Fractal Audio Systems VP4 virtual pedalboard is a new compact multi-FX processor that could also be interesting for electronic musicians.
Effects pedals are not just a hot topic among guitarists. Even though many companies are still targeting fully the guitar sphere, many Synthesizer players and electronic musicians buy pedals. This could be a small stompbox or a large multi-FX.
The Eventide H9 and H90 are particularly popular in electronic music setups because they host many high-quality classic and creative algorithms that harmonize with synthetic sounds.
Fractal Audio Systems is a brand highly regarded by guitarists worldwide. For example, Steve Vai, Guthrie Govan, and John Petrucci use the Fractal stuff in their live rigs. Today, they released the VP4, a multi-FX à la Eventide H90 that could also be super interesting for synth people.
Fractal Audio Systems VP4
The VP4, or Virtual Pedalboard 4, is a new multi-FX processor that is the most affordable in terms of format and price in the company’s portfolio to date.
It fulfills four points that I think are important to attract the attention of synth people: it has a full stereo signal path, MIDI connectivity, easy operation, and tons of algorithms with classic and creative effects.
The processor has four customizable effect slots (A, B,C, D), which is also where the name Virtual Pedalboard 4 (VP4) comes from. That’s not a lot for some, but I think it’s sufficient to create big signal effect chains.
Algorithm Paradise
Unlike the other Fractal Audio Systems products, the VP4 does not feature a built-in amp modeler or amp capture function. One algorithm can be loaded into each slot. All effects of the flagship Axe-Fx III system are available.
This includes chorus, delays, drives, filters, flangers, formant FXs, phasers, pitches, resonator FXs, reverbs, ring modulators, rotary FXs, vocoders, and more. That’s already a pretty impressive set of effects. What makes it even more exciting is that each effect has different sub-effects.
For example, the reverb module offers spring, room, chamber, hall, plate, studio, tunnel, London Plate, Sun Plate, North and South Church, Big Sky-inspired Cloud types, various pitch-shift shimmer reverb algorithms (Andromeda, Aquarius…), and more.
The same is true for the delay. It ships with 28 different delay types, including vintage analog—and digital-style models, ducking delay, Lo-Fi delay, reverse delay, stereo tape, stereo tremolo delay, wandering delay, or worn tape.
There are also multi-tap delays, a dedicated plex delay block, and more. These are just the delay and reverb algorithms. That shows the extent of what the pedal offers.
Each algorithm can be easily edited with four knobs. You can also go deep with many parameters per FX in an advanced window. Alternatively, the company ships the pedal with a software editor.
On the hardware, you have four footswitches for classic ON/OFF switching duties and more advanced options. In the dedicated Gig mode, you can also switch presets, scenes, effects, and channels, use the tuner, or adjust the tap tempo right at your feet.
Connectivity
Let’s look at the back of the new Fractal Audio Systems VP4. It offers a mono/stereo analog IO with unity gain, giving you an ultra-low noise floor. The 4CM Mode allows you to divide effects before your amp and its loop.
There is also a buffered analog bypass, SPDIF digital I/O, MIDI I/O, and USB audio/MIDI capabilities.
First Impression
Fractal Audio Systems VP4 looks like an exciting multi-FX processor that is not only for guitars. I like the feature set: tons of effects, good connectivity, and easy operation. Also, what you can hear in the first with guitars sounds very powerful and high-quality.
There are currently no demos with synths, but I hope there will be some soon. I am also interested in trying the effects with synths for my pedal series. Alternatives to the VP4 would be the Eventide H90, TC Electronic Plethora X5, and others.
Fractal Audio Systems VP4 is now available for pre-order for $699. Shipping will start in mid- and end November 2024.
More information here: Fractal Audio Systems
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