Positive Grid’s Spark Edge Compact Amp and PA System Offers Portability, Power, and Versatile Performance

Performing amplified used to mean lugging heavy equipment, but modern options are lightening the load for solo performers and small groups—especially those needing only moderate volume. Compact, battery-powered amplifiers are perfect for home practice, busking, outdoor gigs without power access, or any situation requiring a quick, hassle-free setup.

The Spark Edge ($449) is Positive Grid’s latest portable amplifier and PA system, building on previous releases, including the original Spark practice amp from 2019, the tiny Spark Mini, and the minuscule Spark Go. The new Spark Edge takes a different approach with its larger, but still compact, 9.5 x 9.5 x 13-inch cabinet. It features a 6-1/2-inch speaker along with a 1-inch horn tweeter, weighs just 13.66 pounds, and delivers 65 watts through its Class D amplifier. An optional battery, which adds an extra pound, powers the amp for up to ten hours.

Designed to serve as both an amp and a small PA, the Edge supports four channels: two dual-use instrument/XLR mic inputs and two line inputs, plus a Bluetooth music channel for streaming from mobile devices. The onboard controls are minimal, consisting mainly of individual channel volume knobs on top. A master volume and EQ adjustments (bass, mid, treble) are located on the rear, along with input jacks and a power button. Additional features include stereo quarter-inch line outputs and a MIDI input for external control.

The real magic starts when you pair the Spark Edge with Positive Grid’s free Spark app, available for iOS and Android. Connecting via Bluetooth unlocks an entire ecosystem of effects, amp models, backing tracks, a looper, and more. Within the app, you can craft pedalboards with a wide range of effects and amp simulations, storing up to eight presets on channels 1 and 2, which remain available even when the app is offline. Interestingly, the app supports an AI interface: simply describe your desired tone (I asked for a clean, warm acoustic sound with spacious reverb), and it suggests tailored signal chains.

A few additional features would enhance the Edge’s appeal to acoustic players, such as a notch filter or other feedback suppressor and a parametric EQ (the current bank of effects only includes a ten-band graphic EQ). Vocalists should note that the Edge does not provide phantom power for condenser mics. For tech-savvy guitarists, the app is the Edge’s most powerful feature, though it could intimidate those more comfortable with manual controls. For a clean acoustic sound, however, the minimal physical controls may be sufficient.

Despite its compact size, the Spark Edge delivers a surprisingly full and rich sound, with enough volume for small settings. Plugging in both a steel-string guitar equipped with a K&K pickup and a classical guitar with a Barbera pickup, I was impressed by the sound quality. Its clean, warm tone and portability make it a strong contender for acoustic guitarists, and the availability of hundreds of effects and amp models holds additional appeal for guitarists who play both acoustic and electric. 

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This article originally appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of Acoustic Guitar magazine.