Arturia Updates Spark Software Engine

Arturia_Spark_1point7Yesterday, Arturia announced the release of Spark 1.7, a major update to the software engine that drives its SPARK Creative Drum Machine and SparkLE Creative Drum Machine hybrid hardware/software instruments.

The Spark 1.7 software engine allows faster loading times for Spark Creative Drum Machine and SparkLE Creative Drum Machine users.

Key changes in SPARK 1.7

Redesigned browser with projects, kits, instruments, and samples all accessible within one easy on the eye and easy to use window. Users can filter the results list according to the elements being browsed, auto-preview instruments/ samples while browsing, and hear how samples will sound as part of the currently selected patch using the In patch preview function or by playing the selected pad.

Several new hardware shortcuts similarly speed up workflow, such as clicking the jog wheel to open the browser, then turning it to scroll through the results list in either direction, and clicking it again to select whichever result is highlighted.

Back in the creative hot seat, automation tool improvements also abound with Global automation (allowing users to globally apply incremental/decremental automation to an entire pattern), Smart automation (via various key combinations, such as right click to erase, alt+click to draw a line, shift+click to draw a global automation, and cmd+click to draw smaller resolution values), and Step automation (by pressing and holding a sequencer button and turning a knob, which results in the knob’s value being written as automation when the step button is released).

Six new stompbox-type modelled effects taken from Arturia’s well-received Wurlitzer V high-end electric piano software emulation into the creative mix. Choose from 10-Band EQ, Analog Chorus, Analog Delay, Leslie, Pitch Shift Chorus, and Vocal Filter.

Pricing and Availability. Current SPARK Creative Drum Machine and SparkLE Creative Drum Machine users can download the SPARK 1.7 update for free.  New customers can purchase SPARK Creative Drum Machine and SparkLE Creative Drum Machine from the Arturia online store or any authorised dealer for 399.00 EURO / $399.00 USD (SPARK Creative Drum Machine) or 249.00 EURO / $299.00 USD (SparkLE Creative Drum Machine).

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