Positive Grid Spark Mini Portable Smart Guitar Amp and Bluetooth Speaker (Pearl)

This is truly an amazing product, the build quality exceeds all expectations, the sound that comes out of this little guy leaves the user in disbelief. Spark stands out from similar products precisely because of the fantastic decision not to install the components in an ordinary plastic box. I have a suggestion for the future. Consider installing a physical button that could be used to disconnect the battery in an emergency without opening the device. Sometimes when saving a preset from the cloud or from the phone to the hardware position, the device freezes completely. There is no way out of this situation except to disconnect the battery. If there was a possibility to separate the power supply from the board it would solve the problem. The problem can probably be ... MoreThis is truly an amazing product, the build quality exceeds all expectations, the sound that comes out of this little guy leaves the user in disbelief. Spark stands out from similar products precisely because of the fantastic decision not to install the components in an ordinary plastic box. I have a suggestion for the future. Consider installing a physical button that could be used to disconnect the battery in an emergency without opening the device. Sometimes when saving a preset from the cloud or from the phone to the hardware position, the device freezes completely. There is no way out of this situation except to disconnect the battery. If there was a possibility to separate the power supply from the board it would solve the problem. The problem can probably be solved in a new update if the cause of the preset recording breaking and blocking the device is found. That's the only thing I would change on the spark, everything else is without any objection. I gave it a lower rating for value for money because unfortunately, in addition to the high price, I paid an additional $70 for tax and shipping.

Bought a Spark 40 previously because I needed a desktop amp and I was interested in the Auto Chord feature in the app. The Spark 40 however did not do it for me due to its sound quality - the bass is rather boomy (bleeding into the mids). A few other users had the same issue and resolved it by changing the speaker's. I however was not prepared to tinker with it when it is not a precious piece of audio gear for me. Sold it shortly after owning it for a short while.Spark Mini came about, and there was one report stating that it has better sound quality compared to the 40. Took the plunge and I am not disappointed. Dont get me wrong, the sound is still a small amp kind of sound but it is (much) better than most other desktop amps. It is not going to compete with ... MoreBought a Spark 40 previously because I needed a desktop amp and I was interested in the Auto Chord feature in the app. The Spark 40 however did not do it for me due to its sound quality - the bass is rather boomy (bleeding into the mids). A few other users had the same issue and resolved it by changing the speaker's. I however was not prepared to tinker with it when it is not a precious piece of audio gear for me. Sold it shortly after owning it for a short while.Spark Mini came about, and there was one report stating that it has better sound quality compared to the 40. Took the plunge and I am not disappointed. Dont get me wrong, the sound is still a small amp kind of sound but it is (much) better than most other desktop amps. It is not going to compete with anything that has a 12 inch speaker but it gets awfully close to some of the combo amps with 8 inch speakers.Sure I wish there are physical knobs on the amp itself for gain and reverb level, but for its intended use the compromise is actually very well thought out, so no complaints there.This is a keeper for !e and when it comes to music gears they come and go at a frighteningly rapid rate in my household, so that is saying something.

Amazing tone, fun to play, but maybe not for everyone

The sound and tone quality from such a small amp is amazing! It sounds huge. You will quickly forget you are playing through a 6 inch cube. There are a bunch of amps and effects to create your own sound, and the Smart Jam and play along features are both fun and inspiring. Plus, the various tones in the ToneCloud are great for matching a tone to a song you are learning to play. Believe the hype from the reviews online.I will say that this is amp may not be for everyone. At 10 watts, it is not loud enough to gig with. Plus, I would not recommend this for a first amp. There are a lot of options that can be overwhelming for beginners, and the limited on-board options do not allow for simple plug and play. Beginners may want to start with something like a Black Star ID ... MoreThe sound and tone quality from such a small amp is amazing! It sounds huge. You will quickly forget you are playing through a 6 inch cube. There are a bunch of amps and effects to create your own sound, and the Smart Jam and play along features are both fun and inspiring. Plus, the various tones in the ToneCloud are great for matching a tone to a song you are learning to play. Believe the hype from the reviews online.I will say that this is amp may not be for everyone. At 10 watts, it is not loud enough to gig with. Plus, I would not recommend this for a first amp. There are a lot of options that can be overwhelming for beginners, and the limited on-board options do not allow for simple plug and play. Beginners may want to start with something like a Black Star ID Code.There are also a few things I am not crazy about. Because of the limited on-board controls, 6 to 8 presets would have been better, plus the default presets are not that good. The amp models in the app are OK, but some sound too similar, plus each amp has the same knobs (Gain, Bass, Middle, High and Volume). Nothing to distinguish one amp model from another (Channels, Presence knob, Intensity knob, etc.). The same goes for the reverb pedals (each has 6 knobs whether or not the pedal being replicated has 6 options). The Vox Tone room has better amp and effect modeling but does not have all of the other jamming and recording options.So all of that being said, this amp is still fantastic for someone with some knowledge of amps (for example, the difference between gain and volume) and is looking for something small and discrete to play around the house (or apartment) that does not want to sacrifice tone quality. The battery power is nice for playing anywhere without having to plug it in. I've played mine for a couple hours without having to recharge. It is also a great option if you want to record your work.All in all, this is an innovative amp that is just fun to play, has a ton of options and sounds way too good for its size. Get one, you'll love it!

