AIRSTEP Spk Edition User Manual

Index

<p> <h2><a href="#C1"> Quick Start</a></h2></p>
<p> <h4><a href="#C2"> 1. Current Channel Indicating</a></h4></p>
<p> <h4><a href="#C3"> 2. Toggle Effects Indicating</a></h4></p>
<p> <h4><a href="#C4"> 3. Charging</a></h4></p>
<p> <h4><a href="#C5"> 4. Upgrade Firmware Mode</a></h4></p>
<p> <h4><a href="#C6"> 5. USE The JIMI HENDRIX PACK Including TOGGLE THE J.H. Legendary Wah</a></h4></p>
<p> <h4><a href="#C7"> 6. USE AIRSTEP Spk Edition and the Spark App At The Same Time(iOS Only)</a></h4></p>
<p> <h2><a href="#C8"> Firmware update</a></h2></p>
<p> <h2> <a href="#C9"> Looper Mode</a></h2></p>
<p> <h4><a href="#C10"> 1. For Loopy HD(iOS)</a></h4></p>
<p> <h4><a href="#C11"> 2. For Mobius Looper(Computer)</a></h4></p>
<p> <h2><a href="#C12"> FAQ</a></h2></p>

<h2><a name="C1"> Quick Start</a></h2>

Step 1. Turn on the power switch of the Spark 40 amp.

When AIRSTEP Spk Edition controlling Spark amp, you can still use all the functions in Spark App except preset editing. Connect to the Spark 40 Audio in the system Bluetooth setting to use with Spark App’s function or Bluetooth audio function.

If you don’t need to edit preset before using AIRSTEP Spk Edition, click skip in the Spark App’s Startpage and go to Step 2

If you need to edit presets before using Spark amp with AIRSTEP Spk Edition, please make sure AIRSTEP Spk edition is power off, then click connect in the Spark App’s Startpage. After editing, please make sure that the hardware connection with the Spark App has been ejected or forgotten as in the picture shown below, then go to Step 2.

How to eject/forget your Spark from the iOS app;

Click the profile in the Spark app, enter hardware settings.(P1)
Click"Eject"(P2)

How to eject/forget your Spark from the Android app;

Click""(P3)
Click"Forget this devices"(P4)
Do not forget the Spark 40 Audio, click"Close"(P5)

Step 2. Turn on the AIRSTEP Spk Edition, the connection indicator will blink blue. After the connection with the Spark amp establishes, the connection indicator will become solid blue.

Step 3. Here’s the mode list:(the factory default mode is Mode 1), AIRSTEP Spk Edition has 3 modes in total. Select Mode 1/Mode 2/Mode 3 via holding the A/B/C footswitch and turn on the power switch.

Name	FS A	FS B	FS C	FS D	FS E
Mode 1	Channel 1	Channel 2	Channel 3	Channel 4	Toggle Drive
Mode 2	Toggle Drive	Toggle Mod	Toggle Delay	Channel -	Channel +
Mode 3	Toggle Drive	Toggle Mod	Toggle Delay	Toggle Reverb	Channel +

So far the FUNC button next to the power switch is not functional, it is reserved for the future use if necessary.

<h4><a name="C2"> 1. Current Channel Indicating</a></h4>

The Footswitch LED indicates the current channel via blinking in green color. FS A LED - FS D LED corresponds to Channel 1 - Channel 4. If you want to disable this function, hold Footswitch E and turn on the power switch.

<h4><a name="C3"> 2. Toggle Effects Indicating</a></h4>

The Footswitch LED will indicate the on/off status of Drive/Mod/Delay/Reverb via solid blue color/off.

<h4><a name="C4"> 3. Charging</a></h4>

Use the USB charging cable in the accessory or the 9v standard pedal power. When fully charged, the charging indicator will turn green, then you can unplug the power. Please do not keep it plugged in to prevent overcharging which will reduce battery life.

<h4><a name="C5"> 4. Upgrade Firmware Mode</a></h4>

Hold FS D and turn on the power.

<h4><a name="C6"> 5. USE The JIMI HENDRIX PACK Including TOGGLE THE J.H. Legendary Wah</a></h4>

First, Upgrade to Spk V1.3 firmware or above.

