Arturia SparkLE, Spark 2 User Manual

2

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 reproduced or transmitted in any form or for 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 – 1999-2014 – All rights reserved.

30, Chemin du Vieux Chêne

38240 Meylan

FRANCE

http://www.arturia.com

March 2014 – 2.0 edition

ARTURIA – SPARK CREATIVE DRUM MACHINE – USER’S MANUAL

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PROJECT MANAGER

Kevin Molcard (Lead Developer)

Philippe Wicker

Emilie de Fouchecour

Vincent Travaglini

Bruno Pillet

Niccolo Comin

Adrien Courdavault
Tobias Carpenter

Guillaume Piolat
Noritaka Ubukata

Pierce Warnecke

Jean-Michel Blanchet

Oliver Fauque

Christian Lafitte (Cigale Prod)

Thomas Koot

William Talgorn
Sebastien Rochard

Randy Lee
Tomoya Fukuchi

Pierce Warnecke

Jérome Parrod

Sébastien Rochard

Kevin Molcard

PRODUCT MANAGER

Glen Darcey

PROGRAMMING

ELECTRONICS

Laurent Baret

Bruno Pillet

DESIGN

Glen Darcey

Sebastien Rochard

Morgan Perrier

Shaun Ellwood (Decoder Design)

SOUND DESIGN

Mike Hosker Glen Darcey
Kevin Shröder Hernan Velasco
Greg Savage Stéphane Schott

INDUSTRIALIZATION

Nicolas Dubois

Richard Phan

Gerard Buracchini

MANUAL WRITING

MANUAL TRANSLATION

ARTURIA – SPARK CREATIVE DRUM MACHINE – USER’S MANUAL

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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 Sébastien Rochard,
Tobias Carpenter, Hung Lee, Jason Huang, Wenyu Huang, Matty Yuan,
Chen Xiaomai

SOUND SAMPLES

ARTURIA – SPARK CREATIVE DRUM MACHINE – USER’S MANUAL

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Thank you for purchasing Spark!

This user manual covers three distinct products:

 Spark software, a highly creative beat production center
 Spark Creative Drum Machine controller
 SparkLE controller

The manual concentrates on two main areas (hardware and software) with occasional
“side-chains” to focus on the specific functionality of each controller and its unique
approach to controlling the software.

In most cases, the information in one chapter will be sufficient to cover both controllers.
Occasionally a chapter will be split into two sections: one describing the Spark Creative
Drum Machine controller and a second describing the SparkLE controller, with all other
sections describing the Spark software they both were designed to control (hereafter
referred to as the Spark Engine).

Package Contents (hardware version)

In this package you will find:

 A DVD-ROM containing Spark Creative drum machine installer for Mac OS X

and Windows 7/Vista/XP

 A registration card with the Serial Number and Unlock Code (Spark Creative),

or a sticker inside the Quick Start guide with that information (SparkLE).

 The User’s Manual for Spark Creative Drum Machine software and the Spark

Controller

 Spark Creative controller or SparkLE controller (depending on the model)
 USB cable

Be sure to store your registration information carefully! It contains the serial
number and unlock code that are required to register and authorize the Spark Engine, so
these codes are valuable.

It’s important to register because this identifies you as the legitimate owner and ensures
that you’ll receive the latest news and updates for your software and hardware.

See chapter 2 “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 Spark controller uses USB or an external power adapter. Do not connect this product
with any other power supply or adapter than the one specifically recommended by
Arturia in this manual.”

WARNING:

Do not place this product in a position where someone could 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 the 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 using this product with any approved 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 combined 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.

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PRECAUTIONS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING:

 Read and understand all the instructions.
 Before cleaning the instrument, always remove the electrical plug from the

outlet, and detach 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 with 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; it may cause

long distance electrical shock.

 Do not expose the instrument to hot sunlight.
 Do not use the instrument if there is a gas leak nearby.
 Arturia is not responsible for any damage or data loss.

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.