Amp is great, Bluetooth connection is frustrating and unstable.

For what the amp is it is awesome and sounds really good. But the app and tone control Bluetooth connection stability really needs some work. It is constantly disconnecting from tone control when adjusting the amp settings and seems to do it every single time I change the noise gate settings. The audio stays connected the whole time so it has to be an app glitch.The control pedal also glitches out a lot.Sometimes it says it is connected but the buttons do nothing. Then I turn everything off, force close the app and then turn it all back on and it is fine until the app loses connection to the tone control portion of the amp again.I have up to date firmware on the spark and the Bluetooth control pedal and have tried several different devices.The app connection ... MoreFor what the amp is it is awesome and sounds really good. But the app and tone control Bluetooth connection stability really needs some work. It is constantly disconnecting from tone control when adjusting the amp settings and seems to do it every single time I change the noise gate settings. The audio stays connected the whole time so it has to be an app glitch.The control pedal also glitches out a lot.Sometimes it says it is connected but the buttons do nothing. Then I turn everything off, force close the app and then turn it all back on and it is fine until the app loses connection to the tone control portion of the amp again.I have up to date firmware on the spark and the Bluetooth control pedal and have tried several different devices.The app connection stability just sucks and makes me regret buying this thing.And I really wish the foot switch worked the amp without the app, that is such a silly design oversight and a very frustrating one. It's so tedious the be forced to use the unstable app to use the foot switch, sucks all the joy out of a quick after work jam.The amp alone sounds quite good though, just wish you had the app and connections working better.

Excellent all the way around

I have a Spark 40, which I really like, so thought I would try the Spark Mini because of the battery and needing something smaller for travel. Plus, you can get the personalized grille! I had a design for the grille in mind, so sent in the PNG file along with my order using the Positive Grid website. Four days later, the Spark Mini arrived in the mail. Amazing! I thought it would take much longer, especially due the the custom grille. The grille turned out just as I planned, and the amp sounds great for its size. I really enjoy using it. The Spark 40 is known for too much bass, and this little amp is more balanced. I also like that the Mini is fully compatible with the Spark 40.I did have one glitch with the Bluetooth, where it would constantly disconnect. Of ... MoreI have a Spark 40, which I really like, so thought I would try the Spark Mini because of the battery and needing something smaller for travel. Plus, you can get the personalized grille! I had a design for the grille in mind, so sent in the PNG file along with my order using the Positive Grid website. Four days later, the Spark Mini arrived in the mail. Amazing! I thought it would take much longer, especially due the the custom grille. The grille turned out just as I planned, and the amp sounds great for its size. I really enjoy using it. The Spark 40 is known for too much bass, and this little amp is more balanced. I also like that the Mini is fully compatible with the Spark 40.I did have one glitch with the Bluetooth, where it would constantly disconnect. Of course this is critical, as all adjustments to tone need to be made through Bluetooth using the Spark app. I sent in a service request to Positive Grid and got a prompt reply with a resolution to my issue. Turns out the Bluetooth disconnect was being caused by using 120 Hz refresh rate for the screen on my Pixel 6 Pro phone. I turned it down to 60Hz, and now everything works great. The support representative informed me that they are working on a fix for this in the Spark app.I am very happy with the whole experience.

