It sure came off that he suggested that many years ago (which helps explain why many think so), but is now telling differently...IIRC, it's because by offering such a feature it would potentially give away some proprietary FAS modelling secrets to those that would analyse such things.
I may still have the notes for both.
There may have been a misunderstanding of course, or he could have changed his mind and is not worried anymore (if it would be possible).
This is the recent stance...
Cliff: "One thing I have contemplated in the past is a switch that allows you to, for example, output the preamp on the left channel of the amp block and the power amp on the right. It’s not possible to run the power amp separately from the amp block though. It has nothing to do with proprietary technology or IP, it’s an architectural limitation."
Wish - Power Amp Modelling assignment to outputs
Will be nice to select power amp simulation for different outputs separately. This will give a flexibility to enable power amp modelling for FOH and disable for an output goes to TubePower amp. This will solve a problem with shared backline for venues.
forum.fractalaudio.com
I'd love to have some 3 to 15 power amp options for the rack preamps at least (Marshall, VHT, Boogie, ...).
OTOH, I may not be at the level I could hear a very important difference...
More slight derail...
For example, from early statements many people also remember the CAE was modeled with a Boogie 90/90. Then out of the blue Cliff claimed it was modeled with a Marshall (which the CAE was designed/tuned for according to Suhr). Even the wiki is still in mystery about it and people seem afraid to ask again (me too)... I'd love to have confirmation once and for all (and be sure to have a Marshall version)...
One "last dream" is to have a few CAE models (incl. famous mods) in versions that Suhr actually thinks are close to his best work (he didn't seem to think so years ago). OTOH, I do trust it sounds like the one Cliff had. Well, yes no maybe, as I thought he had Frampton's but doesn't own one? (and many changes/new measurements have come after that)
Again, for me it may be more psychological. Some of you will have a better idea if it makes a big difference...
There's of course also people who owned one and say it sounds fine, but they may have used a Boogie too, or not be as strict. Overall, reading on the forum gives more the impression that people could be happier with it... (somewhat older threads at least), and questions around it seem to be ignored... OTOH, I once took note of some particular settings that would be needed, which may escape many casual users.
Just a wish. Luckily age diminishes fanaticism a little -- also because there is so much else to enjoy as well
PS: I don't even know how the CAE sounds IRL, apart from Toto/Luke gigs.
I once borrowed one for a day and found it sounded like a**
Probably because I couldn't play it loud enough, had a wrong power amp and no V30 cabs... I had even less (tube amp) knowledge back then...
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