AustinBuddy Naked Amps Tone Pack (still) Rules! ... New Website up...FM3...coming soon(ish)

[austinbuddy]

For anyone who owns the 700+ Naked Amps TonePack, if you do upgrade to 9.02 firmware, NOW you can use the latest FracTool 2.60 to change the AMP BLOCK's new default SKPR COMP of 3.0 back to 0.0 -- and that will keep the preset tones the same as in 8.02.

First, as always, use FractalBot to back up everything BEFORE you do anything. So you can always go backwards.

If you loaded up presets under 8.02 and then updated to 9.02, the update will apply a SPKR COMP value of 3.0 and change the sound some, lowering the volume slightly as well (compression).

Here is how to remove it using FracTool, which will make the TonePack preset sounds the same as the were created in FW Q8.02

1. Run FracTool. Make sure it "sees" your unit -- if you own multiple units, you may have to power one off to get it to see the one you want. See the connection message int he lower left corner.
2. Go To BATCH SETTER (a tab at top)
3. Under the top left BATCH SETTER menu, under BLOCK, choose AMP1
4. Under PARAMETER, choose SPKR COMP
5. Under SET, put a new value of 0 (zero).
6. Under apply to presets, put the range number of the Naked Amp presets you've loaded (numerical preset locations)
7. in middle of screen, go ahead and check the box that says "Apply to X and Y datasets if available"
8. The at the bottom of the screen, hit APPLY.

Also, you can now turn off the FX LOOP if you want -- so you can use Output2 with the Factory Cab, which I know was issue for some folk's rig set ups.

1. Under BLOCK, choose LOOP
2. No parameter setting3. Under VALUE,cChoose "Bypass Block and Save."
3. Choose preset range to apply to
4. Check the X/Y Dataset if available option
5. Hit Apply

I don't know about you guys, but I just sent a financial donation to FracTool -- this tool really make a huge difference and deserves our support! Can't wait to try FracTool on my FX8 too, soon!

 

[unix-guy]

If you loaded up presets under 8.02 and then updated to 9.02, the update will apply a SPKR COMP value of 3.0 and change the sound some, lowering the volume slightly as well (compression).

I don't think that is correct unless you reset the amp block, is it? I didn't see it set on my presets.

 

[unix-guy]

I don't know about you guys, but I just sent a financial donation to FracTool -- this tool really make a huge difference and deserves our support! Can't wait to try FracTool on my FX8 too, soon!

Definitely! FracTool really saved me when I migrated from mkII to XL+!

 

[austinbuddy]

I don't think that is correct unless you reset the amp block, is it? I didn't see it set on my presets.

Not sure.

When I updated my XL from 8.02 to (eventually) 9.02, the presets in the amp block newly had SPKR COMP set to 3.0 which I believe is the chosen default value.

But I also went through both betas of 9.0 and 9.01 from 8.02, then reverted back to 8.02 before going direct to 9.02, so maybe my experience was different/may have caused it.

 

[stratos]

Bought the AX8 pack last night. A little pricey, but time is money, and this will most certainly save TIME.
Still perusing presets, really good work, and major time savings.
I have been tweaking since my old AXE I days, and I'm pretty dang good with it.
Gives me a real good template for "go to" amp/cab setups.
Drop in my effects, verify output levels, and I'm good to go.
I'll probably utilize more presets now at a gig.
I recommend Austin Buddys packs.

 

[GaryRichie]

I’ve seen a couple of folks say this amp pack is a bit too much money. But if you consider that some folks are changing about ten dollars for one preset, this seems like a bargain.

Some folks say an Axe-Fx or an AX8 is high. But if you just bought for example a new Boogie Mark V head for around $2400, you still haven’t bought a cabinet, and an Axe-Fx II XL is currently around $1800 and the AX8 is $1100, whether it’s “too expensive” or not all depends on how you look at it.

Bought the AX8 pack last night. A little pricey, but time is money, and this will most certainly save TIME.
Still perusing presets, really good work, and major time savings.
I have been tweaking since my old AXE I days, and I'm pretty dang good with it.
Gives me a real good template for "go to" amp/cab setups.
Drop in my effects, verify output levels, and I'm good to go.
I'll probably utilize more presets now at a gig.
I recommend Austin Buddys packs.

