Positive Grid Spark 40

Description

The Spark 40 is a smart modeling practice amp built for players who want a full stereo sound at home without a stack of gear. Its 40W Class D stereo power section drives two 4 inch custom designed speakers, so riffs and backing tracks both come through with weight and clarity. Sitting on a desk, a shelf or beside a sofa, it stays small enough to leave out and loud enough to be worth switching on.

Tone shaping is where it earns its keep. You get 43 onboard effects covering noise gate, overdrive, mod, delay and reverb, plus four programmable presets you can store and recall instantly. That means a clean, chorused practice sound and a driven lead are one button apart, with no pedalboard required. The smart modeling design lets you dial in character rather than settle for a single built in voicing.

The connections cover the way people actually practise. A 1/4 inch guitar input, 1/8 inch aux in and 1/8 inch headphone out let you plug in, play along to a phone or laptop and keep it quiet late at night. Bluetooth audio handles wireless streaming from your device, and the USB audio interface means you can send your playing straight into a recording setup.

Compared with other desktop practice amps in its class, the Spark 40 puts more of its budget into stereo sound and streaming convenience and less into pedalboard style control. There is no effects loop, so players who build their sound around external pedals and a loop should look elsewhere. At 11.46 lbs (5.2 kg) it moves easily between rooms. It suits bedroom and home players first, and gigging players second.