But Fractal modelers are built to be plugged directly into a console. The amp modeling, the cab IRs, etc are all there. So you’d want to take the Fractal output, feed it into another amp and cab, and then mic that? Instead of just plugging straight into the board? You wouldn’t be hearing the direct sound of the hypothetical combo, so I’m not understanding the potential benefit.
More of a combo of all those factors; however with modeling they have a strategic advantage of Cliff and being in the game of quality modeling early. They’ve been making continuous improvements to be ahead of the pack for years now. Power amps and speakers are pretty much a solved problem that aren’t going to get a lot of improvements. They’d just be making another amp, cabinet, and speaker with a fractal logo on it. I forgot to factor in the business expense of diving into power amp and speaker business. It’s no small expense.
The benefit I see is that it would be a ready-made solution. Take someone like me, for example. I've long admired the sounds I've heard in Fractal demos. But for me to get the benefit of those sounds, it's not just a Fractal processor I need to get; I also have to research power amps and monitors. These aren't the easiest things to try, because I would have to take my Fractal unit to a music store and try multiple combinations of power amps and monitors. And I'm sure that quite a few of the choices won't be in stock in a local music store.
Paying also for a power amp should be optional IMHO. Although it has pre and power amp models, eventually it is a preamp device and it could be more preferable if it stays that way. Separate power amp units would be cool though. Nowadays too many people work with headphones and active speakers in small spaces, so in these cases the extra power amp may be unnecessary.
The sounds you hear in Fractal demos is the unit connected to the recording interface either via USB or SPDIF.
Right. I get that. But I still think that mating a good onboard power amp to make a combo or head would be a good idea.
Well, looks like we’re going ‘round in circles. As has already been said, the cost would be prohibitive, you wouldn’t hear it onstage, the firmware and presets would be additional to the non-combo, and the sounds you hear in demos is the direct sound. There are already many recommendations for excellent FRFR solutions so I don’t see how this would be any different, save for the ‘Fractal’ logo on the cab.
Pro-tip: You're in a different physical location.
Not trying to be argumentative, but I still think that a head or combo would be ideal for someone like me. I currently own no Fractal gear (yet), but rather than also having to research power amps and monitors, it would be a nice solution.
Okay, I'll play.
I had a situation where I was prepping for a gig in another state. I had my own studio, so I could prep using stage volume. Got everything setup, went from my studio with wood floors and walls to the drummer’s garage, with cement floor and drywall. Sounded completely different.
I'd be happy if there was a power amp (something like the matrix gt1000fx) was built-in to the unit.
That's like saying you've never driven a car but you think it'd be cool if BMW came out with a car that can change its own tires.
You just predicted that there will be a floorboard available... three years ago. When were these words actually written?
Spoken like a true bot.
The Kemper is far easier to get a decent amp in the room tone but starts to get pretty synthetic when you deviate from the profile settings. Still pretty great considering how old the hardware is. If axe was easy to get a tone with amplified all this would have got away years ago. Particularly a clean tone that reacts and feels like even a cheap amp. I'm not saying you can't get it but plug in to any FRFR and you will be there for an age trying to get it to be like even a modest combo. I got there in the end but not before trying just about everything just to get a basic Fender tube combo. Kemper dose this almost by default.
