review – Guitarists of all types want an amp. Acoustic players want to hear sound on top of other instruments or voices they may be playing. Video gamers just want to hear the real sound, but often also want to add some effects to the pure sound, until the age of software, which required external pedals and wires. Even keyboard players want better sound than the small speakers that portable keyboards usually come with. I recently received a very small, very loud, very powerful amp from Positive Grid and asked a few of my guitar playing friends to test drive it. I’ve used it myself, and as always, have ideas.
What is it?
The Positive Grid Spark mini is a small, self-contained, battery-operated amplifier with a standard 1/4-inch instrument input, multiple output options, and a software suite for controlling smartphone sound effects.
What’s in the box?
- Positive Grid Spark Mini Amplifier
- Double-sided leather strap
- USB-A<=>USB-C cable
- Paperwork
Hardware Specifications
The specs page on this unit’s website is huge.
Design and Features
The exterior of the Positive Grid Spark Mini Battery Powered Amplifier doesn’t give any hint as to what sound it will make. The outer sides of the sides and top are finished in black (pearl also available) faux leather fabric with copper-toned metal accents on the seams. The front (removable) grille is tweed textured and patterned in black and white. Additional grilles are available in dark red and black for some packages. The leather handle is fastened to the sides by black guitar strap buttons. The bottom is raised by four rubber feet on the corners, the only solid area on the bottom, not part of the huge downward-facing speaker vents, protected by a metal honeycomb grille and covered with a thin dust cloth-like material .
On the top rear, there is a 1/4″ instrument input, a volume knob for that input (“guitar”), a volume knob for “music” (AUX input on the rear panel), and a 4-position Master Input Selector: Rhythm, Lead, Solo and Custom. These inputs can be customized almost infinitely through the free accompanying app (iOS and Android). Of course, Rhythm strips almost all effects. Solo adds more effects, customization is completely wildcard, you do your programming. At one point a friend of mine pointed at his pickup selector switch Guitarsmiled and said, “So, it doesn’t matter anymore, does it?” No, Adam, Software is eating the world.
set up
Like anything battery powered, you have to charge it. Then, once you’ve downloaded the app, you turn on the amp and launch the app on your phone, and they’ll see each other. Very simple.
On the app, you can download shared setups from companies and other users to simulate the various sounds of different styles of bands. Playing with your own setup is easy, but it feels good to have a place to start. A wealth of lessons and practice sessions are also available for free.
If you’re composing a song, you can easily play it through the amp and play along while adjusting the “music” volume next to your instrument. A variety of Music Minus One tracks are available through the app and other sources so that you can showcase your learned solos with a full backup band. Or you can record your own band and have them make a rhythm track for you to practice. The rear panel lets you output to headphones (great if you’re mixing the unit with room sound), an AUX input (controlled by the music volume knob mentioned above), USB-C charging, and one for pairing and Master button power.
Performance
Everyone I showed me the Positive Grid Spark Mini Amp was blown away by the performance of such a small box. I work with a lot of creative people (some of them are still performing and some of them are just hobbyists), so I brought it to work and my friends brought their guitars. The lounge resonated for days as different people tested the new toy. Here are some riffs from friends I recorded at home:
what do I like
- A small box makes a very clean (or dirty, if you will) sound
- Lots and lots of shared presets
- “Empty Orchestra” type input available
what would i change
- can’t think of anything
final thoughts
To me, the sound quality and volume in this form factor is amazing. I rarely use an amp, but when I do I usually share it with another guitar. The Positive Grid Spark mini has the option of being battery powered and adding external effects via software, making it ideal for those who don’t want to lugging around a big amp with a power cord and big speakers. Since this gives me stage monitoring and also hooks up to room sound, I hope to use it on my next open mic performance. stay tuned.
price: Retail price $229 – as low as $195
where to buy: Positivegrid.com they have a full size version Amazon
source: This product sample is provided by positive grid.
