need anything at all. Take care and have a great weekend. Mark.
Using the Spark for a pit orch amp (musical theater) - the footswitch is essential (clean electric, dirty electric, acoustic, ambient electric or some other weird sound)
Would it be possible with the Spark to use the headphone out, to a clean slave amp then to a speaker cabinet so this could be used for gigs? I've not seen anyone talk about this. Great info videos 👍
I just got a Spark Mini. 2nd thing I did was run it from the head phone out to my 2000 watt HeadRush speakers with a cable that goes from 3.5 stereo to XLR males. That turned one of the worlds smallest guitar amps into a beast. Lol 😅
I bought the footswitch and have still not yet figures all the controls out it was difficult at first to even get it set up and the biggest gripe I have with the spark advertising altogether is they came out with the Riff and the mini Spark amp before I received my footswitch I was really angry about that I made several attempts to contact them to ask when I would receive my order and would receive answers back but never when I would receive it it just came out of the blue one day like you said there was a package at my door honestly I would like to see them add more pedals and amps before anything maybe add a Jimmy Page or another famous guitarists package like they did with the Jimi Hendrix package yes I agree their marketing and advertising strategies are a little bass-ackwards
Hey Kenneth. I couldn't agree with you more about their questionable marketing and customer service. With the runaway success of the Spark you'd think the only thing that would matter is customer service as a bad wrap is the ONLY thing that could kill their incredible momentum. Thanks so much for checking out the video. I appreciate your time and comment. Take care and be well. Mark
Your initial views on the spark are interesting. I utterly hate it. It is totally bass heavy and cannot be played at low (practice) volume without turning down the bass and mid and turning up the treble. And I like bass,/dark tones, like early led zep. But this is to bass, even for me. I've binned mine in the absence of any firmware upgrade to sort the tone, that so many have complained about. Spend the money on a Yamaha THR (either I or II) and you will not regret it.
Hey Angus. Did you see my video on the Spark called THE FIX ua-cam.com/video/HnHUerYr4Qo/v-deo.html. Im curious what your thoughts are on it. The Yamaha sounds great for sure. There are several lunch box amps that sound great. I'm a bit older and I remember when you couldn't buy anything worthwhile for $240 so perhaps my views are a bit dated based on price vs performance. I'm not looking for a gig worthy sound from a practice amp (not meant to be passive aggressive, you make all good points). I really appreciate you checking out the video. Take care and be well. Mark
Hi Mark, thanks for your reply. I had not seen your video outlining the use of the eq pedal. From your examples, it does seem to work! Sadly, I have given away my Spark now. I still think that Spark should really just try to fix the bass rather than rely on work arounds. If I had been using mine at higher volumes I might have appreciated the bass more but I needed it for practice in an apartment and the bass end could be heard by the neighbours even when the output volume was only between 9 and 10 o'clock. Once again, thanks for you reply. Cheers!
Hey Angus. I totally agree regarding a firmware fix as the appropriate solution. I hope you find one that works right for you. I've been playing professionally for 25 plus years and one thing I've learned for better or worse, I'm not that picky. That's part of the reason why I dont a lot of reviews. I dont like to lead people down the wrong path because of my tendencies. Thanks again for the support. Please take care and have a great week. Mark
I work in IT and one thing I have realized, never choose a product based on future promises. That said, this looks mildly useful but I would wait for a big sale.
BLUF: You have to search UA-cam videos inside the app. They should just flat out say that. Waited for 3 months to get mine and switch IV was DOA. Positive Grid support was SUPER annoying. Required me to video tape checking the firmware and going through the switches on the device. Finally got an RMA and it took 4 more weeks with very little communication on the status of my case. Just got it today and Im looking for instructions on actually getting the UA-cam features to work. Not intuitive.
Hey Kelly. I love my Spark. I have a hand wired Dr. Z and a Gibson Goldtone, and they aren't getting much use because I just plug into the Spark on my desktop. I don't think I'll ever take the control out of the box again though. I agree that it's not intuitive. And bragging about what it might do in the future? I'm sorry you had a bad experience with them. I really appreciate you checking out the video. Enjoy the rest of your week and take care. Mark
spark control is not bad, but if I a using it on my tablet and need to use another app like my song book, the pedal won't work unless the app is on the screen and not when running in the background
Hey Mark. As usual, some good some not. I bought the xsonic foot control but I use an android tab and phone. When use it with the app nothing changes on the screen. That only happens if you use an iOS device. So disappointing not to see when you make a change.
