Arturia Spark USER’S MANUAL
USER’S MANUAL
ARTURIA – SPARK CREATIVE DRUM MACHINE – USER’S MANUAL
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Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of ARTURIA. The hardware unit and the software product described in this
manual are provided under the terms of a license agreement or non-disclosure agreement. The
license agreement specifies the terms and conditions for its lawful use. No part of this manual may
be produced or transmitted in any form or by any purpose other than purchaser’s personal use,
without the explicit written permission of ARTURIA S.A. All other products, logos or company
names quoted in this manual are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
© ARTURIA SA – 1999-2012 – All rights reserved.
4, Chemin de Malacher
38240 Meylan
FRANCE
http://www.arturia.com
March 2011 1.1.4 edition
ARTURIA – SPARK CREATIVE DRUM MACHINE – USER’S MANUAL
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PROJECT MANAGER
Emilie de Fouchecour
PRODUCT MANAGER
Frédéric Brun
Romain Dejoie
Chris De Jong
PROGRAMMING
Kevin Molcard (Lead Developer)
Philippe Wicker
Emilie de Fouchecour
Vincent Travaglini
Bruno Pillet
Niccolo Comin
Adrien Courdavault
Guillaume Piolat
ELECTRONICS
Laurent Baret
Bruno Pillet
DESIGN
Thomas & Wolfgang Merkle (Bitplant)
Axel Hartmann (Design Box)
Morgan Perrier
Daniel Vester
SOUND DESIGN
Noritaka Ubukata
Pierce Warnecke
Jean-Michel Blanchet
Oliver Fauque
Christian Lafitte (Cigale Prod)
Thomas Koot
INDUSTRIALIZATION
Nicolas Dubois
Richard Phan
Gerard Buracchini
MANUAL WRITING
William Talgorn
MANUEL TRANSLATION
Tomoya Fukuchi
Pierce Warnecke
Niccolo Comin
Antoine Back
SPECIAL THANKS
Sean Weitzmann, Gérard Buracchini, Cedric Pallier, Elodie Cao, Denis
Frouin, Philippe Girard-Buttoz, Yannick Bonnefoy, Peter Gelhaus (acoustic
drum kit photo), Kevin Lamb, Patrick Kunz, Frank Orlich, Miguel Silva,
Houston Haynes, Cristian Kreindler, Paul Steinway
SOUND SAMPLES
ARTURIA – SPARK CREATIVE DRUM MACHINE – USER’S MANUAL
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Thank you for purchasing Spark Creative Drum Machine!
This manual concerns two distinctive products:
• Spark software, a highly creative beat production center
• Spark MIDI controller.
Spark Creative Drum Machine user’s manual also covers Spark Vintage Drum Machine
product. However, some features are not available for Spark Vintage Drum Machine and
are tagged with this icon:
In this package you will find:
• A DVD-ROM containing Spark Creative drum machine installer for Mac OS X
and Windows XP/Vista/Seven
• A registration card (credit card format) including the Serial Number and
Unlock Code.
• The User’s Manual for Spark Creative Drum Machine software and the Spark
MIDI Controller.
• Spark MIDI controller
• An USB cable
Carefully store your registration card!
In order to actually use the software, you have to register, then authorize your virtual
instrument. By registering, you identify yourself as the legitimate owner and thus will be
sure to receive the latest news and updates for your instrument.
The Serial Number and Unlock Code are required to register & authorize Spark, so these
codes are the real value of your product.
See chapter 3 Registration & Authorization for more information about the authorization
process.
ARTURIA – SPARK CREATIVE DRUM MACHINE – USER’S MANUAL
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Special Message Section
The MIDI controller uses USB or an external power adapter. Do not connect this product
with any other power supply or adapter than the one described in this manual
specifically recommended by Arturia. (See chapter 7.1.9 for more details).
WARNING:
Do not place this product in a place or position where one might walk on, trip over or roll
anything over power or connecting cords.
The use of an extension cord is not recommended! If you must use one, make sure the
cord has the ability to handle maximum current needed by this product. Please consult a
local electrician for more information on your power requirements.
This product should be used only with the components supplied or recommended by
Arturia. When used with any other components, please observe all safety markings and
instructions that accompany the accessory products.
SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE:
The information contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the time of printing.
However, Arturia reserves the right to change or modify any of the specifications without
notice or obligation to update existing units.
IMPORTANT:
Always follow the basic precautions listed below to avoid the possibility of serious injury
or even death from electrical shock, damages, fire or other risks.
The product used either alone or in combination with an amplifier, headphones or
speakers, may be able to produce sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss.
DO NOT operate for long periods of time at a high level or at a level that is
uncomfortable.
If you encounter any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult an
audiologist.
NOTICE:
Service charges incurred due to a lack of knowledge relating to how a function or feature
works (when the unit is operating as designed) are not covered by the manufacturer’s
warranty, and are therefore the owner's responsibility. Please study this manual carefully
and consult your dealer before requesting service.
