Fractal Virtual Pedalboard (VP4)

[SFW]

I'm hoping that this is a striped down version of something else on the horizon.

IMHO, here is what is missing...

1. Relays for amp switching
2. MIDI for map switching or anything else
3. at least one more button

 

[grrr_me_scary]

I am also very curious about the transparency of the VP4. I definitely notice the Axe II and FM3 messing with the dynamics. Because of that I run them through a parallel mixer. I have wondered about if the VP4 would be best through a parallel mixer also.

What parallel mixer are you using for them?

 

[grrr_me_scary]

I'm hoping that this is a striped down version of something else on the horizon.

IMHO, here is what is missing...

1. Relays for amp switching
2. MIDI for map switching or anything else
3. at least one more button

Yeah, these are some of the things that should have been on there.

I would have appreciated an input/output volume control knob as well so I wouldn't need to go through the menu.

The FX8 didn't have them and it was one of the things that we had requested in the forums for an updated one.

 

[TheGreatGreen]

What parallel mixer are you using for them?

The Gig-Rig Wetter Box is the best solution I've been able to find for mixing a stereo line level signal with stereo analog dry through.

fyi I'm not sure if it mentions it on the website but if you want to research it yourself, be aware that the inputs and outputs of the Wetter Box support TRS 1/4 jacks for stereo operation.

 

[Shask]

What parallel mixer are you using for them?

I currently use a Samson SM-10. I generally use it with my Synergy rack.

Considering getting a RJM Micro Line Mixer for a smaller, simpler solution.

 

[grrr_me_scary]

The Gig-Rig Wetter Box is the best solution I've been able to find for mixing a stereo line level signal with stereo analog dry through.

fyi I'm not sure if it mentions it on the website but if you want to research it yourself, be aware that the inputs and outputs of the Wetter Box support TRS 1/4 jacks for stereo operation.

Thanks!!

I'll bookmark this post to reference later tonight.

 

[grrr_me_scary]

I currently use a Samson SM-10. I generally use it with my Synergy rack.

Considering getting a RJM Micro Line Mixer for a smaller, simpler solution.

Thanks!!

I'll bookmark this post to reference later tonight.

 

[TheGreatGreen]

Thanks!!

I'll bookmark this post to reference later tonight.

Welcome! I also just looked at the RJM Micro Line Mixer thanks to @Shask mentioning it.

The only thing about it is I can see that the Micro Line Mixer does have stereo capability if you use TRS cables, but I can't tell if it auto-converts a mono effects send signal from the amp into stereo. In other words, I can't tell if the final output mix will properly send a mono core tone into both the left and right outs, or if a mono input will just mix to the left side only while stereo effects will operate in stereo.

I sent RJM an email asking about it. If/when they reply I'll let you guys know.

edit: even if it doesn't, the issue could probably be solved by getting a TS to TRS cable and on one end, connecting the Tip to the Ring and using that end to plug into your Mixer's stereo input, which would convert the amp's effects send to stereo.

 

[TheGreatGreen]

@grrr_me_scary just got a reply email from RJM:


Hey [GreatGreen],

Thanks for contacting us and I hope this finds you well.

Factory default for the Dry In is, mono input which is converted to stereo before being sent to the mix circuit. So, you shouldn't have any issues.

--
Mario Marino
RJM Music Technology, Inc.



So that's great news! Dry is auto-converted to stereo inside the RJM. Also they responded almost immediately to my email. Cool company.

 

[Shask]

@grrr_me_scary just got a reply email from RJM:


Hey [GreatGreen],

Thanks for contacting us and I hope this finds you well.

Factory default for the Dry In is, mono input which is converted to stereo before being sent to the mix circuit. So, you shouldn't have any issues.

--
Mario Marino
RJM Music Technology, Inc.



So that's great news! Dry is auto-converted to stereo inside the RJM. Also they responded almost immediately to my email. Cool company.

Yeah, I have looked at several of these units, and the MLM seems to be the only one that has sends, and returns, for 3 stereo units, using TRS cables without a bunch of other unnecessary features. Most units are mono, or don't also have the sends. It looks perfect. I also know RJM has a great reputation.

