Something is not right
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It is probably me. But, Brand new yesterday. I seem to be able to connect OK with Bluetooth. The light stops blinking and I can play Spotify music on unit like a Bluetooth speaker. I can adjust the nobs on my Android phone, Galaxy S20. It just appears the pedal effects are not really doing much. Seems to be basic reverb and not much else. I get the same reverb only sound when not connected to Bluetooth using the 4 preset buttons. I tried two brand new guitar cords, no difference. My guitar is a PRS SE Paul's. Any ideas?
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@dan-hess
Which Spark amp do you have? How old is it (not sure if “Brand new” relates to a new amp or this problem just popped up)? What is your Output Knob setting (right most knob on a Spark 40)? Do you get the same response/sound through both headphones and speaker? Does it change over time once the Spark Amp is turned on? Do you get the same response/sound with the Spark App off vs on, both before or after turning the Spark Amp on? Does it vary from one Preset to another; App Preset vs hard-coded Amp Preset (left-most knob on a Spark 40)? Does it change/improve if you turn off all the Preset Pedals and adjust the Preset Amp settings?Answers may help in isolating the problem between the Spark Amp and the App, and possibly which section of the amplifier circuitry is the cause.
I would suggest that you also open a Positive Grid Support Ticket, especially if it’s a relatively new Spark, to secure your warranty return & replace rights. They will likely ask if you’re up-to-date on firmware and app updates, you’ve performed a factory reset, etc. After you get through answering the ‘standard questions’, they may be able to provide a specific analysis and solution.
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@dan-lawrence Thanks for the response, Dan. I just purchased the Spark 40 new from Positive Grid this week. The Output knob was about half way up. The amp sounds the the same if app is on or not. It also sounds the same if I used headphones or just the amp. There is some sound change when I adjust the knobs, but nothing like what I hear in the tutorial videos on Positive Grid website. It also appears the sound gets muffled and cuts out, It seems any combination of adjustments does not make it sounds much better. I did send an email to the help desk. thanks again. I imagine I will not hear back from the help center until Monday,
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@dan-hess
Sounds like the problem is with the amp, and not the interface with the app. Based on the past 1 1/2 years of monitoring this forum, there seem to be a lot more interface issues with Android phones/pads than iOS devices. Since it had problems ‘out of the box’, it could well be a component infant mortality issue with the board or a solder connection.It could take several days for an initial response on your Support Ticket, depending on overall support requests. At times, again based on forum member traffic, it can take up to a week.
Good Luck!