Fractal Audio Systems AM4 - Amp Modeler

[marshall2553]

I got mine on Saturday. I'm really liking it so far, this is what I wanted the FM3 to be. That one extra footswitch makes a huge difference. I've never really had an issue with editing on Fractal devices, but I have to admit this is much easier than the FM3/FM9. So far four blocks doesn't feel limiting, in fact it keeps me from building ridiculous kitchen sink presets and complicated footswitch layouts.

 

[EOengineer]

While I think I’m preferring the Agoura amps in Stadium ever so slightly, the AM4 continues to impress.

Honestly, it almost seems a little underpriced considering the capabilities and the apparent hardware quality.

 

[GTR37]

I got mine on Saturday. I'm really liking it so far, this is what I wanted the FM3 to be. That one extra footswitch makes a huge difference. I've never really had an issue with editing on Fractal devices, but I have to admit this is much easier than the FM3/FM9. So far four blocks doesn't feel limiting, in fact it keeps me from building ridiculous kitchen sink presets and complicated footswitch layouts.

My thoughts too

 

[Boudoir Guitar]

In reading the manual, it seems like there are no deep parameters for the amp block, so no option for bias tremolo in the amp block itself?

 

[Boudoir Guitar]

My thoughts too

I've gotten a bit better about breaking stuff up into different presets in my Axe III, but I do still feel like the FC12 is just a temptation to think about stuff I CAN do even if I don't NEED to and becomes its own Big Distraction. Too useful for its own good kinda thing.

 

[- ★ - BROCKSTAR - ★ -]

In reading the manual, it seems like there are no deep parameters for the amp block, so no option for bias tremolo in the amp block itself?

Amp, just like the other blocks / effects have expert edit mode too for deep diving. However no bias tremolo. There is a few things that were left out like that and dynamics tab from the other devices etc.

 

[Stratzrus]

I'm still trying ti decide whether to buy an AM4. I have my FM9T, and I don't have any performances that I need something compact for. So this would be purely to get the most recent cool device. I'll probably do it anyway, but I'm actually thinking it over.

I have my FM9 in the living room/studio. If I get an AM4 I'll have it in the bedroom going through a pair of Presonus 4.5 Eris monitors.

Even if they never left the home it would be a sweet pair to have.

 

[techjsteele]

Mine arrived about 30 minutes ago. Initial impressions are definitely positive and I was pleasantly surprised by the stock presets. Next step will be to tweak some amp model settings and test it with my pedalboards, but I expect the results of those tests to be positive as well.

 

[Jarick]

There were a few fun amps back in the Std/Ultra like the Brit 900, Cornford Kotzen and FAS Hellbeast.

@FractalAudio the Fabled Unicorn Devices (FUD) Dry Hump III Overdrive pairs great with the infamous Death Monger Seal Clubber XT500, or so I'm told.

There's a critical omission in the Fractal effects library.

A buddy surprised me last week dropping off a pedal from back in the day if Cliff needs an example:

 

[GTR37]

In reading the manual, it seems like there are no deep parameters for the amp block, so no option for bias tremolo in the amp block itself?

No bias trem but there about another 2 pages of deep parameters in expert edit
Power tubes , NFB, Variac
Thump pres and depth freq
Bias they are all there

 

[Boudoir Guitar]

No bias trem but there about another 2 pages of deep parameters in expert edit
Power tubes , NFB, Variac
Thump pres and depth freq
Bias they are all there

Yeah, I don’t care about those. But glad they’re there for those that do!

 

[Boudoir Guitar]

I’m gonna give it another night, but I think I’m in.
Used alone:

Block 1: Amp. Channel 1 clean blackpanel Princeton reverb; channel 2 crunchy tweed Princeton. Each with an input boost (klon for channel 1, something flatter for the tweed.
Block 2 reverb; non-spring
Block 3 tremolo (always after reverb!)
Block 4 rotary.

Running the ‘verb as a spring in front of the amp and tremolo in front of the amp would be preset #2.

Would probably also have an alternate preset dirt -> analog delay -> amp -> verb

Between my Volante and Keeley Hydra I can open that up a loooooot more since both have a useable spring reverb, the Hydra has very useable plate, and Hydra has a great tremolo.

 

[Boudoir Guitar]

Amp, just like the other blocks / effects have expert edit mode too for deep diving. However no bias tremolo. There is a few things that were left out like that and dynamics tab from the other devices etc.

One final question -- so in effects layout, the amp button toggles on/off "boost" -- is that JUST the output boost, or can I have it toggle input boost, too? I'd be okay with input boost only, or both input and output boosts.

 

[yek]

One final question -- so in effects layout, the amp button toggles on/off "boost" -- is that JUST the output boost, or can I have it toggle input boost, too? I'd be okay with input boost only, or both input and output boosts.

Currently: Output Boost.

 

[Los-D]

Would you prefer the thread be about G66 pricing and warranty?

Looks like Fedex finally located it and it's on its way. 7-day shipping - I wish Fractal didn't charge $25 shipping for that. Seems like one would expect premium 2-day shipping for that.

We're sorry your package hasn't arrived. We'll deliver it during the next business day.

 

[Boudoir Guitar]

Currently: Output Boost.

Hmmm... that's disappointing. I guess it makes sense for the envisioned use of the input boost as a high gain tightener. So I'd need to set it as a separate channel, one with input boost on the other with it off?

 

[Boudoir Guitar]

Would be REALLY nice if you could set that amp foot switch to toggle or cycle through amp channels.

The other blocks doing a little hold-to-get-to-a-different-page thing makes perfect sense. The amp button seems most intuitively seen as a channel switching button to me as that's what most people have for their real amp on a pedal board.

 

[Deadpan]

UPS sucks azz just as badly, at least in my area! FedEx is HORRID!!!!

UPS tried to deliver my 2 day late Stadium overnight delivery across the street!

 

[yek]

Would be REALLY nice if you could set that amp foot switch to toggle or cycle through amp channels.

The other blocks doing a little hold-to-get-to-a-different-page thing makes perfect sense. The amp button seems most intuitively seen as a channel switching button to me as that's what most people have for their real amp on a pedal board.

I don't think so, but configuring foot control is a very personal thing. There are two quick-jump options to amp channel control already: Amp Mode and Channel Picker. For me it wouldn't make sense using one switch to cycle through 4 channels. As a toggle between two: yes, maybe.

 

[Boudoir Guitar]

I don't think so, but configuring foot control is a very personal thing. There are two quick-jump options to amp channel control already: Amp Mode and Channel Picker. For me it wouldn't make sense using one switch to cycle through 4 channels. As a toggle between two: yes, maybe.

If I want to change channels on my amp, I don't want to have to hold one or two switches to quick-jump to another page to then press another button. I agree cycling is sub-optimal; but I'd say less sub-optimal than that. Being able to toggle between two, to me, is way more important than having four accessible but only via scenes or "quick jump".