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Table of Contents

1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................... 9

1.1 WELCOME TO SPARK ................................................................................................................................. 9

1.2 HISTORY.................................................................................................................................................... 9

2 REGISTRATION & AUTHORIZATION ................................................................................................ 11

3 THE SPARKLE CONTROLLER: AN OVERVIEW .............................................................................. 12

3.1 THE FRONT PANEL .................................................................................................................................. 12

3.2 SIDE PANEL (OVERVIEW) ........................................................................................................................ 14

4 THE SPARK CREATIVE CONTROLLER: AN OVERVIEW .............................................................. 15

4.1 THE FRONT PANEL .................................................................................................................................. 15

4.2 REAR PANEL (OVERVIEW) ...................................................................................................................... 17

5 USING SPARK: The Software Interface ................................................................................................... 18

5.1 THE TOOLBAR ......................................................................................................................................... 18

5.2 THE MAIN PANEL (SPARKLE).................................................................................................................. 19

5.3 THE MAIN PANEL (SPARK CREATIVE) ................................................................................................... 30

5.4 THE SEQUENCER PANEL .......................................................................................................................... 45

5.5 THE SONG PANEL .................................................................................................................................... 50

5.6 THE STUDIO ............................................................................................................................................ 52

5.7 THE MODULAR ........................................................................................................................................ 56

5.8 THE MIXER ............................................................................................................................................. 66

5.9 THE LIBRARY .......................................................................................................................................... 79

5.10 PREFERENCES PANEL ............................................................................................................................. 81

6 MODES OF OPERATION ......................................................................................................................... 83

6.1 STANDALONE MODE ............................................................................................................................... 83

6.2 PLUG-IN MODE ........................................................................................................................................ 85

6.3 VST ........................................................................................................................................................ 86

6.4 AUDIO UNIT (MAC OS X ONLY) ............................................................................................................. 88

6.5 PRO TOOLS .............................................................................................................................................. 91

6.6 RECORDING MIDI OUT FROM SPARK INTO A HOST DAW ........................................................................... 92

6.7 CONTROLLING SPARK WITH AN EXTERNAL MIDI CONTROLLER ...................................................... 95

7 THE SPARK CONTROLLERS ................................................................................................................. 96

7.1 USING THE CONTROLLER WITH THE SPARK ENGINE ................................................................................ 96

7.2 USING THE CONTROLLER WITH HOST APPLICATIONS OR MIDI DEVICES ................................................. 97

7.3 MIDI CONTROL CENTER ....................................................................................................................... 98

8 SPARK 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 sonic possibilities.

Spark embeds vintage analog drum machines, sample based beatboxes and REX loop
playback. Spark’s engine further allows 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 modeling. Thanks to the 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

Early in 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 terms, this is an unprecedented way of creating the very
unique sound one finds in a synthesizer such as the Bob Moog’s ones. 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 Modular V
with the renowned maker of the original 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 that Dr. Moog himself endorsed the 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 with 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 the capabilities of CS-80V.

ARP 2600V was launched at the Winter NAMM Show 2005 in Anaheim. This is a faithful
reproduction of the ARP 2600 and is great for just about any sound one might wish to

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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.

The next year 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 to the table. The Jupiter-8V is capable of creating very versatile sounds: You
could easily make ‘fat’ or ‘crystal’ sounds with it. In fact, Jupiter-8V sounds the way it
originally looked: ‘sleek and polished’.

The electro-pop community quickly became convinced by the qualities of the original
Jupiter-8. Artists that have used the Jupiter-8 include: Thomas Dolby, Tangerine Dream,
Jean Michel Jarre, Depeche Mode, Prince, Kitaro, Elvis Costello, Duran Duran, Huey Lewis
and the News, Journey, Yes, Devo, Billy Idol, Jan Hammer and BT, to name a few!

Recognizing the commitment artists the world over had to the sound of the Jupiter-8,
Arturia took great pains with Jupiter-8V to maintain absolute faithfulness to the sonic
characteristics of the beloved instrument while also following our penchant to allow users
to venture well beyond its original capabilities.

Then in the year 2011 Arturia introduced the SPARK Creative Drum Machine. This
powerful hybrid instrument was aimed at the producer and the live beat maker. It
proposed a unique workflow mixing the 16-step style of programming with the live
approach of pads, filtering, slicing and looping functions. Taking advantage of its
expertise in virtual analog, Arturia not only integrated emulations of classic analog drum
machines, but also acoustic drums, physical models, and powerful electronic kits all
rolled up in one easy-to-use interface. Spark was quickly and widely used by top
producers and artists such as Sandy Vee, the Glitch Mob, the Mars Volta, Vitalic, DJ
Quick, and Yeasayer.

