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Fractal VP4 Owner's Manual
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Fractal VP4 Owner's Manual

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VP4 OWNER'S MANUAL
©2024 Fractal Audio Systems, LLC. All rights reserved. v1.06 - 2024-10-23

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  • Page 1 MODE VP4 OWNER’S MANUAL ©2024 Fractal Audio Systems, LLC. All rights reserved. v1.06 - 2024-10-23...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Factory Preset Notes ..59  You can click links in this manual, including any entry in the table of contents.  To return quickly to the table of contents, click “VP4 Owner’s Manual” in the upper left of most pages.
  • Page 3 4. If the cord becomes damaged, discard and replace the adapter.  EN 61000-3-3:2013AMD.1:2019+ AMD.2:2021 5. If not using your VP4 for extended periods of time, disconnect from power.  Low Voltage Directive(LVD) 2014/35/EU 6. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.

  • Page 4: Welcome

    In addition, the unit features optional analog buffered bypass, which entirely removes all processing from the signal path. SPDIF digital I/O, USB, MIDI I/O, and more: The VP4 also includes a suite of extra I/O for enhanced versatility.

  • Page 5: Vp4 In 60 Seconds

    Presets. The four footswitches do different things in different modes.  The VP4 stores 104 Presets. Each preset can have its own FX and settings. Default settings appear on the next page.  To load a preset, change to Preset Mode and: ◽...

  • Page 6: Footswitches And "Gig Mode

    CHAN The VP4 offers a convenient master setting called GIG MODE that is enabled by default. With this setting active, you can access Presets, Banks, Scenes, Effects, Channels, Tuner, and Tap Tempo using simple tap and hold options across the four footswitches.

  • Page 7: The Home Page

    VP4 OWNER’S MANUAL INTRODUCTION The Home Page The home page is designed to help you set up the VP4 and use it during performances. 4CM Indicator Pages Display Mini Tuner CPU Meter The VP4 contains “Edited” appears Page Title CPU:63% 4CM 2/2 104 PRESETS.

  • Page 8: Top Panel

    DISPLAY — The display is a  high contrast color LCD. BUTTONS — Six buttons operate the VP4: SELECT knob: Highlights different areas of the current page. For   instance, if the page displays multiple rows of controls, turning the •...

  • Page 9: Back Panel

    WARNING: The VP4 is designed for instrument or line level signals. Connecting it to use the power switch to turn the VP4 on or off. The VP4 features pop the “Speaker” output of an amp will cause serious damage the VP4 and/or your amp.

  • Page 10: Input Level

     Play loudly and watch the meter. If clipping occurs, the input Most of the Effect Blocks in the VP4 process full stereo, in and out: Chorus, meter will turn red and “IN CLIP” will appear in the title barset.

  • Page 11: Output Level

    A ping-pong delay may “ping” but never “pong.” Compare “SUM L+R” below. With no effects and no adjustments, the VP4 outputs a unity gain signal.  Copy L>R: If you want to force your rig to mono, “dual mono” is also Overall output levels can change based on the settings of your effects, an option.

  • Page 12: Tuner

    Tuner Tempo The VP4 offers a precise tuner with a bar graph, arrows for flat or sharp, and a Footswitch 1 in Tuner mode is the Tap Tempo footswitch, allowing you to set virtual strobe that rotates clockwise for sharp and counterclockwise for flat.

  • Page 13: Expression Pedals

    Pedal jacks using a TRS-to-TRS cable. 2. Open SETUP>Pedals. The VP4 can automatically show the tuner when a connected pedal, switch, or 3. For pedal jack 1, set Pedal 1 Type to MIDI controller is in the low position (“heel down”).

  • Page 14: External Switches

    PEDALS & SWITCHES External Switches Each of the VP4 pedal jacks can be used to connect a single switch instead. Switches provide on/off simplicity to control sound parameters or global settings. Connect a single switch to one of the VP4 Pedal jacks using a patch cable.

