Product Reviews

Spark is an audio-editing and mastering package designed for use in a variety of environments from CD to the Web.

Unlike the multi-track features of mainstream sequencers, Spark deals with just mono or stereo audio files. One of its main functions is to enhance existing recordings, typically those produced using multi-track sequencers. These can be individual tracks or a stereo mix of a whole song.

Spark can also be used as an audio recorder which, together with its non-linear editing features, makes it viable for speech and music. With a bit of foresight, you could edit together a radio programme.

One of the key new features is support for MP3 files. These need to be imported and then converted to AIFF format. In practice, this didn't work on MP3 files created in rival application Peak. Spark's import process went through the motions, but no file was produced, even though it could be previewed in the Import window. Files created by Spark's own MP3 export functions could be re-imported, though.

The program integrates with hardware samplers in a number of ways. It can use SCSI to transfer data or just MIDI (which is painfully slow). Spark also reads Akai sampler CD-ROMs, but this only works if your Mac has a SCSI CD-ROM drive, which eliminates iMacs, Power Mac G3s and G4s.

With a SCSI Mac, you save the selected sample by clicking on the disc icon, let Spark crash every time and then run it again - easy. Easier still, drag the sample to the desktop and hey presto, no crash! Audio files from samplers also retain their looping information, which Spark can edit. As for audio interface hardware, Spark relies on ASIO (audio

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streaming input output) drivers to communicate with these peripherals, supporting 96kHz and 24-bit resolutions.

The main Worksheet window shows the files in the top left and any associated regions (specific areas selected within an audio file). To the right, regions can be dragged into a playlist so that these selections can be strung together. It's an old approach to non-linear editing which allows you to create anything from jingles to 12in mixes from your original tune.

Applications using playlist playback can be prone to glitches where files are buttressed together. Crossfades are used to avoid this, so the transitions are smoothed. Spark's crossfade editing is impressive, but, again, minor details let the application down. Simply choosing a new crossfade curve in the Cut Editor will highlight the text, which doesn't deactivate after the selection is made and becomes impossible to read. Furthermore, the default settings put a two-second pause between all the regions in a playlist, so getting familiar with the Cut Editor's functions is essential.

The main waveform window is where the cursor selections for regions take place. If you prefer to work graphically, you can also copy and paste waveform sections here, and set up loops. The transport window also features realtime varispeed and time-stretch. While the former will speed up or slow down the audio file, going from Lee Marvin to Mickey Mouse in a twirl, the latter will change the playback speed without altering the pitch.

The effects matrix in the Master window allows up to 20 VST plug-ins to be used simultaneously, processor permitting. Spark provides 15 plug-in treatments that are an excellent complement for mastering. Effects can be replayed in realtime or applied offline to create a new track. The latter has to be done if you're treating the soundtrack of a QuickTime movie. Once the effects have been processed, the movie can be exported with the new treatments.

Unfortunately, despite boasting extensive features, this program suffers from serious glitches, and to explain them all would have taken up most of this review. This is a shame, because Spark is an innovative application with the right ideas, but not all of them are well-implemented.