In 2013 Arturia continued its innovative streak with the introduction of the SparkLE
hardware controller and version 1.6 of the SPARK Creative software. This powerful
combination offers all of the acclaimed features of SPARK Creative software while
maintaining an intuitive workflow all its own.

Finally, at the 2014 winter NAMM show, Arturia announced the version 2.0 of Spark
software, with a totally new GUI interface as well as many new features including an
improved sequencer, song mode, and a full modular synthesis interface for infinite sound
creation possibilities.

We are certain the SPARK Creative Drum Machine will take its place at the heart of your
creative endeavors.

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2 REGISTRATION & AUTHORIZATION

Once the Spark has been installed, the next step is to register the software.

The registration process will require you to enter the serial number and the
unlock code you received with the product.

In order to proceed, go to this web page and follow the instructions:

http://www.arturia.com/register

Note: If you don’t have an Arturia account yet, you will need to create one. The
process is quick, but it does require that you can access your e-mail address
during the registration process.

Once you have acquired an Arturia account you will be able to register the product.Once
you have acquired an Arturia account you will be able to register the product.

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3 THE SPARKLE CONTROLLER: AN OVERVIEW

1.

Transport zone

2.

Pad controls: Select Instrument / Shortcut, Toggle Instrument page
(1-8, 9-16), Mute and Solo buttons

3.

Tempo knob

4

FX Live pad and FX Selection buttons

5.

Master Volume control knob

6.

Jog Dial and Project / Kit / Instrument mode buttons

7.

Instrument parameter knobs

8.

Sequencer zone

9.

Instrument pads

3.1 THE FRONT PANEL

In this overview we will focus on the features specific to the hardware controller.

3.1.1 The Transport zone

Record, play, pause or stop a pattern or song with these buttons.

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3.1.2 The Pad controls

The buttons in this zone can select an Instrument, execute a Shortcut, switch between
two pages of Instruments in the kit, and Mute and/or Solo instruments on the fly.

3.1.3 The Tempo knob

Use this knob to adjust the tempo of your pattern or song.

3.1.4 The FX Live pad

Real-time control of performance effects on an X/Y axis. Three buttons toggle Global
effects (Filter, Splicer, Roller) and three more control effects for the selected Instrument.
The Select button can lock one effect’s position while a second effect is performed.

3.1.5 The Master Volume knob

This knob controls the overall output level.

3.1.6 The Jog Dial and Mode buttons

The Jog Dial allows you to access the library and load Instruments, Kits and Projects.
Used with the Select button you can apply search filters while selecting Instruments.

Use the Project, Kit and Instrument buttons to access the according library browser
directly. Use the jog dial and the select button to browse kits, projects, instruments or
samples:

Scrolling the Jog Wheel will let you navigate the result list. Clicking on the Jog Wheel will
load the highlighted element.

Scrolling the jog wheel while the “Select” button is pushed will navigate the list of filters.
Clicking on the jog wheel will activate/deactivate the current filter.

Click and hold the Jog Wheel, then scroll it to select a different browser (Project, Kit,
Instrument or Disk).

Hold the “Select” button and click on the Jog Wheel for 1 second to close the browser

window without loading anything.

3.1.7 The Instrument parameter knobs

Select three parameters per instrument to tweak during recording or playback.

3.1.8 The Sequencer zone

Used for selecting and editing patterns and assembling and editing songs, the Sequencer
zone also gives you the ability to alter loops in real time. You can also make quick
chromatic tuning adjustments to the selected Instrument.

3.1.9 The Instrument pads

The pads allow you to play multiple instruments at the same time from one set of eight
instruments, and the 1-8 / 9-16 page button can toggle between the other set of eight
instruments in the current kit. Use the Mute and Solo buttons to silence one or more
Instrument tracks or bring others to the forefront of the mix.

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1.

USB Mini-B connector

2.

Kensington lock slot

3.2 SIDE PANEL (OVERVIEW)

3.2.1 USB connector

Use the supplied USB cable to connect the SparkLE controller to your computer’s USB

2.0 port. SparkLE is bus-powered, so no additional power supply is needed.

3.2.2 Kensington lock slot

SparkLE is highly portable, so this slot will allow an added degree of security.

