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

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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

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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 sound possibilities.
Spark embeds vintage analog drum machines, sample based beatboxes and acoustic
drum sets. Then Spark lets you break through their sonic boundaries thanks to a highly
tweakable controller.
With in-depth control over your sounds, an advanced loop mode and an XY touchpad
with 8 real time effects, Spark will allow you to create unique beat experiments and
constantly feed your creativity with innovative ideas.
Spark’s sonic power is nothing but huge, embedding three distinctive drum engines:
analog synthesis, sampling and physical modelling. Thanks to its automations available
on all parameters, every kit is very tunable and customizable, bringing a fun and
complementary approach to sample browsing while making it more interactive and 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
In early 2001, Arturia began working on advanced algorithms for the digital emulation of
analog circuit audio characteristics. They are known as TAE®, standing for True Analog
Emulation. In non-technical language, this is an unprecedented way of creating the very
unique sound one finds in a synthesizer such as the Moog Modular. Nearly a year after
they began work on the algorithms, Arturia was ready for feedback. At the 2002 NAMM
show in California, Arturia shared an early version of what would later be the Moog
Modular V with the renowned maker of the original Moog synthesizer, Doctor Bob Moog.
In seeking insight from sound production experts, such as Dr. Moog, as well as avid
synthesizer users, Arturia was able to ensure the quality of the instruments they made;
so well in fact the Dr. Moog himself endorsed the Moog Modular V. The launch of this
sound powerhouse was an instant success, winning awards from several top magazines,
and leading to the development of other synth recreations.
Shortly thereafter, Arturia started receiving many requests from musicians, producers
and bands. Many of them explained how they were planning to replace their original
hardware synthesizers by virtual instruments. Artists around the globe were beginning to
see the advantages of a software alternative to hardware-based synthesizers.
The CS-80V emulated the legendary Yamaha CS-80, considered by many as "the
ultimate polyphonic" synthesizer, and was launched at the AES 2003 in New York.
Imagine some of your favorite music from diverse artists such as Keith Emerson or
Stevie Wonder, and you'll get an idea of what the CS-80V is capable of.
The ARP 2600 V was launched at the NAMM 2005 in Anaheim. This is a faithful
reproduction of the ARP 2600 and is great for just about any sound one might wish to
create: everything from drum n’ bass stabs to Star Wars’ R2-D2 sounds have been made
with the ARP.

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At the Winter NAMM Show 2006, ARTURIA announced the release of its seventh product:
the Prophet V. This powerful hybrid gives you two instruments in one: it combines the
warmth of the legendary Prophet 5 programmable analog synth with the unique Vector
Synthesis textures of the digital Prophet VS.
And finally, at the summer 2007 NAMM Show, Arturia launched the Jupiter-8V. In terms
of sonic possibilities, it complemented its “Arturiansiblings” by bringing something
different. The Jupiter-8 V was capable of creating very versatile sounds. You could easily
make 'fat' or ‘Crystal’ sounds with it. In fact, the Jupiter-8 sounded the way it looked,
‘sleek and polished’.
The electro-pop community became quickly convinced by the qualities of the original
Jupiter-8. 'Relax', by Frankie Goes to Hollywood was produced incorporating a Jupiter 8,
and players such Vince Clarke, John Foxx, and Martyn Ware also used it abundantly. The
path to classic status of the Jupiter started there.
Other artists that have used The Jupiter-8 include: Howard Jones, Tangerine Dream,
Underworld, Jean Michel Jarre, Depeche Mode, Prince, Gary Wright, Adrian Lee, Heaven
17, Kitaro, Elvis Costello, Tears for Fears, Huey Lewis and the News, Journey, Moog
Cookbook, Yes, Devo, Freddy Fresh, Simple Minds, Jan Hammer and BT.

