FRACTAL AUDIO SYSTEMS VP4 Compact Multi Effects Processor
Setup: Four Cable Method (“4CM”)
Four Cable Method, or “4CM,” allows you to run two separate mono signal paths through the VP4: one between your guitar and amp for “PRE” effects like wah or drive, and a second through your amp’s FX loop for “POST” effects like delay and reverb, which can sound clearer and more defined in this position. For more about pre and post, see the VP4 Manual.
SPECIAL SETTINGS AND PRESETS REQUIRED!
The VP4 requires both a specific global setting and custom presets to function properly with 4CM. Using default settings or presets may cause to your amp to create loud feedback.
Before setting up 4CM, open SETUP > Global Settings > 4CM Routing and set it to ENABLED. Only presets configured specifically for 4CM will work with this setup. Using a preset that IS NOT configured for 4CM will switch the VP4 to BYPASS and defeat all processing. If global 4CM Routing is DISABLED, any preset that IS configured for 4CM will switch the VP4 to ANALOG BYPASS.
CONFIGURE A PRESET FOR 4CM
- Press HOME and then Page Right 4 times to the Mix/Routing page.
- Turn SELECT counterclockwise to highlight “4CM Mode.”
- Turn Knob A to select the preferred configuration of Pre and Post effects (options range from 0 Pre / 4 Post to 4 Pre / 0 Post).
- When a preset is configured for 4CM, this is shown in the title bar of the home page (Ex: “4CM 2/2”.) This note turns orange when the VP4 is bypassed because of a mismatch between the global and preset 4CM settings.
- Save the preset to store your 4CM setting.
4CM RIG SETUP
Use standard guitar patch cables for each connection. Always connect all four cables when using 4CM or it won’t work.
- Turn your amp off and all the way down.
- Change SETUP > Global Settings > 4CM Routing to “ENABLED”
- Connect your guitar to VP4 Input L/Mono.
- Connect VP4 Output L/Mono to the main input of your amp.
- Connect the FX Send of your amp to VP4 Input R.
- Connect VP4 Output R to the FX RETURN of your amp.
- Load or create a 4CM preset (instructions, left).
- Turn your amp on and turn up gradually to test.
- Remember to turn off your amp or re-wire your rig FIRST if you want to change the 4CM Routing setting back to DISABLED or use “Reset System Parameters”.
- See the previous page for notes on Series vs. Parallel FX Loops.
4CM IS MONO ONLY
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 in the VP4 manual, this means you will only hear half of stereo effects like ping-pong delay or panning. Mono effect types and settings are therefore recommended for a 4CM rig. Remember also that many stereo effects have controls like Stereo Spread or Master Pan, which can be used to eliminate differences between right and left channels. Expert Edit (covered in the VP4 manual) may allow finer control in this area.
In a 4CM preset, the Input Gate is applied at the Pre input, which also feeds the tuner. The master Preset EQ, Main Levels, and Scene Levels are applied at the Post output. The Input Pad setting affects both the PRE and POST inputs. If your Amp’s send level is particularly hot, this might require a higher pad setting than your guitar.
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Documents / Resources
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FRACTAL AUDIO SYSTEMS VP4 Compact Multi Effects Processor [pdf] Instructions VP4, VP4 Compact Multi Effects Processor, Compact Multi Effects Processor, Multi Effects Processor, Effects Processor, Processor |