I currently use my SM-10, using the 2 stereo sends as 4 sends in mono to 4 units, returning all in stereo. It works well, but is very overcomplicated for what I actually use. I pretty much manually select different units, and don't really use the volume and pan controls. Like a central brain. Thinking about minimizing with the MLM.

 

[TheGreatGreen]

@Shask yeah after looking at the Micro Line Mixer I have to say it really does look perfect.

Just about the only thing I can even conceptualize for it is that if you were using it in a true stereo, two-amp rig, there's no phase reverse button for one of the sides to align your phases if one gets reversed. But other than that it pretty much does everything it should and nothing it shouldn't.

 

[Shask]

@Shask yeah after looking at the Micro Line Mixer I have to say it really does look perfect.

Just about the only thing I can even conceptualize for it is that if you were using it in a true stereo, two-amp rig, there's no phase reverse button for one of the sides to align your phases if one gets reversed. But other than that it's basically perfect, yeah.

Yeah, although I would say if you have that big of a rig, having a bigger mixer is probably ok, lol.

Only thing I would probably miss is a master out volume in a more usable place if you tucked this in the back. Since I have my mixer feeding the power amps, I use it as a master volume control.

 

[SteveGlitch]

What I find glaring is that it does not even come with a looper! Even the older FX8 from Fractal had a looper in it and you would think this would be a replacement for FX8.

I just hate that it doesn't have some sort of expression pedal that can function as wah, volume or effects expression. That kills me...

I feel like my Pod Go has more value, it might be stuck with Line 6 effects but those effects are pretty damn good for what I paid which was $400 when it first released

 

[Shask]

I just hate that it doesn't have some sort of expression pedal that can function as wah, volume or effects expression. That kills me...

I feel like my Pod Go has more value, it might be stuck with Line 6 effects but those effects are pretty damn good for what I paid which was $400 when it first released

You can connect an expression pedal to the pedal input. I have a Fractal EV-2 I use with my FM3

 

[SteveGlitch]

You can connect an expression pedal to the pedal input. I have a Fractal EV-2 I use with my FM3

That defeats the purpose. I have 5 pedalboards, I've connected expressions, volumes and wahs to them. I expect that from an analog board or even a multi-fx unit that has become irrelevant...

I feel like this unit not including one is strange when it's the standard in 2024. Especially considering the costs and competition.

 

[Shask]

That defeats the purpose. I have 5 pedalboards, I've connected expressions, volumes and wahs to them. I expect that from an analog board or even a multi-fx unit that has become irrelevant...

I feel like this unit not including one is strange when it's the standard in 2024. Especially considering the costs and competition.

Naw, I hate those built in expression pedals. I will always prefer to add my own.

 

[SteveGlitch]

Naw, I hate those built in expression pedals. I will always prefer to add my own.

I wouldn't, not for multi-fx units. It just looks weird, especially when the pedal makers or owners claim they are a "be all" "one and done" deal.

 

[Shask]

I wouldn't, not for multi-fx units. It just looks weird, especially when the pedal makers or owners claim they are a "be all" "one and done" deal.

It would be twice the size and twice the weight with one. Yuck.

 

[SteveGlitch]

It would be twice the size and twice the weight with one. Yuck.

Nah. It's actually the opposite, it's super light to add one built into a unit. super heavy and awkward to hook one up. Helix and Pod Go were just two great examples of an ultra light and super durable yet high quality expression pedal built into a unit. It's not breaking off, it's not going anywhere. It looks right and there are custom cases you can buy to fit it properly. Sounds more like we are trying desperately to justify not having one built in.

Now, lugging on a pedal to hook up to a multi fx unit is where things add weight, awkwardness and a whole other power supply.... It's a no brainer.

 

[grrr_me_scary]

@Shask yeah after looking at the Micro Line Mixer I have to say it really does look perfect.

Just about the only thing I can even conceptualize for it is that if you were using it in a true stereo, two-amp rig, there's no phase reverse button for one of the sides to align your phases if one gets reversed. But other than that it pretty much does everything it should and nothing it shouldn't.

I'm thinking that I will get the MLM since I have been wanting some kind of small mixer for my FX8 where I can quickly adjust the output volume levels of the unit for an amp without separate FX loop volume level knobs.

Plus I should be able to use it in a W/D/W scenario.