ARTURIA – SPARK CREATIVE DRUM MACHINE – USER’S MANUAL
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PRECAUTIONS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING:
• Read and understand all the instructions.
• Always follow the instructions on the instrument.
• Before cleaning the instrument, always remove the electrical plug from the
outlet, as well as the USB cable. When cleaning, use a soft and dry cloth. Do
not use gasoline, alcohol, acetone, turpentine or any other organic solutions;
do not use a liquid cleaner, spray or cloth that's too wet.
• Do not use the instrument near water or moisture, such as a bathtub, sink,
swimming pool or similar place.
• Do not place the instrument in an unstable position where it might
accidentally fall over.
• Do not place heavy objects on the instrument. Do not block openings or
vents of the instrument; these locations are used for air circulation to prevent
the instrument from overheating. Do not place the instrument near a heat
vent or any place of poor air circulation.
• Only use the recommended specified AC adaptor (9 Vdc, 800 mA)
• Make sure the line voltage in your location matches the input voltage
specified on the AC power adaptor.
• Do not open and insert anything into the instrument that may cause a fire or
electrical shock.
• Do not spill any kind of liquid onto the instrument.
• Always take the instrument to a qualified service center. You will invalidate
your warranty if you open and remove the cover, and improper assembly
may cause electrical shock or other malfunctions.
• Do not use the instrument with thunder and lightning present; otherwise it
may cause long distance electrical shock.
• Do not expose the instrument to hot sunlight.
• Do not use the instrument when there is a gas leak nearby.
• Arturia is not responsible for any damage or data loss caused by improper
operations to the instrument.
HANDLING CD-ROMS:
Avoid touching or scratching the shiny underside (encoded surface) of the disc. A
damaged or dirty CD-ROM disc may not read properly. Keep your CD-ROMs clean, using
a commercially available CD cleaner.
ARTURIA – SPARK CREATIVE DRUM MACHINE – USER’S MANUAL
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Table of Contents
1! INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................... 11!
1.1! WELCOME TO SPARK ................................................................................................................................ 11!
1.2! 1.2. HISTORY ............................................................................................................................................ 11!
2! INSTALLATION .......................................................................................................................................... 13!
2.1! WINDOWS INSTALLATION (7/XP/VISTA) ................................................................................................ 13!
2.2! MAC OSX INSTALLATION (10.5/10.6) ..................................................................................................... 17!
3! REGISTRATION & AUTHORIZATION ................................................................................................. 19!
3.1! REGISTRATION ......................................................................................................................................... 19!
3.2! AUTHORIZATION ...................................................................................................................................... 21!
4! QUICK START ............................................................................................................................................. 22!
4.1! SPARK CONTROLLER OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................ 22!
4.2! SPARK SOFTWARE OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................ 23!
4.2.1! The Center panel .............................................................................................................................. 23!
4.2.2! The Bottom panel ............................................................................................................................. 24!
4.2.3! The Top panel ................................................................................................................................... 24!
4.3! NAMES AND CONCEPTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ............................................................................................ 25!
4.3.1! Project .............................................................................................................................................. 25!
4.3.2! Kit ..................................................................................................................................................... 25!
4.3.3! Instrument ........................................................................................................................................ 25!
4.3.4! Audio Source .................................................................................................................................... 26!
4.3.5! Bank .................................................................................................................................................. 26!
4.3.6! Pattern .............................................................................................................................................. 26!
4.3.7! Song .................................................................................................................................................. 26!
4.3.8! Channel ............................................................................................................................................ 26!
4.3.9! Track ................................................................................................................................................ 26!
4.4! AUDIO AND MIDI SETUP .......................................................................................................................... 26!
4.4.1! Windows ........................................................................................................................................... 26!
4.4.2! Mac OS X ......................................................................................................................................... 26!
4.5! FIRST STEPS WITH SPARK ....................................................................................................................... 27!
4.5.1! Loading a project ............................................................................................................................. 27!
4.5.2! Select and play a pattern .................................................................................................................. 27!
4.5.3! Change Instrument parameters ........................................................................................................ 28!
4.5.4! Select an Instrument and change filter and mixer parameters ........................................................ 28!
4.5.5! Play and edit a pattern ..................................................................................................................... 29!
4.5.6! Record a pattern with instrument pads ............................................................................................ 29!
4.5.7! Change Instruments/Kits with the jog dial ....................................................................................... 30!
4.5.8! Save your project .............................................................................................................................. 30!
4.5.9! Switching views ................................................................................................................................ 31!
5! USING SPARK ............................................................................................................................................. 32!
5.1! THE TOOLBAR .......................................................................................................................................... 32!
5.2! THE MAIN PANEL (OVERVIEW) ................................................................................................................. 33!
5.2.1! The Digital display ........................................................................................................................... 36!
5.2.2! The Sequencer zone .......................................................................................................................... 36!
5.2.2.1! The Step Pads .............................................................................................................................................. 36!
5.2.2.2! The Shuffle Knob ........................................................................................................................................ 36!
