šŸ”„Introducing the new AM4 Amp Modeler

this new unit is not able to play FM3 presets
The AM4 absolutely achieves the same core sound at the heart of almost any Axe-Fx/FM9/FM3 preset. While it can’t load these directly, converting settings is extremely straightforward—just match the knob positions or values for the amp, cab, and effects.

We did explore a feature to copy/paste basic amp controls between the larger editors and AM4-Edit. It worked reasonably well, but in practice it was too easy for users to make mistakes, and the workflow wasn’t as intuitive as we wanted. When designing features, there’s always a line between "useful" options and creating unnecessary complexity, and with the AM4 we tried very much to stay on the right side of that line.
 
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When people start complaining about not being nickeled-and-dimed and being soft-locked out of their hardware, society either

A) has come full circle
B) is circling the drain

Selling people fully capable hardware for cheap, hoping to recoup the actual cost should people actually decide to upgrade is also real biz savvy.

(We're not talking about games consoles being sold at cost/at a loss by multi-billion corporations.)
 
I am disappointed that Fractal and others have not done what Kemper did with the Kemper Player. In that you start off with a basic unit at a cheaper price that can nevertheless play the same presets as the flagship models. Be it that you start off with less effects and features that are in the flagship models. However you have the ability to upgrade your unit in stages which to many people makes the unit a more affordable option which in time will grow up to on par with it's bigger brothers.

I prefer this model and I believe that it is the way to go as it introduces people to an ecosystem that they were previously shut out of due to cost. Furthermore it is harder for them to make a case to their other half to spend 2k in one go. While buying a cheaper unit and then upgrading it would fly under the radar and probable save them from a potential divorce. Also the fact that this new unit is not able to play FM3 presets means that it is a non starter for me.
Yeah this went over great.
 
I ordered one as my fm3 is my favorite acoustic solution as well as electric for church and smaller/lighter is great plus 4 switches. Can't wait to use it. The tube pre block plus a little compression sounds so good on acoustic. Add a little reverb or delay if needed. Fractal is highly underrated for this use case in my opinion.
 
I am disappointed that Fractal and others have not done what Kemper did with the Kemper Player. In that you start off with a basic unit at a cheaper price that can nevertheless play the same presets as the flagship models. Be it that you start off with less effects and features that are in the flagship models. However you have the ability to upgrade your unit in stages which to many people makes the unit a more affordable option which in time will grow up to on par with it's bigger brothers.

I prefer this model and I believe that it is the way to go as it introduces people to an ecosystem that they were previously shut out of due to cost. Furthermore it is harder for them to make a case to their other half to spend 2k in one go. While buying a cheaper unit and then upgrading it would fly under the radar and probable save them from a potential divorce. Also the fact that this new unit is not able to play FM3 presets means that it is a non starter for me.

Say what now
 
My Kemper Player with upgrades is able to play the same presets that a 2k flagship Kemper model.
That's possible only cuz that 2k unit has remained the same for 15 years (v2 seems to be just marginally better/more powerful, definitely doesn't look like what one would expect after 15 years), so people should actually be upset that old tech and hardware still costs 2k, in my book.
If you compare processing power alone the AM-4 is probably on par or even superior to an axe fx standard or ultra.
The difference in this case is that fractal in the last 15 years has made significant advancements and tries to offer the last tech and the best possible quality for each product currently sold.
Kemper keeps recycling the same old tech and chips they used 15 years ago, with the result it's been surpassed even by open source software and cheap chinese products lately, on his main feature at least.
 
The AM4 absolutely achieves the same core sound at the heart of almost any Axe-Fx/FM9/FM3 preset. While it can’t load these directly, converting settings is extremely straightforward—just match the knob positions or values for the amp, cab, and effects.

We did explore a feature to copy/paste basic amp controls between the larger editors and AM4-Edit. It worked reasonably well, but in practice it was too easy for users to make mistakes, and the workflow wasn’t as intuitive as we wanted. When designing features, there’s always a line between "useful" options and creating unnecessary complexity, and with the AM4 we tried very much to stay on the right side of that line.

@Admin M@, would an editor update be possible to add a "block settings" option to the "Tools\Export As Text" functionality?
think this could enhance the "match the knob settings" process.
 
AM4 Axe-Change support is coming in December. In fact, we're re-launching the whole Axe-Change platform with an updated look and features.

Happy Jonah Hill GIF
 
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