Hey Spark users, just wondering a couple things:

-I know there are 16 different outputs, but can the aux tracks be routed to their won channels as well? This would let you use your own send effects but still be able to use the aux knobs in Spark to send each drum to that effect.

-Can you trigger in-built patterns from your DAW? Is it by midi note? Program Change?

-When you record beats manually, does it force to the grid? I don't see any offset in the software sequencer or indication that it can be out of time.

cheers

no; the aux tracks are sent to return channels 1 & 2 respectively.
this is something you could suggest however in Arturia's forums as a feature request.

that's where you really need to try it out. i think the best way to answer that is to say there are numerous ways you can approach spark when it comes to patterns. patterns are stored in four banks (a to d) of sixteen patterns inside a "song" project file which can be cut, copied, pasted, and moved from all over the place. you would probably create most of what you need inside the song and place the patterns in the order in which you would need them. you aren't limited to that order though. you can use the spark controller or another external midi controller to trigger the patterns that are contained within the song project. (you can also reprogram all of the buttons, pads, and knobs on the spark controller to fit your individual needs). on an external controller you can assign midi notes to individual pads, bank buttons, pattern buttons, and so on.

selected patterns can also be exported as a midi file. patterns can even be exported as a .wav file if you're someone who likes working with loops.

you can right click on the record button to choose between the quantized & unquantized recording functions. in quantize mode the recorded notes will be set exactly to the nearest step position. when the quantize mode is disabled, the recorded notes will keep the exact position they were played on. (visually it will show up in the top panel at the closest grid location). spark uses its shift parameter to remember the exact triggering time relative to a step position. there is also a shuffle knob to help humanize a groove.

Hi,

It's even faster to do select + record on the hardware...no need to use the mouse...


Cheers,

D

Owing to the current sale, my interest in spark has increased. As hardware, however, I'm primarily interested in its use as a controller. How flexible is it as a controller? For example, did they fix the issue with choosing pads 9-16 not sending different notes in some way? Does the choice send a midi message? Can the leds be controlled? What I mean is, can one send midi messages to turn them on/off? Can messages be sent do the lcd display? Does the rotary controller for selecting patterns send a midi message, the pattern selection buttons?

Is any/all of this possible with lower level programming,? How well documented are the details?

Imagine that someone who is a reasonably skilled programmer wants to use this as a controller for a custom reaktor/max patch.

Related to the sale, are the licences that come with the bundle intrinsically linked as they are with NI Komplete. That is, if one sells one, does one have to sell all of them? Can one even resell the licenses at all?