5.2.2.3! The Transport Zone ..................................................................................................................................... 37!
5.2.2.4! The Tap Button ........................................................................................................................................... 37!
5.2.2.5! The Tempo knob ......................................................................................................................................... 38!
5.2.2.6! The Accent Button ...................................................................................................................................... 38!
5.2.2.7! The Erase Button ......................................................................................................................................... 38!
5.2.2.8! The Loop zone ............................................................................................................................................ 38!
5.2.3! The Song/Pattern zone ..................................................................................................................... 39!
5.2.3.1! The Song Mode ........................................................................................................................................... 39!
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5.2.3.2! Editing Songs from the Main panel ............................................................................................................ 39!
5.2.3.3! Banks and Patterns ...................................................................................................................................... 40!
5.2.4! The Jog Dial ..................................................................................................................................... 40!
5.2.5! The FX Live Pad ............................................................................................................................... 42!
5.2.6! The Filter / Slicer / Roller ................................................................................................................ 42!
5.2.6.1! The Filter Button ......................................................................................................................................... 42!
5.2.6.2! The Slicer button ......................................................................................................................................... 43!
Repeat mix .............................................................................................................................................................. 43!
Repeat ..................................................................................................................................................................... 43!
Tape ........................................................................................................................................................................ 43!
Reverse ................................................................................................................................................................... 43!
Strobe ...................................................................................................................................................................... 43!
Pan .......................................................................................................................................................................... 43!
5.2.6.3! The Roller button ........................................................................................................................................ 43!
5.2.7! The Instrument control zone ............................................................................................................. 44!
5.2.7.1! The instrument Pads .................................................................................................................................... 44!
5.2.7.2! The Parameter Knobs .................................................................................................................................. 44!
5.2.7.3! Select Button ............................................................................................................................................... 45!
5.2.7.4! 1-8 / 9-16 Button ......................................................................................................................................... 45!
5.2.7.5! Mute button ................................................................................................................................................. 45!
5.2.7.6! Solo button .................................................................................................................................................. 45!
5.2.7.7! Filter/Mixer parameters .............................................................................................................................. 46!
5.3! THE BOTTOM PANEL (OVERVIEW) ........................................................................................................... 46!
5.3.1! The Studio ......................................................................................................................................... 47!
5.3.1.1! Instrument Edit Window ............................................................................................................................. 49!
5.3.1.2! Studio Buttons ............................................................................................................................................. 50!
5.3.2! The Mixer ......................................................................................................................................... 51!
5.3.2.1! The Instrument tracks ................................................................................................................................. 51!
5.3.2.2! The Return 1 and 2 tracks ........................................................................................................................... 52!
5.3.2.3! The Master track ......................................................................................................................................... 53!
5.3.2.4! The Effects .................................................................................................................................................. 53!
FX parameters ........................................................................................................................................................ 53!
Compressor parameters .......................................................................................................................................... 54!
Bit Crusher parameters ........................................................................................................................................... 55!
Chorus parameters .................................................................................................................................................. 55!
Delay parameters .................................................................................................................................................... 56!
Distortion parameters ............................................................................................................................................. 56!
Parametric EQ parameters ...................................................................................................................................... 57!
Phaser parameters ................................................................................................................................................... 57!
Plate Reverb parameters ......................................................................................................................................... 58!
Reverb parameters .................................................................................................................................................. 59!
Destroyer parameters .............................................................................................................................................. 59!
Flanger parameters ................................................................................................................................................. 60!
Space Pan parameters ............................................................................................................................................. 61!
Sub Generator parameters ...................................................................................................................................... 61!
Sub Generator parameters ...................................................................................................................................... 62!
5.3.3! The Library ....................................................................................................................................... 62!
5.3.3.1! The Library Window ................................................................................................................................... 63!
5.3.3.2! The Current Project window ....................................................................................................................... 64!
5.3.3.3! Creating a new project ................................................................................................................................ 64!
5.3.3.4! How to load Kits and Instruments .............................................................................................................. 64!
5.3.3.5! How to load Banks and Patterns ................................................................................................................. 65!
5.3.3.6! Importing and Exporting a project .............................................................................................................. 65!
5.3.3.7! Saving a project ........................................................................................................................................... 65!
5.3.3.8! Changing kit name ...................................................................................................................................... 65!
5.4! THE TOP PANEL ....................................................................................................................................... 66!
5.4.1! Overview .......................................................................................................................................... 66!
5.4.2! The Pattern Panel ............................................................................................................................ 66!
5.4.3! The Toolbar ...................................................................................................................................... 66!
5.4.4! The Sequencer .................................................................................................................................. 67!
5.4.4.1! How to select a track ................................................................................................................................... 68!
5.4.4.2! How to copy or swap tracks ........................................................................................................................ 68!
5.4.4.3! How to copy or swap Step parts ................................................................................................................. 68!
5.4.5! The Automation editor ...................................................................................................................... 69!
5.4.6! The Song Panel ................................................................................................................................ 70!
