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GenoBluzGtr said:
Post-Gig (second gig with AM4) report...

Last week I did 2 external drives and an external Wah. This week, I decided to incorporate my HX Stomp and the external Wah.

This was much easier to use in a live situation. Every thing (except the tuner) was a single-button FS press to get to everything I needed. It also gave me many advantages of my Stomp in addition to the AM4 (better parameter control over some effects, multiple parameters incorporated into my lead sound, better in/out arrangement allowing me to control my monitor mix with a separate volume control and leave FOH feed alone, etc...). Same great tone as the first go-round, with a few exceptions. Having the AM4 in the loop of my Stomp enabled me to place Stomp FX pre- and post- AM4 which helps a lot.

I used the same amp channels as last weekend, but made a few tweaks. I think I need more low-end and need to tame the highs a bit, but other than that the AM4 was fantastic sounding.
  • Always on Reverb and two Delays (a short slap-back that was always on, except for during solos, and a longer, more saturate delay that comes on with my Lead Boost).
  • I used a drive in the Stomp (pre- AM4) that I think should have been EQ'd a little differently (or a different drive altogether).
  • Chorus was from Stomp
  • Auto-Swell was from Stomp,
  • Lead boost (with midrange bump, level bump, high-end attenuation, and different delay) was from Stomp.

I DID use the AM4 amp boost feature a couple of times, i.e when coils were split, or when I needed a quick bump and didn't need the added features of the Stomp's lead boost.

Still work to do getting use to EQ'ing the AM4. One thing I've noticed... when using Helix in the past, I tried very hard to tweak OUT the "mushiness" or over-compression and soft feel. With AM4, I need to tame that a little to make it blend into the mix a bit nicer. The feel of the AM4 is other-worldly compared to other modelers I've used. It feels just like using my amps. I think I've been so used to the softer saggier feel of the HX stuff, that I am not yet used to having that immediate feedback when I play. It's better, I just have to get used to it and EQ my stuff a little differently.

A couple of pics and a 12-song 10 min video of clips from some tunes last night (bumps, warts, clams and all) to showcase the various tones.

Again, I'm using Two Rock (Two Stone J35) for Cleans and overdriven amps (Channels A and C), JTM45 for an "edge of breakup" amp (channel B), and Friedman BE (Channel D) for the heavier stuff. The drive I used on Stomp was a KoT clone (Tone Sovereign model)... I may need a bit less gain or a darker sounding drive. I'm happy with the Two Rock stuff (clean and driven), but the highs on the JTM need taming and I need a darker, less grainy tone from the Friedman. All this is for my own personal taste.




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Nice pedalboard! I'm almost going the same way with the HX Stomp and the AM4 (arrives next week)....I was hesitant to place the AM4 in the Stomp loop(though is the smartest way to go) because I'm not sure if any sound quality is lost from the AM4...did you make any comparison connected straight out and in the Stomp loop? Thanks for sharing, great band btw
 
RamenEspresso said:
Hi everyone,
I see that many of you use MIDI controllers with your setups. What affordable and battery-powered MIDI controller would you recommend? I am looking for something simple to use without needing external power.


I have seen the M-VAVE Chocolate Plus and it seems to be the one closest to my needs.


Sorry if this is slightly OT. Thank you in advance for your suggestions!
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The AirStep Smart Midi Controller is battery powered and very versatile. They state up to 300 hour battery life.
 
Stratocato said:
Nice pedalboard! I'm almost going the same way with the HX Stomp and the AM4 (arrives next week)....I was hesitant to place the AM4 in the Stomp loop(though is the smartest way to go) because I'm not sure if any sound quality is lost from the AM4...did you make any comparison connected straight out and in the Stomp loop? Thanks for sharing, great band btw
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Thank you, much appreciated!

RE: Sound quality with AM4 in the loop of the Stomp: I did do a non-scientific listening test of straight-in vs using the Stomp's loop. Virtually unnoticeable differences, the only one that I could pinpoint was a slight change in the high-end using the stomp. Some folks say that is due to the difference in impedance of the Stomp's Send and the AM4's input. But it was VERY minor and easily dialed out with a small tweak to the amp's EQ.