Hey JAH. I'm guess that looping must take a lot of DSP or something. They've sold a kajillion of these, why not figure it out. Everybody is asking for it. Thanks brother.
Seems useful for people recording for tiktok and stuff like that. Considering this is basically a generic bluetooth device, new software features can be added in the future. Let's wait and see. For now, it's a no go for me.
I couldn't agree more Kauko. I love my Spark but I wish it had just a bit more functionality on the amp itself. Thanks for checking out the video. I really appreciate it.
You know, I have a post graduate degree in linguistics and a masters in English and I never encountered the word "haptics" until a couple of years ago when my son wanted a haptic suit for VR. Yes, silent haptics. Thanks so much for checking out the video. I appreciate your time. Take care and have a great week! -Mark. PS- I just got the Spark2 and it doesn't work with the Spark2 looper. LMAO. All that talk about future proofing and you need to buy the new footswitch to use the looper. Go figure!
I’m going to respectfully disagree with your stance on the app and pedal. I know at the end you added that it might be good for some people but the review was mostly negative towards the pedal. Any player that can switch between a clean and dirty sound while playing can benefit from the foot switch. I’m not that good myself. But a player with a tube amp and foot pedals that bought the Spark to practice is better off with the foot switch rather than stopping and using their hands. Without the app the Spark is overpriced and not a great piece of equipment. You would have been better off buying a Roland Micro Cube. The foot switch and the app make the Spark a very valuable practice amp. Especially for someone without the cash or knowledge to start buying pedals. Without a doubt a looper is an invaluable tool. However, an iPod or phone with backing tracks and a speaker can be used as well. Just my two cents.
It basically controls the APP, and NOT the AMP. Need the phone app OPEN and RUNNING while you use the footswitch... what a pain in the rear. just let me turn on amp and footswitch and play, but now gotta find the d@## phone and open the app the whole time.😠 My verdict: Not worth it.
Who me? Are you messing with me or being sarcastic? I know that I'm a little overzealous about the Spark but I really do love it and I still think it's the best value of any desktop amp. And the mini and go are equally impressive for what they do. That's why I've made all the positive videos. I paid for all of them too. PG didn't give me anything foe the reviews. The control pedal is definitely a disappointment for the money, especially when you consider what a great value the 40, mini, and go are. Thanks for checking the video out. Have a great weekend. Mark
I ordered the Spark2 that just came out. It now has a built-in looper. Everyone at work is buying them, too. Can't wait! Thanks for the video. Rock on!
Can you use the pedal to control the looper?
Thanks Mark ! 👍
Some more great insight into the Spark's capabilities, and shortcomings . This Pedal not being able to be used with the Amp without the App, is both very frustrating, and IMHO a huge disappointing oversight on Positive Grids development Team's part . Sometimes you just want to keep things simple, plug into the Amp, and play something with the presets you've already loaded . These are deficiencies that should be clearly stated in the Product literature ?
Cheers ✌️🤙
It seems perfect for people who use the Spark for backing tracks. I'd have no use for it. Thanks for a clear and concise review.
Thank you. Well put.
What a great video. I’ve been thinking about one of these for too long. Doesn’t sound like the foot control would be for me. Valuable information and excellent presentation. Ranking your present and past 12-strings is the absolute best guitar review I’ve ever seen. Great job as always.
Wow. I really appreciate that. This video took almost twice as long as usual to make. I couldn't even tell you why. There wasn't anything particularly hard about it. I just kept feeling like something was missing and added a lot late in the process, which I don't normally do. Enjoy the rest of your day. Mark
Hey Mark its ironic that you had this as your subject for today. As a owner of a spark I had been wondering when they would get a decent foot switch. After your explanation you did a fine job of convincing me NOT to purchase one. Totally agree having to use the app makes it user unfriendly in my thinking. Have a great weekend
Hey Al. It works perfectly at what it does. It doesn't do anything that's going to affect the way I use it. In all fairness, other than looping I don't know what I could have offered. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Mark
Yep, me too. I'd be more convinced by it if it had a jack for adding an expression pedal, something that would open up a whole world of stuff you just can't do with the spark.
