Why I Chose the Spark MINI: "Because It Sounds Good and Is Small" What I was looking for in a home amp was not to play in the same way as a live environment with a vacuum tube amp, but to focus on the convenience of producing good sound with a living room guitar and enhanced Bluetooth function.The Spark series, while not a vacuum tube, has the highest level of touch response and tone change with guitar volume operation among digital amps. On top of that, the deciding factor for choosing the Spark MINI was its convenience due to its small size and built-in rechargeable battery.So, I highly recommend the Spark MINI as a guitar amp.
I am Yosh, a music store ex-employee (@Yosh_Guitars). I purchased the Positive Grid Spark MINI immediately after its release in Japan and have been using it for about a half year. In this article, I will share my honest impressions, the good points, and the disappointing points. In the latter part of the article, I write about why I chose the Spark MINI from among the many multi-function amplifiers, comparing its features with other models.
Pros
- Top-notch Sound for a Mini Size
- Speaker Structure that Produces Unimaginable Sound from its Size
- Compatible with Electric/Acoustic/Bass and All 33 Amp Modeling and 43 Effects
- Built-in Rechargeable Battery
- Bluetooth Compatible
- Dedicated App Including Accompaniment Auto-Generation/Chord Analysis
- Over 10,000 Preset Tones Can Be Downloaded
- USB Audio Interface Function/Line Out
- Two Body Colors, White and Black, and Optional Grill
Top-notch Sound for a Mini Size
Positive Grid is famous for developing the BIAS amp, which is compared with Kemper and Fractal Audio, so the quality of the sound is guaranteed. The Spark MINI is the mini version of the Spark 40, a home multi-function amp by Positive Grid, which has a sales record of 250,000 units. The body has been miniaturized and the output has been reduced to 10W.
The sound is truly excellent for its mini size. It’s smaller than the amps that come with beginner sets, yet the sound is overwhelmingly better. The main competitor in the multi-function mini size is the NuX Mighty Air, but the Spark MINI sounds better. The NuX has a plastic case, and when the volume is turned up, the bass becomes boomy and the body vibrates, resulting in a sound that lacks tightness. The Spark MINI does not have this problem. You can get a volume level that might anger your neighbors in an apartment. Even when the volume is turned up, there is no resonance in the case, and you can get a thick, delicate sound with depth. The stereo speakers, the Tolex-covered case, and the radiator on the bottom surface must be doing a good job.
Speaker Structure that Produces Unimaginable Sound from its Size
The body size is 146.5 x 123 x 165 mm, and the weight is only 1.5kg. In order not to compromise the sound, a speaker structure optimized for this size is adopted. By installing two 2-inch custom-designed speakers at an angle of 8 degrees, a clear stereo sound field is obtained. In addition, a passive radiator is installed on the bottom surface of the main body to reproduce a punchy bass range, and a unique three-point support leg is adopted. In addition, a sturdy cabinet made of glass fiber and Tolex achieve professional-level acoustic performance.
Compatible with Electric/Acoustic/Bass and All 33 Amp Modeling and 43 Effects
The Spark MINI is not only compatible with electric guitars but also with acoustic guitar and bass guitar. The amp modeling includes 25 types for electric, 4 types for acoustic, and 4 types for bass, for a total of 33 types. The effects include a noise gate, compressor, distortion, modulation/EQ, delay, and reverb, for a total of 43 types. In addition, you can also purchase an additional 6 amp modeling and 6 effects in the Jimi Hendrix specification.
Built-in Rechargeable Battery
It has a built-in battery that can be charged with a USB Type-C cable, so you can carry it anywhere and play. It can be used for more than 8 hours at a moderate volume. The fact that it doesn’t always have to be plugged into an outlet is quite convenient when you use it. I usually play somewhere in the living room, so it’s nice not to have to choose where to play at home, whether it’s on a table without an outlet or next to a computer. It was also good to be able to set up the amp in any location when shooting performance videos. It seems to be convenient when going to a session at a guitarist’s friend’s house. This size makes it easy to use anywhere, and this advantage is very much alive. Also, the fact that it has a USB Type-C port is a happy point.
