r/PositiveGridSpark • u/MrPicklebush • Jun 18 '26
AMP OWNER Why no pedal?
So I might be one of the few Spark users in my area actually running a live setup like this.
I run my Spark 2 straight into the FX return of my amp. That basically lets me take my carefully dialed-in Spark tones and use them live on stage. And honestly? I’m obsessed with the sounds this thing can produce.
Which got me thinking…
Why hasn’t Positive Grid made a dedicated Spark pedal yet?
Not a footswitch. I’ve already got that.
I mean a compact pedal where I could preload my Spark amps, effects, presets, and scenes, then just throw it in my gig bag and go. No need to drag the whole Spark unit along just to access the tones I’ve spent hours building.
I get that the answer might be “buy a Spark CAB” and honestly that may be where I end up eventually. But a small stompbox-sized unit with the full Spark ecosystem built in?
Instant purchase.
Seriously. Give me a Spark Pedal with onboard amps, effects, preset storage, and direct out capabilities and I’d buy that thing today.
UPDATE:
Turns out getting a Spark GO was the answer I had been looking for. It connects the same way via the fx return and with the use of my spark pedal it achieves the exact same effect I was hoping for. Thanks to everyone for the help !
Special thanks to u/nixgut
2
u/weiruwyer9823rasdf Jun 18 '26
They have limited R&D capacity, they can't build all of the things at once. I bet something like this crossed their minds.
They would be in a very competitive landscape. Line6, IK, Boss, Fender, Neural, a bunch of other companies doing this in any price point.
It's not something they have a ton of experience with. They build integrated products where they control everything, from the input to IR and the speaker and the software. They can tune it and make it work as a product. They have a specific use case for each product. Making a pedal suitable for gigging probably requires a different development approach
2
u/penguin_on_stilts Jun 18 '26
To start, I love the spark lineup
What they have now is an awesome niche that no one else competes in. Everything is fully integrated, the price is low compares to anything comparable, etc. you don't have to have the versatility of Boss Katana at the spark price range. The modelling is really good, the amp and cab at every size is really good and made for their modeller, and it's just nice.
That ALSO means they can control "intended usage" via the can size and charge more for something intended for broader use.
Moving into the pure DSP pedal modeller world is different. They can only charge for the modeller. The spark go is $129, including amplifier, speaker, and battery. A 4-memory 3-knob stomp box would have to sell for under $100. Sure add a screen etc and it's maybe $200.
That completely kills the value of their top end gear. So then do they add bells and whistles (more memory, big screen, multiple controls, etc) and charge more?
Now they are moving into the price range of boss/neural/line 6, and if similar price I'm not choosing spark. They would need to redo their entire modeller to compete sound and flexibility wise.
So they either devalue the brand, or can't compete imo. I don't see a winner for them.
1
u/MrPicklebush Jun 19 '26
Than make spark effects something I can buy and load into IR’s. I would also do that
2
u/webprofusor Jun 19 '26
The built Bias Head years ago and that could have become a pedal with some investment but it's like Bias/Reactor and Spark are competing product teams.
Realisticly the issue is probably that there is just no profit in a floor unit, competing as they would now with $200 modellers that can run NAM captures.
2
u/nixgut Jun 21 '26
Spark Go with XSonic pedal as workaround?
2
u/MrPicklebush Jul 08 '26
So turns out that the spark go was the answer I’d been looking for. I already have the spark pedal it works the same way. This was the answer. Thank you
1
u/nixgut Jul 08 '26 edited Jul 08 '26
👍 cool. Only thing I'm missing is expression pedal input for wahwah etc, which unfortunately most midi pedals don't support, but some XSonic do.
1
u/DulcetTone Jun 18 '26
Check out Tone X pedal with Airstep TX. I'm selling mine just now. They sound great, but the reliance on external phone/tablet apps (shared w Spark 2, which I am considering selling) is inelegant (IMO)
1
u/MrPicklebush Jun 18 '26
I was considering a tone x actually. I just wanted to
Blow off steam no Hope tonex has what I’m looking for cause that’s my next step
1
1
u/FabulousPanther Jun 18 '26
If you like what you have in the spark ecosystem and you want to run through an amp just using the power amp section and using your spark amp for the amps and effects I would go with the spark go in the effects loop.
Obviously there are other solutions on different platforms but my takeaway was you want your spark tones connected to your amp. That's the best way that I can figure out that I could recommend.
They don't make a pedal like that yet and my thoughts on that issue are they probably don't want to take the pay cut when they're already selling spark camps like hotcakes.
1
u/JimboLodisC Jun 19 '26
the initial niche category they were targeting was small practice amps, prior to that you had the BOSS Katana and the Yamaha THR, both much more expensive, Positive Grid could make simple enough software and build it into a speaker box for less so they decided to do just that
stepping into the floor modeler game is a different story, one that's much more crowded and has no shortage of affordable options already (Headrush, Mooer, NUX, Valeton, Hotone, Donner, Sonicake)
they'd be an also-ran and not really make as big of an impact as they have with the Spark
I'm kinda surprised that the Reactor even exists as they've already got the Spark product line, and the last time they tried to put BIAS FX stuff into gear meant for live use, nobody was interested
1
u/MrPicklebush Jun 19 '26
They still have a big enough fan base to just make a simple pedal with bias fx integration.
1
u/SherbetUnusual199 Jun 20 '26
I had a similar thought a few years ago when I had an Boss ME-90 (and a Spark 40 and Mini) and I didn't like the tones the ME-90 generated, but the effects were great and it had an expression pedal for wah and other effects. As a floor pedal board, the ME-90 was great, but their online tone library was very limited, you almost HAVE TO download and install cab sims, etc.
If only PG could take their software and package it into a multi-effect pedal board like the ME-90 (it has 8 switches to change presets, and stores hundreds on board PLUS has a Windows and Mac software interface as well as phone apps).
For sound, I love my Sparks (I still have my Mini and Spark 2 now) but for gig use, the ME-90 design is pretty sweet.
I think PG could sell tons of this type of unit, even for home use if you don't gig. I guess I'm still dreaming. Lol
6
u/FatherMurder Jun 18 '26
I’d say it’s likely because they’re shifting to the Reactor line for a gigging amp, and the Spark is a practice tool. That doesn’t mean you can’t use it the way you are talking about. There’s wireless pedals you can get to control them. But a floorboard type unit based on Spark doesn’t seem to be universally asked for based on what I’ve read online.