Fractal Audio Systems AM4 - Amp Modeler

[EOengineer]

I can’t imagine expecting more value than is already being delivered by the AM4. I lump this thing in with tools like the Hx Stomp - Small boxes with limits but enough power to accomplish 98% of what I’ll ask of it. They will sell A TON of these.

Fractal could not have hit this nail more squarely on the head.

 

[PorcinePicker]

I guess I haven’t read the whole thread, but I’m not seeing a ton of “gimme the whole FM9 for $650”. I think a two-button switch with just amps would have had everyone just nodding and agreeing that that works great along the VP4. I think this on its own as-is is a one or two details away from being a “full rig” for most/a lot people and that has them wishing for whatever to make it that. Doesn’t seem unreasonable, IMO.
But hey, at least you don’t have to pay extra to use all the DSP.

Accurate.

I think there's a misconception that the exclusion of features is arbitrary or marketing driven. When Fractal says those calls were done from an engineering standpoint, I take them at their word. They have a solid track record of stuffing every feature into their hardware that's humanly possible. I don't believe they've changed that philosophy. (...and no comments about my, umm, residence. Thank you. )

 

[GTR37]

The part that I see most people miss is the channels feature
They are like it’s only 4 blocks WTF?
The stomp does 10 but then you ask then can a stomp do 4 different amps 4 different drives , 4 different verbs , 4 different delay and eq
Volume pedal , 2 Dyna cabs
Crap an OG helix would have problems w that
Nano cortex forget it , it 5 fx and yoy can’t even get the mod fx pre or post capture and that box is $549 USD
I think people really don’t get it and need to read the manual
Oh yes gapless switching and spillover check
This is an insane value for the money , for a fly rig
For a lightweight grab and go
For anyone looking to check out Fractal tones and quality even Timbuck 3 IMO

 

[- ★ - BROCKSTAR - ★ -]

The part that I see most people miss is the channels feature
They are like it’s only 4 blocks WTF?
The stomp does 10 but then you ask then can a stomp do 4 different amps 4 different drives , 4 different verbs , 4 different delay and eq
Volume pedal , 2 Dyna cabs
Crap an OG helix would have problems w that
Nano cortex forget it , it 5 fx and yoy can’t even get the mod fx pre or post capture and that box is $549 USD
I think people really don’t get it and need to read the manual
Oh yes gapless switching and spillover check
This is an insane value for the money , for a fly rig
For a lightweight grab and go
For anyone looking to check out Fractal tones and quality even Timbuck 3 IMO

Don't forget about all the modifiers stuff that other products don't do either! That kind of stuff is super fun!

 

[EOengineer]

Actually there is one thing I REALLY REALLY REALLY wish the AM4 could do. I’d like to be able to select a split output mode that defeats the cab AND power amp modeling so I can go FOH with the main output and to something like my 2:90 with the other without applying the power amp SIC to my tube power amp.

I realize taking full amp models to full range class D stuff is more common though so I’m not holding my breath.

 

[laxu]

I feel like you read my post, and just went... "yeah, but....."

It's more like "yeah, but also this is what a lot of people expect" addition. Once you establish that baseline, people expect pretty much everything new you make will also have X and Y and Z.

People (including me) were instantly asking about the pitch, plex delay etc blocks. Because that's part of what we hope Fractal will offer, and we expect they will continue improving their products unless they throw a hard "No, it cannot be done".

Then there's Boss or UA. Then it's "This is what you get, deal with it!" where people just lower their expectation to the bare minimum of a few bug fixes.

 

[Orvillain]

It's more like "yeah, but also this is what a lot of people expect" addition. Once you establish that baseline, people expect pretty much everything new you make will also have X and Y and Z.

I mean ... they shouldn't? I don't expect my kettle to feel good on my bawbag in a bath-tub, even though the toaster does.

People (including me) were instantly asking about the pitch, plex delay etc blocks. Because that's part of what we hope Fractal will offer, and we expect they will continue improving their products unless they throw a hard "No, it cannot be done".

I'm aware of how difficult it is to design these things to an expected price range. I think cutting out some heavy effects makes total sense for the product; given you can add your own pitch pedal to your board, or add a special sexy delay after it if you want. Or a VP4 for the more esoteric things.

I think it is totally fine to go, I wish it had this ... but there really should be some kind of awareness of why decisions were made.

Then there's Boss or UA. Then it's "This is what you get, deal with it!" where people just lower their expectation to the bare minimum of a few bug fixes.

Yeah, those companies (most MI companies actually) run a pretty old school business model. Line6 and Fractal are quite perculiar in how they approach things. I think often we can forget that.

I'm sure Cliff has thought long and hard about how or whether it is even possible to get those extra blocks in. If it isn't possible, or the development efforts require huge expensive rewrites, then it seems totally fair to me to make a call on it and not look back.

 

[Orvillain]

As for me .... I just got the Stadium and I really really like it. Maybe an AM4 next year, even though I do have the Axe3. AM4 would be super fun to experiment with.

 

[2112]

"Please add a pitch block so we can bitch that the virtual capo won't defy the laws of physics"

 

[ejecta]

Actually there is one thing I REALLY REALLY REALLY wish the AM4 could do. I’d like to be able to select a split output mode that defeats the cab AND power amp modeling so I can go FOH with the main output and to something like my 2:90 with the other without applying the power amp SIC to my tube power amp.

I realize taking full amp models to full range class D stuff is more common though so I’m not holding my breath.

It won’t do that?

 

[EOengineer]

It won’t do that?

The manual has split mode defeating the cab only. I’d have to defeat the power amp in the preset, which would make FOH sound lame.

 

[Orvillain]

Defeating the poweramp would require two amp models I think.

 

[iaresee]

"Please add a pitch block so we can bitch that the virtual capo won't defy the laws of physics"

Be around for enough Fractal product launches and this is where we all end up.

It's amazing how consistent the complaints are every time.

 

[ian_dissonance]

"Please add a pitch block so we can bitch that the virtual capo won't defy the laws of physics"

B…b..but what about a simple pitch shifter?

 

[Mongillo19]

"Please add a pitch block so we can bitch that the virtual capo won't defy the laws of physics"

Out of curiosity, Leon, when did you switch over to Fractal? I feel like you've been around to hear all sorts of requests.

 

[paisleywookiee]

Can the AM4 be set up for per-preset switching, so you can have one button cycle amp channels, one for delay, one reverb, etc?

But But can I?

 

[Whizzinby]

FAS amps, plus the equivalent of a FAS Timeline, FAS Big Sky, and FAS Mobius. In one box. For $699.

 

[Mongillo19]

One gripe (that I like to think is legit)

I get crabby when items that are meant to be incorporated into a larger setup have rubber feet. I wish they were more pedal like to fit on a board better. Perhaps these are easily removed and I'm complaining about nothing

 

[Ed DeGenaro]

I can’t imagine expecting more value than is already being delivered by the AM4. I lump this thing in with tools like the Hx Stomp - Small boxes with limits but enough power to accomplish 98% of what I’ll ask of it. They will sell A TON of these.

Fractal could not have hit this nail more squarely on the head.

For the US price an absolute no brainer.
If G66 had stock two days ago I’d have bought for 954€.

Now sanity is returning.
Let’s see how I feel in 2 weeks when they have stock.

 

[laxu]

Defeating the poweramp would require two amp models I think.

Why? Wouldn't it be exactly the same as other Fractal products where there's just a "disable poweramp modeling" option?