Intro: What Is the Spark NEO?
The Positive Grid Spark NEO headphones are not just your average headphones; they are a revolutionary all-in-one wireless guitar amp, effects processor, and music streamer that fits right on your head. Designed for guitarists who want a powerful practice solution on the go, these headphones promise an immersive sound experience. In this blog, I’ll dive into everything the Spark NEO has to offer, from its built-in presets to the Spark app features.
️ How You’re Hearing the Demo
Right off the bat, let’s talk about how you’re experiencing the sound. The audio you hear is captured by a specialized microphone, the SR3D Mark II, which simulates what you would hear while wearing the Spark NEO headphones. This setup ensures that your experience mirrors mine, giving you a true sense of the headphone’s capabilities.
Wireless Setup & Battery Life Test
Setting up the Spark NEO is a breeze. The transmitter connects to your guitar, transmitting the signal directly to your headphones. Everything is battery-powered, with a reported playtime of up to six hours. After using them during my travels, I can confirm that this battery life holds up; I was able to jam and stream audio all day without needing a recharge.
️ Built-In Presets Overview (Clean to High Gain)
The Spark NEO comes loaded with four essential built-in presets: clean, crunch, solo, and high gain. These presets allow you to jump straight into playing without needing to fiddle with settings. For those who want to dive deeper, the accompanying app lets you customize these presets to fit your style perfectly.
Tone Demos: Clean, Crunch, Solo, High Gain
Let’s explore the sound quality of these presets. The clean tone is crisp and clear, perfect for jazz or blues. The crunch setting adds a bit of grit, suitable for rock genres. When you switch to the solo channel, you’ll notice a boost in volume and sustain, ideal for lead parts. Finally, the high gain setting is where the Spark NEO shines, producing a thick, saturated tone perfect for metal and hard rock.
Inside the Spark App + ToneCloud Features
The Spark app is a game-changer, giving you access to a plethora of additional sounds and features. The ToneCloud feature allows you to download tones created by other users, expanding your sonic palette significantly. For instance, I downloaded a BB King-inspired tone from Jamie Mitchell, which sounded fantastic!
AI Tone Creation + Custom Patch Examples
One standout feature is the AI Tone Finder. You can describe the sound you want, and the app suggests tones that match your request. For example, I input “ambient drone with edgy fuzz for Sunday afternoon,” and the app delivered. The ability to communicate your musical desires to the app and get relevant tones is incredible!
Amps & Effects Deep Dive (33 Amps, 43 FX)
The Spark NEO offers an impressive library of 33 amps and 43 effects. You can easily swipe through these options in the app, selecting everything from classic Fender sounds to heavy metal tones. The flexibility provided by these options means you can craft your unique sound effortlessly.
Crunch Tone Test (Thin Lizzy Patch from ToneCloud)
To test the crunch tones, I downloaded a Thin Lizzy patch from ToneCloud. It had thousands of downloads, which speaks to its popularity. The result? A punchy, gritty sound that was perfect for classic rock riffs. This is a testament to the quality and versatility of the Spark NEO headphones.
Final Thoughts: Pros & Cons Breakdown
After weeks of using the Spark NEO, I have compiled a list of pros and cons. On the plus side, they are portable, comfortable, and deliver impressive sound quality. However, they are slightly heavier than regular headphones due to the built-in technology, and the lack of media playback buttons can be a hassle.
App Tuner Fix & Final Test
Initially, I had some issues with the app’s tuner, but after troubleshooting, it worked flawlessly. The tuner is a great feature that enhances the overall utility of the Spark NEO. Make sure to connect to the phone first for optimal performance.
Verdict: Is It Worth It for You?
In conclusion, the Spark NEO headphones are an excellent investment for any guitarist looking for a portable practice solution. Priced around $200, they offer a combination of sound quality, versatility, and convenience that is hard to beat. Whether you’re practicing at home or traveling, these headphones could very well become your new favorite gear.