5.4.7! The Song slots .................................................................................................................................. 70!
5.4.7.1! How to copy patterns to song slots. ............................................................................................................ 70!
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5.4.7.2! How to move and paste/insert slots ............................................................................................................ 71!
5.4.7.3! How to set song playing position ................................................................................................................ 71!
5.4.7.4! How to select several slots .......................................................................................................................... 71!
5.4.8! Preferences Button ........................................................................................................................... 71!
5.4.8.1! Sequencer preferences ................................................................................................................................ 71!
5.4.8.2! File preferences ........................................................................................................................................... 72!
5.4.8.3! MIDI Import/Export preferences: ............................................................................................................... 72!
5.4.8.4! Controller Preferences ................................................................................................................................ 73!
6! MODES OF OPERATIONS ........................................................................................................................ 74!
6.1! STANDALONE (OVERVIEW) ...................................................................................................................... 74!
6.1.1! Launching the standalone application ............................................................................................. 74!
6.1.2! Preferences configuration – Audio & MIDI settings ....................................................................... 74!
6.1.2.1! Windows ..................................................................................................................................................... 74!
6.1.2.2! Mac OS X ................................................................................................................................................... 75!
6.1.3! Update Spark Controller .................................................................................................................. 76!
6.2! PLUG-IN MODE ......................................................................................................................................... 76!
6.2.1! Toolbar Extra Buttons ...................................................................................................................... 76!
6.2.2! Saving project ................................................................................................................................... 77!
6.2.3! Recording Midi out From Spark Sequencer and Pads into your host ............................................. 77!
6.3! VST .......................................................................................................................................................... 77!
6.3.1! Installation ....................................................................................................................................... 77!
6.3.1.1! Windows ..................................................................................................................................................... 77!
6.3.1.2! Mac OS X ................................................................................................................................................... 77!
6.3.2! Instrument use in VST mode ............................................................................................................. 77!
6.3.3! Connection to an instrument track ................................................................................................... 78!
6.3.4! Multi Output Mode ........................................................................................................................... 78!
6.3.5! Recording Midi out from Spark into your VST host ......................................................................... 79!
6.4! AUDIO UNIT (MAC OS X ONLY) .............................................................................................................. 80!
6.4.1! Installation ....................................................................................................................................... 80!
6.4.2! Use in Logic Pro .............................................................................................................................. 80!
If an Arturia plug-in poses problem in Logic, start by checking that this plug-in has passed the compatibility test,
and that it is actually selected. ..................................................................................................................................... 81!
6.4.2.1! Stereo Mode ................................................................................................................................................ 81!
6.4.2.2! Multi Output Mode ..................................................................................................................................... 81!
6.4.3! Recording Midi out from Spark into your VST host ......................................................................... 82!
6.4.4! Use in Digital Performer ................................................................................................................. 83!
6.4.4.1! Stereo Mode ................................................................................................................................................ 83!
6.4.4.2! Multi Ouput Mode ...................................................................................................................................... 83!
6.4.4.3! Assign Midi Track ...................................................................................................................................... 84!
6.4.5! Stereo Mode and Multi Output Mode ............................................................................................... 84!
6.4.5.1! Stereo Mode ................................................................................................................................................ 84!
6.4.5.2! Multi Output Mode ..................................................................................................................................... 84!
6.5! PRO TOOLS ............................................................................................................................................... 84!
6.5.1! Installation ....................................................................................................................................... 84!
6.5.2! Utilization and opening of the Plug-in ............................................................................................. 85!
6.5.3! Saving the project ............................................................................................................................. 85!
6.5.4! Automations under Pro Tools .......................................................................................................... 85!
7! THE SPARK MIDI CONTROLLER ......................................................................................................... 86!
7.1! FRONT PANEL (OVERVIEW) ...................................................................................................................... 86!
7.1.1! Device ports ..................................................................................................................................... 87!
7.1.2! Choose between Kit or Instrument mode ......................................................................................... 87!
7.1.3! Set Move Knob Mode ....................................................................................................................... 87!
7.1.4! Set Sequencer Follow Mode On / Off ............................................................................................... 87!
7.1.5! Roller Fx ........................................................................................................................................... 87!
7.1.6! Controller Shortcuts ......................................................................................................................... 88!
7.1.7! Overlay cheat sheet mode Software interface .................................................................................. 88!
7.1.8! Use as Spark Controller ................................................................................................................... 89!
7.1.9! Use as MIDI Controller ................................................................................................................... 89!
7.1.10! Use as USB/MIDI interface ............................................................................................................. 89!
7.1.11! Power Supply ................................................................................................................................... 90!
7.2! REAR PANEL (OVERVIEW) ....................................................................................................................... 90!
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7.2.1! Rear panel Connectors and power supply ....................................................................................... 90!
7.3! SPARK MIDI CONTROLLER SOFTWARE .................................................................................................... 90!
7.3.1! Overview .......................................................................................................................................... 91!
7.3.2! The Menu .......................................................................................................................................... 92!
