Fractal Audio Systems AM4 - Amp Modeler

[aaltool]

I've had this thing for a few weeks now. I only play through a real guitar cab (via Fryette Power Station) as I simply hate monitoring myself with headphones or studio monitors. This is my first unit from Fractal - previously I have had Kemper, Tonex and Nano Cortex, and all of them sounded wrong when playing to a guitar cab - usually very muffled, dark and having the "blanket-over-the-speaker" type of feel and effect.

The AM4, right out of the box, was better. Not as good as the amp, but a significant upgrade over the devices I mentioned above. Upon digging deeper in the menus I found the setting to select the speaker impedance curve, set it to match my current cab (I chose 2x12 Recto, as my own cab is a DIY 2x12 with V30s) and damn - that was the missing piece. Now, over the last week or so I've done A/B tests against my all-time favorite tube amp, VHT Sig X, and I am almost in disbelief as I have to say I currently like the AM4 more for pure amp sounds. I can replicate the sound and the feel of the VHT pretty much exactly and additionally I can get dozens of other amazing tones with the AM4 that the VHT cannot do (loving the cranked Deluxe Tweed at the moment!). I am still learning how to use the unit and am barely scratching the surface, but I am very impressed with this. I am seriously considering selling some, if not all, of my tube amp heads and just keeping the Fryette PS2 for amplifying the AM4.

 

[Ed DeGenaro]

It will be here tomorrow, just had the DPD email. Shifting some things around at home now in order to fit everything in.

The VP4 is going post-AM4 because of my stereo FX obsession. Initially we're looking at four dirt pedals going into the AM4. Compressor, Delay, Reverb, Amp and Cabinet. VP4 will be delay-delay-delay-chorus/pitch set to pitch chorus. Outputs from the VP4 will then get routed into one track of Reaper so I can audition the VP4 against Helix Native. I know that the amps on the AM4 beat everything else I've owned/own but the effects route is a little more nuanced. It'd be good to go for some like for like chains in VP4 and Helix Native to hear the difference.

Nice.
How you getting the impedance curve make a difference? I figured you're using it without speaker sim?

 

[laxu]

Nice.
How you getting the impedance curve make a difference? I figured you're using it without speaker sim?

The speaker impedance curve applies to the amp behavior and is part of the Amp block. So even if you don't use cab sims it will be used.

 

[laxu]

Now, over the last week or so I've done A/B tests against my all-time favorite tube amp, VHT Sig X, and I am almost in disbelief as I have to say I currently like the AM4 more for pure amp sounds. I can replicate the sound and the feel of the VHT pretty much exactly and additionally I can get dozens of other amazing tones with the AM4 that the VHT cannot do

What models/settings are you using to replicate the Sig X?

 

[aaltool]

What models/settings are you using to replicate the Sig X?

For my preferred lead settings in Sig X, I use the (surprise surprise) Fryette D60 model in "more"-setting in the AM4. Gain around noon, overdrive around 2 o'clock or so and most of the eq knobs around 3 o'clockish except keeping the bass lower. Master around 9-10 o'clock. That's the tight, dry rthythm sound I love from the Sig X. Not so good for solos, but great for tight downpicking. The D60 model in AM4 seems to have really a lot more gain on tap than my Sig X has. On the real amp I usually use Gain 2 at maximum, but the same setting in AM4 is too distorted for my liking. So the same feel can be definitely had, but not with the same exact settings.

The clean channel is a different beast though. On the cleaner settings, the Hiwatt DR103 is very close. However when the Sig X master is pushed to around 3 o'clock, it's very much like a clearer, more defined plexi with less sag. To get to the same feel I usually use a plexi model with volumes around 2-3 o'clock, very mildly boosted with an overdrive. The plexi needs a bit of post-eq to add some bass and rumble to match the Sig X, as it keeps the bottom end very controlled focused even with the master turned way up. This channel is my favorite in the Sig X and quite unique, it is so versatile.

 

[Someoldqueenorother]

Do post a review!

The initial review:

My first experience of Fractal was the FX8 which didn't last long (as @Orvillain can testify). Years later I went for an old AFX Ultra and loved it. Went up to the AFXII and it was actually disappointing. I didn't like the amps at all. An FM3 came along for a bit and was a huge step up from the AFXII. Then Fractal Icons came along. I bought pack 3 and the Vibroverb and Super Reverb absolutely blew me away. Along came the VP4 and it didn't hold any surprises really. I thought the effects would be superlative and they are. The reverbs are the standout. I really like Helix modulations and delays and these would stand up against Fractal for the most part, but Fractal reverbs are way ahead of Helix.

After two days with the VP4, I got on the wait list for the AM4, and got an email back very quickly saying they had some in stock. Let's do it.

The AM4 is now set up in my music room with SPDIF output to the VP4. Left and Right outputs to a MOTU M4 going out to Adam F5 monitors. A few dirt pedals out front.

The first steps was simple stuff. Dirt pedals into an amp with a little delay for ambience. It delivers and it makes me want to play things I've not done before. I'm not a huge blues guy or Pink Floyd but having these sounds has taken me into playing things I haven't done before like Albert King, Hendrix, Pink Floyd, SRV... all sorts. There's been a few 'Cripes, I can actually play that well' moments. I'm not a hugely confident guitarist and I am a terrible PR company for myself. This morning with the Swart Space Tone model, I really did disappear for an hour doing Albert King stuff.

Going a bit further, I set up the Tube Pre and then a load of delays and choruses. I'm a huge Robin Guthrie fan and rigging up a simple amp followed by chorus - delay - delay - chorus on the VP4 is total Cocteau Twins heaven. Patching in Helix Native in Reaper to come in after the VP4 was a good experience as well. Sometimes the less wow Helix effects actually work better than the more wow Fractal effects for certain things.

Over the weekend I want to test Valhalla Delay and Futureverb against the VP4 equivalent sounds.

Pros:

-The respective PC editing software for each unit. I've not consulted any manual or guide for either. It really is easy to use.
-the ease with which one goes into Expert Edit.

Cons:

This really is a personal thing. In real life I usually use the Low input on amps. Having the easy select in Icons for low input is nice. Having to set input trim on AM4 takes a little bit long. Actually having the AM4 has made me realise how damn good Icons is as a simple 'click and play' option.

I'll waffle next month when I've had more time with both units.

 

[laxu]

This really is a personal thing. In real life I usually use the Low input on amps. Having the easy select in Icons for low input is nice. Having to set input trim on AM4 takes a little bit long. Actually having the AM4 has made me realise how damn good Icons is as a simple 'click and play' option.

Yeah I think it would be nice if they added an input toggle dropdown to the "authentic" page for amps that have high/low inputs.