Arturia Spark 2 User 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 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

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PROJECT MANAGER
Kevin Molcard
PRODUCT MANAGER
Glen Darcey
PROGRAMMING
Kevin Molcard (Lead Developer)
Philippe Wicker
Emilie de Fouchecour
Vincent Travaglini
Bruno Pillet
Niccolo Comin
Adrien Courdavault
Tobias Carpenter
Guillaume Piolat
ELECTRONICS
Laurent Baret
Bruno Pillet
DESIGN
Glen Darcey
Sebastien Rochard
Morgan Perrier
Shaun Ellwood (Decoder Design)
SOUND DESIGN
Noritaka Ubukata
Pierce Warnecke
Jean-Michel Blanchet
Oliver Fauque
Christian Lafitte (Cigale Prod)
Thomas Koot
Mike Hosker Glen Darcey
Kevin Shröder Hernan Velasco
Greg Savage Stéphane Schott
INDUSTRIALIZATION
Nicolas Dubois
Richard Phan
Gerard Buracchini
MANUAL WRITING
William Talgorn
Sebastien Rochard
Randy Lee
MANUAL TRANSLATION
Tomoya Fukuchi
Pierce Warnecke
Jérome Parrod
Sébastien Rochard

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.

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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 XONLY).............................................................................................................. 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.................................................................................................................. 97!
7.1!USING THE CONTROLLER WITH THE SPARK ENGINE ................................................................................ 97!
7.2!USING THE CONTROLLER WITH HOST APPLICATIONS OR MIDI DEVICES ................................................. 98!
7.3!MIDI CONTROL CENTER........................................................................................................................ 99!
8!SPARK LEGAL INFORMATION ........................................................................................................... 100!
8.1!SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT........................................................................................................... 100!
8.2!FCC INFORMATION (USA) ............................................................................................................... 102!
8.3!CANADA.............................................................................................................................................. 103!
8.4!EUROPE ............................................................................................................................................... 103!
9!NOTES......................................................................................................................................................... 104!

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1INTRODUCTION
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 user-
friendly 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 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 that 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 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.