  • Page 15: Usb

    FAQ: Why would USB cause noise or hum? A computer can create a ground loop with a guitar amp when the VP4 is connected to both. To address this, consider using a USB Audio Ground Loop Eliminator (Type C > C) between the VP4 and the computer, or an audio isolation transformer between the VP4 and the amp.

  • Page 16: Vp4-Edit

    VP4-Edit Fractal-Bot VP4-Edit is a free, intuitive software editor for the VP4. This app lets you In the Tools menu of VP4-Edit, you’ll find Fractal-Bot, a companion utility easily create, edit, and manage the VP4 from your connected Mac or PC, designed for updating firmware and managing backups of the presets and providing a fast and user-friendly interface.

  • Page 17: Setup: Classic Pedalboard

    Setup: Classic Pedalboard  Connect your guitar to VP4 Input L/Mono Most players will use the VP4 as a classic VIRTUAL PEDALBOARD. For this setup,  Connect VP4 Output L/Mono to your amp. connect your guitar to the VP4 L/Mono input. Connect VP4 L/Mono output to the Use VP4 Output R to a second amp for stereo.

  • Page 18: Setup: Effects Loop Of An Amp

     Connect VP4 Output L/Mono to the FX RETURN of your amp.  Use optional Output R to connect to the FX Return of a second amp for stereo.  The VP4 can also be used before, after, or between other “Post” FX in your Amplifier amp’s FX loop—in mono or stereo (see VP4 with Other Pedals, previous page).

  • Page 19: Setup: Four Cable Method ("4Cm")

    TUNER When using the VP4 with 4CM, keep in mind that it is mono only. Global settings for Input Mode and Output Mode (except "MUTE") are IGNORED when 4CM Routing is set to ENABLED, and only the left channel of the last Pre- or Post effects is passed to the respective output. As explained in Mono vs. Stereo on p. 11, this means you will only hear half of stereo effects like ping-pong delay or panning.

  • Page 20: Setup: Vp4 + Fm3 (Pre Or Post)

    Use ONE Noise Gate The VP4 can be used just like traditional pedals in The VP4 can be used after the FM3 for post effects. When using the VP4 with a modeler like the FM3, front of an FM3 or other amp modeler. The setups  Connect FM3 outputs to VP4 inputs you’ll typically need a noise gate only on whichever...

  • Page 21: Setup: Vp4 As An Insert With Fm3

    SETTING UP YOUR RIG Setup: VP4 as an Insert with FM3 You can use the VP4 as an analog stereo insert with the FM3, utilizing Out 2 and In 2 on the FM3 to integrate the VP4 into custom presets. This allows you the flexibility to decide between Pre or Post for each individual FM3 preset, taking advantage of all the potential benefits outlined on the previous page.

  • Page 22: Pre Vs. Post Effects

    They can also be used to push your preamp, changing its tone, distortion, and dynamics. TIP: VP4-Edit allows you to drag and drop one effect on another to swap them! POST EFFECTS can add ambience, depth, and modulation to the already POST Effects (After Distortion/Preamp) shaped or distorted signal without compromising clarity.

  • Page 23: Presets

    Previous Bank Next Bank The VP4 organizes its presets into 26 banks, each identified by a letter from A to Z. Within each bank, there are four presets, numbered 1 through 4. For  On the Home page in Preset Mode, you can also turn Knob A to example, the presets in the first bank are labeled A1, A2, A3, and A4.

  • Page 24: Factory Presets

    "Pre" setup if the amp is clean or if a drive pedal is placed in front of the VP4. Similarly, many of the "Pre" presets can also work in a post rig. These are marked ">". Bank R also contains a preset template for amps with a parallel FX loop.

  • Page 25: Working With Effects

    Working With Effects FAQ: Block Type vs. Effect Type Effects on the VP4 are organized as “blocks” in high level categories like In the real world, building a pedalboard means making hard choices about “Drive,” “Delay,” or “Reverb.” Each block also contains an Effect Type picker.