Thank you for this review, you are the first reviewer who mentioned the application requirement to use it. Deal breaker for me too!
Thanks Mark. I use my Spark onstage and found switching between hardware presets during a song required a dexterity I do not possess. So when PG offered the control pedal I thought it would be the perfect solution.
This pedal, coupled with my Mini has made my rig incredibly easy to transport.
Hi Rocket Rose, are you still enjoying the foot pedal? I've had the 40W Spark for a while and as much as I like it (great to learn guitar on, switching from grungey to metal to super psychadelic to blues made it much more fun to learn!) it's not ideal for an apartment, shakes the walls, the floors, etc. Got a Spark Mini a few months ago and I'm starting to get good enough that I want to switch tones without having to stop, swipe through the app on my phone, etc. Not sure if I should go with this or the Airstep, I know that one has the looper function but don't think I'll need that plus I can just buy a pedal
This is super helpful. I bought the Spark and I'm considering picking up the pedal as well. I trust your opinion and appreciate the thorough walkthrough.
Good review. But I disagree with most folks saying they won’t buy it. I use it live at practice to switch between presets, or kick in the overdrive or boost during a lead. Works perfect! I guess it depends on what you expect it to be or want it to be.
Hey Bill! I love the Spark. I actually bought the mini today. I think it's great that you're getting good use out of it. I think the third time I heard about the future proofing stuff I went too far on a tangent. For what it's made of and compared to the pricing on the 40, I think it should go for around $60. Honestly, I dont know I should expect it to do. I tried to be fair. I wish it would go grab my phone for me when I forget to bring it into the studio. Lol. I appreciate your time and for sharing something positive. Take care. Mark
John Mallinckrodt
1 second ago
REALLY great review. Thank you for getting RIGHT into it, for not wasting our time, for being straight about the pros and cons, and for covering things so quickly, clearly, and completely. This is a model for how the generally woeful “review/how to” video genre should be done.
Looking forward to another educational, informative, and enjoyable video.
Thanks brother. This one took forever to make and then last minute I decided to play a bit. The play through section was recorded around 3am. I wont be able to make the chat today. First time. I'll be on the road. Take care. Have a great weekend. Mark
Great video Mark! As a musician and software engineer, I have a ton of problems with products which couple too tightly to mobile platforms. Also, there are tons of features here, but the absence of looping capability makes me think that these features were developed at the behest of startup-mentality techies, and not musicians.
Hey Gabe. It was kind of an unfair review to begin with as I already knew that I had no need for foot control. The looper would have been the only thing to make it worthwhile. A couple people have reached out and said that they would find value with it. That's good.
Thanks again Mark.
I have been interested in the Spark amp, and the foot switch as well. Your video was informative on both.
Hey Mark. I have the Spark right next to my computer monitor. At least 4 or 5 times a week, a video will catch my eye that has some good playing or interesting tips. I'll grab an electric and I already have a silent cable plugged into the Spark. Set up time is less than 30 seconds. Without a doubt, the Spark has made me a better player. Now, does that mean it's better than the other lunch box amps? From everything I gather it's easier to use and has more features but some others sound better and more like classic amps. It's the one I was motivated to buy. I don't think beyond that too much unless I'm reviewing something. If you're planning on using UA-cam backing tracks, it's well worth it. Otherwise, it doesn't do much that I can't do with the app that I have to open anyway to use it. :). Mark
@@8MinuteAxe Thanks again, good info as always!
Thanks for the review Mark ! Your view is always appreciated !
Thanks Charles. your time and support is appreciated very much. Mark
Seems worth it for controlling presets and stomp boxes alone.
The looper would be key.
Great video Mark
Hey Andy. It's good to hear somebody that sees value in it. I think I should have called more attention to the fact that there's really nothing it could have controlled to be worth it to me. Maybe a bit unfair. Talk this week. mark
thank you for breaking down the foot switch without dragging it out.
Thanks, Mark. I have been on the fence on this one. Very helpful.
Hey Martha. Great to hear from you. It's been a while. I hope you're well. Take care and be well. Mark
Great review and video, Mark. I appreciate your 'real-world' take on it and, as always, your honesty.