Bluetooth Compatible
You can play music by connecting your PC or mobilephone via Bluetooth. The sound is excellent with a moderate bass and clear treble due to the aforementioned speaker structure. Of course, you can play the instrument while playing music.
This is a standard feature for multi-function amplifiers, but it’s truly appreciated as I often play the guitar while playing music. It’s also convenient to be able to shoot performance videos while streaming songs via Bluetooth. It can also be used as a BGM speaker in the room, making it easier to get an understanding of the family. That’s also more permissible because of this size.
Dedicated App Including Accompaniment Auto-Generation/Chord Analysis
By using the Spark dedicated app, which is distributed for free on iOS and Android, the functions are further expanded. In addition to the amp’s EQ and effects settings, it also has a tuner and metronome functions. It analyzes the playing style of the instrument and automatically generates backing performances of bass and drums, so you can have a jam session or practice improvisation by yourself. It also automatically displays chords from over a million songs on YouTube. It also supports song practice by repeating a part or slowing down the tempo with simple operations.
Audio Playback via Bluetooth Possible During Video Shooting with Smartphone
It’s rare to have automatic accompaniment generation and chord analysis, but you can also shoot videos within the app. This will help your SNS activities. You can record while playing the smartphone’s built-in sound source or Smart Jam sound source through the app. The sound of the guitar is recorded by the smartphone’s mic.
Over 10,000 Preset Tones Can Be Downloaded
You can access over 10,000 presets created by users around the world from the ToneCloud app. It’s an amp that can be easily used even by those who are not good at making sounds or beginners. It’s nice to be able to use it for studying the sound, such as how to get close to that sound by searching for the band, guitarist, or song name and how to use which effects.
USB Audio Interface Function/Line Out
If you connect it to a PC with a USB cable, it also functions as an audio interface. It also comes with the DAW software Studio One by PreSonus, which was acquired by Fender, so it’s nice content for those who are starting DAW. The Smart Out terminal can be connected to headphones or used as a line out when connecting to other devices.
Two Body Colors, White and Black, and Optional Grill
The exterior Tolex color is available in two colors, Classic Black and Luxe Pearl. You can choose from four looks using the separately sold Signature Crimson speaker grill.
Cons
- No Built-in Wireless for Guitar
- Only Apple Music and Spotify are Compatible With the App
- Low Accuracy of the App’s Chord Analysis
No Built-in Wireless for Guitar
This was a real disappointment and a point of compromise. The NuX Mighty Air, YAMAHA THR-II Wireless, and BOSS KATANA-AIR have built-in wireless receivers, but the Spark MINI does not. If the built-in rechargeable battery had also included a built-in guitar wireless, it would have been possible to realize a truly wireless environment. I think it’s a bit of a shame that it didn’t happen. However, I think it’s a compromise that was made to keep the price down. I bought a cheap wireless system, JOYO JW-03, and it makes me more comfortable playing.
Only Apple Music and Spotify are Compatible With the App
The Spark app can integrate with music streaming services. However, I’m part of the minority that uses YouTube Music, so this was a bit disappointing. I think it’s a good idea to have a system that can be used with a variety of music streaming services.
Low Accuracy of the App’s Chord Analysis
The app has a feature that automatically analyzes the chord progression of songs on YouTube, but the accuracy is a bit low. It’s not a problem if you’re playing a song that you’re familiar with, but if you’re trying to learn a new song, it can be a bit of a hassle.
List of Multi-Function Amps Compared Before Buying Spark MINI
The reason I bought Spark MINI was:
- Small size
- Good sound
- Bluetooth compatible
- Built-in rechargeable battery
- App features such as chord analysis and smart jam
The point I compromised on was “non-internal wireless”. This is the only point. You can use a separately sold item.
