Arturia SPARK 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 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 – 1999-2011 – All rights reserved.
4, Chemin de Malacher
38240 Meylan
FRANCE
http://www.arturia.com
June 2011 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.
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.

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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.

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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.

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Table of Contents
1INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................. 11
1.1 WELCOME TO SPARK..................................................................................................................................... 11
1.2 1.2.HISTORY ................................................................................................................................................. 11
2INSTALLATION ............................................................................................................................................... 13
2.1 WINDOWS INSTALLATION (7/XP/VISTA) ................................................................................................... 13
2.2 MAC OSX INSTALLATION (10.5/10.6) ......................................................................................................... 17
3REGISTRATION & AUTHORIZATION ..................................................................................................... 18
3.1 REGISTRATION............................................................................................................................................... 18
3.2 AUTHORIZATION ........................................................................................................................................... 20
4QUICK START .................................................................................................................................................. 21
4.1 SPARK CONTROLLER OVERVIEW................................................................................................................ 21
4.2 SPARK SOFTWARE OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................... 21
4.2.1 The Center panel................................................................................................................................... 22
4.2.2 The Bottom panel .................................................................................................................................. 22
4.2.3 The Top panel........................................................................................................................................ 23
4.3 NAMES AND CONCEPTS YOU SHOULD KNOW................................................................................................ 24
4.3.1 Project ................................................................................................................................................... 24
4.3.2 Kit........................................................................................................................................................... 24
4.3.3 Instrument.............................................................................................................................................. 24
4.3.4 Audio Source ......................................................................................................................................... 25
4.3.5 Bank ....................................................................................................................................................... 25
4.3.6 Pattern ................................................................................................................................................... 25
4.3.7 Song ....................................................................................................................................................... 25
4.3.8 Channel.................................................................................................................................................. 25
4.3.9 Track ...................................................................................................................................................... 25
4.4 AUDIO AND MIDI SETUP .............................................................................................................................. 25
4.4.1 Windows ................................................................................................................................................ 25
4.4.2 Mac OS X............................................................................................................................................... 25
4.5 FIRST STEPS WITH SPARK............................................................................................................................ 26
4.5.1 Loading a project.................................................................................................................................. 26
4.5.2 Select and play a pattern ...................................................................................................................... 26
4.5.3 Change Instrument parameters............................................................................................................ 27
4.5.4 Select an Instrument and change filter and mixer parameters .......................................................... 27
4.5.5 Play and edit a pattern ......................................................................................................................... 28
4.5.6 Record a pattern with instrument pads................................................................................................ 28
4.5.7 Change Instruments/Kits with the jog dial.......................................................................................... 29
4.5.8 Save your project .................................................................................................................................. 30
4.5.9 Switching views ..................................................................................................................................... 30
5USING SPARK................................................................................................................................................... 31
5.1 THE TOOLBAR ............................................................................................................................................... 31
5.2 THE MAIN PANEL (OVERVIEW)..................................................................................................................... 32
5.2.1 The Digital display................................................................................................................................ 35
5.2.2 The Sequencer zone .............................................................................................................................. 35
5.2.2.1 The Step Pads ................................................................................................................................................... 35
5.2.2.2 The Shuffle Knob............................................................................................................................................. 36
5.2.2.3 The Transport Zone.......................................................................................................................................... 36
5.2.2.4 The Tap Button................................................................................................................................................. 37
5.2.2.5 The Tempo Button ........................................................................................................................................... 37
5.2.2.6 The Accent Button ........................................................................................................................................... 37
5.2.2.7 The Erase Button.............................................................................................................................................. 37
5.2.2.8 The Loop zone.................................................................................................................................................. 38
5.2.3 The Song/Pattern zone.......................................................................................................................... 38
5.2.3.1 The Song Mode ................................................................................................................................................ 38

