This Fractal VP4 vs Strymon etc

[Someoldqueenorother]

So how are you all finding the VP4 against the big hitters?

After famously becoming sick of modellers I’ve moved on all my modelling gear and going full on with my amps and pedal setup.

Kind of torn between getting some choice pedals like a Strymon timeline and Big Sky (again) vs the VP4.

Anybody compared them? Pedals will be easier to operate and I’ll have a bunch more switches, but the Fractal looks more flexible and possibly better value for money? I reckon a used trifecta will run about the same as a new VP4. Extremely wary about the programming aspect though.

What do we reckon?

I'm dead set on the VP4. I want a stereo pedalboard running into two amps. FM3 amps sum to mono so that is out of the equation and the FM9 is too big and too much cash for me. Settled on two Tonex Ones running Amalgam's recent Twin capture or their JC-120 capture. Keeping the HX Stomp to run before the VP4. Programming doesn't worry me as I've had the AFX Ultra, AFXII, and FM3 and programming via AxeEdit is fine with me.

If I bought a second Timeline (£250), Big Sky (£300) and Brig (£200) I'm running £750 plus extra for more cables for stereo I/O and power. £750 for a new VP4 covers all of that and I've got a block left over for modulation/whatever I choose. Two pedals will be replaced by the VP4 and these pedals will sell for around £300. From a financial POV, the VP4 wins. In terms of board real estate, the VP4 is under half the size of a Timeline-BigSky-Brig-one other pedal quartet.

 

[SonVolt]

It's hard for me to say that the VP4 sounds as good as my expensive digital pedals, but after a month with it I have to admit it. I wanted to say the 2290P, SDE-3000EVH and Eventide Micropitch sound better in isolation, but they don't. Once you get the levels, modulation and EQ matched they sound nearly identical. Levels (or Mix) is the big equalizer here... don't afraid to push an effect up above 0dB (or raise the mix if you're not running Kill Dry).

EDIT: I should add that programming the VP4 is MUCH easier than dealing with any of the 3 pedal's interfaces listed above. The 2290P and SDE-3000EVH look cool as hell, but programming is a nightmare.

EDIT2: The only pedal I haven't been able to replicate yet is the UAFX Golden. Not sure what it is about that pedal, but it truly sounds phenomenal. I don't understand the FAS reverb block enough yet to nail it (or if it's even possible).

 

[fiftyshadesofslay]

Thanks so far! I’m going to pull the trigger on it. Unfortunately it’s been delayed into the UK but maybe there’ll be a chance to grab it early next week

 

[Someoldqueenorother]

It's hard for me to say that the VP4 sounds as good as my expensive digital pedals, but after a month with it I have to admit it. I wanted to say the 2290P, SDE-3000EVH and Eventide Micropitch sound better in isolation, but they don't. Once you get the levels, modulation and EQ matched they sound nearly identical. Levels (or Mix) is the big equalizer here... don't afraid to push an effect up above 0dB (or raise the mix if you're not running Kill Dry).

EDIT: I should add that programming the VP4 is MUCH easier than dealing with any of the 3 pedal's interfaces listed above. The 2290P and SDE-3000EVH look cool as hell, but programming is a nightmare.

EDIT2: The only pedal I haven't been able to replicate yet is the UAFX Golden. Not sure what it is about that pedal, but it truly sounds phenomenal. I don't understand the FAS reverb block enough yet to nail it (or if it's even possible).

That's really sold the VP4 further for me. I've fallen in love with the Dimension chorus on the HX Stomp to the point where I'd love to grab that pedal. If the VP4 can come up with a Dimension C that's close to the original, then I will be a very happy person.