The biggest advantages of this approach is that I can now put "external" effects in pre- and post- AM4 positions at will, and even have different Stomp presets where the loop moves around to accommodate this.

Also, I MUCH prefer the output control that the Stomp gives me. I can program the volume knob on the Stomp to control ONLY the headphone volume, so I can send a feed to FOH from the Stomp's output that isn't impacted when I adjust the volume on the headphone output, and I use THAT output to feed my monitor. So I can make adjustments to my guitar level in the monitor mix using the Stomp Volume knob, without messing up FOH. If I DO need to increase or decrease the FOH feed, I can just tweak the AM4 volume control for that.

Not to mention, it gives me 7 more blocks of effects (on the Stomp), and up to 7 footswitches (I have a 2-button midi switch on top of the Stomp) and I can use a 2-button external switch from the Exp jack) to control those effects, in addition to the 4 on the AM4. It's a really versatile set up.
 
GenoBluzGtr said:
Thank you, much appreciated!

RE: Sound quality with AM4 in the loop of the Stomp: I did do a non-scientific listening test of straight-in vs using the Stomp's loop. Virtually unnoticeable differences, the only one that I could pinpoint was a slight change in the high-end using the stomp. Some folks say that is due to the difference in impedance of the Stomp's Send and the AM4's input. But it was VERY minor and easily dialed out with a small tweak to the amp's EQ.

The biggest advantages of this approach is that I can now put "external" effects in pre- and post- AM4 positions at will, and even have different Stomp presets where the loop moves around to accommodate this.

Also, I MUCH prefer the output control that the Stomp gives me. I can program the volume knob on the Stomp to control ONLY the headphone volume, so I can send a feed to FOH from the Stomp's output that isn't impacted when I adjust the volume on the headphone output, and I use THAT output to feed my monitor. So I can make adjustments to my guitar level in the monitor mix using the Stomp Volume knob, without messing up FOH. If I DO need to increase or decrease the FOH feed, I can just tweak the AM4 volume control for that.

Not to mention, it gives me 7 more blocks of effects (on the Stomp), and up to 7 footswitches (I have a 2-button midi switch on top of the Stomp) and I can use a 2-button external switch from the Exp jack) to control those effects, in addition to the 4 on the AM4. It's a really versatile set up.
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Thank you very much for the reply, I´ll do my "non-scientific listening" :) , but I think your approach is the way to go,AM4 to fx loop of HX, having that flexibility to put fx pre & post amp is great, plus the extra blocks , thanks again!!
 
Stratocato said:
Nice pedalboard! I'm almost going the same way with the HX Stomp and the AM4 (arrives next week)....I was hesitant to place the AM4 in the Stomp loop(though is the smartest way to go) because I'm not sure if any sound quality is lost from the AM4...did you make any comparison connected straight out and in the Stomp loop? Thanks for sharing, great band btw
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Why put the AM4 in the loop, unless there is a pre-effect in the HX stomp you like more than the AM4 equivalent?

The downside of putting AM4 in the loop is that you get additional round of ADDA conversion and latency.
 
AxeFxCurious said:
Why put the AM4 in the loop, unless there is a pre-effect in the HX stomp you like more than the AM4 equivalent?

The downside of putting AM4 in the loop is that you get additional round of ADDA conversion and latency.
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I used same setup because I need a Wah block, Compressor and drive from HX ( I do like alot HX drive). Same setup, AM4 in the loop of Hx stomp XL.
I don’t have golden ears, neither my audience, all sound great in the mix, people still dancing same as I play my FM3. Who cares about AD/DA latency stuff if its save my times and easier to lug around, end result is still the same for my bar gigs, outdoor festivals
This setup is easier to tweak on unit itself, I do prefer smaller form factor if AM4 and Stomp XL. Extremely versatile, I can use virtual capo from HX for couple Eb tunes we play.
 
IMG_0563.jpeg

Here’s my first board with the AM4. Need to tidy up the cables a bit but works just fine. Waitin’ on a 1/4” MIDI TRS cable with angled connectors to arrive in the mail (hence the funny colored connectors).

