- 33 amps and 43 effects modelled and housed in a pedal format, with no cabinet to carry around.
- Complete looper (recording, overdub, playback, stop, undo) for composing solo, on stage or in rehearsal.
- Spark AI generates a sound from text, and ToneCloud gives access to over 150,000 shared tones.
- Full connectivity (headphones, line outputs, USB-C, MIDI, expression pedal) for playing plugged in or in total silence.
I plugged the Spark Pedal from Positive Grid into headphones, volume turned right up to test the dynamics. The tone held up without ever compressing. It’s that amp-under-the-fingers feel that struck me, in a pedal sat on the floor.
Positive Grid knows its stuff: its Spark range already equips thousands of guitarists who practise with headphones at all hours. With this new multi-effects pedal format, the brand condenses amp, effects and looper into a box designed for the pedalboard. Here’s what it’s capable of.
The Spark Pedal is a full amp that fits inside a pedal. Positive Grid packs in 33 modelled amps and 43 effects, plus access to ToneCloud and its 150,000 sounds shared by the community. You plug in your guitar, headphones or a pair of speakers, and play, no rehearsal room or extra gear needed.
The built-in looper (record, overdub, playback, stop, undo) lets you compose or rework an idea on the fly, with three footswitches toggling between preset mode and looper mode. Add Smart Jam to improvise over a generated backing track, and Spark AI to create a sound from a simple text description.
Connectivity-wise, the pedal includes a stereo headphone output, two line outputs, an input for an expression pedal, MIDI in/out and USB-C for charging as well as audio interface. Enough to play anywhere, from the living room to the stage.
Technical sheet: Positive Grid Spark Pedal
| Type | Amp + effects + looper pedal |
|---|---|
| Modelled amps | 33 amp models built in |
| Effects | 43 effects (modulation, delay, reverb, dynamics, etc.) |
| Sound library | ToneCloud: access to over 150,000 tones shared by the community |
| Sound generation | Spark AI (preset creation from a text description) · Smart Jam (generative backing) |
| Looper | Record, overdub, playback, stop, undo, erase |
| Controls | 3 footswitches (Preset / Looper mode) · up to 6 presets over 2 banks · gain, bass, mid, treble knobs |
| Connectivity | 6.35 mm instrument input 3.5 mm stereo headphone output 2 x 6.35 mm line outputs MIDI In/Out Expression pedal input USB-C |
| Power supply | USB-C, 5V DC (2000 mA recommended) |
| Compatible instruments | Electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass |
| Verdict | Strengths
Points to consider
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33 amps and 43 effects: the Spark Pedal’s sound library
The Positive Grid Spark Pedal features 33 amp models and 43 effects, modelled on iconic references that shaped electric guitar tone history. You switch from vintage crunch to modern alternative rock saturation in three clicks, without changing gear or unplugging a cable.
If the onboard library isn’t enough, ToneCloud gives access to over 150,000 tones created and shared by other guitarists. Looking for the sound of a specific track? Load it onto your pedal and play along within minutes, without spending hours tweaking settings.
A standout new feature in guitar multi-effects: Spark AI generates a sound from a simple text description. You type “clean tone, light chorus, dreamy vibe”, and the tool offers a tailor-made preset. A quick way to move beyond preset settings and nail the exact mood you want, whether you play funk, pop or metal.
In terms of handling, three footswitches are enough to navigate presets. Preset mode gives access to six settings across two banks, controllable by foot without letting go of the guitar or looking at a screen during rehearsal.
What really changes compared to a classic pedalboard is the time saved between ideas. A guitarist switching between a clean tone close to a vintage Fender and a more modern distortion no longer needs to reconnect three different pedals: everything is done from the same three footswitches, in seconds.
Looper, Smart Jam and Spark AI: composing without stopping
The built-in looper really changes how you work solo. You record a chord progression, add a melody overdub, then improvise over it all. Play, stop, undo and erase are all foot-controlled, no need to put down the guitar to reach for software.
Smart Jam goes further: the pedal generates backing (drums and bass) that adapts to what you play. Handy for practising a solo like a blues guitarist looping a progression, testing a composition idea, or simply warming up without preparing a backing track in advance.
These three functions, looper, Smart Jam and Spark AI, run locally on the pedal once set up via the Positive Grid app. You don’t need to stay connected all the time to enjoy them during rehearsal, guitar lessons or on stage.
Comprehensive connectivity, from living room to stage
The Spark Pedal features a 6.35 mm jack input for electric guitar, acoustic guitar or bass, and a stereo headphone mini-jack output for silent playing, even late at night. Two line outputs (L/Mono and R) allow connection to an amp, mixing desk or front-of-house PA system during a gig.
An input for an expression pedal provides foot control of wah or volume, and the mini-jack MIDI in/out opens the pedal to a larger pedalboard alongside other pedals already in use. Finally, USB-C serves to charge the pedal, update firmware and use it as an audio interface for direct recording to computer or smartphone.
A 5V DC power supply via USB-C (2000 mA recommended) is enough to run everything, including amps, effects and looper. No batteries to change before rehearsal, just plug in a cable.
Who is the Positive Grid Spark Pedal for?
This pedal primarily targets guitarists who practise with headphones, at home or on tour, and want a credible sound without setting up an amp every session. It’s also suitable for musicians playing in a band looking for a compact guitar multi-effects to place on their pedalboard, between a fuzz pedal and a delay.
Bassists and acoustic guitarists also benefit, as the Spark Pedal accepts all three instrument types. For quick home recording, the USB-C makes it a full audio interface, with no extra soundcard needed.
FAQ: Positive Grid Spark Pedal
Does the Spark Pedal really replace a guitar amp?
Yes, in most home rehearsal or recording situations. With its 33 modelled amps and 43 effects, it covers a wide range of tones, from clean to distortion. For stage use with a proper PA system, it’s more of a complement, plugged into front-of-house.
Can you play with the Spark Pedal without the mobile app?
Yes, once the presets are set up. The Positive Grid app is mainly used to adjust sounds, manage ToneCloud and generate presets with Spark AI. After that, the pedal works on its own, hands-free, without a connected smartphone.
Does the Spark Pedal also work for bass and acoustic guitar?
Yes, the pedal is compatible with electric guitar, acoustic guitar and bass. The modelled amps and effects cover these three uses, making it a versatile tool for a musician switching between instruments.
How many presets can you store on the Spark Pedal?
The pedal stores 6 presets accessible directly by foot, split across two banks of three. Other sounds remain available from the app and ToneCloud, to be recalled as needed.
Does the Spark Pedal need batteries?
No, it is powered solely via USB-C, at 5V DC (2000 mA recommended). A simple cable is enough, whether plugged into mains or an external battery for playing outdoors.
With the Spark Pedal, Positive Grid manages to keep a simple promise: to condense an amp, a sound library and a looper into a format that fits on any pedalboard. Whether you rehearse with headphones, record an idea at home or play in a band, it covers the essentials without unnecessary complexity.
Now it’s a question of how it fits into your current setup. If you want to lighten your gear without sacrificing sound quality, the Positive Grid Spark Pedal definitely deserves a try!