Since Spark 40 Amp needs to obtain the purchase verification of the paid package from the Spark App, every time Spark Amp restarts, you need to connect to the App once to activate the Jimi Hendrix Pack. Then disconnect the tone control connection of Spark App and Spark Amp to use AIRSTEP with Spark Amp. Please note that this step is only for Jimi Hendrix Pack.

For J.H. Legendary Wah. Long-press the "DRIVE" button will toggle the Wah pedal.

<h4><a name="C7"> 6. USE AIRSTEP Spk Edition and the Spark App At The Same Time(iOS Only)</a></h4>

After the V1.3 or above firmware update of AIRSTEP Spk Edition, you can use the Spark App to control the Amp tone when AIRSTEP is connected to the Amp. This update is only available for the iOS Spark App, Android will be available next time.

Steps

Update your AIRSTEP Spk Edition to V1.3 firmware or above: Firmware Update .
Make sure the footswitch is connected to the Amp first (Before connecting to the Spark App).
Then click the connect button of the Spark App (After the footswitch is connected).

Please note that you have to make sure the footswitch is connected to the Spark Amp first if you want to use them simultaneously.

Limitations of this feature

The following shortcomings currently exist, they will be improved in the next update.

Only available on iOS Spark App, Android will be the next time.
The display of pedal toggle state in AIRSTEP and App will not be synchronized, The Amp and anything else are not affected. If you want to synchronize them, press the Func button.

<h2><a name="C8"> Firmware Update</a></h2>

Download the AIRSTEP Updater.

iOS: https://apps.apple.com/cn/app/airstep-updater/id1577663031?l=en

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.timeyaa.flutternordicdfuexample

V1.2 NEW FEATURE

Add support of toggle on/off the new pedals in the Positive grid Spark Amp’s 2.0.0 firmware update.

V1.1 FEATURE

Fix bluetooth audio interuppt issue when toggling Drive/Delay/Modulation of Spark Amp.

Upgrade:

AIRSTEP Special Edition

Press and hold the footswitch D of AIRSTEP Special Edition, and turn on the power switch. When the second footswitch LED from the left is on, it means upgrade mode has been entered.

AIRSTEP Updater

Please allow the AIRSTEP Updater to use Bluetooth.
Choose "AIRSTEP Spk Edition" in “SELECT UPDATE MODEL”. (If you are the guy using the higher model AIRSTEP/Lite , choose "Advanced Mode"). For Turn_into_SparkControl(It's not for normal upgrade, ignore this part if you want to normal upgrade your Spk) AIRSTEP Spk Users: Choose the "Experimental Mode for AIRSTEP Spk Edition" in "SELECT UPDATE MODEL". AIRSTEP/Lite Users: Choose the "Advanced Mode for AIRSTEP/Lite" in "SELECT UPDATE MODEL".
Allow the system location permission, choose “AIRSTEP” in “SELECT UPDATE DEVICE”.
Choose the firmware that needs to upgrade in “SELECT UPDATE FILE”.
Click “START UPDATE” to start the upgrade.

FAQ

The device list is empty? Please allow the app to use location permission and Bluetooth permission.
Can't find the AIRSTEP on the device list? a. Please press and hold the D footswitch then turn on the AIRSTEP. b. If you sew DfuXXXXX on the list, this happens when some earlier versions of AIRSTEP enter the upgrade mode, which is normal. Please select this DfuXXXXX to upgrade.
Failed to load due to network problems？ Click click to refresh the page, if it doesn't work, restart the APP.

<h2><a name="C9"> Looper Mode </a></h2>

<h4><a name="C10"> 1. For Loopy HD(iOS)</a></h4>

This part is only for AIRSTEP Spk Edition’s users, for AIRSTEP/Lite user, please refer to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6rqgBwkX5Q&t

Video tutorial; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uqXDRi1KIQ

Recommend OTG cable; https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DRGJLF5?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

Preparation:

Make sure you have upgrade the firmware to V1.4 or above for AIRSTEP Spk Edition(99USD One). [Firmware Upgrade Tutorial](https://www.showdoc.com.cn/AIRSTEPSpkEdition/7347640875617134 "Firmware Upgrade Tutorial")
Download Loopy HD(iOS): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/loopy-hd-looper/id467923185
Also, you need Spark Amp's USB cable, and a Lightning(Or Type C) to USB adaptor for your iOS device. If the sound is recorded from the iPad mic after everything connect and set, that means the Lightning to USB cable you purchased does not support your iOS device, or it is a broken one.