7.3.2.1! Midi Templates ........................................................................................................................................... 92!
7.3.2.2! Pads Calibration .......................................................................................................................................... 93!
7.3.3! Edit Instrument Pad window ............................................................................................................ 93!
7.3.4! Edit Instrument knob window ........................................................................................................... 94!
7.3.5! Edit Instrument parameter knob window ......................................................................................... 95!
7.3.6! Edit Clickable knob window ............................................................................................................. 95!
7.3.6.1! The Jog Dial (Wheel) .................................................................................................................................. 95!
7.3.6.2! The Move button (Loop Move) .................................................................................................................. 96!
7.3.7! Edit Touch pad window .................................................................................................................... 96!
7.4! CONTROLLING SPARK AN EXTERNAL MIDI CONTROLLER ..................................................................... 97!
7.4.1! Assign a MIDI note to pads .............................................................................................................. 97!
7.4.2! Assign a MIDI note to bank buttons ................................................................................................. 97!
7.4.3! Assign a MIDI note to pattern buttons ............................................................................................. 97!
7.4.4! Assign a MIDI note to loop on button .............................................................................................. 97!
7.4.5! Assign a MIDI CC to Loop divide knob ........................................................................................... 97!
7.4.6! Assign a MIDI CC to Loop Move knob ............................................................................................ 97!
7.4.7! Assign a MIDI CC to shuffle knob ................................................................................................... 97!
7.4.8! Assign a MIDI CC to master Volume knob ...................................................................................... 97!
7.4.9! Assign a MIDI CC to cutoff/res/Pan/Aux1/Aux2/Volume knobs ...................................................... 98!
7.4.10! Assign a MIDI CC to instrument parameters knobs ........................................................................ 98!
7.4.11! Assign a MIDI CC to tempo knob .................................................................................................... 98!
8! SPARK CREATIVE DRUM MACHINE LEGAL INFORMATION ..................................................... 99!
8.1! SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT ............................................................................................................. 99!
8.2! FCC INFORMATION (USA) ............................................................................................................... 101!
8.3! CANADA .............................................................................................................................................. 102!
8.4! EUROPE ................................................................................................................................................ 102!
9! NOTES: ........................................................................................................................................................ 103!
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1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 WELCOME TO SPARK
BEAT THE FUTURE
Combining the power of analog synthesis, physical modeling and samples, through the
intuitive workflow of a hardware drum machine, Spark is a highly creative beat
production center. Spark will save you time when looking for the right drum kit and will
get you hooked by its amazing ease-of-use and sound possibilities.
Spark embeds vintage analog drum machines, sample based beatboxes and acoustic
drum sets. Then Spark lets you break through their sonic boundaries thanks to a highly
tweakable controller.
With in-depth control over your sounds, an advanced loop mode and an XY touchpad
with 8 real time effects, Spark will allow you to create unique beat experiments and
constantly feed your creativity with innovative ideas.
Spark’s sonic power is nothing but huge, embedding three distinctive drum engines:
analog synthesis, sampling and physical modelling. Thanks to its automations available
on all parameters, every kit is very tunable and customizable, bringing a fun and
complementary approach to sample browsing while making it more interactive and userfriendly than similar products.
Incorporating a 16-step sequencer and 8 velocity sensitive touch pads into a sturdy beat
station, Spark is your weapon of choice to bring the best groove into your tracks
whether you are working in the studio or performing on stage.
1.2. HISTORY
In early 2001, Arturia began working on advanced algorithms for the digital emulation of
analog circuit audio characteristics. They are known as TAE®, standing for True Analog
Emulation. In non-technical language, this is an unprecedented way of creating the very
unique sound one finds in a synthesizer such as the Moog Modular. Nearly a year after
they began work on the algorithms, Arturia was ready for feedback. At the 2002 NAMM
show in California, Arturia shared an early version of what would later be the Moog
Modular V with the renowned maker of the original Moog synthesizer, Doctor Bob Moog.
In seeking insight from sound production experts, such as Dr. Moog, as well as avid
synthesizer users, Arturia was able to ensure the quality of the instruments they made;
so well in fact the Dr. Moog himself endorsed the Moog Modular V. The launch of this
sound powerhouse was an instant success, winning awards from several top magazines,
and leading to the development of other synth recreations.
Shortly thereafter, Arturia started receiving many requests from musicians, producers
and bands. Many of them explained how they were planning to replace their original
hardware synthesizers by virtual instruments. Artists around the globe were beginning to
see the advantages of a software alternative to hardware-based synthesizers.
The CS-80V emulated the legendary Yamaha CS-80, considered by many as "the
ultimate polyphonic" synthesizer, and was launched at the AES 2003 in New York.
Imagine some of your favorite music from diverse artists such as Keith Emerson or
Stevie Wonder, and you'll get an idea of what the CS-80V is capable of.
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The ARP 2600 V was launched at the NAMM 2005 in Anaheim. This is a faithful
reproduction of the ARP 2600 and is great for just about any sound one might wish to
create: everything from drum n’ bass stabs to Star Wars’ R2-D2 sounds have been made
with the ARP.
