Performing amplified used to imply lugging heavy gear, however trendy choices are lightening the load for solo performers and small teams—particularly these needing solely reasonable quantity. Compact, battery-powered amplifiers are good for dwelling observe, busking, out of doors gigs with out energy entry, or any scenario requiring a fast, hassle-free setup.

The Spark Edge ($449) is Constructive Grid’s newest transportable amplifier and PA system, constructing on earlier releases, together with the unique Spark observe amp from 2019, the tiny Spark Mini, and the minuscule Spark Go. The brand new Spark Edge takes a distinct strategy with its bigger, however nonetheless compact, 9.5 x 9.5 x 13-inch cupboard. It encompasses a 6-1/2-inch speaker together with a 1-inch horn tweeter, weighs simply 13.66 kilos, and delivers 65 watts via its Class D amplifier. An non-obligatory battery, which provides an additional pound, powers the amp for as much as ten hours.

Designed to function each an amp and a small PA, the Edge helps 4 channels: two dual-use instrument/XLR mic inputs and two line inputs, plus a Bluetooth music channel for streaming from cellular units. The onboard controls are minimal, consisting primarily of particular person channel quantity knobs on prime. A grasp quantity and EQ changes (bass, mid, treble) are situated on the rear, together with enter jacks and an influence button. Further options embody stereo quarter-inch line outputs and a MIDI enter for exterior management.

The actual magic begins whenever you pair the Spark Edge with Constructive Grid’s free Spark app, accessible for iOS and Android. Connecting by way of Bluetooth unlocks a complete ecosystem of results, amp fashions, backing tracks, a looper, and extra. Throughout the app, you may craft pedalboards with a variety of results and amp simulations, storing as much as eight presets on channels 1 and a pair of, which stay accessible even when the app is offline. Apparently, the app helps an AI interface: merely describe your required tone (I requested for a clear, heat acoustic sound with spacious reverb), and it suggests tailor-made sign chains.

A couple of extra options would improve the Edge’s enchantment to acoustic gamers, comparable to a notch filter or different suggestions suppressor and a parametric EQ (the present financial institution of results solely features a ten-band graphic EQ). Vocalists ought to observe that the Edge doesn’t present phantom energy for condenser mics. For tech-savvy guitarists, the app is the Edge’s strongest function, although it might intimidate these extra snug with handbook controls. For a clear acoustic sound, nonetheless, the minimal bodily controls could also be ample.

Regardless of its compact dimension, the Spark Edge delivers a surprisingly full and wealthy sound, with sufficient quantity for small settings. Plugging in each a steel-string guitar geared up with a Ok&Ok pickup and a classical guitar with a Barbera pickup, I used to be impressed by the sound high quality. Its clear, heat tone and portability make it a powerful contender for acoustic guitarists, and the supply of lots of of results and amp fashions holds extra enchantment for guitarists who play each acoustic and electrical. 

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This text initially appeared within the March/April 2025 subject of Acoustic Guitar journal.