Optimistic Grid Spark EDGE Overview: A Sensible Combo Speaker

It’s been a minute since I’ve used a Optimistic Grid product, and the one I’ve used, I nonetheless use immediately: the Spark MINI. So when the corporate introduced the Spark LINK XLR, I emailed them and requested if I might evaluation the Spark EDGE. I don’t actually have a use for the LINK XLR, however I’ve all the time been fascinated about testing out the bigger amps the corporate gives. So the corporate was form sufficient to ship out a Spark EDGE for me to take a look at. The Spark MINI was, by far, in my high 3 finest Bluetooth audio system since 2022, and it doubled as my mini observe amp.

Estimated studying time: 17 minutes

However whereas the MINI is small, it’s mighty. However typically I simply need that little bit of additional push that may fill a storage as an alternative of a bed room. I initially requested for the Spark LIVE, because it was bigger and had a bunch of options that appeared nice. Whereas that appeared like a fantastic concept, it was additionally a bit a lot for my wants. The Spark EDGE has a plethora of options that enable me to boost the roof extra however nonetheless preserve a usable and moveable Bluetooth speaker use case. Let’s get into the total evaluation.

The Fast Take

The Optimistic Grid Spark EDGE is an excellent little amp for jamming within the storage and even highly effective sufficient to do a small gig in a espresso store or avenue nook. The LIVE is suited to bigger venues with a bigger band, however the EDGE is robust sufficient to make you a one-man band and both entertain or annoy your loved ones from the consolation of your storage.

Add within the huge variety of results and options this amp gives, and you’ve got all the things you want in a single field. I’ve discovered that I’m not even utilizing my Line 6 Helix Flooring for results when enjoying at residence. The app and the AI options supply up a bevy of choices which might be implausible and actually add to the worth of this system. And…you may nonetheless use this as a small observe amp!

Rating and Backside Line

Optimistic Grid Spark EDGE

USD 449

Nailed it

• Stunning wanting design
• Mild and moveable
• Straightforward to make use of and arrange
• Implausible sound and efficiency
• Large variety of results and options too many to call, this provides immense worth
• Honest value for what you get

Wants work

• I want the battery wasn’t optionally available and was included
• The app is nice and have wealthy but it surely does have a studying curve

The underside line is the Optimistic Grid Spark EDGE is a multi-faceted instrument that’s effectively value your cash for what it gives. This factor can function a storage jam amp with 4 inputs for various devices or gadgets. It could function a bed room observe amp. All of the presets, results, and app options add a large quantity of worth. The flexibility to make use of it as a Bluetooth speaker indoors or outside is implausible. The Optimistic Grid Spark EDGE is nearly the full package deal.

I really like the design, particularly the small tilt again, making this seem like a stage monitor. The entire unit is gentle and moveable, so it’s simple to maneuver from the storage to the bed room and out of doors for a deck social gathering. It’s easy to arrange and to make use of; the app does have a studying curve, as there are a ton of options to wrestle with.

The sound is implausible, and the efficiency is healthier than a variety of simply devoted solid-state guitar amps. The value level is truthful for what you get right here. I do know of some Bluetooth social gathering audio system with lower than 1 / 4 of the options on the Optimistic Grid Spark EDGE which might be priced about the identical. Total, for us guitar gamers who need greater than a bed room observe amp and wish extra options however aren’t enjoying professionally. I consider the Optimistic Grid Spark EDGE matches the necessity.

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Optimistic Grid Spark EDGE Specs