 

[ak301]

I’ve seen a couple of folks say this amp pack is a bit too much money. But if you consider that some folks are changing about ten dollars for one preset, this seems like a bargain.

Some folks say an Axe-Fx or an AX8 is high. But if you just bought for example a new Boogie Mark V head for around $2400, you still haven’t bought a cabinet, and an Axe-Fx II XL is currently around $1800 and the AX8 is $1100, whether it’s “too expensive” or not all depends on how you look at it.

Considering the use I've got from the pack it's a bargain

 

[austinbuddy]

700+ Naked Amps Tonepack FIRMWARE VERSION 9.02 UPDATE

Hi everyone:

I have updated the TonePack to the firmware 9.02 version, and starting this week (December 10th) any new customers ordering will receive both firmware download versions (8.02 original and 9.02 update) when they order.

For past customers, if you created an account and login at www.austinbuddy.com, just login and you should see both firmware versions in your account now; so you can download 9.02 there.

Also, for just Axe-Fx Original and Mark II users, I did some updates to the Factory Cabs choices. A few Mark II users had reported a preset or two with blank cabs (user cab) showing up, so I wanted to make sure that was all fixed, and their updated version for both 8.02 and 9.02 includes a preset list with Cabs now like the AX8 and XL/XL+ version. A list of presets and all the cabs used in the Mark II version is included.

If you didn't create a login to the website, you will need to email me at heybuddy @ austinbuddy.com and request a new download. Please include your order #, date, and the name from original purchase, which will help me locate your order faster in the database.

For those individual requests, I'll send you an email with the new downloads for both versions. Allow me a few days to turn requests around, as I'm traveling part of this week. Also check your spam folder too, sometimes emails get caught there.

The 9.02 update is free to existing customers, as promised.

Now, technically, you don't need to the 9.02 version if you already have 8.02 and you want to update. Here is my post explaining what to do if you want to do it yourself with existing presets and not fool with re-loading everything.

PS - The BONUS TonePack Classic Rock & Blues now also has three new Eric Johnson-style presets (clean, dirty rhythm, and lead) added in. Cooper Carter of Solo-A-Week fame was having some fun with these, you may too! Enjoy!

 

[ak301]

700+ Naked Amps Tonepack FIRMWARE VERSION 9.02 UPDATE

Hi everyone:

I have updated the TonePack to the firmware 9.02 version, and starting this week (December 10th) any new customers ordering will receive both firmware download versions (8.02 original and 9.02 update) when they order.

For past customers, if you created an account and login at www.austinbuddy.com, just login and you should see both firmware versions in your account now; so you can download 9.02 there.

Also, for just Axe-Fx Original and Mark II users, I did some updates to the Factory Cabs choices. A few Mark II users had reported a preset or two with blank cabs (user cab) showing up, so I wanted to make sure that was all fixed, and their updated version for both 8.02 and 9.02 includes a preset list with Cabs now like the AX8 and XL/XL+ version. A list of presets and all the cabs used in the Mark II version is included.

If you didn't create a login to the website, you will need to email me at heybuddy @ austinbuddy.com and request a new download. Please include your order #, date, and the name from original purchase, which will help me locate your order faster in the database.

For those individual requests, I'll send you an email with the new downloads for both versions. Allow me a few days to turn requests around, as I'm traveling part of this week. Also check your spam folder too, sometimes emails get caught there.

The 9.02 update is free to existing customers, as promised.

Now, technically, you don't need to the 9.02 version if you already have 8.02 and you want to update. Here is my post explaining what to do if you want to do it yourself with existing presets and not fool with re-loading everything.

PS - The BONUS TonePack Classic Rock & Blues now also has three new Eric Johnson-style presets (clean, dirty rhythm, and lead) added in. Cooper Carter of Solo-A-Week fame was having some fun with these, you may too! Enjoy!

Just In time for my days off

Early Christmas present!!

Thanks mate!!!!

