(First off, I am in no way sponsored by Spark or Positive Grid. I got the Spark 40 amp as a complete gear newbie last year. This write-up is coming from an unbiased guitarist, who has had time to mess around with the Spark over the last year.)

After having and using the Spark 40 Amp for over a year, I've learned it's an extremely handy and portable tool for guitarists. Its a modeling amp, USB audio interface, and monitor speaker all in one, for a very affordable price. It's almost a must-have item, due to its versatility and available form factors (Spark 40, Mini, and Go).

I have the Spark 40, but it seems massive compared to the Spark Mini and Spark Go. The modeling software and tones are the same between the three models, and all 3 are very portable- The Spark 40 is the larger standalone speaker version, but the Mini version is small enough that it could be carried in a backpack, and the Go is so small it could be carried your pocket.

Modeling Amp, Audio Interface, and Speaker All-in-One.

So one thing I did not expect when I originally got the amp, is that the Spark amp is not just for playing through directly – it’s also a complete audio interface and monitor/speaker that can be used with a laptop.

This functionality is great for home practice and recording sessions, and using with with DAWs like Logic, Ableton, Reaper, and more. This lets you play your own drums/backing tracks out of the Spark via the USB Interface, and play Guitar directly through the amp at the same time. This becomes every more mobile with the Spark Mini and Spark Go, with everything contained in a small extra-portable unit.

If you don't want to connect directly via laptop/DAW, you can connect any phone or tablet easily via bluetooth. This lets you play a cued up jam track via YouTube, while playing your guitar through the Spark. The guitar and the backing track will both have independent volume control, so you can adjust as needed!

Very Affordable For What You Get.

At the time of writing this blog, the larger Spark 40 is listed at $239. The cheapest model, Spark Go, is only $120 dollars!! If you're a bedroom guitar producer have a tight budget, the Spark can be a great piece of equipment that covers a lot of basics.

Compared to other professional modelers, interfaces and speakers, getting a fully usable package for under $300 is a great deal. You get versions of all sorts of classic pedals and amps within the Spark app.

Even if you love your physical pedals, you can test different effects out before you actually go out and spend the money on the real ones. It won't be 100% the same, but it will be 80% there which is good enough for most!

Great For Exploring Amps And Pedal Tones.

I primarily use Logic Pro, and I love all the available plugins when recording guitar direct into Logic. That being said, sometimes I gravitate towards Logic's "Pedalboard" vs plugins directly. This gives me a more "playing guitar" feel and less of a "programming" feel.

The exact same thing is true with the Spark tones, and lately I've been finding myself preferring to use Spark->Logic, keeping my tone settings within the Spark app presets. Each Spark tone is an based on real amps and pedals, and the controls are presented to you in a traditional pedal/amp format within the app.

You can also search for artists - If I search "Jerry Garcia", I'll get a bunch of user-created tones matching a Jerry Garcia-style tone. I can then look at all the pedals that we're used to create that tone. For those who are new to amps and pedals, its a great tool for learning and exploration.

Conclusion

The Spark Amp is a great multi-tool for guitar players. For the price, its a great bang for your buck. The Mini and Go versions are a great handy addition to any guitar based musician's tool kit.