• Audio:
  • Frequency Vary: 45-20,000 Hz
  • Stereo/Mono: Mono
• Max Sound Strain Degree:
  • RMS: 116 dB SPL @ 1m
  • Peak: 120 dB SPL @ 1m
• Cupboard Principal: Bass Reflex (2x Reflex Port)
• Energy Amplifiers: 65W RMS Class D Amplifier
• Audio system: 1x 6.5-inch custom-designed woofer, 1x 1-inch custom-designed horn tweeter
• Complete Impedance: 4 ohms
• Onboard Looper: As much as 60 Seconds of Recording Time (Looper is for Channel 1 Solely)
• Controls and Connectivity:
  • Prime Panel Controls:
    • Channel 1 Eight Customizable Preset Selector
    • Channel 1 Quantity Knob
    • Channel 2 Eight Customizable Preset Selector
    • Channel 2 Quantity Knob
    • Channel 3 & 4 Quantity Knob
    • Music Channel Quantity Knob
  • Rear Panel Controls:
    • Energy Button
    • Bluetooth Pair Button
    • Grasp Controls (Low, Mid, Excessive, Quantity)
• Onboard Presets: 8 Totally Customizable Presets for Every Channel 1 & 2
• Computational Audio:
  • Sonic IQ Computational Audio
  • Devoted Computational Audio Chip
  • Dynamic Vary Compression
  • Bass Enhancement
  • Stereo Widening
  • Auto EQ
• Onboard Tuner: Guitar/Bass Tuner With LED Show
• Amps and Results:
• Channel 1:
  • 36 Amp Fashions (for Electrical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Bass, and Vocal)
  • 50 Results (Noise Gate, Compressor, Distortion, Modulation/EQ, Delay, Reverb)
  • Select as much as 3 pre-amp results, 3 post-amp results, and 1 amp mannequin for every preset.
• Channel 2:
  • 3 Amp Fashions (for Vocal, Bass & Acoustic Guitar)
  • 50 Results (Noise Gate, Compressor, Distortion, Modulation/EQ, Delay, Reverb)
  • Select as much as 1 pre-amp impact, 2 post-amp results, and 1 amp mannequin for every preset.
• Wired Connectivity:
  • XLR 1/4″ Combo Enter x2
  • 1/4″ Instrument Enter x2
  • 1/8″ Headphone Output x1
  • 1/4″ Line Output x2 (L/Mono & R)
  • DIN 5-pin MIDI enter x1
• Wi-fi Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
• USB Audio:
  • USB Interface for Recording, Appropriate with macOS and Home windows
  • 2 In x 2 Out
  • 24-bit, 48 kHz Pattern Charge
• Bodily Unit:
  • Dimensions:
    • L 240 x W 242 x H 333 mm
    • (L 9.44 x W 9.52 x H 13.11 inch)
  • Weight:
• Grille: Customized Black
• Energy:
  • Most important Energy Enter: DC 20V, 3.25A
  • Battery Sort: 6,000 mAh Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery (Optionally available, Spark Battery Offered Individually)
  • Playtime: As much as 10 Hours (On Mid-Quantity)
  • Charging Time: 3 Hours

What’s In The Field?

• Optimistic Grid Spark EDGE Amplifier
• USB-C to C Cable
• AC to DC Energy Adapter
• Get Began Card
• Spark Stickers
• Security Directions Card

Design

The Optimistic Grid Spark EDGE design is a putting one. They appear to have that gold, black, and crimson aesthetic down and primarily trademarked, LOL. It’s actually a good-looking coloration combo and nice for his or her branding. The very first thing I observed in regards to the EDGE was its stance. You may stand it up flat, however higher but, you may angle it in the direction of you. Very very like a stage monitor. And it’s very sturdy in that place, although I wouldn’t put my foot up on it such as you see professionals do on stage with wedge screens.

The construct high quality may be very premium, and all supplies really feel stable. The entrance grille is detachable, although I can’t think about why you’ll wish to preserve it off. Fast specs on the audio system are:

• Cupboard Principal: Bass Reflex (2x Reflex Port)
• Energy Amplifiers: 65W RMS Class D Amplifier
• Audio system: 1x 6.5-inch custom-designed woofer, 1x 1-inch custom-designed horn tweeter
• Complete Impedance: 4 ohms

The cupboard on the Optimistic Grid Spark EDGE feels stable. I’m undecided what supplies are getting used, however they really feel stable. It’s not heavy in any respect and is definitely moved round and nice for gigs. The carrying deal with on the high is sturdy and meaty. Many of the major controls are positioned on the high, with the inputs within the again with different buttons like energy and the tuner.

I’ve seen a number of guitar gamers dismiss this little amp as a novelty, and I say, Poppycock. Most of these individuals are snooty and are typically within the elitist group of gamers; screw ’em. The EDGE is a properly designed, easy-to-move, simple-to-use amp that sounds spectacular and will probably present some guitar gamers with an all-in-one resolution to an amp, pedalboard, and PA system.

Ease of Use

Utilizing the Optimistic Grid Spark EDGE is pretty easy, with perhaps a slight studying curve. For many guitar gamers, the controls and inputs might be acquainted and straightforward to take care of. The app has a bit extra of a studying curve, just because there’s SO a lot that’s supplied it might get a bit overwhelming.

