In this simple guide we’ll show you how to unlock the FULL potential of your Spark Amp by using it as an Audio Interface, so you can connect it to whatever DAW you’re currently using…
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Positive Grid’s Spark Amp blew the roof off of NAMM when it first launched. Innovative features are one thing. But what Positive Grid did with the Spark Amp was beyond impressive by combining modern tech – your smartphone – with its true-to-life-sounding effects, amps, and modulation technologies.
There’s an endless amount of potential guitar tones you can generate with the Spark Amp from beautiful clean tones, a la the Fender Reverb Deluxe, to crushingly heavy high-gain tones that’ll melt the face of even most discerning gear head.
But the best way to unlock the Spark Amp’s true potential, as well as do away with the requirement for cabinets and microphones, is to use it as an audio interface. This way, you can use everything the Spark Amp has to offer, with respect to tones, amps and effects, inside your DAW of choice.
Basically, if you have a Spark Amp and you’re not using it as an audio interface YOU’RE MISSING OUT. BIG TIME…
Let’s now set about fixing that. Here’s everything you need to know about using your Spark Amp as an audio interface…
What You Will Need
- Spark Amp
- A computer (PC/Mac)
- A USB cable (usually provided with your Spark Amp)
- Spark Amp App (available for download from the official Positive Grid website)
- A Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) such as GarageBand, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, etc.
How to Use Spark Amp as an Audio Interface
Step 1: Connect Your Spark Amp to Your Computer
- First, make sure your Spark Amp is turned off.
- Connect one end of the USB cable to the Spark Amp and the other end to a USB port on your computer.
- Turn on the Spark Amp.
- If you need more help with this bit, here’s a detailed guide on how to connect Spark Amp to your computer
Step 2: Download and Install the Spark Amp App
- Visit the official Positive Grid website at www.positivegrid.com.
- Go to the download section and download the appropriate version of the Spark Amp App for your computer (Windows or Mac).
- Once downloaded, install the app by following the instructions given by the installer.
Step 3: Open Your DAW
- Launch your chosen Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). If you don’t have one installed, there are many available for download, such as GarageBand for Mac users, or Ableton Live, Pro Tools, and others for both Mac and Windows users.
Step 4: Set Spark Amp as Your Audio Interface
- Once your DAW is open, you’ll need to set the Spark Amp as your input device. This process may vary depending on the DAW you’re using, but generally, you’ll find this in the ‘Preferences’ or ‘Settings’ menu, under ‘Audio’ or ‘Audio Setup’.
- In the ‘Audio’ or ‘Audio Setup’ section, look for ‘Input Device’ or similar. Choose your Spark Amp from the drop-down menu.
Step 5: Start Recording
- Now, with your Spark Amp set as the input device, you can start recording your guitar directly into your DAW. Simply arm a track for recording in your DAW, and you should see the input signal when you play your guitar.
- You can also adjust the gain and volume levels on the Spark Amp as needed while you’re recording.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If your computer isn’t recognizing the Spark Amp, try using a different USB cable or USB port.
- If the sound isn’t coming through, make sure the Spark Amp is selected as the input device in your DAW and that the volume on your Spark Amp is turned up.
- If the Spark Amp App isn’t recognizing your Spark Amp, try restarting both the amp and the app.
