Fractal Audio Systems AM4 - Amp Modeler

[ian_dissonance]

And while we're at it, here's a question regarding output settings. There's a split mode setting, allowing you to send one signal for DI usage and another "un-cab'ed" one to an amp's return or whatever. Fine...

But: Is there any other kind of split mode allowing me to send one (DI/FR) output the FOH way and the other (also DI/FR) to my monitor with the output level control only being active for the monitor feed while the level of the FOH feed stays the same? This is what I'm doing with all my setups since year's and I'd prefer not having to bring any extra tools for that to work.

This is something I’ve been looking into with it, too. So far it seems like the outputs all share level control and I’m not a big fan of the output balance + level versus L/R output level adjustments. This is the affordable way to get into Fractal amp modeling but if I wanted to use it live I’d have to build a board around it with some pitch FX and additional foot switching and at that point it’s not worth it (for me, personally, and how I like to run my setups live). I do have a modified DI box with a volume control for the parallel out, but again, another thing to mount to a board.

 

[Sascha Franck]

I feel that FAS deserved a try from me and the price point suited that risk/reward in my head.

It's not all that much different for me - but the FAS market over here is somewhat different, so I rather only buy something that would really fill a "role" slot. I would spend any "just for fun" money on guitars right now.

 

[Sascha Franck]

but if I wanted to use it live I’d have to build a board around it with some pitch FX and additional foot switching and at that point it’s not worth it (for me, personally, and how I like to run my setups live). I do have a modified DI box with a volume control for the parallel out, but again, another thing to mount to a board.

Absolutely the same for me (minus the pitch FX which I don't need). I have a small board working almost perfectly already and if at all, I'd buy a small form factor unit to get rid of all the extra stuff mounted on that board and not to expand the small board yet some more - let alone build yet another small board.

 

[JiveTurkey]

This is something I’ve been looking into with it, too. So far it seems like the outputs all share level control and I’m not a big fan of the output balance + level versus L/R output level adjustments. This is the affordable way to get into Fractal amp modeling but if I wanted to use it live I’d have to build a board around it with some pitch FX and additional foot switching and at that point it’s not worth it (for me, personally, and how I like to run my setups live). I do have a modified DI box with a volume control for the parallel out, but again, another thing to mount to a board.

I put in a wish for seperated L and R output controls. I could make ot work with a small board and a few pedals up front and in the insert otherwise.

 

[FuzzyAce]

I would spend any "just for fun" money on guitars right now.

Yes. That may never go away completely.

 

[Sascha Franck]

Yet another one: I gather EXP pedal = volume and heel position = tuner is possible, right?

 

[BROCKSTAR]

Yet another one: I gather EXP pedal = volume and heel position = tuner is possible, right?

Yes

"The AM4 can automatically show the tuner when a connected pedal, switch,or MIDI controller is in the low position (“heel down”)."

Also "Most pages also include a “Mini Tuner” in the title bar."

 

[yek]

I put in a wish for seperated L and R output controls. I could make ot work with a small board and a few pedals up front and in the insert otherwise.

Devices like below also solve the issue (I have two) but it’s more outboard gear.

This is a stereo device, but mono would suffice.

ATTY Stereo Attenuator by A-Designs Audio

ATTY Stereo Attenuator

www.adesignsaudio.com

 

[Whizzinby]

There's defenitely a part of me drooling over possibly getting my hands on some Fractal modeling (which I defenitely think of as being the best there is), but any unit I buy still needs to suit some plain practical demands, otherwise it'd be wasted money in my book.

I think the AM4 looks killer, but no harm digging in to see if it will work for you.

I ended up not buying it because, well AxeFX, but ultimately because no stereo inputs and the FX insert vs FX loop config. (Which makes sense, but still) That just ultimately wasnt going to integrate well in my pedalboard rig, for how I’d like to use it. These things can’t be everything to everybody.

 

[TheTrueZoltan!]

I just received the invite from G66 and, to be honest, I'm torn. On the one hand, I'd really love to have an AM4, but on the other hand, it won't be too long before the regular Stadium comes out. And I'll definitely only be buying one of the two devices. I had toyed with the idea of buying the AM4 and then waiting for Line 6 to release a native version of the Stadium. But who knows how long that will take. In general, I prefer plugins to external hardware for my setup, so for me the AM4 and Stadium Native would basically be the best of both worlds. On the other hand, I could imagine that the tactile experience of the Stadium Floor compared to a potential plugin could actually be a real argument in favour of the hardware, and I really don't think G66's pricing is worth supporting this time around. But there are so many pros and cons to consider. Why is there no simple cure for GAS and FOMO?

