“Like taking Madison Square Garden wherever you go”: Positive Grid unveils the looper-loaded, AI-powered Spark 2
Positive Grid set the guitar gear community abuzz last week when it teased its upcoming Spark 2 amplifier. Now, the company has fully lifted the lid on the highly anticipated smart amp, and the followup to the widely-popular Spark.
Headline among the teaser was touted looper functionality, a feature commonly requested by existing Spark users. When one Instagram user recently said: “It would be perfect if it had a looper,” Positive Grid responded, perhaps not so cryptically: “It would.”
READ MORE: Positive Grid Spark Live review – a radical leap forward for live performers
So, the Spark 2’s built-in “creative looper” – dubbed Groove Looper – comes loaded with hundreds of “hyper-realistic” drum tracks, from “basic loops to multi-layered” soundscapes. Aiming to inspired “endless creativity”, onboard amp controls offer quick, on-the-go looping functionality.
Credit: Positive Grid
But the looper just scratches the surface in terms of features loaded onto the Spark 2. The amp also comes with Spark AI, which aims to “revolutionise tone exploration”. Yep, AI is the buzzword of 2024, and guitar amplification is not exempt.
As Positive Grid explains, Spark 2 users can describe any desired tone in the accompanying Spark app – “from practical to outlandish” – and Spark AI suggests tones to audition or download, just like that. And even better, the more often Spark AI is used, the better it becomes at recommending tones. Yep, we’re now at the point where your amp can literally understand you as a person.
Elsewhere, Spark 2’s AI functionality includes Smart Jam – which listens to the user’s playing style and generates accompanying bass and drum parts – and Auto Chords, which analyses any streamed song and displays guitar chords in real time, making learning new songs “easier than ever”.
Credit: Positive Grid
The Spark 2 also integrates a new DSP amp modelling engine with double the processing power of the original Spark. Additionally, at 50 watts, it’s capable of 25 percent more volume than its predecessor, too. The amp also features PG’s proprietary Sonic IQ Computational Audio for “incredibly detailed and dynamic sound.
Also, the amp is loaded with two premium FRFR speakers and reflex ports, offering “wide stereo imaging and broader frequency response”.
Users are also able to store up to eight customisable presets directly on the amp for fast access to their favourite sounds. There’s controls for EQ, gain, reverb and more, too, for perfecting the sound.
Other features include an optional rechargeable battery for up to 12 hours of playtime on the go, Bluetooth capabilities, and versatile connectivity options, including a headphone out, stereo line outs, and a USB-C port which enables it to function as an audio interface.
Credit: Positive Grid
“I’ve used a ton of practice amps while touring the world for over 38 years and it was always just a technical, bland exercise,” says guitar virtuoso, singer-songwriter and producer Nuno Bettencourt. “Spark 2 is like taking Madison Square Garden wherever you go – epic and versatile.”
The Spark 2 is available in both Pearl or Black finish options and will usually be priced at $299. However, it’ll be available at a reduced early bird price when pre-orders go live. Existing Spark owners will also received exclusive upgrade pricing.
To learn more, head to Positive Grid.
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
