4 blocks are not enough? See this

DLC86

DLC86

Fractal Fanatic
Vendor
You might think the 4 blocks available in the AM-4 are not enough for your needs (especially if you're new to Fractal), but try to picture what you really need in your signal chain and then consider this stuff the AM-4 offers:

  • noise gate always available at the input
  • input boost (several types) in the amp block
  • output boost in the amp block
  • input PEQ in the amp block
  • output or pre-power amp GEQ in the amp block
  • output comp in the amp block
  • stereo cab included in the amp block
  • mic preamp in the cab section
  • room reverb in the cab section
  • delay block can do chorus and delay at the same time
  • simple delay included in the reverb block
  • pitch shifting included in the reverb block (for shimmer)
  • master 10-band GEQ on the output
  • you can attach an expression pedal to any of the several volume controls available or assign it globally to the input or output (without the need to waste a volume block)

So, with just two blocks used (Amp and Reverb), you already have a chain like this:

Gate > Boost > PEQ > Amp > GEQ > Comp > Boost > Cab > Mic Preamp > Room > Volume pedal > Delay > Reverb > 10-band GEQ

And other 2 blocks to add whichever other effects you'd like, either pre or post amp/cab

PS: to have a chain like this in e.g. an Hx Stomp, you'd need far more than the 8 available blocks.

PPS: and this is without even taking into account channels and controllers/modifiers.
 
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I would enjoy seeing a comparison video with axe-edit video showing the AM4 replicating more complex routings often found in the rack units and yet sounding the same. That would show there's more use cases for the AM4 than it appears.
 
Admin M@ said:
  • You missed the Master EQ in each preset (10-band)
  • The reverb also has a pitch shifter for shimmer.
  • Just as a PS, the dual delay can do Echo and Chorus at the same time. Here's an AM4 block with the settings:
Click to expand...
Right, forgot about that stuff! I'll add it to the OP 👍🏻
 
DLC86 said:
You might think the 4 blocks available in the AM-4 are not enough for your needs (especially if you're new to Fractal), but try to picture what you really need in your signal chain and then consider this stuff the AM-4 offers:

  • noise gate always available at the input
  • input boost (several types) in the amp block
  • output boost in the amp block
  • input PEQ in the amp block
  • output or pre-power amp GEQ in the amp block
  • Output comp in the amp block
  • bias tremolo in the amp block
  • stereo cab included in the amp block
  • mic preamp in the cab section
  • room reverb in the cab section
  • delay block can do chorus and delay at the same time
  • simple delay included in the reverb block
  • pitch shifting included in the reverb block (for shimmer)
  • master 10-band GEQ on the output
  • you can attach an expression pedal to any of the several volume controls available or assign it globally to the input or output (without the need to waste a volume block)

So, with just two blocks used (Amp and Reverb), you already have a chain like this:

Gate > Boost > PEQ > Amp > Tremolo > GEQ > Comp > Boost > Cab > Mic Preamp > Room > Volume pedal > Delay > Reverb > 10-band GEQ

And other 2 blocks to add whichever other effects you'd like, either pre or post amp/cab

PS: to have a chain like this in e.g. an Hx Stomp, you'd need far more than the 8 available blocks.

PPS: and this is without even taking into account channels and controllers/modifiers.
Click to expand...

are all these available in the amp block of every amp or, do they change with the amp model?
 
I wonder if it’s fair to say the presets don’t count in the time line
of the am4 or is there some things that are automatically included
outside your four blocks
 
dharq said:
I wonder if it’s fair to say the presets don’t count in the time line
of the am4 or is there some things that are automatically included
outside your four blocks
Click to expand...
I'm not sure I understand what you're trying to ask...

You have things like global volume control, input gate, scene midi, global Output EQ.
 
dharq said:
I wonder if it’s fair to say the presets don’t count in the time line
of the am4 or is there some things that are automatically included
outside your four blocks
Click to expand...
Can you clarify your question?
 
The way that the am4 works having 4 blocks but some things are pre selected like cabs I’m wondering how they managed to get all features organized I’ll see when mine gets here I guess
 
DLC86 said:
You might think the 4 blocks available in the AM-4 are not enough for your needs (especially if you're new to Fractal), but try to picture what you really need in your signal chain and then consider this stuff the AM-4 offers:

  • noise gate always available at the input
  • input boost (several types) in the amp block
  • output boost in the amp block
  • input PEQ in the amp block
  • output or pre-power amp GEQ in the amp block
  • Output comp in the amp block
  • bias tremolo in the amp block
  • stereo cab included in the amp block
  • mic preamp in the cab section
  • room reverb in the cab section
  • delay block can do chorus and delay at the same time
  • simple delay included in the reverb block
  • pitch shifting included in the reverb block (for shimmer)
  • master 10-band GEQ on the output
  • you can attach an expression pedal to any of the several volume controls available or assign it globally to the input or output (without the need to waste a volume block)

So, with just two blocks used (Amp and Reverb), you already have a chain like this:

Gate > Boost > PEQ > Amp > Tremolo > GEQ > Comp > Boost > Cab > Mic Preamp > Room > Volume pedal > Delay > Reverb > 10-band GEQ

And other 2 blocks to add whichever other effects you'd like, either pre or post amp/cab

PS: to have a chain like this in e.g. an Hx Stomp, you'd need far more than the 8 available blocks.

PPS: and this is without even taking into account channels and controllers/modifiers.
Click to expand...
Brilliant summary.
 
I could probably strip down alot to make due with whats in the AM4. For me, the question is if the formfactor is worth it compared to the functionality in the FM3. If I could get the FM3 baked into the AM4 chassis, that would be more tempting - less size and weight.
:) Perhaps it will be possible in a future product. I guess the AM4 is meant to fill another niche as it is now, paired with the VP4 and other pedals perhaps.
 
None of these products are for everyone. That’s why there is a choice. The AM4 looks awesome, but for what I need in a travel rig (I have an Axe FX III at home), the FM3 is still a better choice. I have a friend that has really wanted to move to a Fractal product but the infinite possibilities pushed him off. The 4 block simplicity of the AM4 is perfect for him. It took me a very long time to get into the Fractal universe and I for one and glad we have these type of choices instead of a one size fits all. Thanks to everyone at Fractal for all you do.

Gil
 
What are the chances of getting something like a rudimentary compressor and PEQ post-cab? I use both of these in the FM3 to get my direct tone. I understand that there's an output comp in the Amp block but I set my presets up so that I can run FRFR and with a cab both - I'd only want compression on the FRFR output, not into my guitar cab.

The lack of PEQ could be remedied by CabLab having a 5-band built into it but it only has high and lowpass filters.
 
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