Fractal Audio Systems VP4 - Virtual Pedalboard

Getting along with the VP4 as I expected owning the FM9. It is definitely nice not having to worry about a large routing grid and the UI of the FM9 just for running a few post drive FX. This board is going into the front of a Revv D20.

Some of the presets have the noise gate set with a generous threshold value so I've been backing it off or removing it altogether. I was able to dial in delays to sound basically the same as a Timeline by dropping the VP4 default high cuts, but you get so much more in the VP4 with the multi-tap and plex delays. The Flint tremolo is one of my favorite Strymon sounds and the Fractals are close, but not 100%. Not enough difference for me to keep the Flint on the board.

I've got the mini expression pedal controlling input volume (with tuner auto-engage on heel down) and the footswitch is set for tap tempo at the moment. And, yes, I've got 5 drives on here...its all for fun at the house. :cool:


Board IMG_0469.jpeg
 
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Frankencat said:
Can someone show the tuner please?
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This is just a still photo, but hope this is helpful. I can record a video if you need to see the tracking/speed. It works as well as the Strobostomp, IMO.

All 3 parts are active when tuning. Top is Boss style, middle is the left and right arrows that sync up when in tune, and the bottom has a rotating strobe in red.

IMG_0470.jpeg
 
southpawdd said:
Getting along with the VP4 as I expected owning the FM9. It is definitely nice not having to worry about a large routing grid and the UI of the FM9 just for running a few post drive FX. This board is going into the front of a Revv D20.

Some of the presets have the noise gate set with a generous threshold value so I've been backing it off or removing it altogether. I was able to dial in delays to sound basically the same as a Timeline by dropping the VP4 default high cuts, but you get so much more in the VP4 with the multi-tap and plex delays. The Flint tremolo is one of my favorite Strymon sounds and the Fractals are close, but not 100%. Not enough difference for me to keep the Flint on the board.

I've got the mini expression pedal controlling input volume (with tuner auto-engage on heel down) and the footswitch is set for tap tempo at the moment. And, yes, I've got 5 drives on here...its all for fun at the house. :cool:


View attachment 31338
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Hey, I’ve got the Whirlwind phase, great pedal, love it. I’ve had it for about 10 years. If I do put anything in front of the amp, it will be that plus a wah.

Glad the VP4 is working for you. I love mine. It’s fantastic in the loop!
 
Here's what I've got in mind for a board with the VP4 and Mark VII.

VP4 in the VII loop, everything else in front and Ampero for switching amp channels + EQ on/off on the VII. TC Helicon for vocal processing.

HX One is kind of, "why not, I have it and it fits"... would save me switching some presets on the VP4 and allow me to have octave-down pitch stuff in front, which I prefer. Also gives me access to my beloved Transistor Tape delay, which I still can't totally replicate in a Fractal unit, as well as HX Reverse delay, which I love. It could also maybe replace the Stowaway as a first-in-line buffer, but I tried that the other day and didn't love it. Really enjoying keeping the signal in front of the VII as simple/analog as possible, so we'll see.

(MXR Phase would actually be the black Whirlwind Orange Box, but pedalboardplanner doesn't have it.)

Image 2024-10-20 at 11.11 AM.jpeg
 
JiveTurkey said:
I'm futzing around building out a board lazily as we speak. I need another pedal power but I don't want to spring for anything right now. I'm still circling the IR-D :bag
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The VP4 is so fun to build a board around! I think it's absolutely perfect for what it was intended for. All these losers/naysayers are just completely missing the point (ie. why doesn't it have amps, only four blocks/switches waahhh, etc).
 
luckymethod said:
yeah I'm definitely the only consumer in history that didn't spend a full day reading a manual before forming an opinion on a new product.
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Sure but I personally would assume a effects only unit to be able to do 4cm. And then if I wasn't sure I wouldn't state that it can't on a forum
 
TubeStack said:
Here's what I've got in mind for a board with the VP4 and Mark VII.

VP4 in the VII loop, everything else in front and Ampero for switching amp channels + EQ on/off on the VII. TC Helicon for vocal processing.

HX One is kind of, "why not, I have it and it fits"... would save me switching some presets on the VP4 and allow me to have octave-down pitch stuff in front, which I prefer. Also gives me access to my beloved Transistor Tape delay, which I still can't totally replicate in a Fractal unit, as well as HX Reverse delay, which I love. It could also maybe replace the Stowaway as a first-in-line buffer, but I tried that the other day and didn't love it. Really enjoying keeping the signal in front of the VII as simple/analog as possible, so we'll see.

(MXR Phase would actually be the black Whirlwind Orange Box, but pedalboardplanner doesn't have it.)

View attachment 31365
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Makes sense with amp like yours.
Do you plan to integrate the ampero with the vp4 or just live them do their thing?
 
HotRats said:
Makes sense with amp like yours.
Do you plan to integrate the ampero with the vp4 or just live them do their thing?
Click to expand...

For now, I’m going to keep it simple and just use the Ampero to switch MkVII channels + the EQ in/out. I think it will be easiest live? Then maybe integrate the VP4 down the road.
 
Mongillo19 said:
Sure but I personally would assume a effects only unit to be able to do 4cm. And then if I wasn't sure I wouldn't state that it can't on a forum
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Again, the fact that I don't give a fuck about potentially being wrong doesn't mean nobody is ever going to miss stuff and just not say anything but also not pay. The suggestion to add a little set of secondary serigraphies to avoid confusion doesn't seem so outlandish to me but yeah keep trying to dunk on me if it makes you feel superior, you're welcome.
 
dk_ace said:
The FM9 is better for someone who wants to replace an entire pedalboard. The VP4 is probably better for most people if you put it on a pedalboard with some of your favorite pedals. Using it solo is for someone who doesn’t need much or is ok to work within some limitations.

I could get buy with it alone for a gig, but I couldn’t do the stuff I normally do and it wouldn’t be my favorite way to do things. Give me a few gain pedals with it and I probably can do everything I want to live with that on a small board.

D
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You could achieve a heckuva lot with a VP4 and a small midi controller like the Morningstar MC6, MC8, or MC6 Pro.

Remember - full spillover and gapless switching. Definitely not to be sniffed at.

One button could give you 4 drive pedals, with your expected one activated at the same time, and the other 3 turned off.

Then another button could switch the entire preset, and you've got pitch, drive, delay, reverb, with pitch and drive enabled and delay and reverb ready and waiting.

Then the next one could do some weird telephone EQ thing in the effects loop of your amp.

Then a final preset to jump to a chorus, tremolo, delay, delay... whilst also switching the amp to clean using the relay outputs on the MC6 Pro.

I'm genuinely thinking of doing that, and selling my GigRig G3.
 
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