At the Winter NAMM Show 2006, ARTURIA announced the release of its seventh product:
the Prophet V. This powerful hybrid gives you two instruments in one: it combines the
warmth of the legendary Prophet 5 programmable analog synth with the unique Vector
Synthesis textures of the digital Prophet VS.
And finally, at the summer 2007 NAMM Show, Arturia launched the Jupiter-8V. In terms
of sonic possibilities, it complemented its “Arturian siblings” by bringing something
different. The Jupiter-8 V was capable of creating very versatile sounds. You could easily
make 'fat' or ‘Crystal’ sounds with it. In fact, the Jupiter-8 sounded the way it looked,
‘sleek and polished’.
The electro-pop community became quickly convinced by the qualities of the original
Jupiter-8. 'Relax', by Frankie Goes to Hollywood was produced incorporating a Jupiter 8,
and players such Vince Clarke, John Foxx, and Martyn Ware also used it abundantly. The
path to classic status of the Jupiter started there.
Other artists that have used The Jupiter-8 include: Howard Jones, Tangerine Dream,
Underworld, Jean Michel Jarre, Depeche Mode, Prince, Gary Wright, Adrian Lee, Heaven
17, Kitaro, Elvis Costello, Tears for Fears, Huey Lewis and the News, Journey, Moog
Cookbook, Yes, Devo, Freddy Fresh, Simple Minds, Jan Hammer and BT.
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2 INSTALLATION
2.1 WINDOWS INSTALLATION (7/XP/VISTA)
• Place the installation DVD in your computer's DVD-ROM drive.
• Use Windows® Explorer to browse the content of the DVD-ROM.
• Double-click the installer file named SPARK Setup.exe.
• Click Next.
• To continue, you need to first accept the license agreement. After you have
read the license agreement, check the corresponding checkbox and click
Next.
• To perform a complete installation, leave the Complete option checked and
click Next. To deselect components or to install the SPARK application and
sound library to an alternative location, select Custom. Then click Next. In
the next dialog, choose the destination folders for the installation. To use the
default path, just click Next. If you wish to select a custom path for a SPARK
component, click Change, browse to the folder where you want to install the
application or sound library. Then click Next. If you select VST (and/or VST
64 bits) you will have to select your VST (and/or VST 64 bits) folder.
• The Setup Program will lead you through the installation procedure. Follow
the onscreen instructions.
• After the installation has been performed successfully, click Finish.
• Next, in order to install the SPARK Controller hardware driver, you need
to connect the SPARK Controller to your computer. On Windows® Vista, the
driver setup will finish automatically. On Windows® XP, installation is a two
step process, described below. The following screen should appear:
• Installation starts with Composite Device install:
ARTURIA – SPARK CREATIVE DRUM MACHINE – USER’S MANUAL
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• Choose “Yes this time only”, and click next.
• Click next.
• After processing, Composite Device will be installed correctly.
• Installation should continue with USB Audio Device install.
• Choose “No, not this time”, and click next.
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• Choose “Install from a list or specific location”, and click next
• Choose “Don’t search, I will choose the driver to install”.
• Click Next.
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• Click “Have Disk”
• Click Browse, and locate Spark_XP.inf on Spark install DVD :
[YourDVDdrive]:\Driver\Spark_XP.inf
• Choose “Spark Controller”, and click Next
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• Click “Continue Anyway”.
Your Spark Controller should now be ready to use.
2.2 MAC OSX INSTALLATION (10.5/10.6)
• Place the installation DVD-ROM in your computer’s DVD-ROM drive. Its icon
will appear in the Mac OS® X Finder.
• Connect the SPARK Controller using the USB cable. If you want to
connect the Controller to a USB-hub instead, make sure the hub has its own
power supply. SPARK's Controller will not work on a passive (bus-powered)
USB hub.
• Double-click the SPARK DVD icon to display the content of the DVD.
• Double-click the installer file named SPARK.
• Click Continue to proceed.
• To continue, you need to first accept the license agreement. After you have
read the license agreement, press Continue and click Agree.
• Select the hard disk onto which you would like to install SPARK. Please note
that you can only install SPARK onto hard disks which contain a Mac OS® X
version matching the system requirements. Hard disks with an incompatible
Mac OS® X version will be flagged with a red Stop sign and you will not be
able to select them from the Installation Destination dialog. From Mac OS® X
10.5 on, this screen will be skipped automatically.
• Click Continue.
• Select the elements you want to install (we recommend installing all
elements, however if you know that you don’t need a certain element like a
plug-in format, uncheck the checkbox next to it).
• If you want to install the SPARK Library contents to a custom location, e.g. to
an external hard disk, click the folder icon in the Location column to open a
dialog in which you can specify a destination for the installation.
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• Click Install to continue. The Setup Program will lead you through the
installation procedure. Follow the onscreen instructions.
