I would also like the option for a count-in when recording, and I do miss the fact that there is no tap tempo button, maybe they can add that by using select+play/pause. There are a few things I would like to see maybe in a software update, like the ability to quickly change the volume of a specific pad by pressing a combination of select+pad+turning the volume knob…I think that would be super fast and useful. I give SparkLE 4.5 out of 5 subs, it’s truly a well constructed instrument with a powerful software brain that invites you to dig in and explore. The bottom line is this thing is super fun and inspires plenty of creativity. I can see this being useful to people who just want a really great drum machine with tactile control, as well as sound designers that are looking to create new sounds and drums for their instruments and libraries.Įspecially with the physical modeling and virtual analog synth engine…which of course, is based on the same TAE technology that they use in their vintage synthesizer plugins.Įven if you don’t think you want a new drum machine….take a look at this!

The built in effects allow you to sculpt your sounds how you see fit and having it’s own mixer lets you get the levels just right. The sounds are full, punchy, dynamic, and inspiring just to name a few things! The modeling engine also allows you to get in and experiment with new sounds and textures to create your own drums, percussion, and fx sounds. This thing has some nice full sounding drums! The virtual analog section allows you to playback and recreate many classic and vintage drum sounds including the popular 808, 909, and other TR machines.īut not only does it do synth drums well, it does acoustic just as good thanks to it’s sample playback and physical modeling engine. It works standalone as well as a plugin in any DAW you can imagine. You have tons of room for all sorts of patterns and you can even string them into songs if you wish. You get 3 types of synthesis with which to create or playback sounds and samples. The SparkLE is much smaller and sleeker than the standard Spark controller, but still has plenty of hands on control. It’s a software/hardware hybrid dedicated to giving you the full experience of a hands on drum machine and groove box. This is a “scaled down” version of their Spark creative drum machine instrument. I loved the form factor and build quality so you know I was excited when Arturia sent one over for review.

Hey what’s up fam, back with another treat for ya!Įver since I saw the new SparkLE drum machine at NAMM I was obsessed with it.

Arturia spark expansion packs