"USA to Europe Plug Adapter", cheaper if you buy not at the airport
I’ve had the receiver for about 24 hours now. Played it in my studio / office and in my guitar teacher’s house. It’s not noisy at all, and it’s not cut out. But I’ve had about 3 hours total playing time.
One thing to note is that it’s not got any kind of cable sim in it so it sounds really bright. Once I’m satisfied that it’s not going back to Amazon I might pop it open and put some tone control in it to drop the brightness out of it a little.
It’s the 5.8Ghz ammoon model from Amazon
ammoon 5.8G Wireless Guitar System Audio Digital Guitar Transmitter Receiver Built-in Rechargeable Battery 100 Feet Transmission Range https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MCHF99P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_M06HHW6MD6W51KCB86RZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I've played since a teenager in '86, and this is some of the worst 50/60Hz hum (hum is an understatement) I've heard in equipment. I'm plugging directly from guitar to Spark, so nothing else in my audio chain. And the power source is plugged into a decent Furman power conditioning strip, so the power source is clean, and all my other equipment uses these strips without issue. I actually have two Furman strips, and tried both, as well as multiple guitars and multiple guitar cables. In addition to the lack of proper grounding, the included adapter cabling also lacks ferrite core rings.
Plugging the USB into a laptop does properly ground it, but that kind of defeats what I bought this for. My existing home setup is "Guitar=>AudioBox=>Computer=>S-Gear/BIAS_FX=>Headphones/Speakers", and I specifically bought this as a more portable/self-contained practice unit that isn't tethered to a computer.
In any case, I already have a ticket opened with PG for another issue for three days now, in which I've received no response, and don't have the energy to fight with support on this as well -- especially with some reporting that after everything, they still ended-up receiving the same power adapter as replacement. So I just sucked-it-up, and ordered the adapter you recommended from Amazon -- thanks for the tip. If it were over $20, I probably would have gone the support route -- but for under $20, I took the faster/easier way out. Actually, by luck, I came across a newer Amazon entry for the same product and same reseller for a few dollars less (US$15), and with faster shipping (two-day vs. five-day delivery). Supposed to get it on Sat, so we'll see... Thanks!
There is a way to take the signal from the Spark to other pedals, but keep in mind you'd either have to use headphones or go into some other amp/output, as you can't return the signal to the Spark to use the speaker.
I go from Guitar - Spark - Using this cable to Jamman looper and just use headphones from the loop pedal.
Purchased this replacement power supply at amazon Adapter-Computer-Charger-Notebook-ASUS/dp/B074QLP7WF and am disappointed. The DC connector is a different size to the one on my Spark guitar amplifier. I checked the amazon one for ground continuity i.e. from mains plug ground to DC connector using a multimeter and found that it does not exist. I couldn't use it if it did anyway because as I said here before, the DC connector of the amazon ('ASUS') power adaptor unit does not match the input of my spark guitar amplifier. I am a qualified and experienced radio-electronics technician engineer.
So disappointed. I ended up using the headphone amp that I got for my iRig, but I wasn't expecting to have the same headphone output as that tiny tube of plastic.
Although I doubt it, I'm hopeful that a firmware update can help at least a little.
Maybe faster to return and order from Amazon. Got this link that they are taking preordersin my email from PG today:
My guess is its that ungrouded powersupply. Did you get this Spark off Amazon by any chance?
Some backstory; The Spark initially shipped with a grounded powersupply, then at some point a year ago the manufacturer (some factory in China I think) started shipping them with cheaper ungrounded powersupplies. Probably to make a bigger profit.
So all of a sudden Positivegrid got swarmed with feedback about buzzing and popping/cracking and got it changed back. It now once again ships with a grounded powersupply.
However, third party sellers like amazon are still selling old stock from that period.
We've had a ton of posts about this on the subreddit over the last year and most people who contacted positivegrid got sent a proper powersupply.
