Positive Grid Review: The Future of Guitar Tone Is Here
Hey there, fellow guitar geeks! If you‘re like me, you‘re always on the hunt for new gear to help you sound your best and have more fun playing. And let me tell you, I‘ve found the holy grail with Positive Grid.
This innovative company is revolutionizing the way we create, practice, and think about guitar tone. By harnessing the power of mobile processing and intelligent features, Positive Grid is blurring the lines between hardware and software to give guitarists of all levels access to truly jaw-dropping sounds and capabilities.
I‘ve been using Positive Grid products both on stage and in my home studio for a while now, and I‘m absolutely blown away. From the hyper-realistic BIAS amp modelers to the endlessly customizable Spark practice amp, this gear has completely transformed my playing and sparked so much creativity.
If you‘re looking to supercharge your guitar experience with next-generation tools, you need to know about Positive Grid. In this in-depth review, I‘ll take you on a personal tour of their game-changing lineup and share why I believe this brand is the future of modern guitar.
BIAS Software: Unrivaled Amp Modeling and Effects
At the heart of the Positive Grid ecosystem is the BIAS (which stands for Basic Intelligent Audio Software) lineup. Available in both desktop and mobile versions, this software is hands-down the most powerful and authentic-sounding amp/effect modeling I‘ve ever used.
What sets BIAS apart is its use of advanced component-level modeling, which meticulously recreates the actual circuit behavior of real amps and pedals. By analyzing the physical components and voltages of iconic gear like classic Marshall plexis or Tube Screamer stompboxes, the BIAS software is able to deliver stunningly realistic tones that respond just like the originals.
BIAS FX 2, the flagship multi-effects studio software, includes a massive collection of painstakingly modeled gear:
| Gear Type | Number of Models |
|---|---|
| Amplifiers | 100+ |
| Effects Pedals | 100+ |
| Studio Rack Effects | 50+ |
| Guitars | 50+ |
We‘re talking spot-on recreations of everything from vintage Fender combos to modern Mesa Boogie high-gain monsters, all with adjustable mic placement, room simulation, and even the ability to load your own impulse responses for 3rd party cab sims.
The effects selection covers all the bases, from lush Strymon-esque reverbs to the famous Ibanez Tube Screamer and beyond. And with the Amp Match feature, you can even clone the sound of your own amps by taking a photo of the control panel!
BIAS Amp 2 turns the amp modeling up to eleven, with an insane level of customization:
| Amp Component | Adjustable Options |
|---|---|
| Preamp Tubes | 20+ |
| Power Amp Tubes | 30+ |
| Transformers | 20+ |
| Tone Stacks | 20+ |
| Cabs | 50+ |
| Mics | 10+ |
Want to create your dream amp by mixing and matching the preamp from a Plexi, the power section from a Bogner, and the tone stack from a Dumble? Go for it. BIAS Amp 2 lets you get as deep as you want, with every component swappable for authentic dynamic interaction. It‘s like having a unlimited amp collection at your fingertips.
I‘ve used amp sims from other big names like Line 6, Kemper, and Fractal, but nothing comes close to the level of depth and realism I get with BIAS. The tones are lively, responsive, and just plain inspiring to play through. And with the endless tweakability, I feel like I‘m always discovering new sounds.
If you‘re an amp/effect connoisseur like me and want the most authentic and diverse tones in the box, the BIAS software is an absolute must-have. Be warned though – once you dive in, you may get lost for hours sculpting your perfect virtual rig!
Spark Amp: The Smartest Practice Tool Ever
As much as I love the BIAS software, there‘s something special about playing through a real amp. That‘s where the Positive Grid Spark comes in. More than just a practice amp, the Spark is an intelligent jamming companion that helps you learn, write, and create with ease.
The first thing you notice about the Spark is how great it sounds for its size. With 40 watts of power and two custom-designed speakers, this little amp delivers rich, dynamic tones that belie its desktop footprint. The built-in BIAS amp modeling and 30 included effects give you access to a wide range of sounds, from spanky cleans to high-gain chunk.
But the real magic happens when you connect the Spark to your phone via Bluetooth and dive into the Spark app. This is where the intelligent features shine.
With the Auto Chords function, the Spark can listen to any song you‘re jamming along to (whether from Spotify, YouTube, or your own library) and automatically display the chords in real-time. As someone who loves to learn by ear, this is a game-changer. No more scouring sketchy tab sites or trying to find the right key – the Spark does it all for you.
The fun doesn‘t stop there. The Spark‘s Smart Jam feature actually generates authentic bass and drum backing tracks based on what you play. Just strum a few chords or play a riff, and the Spark will create an entire backing band that dynamically follows your playing. It‘s like having a virtual rhythm section at your beck and call, making practice and songwriting sessions fun and productive.