Currently, multi-function amps are vying for supremacy. Various multi-function amps have been released from each brand. I compared the elements of Spark MINI and each model.
○: Good point
△: Compromise point
×: Disappointing point
vs BOSS KATANA-AIR
The function is reasonable with built-in wireless, but personally, I also use WAZA-AIR, so I wanted a different sound. Whether you like the BOSS sound or not is the key.
KePoint to Choose
○ Bluetooth compatible
○ Internal guitar wireless
× I don’t like the slightly hard sound of BOSS very much
× Battery operation is 8 AA batteries
△ Small size (350 x 144 x 181 mm)
× Price: Around $430
vs NUX Mighty Air
The function, size, and price are all the best, but the sound was unsatisfactory compared to Spark MINI. If you prioritize price, I can recommend it to you.
Key Point to Choose
○ Bluetooth compatible
○ Internal guitar wireless
○ Built-in rechargeable battery
○ Ultra-small size (186 x 91 x 98 mm)
× The texture of distortion and box noise is so-so
○ Price: Around $189
vs YAMAHA THR10II Wireless
It also has built-in wireless and is the highest class in terms of functions. The deciding factor for becoming Spark MINI was sound preference, app function, and body size. I was hesitant until the end, but if I prioritized the convenience of built-in wireless, I would have chosen THR10II Wireless.
Key Point to Choose
○ Bluetooth compatible
○ Internal guitar wireless
○ Built-in rechargeable battery
△ Small size (368×183×140 mm)
○ The sound is good
× Price: Around $470
vs Positive Grid Spark
I liked the sound the most, but I chose MINI because the difference in convenience due to size and battery operation was prioritized. If I could make a loud sound at home, I might have chosen this one.
Key Point to Choose
○ The sound of the digital top class
○ Bluetooth compatible
○ There is a chord analysis function
△ Small size (350 x 180 x 190 mm)
△ Price: $299
× Battery operation not possible
× Non-internal wireless
vs Positive Grid Spark GO
In May 2023, Spark GO was released. The ultra-small size was quite attractive, but compared to MINI, I felt a lack of bass and sound pressure due to its small size, and a lack of separation, so I did not replace it.
Key Point to Choose
○ Built-in rechargeable battery
○ There are many modeling amps for high gain
○ Can be used for BGM with Bluetooth audio compatible
○ There is a chord analysis function
○ Ultra Small size (125 x 85 x 45 mm)
○ Price: $129
× Non-internal wireless
× Lack of bass range
The Reason I Bought Spark MINI is “Because It Sounds Good and Small”
What I was looking for in an amp to play at home this time is not to play in the same way as a live environment with a tube amp, but to focus on the convenience that it is easy and comfortable to produce good sound with a living room guitar and Bluetooth function is enhanced.
However, the Spark series, while not a tube amp, has the highest level of touch response and tone change with guitar volume operation among digital amps. On top of that, the deciding factor for choosing Spark MINI was that it was so convenient because it was small and had a built-in rechargeable battery.
So it’s a highly recommended guitar amp.
Key Point to Choose
○ Built-in rechargeable battery
○ There are many modeling amps for high gain
○ The sound from drive to clean is close to analog behavior
○ Can be used for BGM with Bluetooth audio compatible
○ There is a chord analysis function
○ Super Small size (146.5 x 123 x 165 mm)
× Non-internal wireless
○Price: $229
People who are recommended for the Spark MINI are:
- Want to support various genres
- Want to play with existing sounds because they are not good at making sounds
- Want to use electric/bass/acoustic with one amp
- Want to see the chords of many songs
- Want to practice improvisation with automatic accompaniment generation for specific chord progressions
- Want to use a BGM as a Bluetooth speaker
- Want to easily record videos
- Want to stick to the sound but vacuum tubes are hard to maintain
- Want a desktop-size amp
- Prefer a small size
- Don’t need a large volume for home use
- Don’t mind adjusting the tone with the app
- Want to use it in various places with a rechargeable battery