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5.2.3.2 Editing Songs from the Main panel ................................................................................................................ 39
5.2.3.3 Banks and Patterns ........................................................................................................................................... 39
5.2.4 The Jog Dial .......................................................................................................................................... 40
5.2.5 The FX Live Pad ................................................................................................................................... 41
5.2.6 The Filter / Slicer / Roller .................................................................................................................... 41
5.2.6.1 The Filter Button .............................................................................................................................................. 41
5.2.6.2 The Slicer button .............................................................................................................................................. 41
Repeat mix.................................................................................................................................................................... 42
Repeat ........................................................................................................................................................................... 42
Tape............................................................................................................................................................................... 42
Reverse.......................................................................................................................................................................... 42
Strobe ............................................................................................................................................................................ 42
Pan................................................................................................................................................................................. 42
5.2.6.3 The Roller button ............................................................................................................................................. 42
5.2.7 The Instrument control zone................................................................................................................. 43
5.2.7.1 The instrument Pads......................................................................................................................................... 43
5.2.7.2 The Parameter Knobs....................................................................................................................................... 43
5.2.7.3 Select Button .................................................................................................................................................... 44
5.2.7.4 1-8 / 9-16 Button .............................................................................................................................................. 44
5.2.7.5 Mute button....................................................................................................................................................... 44
5.2.7.6 Solo button........................................................................................................................................................ 44
5.2.7.7 Filter/Mixer parameters ................................................................................................................................... 44
5.3 THE BOTTOM PANEL (OVERVIEW)............................................................................................................... 45
5.3.1 The Studio.............................................................................................................................................. 45
5.3.1.1 Instrument Edit Window.................................................................................................................................. 47
5.3.1.2 Studio Buttons .................................................................................................................................................. 48
5.3.2 The Mixer............................................................................................................................................... 49
5.3.2.1 The Instrument tracks ...................................................................................................................................... 49
5.3.2.2 The Return 1 and 2 tracks................................................................................................................................ 50
5.3.2.3 The Master track............................................................................................................................................... 51
5.3.2.4 The Effects........................................................................................................................................................ 51
FX parameters .............................................................................................................................................................. 51
Compressor parameters................................................................................................................................................ 52
Bit Crusher parameters ................................................................................................................................................ 53
Chorus parameters........................................................................................................................................................ 53
Delay parameters.......................................................................................................................................................... 54
Distortion parameters................................................................................................................................................... 54
Parametric EQ parameters ........................................................................................................................................... 55
Phaser parameters......................................................................................................................................................... 55
Plate Reverb parameters .............................................................................................................................................. 56
Reverb parameters........................................................................................................................................................ 57
5.3.3 The Library............................................................................................................................................ 57
5.3.3.1 The Library Window........................................................................................................................................ 58
5.3.3.2 The Current Project window ........................................................................................................................... 59
5.3.3.3 Creating a new project ..................................................................................................................................... 59
5.3.3.4 How to load Kits and Instruments................................................................................................................... 60
5.3.3.5 How to load Banks and Patterns ..................................................................................................................... 60
5.3.3.6 Importing and Exporting a project .................................................................................................................. 60
5.3.3.7 Saving a project................................................................................................................................................ 61
5.4 THE TOP PANEL............................................................................................................................................ 61
5.4.1 Overview................................................................................................................................................ 61
5.4.2 The Pattern Panel .................................................................................................................................61
5.4.3 The Toolbar ........................................................................................................................................... 62
5.4.4 The Sequencer ....................................................................................................................................... 63
5.4.4.1 How to select a track........................................................................................................................................ 63
5.4.4.2 How to copy or swap tracks ............................................................................................................................ 64
5.4.4.3 How to copy or swap Step parts...................................................................................................................... 64
5.4.5 The Automation editor .......................................................................................................................... 64
5.4.6 The Song Panel ..................................................................................................................................... 65
5.4.7 The Song slots ....................................................................................................................................... 65
5.4.7.1 How to copy patterns to song slots. ................................................................................................................ 65
5.4.7.2 How to move and paste/insert slots................................................................................................................. 66
5.4.7.3 How to set song playing position .................................................................................................................... 66
5.4.7.4 How to select several slots............................................................................................................................... 66
5.4.8 Preferences Button................................................................................................................................ 66
5.4.8.1 Sequencer preferences ..................................................................................................................................... 66
5.4.8.2 File preferences ................................................................................................................................................ 67

