June 13, 2024

It’s a tale as old as time – the never-ending quest to keep ears ringing well after your band practice or show. Well, Positive Grid’s newest addition to their award-winning line of Spark guitar amps, Spark LIVE, is paving the way for musicians to break out of their living rooms and onto the stage. So, for all of you Spark LIVE owners out there who think the 150-Watt multi-channel amp and PA system isn’t loud enough (I mean, really?), may we offer this suggestion: maybe take a gander at Spark CAB? What is Spark CAB? Spark CAB is a 140-Watt FRFR speaker cabinet designed to boost the volume of anything with a dedicated output – whether it be a guitar amp, modelers, or an instrument, Spark CAB delivers high-quality sound without any sound degradation to its source. To make things simple: it’s a way to basically amp your amp. Connecting Spark LIVE to Spark CAB There are 2 ways to connect Spark LIVE to Spark CAB, and both can be done in a matter of seconds.   Use the Stereo Combo Jacks If you’re looking for all this volume, then we’re sure you have a bunch of ¼” cables lying around. Simply plug both cables into the L and R Output jacks behind Spark LIVE and plug them directly into the L and R jacks under Input 1 of your Spark CAB. A good tip is to use different colored cables so you don’t mix up the left and right channels. Tape works too! Make sure the switch on Spark CAB is to the left to enable Channel 1. Introducing the ultimate Spark stack! Use the Headphone Jack Spark CAB comes equipped with a 3.5mm stereo cable that you can plug into the headphone jack of your Spark LIVE and then plug directly into the Spark Input jack behind Spark CAB. The only caveat to this method is that this will effectively mute your Spark LIVE (meaning sound will only come out of Spark CAB). Make sure the switch below is to the right to enable this input. Great Places to Connect Spark LIVE to Spark CAB Trying to find a great place to show off your new dB? Any small to mid-range venue is a great place to start. Spark CAB definitely has the power to cut through live drums, so you won’t have to worry about getting drowned out. One of our guys even tried it with his punk band a few months back, and it worked out great. Most venues, however, will usually end up mic’ing or lining in your Spark CAB anyhow to push your sound through the house PA. So, if you’re playing with a live drummer, we find that having Spark CAB behind you as your own personal monitor is pretty dang awesome. If you’re using vocals with Spark LIVE, though, we recommend you don’t stand directly in front of it. Spark LIVE and Spark CAB are now available for sale on the official Positive Grid store. Plug in now! Want more? Check our Support Portal.

September 17, 2023

Guitarists and tone chasers around the world have long been in pursuit of the perfect sound. In the quest for sonic excellence, many have turned to BIAS FX 2, the versatile guitar effects processor and amp simulator from Positive Grid. While BIAS FX 2 comes packed with an impressive array of amplifier models, there's a secret world of sound exploration awaiting those who dare to venture into the realm of hybrid amps. Let’s uncover the art of creating unique hybrid amps in BIAS FX 2 By blending the best of both worlds, you can forge a sonic identity that's entirely your own. Step 1: Select Your Base Amps You'll need to choose two base amplifiers from BIAS FX 2's extensive collection and load them in BIAS FX's dual amp signal chain. Start by selecting an amplifier that forms the foundation of your tone. This is your primary amp, the one that defines the core characteristics of your sound. Next, pick a secondary amplifier with contrasting qualities that you want to blend with your primary amp. For example, if your primary amp is known for its warm, vintage tones, you might choose a secondary amp known for its aggressive modern sound. Step 2: Blend and Adjust Once you've loaded both amps onto your virtual rig, it's time to blend and adjust the settings. Start with these steps: Balance the Volume: Ensure that the output levels of both amps are balanced to avoid sudden jumps in volume when you switch between them. Experiment with EQ: Tweak the EQ settings of each amp to emphasize the desired characteristics. For instance, you can boost the treble on the primary amp for added brightness, while cutting the bass on the secondary amp for a tighter low end. Play with Gain Staging: Adjust the gain and overdrive settings on each amp to find the right amount of distortion or saturation. This step is crucial for dialing in your desired level of grit. Step 3: Add Effects and Fine-Tune To truly make your hybrid amp shine, experiment with BIAS FX 2's effects and additional signal chain components. You can add pedals, rack effects, and even customize your virtual microphone placement to further shape your sound. Don't forget to fine-tune your hybrid amp by listening carefully and making subtle adjustments until you're satisfied with the result. Trust your ears; they're your best guides in this creative process. Step 4: Save Your Creation Once you've crafted your unique hybrid amp, save it as a preset in BIAS FX 2. Give it a name that reflects its character and the two amps you've blended. This way, you can easily recall your creation for future recordings and performances. Want access to even more pro-level tools? Upgrade to BIAS FX Elite for access to over 200 presets, HD racks, effect modelers and more. Learn more and compare licenses here.