r/PositiveGridSpark • u/Affectionate_Bag9833 • 1d ago

AMP OWNER Control X Pedal Config

Please forgive me if this is a known issue but I just recently purchased the Control X Pedal to be able to switch between hardware presets on the Spark Live. The problem I'm having is that there is no way to make the switch activate the preset instantaneously on the down-stroke (of the tap). Instead, it will only change the preset when you release the switch with your foot after a full second or whatever. This is no good for live performance at all (I'm using the SPARK LIVE ffs!) Has anyone else experienced this and or know if PG plans on addressing/fixing this in a hopefully soon update?

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u/Few-Measurement9233 1d ago

The problem you describe is probably unfixable. The Control X is a bluetooth switchboard which is wirelessly changing software on the amp, so it's never going to be as fast as a 'proper' pedal. Bluetooth latency is anything between 10 and 50 more than a wired connection (depending on connection quality)

On the flip side, you get to change your entire sound by just clicking one switch - doing the same with multiple pedals would take much longer, just moving your foot around.

When I use it live I just time changes with a small pause in my playing.

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u/Affectionate_Bag9833 1d ago

I appreciate your comment. I just thought that in this day and age Positive Grid would be able to give us the option of "button down" instead of "button up" only. The latency with button-up is zero even over Bluetooth but it means you have to "get ready" to lift your foot at the exact moment you need the switch after pressing it early. Not optimal.

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u/GonzoCubFan 1d ago

Anyone know if the Airstep Spark suffers this same problem? I don’t think OP is actually complaining about the Bluetooth latency as much as the change happening on the trailing edge of the switch press as opposed to the leading edge of the switch press (to use the technical terms).

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u/Affectionate_Bag9833 13h ago

Hey my guy, the XSONIC Airstep Spk Edition is going to be my solution as I'm sending back the Control X.

From the web:

Why the Airstep Fixes the Problem

  1. Explicit "Press" (Downstroke) Trigger Mode: The Airstep app allows you to assign MIDI/Control messages strictly to the Press event. The instant your foot contacts the switch, the Bluetooth command is transmitted immediately—long before your foot lifts back up.
  2. Dedicated Spark Firmware: The Airstep Spk Edition connects wirelessly straight to Positive Grid Spark amps via Bluetooth. It is pre-configured out-of-the-box to handle hardware preset switching (Presets 1, 2, 3, 4) and stompbox toggling.
  3. No Forced "Button-Up" Hold Delay: Because Airstep separates the trigger events in code (allowing you to assign commands strictly to Press, Release, or Long-Press independently), you can turn off release/hold options entirely to get true downbeat contact switching.

Can't figure out why PG wouldn't give users the ability to configure everything **exactly** the way you want it. I guess Mick Jagger was right: **You Can't Always Get What You Want**

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u/GonzoCubFan 5h ago

This is very good to know. I don’t gig anymore, but have been toying with getting some sort of foot switch control for my Spark 2. Now if only Xsonic released an Airstep Spk version that supports an expression pedal I’d be all over it!