The main reason that I don't do more reviews is because I'm just not that picky. :)
@@8MinuteAxe I'll take quality over quantity any day.
Thank you for the honest review. I got the foot-controller primarily for live performance, so hoping it will serve that purpose well. I also added a lithium ion battery to the back of the Spark amp - meaning I don't need to be near an electrical outlet to use it. The battery seems to help cut out the noise the Spark Amp makes on high gain. They don't seem to be as well grounded as they could be when using the power supply that comes with the amp.
Thanks very much for the honest review, my foot control is due in next week. I was fortunate enough to get it on a Christmas sale for $79 so thought I'd take a chance. Primarily I use the Spark amp to play along with UA-cam music videos or lessons. I can see where this will be very helpful to me to back up the video and change speeds instantly rather than reaching over to the computer. If it does just this well it will be worth it in my book. As I am just an intermediate player and lessons (especially when slowed down) are critical. Again, thanks for your well thought out comments and evaluation.
Wow I'd be hard pressed to see how it really could be good when others can be bought. Great review and explanation.
This is going to be good. I have a Spark amp and am interested in the control.
Thanks again for all of the support.
Would it work to set tones to the foot switch from the sounds you have saved in the favorites tab
Yes. That's definitely an advantage, especially if you're using it in a real time live setting. If you haven't purchased it yet, a lot of the issues have been ironed out with the Spark 2 which is coming out next month. I really appreciate you checking out the video. Take care and have a great rest of your week. Mark
Great review Mark. As I have a looper pedal I don’t see much advantage in getting the Spark control. Maybe down the road if there are significant upgrades.
I have the ditto. It's the most simple looper out there. You really need good timing to use it effectively. I know some of the others have a built in drummer that you can start with. If you're doing pure looping, it's an art. Talk soon. Mark
@@8MinuteAxe The XSonic AirStep Lite Sprk has a looper and a fifth switch with three modes. Much better according to reviews I've seen so far.
The first thing I thought about when you started talking was"practice?! Practice?!!!! I'm a franchise player!!! 😳😳😳" I guess I wasn't the only one. 😂😂😂
Haha. Loved the surprise Allen Iverson cameo.
Great demo Mark, sounds awesome 😀🤘🎵🔥🔥🔥🔥
Thanks Adam. You're always so generous with your time and I really appreciate it. Have a great day and take care. Mark
@@8MinuteAxe No worries Mark, I always try to get round to everyone in the notifications even if sometimes I'm a couple of days behind. I hope you have a great day as well 😀🤘
Great video! Honest & insightful as always! Thanks! JJ 🤠
Hey Johnny. Maybe the cards were stacked against it a bit, but the $109 price tag alone has to make you scratch your head. As always, I really appreciate your support. Take care. Mark
Hej Marc,
thanks for your critical review! I also wanted to use the control for practicing, but if you haven’t developed a routine including spark-backing tracks absolutely usually yet, you probably won’t with the spark control as far as my experience goes. I really hope for the software integrated looper, that is also fx-customisable because a looper in front of the amp will change its sound with every effect change you do. Though, I did not find any workaround yet. Ideas appreciated. ;-) The need of the app for the connection really is a dealbreaker, but I don’t think there will be another option. That’s something I really would consider before buying - thanks for clarifying this in your video. Keep on creating great content! Cheers!
Hey brother. It sounds like you've thought it out pretty good. I always caution people (my students AND myself included), pay attention to how much time you spend looking at gear and fiddling with gear. Both can be fun but for most of us, if we even devote 10% of that time to more practice it's quite a bit. Thanks so much for checking out the video. I appreciate your time and your comment. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and take care. Mark
Thank you for your honest review. It may b e a nice idea for someone else.
Thanks for the thoughtful review. I've loved the Spark - it's helped me bust out my Strat more in the last 6 months after decades of playing acoustic. I don't like fiddling with electronics, and I appreciate how easy it is to download different sounds and play with backing tracks. It's been a big help to my playing and opened up areas of playing I'd long shut off. As to the pedal, I'm intrigued with looping, so I was hoping to see this get updated on this as the looper function already works on the Airstep SPK edition. I'm probably sitting back a bit and looking for the best looper to pair with the Spark. Thanks again!