Step 1.

Press and hold the B + C footswitch and turn on the power to enter the Looper Mode of AIRSTEP Spk Edition. Turn on the Spark 40 Amp. After successful connection, the connection indicator will be solid blue.

Step 2.

Connect your iOS device with Spark Amp via the adaptor and USB cable.

Step 3.

Pair your AIRSTEP Spk Edition and iOS device via Bluetooth. There’s only one Bluetooth connection allowed by AIRSTEP Spk Edition, so that you can only connect one smart device to AIRSTEP Spk Edition. Also, AIRSTEP Spk Edition CANNOT be edited by AIRSTEP App. LED Indication: Solid green color indications the connection to the iOS device, solid blue color indicates the established Bluetooth connection to the Spark 40 Amp. If there is blinking blue only, it means that AIRSTEP Spk Edition doesn’t connect to anything. If there is solid green with blinking blue, it means AIRSTEP Spk Edition only connects to your iOS Device. If it is solid blue + green together(blue-green), congratulations! This is the correct connection, and you can move on to the next.

Step 4.

Open Loopy HD App- Enter the Setting- Control Inputs- Bluetooth Key Bindings to assign keynotes(sending from AIRSTEP Spk Edition) in Loopy HD app's Bluetooth key bindings. Refer to the sheet to know about the functions and assign them on Loopy HD. When it shows"Waiting for events”，press the correspond footswitch to assign the key value. For Footswitch D and E, you need to long press to assign.

The Looper Mode Function sheet

	A	B	C	D	E
Function	Rec&Dub	Play&Pause	Clear	Amp CH -/Track	AMP CH +/Track +
Function Description	Start Recording selected track,or toggle overdub for the selected recorded track	Play/Pause the session, when the session is paused, it will back to start	Clear the selected track. You need to short-press twice to clear	Short press to move to previous channel of Spark Amp, long press to move to previous track on Loopy HD	Short press to move to next channel of Spark Amp, long press to move to next track on Loopy HD
The Parameter need to assign on Loopy HD	Choose Toggle record in Track Actions and choose the track as selected track	Choose Toggle session pause and restart	Choose Clear track in Track Actions and choose the track as selected track	Choose Select previous track in Track Actions, long press to assign that	Choose Select next track in Track Actions, long press to assign that

After the assignment, enjoy!

Video tutorial about the Bluetooth binding of Loopy HD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-3RIIlfGDM

Also you can assign your own custom function such as tap tempo in Bluetooth Key Bindings.

Compatible Device

Any device with the following operating systems is compatible:

iOS 9.2 or higher

> Note: In Looper Mode, you cannot use the “AIRSTEP Spk Edition and Spark App Connect Simultaneously” function.

<h4><a name="C11"> 2. For Mobius Looper(Computer)</a></h4>

Video tutorial; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ab0nLCKWs8E

Preparation:

Make sure you have upgrade the firmware to V1.4 or above for AIRSTEP Spk Edition(99USD One). If you are using AIRSTEP/Lite, please update to V1.9.2 or above. [Firmware Upgrade Tutorial](https://www.showdoc.com.cn/AIRSTEPSpkEdition/7347640875617134 "Firmware Upgrade Tutorial")
Download and Install the ASIO Driver for Spark 40 Amp if you are using Windows PC: https://help.positivegrid.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039598451-Installing-Windows-Driver-for-Spark-Video-Tutorial-
Download and Install the Mobius Looper software: https://www.circularlabs.com/download2/download.html

Step 1.

For AIRSTEP Spk Edition( The 99USD One): Press and hold the B + C footswitch and turn on the power switch to enter the Looper Mode of AIRSTEP Spk Edition. For AIRSTEP/Lite: Update to the newest AIRSTEP App, then load and save the “Spark Looper” preset.

Looper Mode Function:

Footswitch	FS A	FS B	FS C	FS D	FS E
Function	Record	Overdub	Undo/Clear	CH-/Track	CH+/Track+

> Long press to trigger if there is a second function.

Step 2.

Bluetooth pair AIRSTEP Series in your computer’s Bluetooth setting. If your computer does not have the Bluetooth module, please purchase a Bluetooth USB adaptor that supports Bluetooth 4.0 or above. Check the LED indication to make sure it is well set.

