Positive Grid Spark Live

Having mastered guitar amps, Positive Grid’s Spark system takes aim at the rest of your backline!

The Spark Live puts Positive Grid’s guitar amp modelling technology into a 150W, Class‑D‑amplified, four‑channel gigging PA that features a full‑spec guitar amplifier modelling channel plus a mixer that can blend in one further mic/instrument source. The mixer also has a stereo line input, as well as allowing music playback over Bluetooth. Bluetooth is also used to connect an Apple/Android app for in‑depth control over the DSP, and for pairing with the optional Spark Control X footswitch unit. For portable applications, an optional 6Ah rechargeable lithium‑ion battery will give up to eight hours of performance time at a moderate volume, with a recharge time of three hours. The Spark Live is designed to be loud enough to hold its own against drum kits in smaller venues, and in larger venues, the amplifier can feed a house PA.

Number Crunching

Given its 150W power rating (450W peak), the Spark Live is pretty compact at just 464 x 251 x 306mm, making it very portable, though it feels reassuringly substantial and weighs a hefty 12kg. Its cabinet is covered with vinyl, and has an attractive grille cloth as well as protective plastic corner pieces and carry handles.

The speaker setup comprises a pair of one‑inch compression tweeters feeding a custom angled horn, with the lows and mids handled by a pair of reflex‑loaded, 6.5‑inch custom woofers. SPLs of 118dB (121dB peak) are specified, with a frequency range of 45Hz to 20kHz (no tolerances are given). The Spark Live can be used either horizontally or vertically, and there’s a fold‑out leg on the rear in case you want it angled. For stand‑mounting, there’s a standard pole socket for horizontal use.

In all, there are three mixer channels: one on the front panel for guitar, and two more on the rear panel. Two rotary controls on the front panel adjust the overall level of channel 1 (guitar) and music (Bluetooth streamed audio or USB DAW playback). Channel 2, which has a volume control and a preset selector, is fed from a combi XLR/jack socket and has access to its own menu of amp modelling and effects, while channel 3+4 has only a pair of straightforward jack inputs and a volume control. There’s also a 3.5mm mini‑jack output for headphones.

The Spark Live can accommodate an electric guitar, a mic or other instrument, a stereo line‑level source, plus stereo Bluetooth or DAW playback simultaneously.

A pair of five‑pin DIN sockets provides MIDI In and Out. MIDI can be used to bypass the effects, to change presets, to control the levels of the individual channels and to sync a second Spark Live amp. There are also two USB‑C sockets, one for use as an audio interface or for firmware updates, the other for charging mobile devices. The Bluetooth pairing button is located just above the USB ports. The recording feed produces a 24‑bit/48kHz stereo signal, and is compatible with macOS and Windows.

Two line output jacks facilitate running the amp’s signal to a PA or...