  • Page 26: Effect Blocks Inventory

    Effect Blocks Inventory Blocks Guide The table below lists all the Blocks available on the VP4, showing the number A VP4 Basic Blocks Guide is in progress. It details of Types available for each block and the maximum number of each block that the effect blocks, types, and basic parameters.

  • Page 27: Understanding Cpu

    SAVE. Unsaved changes will be lost when you switch to a different indicates how much processing power is being used. The VP4 has a powerful preset or power off the device. Every preset in the VP4 can be saved or even processor, able to run high quality effects in impressive combinations.

  • Page 28: Preset Tutorial

    A-Z, (knob B) a-z (knob C) 0-9 (knob D)  Enter the name “My VP4”. If you make a mistake, PAGE LEFT and PAGE RIGHT can be used to delete or insert characters.  Press ENTER twice to commit your changes.

  • Page 29: Noise Gate

    Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia/New Zealand, and parts of South The Input Impedance setting, found alongside Expert settings for the Gate (above) controls how the VP4 uses real analog components to vary the load on your guitar America such as Argentina and Chile.

  • Page 30: Preset Mix/Routing

    (Additional options for Bypass Mode are covered on the next page.) First, adjusting Mix for time-based effects on the VP4 does not change the dry level Kill Dry - Kill dry is a provided for those who run time-based effects in parallel until it is turned above 50%, making it easy to maintain unity gain.

  • Page 31: Bypass Mode

    VP4 OWNER’S MANUAL PRESETS Bypass Mode MUTE FX OUT – When the block is Bypass Mode might be considered an expert feature, since most of us won’t bypassed, the outputs of the wet/effect need to adjust it often. Understanding it can still be useful, however.

  • Page 32: Spillover

    VP4 OWNER’S MANUAL PRESETS Spillover TRY IT! Spillover allows delay and reverb tails to “ring out” when an effect is bypassed  Place a Delay effect in a new preset. Turn up the Mix and or you change scenes or presets. This section covers how to set up spillover Feedback, and use a footswitch to bypass the effect.

  • Page 33: Reset Tools

    VP4 OWNER’S MANUAL PRESETS Reset Tools The Tools menu allows you to reset various aspects of the current preset to default settings. Use Reset when you need a fresh start after making changes to an effect (including Gate, Main Levels/EQ, and Controllers), or as a troubleshooting step.

  • Page 34: Intro To Scenes

    SELECT A CHANNEL SELECT A SCENE The VP4 offers various ways to select a channel, whether for editing or during a performance.  In Scene Mode, tap a footswitch to select the corresponding scene.

  • Page 35: Working With Scenes

    VP4 OWNER’S MANUAL SCENES & CHANNELS Working With Scenes SETTING UP SCENES ADJUST SCENE LEVELS Whenever you edit a preset, you setting up the current Scene. Setting up Scenes can also adjust the overall output level. When boosting a scene, additional scenes is easy.

  • Page 36: Scene Faq

    Modifiers allow remote control and automation. Learn more on p. 38. is why edits can affect multiple Scenes. On the VP4, a modifier applies to all channels of the block where it is created. To avoid this, switch the effect block to a different Channel before making For example, if you assign an expression pedal to control the “Mix”...

  • Page 37: Channels Tutorial

    VP4 OWNER’S MANUAL SCENES & CHANNELS Channels Tutorial Scenes Tutorial Set Up and Save Scene 1 This section continues the "Preset Tutorial" on page 28. If you haven’t done so already, please complete that section before continuing.  Change to Scene Mode and select Scene 1 by tapping footswitch 1.

  • Page 38: Modifiers

    VP4 OWNER’S MANUAL MODIFIERS & CONTROLLERS Modifiers Modifiers are one of the most exciting features in the world of Fractal Audio. TO CREATE A MODIFIER They allow effect parameters to be remote-controlled or automated in real time.  Select any parameter that supports a modifier. Look for the yellow circle.

