The controller itself is a knobs-n-pads affair, with several buttons, encoders, a large jog wheel, and a small, assignable XY touchpad for real-time manipulation of various effects and mixer parameters.
Software installation is straightforward, and the bus- powered controller attaches to the computer via its one and only port (a standard mini USB-to-USB A cable is provided). The SparkLE is a surprisingly intuitive system and as it turns out, it's a crazy fun way to build or record beats, as well as play beat-based music in a live context.
With the compact and affordable little brother to the Spark, their "creative drum machine," Arturia seem to be continuing the practice they began with their Keylab synthesizers - bundling hardware and software in one seamless and well- designed "hybrid" package.