NAMM 2024: Positive Grid seems to have developed a knack for surprising players. After all, in a few short years (OK, a decade) the firm has gone from relative unknown to one of the most popular guitar amplifier brands in the world.
Now it’s repeated the trick, announcing the arrival of the ambitious new Spark LIVE – a 150-watt combo amp that doubles up as a four-channel PA, offering mic, line and bass inputs, alongside a wealth of connectivity. Essentially, it’s a smart amp your whole band can plug into (if you you let them).
On top of that PG simultaneously launched the Spark LINK wireless guitar system and the Spark Control X footswitch, which is the sort of triple-drop characteristic of a show that seemed to be raining revolutionary new gear.
Guitar World’s Paul Riario was on the ground at NAMM and headed to the Positive Grid booth to take a look at all of the new products, guided by PG’s Sales & Product Specialist Rob Math.
“If you're familiar with the Spark amps you've [still] got access to all sorts of great amplifiers and pedals and effects from all different genres – all of that is included in the new Spark LIVE,” explains Math.
“But now we've got a new stage ready amplifier that's 150-watts that also acts as a mini PA and allows you to plug a microphone in there. So you could actually sing through the Spark Live and get your killer guitar sounds – from high gain overdrive to clean sounds.
“You can also run an acoustic guitar, or a bass, or even keyboards and run external audio in there [across] up to four different channels.”
As Math mentions, the app has long been one of the main selling points with Spark – pairing smart practice features like auto-chords for streamed tracks and generated backing tracks, with a huge library of easy-to-operate amp, pedal and cab models.
With the new Spark LIVE you can now add vocal effects and mixing to that list.
“The app has been further developed to accommodate the new Spark Live,” Math tells Paul. “So you've got additional channels where you can go and access the microphone and you've got [mic] preamp models and different EQs, different bass presets [etc.]”
There are also some smart hardware features, including a G-Sensor that can turn the Spark LIVE from a mono to stereo speaker output, depending whether it’s placed vertically or horizontally.
Most importantly, though, it’s got a ton of connectivity (including line outs) and a sizeable 150-watts of power – meaning you’ll have no trouble competing with a drummer.
“It's loud enough to jam with a band,” says Math. “So if you want to play your Spark amp now with a drummer… it's plenty loud for that. It also has an optional battery, so you can run up to about eight hours of battery life, if you want to use that.”
We can see the Spark LIVE proving popular with everyone from busking groups to acoustic combos and, essentially, any players in need a quick-striking solution for practice or small gigs.
The audio – recorded on a noisy show floor – is a little muddied here, but as Paul notes, in person, “This thing sounds incredible” and we’re intrigued to see just how many applications players find for it.
Finally, Math also gives us a preview of the new Spark LINK and Control X, while performing.
“The Spark LINK is really cool,” he tells GW. “It’s super-easy to use. They work via Bluetooth and they pair up to each other [instantly]. It's basically plug-and play – and they're rechargeable with up to six hours of [battery life].”
He’s been putting his money where his mouth is when it comes to the demos, too: “They go up to 70ft,” enthuses Math. “And I have actually been walking all over the Convention Center here, down to the concession stand – and they've held up great!”
For more information on all of the new products, including the Spark LINK, Spark LIVE and Spark Control X, head to Positive Grid.
