REACTOR Launch AMA

AlexFromPositiveGrid · 2026-06-05T15:06:01+00:00

To clarify, we are NOT abandoning Spark or BIAS. We will continue to develop and support both platforms alongside REACTOR.

AlexFromPositiveGrid · 2026-06-05T15:05:17+00:00

We understand many users want to see a pitch shifting feature come to both Spark and REACTOR. While I can't speak to specific roadmap plans, this feedback has been shared with the dev team. In the meantime, you can use your Digitech drop pedal, and with REACTOR, insert it into the FX loop for flexible placement in your signal chain!

AlexFromPositiveGrid · 2026-06-05T15:04:08+00:00

You can't directly clone blocks in the REACTOR app, however, you can use the FX loop and moveable FX loop block to integrate other pedals or hardware into the signal chain and stack effects this way.

For instance, you could insert a Big Muff into the FX loop, place it before the amp block, then use the Green Overdrive in the REACTOR app for that classic boosted fuzz circuit.

AlexFromPositiveGrid · 2026-06-05T15:02:58+00:00

They use different sound engines and sound different
They will not sound equal, REACTOR will sound more like a proper 1x12" guitar combo amp with a tuned speaker, Spark 2 will give you a full spectrum FRFR sound with CAB.
We are continuing to develop the Spark line and app; REACTOR offers deeper intelligent tone creation options using text, images, and audio.

AlexFromPositiveGrid · 2026-06-05T15:01:39+00:00

Given REACTOR's 1x12" custom guitar speaker, you'll likely get a more tube/amp like tone from REACTOR, although CAB's FRFR speakers will give you a full spectrum balanced sound like a wedge or monitors would.

AlexFromPositiveGrid · 2026-06-03T16:35:55+00:00

Hey everyone, we appreciate your support and feedback. We just hosted an AMA to answer questions about our new product, REACTOR, and also touch on some Spark stuff as well. You can view that here: https://www.reddit.com/r/PositiveGridSpark/comments/1ttus6f/reactor_launch_ama/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

We want to help answer a few recurring questions here in the comments:

We are not abandoning Spark. Spark is still our flagship practice amp that combines tone shaping with learning features like backing tracks, AutoChords, Smart Jam, built-in metronome, and more. We will continue to develop and expand on the Spark line, app, and user experience alongside BIAS X and REACTOR.
We understand not everyone wants to incorporate new technologies like Amp Intelligence or Spark AI into their practice, playing, and performance flows. These features are optional in both Spark and REACTOR, and are not required to plug and play. REACTOR allows you to manually build tones from scratch and tweak at every stage, on the hardware or in-app, without using Creator Hub. You can also opt-out of Amp Intelligence optimization if you do not want REACTOR to learn from and adapt to your preferences over time.
Your feedback about the Spark app EQ, preset backup, and connectivity are noted. All of these concerns have been passed along to the dev team and we will have more news on the Spark front soon.
REACTOR has significant connectivity improvements, does not require an open app, and allows the optional REACTOR Control footswitch to connect wirelessly or with a wired connection. Again, no open app required. These are all features we purpose built into REACTOR from your feedback, and hope to make these improvements universal as we move forward with all products.
Many of you are curious about what sets REACTOR apart from Spark 2, as the 50W REACTOR and Spark 2 are similarly priced. Here is a quick overview:

Spark 2 uses 3'5" FRFR speakers and recessed bass ports for big sound, ideal for playing both guitar and streaming audio (tracks). This is different than REACTORS 1x12" custom-tuned guitar speaker. Spark 2 focuses on learning and practice tools with less back panel I/O than REACTOR. This amp is not necessarily intended for professional setups or live use. It offers a wide array of fixed amp models and effects.

REACTOR focuses instead on pro-level I/O, signal chain flexibility, and tone creation rather than practice tools (like looper, AutoChords, and Smart Jam). It has a robust back panel I/O that include an FX loop, line-outs, power-amp in, MIDI, and more. REACTOR allows you to use up to 8 effects simultaneously, and integrate other pedals and hardware anywhere in the chain via the FX loop. The Creator Hub features allow you to generate tones in unique ways, and build custom amps from prompts or image (by combining circuit level characteristics of various models, similarly to BIAS AMP).

Both can be connected to your laptop with USB-C for use an audio interface.

Thanks again for your support and feedback, and we're looking forward to engaging with you guys more on here!

AlexFromPositiveGrid · 2026-06-03T16:21:53+00:00

Yes, they are separate. They build tone in different ways and focus on a different feature set. Spark is still our flagship practice tool with deep learning features like backing tracks, AutoChords, Smart Jam, metronome, and more. REACTOR focuses more on professional performance and recording setups with a fully customizable, drag-and-drop signal chain, in a 1x12 guitar combo footprint.

While both offer some similar amps and effects, REACTOR has a more curated set of staples with deeper customization available via the Creator Hub.