 

[bradlake]

700+ Naked Amps Tonepack FIRMWARE VERSION 9.02 UPDATE

Hi everyone:

I have updated the TonePack to the firmware 9.02 version, and starting this week (December 10th) any new customers ordering will receive both firmware download versions (8.02 original and 9.02 update) when they order.

For past customers, if you created an account and login at www.austinbuddy.com, just login and you should see both firmware versions in your account now; so you can download 9.02 there.

Also, for just Axe-Fx Original and Mark II users, I did some updates to the Factory Cabs choices. A few Mark II users had reported a preset or two with blank cabs (user cab) showing up, so I wanted to make sure that was all fixed, and their updated version for both 8.02 and 9.02 includes a preset list with Cabs now like the AX8 and XL/XL+ version. A list of presets and all the cabs used in the Mark II version is included.

If you didn't create a login to the website, you will need to email me at heybuddy @ austinbuddy.com and request a new download. Please include your order #, date, and the name from original purchase, which will help me locate your order faster in the database.

For those individual requests, I'll send you an email with the new downloads for both versions. Allow me a few days to turn requests around, as I'm traveling part of this week. Also check your spam folder too, sometimes emails get caught there.

The 9.02 update is free to existing customers, as promised.

Now, technically, you don't need to the 9.02 version if you already have 8.02 and you want to update. Here is my post explaining what to do if you want to do it yourself with existing presets and not fool with re-loading everything.

PS - The BONUS TonePack Classic Rock & Blues now also has three new Eric Johnson-style presets (clean, dirty rhythm, and lead) added in. Cooper Carter of Solo-A-Week fame was having some fun with these, you may too! Enjoy!

You gotta get these now, if you haven't yet!!!!

 

[ak301]

You gotta get these now, if you haven't yet!!!!

Yup, playing through em now, AB's done it again

 

[austinbuddy]

Tonight on my Axe-Fx XL I've been comparing firmware 9.03 to an AX8 with 9.02 on my 700+ Naked Amps Tonepack across a few dozen presets that vary widely in sound by design...

Definitely hearing a noticeable a difference, as you guys are. Comparing the versions using an A/B box from my XL to my AX8, using same presets from the TonePack.

As Cliff said, no need to reset amp, and it doesn't change amp settings when you upgrade from 9.02 to 9.03 (Thankfully). But I set SPKR COMP at zero at 9.02 for the 700+ Naked Amps presets to make them as close to the original 8.02 sounds I dialed in.

My impressions : for the TonePack presets, 9.03 is less compressed and more wide open sounding, with more pronounced high end and some mids -- this is probably attributable to the power amp section Cliff said he improved. Seems especially pronounced on the modern/higher gain amps. It's punchier for sure and a little less smooth and more jagged, and there may be a reason I hear it that way --- which is due to my evaluation using 9.03 in Tonepack presets all with the SPKR COMP at zero, which is what I did (using FracTool) on 9.02 to keep the TonePack preset sounds the same as in 8.02.

If I increase the SPKR COMP in 9.03 from zero up, to 3 or 4 (as Cliff had SPKR COMP value as default of 3 in 9.02 if I recall correctly), it makes the 9.03 firmware sound more like 9.02; more compressed, with less edgy highs. So that is an optino or solution if you like the Tonepack sounds of 8.02 but want to use 9.03.

This really is going to be a personal preference thing as to what sound or tone someone prefers on an amp with identical settings under 9.02 to 9.03. And we'll see fi there is 9.04 as well...

If you use the 700 Naked Amps TonePack presets and you upgrade to 9.03 firmware and don't like the sound, just up the SPKR COMP to between 3 and 5 in a preset and see if you like it better.

If you find a sweet spot for SPKR COMP, you might use FracTool's Batch setter to set the SPKR COMP to your chosen value across a range of presets. Id' treat the modern amps bank separately. As always, back everything up before you try that, so you can always go backwards if something goes wrong.