Any thoughts on whether the airstep makes a good basis for a Looper? Trying to decide between getting it or a looper pedal
It does, but there are some steps involved to make it work. The downside to a looper pedal (as far as I can tell) is you can’t easily use your amp effects in the looper mix. I think the choice depends on how important that is to you. Ease of use favors the pedal, the options favor the airstep, but you have to jump through more hoops to make it work.
Have you tried the Xsonic Airstep?
Thanks for the review. The only thing that turned me off is a fact you need to connect it and use it with an app. As far as I figured out, you don't need to use an app with alternative Airstep for Spark Foot switch. I may be wrong. It would be great to do a comparison between those two. Hope it makes sense. Cheers!
Hey Andrej. First off, thanks so much for checking out the video. One of my students has the Airstep and he says you have to use another app. That makes it even less attractive. If this video catches on a bit I will pick up an airstep and do a comparison. Out of the gate, this is my worst performing video in 18 months. It's early though. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and take care. Mark
@@8MinuteAxe Looking forward if you ever decide. Have a great week, Mark.
@@8MinuteAxeHi, I think that's for the looper capability only (and it's IOS-only, just to add to the user unfriendliness) but from everything else I've seen the changing of presets etc seems to be airstep going directly to amp. Just investigating though!
The ability to switch between verse/chorus of any bands tone is amazing .. if you like to jam Metallica, Nirvana, etc it’s perfect
Im thinking about getting it to be able to switch between presets to play full songs like fade to black and stuff like that.
Would u please clarify the following. If I’m using chordify or u tube connected to the amp to practice that is a blutooth connection. Isn’t the pedal a second BT connection. Just trying to confirm both with work and not be an either or scenario.
Trying to use chordify with the ability to stomp box preset effects in flight. TY
Great review. Very practical. Love this amp, but I’m strictly a basement player (not ready for prime time). So I took your advice and bought a strap and a more comfortable chair so I play more. 😂
Thank you this was very helpful
Hey Misael. I'm glad you got something out of it. Review videos always take me forever. I don't like to cut corners and misrepresent what's actually going on in the room when I'm filming. PG is really obsessed with bragging about what the future might hold. LOL. Take care and be well. Mark
I feel like this is not something I would use much but it seems pretty handy for the right person. I like the speed control
will this be usable to control the looper in spark 2 ?
What I want it to do is to be able to load different sets of presets into the four locations. I guess that might be a “future capability.”
LMAO. Yeah John. I just don't see what might be as a big selling point. I love the Spark but there are a few things that it does that are needless and a few things that it doesn't do which are almost fundamental these days (looping). I really appreciate you checking out the video. Thanks for your time and comment. take care and be well. mark
While the control is more than my talent and desires need, it’s way cool to see what cost-effective options are available to the average player
It's already back in the box. :o
Hi Blake how did you set up the foot switch ? Thankyou
@@kennethborrett8074 Kenneth, I didn’t. Check with Mark. His email is at the end of each video. He’s my guru on all things amplified and 12-string!
I wonder if Positive Grid's first BT4 foot controller would work
Can this work with the Air footswitch at the same time?
Thanks, Mark! :)
Thank you brother. Always supporting and I sincerely appreciate it. Mark
As you say it is a little expensive for somethng you could do fairly easily with the app alone anyway.
Hey Sandra. Exactly. You have to dial in the app so you're not really hands free. Talk to you next week. This was the first premiere I've ever completely missed. :)
@@8MinuteAxe I hope tha you lad had a great game Mark.
Thanks for the thorough review. I am a 99% acoustic player, though, so this is not something I need.
Hey Bob. Somebody just asked me if I'd recommend the Spark to someone that doesn't play ANY electric. I told him he's better off getting a nice little PA or an acoustic amp. Mark
Any way you could show or direct me to how to set up the Wah pedal on this foot controller. I'm finding it to be very confusing.
Thanks for the great review, wish I'd seen this review prior to ordering, seeing as how it's tied to the app and I already can't update the firmware because I don't use Windows or Mac, as soon as it gets here, it's going right back and I'll get a SparkyPedal instead.
What's a different in between spark control and airstep?
