Please understand that Spark is not yet released and that more "official" information will be published on the Arturia website this month.
In the mean time, I'll try to answer some of your questions here.
- the pads: Spark is a drum machine. Of course, Arturia has therefore designed the pads with that in mind. They are both velocity and pressure sensitive (for the rolls), and are backlit.
As for how they feel, it is hard to describe. Every manufacturer has slightly different pads. I worked for AKAI for a long time, and even every MPC models did not feel exactly the same.
- the controller function.
When the Spark controller is used with Spark software, there's no need to assign anything. Everything is mapped automatically (as it works with Arturia's Analog Experience keyboards series). All the controls of the hardware are directly interacting with the software.
When using Spark software with another controller (which will never be as closely matched as the Spark hardware), as with other Arturia software instruments, functions of the software can be mapped to MIDI CCs either by selecting a CC from a list, or by learning the incoming data from the controller.
In the current Beta version, all the 24 sound edit knobs, plus the Tempo, Loop Divide, Loop Position, Shuffle and Volume knobs, as well as all the mixer controls can be re-assigned.
When the Spark Controller is used with another software than Spark software, a small application called Spark MIDI Control Center allows reconfiguring the control messages that are sent out. Drum Pads and Switches can send either MIDI notes or CCs. Encoders and the Touch Pad can send MIDI CCs. This utility is also able to save and recall multiple configurations of the controller for different applications. (I believe there will be already some presets provided for other popular software, such as Live, ...)
- the Analog synthesis and Physical modelling :
Each instrument has its own set of up to 6 "key" parameters to edit the sound (in addition to the selectable filter and mixer/fx controls). Those parameters are defined by the sound designers. For each instrument, the user can assign any of those parameters to the 3 sound edit knobs for this instrument on the control panel for real time control. (the other parameters are available in the Studio panel and can also be automated in the sequencer).
It might be possible to edit the Analog modelled sounds deeper in the future.
- the software : is currently in Beta Test and is being tested with major platforms. Semi-Public Beta testing, which started in February, has already helped to detect and correct early bugs. Extensive testing is ongoing until the official release, in order to provide a V1 that is as bugfree as possible.
64bit versions will be available from V1 on some platforms, but not all:
64-bit on Windows VST (Cubase 5): Spark 1.0
64-bit on Mac VST (Cubase 6) will be implemented but not for Spark 1.0.
64-bit Audio Unit (Logic): Spark 1.0
64-bit Standalone Application for Mac OSX: Spark 1.0
64-bit Standalone Applicaton for Windows7 may be implemented but not for Spark 1.0
No 64-bit RTAS because Pro Tools is not 64-bit compatible.
- and finally the release date :
I can only speak for the US. Please note that this is when the production will arrive in the US, and it may take a little time before units are actually available in individual stores.
The shipping date for other countries should be announced very soon (this week, I believe).