Expected More

I have to say I’m disappointed with the Spark Mini. The reason I bought it was Zakk Wylde is my favorite guitar player of all time and he was one of the nicest people I have ever met in my life! I play Wylde Audio guitars and have a huge collection of everything Zakk on vinyl, cd, posters, magazines, etc. So although this a great addition to my collection considering there were only 100 made, when I plugged in the sound was a huge letdown. I downloaded the Zakk presets and in my opinion they sound nothing like Zakk’s set up. Now in all fairness I play through an EVH 5150 classic tube amp so that is obviously not a fair comparison. But even with that, it is still a disappointment. Also when I connect to the Counterfeit chug, I only hear sound when I pick chords on ... MoreI have to say I’m disappointed with the Spark Mini. The reason I bought it was Zakk Wylde is my favorite guitar player of all time and he was one of the nicest people I have ever met in my life! I play Wylde Audio guitars and have a huge collection of everything Zakk on vinyl, cd, posters, magazines, etc. So although this a great addition to my collection considering there were only 100 made, when I plugged in the sound was a huge letdown. I downloaded the Zakk presets and in my opinion they sound nothing like Zakk’s set up. Now in all fairness I play through an EVH 5150 classic tube amp so that is obviously not a fair comparison. But even with that, it is still a disappointment. Also when I connect to the Counterfeit chug, I only hear sound when I pick chords on the E, A & D strings. If I pick the G, B or E strings there is zero sound which is very strange. I did the most recent update too. Also this amp is not as loud as advertised, at least to me anyways. I play my Apple Music through the blue tooth. I have the tone set to Rock via the PG app. Now this has some volume and thump but it still sounds muddy and ehhh just ok. I’m happy to have it because it’s a Zakk collectible but other than that I won’t be using it much sadly. Thank you.

More than a player want or need!

I had heard a lot of great things about the Spark Mini, but none of the reviews really did this thing justice to how good it sounds and how useful and easy it is to use. I looks a feels pretty rugged too.There more than enough amps and effects on the Spark app. All of them sound unique, and easy to get great sounds out of. I was previously practicing primarily with my Headrush MX-5, and while that is endlessly tweakable and sounds incredible, this is much more useful, much easier to tweak, and sounds almost as good.I appreciate being able to just plug and play with a good sound without having to plug into the wall, plug into another speaker or headphones, and then play.It can get pretty loud for what it is too! I think it hits a sweet spot of volume for a bedroom ... MoreI had heard a lot of great things about the Spark Mini, but none of the reviews really did this thing justice to how good it sounds and how useful and easy it is to use. I looks a feels pretty rugged too.There more than enough amps and effects on the Spark app. All of them sound unique, and easy to get great sounds out of. I was previously practicing primarily with my Headrush MX-5, and while that is endlessly tweakable and sounds incredible, this is much more useful, much easier to tweak, and sounds almost as good.I appreciate being able to just plug and play with a good sound without having to plug into the wall, plug into another speaker or headphones, and then play.It can get pretty loud for what it is too! I think it hits a sweet spot of volume for a bedroom practice amp, but you can also definitely bring this in a busy public place and still hear it just fine.The smart jam is a cool feature, but I find myself not using it as much as just playing along with tracks from my phone. I haven't had any reason to use it as a usb interface yet.The customized grille I got is awesome too! I got an EVH striped pattern and it looks awesome, I'll probably get more customized grilles in the future.This an awesome piece of gear that gets me to pick up my guitar more often, and I'd recommend this to any player of any amount of experience.Bravo and thanks Positive Grid!

Positive Grid - Spark MINI

One of my adult children bought me the Spark MINI for Christmas. It continues to be the new standard by which all amplifiers should be measured against. The smart-phone interface is nothing short of magical. The interface gives you complete control of the Spark MINI, along with an amazing number of different configurations available for any of 4 different modes (LEAD, SOLO, RHYTHM, and CUSTOM). Without any pre-planning, my other two adult children gave me an AnyGig dual humbucker (24 fret) electric "travel" guitar for the same Christmas. These two gifts together create an amazing combination that has become my take anywhere and play anything perfect guitar/amp combo. I absolute love my Spark MINI, and I highly recommend it to anyone who uses and amplifier for any ... MoreOne of my adult children bought me the Spark MINI for Christmas. It continues to be the new standard by which all amplifiers should be measured against. The smart-phone interface is nothing short of magical. The interface gives you complete control of the Spark MINI, along with an amazing number of different configurations available for any of 4 different modes (LEAD, SOLO, RHYTHM, and CUSTOM). Without any pre-planning, my other two adult children gave me an AnyGig dual humbucker (24 fret) electric "travel" guitar for the same Christmas. These two gifts together create an amazing combination that has become my take anywhere and play anything perfect guitar/amp combo. I absolute love my Spark MINI, and I highly recommend it to anyone who uses and amplifier for any reason (it's great for practice, small group, and even up to a 75-person venue - and I've used it for each of those situations). With the Spark MINI's 8hr battery life, it is an electronic marvel without equal. Buy one now! Heck, buy two and share one with someone special (or keep them both for yourself). I adore my Spark MINI. I would give it 100 STARS if I could. Thank you, GC