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4 THE SPARK CREATIVE CONTROLLER: AN OVERVIEW

1

1

1.

Display

2.

Sequencer zone

3.

Song/Pattern zone

4.

Jog Dial

5.

FX Live pad

6.

Instrument control zone

4.1 THE FRONT PANEL

The Spark Creative controller looks the same as its Center panel in the Spark Engine. In
this overview we will focus on the features specific to the hardware controller.

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4.1.1 The display

Fittingly placed at the center of the Spark Creative controller, the display is the central
source for all information about what the controller is doing.

4.1.2 The Sequencer zone

Used for viewing, assembling and editing patterns and songs, the Sequencer zone also
gives you the ability to alter loops in real time.

4.1.3 The Song/Pattern zone

All of Spark Creative’s 64 patterns can be accessed quickly from this zone. They are

arranged in four banks of 16 patterns each (A-D and 1-16). The buttons also light up to
tell you which pattern is currently playing.

4.1.4 The Jog Dial

The Jog Dial allows you to access the library and load Instruments, Kits and Projects.
When used with the Select button, you can apply search filters while selecting
Instruments.

Use the jog dial and the select button to browse kits, projects, instruments or samples:

Scrolling the Jog Wheel will let you navigate the result list. Clicking on the Jog Wheel will
load the highlighted element.

Scrolling the jog wheel while the “Select” button is pushed will navigate the list of filters.
Clicking on the jog wheel will activate/deactivate the current filter.

Click and hold the Jog Wheel, then scroll it to select a different browser (Project, Kit,
Instrument or Disk).

Hold the “Select” button and click on the Jog Wheel for 1 second to close the browser

window without loading anything.

4.1.5 The FX Live pad

Real-time control of a ton of performance effects such as filter and resonance, volume
and panning, aux sends, bit reduction, stutter effects, etc. Three buttons in this zone
toggle the Filter, Splicer and Roller effects and cycle through their many variations. One
effect can be locked in mid-modulation by the Select button while a second effect is
performed.

4.1.6 Instrument Control zone

Play the pads and tweak the parameters of one or more instruments at the same time,
either while recording a track or while playing back a pattern or song. Select between
two banks of instruments and mute or solo them using the buttons in this zone.

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4.2 REAR PANEL (OVERVIEW)

1.

USB connector

2.

MIDI IN port

3.

MIDI OUT port

4.

Power supply

9Vdc, 800 mA, center positive

5.

Power on/off switch

4.2.1 USB connector

This connects to your computer’s USB 2.0 port for the exchange of data and for electrical
power. In addition to allowing you to control the Spark Engine this port can also take
MIDI data from the outside world and feed it to your computer, and vice versa.

4.2.2 MIDI In port

Use this port to send MIDI data from an external device into your computer.

4.2.3 MIDI Out port

This port not only sends MIDI data from your computer to external devices, it allows you
to use the Spark Creative controller to control those external devices via MIDI.

4.2.4 Power supply (optional)

Connect the Spark controller to a powered USB 2.0 port. That will supply enough power
to run the controller.

Note: You should not use the controller with a non-powered USB hub.

If you prefer to power your Spark Creative controller with a separate power supply, plug
it in here. Be sure to use one with the right specifications, though: 9 volts DC, 800 mA,
and center positive.

4.2.5 Power on/off switch

Use this to toggle the Spark Creative controller on or off.

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5 USING SPARK: The Software Interface

1.

New project

2.

Save

3.

Save as

4.

Bank selection

5.

Musical genre selection

6

Project selection

7.

Previous project

8.

Next project

9.

Import project

10.

Export project

11.

Sync playback with Host (only in Host mode)

12.

Sync tempo with Host (only in Host mode)

13.

‘Connect hardware’ switch (only in Host mode)

14.

Metronome volume

15.

Metronome on/off

16.

Main volume fader and vu meter

17.

Soft clipping on/off

18.

CPU consumption

5.1 THE TOOLBAR

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5.2 THE MAIN PANEL (SPARKLE)

1.

Transport zone

2.

Mute and Solo buttons

3.

Tempo and Shuffle control knobs

4

FX Live pad and FX Selection buttons

5.

Master Volume control knob

6.

Current project display

7.

Instrument parameter knobs

(right-click: edit motion/disable motion)

8.

Sequencer zone

9.