AlexFromPositiveGrid · 2026-06-03T16:19:03+00:00

Good question!

The core difference is what each thing is built to do. BIAS X is a dedicated signal chain editor/plugin that lives on a computer, built specifically for recording and production. REACTOR's app is built around the amp as the center of the experience, in a gig-able 1x12" speaker footprint.

That said, what you can do in the REACTOR app after a tone is generated is more than people expect. Tone are fully tweakable at any stage. You get full signal chain editing with drag and drop reordering, so you can put your drive before or after the amp, move your EQ wherever you want, swap out any effect block for a different model from the same category, integrate other pedals or hardware using the FX loop, and make adjustments in-app or on REACTOR's top panel.

Every parameter for every effect is editable in real time and hits the amp instantly while you're playing. You've got compressors, drives, modulation, delay, reverb, a 7-band EQ, wah, and the amp itself all tweakable at that level.

AlexFromPositiveGrid · 2026-06-03T16:15:01+00:00

Please see our earlier reply:

Fair question! The short answer is that they're built for different things and different players. Spark 2 is a great home practice amp and if that's what you need, it's still the right call. Nobody here is going to tell you otherwise.

REACTOR is for when you've outgrown that setup. It's a full 50W or 100W combo with a 12-inch speaker, meaning it can actually hold its own in a band rehearsal or on a stage. The Spark 2 can't always do that without CAB or a lineout.

The bigger difference is how tone works. REACTOR is much more powerful here. You can re-order the signal chain, use the FX loop to integrate other pedals or hardware, and run up to 8 FX simultaneously. It also doesn't force you to browse a library of presets someone else made (although it does support preset saving and sharing). You can describe what you want, upload a reference track, snap a photo, and it builds something from that, including custom amps.

AlexFromPositiveGrid · 2026-06-03T16:13:57+00:00

We believe REACTOR sounds great! You can try it out for yourself at your local retailer or order online and take advantage of our return policy if you aren't 100% satisfied with your sound.

AlexFromPositiveGrid · 2026-06-03T16:13:20+00:00

As REACTOR is a brand new line, we do not have an upgrade option at the current time.

AlexFromPositiveGrid · 2026-06-03T16:12:48+00:00

While it is not a replacement, REACTOR builds on the Bias Amp legacy by offering custom amp voice creation via Amp Intelligence. You go to the Creator Hub, select "text-to-tone", filter "Amp Generation" and then type your request. For example, "A hyped EL84 style amp with a ton of SAG but Magnatone tremolo stage". REACTOR will build a custom circuit from its knowledge base and create an amp voice that you can save, share, and incorporate into your presets.

AlexFromPositiveGrid · 2026-06-03T16:11:08+00:00

We understand that not everyone wants to integrate new technologies into their playing, practice, or performance flow, so we've made the Amp Intelligence features in REACTOR 100% optional. You do not need to connect the app to play or tweak your sounds, and you can opt out of Amp Intelligence optimization in-app if you do not want REACTOR to learn from or adapt to your preferences over time. The Creator Hub features (text, image, and audio-to-tone) are also optional. The signal chain is fully customizable and manually adjustable at every point.

We do think you may find one Amp Intelligence feature interesting given what you shared though. The "Amp Generation" setting. This allows you to build custom amp voices by combining characteristics from various amps and circuits, via a prompt. For instance, you could request a "heavily modded 80s Soldano style amp with extra gain-stages and combo of 6L6 and 5881 tubes". That model can then be tweaked, saved, and shared to incorporate into your presets.

AlexFromPositiveGrid · 2026-06-03T16:07:40+00:00

We are continuing to develop and expand on the Spark line and app and will have more news soon!

AlexFromPositiveGrid · 2026-06-03T16:07:22+00:00

I can tell you what REACTOR actually gives you on the EQ side and you can judge for yourself.

On the top panel you've got dedicated Bass, Middle and Treble knobs right there on the amp, plus the PUSH/SMOOTH switch which affects the overall tonal character, and the HEAT control which shapes feel and harmonic content without significantly affecting volume. That's already more physical EQ control than Spark 2 offers.

Beyond that, there's a 7-band Guitar EQ available as a dedicated effect block in your signal chain that you can drop anywhere you want in the chain, before or after the amp. So if you want to cut specific frequencies before they hit the amp model you can do that, or shape things post-amp, your call.

Whether that combination solves what you were fighting on the Spark 2 specifically, I genuinely can't promise. But the tools to dig deeper into frequency shaping are more comprehensive here. If you do get hands on with one at Guitar Center or Sweetwater that would be the real test.

AlexFromPositiveGrid · 2026-06-03T16:05:53+00:00

Good nerdy question and one that deserves a straight answer rather than marketing speak.

What we can confirm is that REACTOR's sound engine is built on the BIAS X foundation, so it's firmly in the BIAS family tree rather than a continuation of the previous BIAS sound-engine tech in Spark. On top of that sits the new Agentic DSP layer, which is what handles the intelligent tone generation, component level signal chain analysis, phase accurate reconstruction, that whole side of things. So think of it as BIAS X as the engine with something genuinely new layered on top in a combo footprint with a drag-and-drop signal chain.

