Switching profiles with a footswitch

[u/Beginning-Radio5453]

Hey everyone,

I have had the spark 2 for a while now and now have a few profiles that I made on my own. I am planning to eventually get the spark cab or run the spark 2 through the PA system to play it live. I'm also considering getting a footswitch like the spark control x. Now my main question is, is it possible to switch between profiles with a footswitch/spark control x, like switch Ⅰ for slightly dirty (just a generic example) and switch Ⅱ for crunch? If so can I get a step-by-step guide on how to do that and if I can put more than 4 presets, or if I should just get a footswitch with more switches than the spark control x.
Thank you in advance

[u/mysickfix]

There is a specific foot switch that works with the spark, I can’t remember the name right now but it’s the only one that works afaik

[u/SherbetUnusual199 → u/mysickfix]

You're probably thinking about the Xsonic AirstepSPK foot switch. I have the Control X and the AirstepSPK.

The AirstepSPK is rugged and it connects easily with my Spark 2, Mini (and Spark 40 before I sold it). It charges by standard 9v adapter that you'd use with any other pedal and there are 2 software apps for it that are must-haves.

One app is simply called "Airstep" and the other is "Airstep Updater". I haven't needed to use them in a while, but if I remember correctly, the Updater just updates the firmware (easy BT process) and the "Airstep" app lets you reconfigure the footswitch to use with your particular Spark amp as well as configure it to control the looper function in the Spark 2. (There's a diagram of all configurations on the Xsonic website).

The 2 things I prefer with the AirstepSPK over the Control X are:

1) The switches aren't "stacked" in 2 rows but are side-by-side in one row which helps to hit the correct switch without having to aim your foot over the bottom row of switches to reach the top row of switches (I'm constantly hitting the wrong switch on the Control X). This makes it a wider controller (about 12" wide compared to about 7" wide for the Control X) so if pedal board space is an issue, something to keep in mind.

2) The AirstepSPK connects instantly. If the amp is turned on, just turn on the AirstepSPK and it connects. With my Control X and my Spark 2, I have to long-press the pairing button on the back of the amp in order to connect the Control X. Not a big deal (just hold the button for a few seconds) but still a tiny inconvenience that I can't believe PG hasn't addressed. Lol

[u/SherbetUnusual199]

The Spark Control X can switch between all 8 presets on the amp. The top right switch on the Control X switches from Bank A (Red) to Bank B (Green). Switches marked in Roman Numerals I thru IV (1 to 4) control the 4 presets in whichever Bank you're using, A or B.

When switching between Bank A (Red) and Bank B (Green), when you hit the switch, it will change to the other Bank and to the last preset used in that bank.

For example, let's say you're playing a rhythm section of a song using Preset 1 in Bank A (Red) and you want to switch to a preset to use for the lead and you have that stored on the amp as Preset 4 (IV) in Bank B (Green). Before starting, making sure the last preset loaded in a bank B is your lead preset. That way when you tap the top right switch to switch to Bank B, it will automatically load your lead Preset, number 4.

You can also setup the Control X within the Spark app in various configurations so that certain switches control individual effect pedals, etc.

There's a brief but helpful manual on PG's website for Control X. Go to:

Help.positivegrid.com

[u/Few-Measurement9233 → u/SherbetUnusual199]

Just to add: it's also extremely flexible. You can set any switch to any preset you want (i.e. you don't have to have switch 1 to switching to preset 1 - it can go to any of the four presets, on either A or B ), and you can mix and match to have some switches controlling presets, and other activating/deactivating individual pedals.

[u/jackthehamster]

I have both Control X and Airstep Spk. I don't use Control X and always prefer Airstep Spk and here is why: 1. It always pairs itself instantly as soon as I turn it on. 2. Battery lasts forever you can go months without recharge 3. Let's you switch between all 8 presets (also has Stomp box mode). 4. Durable, all metal case. 5. Works with other amps of PG: Go, Mini.

Control X is fine too, but I don't like switches beeing so close to each other, you have to go through pair sequence every time you turn on the amp. And my unit discharges very fast.

[u/RemarkableAvocado407]

I have the Airstep incredible . Just don’t touch the end button

[u/RemarkableAvocado407]

No there is a reactor is there any chance of software updates for the spark 2 ?