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2INSTALLATION
2.1 WINDOWS INSTALLATION (7/XP/VISTA)
•Place the Windows®-specific installation DVD in your computer's DVD-ROM
drive.
•Use Windows® Explorer to browse the content of the DVD-ROM.
•Double-click the installer file named SPARK Setup.exe.
•Click Next.
•To continue, you need to first accept the license agreement. After you have
read the license agreement, check the corresponding checkbox and click
Next.
•To perform a complete installation, leave the Complete option checked and
click Next. To deselect components or to install the SPARK application and
sound library to an alternative location, select Custom. Then click Next. In
the next dialog, choose the destination folders for the installation. To use the
default path, just click Next. If you wish to select a custom path for a SPARK
component, click Change, browse to the folder where you want to install the
application or sound library. Then click Next. If you select VST (and/or VST
64 bits) you will have to select your VST (and/or VST 64 bits) folder.
•The Setup Program will lead you through the installation procedure. Follow
the onscreen instructions.
•After the installation has been performed successfully, click Finish.
•Next, in order to install the SPARK Controller hardware driver, you need to
connect the SPARK Controller to your computer. On Windows® Vista, the
driver setup will finish automatically. On Windows® XP, installation is a two
step process, described below. The following screen should appear:
•Installation starts with Composite Device install:
•Choose “Yes this time only”, and click next.

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•Click next.
•After processing, Composite Device will be installed correctly.
•Installation should continue with USB Audio Device install.
•Choose “No, not this time”, and click next.

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•Choose “Install from a list or specific location”, and click next
•Choose “Don’t search, I will choose the driver to install”.
•Click Next.

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•Click “Have Disk”
•Click Browse, and locate Spark_XP.inf on Spark install DVD :
[YourDVDdrive]:\Driver\Spark_XP.inf
•Choose “Spark Controller”, and click Next

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•Click “Continue Anyway”.
Your Spark Controller should now be ready to use.
2.2 MAC OSX INSTALLATION (10.5/10.6)
•Place the installation DVD-ROM in your computer’s DVD-ROM drive. Its icon
will appear in the Mac OS® X Finder.
•Connect the SPARK Controller using the USB cable. If you want to connect
the Controller to a USB-hub instead, make sure the hub has its own power
supply. SPARK's Controller will not work on a passive (bus-powered) USB
hub.
•Double-click the SPARK DVD icon to display the content of the DVD.
•Double-click the installer file named SPARK.
•Click Continue to proceed.
•To continue, you need to first accept the license agreement. After you have
read the license agreement, press Continue and click Agree.
•Select the hard disk onto which you would like to install SPARK. Please note
that you can only install SPARK onto hard disks which contain a Mac OS® X
version matching the system requirements. Hard disks with an incompatible
Mac OS® X version will be flagged with a red Stop sign and you will not be
able to select them from the Installation Destination dialog. From Mac OS® X
10.5 on, this screen will be skipped automatically.
•Click Continue.
•Select the elements you want to install (we recommend installing all
elements, however if you know that you don’t need a certain element like a
plug-in format, uncheck the checkbox next to it).
•If you want to install the SPARK Library contents to a custom location, e.g. to
an external hard disk, click the folder icon in the Location column to open a
dialog in which you can specify a destination for the installation.
•Click Install to continue. The Setup Program will lead you through the
installation procedure. Follow the onscreen instructions.

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3REGISTRATION & AUTHORIZATION
3.1 REGISTRATION
Now that your SPARK Software has been installed, the first step is to register your
software in order to obtain the activation code that will enable you to actually use the
software.
You should have handy the license serial number of SPARK Software and the unlock code
(these are an integral part of the software and are printed on a small plastic card).
Connect your computer to the Internet, and go to this web page:
http://www.arturia.com/login
If you don’t have an Arturia account yet, please create one now. This will take you to
this form:
If you already have an account, simply log in:

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Once you are logged into your account, you can register your Spark and request your
activation code.
Go to the “My Registered Products” section of your account and click on the “Add”
button:
In the form that appears, select “SPARK Software” from the drop down menu, and key in
your software serial number and unlock code (as written on the registration card), and
click Submit:
You should then see the confirmation screen, click Submit:

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3.2 AUTHORIZATION
Finally there is a screen to copy the activation code. The very same information is sent
to you by email as a backup.
Copy the activation code and paste it in the window that shows when you launch
SPARK:
If your activation code has been entered correctly, the software will launch.