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5.4.8.3 MIDI Import/Export preferences: ................................................................................................................... 67
5.4.8.4 Controller Preferences ..................................................................................................................................... 67
6MODES OF OPERATIONS ............................................................................................................................ 68
6.1 STANDALONE (OVERVIEW)........................................................................................................................... 68
6.1.1 Launching the standalone application ................................................................................................ 68
6.1.2 Preferences configuration –Audio & MIDI settings.......................................................................... 68
6.1.2.1 Windows ........................................................................................................................................................... 68
6.1.2.2 Mac OS X ......................................................................................................................................................... 68
6.1.3 Update Spark Controller ...................................................................................................................... 69
6.1.3.1 Windows ........................................................................................................................................................... 69
6.1.3.2 Mac OS X ......................................................................................................................................................... 70
6.2 PLUG-IN MODE .............................................................................................................................................. 71
6.2.1 Toolbar Extra Buttons .......................................................................................................................... 71
6.2.2 Saving project........................................................................................................................................ 71
6.3 VST................................................................................................................................................................ 72
6.3.1 Installation............................................................................................................................................. 72
6.3.1.1 Windows ........................................................................................................................................................... 72
6.3.1.2 Mac OS X ......................................................................................................................................................... 72
6.3.2 Instrument use in VST mode................................................................................................................. 72
6.3.3 Connection to an instrument track....................................................................................................... 72
6.3.4 Multi Output Mode................................................................................................................................ 73
6.4 AUDIO UNIT (MAC OS X ONLY).................................................................................................................. 73
6.4.1 Installation............................................................................................................................................. 73
6.4.2 Use in Logic Pro ................................................................................................................................... 74
If an Arturia plug-in posesproblem in Logic, start by checking that this plug-in has passed the compatibility test,
and that it is actually selected........................................................................................................................................... 74
6.4.2.1 Stereo Mode...................................................................................................................................................... 74
6.4.2.2 Multi Output Mode .......................................................................................................................................... 74
6.4.3 Use in Digital Performer...................................................................................................................... 75
6.4.3.1 Stereo Mode...................................................................................................................................................... 75
6.4.3.2 Multi Ouput Mode............................................................................................................................................ 76
6.4.3.3 Assign Midi Track............................................................................................................................................ 76
6.4.4 Stereo Mode and Multi Output Mode.................................................................................................. 76
6.4.4.1 Stereo Mode...................................................................................................................................................... 76
6.4.4.2 Multi Output Mode .......................................................................................................................................... 76
6.5 PRO TOOLS .................................................................................................................................................... 77
6.5.1 Installation............................................................................................................................................. 77
6.5.2 Utilization and opening of the Plug-in ................................................................................................ 77
6.5.3 Saving the project .................................................................................................................................77
6.5.4 Automations under Pro Tools .............................................................................................................. 78
7THE SPARK MIDI CONTROLLER ............................................................................................................. 79
7.1 FRONT PANEL (OVERVIEW)........................................................................................................................... 79
7.1.1 Device ports........................................................................................................................................... 79
7.1.2 Choose between Kit or Instrument mode............................................................................................. 80
7.1.3 Set Move Button Mode.......................................................................................................................... 80
7.1.4 Set Sequencer Follow Mode On / Off .................................................................................................. 80
7.1.5 Roller Fx ................................................................................................................................................ 80
7.1.6 Use as Spark Controller ....................................................................................................................... 81
7.1.7 Use as MIDI Controller........................................................................................................................ 81
7.1.8 Use as USB/MIDI interface.................................................................................................................. 81
7.1.9 Power Supply ........................................................................................................................................ 81
7.2 REAR PANEL (OVERVIEW)............................................................................................................................ 81
7.2.1 Rear panel Connectors and power supply .......................................................................................... 81
7.3 SPARK MIDI CONTROLLER SOFTWARE ........................................................................................................ 82
7.3.1 Overview................................................................................................................................................ 82
7.3.2 The Menu ............................................................................................................................................... 83
7.3.2.1 Midi Templates................................................................................................................................................. 83
7.3.2.2 Pads Calibration ............................................................................................................................................... 84
7.3.3 Edit Instrument Pad window................................................................................................................ 84
7.3.4 Edit Instrument knob window............................................................................................................... 85
7.3.5 Edit Instrument parameter knob window ............................................................................................ 86

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7.3.6 Edit Clickable knob window................................................................................................................. 86
7.3.6.1 The Jog Dial (Wheel)....................................................................................................................................... 86
7.3.6.2 The Move button (Loop Move)....................................................................................................................... 87
7.3.7 Edit Touch pad window ........................................................................................................................ 87
7.4 CONTROLLING SPARK AN EXTERNAL MIDI CONTROLLER ....................................................................... 88
7.4.1 Assign a MIDI note to pads.................................................................................................................. 88
7.4.2 Assign a MIDI note to bank buttons .................................................................................................... 88
7.4.3 Assign a MIDI note to pattern buttons ................................................................................................ 88
7.4.4 Assign a MIDI note to loop on button .................................................................................................88
7.4.5 Assign a MIDI CC to Loop divide knob .............................................................................................. 88
7.4.6 Assign a MIDI CC to Loop Move knob ............................................................................................... 88
7.4.7 Assign a MIDI CC to shuffle knob ....................................................................................................... 88
7.4.8 Assign a MIDI CC to master Volume knob ......................................................................................... 88
7.4.9 Assign a MIDI CC to cutoff/res/Pan/Aux1/Aux2/Volume knobs........................................................ 88
7.4.10 Assign a MIDI CC to instrument parameters knobs......................................................................... 88
7.4.11 Assign a MIDI CC to tempo knob...................................................................................................... 89
8SPARK CREATIVE DRUM MACHINE LEGAL INFORMATION....................................................... 90
8.1 SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT ................................................................................................................. 90
8.2 FCC INFORMATION (USA) ..................................................................................................................... 92
8.3 CANADA...................................................................................................................................................... 93
8.4 EUROPE ....................................................................................................................................................... 93
9NOTES:................................................................................................................................................................ 94