Or you can order a similar one online https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Computer-Charger-Notebook-ASUS/dp/B074QLP7WF
yup you need a 3 prong, Positive Grid ditched the 2-prong a while ago and people have had to either contact PG for a replacement to swap out or they've found alternative PSU's on Amazon (should match the power requirements listed on the back of the Spark), and some have even switched over to using a battery for better portability
I found this cheap PSU in an old forum post, does 19V and enough current
I just bought a pair of cheap monitoring headphones on Amazon. I don't own every pair of monitoring headphones so I can't say it's the best but they worked for practicing.I bought these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0853P2RM1/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_T1EVWZW99M2Y944680PW?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
That second picture is all amplified output. You need to plug it into an input, most likely red & white RCA jacks, any RCA line in except one labeled "Phono" (record player) will do. (CD/AUX/TV)
You can buy a cable that works for this sort of thing, it's how I hook my phone up to my 30yo stereo. Or do a search for a 3.5mm to RCA cable.
Make sure you have the headphone volume all the way down when you hook it up, RCA's are low level inputs, you don't need much signal coming into them, just take it easy turning it up, when it starts distorting back it off.
I bought the IR Transmitter from the post above, and grabbed a pair of headphones that came with my Honda Odyssey's (mini van) DVD rear entertainment system. Wireless headphones that come with car entertainment systems are very basic. I plugged the transmitter into my Spark's headphone port and....it worked (better than expected). I ordered these to get a more comfortable over-ear (instead of on-ear) design: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LYGN2FJ/ref=cm\_sw\_em\_r\_mt\_dp\_WKK2JN96HTNXWM0SH6JF?\_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I like the thought. I have several pairs of headphones from my minivan rear entertainment system. I assume if IR is good enough for movies, it should handle guitars and music okay too. I think it's worth trying.
A quick Amazon search shows an aftermarket transmitter: SIMOLIO 2 Channels IR Audio Transmitter, Wireless Infrared Sensor for Car DVD&TV&PC, IR Transmitter for Universal Car Wireless Headphone, AUX Jack, Car Cigar Lighter & AC Adapter Included SM-261A https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CVVCFHQ/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_BSZGF030RNRVC6M3607Z
Got exactly same issue when plugging my Spark to a Vox AUX input.
Noise disappeared with a filter like this one:
Everything is rechargeable. Battery for spark requires wall outlet to charge and transmitters are USB charge so you can actually charge them from the Spark battery.
Battery: TalentCell Lithium ion Battery... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RDFM55J?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Transmitter: ammoon Wireless Guitar System... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L2RXYZL?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Thought I’d give an update that I ended up buying this 3/8” gasket tape from Amazon:
Parts Express Speaker Gasketing Tape 1/8" x 3/8" x 50 ft. Roll https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002ZPLPM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_K01QMGGYHN34J0NMN14P?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
It was kinda hard to fit the speakers in the routed slot, but once I got the four screwed tightened, it sunk right in the slot.
i think this one is the one to which they are refereing maybe https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0192JLIUU/ref=twister_B0192JRA2A?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Please update once you receive your wireless transmitters! I purchased the same brand, but the 2.4ghz model here
The wireless works well, but I'm constantly having to recharge the transmitters. I would say the battery life on them is like 2.5 - 3 hours, with the guitar transmitter dying well before the amp side transmitter. If I could go back in time, I would splurge the extra 20 bucks to get the model you went with. Curious to see if the 8 hour battery life is real.
That being said, I use them almost every day since I received them back in August and they're reliable and work great.
Battery hack is super cool I'm going to look into this for sure, thank you for sharing!
I have it running through a Fusion 5 tablet running Android 8. Available from Amazon for £85. Works flawlessly, but the screen is easily scratched.
I got the spark with the bag and it is very similar to any large video camera bag. I’d just double check the measurements but I think something similar to this would work.