RamenEspresso said:
Hi everyone,
I see that many of you use MIDI controllers with your setups. What affordable and battery-powered MIDI controller would you recommend? I am looking for something simple to use without needing external power.


I have seen the M-VAVE Chocolate Plus and it seems to be the one closest to my needs.


Sorry if this is slightly OT. Thank you in advance for your suggestions!
Click to expand...

I recommend the M-VAVE chocolate (I have the non plus version). Been runnin’ it for a couple years now and works like a charm.
I’m pretty sure the plus version is just as good.
 
Some clips from the latest 2 gigs this weekend with my AM4 / HX Stomp Board (see pic below the YouTube link for a pic from last night). Stomp is only used for a few effects and my solo boost, and I have the AM4 in the Loop of the Stomp to facilitate having extra spots for both pre- and post- effects. Only other outboard pedal is a CryBaby Jr Wah. Clips are from 2 different gigs this weekend and (hopefully) shows a good variety of sounds from this rig.

All the clips were done with the same SINGLE preset, BTW. Amp channels: Clean = TwoStone J35 / Pushed = Brit JM45 / Crunch = TwoStone J35 / Distortion = Friedman BE. Pretty darned versatile, I think.

In one of the clips you hear the AM4 Tremolo block being used, and in all clips, the Reverb and Delay from the Stomp are "always on". Some clips also include the use of a Timmy OD block that I have in the Stomp, pre-AM4.




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toesalad said:
I tried an HX One in front of my AM4 for pitch shifting, but the noise floor on the HX was horrible and when used with a higher gain amp, added way too much noise.
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All I have heard of the HX One is how horribly noisy it is. Poly capo is solid but FAS VC is better ime.
 
I have a jaded opinion. I use Fractal because I didn’t like the results of products like Line6, Fender TM etc.
It would be re-introducing something that I have already deemed inadequate, it wouldn’t be any positive contribution.
I totally understand and admire those who push boundaries and experiment with out of the box ideas, it definitely betters life’s choices. But for me, the introduction of the AM4 was the clinching moment. Combined with the VP4, the tonal capabilities were unmatched. Fractal is setting the pace in the modeling industry.
 
Fractur3d said:
I have a jaded opinion. I use Fractal because I didn’t like the results of products like Line6, Fender TM etc.
It would be re-introducing something that I have already deemed inadequate, it wouldn’t be any positive contribution.
I totally understand and admire those who push boundaries and experiment with out of the box ideas, it definitely betters life’s choices. But for me, the introduction of the AM4 was the clinching moment. Combined with the VP4, the tonal capabilities were unmatched. Fractal is setting the pace in the modeling industry.
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That's the beauty of products like this. Something for everyone. FWIW, I do plan to try and completely wean myself off the Stomp as part of my rig. The reason I am using it now is that it has more flexible in/out (I can separate the volumes of the two outputs; I can us Command Center to create a solo boost that is more than just a volume bump - it includes more and deeper delay and a mid and gain boost; I can put stuff pre-and post- AM4 and still have always on 'verb and delay; etc ). Things I can't easily do with just the AM4.

Also, my priority, even over the things I mention above is to get the smallest possible footprint on stage. This is why the VP4 was not a consideration for me, as it's twice the size of the Stomp. I also like the fact that with a Stomp and an AM4 on the same board, you have your own backup solution right there. Either one can save the gig as a stand-alone unit direct to the PA.
 
Hey All,

I am a new Fractal user, I have been a Tube amp player forever. The full on modelling area is new to me. I know that this is a AM4 Thread full of players fully investing in the Fractal World. What better place to get some advise on the AM4 vs VP4 quandary.

I am just about to begin recording some new original tracks and wanted to add some colour to what has been a simple amp and guitar setup. Thats where the VP4 came in to play. 2 days after purchase the AM4 came out and now I need to make a choice. I can only buy 1 unit and would appreciate some real world advice.

