A reliable and well-designed amp is essential to optimize the music for recording and jamming sessions. Positive Grid has designed Spark, which is a 40W combo amp that allows the users to control the music with onboard bass. In addition, there are treble and mid-tone controls.
Since it’s a multifunctional amp that allows musicians to improve and refine the music on bass guitar, electric guitar, and acoustic guitar, it has become a popular choice among musicians. However, Spark has a few common problems that you need to be aware of!
Most Common Positive Grid Spark Problems
- No Sounds
If no sound is coming from the Spark, a reset is the most convenient solution. However, reset will delete all the customized settings, which is why you can try a reboot. For rebooting the amp, unplug it from the power outlet and connect it again after five to seven minutes. When the amp turns on, the sound will be normalized.
On the other hand, if the Spark still doesn’t have a sound, you can reset your amp with these steps;
- Switch off the amp and press the “tap” button as you turn on your amp simultaneously
- When the lights start blinking, release this button
- Again, long-press the tap button until four LED indicators blink once and leave the button
- It will complete the reset process on the amp
Keep in mind that resetting the amp will delete the Bluetooth pairing data. So, before connecting it with other devices, remove Spark from the recognized devices list and pair it again.
- Buzzing Sound
Buzzing sounds is the second common problem associated with Spark amp. In most cases, the buzzing sounds are a result of faulty cables and connectors as they adversely impact the amp connections. You must inspect the connectors and make sure they are tightly connected. It’s better that you take off the connections and connect them.
Also, if the connectors are damaged, replacement is necessary. Secondly, you need to inspect the cables. With regular use, the cables wear and tear internally, which is why a replacement can help fix the buzzing sound. Make sure that the replacement cables are top-notch and are designed particularly for amps.
In case you don’t know if the cable is the real issue, connect the guitar cable and move it when the volume is on, if the buzzing increases or decreases when you move or bend the cable, you need to replace the cable. The third thing you’ve to check is the shielding.
It doesn’t matter which pickups you use for the guitar, if the buzzing becomes frequent when you touch the guitar strings or other metal parts of the guitar, the shielding has been compromised. To fix the poor shielding, it’s better that you take your guitar to the guitar repair shop.
Once the shielding is repaired, the amp won’t make any buzzing sounds. Poor grounding is another reason behind the buzzing sound, which is why you have to inspect the grounding wires in the guitar and solder them.
- Won’t Turn On
If the Spark fails to switch on, it is caused by a blown fuse or a damaged power unit. The fuses are important to protect the electrical circuit from voltage or current fluctuations. If you’ve been experiencing electricity issues at home or wherever you connect the amp, it’s likely that the fuse is blown.
The solution is pretty simple because you only need to replace the fuses (the fuses are affordable). It is better to hire an electrician for installing a replacement fuse as he can check the other electrical components and fix them, if necessary.
- Playback Not Coming Through Spark
If you have connected your Spark smartphone app to the amp and the playback music is still coming through the smartphone rather than the amp, you need to check the Bluetooth, AUX, and USB audio connections.
This is because if there is more than one connection on the amp, the amp will first prefer AUX, and then USB and Bluetooth will be the last preference. So, check the connections and delete the extra connections. Secondly, in case you are using Bluetooth for playback, you need to ensure a proper connection with the app.
Make sure that Spark’s blue light is flashing before you connect the smartphone app to the amp. Then, open the Bluetooth settings and pair it with the Spark 40 device. Once the Bluetooth is connected, the playback music will be optimized. Last but not least, you should close the background apps before you connect the amp to the app.
- Zero Output From Amp
If the Spark amp isn’t giving any output on the Bluetooth-connected device, you need to check the USB cable. This is because when the USB cable is connected and the Bluetooth is enabled as well, the amp will prefer AUX, USB, and then Bluetooth.
The amp will play audio from the high-priority connection, and since USB is the second priority, it’s better that you disconnect the cable. In addition, make sure that the volume is enabled on the top panel of the amp.
- Unexpected Error During Playlist Importing
It’s common for musicians to import their playlists after they are done producing the music. However, if you see unexpected errors while importing the playlists, it’s usually caused by errors in the app where you are trying to import the music.