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3 REGISTRATION & AUTHORIZATION
3.1 REGISTRATION
Now that your SPARK Software has been installed, the first step is to register your
software in order to obtain the activation code that will enable you to actually use the
software.
You should have handy the license serial number of SPARK Software and the unlock code
(these are an integral part of the software and are printed on a small plastic card).
Connect your computer to the Internet, and go to this web page:
http://www.arturia.com/login
If you don’t have an Arturia account yet, please create one now. This will take you to
this form:
If you already have an account, simply log in:
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Once you are logged into your account, you can register your Spark and request your
activation code.
Go to the “My Registered Products” section of your account and click on the “Add”
button:
In the form that appears, select “SPARK Software” from the drop down menu, and key in
your software serial number and unlock code (as written on the registration card), and
click Submit:
You should then see the confirmation screen, click Submit:
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3.2 AUTHORIZATION
Please refer to the registration chapter in the Spark Vintage Drum
Quick Start Guide.
Finally there is a screen to copy the activation code. The very same information is sent
to you by email as a backup.
Copy the activation code and paste it in the window that shows when you launch
SPARK:
If your activation code has been entered correctly, the software will launch.
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4 QUICK START
4.1 SPARK CONTROLLER OVERVIEW
1.
Digital Display
2.
Sequencer zone
3.
Song/Pattern zone
4.
Jog dial
5.
FX live Pad
6.
Instruments control zone
Connect the SPARK Controller using the USB cable. If you want to connect the Controller
to a USB-hub instead, make sure the hub has its own power supply. SPARK's Controller
will not work on a passive (bus-powered) USB hub.
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4.2 SPARK SOFTWARE OVERVIEW
This chapter will introduce you to the SPARK software’s user interface elements. If you
need to look up a certain user interface element’s name, you can return to this chapter
at any time for a refresher!
Spark's user interface is divided in three main panels called: "TOP", "CENTER" and
"BOTTOM".
4.2.1 The Center panel
When launching SPARK, the CENTER PANEL will appear by default.
1.
Digital Display
2.
Sequencer zone
3.
Song/Pattern zone
4.
Jog dial
5.
FX live Pad
6.
Instruments control zone
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4.2.2 The Bottom panel
The Bottom panel features the Studio, the Mixer and the Library.
1.
Studio Button
2.
Display Instruments 1 to 8
3.
Display Instruments 9 to 16
4.
Display all Instruments
5.
Mixer button
6.
Library button
4.2.3 The Top panel
The Top panel features the Pattern, the Song and the Preferences interfaces.
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1.
Pattern button
2.
Song button
3.
Preferences
4.3 NAMES AND CONCEPTS YOU SHOULD KNOW
This chapter will introduce you to SPARK's terminology and explain how these different
elements relate to one another.
4.3.1 Project
A Project contains all data needed for a Song: a 16 instrument kit and up to 64 Patterns
with their settings, automations and FX.
4.3.2 Kit
Each kit is made up of 16 instruments, i.e. Bass drum, Hi-hat, etc.
You will find all of the instrument Kits in the Library, under the project window (Bottom
panel).
4.3.3 Instrument
An instrument is a sound generated from an audio source assigned to a track pad. For
example, you can assign the instrument Bass Drum to track 1, which you will then hear
when hitting the bottom left pad in the main panel.
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4.3.4 Audio Source
Sample (.wav, .aiff audio files)
Physical (Physical parameters)
Analog (Vintage drum machines with analog parameters)
4.3.5 Bank
SPARK features 4 banks of 16 MIDI patterns each, called A-B-C-D.
Go to the main panel, click on "A" and then "1" in the Song/Pattern zone. Then click on
the play/pause button: you will hear the pattern number 1 of Bank A.
4.3.6 Pattern
A Pattern is a sequence of notes played by instruments.
4.3.7 Song
A Song is an editable ordered sequence of several patterns that defines your song
structure.
SPARK allows songs made of 64 patterns maximum.
4.3.8 Channel
A specific channel is assigned to each instrument in the Mixer.
The channels are numbered from 1 to 16 in the same way the instruments are.
4.3.9 Track
The pattern window in the Top Panel shows you the 16 instrument tracks. Each track is
the score played by one instrument.
4.4 AUDIO AND MIDI SETUP
4.4.1 Windows
To access the preferences window, click on the SPARK menu > Setup > Audio & MIDI
Settings. This window allows you to configure the global preferences of SPARK. These
are saved automatically.
4.4.2 Mac OS X
To access the preferences window click on the SPARK menu>Preferences. The Audio
settings window will appear. This window features the global preferences of SPARK.
These are saved automatically.
For further details on how to setup Audio and MIDI, please refer to Chapter6 : MODES
OF OPERATIONS of this manual.
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4.5 FIRST STEPS WITH SPARK1
4.5.1 Loading a project
To load a project, go to the tool bar and click on LOAD.
Move your cursor over "Factory Project" and click on a project in the drop-down list, for
example "FUNK".
