🔥Introducing the new AM4 Amp Modeler

[Tetr4]

No. The AM4 is an amp modeler, so its whole design is different. It has features like balanced line-level outputs instead of unity gain, and of course the new AM4 Amp block, which includes built-in DynaCabs. To support live amp selection, it introduces Amp Mode on the footswitches—four fully color-customizable channels plus a built-in output boost. It also has a very tasty set of effects blocks but it does not have all of the blocks that are offered on the VP4.

By comparison, the VP4 is specifically designed to add effects to an amp or modeler. It works great with an AM4, but it’s a separate product with a different purpose—not replaced by AM4 in any way.

I'm still AxeIII and FM9, but I'd miss the Formant and the Pitch a lot.

How much coolaid has been drunk here. If they've purposely not included a couple of effects, like SYN to try and get people to buy both or pretend the VP4 is still viable that's a business practice that would make even Apple or UAD blush.

 

[Stratman68]

Well OK-you asked-Multitude of illnesses including the the Big C and then major back surgery......So I just never moved the orig FM9 off the floor. I will rethink all of this but right now I am only 3+ weeks post back surgery so later on.... Good point though!

 

[Domct203]

How much coolaid has been drunk here. If they've purposely not included a couple of effects, like SYN to try and get people to buy both or pretend the VP4 is still viable that's a business practice that would make even Apple or UAD blush.

I don’t understand your logic, why would the VP4 no longer be ‘viable’?

 

[pauly]

What a sensational unit! An answer to “what will you do if your modeler fails?”- Put one of these in the glove box. Also, a wonderful device in its own right. Well done team Fractal. Well done.
Thanks
Pauly

Introducing the new AM4 Amp Modeler
Industry-leading Amp Modeling, Effects—and more—now for your pedalboard, and beyond.
https://www.fractalaudio.com/am4

View attachment 162573

Plaistow, NH – November 24, 2025 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Fractal Audio Systems, the premier innovator in guitar amp modeling and effects processor technology, announces the release of the AM4 Amp Modeler.

The AM4 brings the sound and capabilities of Fractal Audio’s top-tier processors to the most portable, easiest-to-use format yet. Built on the same algorithms as the flagship Axe-Fx III, it delivers industry-leading amp modeling, powerful speaker cab simulations, and a suite of legendary stompbox and studio effects.

Key features include Amp Mode with four foot-switchable channels per preset, one-tap boost, 104 presets—each a complete mini-rig with four scenes—plus gapless switching, a precision tuner, balanced outputs, a stereo insert for outboard gear, two expression pedal jacks, S/PDIF I/O, MIDI, 4×4 USB audio (including re-amping), and more—all in a compact, rugged, pedalboard-ready steel chassis. Free AM4-Edit software provides complete visual control of presets, amps, cabs, and effects from your Mac or PC—plus guided firmware updates as future releases expand and improve the AM4.

Unlike amp pedals that lack versatility or compromise on tone, the AM4’s amp models deliver the uncompromising sound and feel that make Fractal Audio the choice of top professionals everywhere. These aren’t static “take-it-or-leave-it” captures, but true component-level physical models — over 240 in total — that respond and feel like real tube amps at any setting. Simple controls mirror the original amps for authentic tone shaping, while a hidden Expert Edit menu unlocks creative options even beyond the limits of analog gear.

Integrated directly into the amp block, 45+ classic and modern guitar and bass DynaCabs™ deliver highly realistic speaker tones with an intuitive interface that allows you to position virtual mics in real time—making it fast and easy to achieve a desired tone. You can also load your favorite Impulse Responses (IRs), from Fractal Audio or third-party creators, using the UltraRes™ User Cab system for maximum flexibility. A built-in room option adds ambient dimensional sound without requiring a separate block.

World-class effects are a core feature of the AM4. It includes 75+ drive pedal models, dozens of delays, all of Fractal Audio’s celebrated reverbs, and 150+ effect types across chorus, compressor, flanger, phaser, EQ, wah, tremolo, and more. With all this, the AM4 is a gig-ready platform in its own right—but it also plays great with third-party pedals, processors, and of course our own VP4 Virtual Pedalboard.

With great tone, versatility, and power, the AM4 can replace a locker full of gear—saving space, weight, and expense. In short, there’s nothing else like it: the sound and features of Fractal Audio’s top-tier processors—refined, streamlined, fun, and inspiring to play. With pro-level connectivity, uncompromising build quality, and Fractal Audio’s proven commitment to excellence, the AM4 is built to be a top performer, now and for years to come.

https://www.fractalaudio.com/am4

 

[Rex]

How much coolaid has been drunk here. If they've purposely not included a couple of effects, like SYN to try and get people to buy both...

The effects that weren’t included are among the biggest CPU hogs. Meanwhile, the AM4’s main gig is running an amp sim, which is by far the biggest CPU hog. The idea is that any four blocks can be chosen without requiring you to do the math to figure out what will fit.

...or pretend the VP4 is still viable...

The VP4 is plenty viable. Ask anyone who’s running a tube amp and a pedalboard.

...that's a business practice that would make even Apple or UAD blush.

See above.

 

[ruso]

How much coolaid has been drunk here.

I drink FAS Kool-Aid intravenously. Next question?