For instance, if you are using Spotify, it is recommended that you delete the Spotify app and reinstall it after some time – you need to reboot the smartphone before reinstalling the Spotify app. In addition to this, you could try rebuilding the playlist.
- Unable To Recognize The Device
If you are using the Spark smartphone app and see a “cannot recognize the device” error, the only solution is to call customer support.
However, before you contact customer support, you can try turning off Bluetooth on your smartphone and turning it on after a few minutes. Once the Bluetooth connection is rebuilt, try to connect the app to the amp.
- Computer Is Unable To Recognize The Spark Amp
The Spark amp can be connected to the computer for direct file export and import. However, for this data transfer to work, the computer must recognize the amp. In case the computer is unable to identify the Spark amp, you should try a different USB port (you must not use a USB hub).
In addition to this, you should disconnect the USB cable and re-plug it after some time. If you are using Windows on the computer, you must have the updated ASIO driver for it to recognize the amp.
- Firmware Update Is Failing
The Spark firmware is important to improve the functionality of the amp and enhance the features. In addition, the firmware updates provide the service fixes, which is why installing the firmware updates is necessary.
On the contrary, if you are unable to download and install the firmware upgrade on the Spark amp, it’s better that you reinstall the firmware. For reinstalling the firmware, tap on the “eject” option at the end of the firmware upgrade process and disconnect the USB cable.
Then, connect the USB cable to another port and try installing the firmware update again. Keep in mind that you should run the firmware updater as a system administrator. Last but not least, if the firmware update is still not successful, you can call customer support.
They are likely to ask for the Spark serial number, operating system version, and the website you got the update from. Once you provide this information, they will send a new link that you can use for downloading the firmware.
- Bluetooth Connection Dropping
If you have connected the Spark amp to the Bluetooth already but the connection is dropping, you need to factory reset your amp.
The reset instructions are mentioned above, and in addition to the reset, make sure that you install the latest firmware version to prevent connectivity errors. Lastly, you should try turning off the Bluetooth feature on other devices.
my spark 40 amp has had a bad buzzing sound and will not play any of the music i try to play with the guitar i had looked at it and nothing has gone bad how do i fix this
i tried to download the new update,it failed and now all my lights on the spark flash when i turn it on. the app will not connect and cant do factory reset beause of the light flahing.
My Spark 40 has developed a LOUD “popping” sound when I try to turn it on. No getting rid of it. Amp won’t operate at all. Of course the pathetically short 1-year warranty period is over, so…I took it to a local repair shop. Was told he can’t fix it because the area he needs to access is completely sealed.
PG suggested I send the unit (at my own expense) to some shop in Conneticut. But on-line blogs I’ve seen from others with similar experience say they’ve done this & those folks can’t fix it either. So now I’m stuck with an inoperable paper weight.
I try a firmware update to my Mini Spark weeks ago, after that the blue light (bluetooth) do not turn on, people from support did ask me to execute a firmware update with log, i send the code, then after that nothin no contact i already submit another 2 request but no hear back from them nothing can turn on the pairing mode (bluetooth), this is not good for this companny i have another 2 devices from them but seems like loyalty is not the target on their minds
After unboxing mine I turned it on and attempted to just set up some nice guitar sounds.
I found out quickly that the volume issue that lots of people talk about started happening to me too. After getting a nice sound at a nice volume all the sudden the volume will change back to a very low volume.
I went online and looked at many reviews and they all discuss problems like this. I immediately repacked it and returned it to Amazon.
What a complete POS our Spark 40 turned out to be. Got it in January. Here we are in March and no sound will come out of it. Used it maybe 10 times. It’s literally been sitting on a shelf the entire time. Did the factory reset, no help. No input produces audio. Tuner mode works so I know single is getting to the amp but nothing comes out. I very much regret this purchase.
I’m having difficulty with the “Add device” function.
I can pair with my Spark 40 and use it as a BT speaker with my phone. I can also use it as a basic amp and most functions except the one I bought it for work – the amp/pedal configuration presets.
The issue is the Spark app opens then when I select
“Add device” it continually searches but can’t find my amp. I can skip the “Add device” option and see the amp/pedal presets but selecting them have no effect on the sound output.
I’ve done all the firmware upgrading, unpairing/ re-pairing, app uninstalling/ reinstalling, resetting to defaults etc. but nothing let’s me “Add device”
Any ideas folks?
