Narzugon
Power User
Will my v7.02 presets DEFINITELY sound different from the moment I upgrade or does it take some action on my part to make the changes.
If v8 automatically alters my existing presets I may just hold off as I'm finally in a great place with my presets and I'm not much of a dialling man.
When you do the update, those new changes are in play at that point (unless otherwise noted).
As mentioned above, do a full backup (Fractalbot is easy enough) and then install the latest update. If you don't like it, put your backup back on. You loose absolutely nothing. It's really easy.
Apart from that always check the update's release notes. Even if you don't understand alot of the technical stuff you can get a feel for what's been done and what to expect. If there are major changes that will definitely change the functionality in some way it will be stated there.
FW 8 release notes it states:
-----------------------------------
8.00
Improved amp modeling. Improves clarity and sounds more “open” especially for non-MV amp models or when the MV is turned up.
The bias excursion values for most amp models have been updated based on new measurement techniques. Existing presets will automatically be updated to the new values.
Based on user feedback the Amp block Speaker Drive now defaults to zero.
Increased gain of “Brit Brown” model by 12 dB.
------------------------------------
So right off the bat everything there tells you there will be at least some difference in sound.
For me, I have a few presets that handle everything I need. In 8 years of doing updates I've never hosed my setup or been unhappy with an update. On the other hand some people require more than I and may expect different things.
I'll go out on a limb and say in your case you'll be perfectly fine. The only audible change will be an improvement in the amps. The presets themselves including effects and routing are not affected.
The key is doing the backup and try the FW.