CADeN Lightweight Vintage Waterproof Canvas DSLR SLR Shockproof Camera Shoulder Messenger Bag Compatible for Canon Sony Nikon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XFXDMCK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_yG35FbPFKDR58
You'll need a cord like this to plug into a Norwegian socket: https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-PXT101EUR-Prong-European-Computers/dp/B001IBHFVM/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=euro+earth+cord&qid=1605123147&sr=8-1
In the EU, they kinda have this rounded two-prong plug with a ground. Kinda like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Ckitze-Universal-Grounded-European-Adapter/dp/B005HGZF7U
Interesting thing is that you can use Brazilian plugs as well (also two prong), but in Brazil they also have three-prong which looks like this:
https://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/n/
It’s because the power adapter is not grounded. It’s a common issue. Do a ticket with PS and ask them to exchange it.
In the meantime, buy this. It works.
It was posted on the Spark message board. I got it yesterday and it works. The cable plug is smaller than the amps. But it works.
ALITOVE 19V Power Supply Adapter... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z4T115Y?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Latency will be a huge issue, I've tried it with a bluetooth transmitter. Watch the Guns n Guitars video on youtube about his DIY wireless monitor system. You'll need this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08DY8BZBW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
as well as an output jack to ground it. I use it for my in ear monitor system at church every week and it works great.
no latency, but the only drawback is that it's not stereo.
I have a similar issue as you, I have no trouble finding a place for the amp itself since it's pretty small, but having a spot where i can "mount" my phone so it's easier to switch between amp presets would be great. would be cool if someone created a 3D printed phone mount that connects and sits on top of the amp or something like that. Something like this.
I think a small end table on casters would be great for the amp.
https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Computer-Charger-Notebook-ASUS/dp/B074QLP7WF Here’s the link. I read about the hum issues due to the lack of a grounded power supply so I just went ahead and ordered it while I was waiting on the amp because I’ve heard about the extreme wait times. It’s doing the job!
I had the same issue, it was the noise gate..
Something to watch for: After you turn down the threshold on the noise gate (first pedal on the left), you might hear some hissing/humming. If so, try turning it off the noise gate entirely by tapping on what looks like a footswitch button on the pedal. If you hear a lot of hissing/humming, you may need a new power supply / cord for your spark.
This is a well known issue. The power supply that comes with most of the early Sparks is 2-prong; it’s not grounded. The lack of grounding creates noise. Changing to a grounded power supply will reduce that noise considerably. You can contact PG support to get a replacement sent out (mine was delivered in a week), or you can pick one u at Amazon for 18 bucks. I did both, just to have an extra. This is the one I got at Amazon. Works great
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZSFSRGM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Amazon : Dtk 19V 4.74A 90W for Asus Toshiba Ac Adapter Laptop Computer Charger Notebook PC Power Cord Supply Source Plug Connector: 5.5 x 2.5mm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074QLP7WF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_E2otFbZGX3JFC
I've felt that the NG (noise gate) and noise suppression in general is the weakest part of their software lineup. I own the Spark and BIAX FX, and in both, the NG always feel less natural than other software-based tools like S-GEAR or actual physical NGs. I also feel that they use it far too aggressively in a lot of their factory presets. That was my one real complaint, back when I filled-out a post-purchase survey for BIAS FX.
In any case, the hum or buzz that you are experiencing when you turn-down or turn-off the NG is from AC hum (50/60Hz hum) due to grounding issues. There are numerous threads here on Reddit, and like 100 threads in Positive Grid's forum regarding the Spark's included power adapter. Many people have gone trough support to get a replacement adapter (after jumping through hoops and taking a month to get it). Others simply got a replacement on Amazon.
Note that if you don't mind tethering your Spark to something already properly grounded, you can get rid of the AC hum while still using the included power adapter by attaching the USB cable from the Spark to something like a computer. The computer doesn't need to be turned-on, but it does need to be plugged-in with a properly-grounded AC connection, since the USB will then carry the ground signal through the computer. If so, and you have a high-gain tone set on the Spark with the noise gate turned-off, you'll notice the AC hum disappear/re-appear when you plug/unplug the USB cable. You probably still want to use the NG with high gain (esp. with single coils), but you can at least then turn down the NG to more conservative settings that won't choke notes and kill sustain nearly as much.