This is not a detailed review as such (only had it a week) more a list of features for reference.

The basic features
Like many Line 6 products the Spider Jam (SJ) features amp models, effects, EQ and Reverb (not so many as my old POD2). You can simply dial in your preferred settings and save to one of 36 user save-able locations. It does probably in a similar way to many other amps and is probably better than some and weaker than others. The build quality seems robust although the chromed plastic knobs seem a bit of a weak point, but I don’t intend to gig it so that should not be a problem. It has a 12” Celestion speaker and a tweeter for full range sound. It compares well with other similar amps such as the Peavey Vypyr but the SJ does have more features if that’s what you want. Sound-wise the 75 watt amp is excellent, however I only play at relatively low volume (indoors) but I have seen a few reviews that suggest it is not so good at gig-level volumes.

Pre-Loaded tone
The SJ has 350 preset tones based on well known (and not so well known) songs along with ‘artist based’ presets. If you cannot find a preset tone you like then I’ll eat my hat!

The Jam tracks
There are over 100 drum loops and jam tracks to play along with in all different styles. The really useful thing is when you load a loop/track the amp automatically loads some amp/effects that will sound nice with the track. You can alter these at will though to you own liking.

The Looping
The amp has an onboard looper. It is simple in operation and allows you to record up to 99 overdubs over some of the pre-loaded drum tracks or songs. You can save up to 25-30 minutes of loops onboard the amp, but they have updated this feature – see later on. To be honest you really need to buy the pedal that goes with the amp to get the best out of it as you can control the looping with it. I will probably do this later on.

Inputs/outputs
Obviously there is a normal input for the electric guitar, but there are also inputs for MP3 player, XLR Microphone jack, aux input for acoustic guitar/bass guitar/keyboard/CD Player (you can record music from a CD player onto the amp to jam along with). When recording using these inputs they are recorded onto separate tracks (backing track, electric guitar, Microphone, Aux input) so you can balance the volume of each. There is also 1/4" headphone out/POD® 2.0-style direct out for practicing with headphones or direct recording and routable RCA outs for playing full-range backing tracks through your Hi-Fi.

Firmware and updated features
There is a firmware update available from the Line 6 site and you really need to apply this as lots of useful extra features are available, see below.

SD Card slot
The amp has a standard SD card slot on the back (up to 2 GB) which in the original firmware was only intended for firmware updates. However, you can now use this to transfer your recordings from internal memory to the SD card and onto your computer for backup. The format of the recordings is either a propriety .JAM or .WAV, the JAM format is essentially a folder with the different tracks within (guitar/backing track/Aux). The .JAM files can only be read by the amp. The .wav files are 44.1 kHz 16 bit Mono so you can transfer these to computer/Mac to edit further or you can create you own music in this format and transfer back to the amp. When you have created a loop, before you save the file you can adjust the levels of each track and then ‘save as mixdown’ to a .wav file.

Time-Stretch/Pitch/Varispeed
For any pre-loaded drum loop or jam track you can control the pitch or tempo of the track. This is really useful if you want to sync it with another track or just for fun!

Overall
I am really pleased that I bought this amp and it has so many features it will keep me happy for ages. It really assists my playing as it has many good tools for practicing. There is nothing more sobering that playing something and thinking you did pretty well only to hear the recording and it sound distinctly average and off-time….One week into ownership and I am a happy chap.
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