Other neat features include 4 programmable effects modules (mod, delay, and reverb), a built-in tuner and metronome, and USB recording capabilities. The tones are also expandable via the ToneCloud community, where users upload custom presets for you to try.
I‘ve been using the Spark as my go-to practice amp for a few months now, and it‘s become an indispensable tool. The auto-chord and backing track features make learning songs and coming up with ideas so much easier and more engaging.
One of my favorite things to do is pull up a random backing track and just improvise over it for hours – it‘s like having a never-ending jam buddy! I‘ve noticed a big improvement in my timing and feel since I started using the Spark regularly.
If you‘re looking for a fun, feature-rich practice amp that will help you progress faster and unlock your creativity, I can‘t recommend the Spark enough. It‘s not just a great amp, but an invaluable learning and composition tool.
BIAS Mobile Apps: Killer Tones on the Go
As a gigging guitarist, I‘m always looking for ways to simplify my rig and get great tones without hauling a ton of gear. That‘s where the BIAS mobile apps come in. These iOS and Android apps shrink down the power of the BIAS desktop software into streamlined, touch-friendly interfaces that you can use anywhere.
BIAS FX Mobile is like carrying a fully-stocked pedalboard and amp collection in your pocket:
| Gear Type | Number of Models |
|---|---|
| Amps | 25 |
| Pedals | 48 |
| Rack Effects | 12 |
| Factory Presets | 60 |
From lush ambient patches to searing lead tones, there‘s something for every style and taste. You can easily customize your signal chain by dragging and dropping pedals, swapping out amps/cabs, and adjusting settings. It‘s incredibly intuitive and a joy to use, especially with the multi-touch controls.
BIAS Amp 2 Mobile brings the deep amp customization of the desktop version to your phone or tablet:
| Amp Component | Adjustable Options |
|---|---|
| Preamp Tubes | 8 |
| Power Amp Tubes | 10 |
| Transformers | 8 |
| Tone Stacks | 7 |
| Cabs | 15 |
While not quite as expansive as the full BIAS Amp 2, the mobile version still gives you a ton of options for crafting your dream amp. You can mix and match components, tweak bias points, and shape your tone with a virtual 9-band EQ. It‘s like having a high-end amp modeler right in your pocket.
One of my favorite things about the BIAS mobile apps is their integration with the ToneCloud community. This online platform lets users upload and share their custom presets, which you can then download and use in the apps. It‘s an incredible resource for finding new sounds and getting inspiration from other players.
I‘ve used the BIAS mobile apps extensively for practice, demoing song ideas, and even live performances. The tones are extremely convincing – I‘ve fooled sound guys who thought I was playing through a real amp! And with the onboard preset storage, I can access all my favorite sounds even without an internet connection.
If you‘re a guitarist on the go who needs access to world-class tones anytime, anywhere, the BIAS mobile apps are an invaluable tool. They‘ve completely changed the way I approach mobile playing and opened up so many creative possibilities.
The Verdict: A Must-Have for Modern Guitarists
As you can probably tell by now, I‘m a huge fan of Positive Grid. This company is doing something truly special and innovative in the guitar world, and I believe their products are essential tools for any modern player.
What impresses me most about Positive Grid is their commitment to pushing the boundaries of what‘s possible with guitar technology. By leveraging the power of mobile processing and intelligent DSP, they‘re creating gear that not only sounds amazing, but actively helps you become a better guitarist.
Whether you‘re a beginner looking for an engaging way to practice, a gigging musician who needs reliable tones on the road, or a studio hound seeking the ultimate in customizable amps and effects, Positive Grid has something to supercharge your playing.
The BIAS software is the most authentic and flexible modeling I‘ve ever used, with endless options for crafting your perfect rig. The Spark amp is a game-changing practice tool that makes learning and writing music more fun and productive than ever. And the BIAS mobile apps put uncompromising tone and creative power right in your pocket.
But beyond the individual products, what really sets Positive Grid apart is their holistic, musician-first approach. This is a company that truly cares about helping guitarists develop their skills, express their creativity, and find joy in playing. They‘re not just selling gear – they‘re empowering us to become better musicians.
In a world of cookie-cutter gear and soulless software, Positive Grid is a breath of fresh air. They‘re proving that technology can enhance and inspire our musical journeys, not just replicate old analog gear. And for me, that‘s the most exciting thing happening in the guitar industry right now.
If you‘re serious about your playing and want to experience the cutting edge of guitar innovation, I cannot recommend Positive Grid highly enough. Trust me – once you dive into the amazing tones, intelligent features, and supportive community they offer, you‘ll never want to go back to traditional gear.
So what are you waiting for? Check out Positive Grid today and discover just how inspiring and fun modern guitar can be. I promise you it will transform the way you play, practice, write, and think about tone.
Happy shredding!