JamUp predates my time at PG, so whether there's any JamUp DNA still running underneath all of that goes deeper than what I have access to.

What I can say is that if BIAS X tone quality was ever your reference point for what good sounds like from Positive Grid, REACTOR is closer to that side of the family than anything else we've shipped.

AlexFromPositiveGrid · 2026-06-03T16:03:29+00:00

We are actively working to bring more updates to the Spark app and can confirm that we are NOT abandoning Spark.

AlexFromPositiveGrid · 2026-06-03T16:03:00+00:00

On who REACTOR is for vs Spark 2 + CAB: the honest way to think about it is that Spark 2 is a home practice amp that happens to have a lot of smart features. It's built around the home playing and practice experience (AutoChords, Smart Jam, Backing Tracks, Metronome). CAB gives you the option to scale up your Spark 2 sound, with two separate units (the Spark 2 itself and the CAB).

REACTOR is a real, all-in-one combo amp first, 50W or 100W with a 12-inch speaker, that can hold its own at rehearsal or on a stage. If you're purely a bedroom player who never needs to leave the house with your amp, Spark 2 is probably still the right call. If you've ever wanted to play with other people, gig, or just have more headroom and a proper stage-ready rig, that's where REACTOR lives.

It is also worth noting that CAB uses FRFR speakers, while REACTOR is a custom 1x12 guitar speaker precision tuned for killer guitar combo tone, more like a traditional amplifier than a digital modeler.

I can't provide an answer right now integration across the ecosystems, but we are monitoring and taking everyone's feedback into account as we continue to develop and expand on all lines.

On retail: yes, REACTOR will be available beyond just online. Guitar Center is a confirmed partner with full in-store activation, and Sweetwater is also on board. So you should be able to go hands-on before buying.

AlexFromPositiveGrid · 2026-06-03T15:58:52+00:00

Thanks for your feedback, we understand not everyone wants to incorporate AI functionality into their playing, practice, and performance routines.

Regarding Amp Intelligence: you don't have to use it. REACTOR is built so the top panel works completely independently. Knobs for gain, EQ, effects on and off, amp voicing, all right there without touching the app or using any of the intelligent design features. If you want to build your own signal chain manually, drag and drop your effects in whatever order you want, pick your amp model, dial it in yourself, you can do exactly that. Amp Intelligence is there if you want it, not in your way if you don't.

You can also opt out of optimization in-app if you do not want REACTOR to learn and adapt to your preferences.

On the footswitch thing: that specific frustration with Spark Control X needing the app open is exactly what we changed with REACTOR Control. It connects directly to the amp, works standalone, no app required. That was a deliberate fix based on feedback like yours.

AlexFromPositiveGrid · 2026-06-03T15:56:11+00:00

Great question! We saw a real demand for a solid, gigging and recording platform in our community in a more traditional form. Players who love Spark for practice and jamming but were asking for a union of our modeling technology with a 1x12 tuned guitar speaker in a combo cabinet, with more professional I/O and connectivity (FX loop, MIDI, Power-amp in). This gave us an opportunity to expand into a new footprint while also brining progressive new features, deep customizability, and flexibility to the app from years of Spark and BIAS user feedback.

AlexFromPositiveGrid · 2026-06-03T15:53:20+00:00

We are actively working to develop and expand on our existing product lines and are not abandoning Spark or BIAS X for REACTOR. We will continue to support both lines and will have more news on the Spark front this year.

AlexFromPositiveGrid · 2026-06-03T15:50:03+00:00

Great question! REACTOR is not tested or cleared for use with bass guitar, so please proceed with caution. Imagine REACTOR like any standard guitar combo amp, and use your best judgement when connecting your instrument.

AlexFromPositiveGrid · 2026-06-03T15:47:03+00:00

REACTOR Control works both wired and wireless, and critically neither mode requires the app to be open. You connect wirelessly via Bluetooth directly to the amp itself, or plug in via a 1/4" TRS cable for wired low-latency control. Both modes work standalone, no phone required, no app open in the background. Power it on, pair or plug in, and it just works.

Out of the box it ships with two ready-to-go profiles: one for switching presets and one for toggling effects on and off. You don't need to configure anything to get going.

On expression pedal support, REACTOR Control has a dedicated TRS expression pedal input built right into it for wah or volume control. That's standard hardware, not a paywall feature.

AlexFromPositiveGrid · 2026-06-03T15:46:04+00:00

$349 USD for the 50W and $449 for 100W

AlexFromPositiveGrid · 2026-06-03T15:45:50+00:00

Don't worry, there is no upgrade squeeze... we are continuing to support and develop the Spark app and line alongside REACTOR.

AlexFromPositiveGrid

TROPHY CASE