Instrument pads (right-click to edit the instrument)

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5.2.1 The Transport zone

1.a

Record button (right-click to select quantized/unquantized
recording)

1.b

Stop button

1.c

Play / Pause button

2.a

Mute button (click Mute, then select one or more
instruments)

2.b

Solo button (click Solo, then select one or more
instruments)

3.a

Tempo control knob

Record, Stop, Play & Pause: the functions seem obvious. But this is a Transport with a
twist: Right-click the Record button and you can select whether you want the next pass
to be recorded with quantization or without.

5.2.2 The Pad Controls zone

Mute Click this button and then one or more Instrument pads to mute them.

Click Mute again to unmute those pads. Use Select + Mute to clear all
mutes.

Solo Click the Solo button and then select one or more pads to silence the other

tracks so you can focus on the ones you want to hear. Click Solo again to
return the pads to their previous state. Use Select + Solo to clear the solo
status.

5.2.3 The Tempo / Shuffle zone

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3.b

Shuffle amount knob

(right-click: Swing range / Velocity emphasis)

Tempo For slower tempos turn this knob to the left; for faster tempos turn the

4.a

FX Live pad (X/Y axis control surface)

4.b

Global Filter button (right-click: Latch or Touch operation)

4.c

Global Slicer button (right-click: Latch or Touch operation)

4.d

Global Roller button (right-click: Latch or Touch operation)

4.e

Instrument Filter button

4.f

Instrument Aux Send 1 / 2 button

4.g

Instrument Pan / Level button

knob to the right.

Shuffle Sets the amount of shuffle applied to a pattern. Shuffle is a rhythmic

effect in which the duration of the first note in a series of two notes is
lengthened and the duration of the second note is shortened. This is also
known as setting the “swing amount.”

For a higher shuffle amount turn this knob to the right; for less shuffle
turn the knob to the left.

Right-click on the Shuffle knob to define the timing value on which the
shuffle will be applied (1/8, 1/16, or 1/32 note).

The right-click menu also shows the Velocity emphasis option, which
increases the dynamic range between the shuffled notes and ‘fixed’ notes.

5.2.4 The FX Live pad and Effect buttons

5.2.4.1 FX Live pad

The FX Live pad is an amazing performance tool that will apply real-time effects to your
song or patterns. It features three main effect buttons (Filter, Slicer and Roller) with an
amazing variety of options. When your cursor enters the FX Live pad area it becomes a
cross; click and hold the cursor and drag it around while a pattern is playing and you’ll
begin to get an idea of what this zone can do for your music.

By right-clicking any of the Global effect buttons you can choose between "Latch" or
"Touch" performance for that effect. "Latch" will hold the effect at its current value when

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you release the cursor; "Touch" will cut off the effect when the cursor is released (i.e.,
the effect is only active when you are clicking on the Pad).

You can also enable Latch mode from the hardware controller by pressing and holding
the Select button and then pressing the Filter, Slicer or Roller button.

In Latch mode you can combine the Filter and Slicer effects: To “slice” the filtered sound,

set the filter effect to Latch mode. Now you can touch the pad and change your filter to
the desired setting. Next enable the Slicer button. The Filter will remain at its last value
while you play the Slicer on the FX Live pad.

Note that the Roller effect is not active when Slicer is set to Latch mode.

5.2.5 Live effects: Global

5.2.5.1 The Filter Button

The Filter button offers proprietary Low pass, Band pass and High pass filters, plus
Oberheim-style Low, High, Band pass and Multi-mode filters, each with cutoff and
resonance.

To select a filter type, click on the Filter button repeatedly. You’ll see the display cycle
through the options; just stop clicking when you reach the one you want. You can also
access the one you want directly by keeping the Filter button pressed and moving your
cursor or finger to the filter type you want to select.

The cutoff frequency and resonance can be modulated with the mouse in the Spark
Engine or with your finger on the FX Live pad of the hardware controller.

The resonance is modulated vertically (up and down, or along the Y axis), and the cutoff
frequency is modulated horizontally (from right to left, or along the X axis).

Play a pattern and click or touch anywhere on the right edge of the FX pad while
maintaining your click or touch; draw a straight horizontal line towards the left side of
the FX pad. You will hear the cutoff frequency sweeping downward. The amount of
modulation applied can be seen on the center display panel.

