Positive Grid has announced that the launch of the second generation of its popular Spark modeling amp is imminent, and will, after countless fan requests, feature a looper.
The amp received rave reviews upon its release in 2022 thanks in part to a sister app delivering more than 10,000 BIAS-FX-powered tones, but the lack of a built-in looper proved a sticking point for many players and would-be buyers.
In truth, the Spark was a game-changer for the home modeling amps game and helped promote Positive Grid from startup hopefuls to big-table players. A smart interface, oodles of tone-tweaking possibilities, and other innovative features put many of its rivals to shame.
Several iterations have since followed, from counterparts like the Spark Mini and Spark Go, through to its band-in-a-box offering, the Spark LIVE.
However, as is the curse of being a trailblazer, its innovations, and the passing of just a couple of years in what is a lightning-fast-paced market rife with competition, has seen other firms get their necks ahead of in the race, having reacted to the success of the Spark.
As such, filling its looper-shaped void is a shrewd move, and social media posts teasing such an appointment will likely be met with a mix of excitement and relief.
The fact that one of Positive Grid’s recent posts is simply a screenshot of the firm agreeing with a fan-generated Facebook comment that the Spark “would be perfect if it had a looper,” acknowledges that.
Indeed, the modeler space may be fiercely competitive, but even Neural DSP’s Quad Cortex launched sans-looper. Perhaps several firms misjudged how desirable they would be. Either way, it seems Positive Grid is making up for lost time.
Naturally, in 2024, several tech boffins figured out third-party solutions, with XSonic’s AIRSTEP Spark Loopy app augmenting Spark’s smartphone interface.
But an official looper is a step in the right direction, especially for those wary of getting involved with third-party apps.
Positive Grid has decided to launch the Spark 2 via a drip-feeding method that unveils one new feature at a time.
The looper reveal feels like the perfect place to start.
An inspection of a video teaser shows a record/dub button as a new arrival to the amp’s control panel. The app, either an update or a new app altogether, will include drum tracks and 'Groove Looper' and 'Creative Looper' modes.
The obvious, thus far unanswered question is: How long can it loop for? Considering the Fender Tone Master Pro has a 60-second looper, and Harley Benton's budget offering, the DNAfx GiT Advanced ($206), has an 80-second looper, clear benchmarks have been set.
“The evolution of the revolution is here,” reads the firm’s Instagram post. “Elevate your playing sessions with Spark 2’s all-new Groove Looper; Packed with 100s of hyper-realistic drum tracks to build your ultimate jam and unlock new musical possibilities.”
The layering options/capabilites of the looper also remain to be seen, but the announcement does hint that the feature will be a Spark 2 exclusive, dashing the hopes of Spark 1 owners who had prayed to the gear gods for a free firmware update.
Positive Grid has managed to lock in Nuno Bettencourt for the Spark 2’s full and grand unveiling, which will take place over a live stream event on August 1.
Until then, keep an eye on Positive Grid for updates. There is also a mailing list if readers want to ensure they’ll never miss an update.
"He let me play the first amp that he ever made. I never forgot the sound of it.” Orianthi reveals how an invitation from Alexander Dumble shaped the tone of her signature Orange combo
It might not be the latest model but I still think the Fender Mustang Micro punches above its weight - get it for even less in the Cyber Monday sales
