I think if they took a good look at Spark, they'd re-invest some time to make a Spark 3.
And I, for one, would pay for it. (as long as it included CDM support.)
What the heck is CDM support??
Personally the thing that kind of ruins Spark to me is the same thing that ruins Maschine, I don't know of any "song" mode that allows you to record yourself jamming out patterns into the song layout. You're stuck arranging the patterns by hand and with the computer. That would be a big change, along with a way to record a pattern that overlays things like cymbal hits etc. after the arrangement is done.
Spark 3 added those things in I would update in a second, honestly though if Spark 3 came out I would probably just update. I prefer the MIDI drop single song pattern approach of Spark over Maschines 16 MIDI channel, multiple port approach.
CDM support means their first hardware controller for the software. The one before the SparkLE, which they sell now.
The CDM is a good deal larger, AND has a small screen. It ALSO (and wonderful-wonderfully) has three assignable knobs PER PAD (easily set up using the hardware, to boot. Change the assignment on-the-fly) The SparkLE has only the one set of 3 knobs shared by all of them.
I got the Spark software with the V Collection 4, and BOY was it awesome when I got the hardware controller about a year later. Its layout is exactly the same as the software's, which is nice and intuitive.
Well ... here .... take a look:
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hbcdhfo1fE4/maxresdefault.jpgI got mine off eBay for a really good deal. The box was beat to hell, but the unit is self is in almost new condition. And I LOVE using it. Pretty much don't have to touch the software AT ALL, nor really even look at the screen. You can access pretty much everything directly on the controller. And it's pretty smooth and intuitive to use, as well. ... Building kits using the controller only can be slow and tedious perhaps. But it's great for jamming or performance.
RE: " I don't know of any "song" mode that allows you to record yourself jamming out patterns into the song layout. You're stuck arranging the patterns by hand and with the computer."
A workaround for that is to set your DAW to record MIDI OUTPUT. And make sure Spark is set (Preferences page) to send MIDI from the sequencer (and pads, cuz why not .. and it's prolly a good idea to set it to import and export Spark format MIDI)
That'll also then capture any live improv you might do on the pads to add to a sequence, right? I'm not sure if it records knob tweaking tho. I've never tried it.
You have to remember to set you DAW to record the OUTPUT of the track rather than the MIDI INPUT. I've helped several people who had difficulty with the proper setup to record MIDI performance out.
Also VERY VERY IMPORTANT is to go in and make sure Host is turned OFF within Spark. Otherwise Spark will not only play the recorded MIDI, but start playing whatever pattern is selected as well. Of course, leave Tempo Sync on. Host simply starts Spark playback when the host starts playback.
The thing is, Spark doesn't remember this setting per-project. So if you're make one setup with recorded MIDI with Host and save it, then go to another project that needs Spark itself to play the patterns, you will find that Host is now turned off and must be re-enabled.
Yeah, it's a PITA. Perhaps I should report that as a bug.
You're right tho. It'd be nice if Spark itself would record performances into the Song mode sequence. I'd not expect that to be put in there. No new features, pretty much just bux fixes.
Do not expect a Spark 3. I have communicated directly with them. It is more than unlikely, sadly.
I mean HELL! I would freakin LOVE IT if, rather than have the CDM's screen constantly scrolling the project name (useless) it would actually keep useful and pertinent information on the screen. (user-assignable and/or auto-change on-the-fly as knobs are used)
For instance: Even tho the screen is only two lines by I-forget-how-many-characters, it has enough space there to display what functions are assigned to the pad. Cuz the pad has three "current functions" at a time, right? Cuz there's three pad modes. ... I'll often try to switch from one mode to another, and have to cycle through them because I'm unsure what is already assigned to that mode -- or how many presses it will take to get to the mode I DO want.
There's plenty of other "I wish" for a Spark 3, but like I said .... As far as I can tell, it's pretty much a no.