  • Page 39: Modifier Settings

    ◽ SPEED (“SPD”) options engage the effect when the controller is moved quickly. ◽ The FAST, MEDIUM and SLOW options determine how quickly the effect turns LFO A, LFO B, ADSR, Sequencer, Envelope – The VP4 includes ƒ ON or OFF once Auto-Engage is triggered.

  • Page 40: Expert Modifier Settings

    VP4 OWNER’S MANUAL MODIFIERS & CONTROLLERS Expert Modifier Settings PC Reset Modifiers also support “Expert” editing (p. 25). To PC Reset allows you to set a specific value for an external controller when a show the Expert settings for any modifier, first display preset first loads.

  • Page 41: Modifier Tutorial: Wah

    This tutorial will help you learn to create a modifier. If you’ve already set up an expression pedal for use with your VP4, you can use that pedal here. If not, you 1. Start with the preset you created using the tutorial in the left column.

  • Page 42: The Controllers Menu

    Global Settings > Tap Tempo Mode. or Envelope Follower to trigger the LFO, or to start/stop it via MIDI, ensuring Tempo To Use - Determines how the VP4 behaves when the preset loads. perfect alignment with a track. The choices are: Output B Phase: The LFO outputs two signals, and you’ll see LFO A and LFO B...

  • Page 43: Controllers > Envelope Follower

    Stages lets you select the number of steps in the pattern. Use Then, when the VP4 is powered on, any modifiers assigned to the missing the Run switch to start or stop the sequence, and the Step button to advance the sequence manually.

  • Page 44: The Setup Menu

    Changes in SETUP are stored automatically as you make them. When this happens, the title bar of the VP4 will display “SAVING...”. Do not power off while the VP4 is saving, or your most recent changes could be lost. The following pages contain a complete reference detailing every page and...

  • Page 45: Setup > Audio

    When using the VP4 with a single input, set the Input Mode to 'MONO' and connect to the L/Mono input only. When using the VP4 as a stereo device, make sure to set the Input Mode to "STEREO" and always connect cables to both the left and right inputs (L/Mono and Right).

  • Page 46: Setup > Footswitches

     Preset Mode, Scene Mode, FX Mode, Tuner Mode – The VP4 changes to the designated mode.  Bank +1, Bank -1 – The VP4 switches to the next or previous bank. When you change banks, the same preset number from the new bank is automatically loaded (e.g., if C3 is selected and you switch to Bank D, D3 will load).

  • Page 47: Setup > Pedals

    Pedal 2 Type EXPRESSION PEDAL - Choose this option when connecting an expression pedal such as the Fractal Audio EV-1 or EV-2. 3rd party expression pedals should have a linear resistance taper and must have a maximum resistance in the range of 10–100kΩ. Expression pedals must be used with Tip-Ring-Sleeve (TRS) cables.

  • Page 48: Setup > Midi/Remote

    Send MIDI PC Determines whether or not the VP4 will automatically transmit a MIDI Program Change message at its MIDI OUT port when a new preset is loaded. This is the easiest way for most people to operate a single connected MIDI device while changing presets on the 1–16...
  • Page 49 Scene Select This feature allows you to choose specific Scenes based on the value of a MIDI CC message sent to the VP4. The value refers to the data associated with a particular MIDI CC# message, not the CC# number itself. For example, if you assign MIDI CC#17 to control...

  • Page 50: Setup > Global Settings

    SETUP > Global Settings PARAMETER Description Gapless Changes On the VP4, preset, scene, and channel changes are gapless by default. The option to turn this feature off is provided because it can help conserve a small amount of CPU resources. ON, OFF Spillover Allows Delay and Reverb tails to continue ringing out, or “spillover,”...
  • Page 51 VP4 OWNER’S MANUAL THE SETUP MENU SETUP > Global Settings (Continued) PARAMETER Description Switch LED “ON” Brightness These two settings independently adjust the brightness of footswitch LEDs when they are turned ON or OFF. Switch LED “OFF” Brightness 1–100% Fade Selected Effect Timeout On the Home page, the selected effect is highlighted with a yellow box.