 

[Mongillo19]

I just received the invite from G66 and, to be honest, I'm torn. On the one hand, I'd really love to have an AM4, but on the other hand, it won't be too long before the regular Stadium comes out. And I'll definitely only be buying one of the two devices. I had toyed with the idea of buying the AM4 and then waiting for Line 6 to release a native version of the Stadium. But who knows how long that will take. In general, I prefer plugins to external hardware for my setup, so for me the AM4 and Stadium Native would basically be the best of both worlds. On the other hand, I could imagine that the tactile experience of the Stadium Floor compared to a potential plugin could actually be a real argument in favour of the hardware, and I really don't think G66's pricing is worth supporting this time around. But there are so many pros and cons to consider. Why is there no simple cure for GAS and FOMO?

You've had a Fractal device many times and always seem to move on to something else. What is your history with line 6? I know you played the Stadium already (albeit brief) but tone wise, the new amp models are just as good as fractal, imo. Also, gen IV of fractal is "right around the corner".

Personally, id have gas for the new toy (the stadium). You know you are buying into a long lifecycle and you might feel the AM4 is "same old fractal". Which there is nothing wrong with fractal!

I think you'd be better off with the stadium and waiting to see what Gen IV offers for the fractal. By the time that rolls around, who knows, maybe you can check out the new offers Gen IV provides!

 

[BROCKSTAR]

I just received the invite from G66 and, to be honest, I'm torn. On the one hand, I'd really love to have an AM4, but on the other hand, it won't be too long before the regular Stadium comes out. And I'll definitely only be buying one of the two devices. I had toyed with the idea of buying the AM4 and then waiting for Line 6 to release a native version of the Stadium. But who knows how long that will take. In general, I prefer plugins to external hardware for my setup, so for me the AM4 and Stadium Native would basically be the best of both worlds. On the other hand, I could imagine that the tactile experience of the Stadium Floor compared to a potential plugin could actually be a real argument in favour of the hardware, and I really don't think G66's pricing is worth supporting this time around. But there are so many pros and cons to consider. Why is there no simple cure for GAS and FOMO?

There is? Called a return window lol Try it and see if it's a keeper or return!

 

[TheTrueZoltan!]

You've had a Fractal device many times and always seem to move on to something else. What is your history with line 6? I know you played the Stadium already (albeit brief) but tone wise, the new amp models are just as good as fractal, imo. Also, gen IV of fractal is "right around the corner".

Personally, id have gas for the new toy (the stadium). You know you are buying into a long lifecycle and you might feel the AM4 is "same old fractal". Which there is nothing wrong with fractal!

I think you'd be better off with the stadium and waiting to see what Gen IV offers for the fractal. By the time that rolls around, who knows, maybe you can check out the new offers Gen IV provides!

Very good points! However, every time I don't have a FAS device again, I miss the JVM, 5150 and Atomica models. The AM4 and a (presumably future) Stadium plugin would together (also presumably) be even cheaper than just the Stadium Floor. In addition, I would then also have the FAS amp models. Furthermore, the selection of Agoura amp models is not quite to my personal taste yet (hoping for JVM, Recto, 5150, etc.). And I already have the other - excellent - effects and amp models in Helix Native anyway. Currently, the selling points for me would be touchscreen operation and Focus View. But of course, I also know that there are bound to be some really great things coming up that I might miss out on.

There is? Called a return window lol Try it and see if it's a keeper or return!

That, in turn, would not be fair to G66. I know what to expect with the AM4. With the AM4, I am somewhat held back by the thought that a new generation is already on the horizon.

 

[BROCKSTAR]

Very good points! However, every time I don't have a FAS device again, I miss the JVM, 5150 and Atomica models. The AM4 and a (presumably future) Stadium plugin would together (also presumably) be even cheaper than just the Stadium Floor. In addition, I would then also have the FAS amp models. Furthermore, the selection of Agoura amp models is not quite to my personal taste yet (JVM, Recto, 5150, etc.). And I already have the other - excellent - effects and amp models in Helix Native anyway. Currently, the selling points for me would be touchscreen operation and Focus View. But of course, I also know that there are bound to be some really great things coming up that I might miss out on.


That, in turn, would not be fair to G66. I know what to expect with the AM4. With the AM4, I am somewhat held back by the thought that a new generation is already on the horizon.

I'm not sure why it wouldn't be fair? There's a reason there's a return window? But you do what you need to do

 

[JiveTurkey]

Be the timbuk you want to see.

 

[Mongillo19]

Currently, the selling points for me would be touchscreen operation and Focus View

With that said, as cool as the touchscreen is on the Stadium (I think it's quite amazing), if you are going to be using your PC anyway, that aspect is diminished.

As for focus view, I love it for effects but honestly, it doesn't do much for me as far as amps go. Definitely a fun aspect but not sure if it's something that would put me over the edge one way or another