Excellent
Hey Charles. I apologize for the delayed response. I do appreciate you checking out the video and I appreciate your nice comment. I saw your other comment as well and I will definitely check that out. I ordered the spark two and I should get that next week sometime shoot me an email at Markaranalli@gmail.com if you need anything at all. Take care and have a great weekend. Mark.
Great amp if I bought the foot pedal would it be able to create a Hank Marvin Shadows sound like echo and reverb mixture?
Hi how do you set up via Bluetooth?
Thankyou
Never tried it but I remember seeing a review when the spark came out that said you can’t use pedals with it, specifically a looper. Is that true?
Good video Mark. Seems like a lot of money to spend for a pedal for a practice amp.
Hey Bob. My sentiments exactly!
Using the Spark for a pit orch amp (musical theater) - the footswitch is essential (clean electric, dirty electric, acoustic, ambient electric or some other weird sound)
Hi can you tell me how to setup the spark control footswitch via Bluetooth. Thankyou
Would it be possible with the Spark to use the headphone out, to a clean slave amp then to a speaker cabinet so this could be used for gigs? I've not seen anyone talk about this. Great info videos 👍
I just got a Spark Mini. 2nd thing I did was run it from the head phone out to my 2000 watt HeadRush speakers with a cable that goes from 3.5 stereo to XLR males. That turned one of the worlds smallest guitar amps into a beast. Lol 😅
Spark Control!!
Kendricks cousin
I bought the footswitch and have still not yet figures all the controls out it was difficult at first to even get it set up and the biggest gripe I have with the spark advertising altogether is they came out with the Riff and the mini Spark amp before I received my footswitch I was really angry about that I made several attempts to contact them to ask when I would receive my order and would receive answers back but never when I would receive it it just came out of the blue one day like you said there was a package at my door honestly I would like to see them add more pedals and amps before anything maybe add a Jimmy Page or another famous guitarists package like they did with the Jimi Hendrix package yes I agree their marketing and advertising strategies are a little bass-ackwards
Hey Kenneth. I couldn't agree with you more about their questionable marketing and customer service. With the runaway success of the Spark you'd think the only thing that would matter is customer service as a bad wrap is the ONLY thing that could kill their incredible momentum. Thanks so much for checking out the video. I appreciate your time and comment. Take care and be well. Mark
Dang… was really hoping for a looper
I know right. I don't understand
the Spark is so cool #7
Your initial views on the spark are interesting.
I utterly hate it. It is totally bass heavy and cannot be played at low (practice) volume without turning down the bass and mid and turning up the treble. And I like bass,/dark tones, like early led zep. But this is to bass, even for me.
I've binned mine in the absence of any firmware upgrade to sort the tone, that so many have complained about.
Spend the money on a Yamaha THR (either I or II) and you will not regret it.
Hey Angus. Did you see my video on the Spark called THE FIX ua-cam.com/video/HnHUerYr4Qo/v-deo.html. Im curious what your thoughts are on it. The Yamaha sounds great for sure. There are several lunch box amps that sound great. I'm a bit older and I remember when you couldn't buy anything worthwhile for $240 so perhaps my views are a bit dated based on price vs performance. I'm not looking for a gig worthy sound from a practice amp (not meant to be passive aggressive, you make all good points). I really appreciate you checking out the video. Take care and be well. Mark
Hi Mark, thanks for your reply.
I had not seen your video outlining the use of the eq pedal. From your examples, it does seem to work! Sadly, I have given away my Spark now.
I still think that Spark should really just try to fix the bass rather than rely on work arounds.
If I had been using mine at higher volumes I might have appreciated the bass more but I needed it for practice in an apartment and the bass end could be heard by the neighbours even when the output volume was only between 9 and 10 o'clock.
Once again, thanks for you reply. Cheers!
Hey Angus. I totally agree regarding a firmware fix as the appropriate solution. I hope you find one that works right for you. I've been playing professionally for 25 plus years and one thing I've learned for better or worse, I'm not that picky. That's part of the reason why I dont a lot of reviews. I dont like to lead people down the wrong path because of my tendencies. Thanks again for the support. Please take care and have a great week. Mark
No looper ! 😢
I work in IT and one thing I have realized, never choose a product based on future promises. That said, this looks mildly useful but I would wait for a big sale.