For AIRSTEP Spk Edition(The 99 USD one): Solid green color indications to the computer, solid blue color indicates the Bluetooth tone control connection to the Spark 40 Amp. If there is blinking blue only, it means that AIRSTEP Spk Edition doesn’t connect to anything. If there is solid green with blinking blue, it means AIRSTEP Spk Edition only connects to the computer. If it is solid blue + green together(blue-green), congratulations! This is the correct connection, and you can move on to the next.

For AIRSTEP/Lite: After the successful Bluetooth connection to Spark 40 Amp, the connection indicator will indicate green. (At the same time, the connection indicator also shows the number of computer or smart devices connected, so the status of the indicator may be green/green with blue blinking/blue-green, depending on how many smart devices are connected to AIRSTEP).

After successfully setting the Bluetooth connection, turn on and connect your Spark 40 Amp to your computer with a USB cable to enable the audio path.

Step 3.

Enter Mobius Looper Software, and enter “Configuration”- ”Audio Devices”.

For ASIO Device, select”ASIO: Positive Grid USB Audio Device”
For Sample Rate, select”48000”
For Suggested Latency Milliseconds, the default value should be “1”, but if you find the sound cracking or popping while using the looper, please adjust it to a higher value to “2” or “3”. Lower number means lower audio latency, so that we don’t recommend the number above “3”.

You only need to adjust these three parameters in the Mobius Looper Software.

Video Tutorial about the setting of Mobius Looper:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ab0nLCKWs8E

Step 4.

Enter the panel of Positive Grid USB Audio Device, make sure that the buffer size correctly corresponds to the number you select in the previous step. “1” = 64 Samples “2” = 128 Samples “3” =256 Samples

Step 5.

Setting completed! Please set the language input as English to make sure works properly. Back to the Mobius Looper App, make sure that the interface of Mobius Looper is in the window focus. Press “R” on your keyboard to test, if it starts recording, enjoy!

Compatible Device

Any device with the following operating systems is compatible:

Windows 7, 8, 10
MacOS 10.5 ~ 10.14

> Note: In Looper Mode, you cannot use the “AIRSTEP Spk Edition and Spark App Connect Simultaneously” function.

I have a noticeable lag in switching channels, what should I do?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEk-PdrUljg Video tutorial.

PLEASE IGNORE THIS TUTORIAL IF YOU HAVE NO LAG ISSUE IN SWITCHING CHANNELS OF SPARK.

IT'S NOT A COMMON ISSUE SO MOST PEOPLE DON'T NEED TO DO THIS. PLEASE BACKUP YOUR HARDWARE PRESETS TO YOUR SMART DEVICE IN ADVANCE IF YOU NEED TO DO THIS FACTORY PRESET. WE DON'T RESPONSIBLE FOR IT IF YOU FORGET TO BACKUP AND LOSE YOUR PRESET : )

Spark Amp may have a switching-latency issue itself after too many connect times with either Spark App or AIRSTEP Spk Edition. If you find there is a very noticeable lag when you switch channels of the Spark Amp, Factory Reset will solve this problem. If there is no lag, please ignore this tutorial. Again: Please backup your hardware presets to your smart device before doing this.

Steps:

Turn the device off.
Press and hold the “TAP” button when turning on Spark Amp, release the TAP button when it starts to blink.
Long-press the blinking "TAP" button until all four (1~4) LEDs blink once, then release the TAP button. The TAP button needs to be released as soon as all four LEDs start to blink. Short press the TAP button to abort factory reset.
If "TAP" button is blinking and CH1 LED is on, the factory reset process is completed. *This process will reset all four presets stored on the hardware as well as Bluetooth pairing information. Forget device in Bluetooth settings before connecting again after factory reset.

It is said that if I use AIRSTEP Series to control Spark Amp, I can't use the Spark App, is it true?

NOT. You can still use all the audio-related functions on Spark App such as playing backing tracks or Jam through the Spark Amp, the only thing you cannot do is editing presets of Spark Amp while using AIRSTEP Series. Spark Amp has two different Bluetooth tunnels, one is for preset editing and the other is for audio, which is named "Spark 40 Audio". AIRSTEP Series only occupy the preset-editing tunnel, therefore nothing affecting audio-related functions. For more info about this please check AIRSTEP Series' product manual.

How do I charge the AIRSTEP Series?

5V-9V are all acceptable. You can either use the USB charging cable in accessory or your 9V pedal power.