the bass amp model . So , I grabbed my trusty Music Man Sub bass ( which has seen a lot of church service time ). I was totally surprised how well this diminutive amplifier handled the bass frequencies . I was able to achieve a nice supporting low-end and rolled back the bass frequency for some slapping and popping lines too . Spark handled it all in stride .
My final test was connecting my smartphone to run some music through it . Connecting via Bluetooth was easy , and the amplifier really projected nicely . I appreciated having a music volume output control which many practice amps don ’ t offer , and it was really fun playing along with different songs .
If you are practicing for a service , this is a great feature to practice with the track as I usually do when prepping . Spark could also be used as a daily source of house music for your living room or practice space as it sounds that good .
Another feature that is often forgotten , but Positive Grid included , is a built-in tuner that also mutes the amplifier . Very handy so you aren ’ t searching for your clip-on tuner or the App on your phone .
It is hard to believe that Spark creates this much sound from two 4-inch custom speakers built into a bass-reflex cabinet . This amplifier would be perfect for leading a youth group , in a practice space at church or just around the house . Not many amplifiers can cover electric guitar , bass guitar and acoustic guitar .
Spark is loaded with useful technology and the Spark App takes it to the next level , allowing you to choose your specific amps and effects at the touch of your screen .
Smart Jam is actually a very cool feature too . Based on your playing style , it generates bass and drum backing parts that you can jam along to … perfect for simulating playing along with your worship band !
The Auto Chords feature is a life saver since it is able to determine and display in real time the chords being played in a song you are practicing ! You can also control the App through certain voice commands making it hands free , which is helpful while both hands are busy playing .
Positive Grid ’ s online ToneCloud community gives Spark owners over 10,000 effects plus guitar and bass tones at your disposal . You can also upload your own tones . The Spark 40 includes a power supply and a USB cable making it possible to use the amp as a recording interface into your computer for recording songs .
For the money I don ’ t believe there is anything else in this price range on the market that provides as much for your dollar as Spark .
That being said at $ 299 street the Spark 40 by Positive Grid is the most versatile practice amp I ’ ve tested to date . The App and connectivity take this amp to the next level and it provides the capability to make your music and performance sound better on a budget !
I don ’ t know how they put so much into such a small package and kept the price down , but I ’ m positive I want one now .
$ 299 www . PositiveGrid . com