This project is now loaded into SPARK and its name appears in the window next to the
button "SAVE".
4.5.2 Select and play a pattern
To select and play a pattern, move your cursor to the "Song/Pattern" zone and choose a
Bank of patterns, for example the BANK A (click on "A") and a pattern in BANK A, for
example pattern #1 (Click on "1"). You will notice that your selection is now highlighted.
Now, go to the transport zone and click on the "Play/Pause" button to listen to Pattern
#1 in Bank A. To listen to a different pattern, just click on another pattern number. You
do not necessarily need to stop playing a pattern to listen to another. The same applies
to switching from Bank to Bank.
1 When reading "Click" for the software version of SPARK, replace by "Press" for the Hardware version or refer
to chapter 7 of this manual: THE SPARK MIDI CONTROLLER.
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4.5.3 Change Instrument parameters
The three knobs above each of the instrument's pad are the instrument's parameters.
Let's try and change the pitch of the snare drum. While the pattern is playing, place your
cursor over the "Pitch" knob, click on it and while maintaining your click and move your
cursor up and down slowly. This will turn the "Pitch" knob up and down. Listen how the
pitch of the Snare drum is changing. The Digital display window in the center of the main
panel shows the changes applied to the Pitch (number of semitones).
4.5.4 Select an Instrument and change filter and mixer parameters
To select an instrument, for example the snare drum, move your cursor to the dividing
line above the 2nd pad from the left called "Snare Drum". The dividing line is to the right
of the instrument and will be highlighted to let you know that you have entered its
selection zone.
Click once. The "Snare drum" pad is now lit as well as the red LED. The instrument
"Snare Drum" is now selected. Alternatively, hold the Select Button and press an
instrument pad to select it.
To change the filter and/or the mixer parameters, first select an instrument and simply
click on one of the filter or mixer parameter buttons. While holding your click, move your
mouse up or down to change the parameter's value. The Digital display window in the
center of the main panel shows you the changes applied to the selected parameter in
real time.
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4.5.5 Play and edit a pattern
To play a pattern use the Play/Pause button located in the upper left corner of the
CENTER PANEL interface.
To edit a pattern, you will use the 16 small pads located at the top of the main panel.
You will notice that when you play a pattern, the current playing position is shown with a
lit pad in real time. When a pad lights up, it means that the sequencer will play a MIDI
note-on (a beat) at this pattern's position. If a pad is not lit, it means that no note will
be played, therefore no sound will be heard. You can trigger a note-on or remove it by
pressing these pads.
To better understand, click on Bank A / pattern #1 and then select the snare drum
track:
Look at the 16 small pads at the top of the main panel: some pads are lit and others are
not. The ones lit are the note-ons, those unlit are not triggering note-on messages.
Every lit pad is a Snare drum's beat. You can edit this track by pressing a pad to add or
remove a note-on. Try it! While the pattern plays, click on pads 2, 3, 4 and 5. They
are now unlit, therefore you do not hear any snare drum beats any more. Now click on
pads 1 and 4: you are starting to compose your own pattern.
4.5.6 Record a pattern with instrument pads
To do so, we will start by erasing the current pattern and start from scratch.
First, click on the "ERASE" BUTTON, right above the digital display window and then go
to the Song/Pattern zone and click on the currently selected pattern – it should be
Pattern #1 of BANK A:
The pattern #1 of Bank A is now erased. The 16 editing pads are not lit anymore (since
the snare drum track is now empty as well as all the other instrument tracks). Click on
Pattern #1. We are now ready to record a new pattern #1 with the instruments pads.
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To use the Metronome, click on the Metronome Button, set its volume and proceed with
recording your pattern. Clicking on the Metronome button again will switch the
metronome off.
Click on the pad called Bass Drum at the bottom left side of the Center panel. You are
now playing bass drum. To record a Bass drum, click first on the record button and then
on the play button, the recording has now started.
Play your Bass drum part on the Bass Drum pad and then click stop. By clicking "Play",
you will now listen to the track you just recorded. To record another instrument, select
another instrument track (If you forgot how to do this, go back to 4.5.4 Select an
instrument) and repeat the same steps to start recording.
4.5.7 Change Instruments/Kits with the jog
To change an instrument with the Jog Dial, you need to first select the instrument you
want to change. Now, go to the Song/Pattern zone. Click above the Jog Dial where it
says: "Instrument". Click on the Jog Dial and while holding your click, move your mouse
up or down to select a new instrument. The name of the instrument will be displayed in
the Digital display window in the center of the main panel. Once your choice is made,
click on the Jog Dial to load the new instrument.
The procedure to change a Kit is the same, except that you do not need to select an
instrument since you're loading all of them. Just click below the Jog Dial where it says:
"Kit", and follow the same procedure as with the instrument selection.
Jog dial used in instrument mode includes a menu for selecting the instrument type and
the generator type. (See 5.2.4 Jog Dial section).
4.5.8 Save your project
To save your project, go to the toolbar and click "Save". A drop down menu will appear.
Choose “Save as…”
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