Positive Grid Spark vs. Spark 2: What’s The Difference?

About Positive Grid

Back in 2019, options were fairly limited to those seeking a professional-sounding home practice guitar amp solution. With the growing popularity of powerful DSP-powered multi-effects and pro-grade amp and effect modellers such as the Line 6 Helix or Kemper Profiler, guitarists had a craving for a solution that would give them a taste of this versatility in a small and affordable package perfect for home practice.

Years before the Spark, Positive Grid had been establishing themselves as a major player in the world of guitar amp simulation computer software. Their award-winning Bias software was a mainstay for guitarists seeking a simple plug-and-play solution for recording without a conventional amp and pedalboard setup. It was specifically popular for home recording as it eliminated the need for expensive room sound treatments and microphones. With a few clicks of a button, you could virtually create your dream guitar rig, even going so far as cab and speaker choice, microphone selection and placement and even delving into the bias of the amps valves.

To this day, Positive Grid Bias 2 remains one of the most popular software plug-ins for guitarists.

Positive Grid Spark

The original Positive Grid Spark bridged the gap between small, relatively affordable practice amps and the professional sound quality and versatility of the expensive DSP modelling powerhouses available at the time. By building their Bias software directly into a compact desktop-styled 40-watt amplifier they created one of the most feature-rich and inspiring practice amps to hit the market.

Spark vs Spark 2

Spark 2

At face value, you’d be forgiven for interpreting the Spark 2 as a louder version of the original Spark but with a built-in Looper, more presets and an optional battery. And you’re right, but also so very wrong.

It’s easy to understate the significance of Spark 2’s speaker upgrade. To me, and many Spark users, this is perhaps the most important upgrade of them all. A very commonly recognised occurrence with the original Spark is its powerful low-end, borderline too powerful. It’s easy to understand that when creating an amp that is equally at home as a Bluetooth playback speaker as it is a guitar amp, there have to be compromises. One of those is Sparks thunderous bass! The original sounds of the Spark are phenomenal and to many, it’s the rich low end that help give the Spark its three-dimensional realistic sound. To others, this low end can be a touch too encompassing and difficult to tame. The new angled FRFR speakers in the Spark 2 allow users to quickly and easily dial in their perfect guitar tone whether it’s something thunderous and punchy or something that sparkles and shimmers with a glassy top end.

Amps and effects sound even more real thanks to Spark 2’s increased processing power and HD Models as well as its dedicated computational audio chip that provides complex psychoacoustic algorithms. It’s stereo lineout and increased onboard presets make Spark 2 even more user-friendly and versatile.

Spark 2 provides the ultimate practice solution for guitarists at any level in any genre. Its sounds are second to none and with a library of over 50000 tones available it couldn’t be easier to dial in the perfect sound. Additionally, the onboard looper and optional battery power remove all limitations making this versatile all-in-one desktop amplifier the perfect amp for any situation!

Positive Grid Spark GO vs. Spark Mini vs. Spark Live vs. Spark Edge

Need more, or even less? Let’s not forget about the other Positive Grid Spark amps in the range. Here’s our breakdown:

Spark Go

The most portable amp in the Spark line-up. Still as versatile with just as many amps and effects as the larger units, just shrunk down to a tiny 5-watt rechargeable go-anywhere travel companion.

Spark Mini

Somewhere between Spark Go and Spark, Spark Mini offers 10 watts of battery-powered uncompromised guitar tone! The perfect solution for smaller home setups.

Spark LIVE

At 150 watts, Spark Live is the largest amp in the Spark line-up. Built for the entire band, Spark Live provides 4 channels of modelling along with 16 presets. Thanks to its 8 hours of battery life, your performance can go anywhere!

Spark EDGE

  Spark EDGE

A smaller sibling to their Spark LIVE PA, the 65-watt Spark EDGE delivers better portability, built-in looping, and swappable front grilles – without compromising on volume or connectivity. A super handy busking or personal performance unit.

Featured Positive Grid Amps & Accessories

Conclusion

Very rightfully so Positive Grid’s range of Spark amps has earned a reputation of uncompromised versatile tone machines. There’s a Spark amp for just about any situation from travelling on the road, practising at home and even performing on the go with a full band.

The Spark 2 exceeds expectations! Taking everything that was right with the original Spark and improving on the rest makes Spark 2 without a doubt their most thought-out design to date.

Want to know more? Here are some handy links:

• Shop Positive Grid
• Shop Modelling Amps
• Shop Practice Amps
• Blog: The Rising Popularity of Desktop Amps