The largest factor to notice on this amp is that you will want to make TWO Bluetooth connections. One connection pairs and binds the amp to your Optimistic Grid app, and the opposite connects the telephone for Bluetooth audio. These are separate connections, so don’t panic should you join as soon as and attempt to stream music over Bluetooth and it doesn’t work. Simply return in and guarantee that you’re related twice.

The remainder of the Optimistic Grid Spark EDGE consists of the knobs and inputs. Channel one and two take your normal 1/4″ guitar lead in addition to XLR. So you may plug in a mic or another XLR system right here. Channels three and 4 take your normal guitar lead, so keyboards, bass, and even an electrical drum equipment will work right here.

You can also make quantity changes on the highest, and the Bluetooth streaming channel has its personal quantity. This unit is easy to make use of, and should you arrange your presets the place you need them and solely wish to use this as an amp and never use the app or Bluetooth, you’re able to go. If you need even faster switching between presets and sound, one thing just like the Spark Management X footswitch can do this for you. I consider some Third-party footswitches will work as effectively, however I’m uncertain which of them. There’s additionally a built-in tuner. That’s spot on correct. Accessed by way of the button on the again of the unit.

Total, the Optimistic Grid Spark EDGE is easy, and I believe most guitar gamers who’ve been doing this for some time will settle into it effortlessly. Freshmen might wrestle a bit however ought to fall into the rhythm simply.

App/Software program

The Optimistic Grid app is one thing I’ve not used shortly. I incessantly use my Spark MINI however often simply hit the presets for some fast noodling. The app is much extra strong than I bear in mind, with a ton of recent options and presets. Together with an attention-grabbing AI function that may assemble a preset for you primarily based on the immediate you enter. Listed here are three key issues the app lets you do.

• Regulate among the EDGE channels—vocal, bass, guitar amp fashions, and results
• Do some in-app mixing (or you should utilize the EDGE knobs)
• Entry greater than 100,000 free guitar tone presets.
• Use AI to assemble a preset primarily based on the immediate you enter. Sort in prompts that describe a sure tone you’re searching for. You will get very descriptive, or you may kind within the title of a music or artist whose tone you’re making an attempt to re-create. This function did a formidable job of giving me a preset that had an impressive similarity to David Gilmour. Not excellent, however adequate for my wants.
• Sensible Jam lets you play guitar, and it’ll hear and analyze your enjoying, then generate applicable bass and drum elements that jam together with you. This was attention-grabbing, however I usually jam to backing tracks greater than create my very own progressions. However it is a actually great tool for songwriters, I believe.
• Auto Chords lets you to stream songs from Apple Music or YouTube, and it’ll analyze the music and show real-time guitar chords so that you can observe alongside (for finest outcomes, stream fundamental rock/pop-type songs). That is implausible for these songs which may not have a chord chart on-line. A few of my extra obscure bands I like usually should not have documented chord charts.
• Use the jam tracks included within the app to jam together with. I appreciated this function quite a bit.
• Use the straightforward looper (can use within the app or by way of the knobs on the EDGE) or the artistic looper within the app to additionally add drum tracks. I discovered this function very cool, however I suck at loopers and getting a deal with on them. I’m engaged on it, although.

There actually is a TON of options within the app, and I didn’t get to each single factor, however I attempted. Total, the app is much extra feature-packed than I bear in mind, with the addition of AI and transposing of songs. There are a good variety of new additions that I might be diving into sooner or later within the close to future as a result of I believe they’re helpful. The Optimistic Grid app is definitely the most effective apps I’ve used for a tool in a really very long time.

Sound/Efficiency

After I first performed on the Spark MINI observe amp, I used to be blown away on the degree of sound and efficiency coming from such a small speaker. The Optimistic Grid Spark EDGE turns that sound and efficiency up various notches, and it’s implausible. The MINI did a formidable job of filling out a bed room with sound, but it surely acquired very skinny when enjoying outdoors or within the storage. That may be a non-issue with the Spark EDGE; it will get loads loud.

For a Bluetooth speaker, the soundstage is flat and correct to the music being performed by way of it, precisely as I prefer it. The highs and mids are discernible and clear, with the bass holding up the remainder of the music. Should you’re searching for a superb Bluetooth speaker to play music by way of, this will provide you with an unimaginable expertise. I used each my iPhone 17 Professional Max and OnePlus 15 to stream Qobuz by way of the Optimistic Grid Spark EDGE, and the playback was fabulous!