I currently own a Mesa Transatlantic TA30 Combo. It's a 2 channel 5 voiced monster switchable to 15w/30w/45w. CH 1 - AC30 and AC30 Top Boost, CH 2 - Tweed, Plexi, Mesa. I run it with a Two Note Reload V1 for attenuation if needed and to capture the preamp DI for recording. It can do the whole clean DI, preamp DI, re amping and attenuation too. I will also mic up the cab.

I will use this setup, and an incoming Bad Cat Hot Cat, to record guitars with a fractal unit in the FX loop.
The music I write and play is in Bryan Adams/Keith Scott AC30/Marshall clean crunch. I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel.
Just want good tone from the amp and simplicity with the FX. My mindset has been Guitarist 1 - CH1 AC30 TB and Guitarist 2 - CH2 Marshall with different guitars per channel also.

However, since the AM4 dropped I have been wondering if it would be useful to have the AM4 to record textural elements using the various amp models etc for DI recording and have the added flexibility of a simple small live rig. I understand that the AM4 loses some FXs but gains the AMP block.
Can the AM4 be setup simply in the FX loop of a tube amp, like the VP4, and used for FX only?
Are the FXs that are missing on the AM4 impactful FX?
The question is if you had the choice between the VP4 and the AM4 for this setup what is the best option?

My prime focus right now is recording, but the idea is to then gig and I want a simple rig transition from home to stage

I appreciate any advice.

Thanks
 
CrashMitchell said:
Hey All,

I am a new Fractal user, I have been a Tube amp player forever. The full on modelling area is new to me. I know that this is a AM4 Thread full of players fully investing in the Fractal World. What better place to get some advise on the AM4 vs VP4 quandary.

I am just about to begin recording some new original tracks and wanted to add some colour to what has been a simple amp and guitar setup. Thats where the VP4 came in to play. 2 days after purchase the AM4 came out and now I need to make a choice. I can only buy 1 unit and would appreciate some real world advice.

I currently own a Mesa Transatlantic TA30 Combo. It's a 2 channel 5 voiced monster switchable to 15w/30w/45w. CH 1 - AC30 and AC30 Top Boost, CH 2 - Tweed, Plexi, Mesa. I run it with a Two Note Reload V1 for attenuation if needed and to capture the preamp DI for recording. It can do the whole clean DI, preamp DI, re amping and attenuation too. I will also mic up the cab.

I will use this setup, and an incoming Bad Cat Hot Cat, to record guitars with a fractal unit in the FX loop.
The music I write and play is in Bryan Adams/Keith Scott AC30/Marshall clean crunch. I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel.
Just want good tone from the amp and simplicity with the FX. My mindset has been Guitarist 1 - CH1 AC30 TB and Guitarist 2 - CH2 Marshall with different guitars per channel also.

However, since the AM4 dropped I have been wondering if it would be useful to have the AM4 to record textural elements using the various amp models etc for DI recording and have the added flexibility of a simple small live rig. I understand that the AM4 loses some FXs but gains the AMP block.
Can the AM4 be setup simply in the FX loop of a tube amp, like the VP4, and used for FX only?
Are the FXs that are missing on the AM4 impactful FX?
The question is if you had the choice between the VP4 and the AM4 for this setup what is the best option?

My prime focus right now is recording, but the idea is to then gig and I want a simple rig transition from home to stage

I appreciate any advice.

Thanks
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If you have a favorite tube amp at home and don't go on tour every night, vp4 may be suitable for you because it has all the effects you want. But in AM4, you won't find effects Harmonizer, synthesizer, pitch, of course. And if you have to go on tour every night, you only carry AM4 and pedal with a guitar. I think it's great because throughout the show, you will definitely hear good sounds from AM4, even if it lacks the effect that I said.
 
IbanezARM said:
If you have a favorite tube amp at home and don't go on tour every night, vp4 may be suitable for you because it has all the effects you want. But in AM4, you won't find effects Harmonizer, synthesizer, pitch, of course. And if you have to go on tour every night, you only carry AM4 and pedal with a guitar. I think it's great because throughout the show, you will definitely hear good sounds from AM4, even if it lacks the effect that I said.
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Hey,

Thanks for taking the time to write.
I am mainly focusing on recording for the moment.

What's your setup?
 
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