Now place the cursor somewhere on the right half of the FX pad and trace a line straight
up to the top edge of the pad. You are modulating the resonance.

Of course, both cutoff and resonance can be modulated simultaneously by moving your
finger or the mouse in any direction and at any speed you wish.

5.2.5.2 The Slicer button

The Slicer will grab a portion of the pattern and apply the effect you have chosen
repeatedly at the timing value you select with the FX Live pad (except for the Tape
effect, which only happens once per press). Multiple presses of the Slicer button will
allow you to choose between the following effects:

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Repeat

Slicer example 1: Repeat effect options

Click to choose a timing value for the Repeat effect. If you click 1/16, for example, a
sixteenth-note-sized chunk of the pattern will be looped until you select another value or
let go of the pad. Results will vary based on where you were when you triggered the
effect.

Note that the Repeat effect is similar to the Repeat mix effect, except that Repeat does
not continue to play the entire pattern underneath the repeated section.

Tape

Click the Slicer button again to select the next effect, which will be the Tape effect:

Slicer example 2: Selecting the Tape FX

The Tape effect simulates the effect of slowing down a tape player. The different values
inside the FX Live pad grid represent the amount of time it will take the pattern to slow
to a stop.

Reverse

The Reverse effect simulates the effect of playing a tape recording backwards.

Strobe

The Strobe effect will play and shut off the sound alternately at the rate of the selected
note value.

Pan

The Pan effect will move the sound from the left speaker to the right speaker at the rate
of the selected note value.

Bit Crush

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The Bit Crush effect allows you to reduce the audio bit rate, creating a bit-reduction or
bit-crushing sound effect. Reduce the audio anywhere from 7 bits down to 2 bits.

Slicer example 3: Bit crusher options

Repeat mix

Click to choose a timing value for the Repeat mix effect. The effect will be applied for the
amount of time your mouse click is maintained. Release your click to cancel and resume
normal playing.

The Repeat Mix effect is different from the Repeat effect in that it will continue playing
the entire pattern underneath the looped section.

5.2.5.3 The Roller button

The roller could be described as a "Drum roll" tool. It allows you to perform perfectly
timed drum rolls easily from the pads, while also changing from one timing value to
another by clicking on different areas of the FX Live pad.

Roller effect options

Choose the note value for the Roller effect from the choices in the FX Live pad area.
Then, click and hold the snare drum pad. The snare drum will play a basic drum roll.

You can play any instrument pad using this effect.

The beginning point of the roll is quantized by default.

A swing effect (dotted or triplet) can be added by selecting one of the upper set of note
values, while the bottom set of values will be played ‘straight’.

When Swing dotted effect is on, a dotted beat is added after the first beat.

When Triplet is on, three notes are played per note value.

‘Roller Swing Mode’ preference let you choose between dotted notes or triplet notes.

The Roller effect can be Latched to “On” by right-clicking on the Roller button. Now any
pad you play will have the roll effect applied. This is a great way to enter notes into a
pattern.

Note: The only way to trigger the Roller effect when the SparkLE controller is not
connected is to use the Latch feature.

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5.2.6 Live effects: Instrument

5.2.6.1 The Filter button

The Filter type for the kit is determined by the setting for the Global Filter button, but
SparkLE allows you to apply this effect to one instrument at a time rather than the entire
kit, if you like. To do this, select an instrument such as the snare (press Select +
Instrument pad 2), then press the Instrument Filter button (pictured). Now the Live FX
pad will alter the filter frequency and resonance for the snare only.

As you can see in the picture above, the X axis controls the filter’s cutoff frequency and
the Y axis controls the resonance.

5.2.6.2 The Send 1 / 2 button

Similar to the process described above, you can single out one instrument for the live
alteration of its Aux 1 and Aux 2 effect sends. If you want Tom 1 to have a sudden burst
of reverb and/or delay, use the Select button to choose Instrument pad 5 and then press
the Send 1 / 2 button (pictured). Then sweep your finger or cursor around inside the FX
Live pad area and boost or cut Send 1 and/or Send 2 until you get the desired results.

The Y axis controls Send 1 and the X axis controls Send 2.

5.2.6.3 The Pan / Level button

The Instrument effect Pan / Level button allows you to control the stereo position and
volume of a single Instrument inside a kit. So if you want to sweep the closed hi-hat

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from the left side of the mix to the right, for example, press Select + Instrument pad 3
and then press the Pan / Level button. Then use the FX Live pad to place the hi-hat
where you want it to be in the stereo field.

