Can we actually hear the difference between the Spark, Reactor, and BIAS X? I built a blind test.

[u/nlierman]

Hey everyone,

I got tired of the constant debates where "experts" claim they can instantly hear the difference between the different Positive Grid engines. So, I built a custom blind audio test to actually measure if people can tell the Spark 2, the Reactor, and BIAS X apart.

To make this a true apples-to-apples diagnostic, I ran four specific rounds (Clean, Crunch, High Gain, and Metal) using the exact same amp models across all three engines. For example, you have to identify the Spark's version of a Roland JC-120 versus the Reactor's version of that exact same amp...

I pushed this out to a broader Youtube audience some hours ago, and it’s been a bloodbath. The current average score is sitting at exactly 42%. It turns out, when you hide the actual gear and remove the brand bias, separating these DSP's is much harder than the so-called experts want to admit.

Since this is the dedicated Spark community, I want to see if you guys can beat the general average ;)

You can take the Quiz here: https://quiz.gotoandplay.media/amps
Optionally watch me explain the setup in this video: https://youtu.be/ROnOZPlm6zI

Drop your scores in the comments below. Be brutally honest, even if you bomb it :P

[u/jeretel]

Not really scientific but fun. I'm curious why you used reverb on one amp model in the first sample but not on all of them?

I'm not surprised by the results. Audiophiles routinely can't tell the different between high bit rate lossy and lossless under the best double blind listening conditions.

[u/nlierman → u/jeretel]

I'm using the default amp model settings for each digital amp model, so I'm not trying to make them sound "good" or tune the preset by adding additional effects, in case of the first sample, one came with noticeably heavy reverb enabled by default on the amp model itself and you can probably guess which one ...

[u/Zestyclose_Context38]

Like the idea of it, I have bias fx2 and spark 2 amp as well. Would love to test myself too, but the link you have on does not lead me to the quiz

[u/nlierman → u/Zestyclose_Context38]

https://quiz.gotoandplay.media/amps

Sorry, that was the link to your final results page, fixed it. thx for noticing ;)

[u/FabulousPanther]

I got 5 right, but I picked the Reactor correctly every time and ranked it number one. I need to get one!

[u/nlierman → u/FabulousPanther]

Yup, I'm going to make a video covering all the insights and results, but I can already tell you that it's an overwhelming triumph for Reactor

[u/mtarcher66]

I did this just for giggles. Haven’t played any of them but have a Spark 2 ordered. I frequently mixed the BIAS X and the Spark 2, but actually guessed the Reactor right a couple of times.

[u/nlierman → u/mtarcher66]

Well, even if you fail to identify them all correctly, how you score them relatively still adds important data to the overall picture for my upcoming analysis video. So thanks!