Possibly So Good It Is Without Peer

I used to carry a Mustang Micro and a Bluetooth speaker (needs 3.5mm stereo input) as my low volume jam and travel guitar amp. It's a great solution but this is a big step up. The amp and effect modeling are better. The phone app's configurability of the Spark Mini is easy to use and extremely powerful. It fits in a soft briefcase or small backpack, but not a gig bag pocket which the Mustang plus Bluetooth speaker could. As a Bluetooth speaker it rivals anything in its size class. I also have a Yamaha THR5 and the Spark Mini is half the size, just as loud when needed, and truly better sounding (guitar and music playback), and the Yamaha is another impressive product. Be sure to follow the instruction card after opening the box. You will need the latest firmware, and ... MoreI used to carry a Mustang Micro and a Bluetooth speaker (needs 3.5mm stereo input) as my low volume jam and travel guitar amp. It's a great solution but this is a big step up. The amp and effect modeling are better. The phone app's configurability of the Spark Mini is easy to use and extremely powerful. It fits in a soft briefcase or small backpack, but not a gig bag pocket which the Mustang plus Bluetooth speaker could. As a Bluetooth speaker it rivals anything in its size class. I also have a Yamaha THR5 and the Spark Mini is half the size, just as loud when needed, and truly better sounding (guitar and music playback), and the Yamaha is another impressive product. Be sure to follow the instruction card after opening the box. You will need the latest firmware, and you need to open a Positive Grid account as early in the process as offered to access the Positive Grid library of models and patches (a small subset is preloaded in the amp and phone app). One last item, your phone needs to connect to the Spark Mini twice via Bluetooth. The Positive Grid phone app will connect for control of the Spark Mini and you need to separately make the audio connection in the phone's Bluetooth menu.

Review of Positive Grid Spark Mini Practice Amp

My son lent me his Spark Mini. What an amazing piece of kit. I liked it so much that I bought one for my birthday, which I haven't had yet. I am therefore basing this review on my son's identical Spark Mini.For such a small piece of equipment it packs a huge range of facilities. You need to download the Spark app on to your smart phone to maximise its performance. From this you have control of the amp. On its own it is a very useable practice amp with several preset amp sounds. The sound is pretty good for two small speakers and a bass port. It also has its own tuner and metronome. You can feed in music for eg a backing track. Both the guitar and music have their own level controls to balance the mix.I have taken the output from the Mini and fed it into a ... MoreMy son lent me his Spark Mini. What an amazing piece of kit. I liked it so much that I bought one for my birthday, which I haven't had yet. I am therefore basing this review on my son's identical Spark Mini.For such a small piece of equipment it packs a huge range of facilities. You need to download the Spark app on to your smart phone to maximise its performance. From this you have control of the amp. On its own it is a very useable practice amp with several preset amp sounds. The sound is pretty good for two small speakers and a bass port. It also has its own tuner and metronome. You can feed in music for eg a backing track. Both the guitar and music have their own level controls to balance the mix.I have taken the output from the Mini and fed it into a (valve) amp. This, of course gives a very full sound. I have also played this through my computer via a mixer and then through a full sound system.Where the Spark Mini really comes int its own is when controlled by the app on a phone. This then gives you the capability of obtaining a massive amount of amp sounds. There are several 'preset' amp/pedal configurations under the headings pop, rock, metal etc. There is a vast selection here and the controls can be adjusted on all the amps and pedals. You can produce and save your own configurations. You can then, if you want, upload these to the 'ToneCloud' for others to use. I have used the preset sounds on the Spark Mini itself and the sounds available when using the app. I have also downloaded and saved some of the sounds from the ToneCloud.When using the app the tuner and metronome are a lot smarter. There are other functions I haven't really explored including a collection of music with chords and tab and a filming facility.All this in a tiny box (which you can easily make to sound like a large box). I can't wait for my birthday (I had to give my son his amp back!) so that I can really find out what this amazing little amp has to offer. I have written this review without the amp in front of me. I am therefore writing from memory.