At this point, I don't have plans to go through all 700 TonePack sounds to upgrade them by hand/fine-tine to 9.03 anytime soon, and the AX8 9.03 version I don't believe is even out yet? I always like to lag a version to make sure the bugs get worked out (who wants to work for weeks and weeks dialing in over 700 sounds, and then learn the firmware had a bug and all that work was for nothing?) .

If I had time I'd do some comparison soundclips, but I have some overdue How to Use Axe-Edit videos to get out by January, and some other beta testing stuff that is more urgent.

Just wanted to report since I'm already getting asked about version 9.03 -- that's it for now.

Cheers and thanks for all the support!

 

[bradlake]

700+ Naked Amps TonePack for AX8 Release

 

[bradlake]

https://forum.fractalaudio.com/thre...ck-for-ax8-release.129661/page-5#post-1578214
............Link to the great demo @2112 just did for the nakedness...Leon is absolutely on fire... a veritable fount of AX8 hype (in the best possible sense)

 

[Stevo528]

I purchased The Naked Amps pack in December and only just had the opportunity to try them at gig level, I have to say that they sound absolutely fantastic straight out of the box ( going direct via small Makie mixer into a pair of Yamaha DBRs) I have bought numerous 3rd party presets but the Naked Amps set win hands down, you won’t be disappointed!

 

[austinbuddy]

I purchased The Naked Amps pack in December and only just had the opportunity to try them at gig level, I have to say that they sound absolutely fantastic straight out of the box ( going direct via small Makie mixer into a pair of Yamaha DBRs) I have bought numerous 3rd party presets but the Naked Amps set win hands down, you won’t be disappointed!

Thank you so much!

 

[oldstar1975]

Just loaded the 9.03 version of the pack, sounds great, but I see that Speaker Comp value always on 0, at least at presets I've tried. Why?

 

[bradlake]

Because, in @austinbuddy s opinion (expressed earlier in this thread)his presets sound better that way....I have retweaked several of them To include some speaker comp..of course you can do the same.

Just loaded the 9.03 version of the pack, sounds great, but I see that Speaker Comp value always on 0, at least at presets I've tried. Why?

 

[austinbuddy]

Just loaded the 9.03 version of the pack, sounds great, but I see that Speaker Comp value always on 0, at least at presets I've tried. Why?

Hi Oldstar.

The TonePack presets were originally created a year ago, over December-May 2017. They were finalized on firmware version 8.02 (still a fantastic feeling and sounding firmware, maybe the best ever!).

This was BEFORE Cliff created the SPKR COMP parameter in firmware 9.0. That change was really is adding some further compression to the preset tone with his default setting of 3. The new 9.0 beta had some errors (don't use it!) and was quickly replaced.

The public firmware 9.02 was the first firmware with SPKR COMP that, if you turn SPKR COMP to zero instead of 3, the presets sound exactly like I dailed them in for 8.02 -- and those were sounds all the buyers liked/rave about above. That was Cliff's intent, to add the SPKR COMP but that amp models should still sound the same between 8.02 and 9.02 with SPKR COMP set to zero/off.

So the TonePack's updated 9.02 version now available sets SPKR COMP to default to zero (and not 3), and thus nails those original TonePack sounds.

However, the released 9.03 alters the tone in those Tonepack presets... because (I believe )Cliff slightly changed the power amp algorithm; some may like this result for their prior presets, some won't. To each their own.

TonePack presets using 9.03 probably would sound more like the original designed presets if some level of SPKR COMP is added by the user, because to my ears that helps smooth out the 9.03 sound changes caused by the power amp algorithm change, which changes the preset EQ slightly and makes it feel a little stiffer (which the new SPKR COMP there tames some). I don't know this for a fact and totally am speculating, but it may be that's one factor why Cliff went back and slightly tweaked the power amp section in 9.03 -- so it played better with the new SPKR COMP he likes set to a default of 3. Or not, who knows?

SPKR COMP values set for 9.03 -- you might vary between them as little as 0.25 to as high as 6, depending on the amp model and how you play, to get the tone "right" like the original presets under 8.02 and 9.02. Have done A/B tests on firmwares, and noted elsewhere in thread the feel and tone difference using the same presets between 9.02 versus 9.03.