  • Page 52: Setup > Reset

    You will be prompted to press SAVE and then ENTER to confirm. IMPORTANT: Always turn your amp or speakers off before performing RESET SYSTEM PARAMETERS on the VP4 . 1) Resetting system parameters is irreversible; 2) This option can change audio levels; 3) In a rig wired for 4CM, you will need to manually change 4CM Routing back to ENABLED after performing a Reset.

  • Page 53: Specifications

    VP4 OWNER’S MANUAL SPECIFICATIONS Specifications INPUTS GENERAL Connectors: (2) 1/4” phone jack, unbalanced Finish: Powder coated steel chassis. Impedance: 1 MΩ (less, w. “Input Impedance” settings applied.) Controls: 6 buttons, 5 knobs, 4 footswitches. Max. Input Level: +20dBu Display: 480 × 272 high contrast color LCD.

  • Page 54: Dimensions

    VP4 OWNER’S MANUAL SPECIFICATIONS Dimensions 10.00in 160.3mm 254mm 254mm 6.31in 160.3mm WEIGHT: 3 lbs 7 oz / 1.56 kg 2.75in 2.51in 69.9mm 1.66in 63.6mm 42.1mm 2.51in 63.6mm .28in .63in 4.75in 7.1mm 15.9mm 8.27in 120.7mm 210mm 6.31in 10.00in 160.3mm 254mm Feet are held in place with m3.5 screws...

  • Page 55: Midi Implementation

    Non-Real time System Common Song Position Song Select Tune Request System Real time Clock VP4 Global Tempo syncs automatically to MIDI Beat Clock. VP4 does not transmit MIDI clock. Commands Auxiliary Messages Local ON/OFF All Notes OFF Active Sense Reset...
  • Page 56 VP4 OWNER’S MANUAL SPECIFICATIONS MIDI PC# TO VP4 PRESET Preset...

  • Page 57: Warranty

    Fractal Audio Systems. FROM THIS WARRANTY. UPON EXPIRATION OF THE APPLICABLE EXPRESS Fractal Audio Systems reserves the right to update any unit returned for repair WARRANTY PERIOD (1 YEAR), FRACTAL AUDIO SYSTEMS SHALL HAVE NO and to change or improve the design of the product at any time without notice.

  • Page 58: Eula

    This Agreement is effective until terminated. Either party may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to the other Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, Fractal Audio Systems, (“FAS”) grants you an individual, personal, party. FAS may also terminate this Agreement immediately, without prior notice or liability, if you breach any of the terms non-sub licensable, nonexclusive license to use this product in accordance with the applicable end user documentation, if or conditions of this Agreement.

  • Page 59: Factory Preset Notes

    D4: Trem-A-Lo-Los Sample four of the many different styles of Tremolo on the VP4. Plex Detune in front of the Trem for a rainy night. E1: Blackpanel Dad Rock Ready for a gig, even if it's in your bedroom or basement, Cool "Dad Rock" tones from Michael Pickens.
  • Page 60 Angelic multitap echoes plus appropriate pedal effects before and after. Adjust Master Pan in the MTD for mono or stereo. Leon Todd. L4: Custom Harmonies The VP4 allows custom scales to be saved inside the pitch block. Here are a few examples saved as scenes/channels. "Jessica" scale by AustinBuddy. M1: 80s Comp'd Fx The 80s were a decade of excesses, like clobbering guitar effects with post compression like in this preset.
  • Page 61 Leon Todd presents a collection of his favorite Post effects here. Q4: Mark Day Post Fractal Audio's own Mark Day dialed in this preset containing his favorite post FX. The filter is a foot-switchable boost, with each channel at a different level. R1: Neal's Post FX Effects from Neal Schon's "Gift of Tone"...