 

[yek]

Possibly not mentioned yet:

Loading an amp model on the AM4 automatically selects a appropriate cab.

 

[athomas13727]

Man this is super tempting. I use the fm3 which is great, but an extra button plus lighter and simpler to tweak is appealing. Looks like it's missing plex delay though which I don't know if I could do without. Are the verbs fixed quality and what level if so?

 

[yek]

Are the verbs fixed quality and what level if so?

Same quality levels as on other devices.

 

[rcm78]

This looks like a great backup for my FM9 rig.
Anyone want to buy an HX Stomp? lol

 

[athomas13727]

Same quality levels as on other devices.

On fm3/fm9 it goes from economy all the way to ultra high and especially the ambient stuff it makes a difference IMO.

 

[KFF]

I drink FAS Kool-Aid intravenously.

With ya, brother!

 

[boyce89976]

No stereo I/O, so no-go for me.

 

[yek]

No stereo I/O, so no-go for me.

Stereo out is supported.

IMHO, Stereo IN doesn't make much sense since it's an amp modeler.

 

[lorenzoagnes]

Introducing the new AM4 Amp Modeler
Industry-leading Amp Modeling, Effects—and more—now for your pedalboard, and beyond.
https://www.fractalaudio.com/am4

View attachment 162573

Plaistow, NH – November 24, 2025 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Fractal Audio Systems, the premier innovator in guitar amp modeling and effects processor technology, announces the release of the AM4 Amp Modeler.

The AM4 brings the sound and capabilities of Fractal Audio’s top-tier processors to the most portable, easiest-to-use format yet. Built on the same algorithms as the flagship Axe-Fx III, it delivers industry-leading amp modeling, powerful speaker cab simulations, and a suite of legendary stompbox and studio effects.

Key features include Amp Mode with four foot-switchable channels per preset, one-tap boost, 104 presets—each a complete mini-rig with four scenes—plus gapless switching, a precision tuner, balanced outputs, a stereo insert for outboard gear, two expression pedal jacks, S/PDIF I/O, MIDI, 4×4 USB audio (including re-amping), and more—all in a compact, rugged, pedalboard-ready steel chassis. Free AM4-Edit software provides complete visual control of presets, amps, cabs, and effects from your Mac or PC—plus guided firmware updates as future releases expand and improve the AM4.

Unlike amp pedals that lack versatility or compromise on tone, the AM4’s amp models deliver the uncompromising sound and feel that make Fractal Audio the choice of top professionals everywhere. These aren’t static “take-it-or-leave-it” captures, but true component-level physical models — over 240 in total — that respond and feel like real tube amps at any setting. Simple controls mirror the original amps for authentic tone shaping, while a hidden Expert Edit menu unlocks creative options even beyond the limits of analog gear.

Integrated directly into the amp block, 45+ classic and modern guitar and bass DynaCabs™ deliver highly realistic speaker tones with an intuitive interface that allows you to position virtual mics in real time—making it fast and easy to achieve a desired tone. You can also load your favorite Impulse Responses (IRs), from Fractal Audio or third-party creators, using the UltraRes™ User Cab system for maximum flexibility. A built-in room option adds ambient dimensional sound without requiring a separate block.

World-class effects are a core feature of the AM4. It includes 75+ drive pedal models, dozens of delays, all of Fractal Audio’s celebrated reverbs, and 150+ effect types across chorus, compressor, flanger, phaser, EQ, wah, tremolo, and more. With all this, the AM4 is a gig-ready platform in its own right—but it also plays great with third-party pedals, processors, and of course our own VP4 Virtual Pedalboard.

With great tone, versatility, and power, the AM4 can replace a locker full of gear—saving space, weight, and expense. In short, there’s nothing else like it: the sound and features of Fractal Audio’s top-tier processors—refined, streamlined, fun, and inspiring to play. With pro-level connectivity, uncompromising build quality, and Fractal Audio’s proven commitment to excellence, the AM4 is built to be a top performer, now and for years to come.

https://www.fractalaudio.com/am4

Just ordered It’s the perfect pedal for my use! Thank you FA

 

[AmbientOwl]

Same quality levels as on other devices.

How limiting is the higher quality Reverb block? I never run into DSP issues myself, but I also don't use something limited to four blocks. Is it possible to max out and not be able to use all blocks?

 

[yek]

How limiting is the higher quality Reverb block? I never run into DSP issues myself, but I also don't use something limited to four blocks. Is it possible to max out and not be able to use all blocks?

No worries. Two drives, amp/cab and a cloud reverb at Ultra-High is 79%. And the "ceiling" on the AM4 is around 85%.

 

[Tetr4]

I don’t understand your logic, why would the VP4 no longer be ‘viable’?

Omg - The only reason the vp4 remains ‘viable’ is by their deliberate omission of a few fx. Read the post. That’s the issue. This is dumb. It’s like something uad would do.

 

[BROCKSTAR]

Omg - The only reason the vp4 remains ‘viable’ is by their deliberate omission of a few fx. Read the post. That’s the issue. This is dumb. It’s like something uad would do.

Just because it's not for you doesn't make it dumb. Plenty are buying it because it is for them!

 

[grandinq]

Possibly not mentioned yet:

Loading an amp model on the AM4 automatically selects a appropriate cab.

Would love to see a list of those amp/cab pairings