This is all a long way of saying that it will certainly work to use 9.03 and the Naked Amps TonePack, but the preset sounds will be a little different than how I originally intended and dialed them in - and that's all because of the SPKR COMP being set to zero in 9.03,where as it sounds exactly right in 9.02 that way. They won't sound bad, but they may or may not nail the original amp model as well.

Last -- in 9.03, If you decide to add any SPKR COMP to TonePack presets that now have a zero SPKR COMP value, then understand you will need also to increase there LEVEL higher (louder) to compensate accordingly. Raising the SPKR COMP will reduce the output signal leaving your Fractal unit by some degree, so if you do add any speaker compression to a preset, you'll need to then raise "Make-up Gain" by 1db, 2db or even 3db at at the LEVEL output to compensate. It's really amp dependent/avries -- just aim to keep the level coming into a mixer or DAW at -12db. See my video on YouTube on "How to Gain Stage and Level presets."

Who knows if we'll have a 9.04 or even a firmware 10 sometimes soon - Cliff is pretty prolific? We'll see!

 

[oldstar1975]

Hi Oldstar.

The TonePack presets were originally created a year ago, over December-May 2017. They were finalized on firmware version 8.02 (still a fantastic feeling and sounding firmware, maybe the best ever!).

This was BEFORE Cliff created the SPKR COMP parameter in firmware 9.0. That change was really is adding some further compression to the preset tone with his default setting of 3. The new 9.0 beta had some errors (don't use it!) and was quickly replaced.

The public firmware 9.02 was the first firmware with SPKR COMP that, if you turn SPKR COMP to zero instead of 3, the presets sound exactly like I dailed them in for 8.02 -- and those were sounds all the buyers liked/rave about above. That was Cliff's intent, to add the SPKR COMP but that mp models should still sound the same between 8.02 and 9.02 with SPKR COMP set to zero/off.

So the TonePack's updated 9.02 version now available sets SPKR COMP to default to zero (and not 3), and thus nails those original TonePack sounds.

However, the released 9.03 alters the tone in those Tonepack presets... because (I believe )Cliff slightly changed the power amp algorithm; some may like this result for their prior presets, some won't. To each their own.

TonePack presets using 9.03 probably would sound more like the original designed presets if some level of SPKR COMP is added by the user, because to my ears that helps smooth out the 9.03 sound changes caused by the power amp algorithm change, which changes the preset EQ slightly and makes it feel a little stiffer (which the new SPKR COMP there tames some). I don't know this for a fact and totally am speculating, but it may be that's one factor why Cliff went back and slightly tweaked the power amp section in 9.03 -- so it played better with the new SPKR COMP he likes set to a default of 3. Or not, who knows?

SPKR COMP values set for 9.03 -- you might vary between them as little as 0.25 to as high as 6, depending on the amp model and how you play, to get the tone "right" like the original presets under 8.02 and 9.02. Have done A/B tests on firmwares, and noted elsewhere in thread the feel and tone difference using the same presets between 9.02 versus 9.03.

This is all a long way of saying that it will certainly work to use 9.03 and the Naked Amps TonePack, but the preset sounds will be a little different than how I originally intended and dialed them in - and that's all because of the SPKR COMP being set to zero in 9.03,where as it sounds exactly right in 9.02 that way. They won't sound bad, but they may or may not nail the original amp model as well.

Last -- in 9.03, If you decide to add any SPKR COMP to TonePack presets that now have a zero SPKR COMP value, then understand you will need also to increase there LEVEL higher (louder) to compensate accordingly. Raising the SPKR COMP will reduce the output signal leaving your Fractal unit by some degree, so if you do add any speaker compression to a preset, you'll need to then raise "Make-up Gain" by 1db, 2db or even 3db at at the LEVEL output to compensate. It's really amp dependent/avries -- just aim to keep the level coming into a mixer or DAW at -12db. See my video on YouTube on "How to Gain Stage and Level presets."

Who knows if we'll have a 9.04 or even a firmware 10 sometimes soon - Cliff is pretty prolific? We'll see!

Thank you very much for so full answer!