Understanding Level knob, amp master volume, cab master volume, FRFR Speaker volume

A

August West

Member
Still new to all things digital and Fractal so another basic thread topic:

Can someone explain to me like I'm 5 the relationship between all of these levels (physical Level knob, amp block level, cab level, speaker volume)? I read that unity gain for the unit is the Level knob fully clockwise and this has me questioning my understanding of how these levels should be set / relate to each other.

I'm running my AM4 into a Headrush FRFR.
 
  • Amp master volume behaves as if you adjusted the master volume on the real amp. Turn it high enough and the virtual poweramp starts to distort. It has a distinct effect on how the amp model feels to play so experiment even with low settings.
  • Any level knobs in any block simply set the output volume of that block. Most people don't mess with anything but the Amp block level.
  • Physical knob sets the analog output level.
Ideally you want to have a high enough signal in the digital real for the analog output level to have a good range. Use the AM4 Meters page to find that level.

You want to set the Headrush to a sensible max volume.
Finally you can use the analog level control on the AM4 to control the overall output level, so you don't have to reach to the Headrush to turn down the volume for example.
 
I could not do it for a 5-year-old but I think a 12-year old could handle the following:

Analog Levels
ANALOG LEVELS are controlled by the top-panel OUT LEVEL knob, which sets the volume of the analog outputs and headphones. Use it to set your preferred listening level, but avoid overdriving the output stage or your connected device(s). The Analog Levels meter on the Main Levels page shows how close you are to clipping, and an OUT CLIP warning will also appear in the title bar across all pages if clipping occurs. If this happens, lower the knob or reduce levels inside your presets. Of course, your speakers, mixers, or recording interface have their own volume or gain controls as well. These operate after the AM4 outputs, so you can keep the AM4 hot and adjust downstream, or vice versa. Start with your speaker volume at noon and the AM4 all the way down to get a feel for how loud things will be as you turn up the AM4.

Internal Levels
INTERNAL LEVELS are determined by the combined amp settings, effect settings, and level settings within your presets. For most people, the AMP LEVEL control is typically used to adjust this. The Internal Levels Meter—found on the Main Levels of the home menu page and repeated on the 2nd to last page of the Amp Edit menu—shows a white line at 0 dB, the “sweet spot” where levels are strong but still have plenty of
headroom. It’s fine to push slightly past 0 dB, but avoid hitting the ceiling. Higher internal levels can also make it easier to clip the analog outputs. Every block (including CAB, which you mention) has its own level control but you generally only need to adjust the amp unless you have a compressor after it.
 
Admin M@ said:
I could not do it for a 5-year-old but I think a 12-year old could handle the following:

Analog Levels
ANALOG LEVELS are controlled by the top-panel OUT LEVEL knob, which sets the volume of the analog outputs and headphones. Use it to set your preferred listening level, but avoid overdriving the output stage or your connected device(s). The Analog Levels meter on the Main Levels page shows how close you are to clipping, and an OUT CLIP warning will also appear in the title bar across all pages if clipping occurs. If this happens, lower the knob or reduce levels inside your presets. Of course, your speakers, mixers, or recording interface have their own volume or gain controls as well. These operate after the AM4 outputs, so you can keep the AM4 hot and adjust downstream, or vice versa. Start with your speaker volume at noon and the AM4 all the way down to get a feel for how loud things will be as you turn up the AM4.

Internal Levels
INTERNAL LEVELS are determined by the combined amp settings, effect settings, and level settings within your presets. For most people, the AMP LEVEL control is typically used to adjust this. The Internal Levels Meter—found on the Main Levels of the home menu page and repeated on the 2nd to last page of the Amp Edit menu—shows a white line at 0 dB, the “sweet spot” where levels are strong but still have plenty of
headroom. It’s fine to push slightly past 0 dB, but avoid hitting the ceiling. Higher internal levels can also make it easier to clip the analog outputs. Every block (including CAB, which you mention) has its own level control but you generally only need to adjust the amp unless you have a compressor after it.
Click to expand...
Thanks! So starting with the analog level knob turned fully clock-wise is not the move lol. Appreciate the help
 
August West said:
Thanks! So starting with the analog level knob turned fully clock-wise is not the move lol. Appreciate the help
Click to expand...
yes! I, too, struggled with this for a bit... being a former Helix user and being told for years that the "best sound" is with the big volume knob all the way up!. Apparently, the design around the output level for Fractal is much different than how it's incorporated into some other modelers.

I have evolved to where I put the analog output somewhere within a notch or two of "noon" (halfway). This way I can adjust my real output level up or down, depending on the sound-guy's needs for what's coming into the board.
 
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