Fractal AM4

[jbru91]

I've been enticed by some of the recent Fractal units (i.e. using the VP4 with my tube amps for effects). But now that I am not gigging at all I feel there is nothing my Axe FX III can't do with my home setup versus the combination of any of these units alone or with each other (VP4 + AM4 etc.), but maybe I am missing something. Just feels like a different form factor that is better suited for certain applications.

 

[TheGreatGreen]

Not having the Pitch, Multitap Delays, Plex Delays, and such will probably keep people with their FM3s.

I could live without multitap and plex delay, not having a pitch block that can do the super-wide VH Balance style pitch shift trick hurts.

 

[Shask]

I could live without multitap and plex delay, not having a pitch block that can do the super-wide VH Balance style pitch shift trick hurts.

I figure the Pitch block will be the big one for a lot of people. Not only pitch detune, but a lot of people are into the drop tuning, pitch capo thing these days.

 

[Corey James]

This looks cool. If I wanted to get into the a modeler I’d go this route. I’m a long time AxeFx user and use the AxeFx 3 every time I play. I bet this paired with the VP4 or the Eventide H90 would be a cool rig.

FM9 or is that missing something?

 

[TheGreatGreen]

I figure the Pitch block will be the big one for a lot of people. Not only pitch detune, but a lot of people are into the drop tuning, pitch capo thing these days.

You know, Andy Wood is doing a live demo of it right now and he addressed the lack of a Pitch block specifically. I use it to do the VH Balance thing. He did a demo with the Chorus block and honestly it did the VH thing just fine for the kinds of places you'd use the AM4 with. But yeah there's no straight up detuning or virtual capos in there.

 

[Shask]

You know, Andy Wood is doing a live demo of it right now and he addressed the lack of a Pitch block specifically. I use it to do the VH Balance thing. He did a demo with the Chorus block and honestly it did the VH thing just fine for the kinds of places you'd use the AM4 with. But yeah there's no straight up detuning or virtual capos in there.

Yeah, sometimes I use the Chorus on Dimension mode for the same type of thing, or even a dual delay or multi delay with low time and modulation.

 

[stratjacket]

FM9 or is that missing something?

FM9 would be great as well. My preference would be to go for the full FM9. But if someone already had the VP4, I think adding the AM4 would pair nicely. Just depends on what someone might already have. I think if I had nothing and wanted to try amp modelers, the AM4 is a good entry point. Over 240 amps, 75 drives, over 150 effects, Fractal quality for $699 is a pretty good deal.

 

[BenoA]

I am new to the Fractal ecosystem and was exploring all the units on the Fractal web site. I a few notes, how would the new AM4 compare "sound wise" to the FM3 which looks to have more inputs/outputs options?

 

[tallcoolone]

I am new to the Fractal ecosystem and was exploring all the units on the Fractal web site. I a few notes, how would the new AM4 compare "sound wise" to the FM3 which looks to have more inputs/outputs options?

Same as a new Katana would--same same at first, new model able to upgrade. Get used to it

 

[psychodave]

Thats cool. A 1U effect processor only would be even cooler.

Single space stereo effects only with delays, pitch shift, all of the bells and whistles with the ability to use 8 effects at one time without latency. No amp sims or IR bullshit. Simple user interface with midi. Make it $800-$1000 and I’d buy it.

 

[bhuard75]

Single space stereo effects only with delays, pitch shift, all of the bells and whistles with the ability to use 8 effects at one time without latency. No amp sims or IR bullshit. Simple user interface with midi. Make it $800-$1000 and I’d buy it.

Id buy two.

This guy is missing out on an entire market segment.

Like those twoNotes weirdos completely abandoning their rack formats. Who wants that IR brick flopping around on top of an amp or pedal board. Weirdos.

 

[Spaceboy]

I am totally in on this. Of all the modeling platforms, Axe FX has been my favorite and most inspiring to work with. But I’m a simpleton and only need 3/4 base tones and some delay/reverb. This looks perfect.

 

[bubucci]

There are other products in Fractal lineup for those VH wannabies/rack boys.
This is excelent unit for live playing and for those who wants to try Fractal modelling. Great form factor, all amps, Dynacabs, drives, all classic effects. It will not work for everyone but for most of players do. Can not wait to get one.

 

[sandman]

Single space stereo effects only with delays, pitch shift, all of the bells and whistles with the ability to use 8 effects at one time without latency. No amp sims or IR bullshit. Simple user interface with midi. Make it $800-$1000 and I’d buy it.

This!

 

[TheGreatGreen]

I am new to the Fractal ecosystem and was exploring all the units on the Fractal web site. I a few notes, how would the new AM4 compare "sound wise" to the FM3 which looks to have more inputs/outputs options?

Over at the Fractal forums, Cliff just mentioned that the Amp block algorithms in the AM4 are the same as the ones in the Axe-Fx III. The AM4 also uses the same analog guitar input section as the Axe-Fx III.

In other words the AM4 sounds just as good as the Axe-Fx III. But, you can't do as much in a single patch.

 

[tallcoolone]

Too cool to wait, just placed my order. Off to Florida for a week of golf but can't wait to check this out when I get back

 

[Metalhex]

This speaks to me as a minimalist. Some crushing gain with overdrive, then press a button for some reverb and one for delay, and I'm good to go. I've always heard about Fractal effects being superb quality. So color me interested.

 

[romanianreaper]

I love when companies do stuff like this. Have price points and a wide range of products from simple to complex. Steve Vai on tour doesn't need what a bedroom player needs.

This differs from LINE 6 because those product levels lose a bit of quality between the Stomp, Helix, and Helix Stadium. Fractal is getting you the same quality amp as but simpler, which for me is better for gigs.

 

[Shask]

I love when companies do stuff like this. Have price points and a wide range of products from simple to complex. Steve Vai on tour doesn't need what a bedroom player needs.

This differs from LINE 6 because those product levels lose a bit of quality between the Stomp, Helix, and Helix Stadium. Fractal is getting you the same quality amp as but simpler, which for me is better for gigs.

Same sound quality, but less options.

 

[romanianreaper]

Same sound quality, but less options.

Yep. I think it is good because some folks don't need everything, especially at a few thousand dollars. Good to have options.