The X axis controls the instrument level and the Y axis controls the stereo position.

5.2.7 Song Mode in the Center panel

5.2.7.1 The Song button

Click on the Song button to enter the Song mode. The Song button will flash
continuously to let you know that you are now in Song mode. Click on the Play button in
the transport zone.

Listen! Your patterns are now chained together and played one after another in the
sequence defined in the song panel.

The Step pads (numbered from 1 to 16 at the top of the Center Panel) are used to
trigger the 16 pattern chains.

To edit your Song, refer to section 5.5 “The Song Panel”.

5.2.8 The Instrument Parameter knobs

The three knobs on the right side of the Center panel control the selected instrument's
parameters. Let’s say you want to change the pitch of the bass drum. Click the bass
drum pad. After this the Instrument Parameter knobs will show which three parameters
have been selected for the bass drum: in this case, Pitch, Attack and Decay.

With a pattern playing, click and hold the "Pitch" knob and then move your cursor up
and down. This will rotate the "Pitch" knob and change the pitch of the bass drum. The
display will show the amount of change being applied to the pitch in terms of semitones.

5.2.8.1 Altering the Instrument Parameter assignments

It is possible to assign completely different parameters to the Instrument Parameter
knobs. To change the assignment for the first knob, for example, click on the word
“Pitch”. A drop-down list will appear. Make a selection from the list by clicking on one of
the parameters. The list will disappear and the name of the new parameter will be visible
under the knob.

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5.2.9 The Sequencer zone

The Sequencer zone is divided into several zones:

5.2.9.1 The Step Pad Function Select buttons (a)

When they are selected, these four buttons change what the Sequencer Step pads do:

 Bank The first four Sequencer Step pads will be labeled A-D and the others will

have no labels. This allows you to select between four different banks of 16
patterns

 Patt. All 16 Sequencer Step pads will be numbered, and each will select one of

16 patterns

 Seq. Each Sequencer Step pad will represent the presence or absence of a

musical event in the selected instrument track, as well as the current position of
the sequencer within the pattern (see section 5.2.9.3).

 Tune The Sequencer Step pads will be labeled with numbers from -8 to +7, with

each number representing the amount of tuning change that will be applied to the
selected instrument after pressing its pad. The ‘0’ pad will return the instrument
to its default pitch.

5.2.9.2 The Copy / Erase buttons (b)

These two buttons have very different functions:

 Copy Allows you to copy a pattern from one location to another inside the same

bank, or to a different bank to the same pattern number location. First click

‘Copy’ and select the source bank and pattern, and then select the destination

pattern or bank and Spark will do the work. Press the Copy button again to
cancel the operation.

 Erase When pressed, the display will prompt you to select a pad, a pattern or a

bank of patterns to erase.

o To erase a bank, press Erase and then select one of the banks (A-D)
o To erase a pattern, make sure you’re inside the proper bank before you

press the Erase button. Then press Erase and select the pattern

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o When a pad is selected, its entire sequencer track will be erased inside the

current pattern

o For “spot erase” while a pattern is playing, press the Record button, then

the Erase button, and then press the instrument pad at the proper time.

5.2.9.3 The Pattern Length buttons (c)

These buttons fulfil two functions: while the pattern is not playing they can toggle
between the currently selected set of steps and the next (1-16 or 17-32, etc.). But when
used in conjunction with the Select button they allow you to change the pattern length
(which can be done while the pattern is running).

When a pattern contains more than 16 steps the Sequencer Step pads can follow the
position of the pattern when it crosses over from steps 1-16 to steps 17-32, and then to
steps 33-48, etc. This is called “Sequencer Follow mode”. To toggle this feature on or
off, simply press the << and >> buttons at the same time.

5.2.9.4 The Loop mode controls (d)

Patterns are always looping, so “Loop mode” means something else: It allows you to set
up a “loop within a loop” and experiment with different portions of the pattern, either for

editing or performing. Here are its components:

 On Will engage or disengage Loop mode.
 Divide Allows you set the loop size. Moving it one notch will cut the loop in half

or double its size (when possible). The settings are 1/2, 1/4 and 1/8 of the
pattern size, all the way down to the minimum loop size: one step.