It's just too much with the future proof thing.
BLUF: You have to search UA-cam videos inside the app. They should just flat out say that. Waited for 3 months to get mine and switch IV was DOA. Positive Grid support was SUPER annoying. Required me to video tape checking the firmware and going through the switches on the device. Finally got an RMA and it took 4 more weeks with very little communication on the status of my case. Just got it today and Im looking for instructions on actually getting the UA-cam features to work. Not intuitive.
Hey Kelly. I love my Spark. I have a hand wired Dr. Z and a Gibson Goldtone, and they aren't getting much use because I just plug into the Spark on my desktop. I don't think I'll ever take the control out of the box again though. I agree that it's not intuitive. And bragging about what it might do in the future? I'm sorry you had a bad experience with them. I really appreciate you checking out the video. Enjoy the rest of your week and take care. Mark
spark control is not bad, but if I a using it on my tablet and need to use another app like my song book, the pedal won't work unless the app is on the screen and not when running in the background
I just wanna be able to switch effects mid song with the spark. Is that possible?
Of course. :)
Hey Mark. As usual, some good some not.
I bought the xsonic foot control but I use an android tab and phone.
When use it with the app nothing changes on the screen. That only happens if you use an iOS device. So disappointing not to see when you make a change.
Really surprised it doesn't loop... ☮💗
Hey JAH. I'm guess that looping must take a lot of DSP or something. They've sold a kajillion of these, why not figure it out. Everybody is asking for it. Thanks brother.
It doze not work without the app. It allows incoming calls every secon
Seems useful for people recording for tiktok and stuff like that. Considering this is basically a generic bluetooth device, new software features can be added in the future. Let's wait and see. For now, it's a no go for me.
This guy is my neighbor
That fact it needs the app made me not order it. If you need to have yout cellphone connected every time that's a turnoff.
I couldn't agree more Kauko. I love my Spark but I wish it had just a bit more functionality on the amp itself. Thanks for checking out the video. I really appreciate it.
@8MinuteAxe what amp would do this without an app?
#29
By the time they upgrade that pedal to be remotely worth half of what I paid for the actual amp, the amp itself will probably have crapped out.
Silent haptics.
You know, I have a post graduate degree in linguistics and a masters in English and I never encountered the word "haptics" until a couple of years ago when my son wanted a haptic suit for VR. Yes, silent haptics. Thanks so much for checking out the video. I appreciate your time. Take care and have a great week! -Mark.
PS- I just got the Spark2 and it doesn't work with the Spark2 looper. LMAO. All that talk about future proofing and you need to buy the new footswitch to use the looper. Go figure!
I’m going to respectfully disagree with your stance on the app and pedal. I know at the end you added that it might be good for some people but the review was mostly negative towards the pedal. Any player that can switch between a clean and dirty sound while playing can benefit from the foot switch. I’m not that good myself. But a player with a tube amp and foot pedals that bought the Spark to practice is better off with the foot switch rather than stopping and using their hands. Without the app the Spark is overpriced and not a great piece of equipment. You would have been better off buying a Roland Micro Cube. The foot switch and the app make the Spark a very valuable practice amp. Especially for someone without the cash or knowledge to start buying pedals. Without a doubt a looper is an invaluable tool. However, an iPod or phone with backing tracks and a speaker can be used as well. Just my two cents.
Its way to expensive and it does not connect to your spark, just to the phone. Dual Bluetooth is something you wont have.
It basically controls the APP, and NOT the AMP. Need the phone app OPEN and RUNNING while you use the footswitch... what a pain in the rear. just let me turn on amp and footswitch and play, but now gotta find the d@## phone and open the app the whole time.😠 My verdict: Not worth it.
He doesn't like Sparks 😢
Who me? Are you messing with me or being sarcastic? I know that I'm a little overzealous about the Spark but I really do love it and I still think it's the best value of any desktop amp. And the mini and go are equally impressive for what they do. That's why I've made all the positive videos. I paid for all of them too. PG didn't give me anything foe the reviews. The control pedal is definitely a disappointment for the money, especially when you consider what a great value the 40, mini, and go are. Thanks for checking the video out. Have a great weekend. Mark
@@8MinuteAxe 🤏😆