When I turn off y spark 40 I heard a loud bang in the speaker!
What can I do?
I developed my own backing tracks for my solo performances. My MP3 renderings are on set lists on my iPhone. Your app refuses to play them. Instead, it searches out the song on Apple Music and plays that. Since the whole point of the many weeks spent in my home studio arranging and setting down my versions minus guitar and vocal is so I can play to my audience, I am quite disappointed.
I have a Bluetooth problem. I can no longer hear playback on backing tracks using Bluetooth. Also, I can not hear songs playing thru the aux connection. I can hear the guitar when plugged in with no problem. The top right volume control is not operational. I don’t know if a new type firmware will help or not, but the very reason I got this amp has been defeated. And what really upsets me to no end is no customer service phone number to call. This is a bad company and I waited months to get this thing. Shame on you Positive Grid!!!
My original Spark unit worked properly, but after 2 months it starting making a loud popping noise when I turned it off. I contacted Positive Grid and was given an address to send it in for repair. After sending the unit in I received a follow-up email stating that it could not be repaired and they would send me a refurbished unit which they did. However, the new unit sounds horrible
when I attempt to play along to any of my saved songs on the Spark app! This is the case with all three of my electric acoustic guitars!😒
The following is what I have done to try and fix the issue:
1- I did a factory reset.
2- I made sure I had the newest firmware downloaded to my Spark unit.
3- I made sure I had the most up to date version of the Spark software.
4- I deleted and reinstalled the bluetooth connection.
5- I have high quality cables.
6- I have new batteries in all my guitars.
Any other suggestions that may resolve my issue would be greatly appreciated!!!
No matter what i do I can’t get reverb/echo to turn off
I really love the Spark Mini… except when it buzzes, which it has started to do this week. I’m about to start the support process, but I’ve tried different cables and two different guitars, and the buzzing comes and goes regardless. I’m about to dive into a support ticket and give them a chance to resolve it. I use it more than my bigger amp because I can play anywhere around the house, on the front porch… you name it. It’s great for it’s portability, but the buzz is annoying.
When setting up my account, it connected to an old Spotify account, not my pay account that I use. Since there is no way to disconnect that Spotify account and it won’t sync after trying to force it per pos. Grid instructions, I decided to just create a new account with a different email address. Same thing happened….twice. So frustrating.
Seems pretty simple to have a way to break that connection and let me pick the Spotify account. Or, if I could wipe out the accounts myself and let me try again. I’ve about had it with this app.
My headphones will not work anymore on my spark amp….WHY????????
Bluetooth is an ongoing glitch with their software. Every other bluetooth device works fine and is easy to connect except the Spark mini. Their “solutions” don’t work and it shouldn’t be that complicated anyway. I have wasted hours trying to get bluetooth to work and I am done. They should fix their software with a patch or don’t send it out before it’s ready for buyers.
It won’t work with the metronome or the any other features like play song or backing tracks which defeats the point of me buying and waiting 2 months to get it
I had my amp for about 2 months….used it at home a few times and out for a gig twice. Then the buzzing sound described above started. It buzzed all the time, no matter what I did, and it was loud enough to render the amp unusable. I followed all the FAQs, followed all the steps I was told to do by the support team, and nothing fixed it. As a refund was not an option, I shipped it back to be repaired. But after several weeks of email updates that had no insight into when the repair would be done, I had to buy something else to replace it. My last email to support was to tell them to just keep it. I know I lost the money, but why lose the money and also have something hanging around that I can’t use.
The volume level fluctuates between sounds which is really annoying. Resetting the thing doesn’t fix this problem so it must be a design flaw.
I have been trying to get my spark 40 to do the things you said it will do. For the most part I was able to use it. I couldn’t use the tone cloud because it’s sound was awful it really sounded bad the volume also fluctuated from high to low so I called you for help they said try to update it and do a factory reset first. I did it still sounded bad in tone Cloud. So I tried the up date and the amplifier has not worked since. The lights flash on and off slowly the tap light is flashing too. I have tried everything. Please let me know why this is happening. I spent alot of money for this not to work. I also just paid money for the Jimi Hendrix app upgrade. And the thing doesn’t work at all. And never has worked in the Tone Cloud. I really looked forward to using that. Again please help me, Thank you, Dennis