However that is greater than only a Bluetooth speaker. It’s a critical amp and PA system with 4 channels that enable for a flexible use case.

• Channel 1 has 36 amp fashions and 50 results for electrical guitars, acoustic guitars, bass, and vocals. Simply accessible throughout the app.
• Channel 2: gives devoted amp fashions and results for vocals, bass, and acoustic guitars.
• Channels 3/4: These stereo enter channels had been designed for keyboards, drum machines, and different devices.
• Save 8 person presets for simple recall on channels one and two.
• Optimistic Grid Spark EDGE makes use of Sonic IQ Computational Audio tech to refine the dynamic vary, increase vocal readability, and deepen bass to present you immersive sound wherever.

So, you may simply use the Optimistic Grid Spark EDGE for small espresso home gigs and even avenue nook jams. There’s an out of doors vacationer buying space in Branson, MO, the place a number of musicians arrange and carry out. That’s the type of software this amp could be suited to. I’m method to busy for that, so I favor to arrange within the storage and make some noise for myself.

One small observe right here: the Optimistic Grid Spark EDGE can be utilized with an optionally available battery pack, accessible on the corporate’s web site. This didn’t include my evaluation unit, so I couldn’t take a look at it. That mentioned, I do suppose this is able to be a better-valued package deal if the battery had been included and never optionally available.

Total, the Optimistic Grid Spark EDGE is loud, most likely even too loud for my storage. Turning it as much as a tolerable degree, I skilled zero breakup, even at increased volumes. The sound copy is implausible, and the flexibility of the onboard results mixed with what you are able to do within the app is efficacious to me. I don’t actually like having to arrange an amp, pedalboard, and different gear simply to jam for a half hour by myself. The Spark EDGE permits me to only plug in my guitar and mic (if I need it) and simply play. It’s fast and straightforward for storage gamers however subtle sufficient for professionals and semi-pros to make use of for gigging.

Value/Worth

With a price ticket of USD 449, the Optimistic Grid Spark EDGE isn’t low-cost, but it surely’s additionally not unreasonable for what is obtainable. I believe the worth is right here for these guitar gamers who need one thing that may fill out a storage, has additional inputs, comes with results, and can be utilized as a streaming Bluetooth speaker. The Spark Edge fills a number of roles, and therein lies its largest worth.

Wrap-Up

The underside line is the Optimistic Grid Spark EDGE is a multi-faceted instrument that’s effectively value your cash for what it gives. This factor can function a storage jam amp with 4 inputs for various devices or gadgets. It could function a bed room observe amp. All of the presets, results, and app options add a large quantity of worth. The flexibility to make use of it as a Bluetooth speaker indoors or outside is implausible. The Optimistic Grid Spark EDGE is nearly the full package deal.

I really like the design, particularly the small tilt again, making this seem like a stage monitor. The entire unit is gentle and moveable, so it’s simple to maneuver from the storage to the bed room and out of doors for a deck social gathering. It’s easy to arrange and to make use of; the app does have a studying curve, as there are a ton of options to wrestle with.

The sound is implausible, and the efficiency is healthier than a variety of simply devoted solid-state guitar amps. The value level is truthful for what you get right here. I do know of some Bluetooth social gathering audio system with lower than 1 / 4 of the options on the Optimistic Grid Spark EDGE which might be priced about the identical. Total, for us guitar gamers who need greater than a bed room observe amp and wish extra options however aren’t enjoying professionally. I consider the Optimistic Grid Spark EDGE matches the necessity.

The Optimistic Grid Spark EDGE is an excellent little amp for jamming within the storage and even highly effective sufficient to do a small gig in a espresso store or avenue nook. The LIVE is suited to bigger venues with a bigger band, however the EDGE is robust sufficient to make you a one-man band and both entertain or annoy your loved ones from the consolation of your storage.

Add within the huge variety of results and options this amp gives, and you’ve got all the things you want in a single field. I’ve discovered that I’m not even utilizing my Line 6 Helix Flooring for results when enjoying at residence. The app and the AI options supply up a bevy of choices which might be implausible and actually add to the worth of this system. And…you may nonetheless use this as a small observe amp!