Spark MINI USB fail
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I just got a Spark MINI and the sound is pretty good, but am appalled by its failure to work as an audio interface. If it's paired to my phone to control the sound via the Spark app, the USB connection to the computer is lost. So you can't record and control tones at the same time!
From the video demonstrating recording using the Spark amp (not MINI), this seems to be a failure specific to the MINI.
I'm waiting on an answer from tech support, but has anyone out there got it to work, when using both the Spark app and recording via USB?
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@mr-ocean-poet Any word back on this? I just installed the Studio One software and tried on my Mac. No response at all. Hardware isn't detected by the system it seems.
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@daniel-treadwell If I understand this right, its an Android specific issue. iOS can control the tone while you record via USB just fine, you only need to disconnect the Spark Audio Bluetooth connection. I’ve done this with an iPad and Logic Pro X successfully.
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I lost an hour trying to connect to USB to Windows - not realizing my Android Phone had connected. Frustrating - would be good to have this highlighted.
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@broadkarnage Ok that helped. I don't have Android devices so its apparently IOS as well. Switched off the bluetooth radio and bang! It detected on the Mac. Can't get it to recognize in any DAW software on the iPhone or iPad, but that may be a pipe dream. Although I've heard of some people doing that with the bigger Spark. Maybe it's a bug that is being worked out. Now to go learn about MI interfaces on my desktop. Thanks for the info!
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I'm glad someone has gotten the MINI to work as an audio interface. I can't. I've loaded and unloaded ASIO drivers so many times I've lost count. Rebooted both amp and computer over and over. Still nothing. My android phone is not connected so that's not the problem. I've tried it on Reaper and Studio One. I'm starting to think it's the amp itself. I really want to use it as an interface, but am about to throw in the towel.
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@mr-ocean-poet Yes, it appears they have reversed the input priority on the MINI. On the Spark 40 it is AUX>USB>Bluetooth but on the MINI they made it AUX>Bluetooth>USB. This switch makes no sense to me as if you have it USB to your computer, it is logical you want to use the USB connection as you MANUALLY have to plug it in to the MINI. However, with the Bluetooth/USB switched the Bluetooth connects AUTOMATICALLY before it even checks USB If you try to connect your MINI to the computer with ANY of your Bluetooth connected devices it will automatically pick them up and never let you get to USB unless you disable all your other Bluetooth devices (phone/tablet/etc.). So far I have been unable to find a way to switch the priority back. I'm sure there is a reason they switched it, but I can't think of any situation it would be beneficial to have automatic connections a higher priority as it block the other. I've been frustratingly trying to figure it out also. I certainly hope they address this in a future update, either switch it back or make it an option of how it best serves the user.
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To Positive Grid: any news on this issue? It makes no sense having a USB interface but being unable to change it's sound while at use and recording.
