Fractal Audio Systems VP4 - Virtual Pedalboard

dk_ace said:
I thought that was a univibe clone?

D
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Eagle said:
It might be. I only listen to these things when I need it for something specific. I hardly ever use one.
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So maybe saying that it’s night and day better than the fractal rotary block as a rotating speaker simulator was a bit overblown? I’ve yet to hear a univibe that sounded like a Leslie, unless you consider anything somewhat warbly as “good enough” which I don’t. My favorite part of the Leslie sound is when it’s ramping up or braking down and you can’t get that from any univibe that I know of.

D
 
dk_ace said:
So maybe saying that it’s night and day better than the fractal rotary block as a rotating speaker simulator was a bit overblown? I’ve yet to hear a univibe that sounded like a Leslie, unless you consider anything somewhat warbly as “good enough” which I don’t. My favorite part of the Leslie sound is when it’s ramping up or braking down and you can’t get that from any univibe that I know of.

D
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No and I am taking about in front of a tube amp not in a fully digital format.
 
Noice.

RELEASE NOTES - VERSION 1.02 - NOV 27, 2024​

NEW FEATURES & UPDATES​

  • NEW! VP4 Custom Scene MIDI - Each scene within every preset can be configured to send up to four MIDI messages — either Program Change (PC) or Control Change (CC)—to external MIDI devices. This feature enables seamless integration with other MIDI-compatible equipment, allowing for automated changes when switching scenes. To set up Scene MIDI messages:
    • Open the Scene MIDI page - From Home, press PAGE RIGHT 6x.
    • The Scene MIDI page shows four scenes, each with four slots for MIDI messages.
    • Turn SELECT to the desired Scene and message slot.
    • Use Knob B to select the message type
      (PC for Program Change or CC#0-127 for Control Change).
    • Use Knob C to choose the MIDI channel (1–16) on which the message will be sent.
    • Use Knob D to set the specific value for the PC or CC message.
  • Press ENTER on the selected row to test a single MIDI message.
    Switch to Scene Mode and use the footswitches to test all four messages for any scene.
  • After configuring Scene MIDI, save the preset to retain your settings.
  • When a new preset loads, the MIDI payload for the default scene is sent automatically.
  • Note: Scene MIDI is sent only to the physical MIDI Out port. It is not echoed to USB MIDI.
  • NEW! Integral Pre drive block type based on the TC Electronics Integrated Preamp.
  • NEW! Multitap Delay models: Matterhorn, Centaurus X-3, Kilmanjaro, Strange Things, Camera Obscura.
  • Improved the following effects based on the latest Axe-Fx III enhancements:
    • Delay: Sweep Delay is improved and offers new options.
    • Multitap Delay: “Diffusor” types now include Stereo Spread and Mod Filter options
    • Filter: Fine-tuned dynamic response for Envelope Filter and Touch Wah types.
  • Adjusted the mix curve for some time-based effects so the dry level decreases more gradually as mix is adjusted above 50%.
  • Fixed minor GUI issues in the Pitch Intelligent Harmony types.
  • Fixed footswitch mapping not updating correctly after the preset is changed remotely.
  • Plus additional updates and fixes.
  • Beta 3 resolves an issue that could cause lockups, building on the improvements introduced in Beta 2.
 
Speaking of rotary cabs, I’ve been checking these out lately and they can be found for pretty cheap (under $1500).



 
DrewJD82 said:
NEW FEATURES & UPDATES
  • NEW!VP4 Custom Scene MIDI - Each scene within every preset can be configured to send up to four MIDI messages — either Program Change (PC) or Control Change (CC)—to external MIDI devices. This feature enables seamless integration with other MIDI-compatible equipment, allowing for automated changes when switching scenes. To set up Scene MIDI messages:
    • Open the Scene MIDI page - From Home, press PAGE RIGHT 6x.
    • The Scene MIDI page shows four scenes, each with four slots for MIDI messages.
      • Turn SELECT to the desired Scene and message slot.
      • Use Knob B to select the message type (PC for Program Change or CC#0-127 for Control Change).
      • Use Knob C to choose the MIDI channel (1–16) on which the message will be sent.
      • Use Knob D to set the specific value for the PC or CC message.
    • Press ENTER on the selected row to test a single MIDI message. Switch to Scene Mode and use the footswitches to test all four messages for any scene.
    • After configuring Scene MIDI, save the preset to retain your settings.
    • When a new preset loads, the MIDI payload for the default scene is sent automatically.
    • Note: Scene MIDI is sent only to the physical MIDI Out port. It is not echoed to USB MIDI.
  • NEW! Integral Pre drive block type based on the TC Electronics Integrated Preamp.
  • NEW! Multitap Delay models: Matterhorn, Centaurus X-3, Kilmanjaro, Strange Things, Camera Obscura
  • Improved the following effects based on the latest Axe-Fx III enhancements:
    • Delay: Sweep Delay is improved and offers new options.
    • Multitap Delay: “Diffusor” types now include Stereo Spread and Mod Filter options
    • Filter: Fine-tuned dynamic response for Envelope Filter and Touch Wah types.
  • Adjusted the mix curve for some time-based effects so the dry level decreases more gradually as mix is adjusted above 50%.
  • Fixed an issue with footswitch handling that could cause system lockups.
  • Fixed minor GUI issues in the Pitch Intelligent Harmony types.
  • Fixed footswitch mapping not updating correctly after the preset is changed remotely.
  • Plus additional updates and fixes.

BAM!!!!! Additional MIDI features in the first update! Specifically, the ones I wanted/needed so I could ditch an additional MIDI controller. Pretty certain I can make the VP4 the centerpiece of my pedal-based rig now! To the competitors- this is how it’s done!
Click to expand...


I somehow missed this update completely, been so busy the past couple weeks.

Improved midi w/scenes is exactly what I was hoping for!

This will be killer controlling my MVII and I can already ditch the Ampero controller off my new board. :pickle :clint:rawk
 
*sigh*

I spent a couple of hours with this bad boy, and I don't love it. Granted, I've only got a few pedals here to test it against, but they ALL sound better than the counterparts in the VP4. Beyond that, there is definitely some high end loss with the VP4 between my guitar and amp - I tried different cables and such. No bueno.

The biggest thing is that the effects feel and sound almost... distant? It's hard to describe. It feels like there is a minor disconnect between my fingers and what I'm hearing.

I may end up just sticking to a traditional pedalboard after all. It makes me sad because I LOVE the idea of ditching all the cables and power related nonsense that goes along with a full board.

Pour one out for me tonight, fellas. :D
 
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