 Move Will move the loop start in one of two ways. Right-click on the Move knob

to choose an option:

o “Shift by one step” will shift the loop start point to any given step of the

pattern

o "Shift by one loop size" will move the loop start point in increments of the

loop size (as defined by the Divide knob).

5.2.9.5 The Sequencer Step pads (e)

The 16 Sequencer Step pads can be numbered from 1-16, 17-32, 33-48, or 49-64
depending on the length of the pattern and the timing value assigned to each step.

These pads offer a lot of information about the selected pattern. When a pattern is
playing you will know the real-time playing position at a glance because it is indicated by
a pad that is brighter than the others. When a pad has a constant blue light it means the
sequencer will trigger the selected instrument at this position in the pattern. If a pad is
not lit, it means no note will be played by that instrument at that point. You can decide
to add a note-on event or remove one by toggling the state of these pads.

A simple example is the bass drum track on pattern A1, which is pictured below. The
bright blue lights on pads 1 and 9 indicate bass drum events on beats 1 and 3 of the first
bar. The gray light on pad 4 is lighter than the others, which indicates the current real­time playing position.

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You can edit this track by pressing a pad to add a bass drum event to the pattern. While
the pattern plays, click on pads 7 and 15. They will become lit, and you will hear new
bass drum events during the first bar of the pattern. Now click on pad 9: the blue light
turns to darker gray, and that note has been removed from the pattern.

5.2.9.6 Copying or Swapping Patterns

You can also use the Sequencer Step pads to copy or swap patterns in the currently
selected bank.

To copy a pattern to another location, click on a pattern number and then drag it on top
of another pattern and drop it. A confirmation window will appear. Remember, this will
replace the destination pattern with the source pattern, so if you’re sure it’s okay to lose
the destination pattern, click OK.

To swap two patterns, click on a pattern number while holding [Option/Alt in Mac OSX
or [Ctrl in Windows and then drag it on top of another pattern and drop it. A
confirmation window will appear. Click Ok.

The exact same procedure applies to copying or swapping entire banks of patterns.

To export a pattern as a MIDI file to your system or to your DAW, drag the pattern
outside the Spark window and drop it on a system folder or one of the DAW windows.

5.2.10 The Pads

An instrument is assigned to each of the 16 pads. The far left pad is by default the Bass
Drum; next to it is the Snare drum, and so on; but you can set the pads up in any order
you like.

To edit an instrument, right-click on the pad and then click Edit. This will take you to the
"Studio" inside the Bottom panel where you will be able to edit the instrument with a full
array of parameters. (See section 5.6 The Studio).

One really cool feature is the ability to import your own samples into the Spark Engine
by dragging them from a folder on your computer and dropping them onto one of the
sixteen pads. From there you can right-click as described above so you can shape the
sound of the new sample using the powerful voice architecture of the Spark Engine.

5.2.10.1 Tune Mode

Pressing “Tune” allows you to play the selected instrument at different pitches using the

Sequencer Step pads, numbered from -8 to +7.

To do this, locate the Tune mode preference in the Top panel’s Preference section and
set it to “Pads” instead of “Sequencer Steps.”

You can now use the pads as a keyboard to play notes on the current instrument. The
pads offer a range of 16 semi-tones by using the 1-8 / 9-16 button:

 With the 1-8 / 9-16 button unlit you can play notes from the current instrument

tuned from -8 semi-tones to -1 semi-tone.

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 With the 1-8 / 9-16 button lit you can play notes from current instrument pitch

1.

Play instruments with pads (right-click: edit the instrument)

2.

Instrument parameter knobs

(right-click: edit motion/disable motion)

3.

Instrument Select / Shortcut Select button (Hold select, then press an
instrument pad or sequencer step pad)

4

Instrument page button (Instruments 1-8 and 9-16)

5.

Mute button (Click Mute, then select one or more instruments)

6.

Solo button (Click Solo, then select one or more instruments)

7.

FX – Aux 1 and 2 – Pan and volume Knobs

(right-click: edit motion/disable motion)

8.

Click within a zone to select instrument track

upward to +7 semi-tones.

You can offset the starting pitch by moving the Jog Dial when you are in Tune mode.

5.3 THE MAIN PANEL (SPARK CREATIVE)

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