G66.eu - VP4 Edit
Fractal Audio Systems Forum
User Guide for FRACTAL AUDIO SYSTEMS models including: VP4 Virtual Pedalboard, VP4, Virtual Pedalboard, Pedalboard
G66.eu - VP4 Support
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THE VIRTUAL PEDALBOARD WITH FOUR SIMULTANEOUS EFFECTS AND MORE
CONTROLS
Press HOME anytime to show the Home page.
Depending on the mode, use the footswitches to change PRESETS (green), select SCENES (red), turn EFFECTS (blue) on or off, or access the TUNER/TEMPO menu (yellow).
Press SAVE to store the preset. Press ENTER twice to confirm.
MODE
Press HOME & SAVE at the same time to display MODE SELECT. Select the mode with a footswitch.
The PAGE buttons are used to scroll pages left and right. An icon indicates the current position.
Use the ENTER & EXIT buttons to confirm or discard various options..
SETUP
Press ENTER & EXIT simultaneously to access the SETUP menu. Use the PAGE buttons to access the pages for Audio, Footswitches, Pedals, MIDI, Global, Reset, and System Info. Press EXIT to exit the SETUP menu.
NOTE: Changes made in the Setup menu do not need to be saved. As soon as you make changes, 'SAVING...' appears at the top of the display. Do not turn off the VP4 during the saving process. Changes may be lost..
Turn the ABCD knobs to make settings and change values.
Turn the SELECT knob to highlight areas on the display. On the home page, it also changes the MODES.
MAIN DISPLAY
The PRESET is displayed here.
The VP4 has 104 presets, grouped into banks (A-Z) of four presets
Title
each.
Effects Mode
Routing
4CM
The SCENE is displayed directly below the preset name. Each preset consists of four scenes. See the user manual to learn more about scenes..
Pages CPU Meter
CPU:63%
The ABCD icons above indicate their respective functions, which change depending on the page.
Tempo
'Edited'-Indicator
Each preset consists of up to four effects. You'll find distortion, delay, reverb and many more.
The letter below the effect shows its current 'channel'. Each effect has four independent channels. See the user manual for more information.
'GIG MODE'
The VP4 offers a convenient setting called GIG MODE, which is activated by default. When this setting is active, you can access presets, banks, scenes, effects, channels, tuner and tap tempo via the four footswitches by simply tapping and holding the switches.
ANYTIME, ANYWHERE..
TAP these switch combos for special action:
MODE SELECT
TUNER/TEMPO MODE
IN THE MODE SELECT PAGE
Tap any switch to select a mode
IN PRESET MODE
6Tap a switch to load a Preset from the current Bank
PRESET MODE
SCENE MODE
FX MODE
TUNER
+TAP-TEMPO
IN SCENE MODE
6Tap any switch to select a Scene from the current Preset.
HOLD 1: Previous Bank
HOLD4: Next Bank
IN FX MODE
6Tap any switch to Bypass or Engage corresponding Effect
HOLD 1: Previous Preset
HOLD 4: Next Preset
TUNER/TEMPO MODE
Hold any switch to display the four Channels of that Effect
A CHAN
B CHAN
C CHAN
D CHAN
6TAP for channel selection and 'Exit'
Hold to select and 'Stay'
6TAP Switch 1 for TAP TEMPO
6TAP Switch 3 to Mute/Unmute
6TAP Switch 4 to exit the Tuner
NOTE: The default 'PRESS & HOLD' setting in 'Gig Mode' causes effects and other footswitches to trigger when you release the switch instead of when you press it. To disable or customize 'PRESS & HOLD', use the SETUP>Footswitches page. For more information, see the user manual.
VP4 SETUP
The VP4 can be used as a PRE or POST effects unit. It also features an integrated protection circuit to prevent switch-on crackling. Nevertheless, the amplifier and speakers should be the last things to be switched on and the first to be switched off.
PRE-FX, BETWEEN GUITAR AND AMP
POST-FX, IN THE FX LOOP OF AN AMP
POST-FX, WITH A MODELER
INPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT
L/MONO L/MONO
R
FX SEND FX RETURN
Amplifier
Model 50
Connect your modeler's line-level output(s) to your VP4's input(s). See also 'Mono or Stereo' below.
Connect the VP4's output(s) to the mixing desk, FRFR speaker, etc..
4CM SETUP The VP4 also supports the so-called ,four-cable method' ('4CM'). You can find detailed information in the VP4 user manual.
INPUT LEVEL
OUTPUT LEVEL
MONO OR STEREO
The VP4 is set up for a typical guitar with hot pickups. Without any effects or customizations, the VP4 outputs a unity The VP4 is set to 'MONO' by default.
If you see the 'IN CLIP' warning on the display, it means that the gain signal. However, the level can vary depending on the set- Use L/Mono input only for mono signals.
input levels are too high.
tings of the effects, presets, and scenes.
To adjust, go to SETUP > Audio > Input Pad and turn encoder A to raise the pad setting until the clipping stops. If the VP4 still clips at the maximum pad setting of 18 dB, reduce the output level of the connected guitar or device.
If there is an overload on the output, an OUT CLIP warning will appear, indicating that you need to lower the levels of your effects, presets, or scenes. For more information on output levels, please refer to the user manual.
For stereo signals, always connect both the left and right inputs. Change SETUP>Audio>Input Mode to 'STEREO'
For more information, including the VP4's automatic input pad adjustments, see the user guide.
The VP4 is factory set to 'STEREO'. This mode is also compatible with MONO. Find out more in the user manual.
VP4 BASIC EDITING
First, select any preset by entering Preset Mode.
SELECT OR CHANGE THE FX BLOCK · Switch to effects mode.
· Turn ABC or D to change the corresponding block type. · Press ENTER.
EDIT FX SETTINGS
· Turn SELECT to highlight any effect. · Press ENTER to enter the Basic Editor. · Use knobs ABDC to adjust settings. Turn SELECT to change rows. · Use PAGE buttons for FX with more options. The left-most page allows you to change Effect Type
SAVE CHANGES
· Press SAVE. Use ABCD and SELECT to choose a location and edit names.Press ENTER to confirm.
BLOCK-TYPE or EFFECT-TYPE
Effects in the VP4 are organised as high-level blocks such as 'Reverb' or 'Drive'. Blocks contain an `Effect Type' picker for subtypes such as `Deluxe Verb' or `Face Fuzz'. The TYPE PICKER is automatically displayed when you first edit a new effect. To change the effect type later, edit the effect and Page left to the type page.
EFFECT EDIT PAGES
The VP4 uses various pages to edit effect parameters and other settings. Use SELECT and ABCD knobs to navigate and make changes.
What is a Preset?
Each preset is a complete virtual pedalboard with its own four effects. In each preset, you can select effects, adjust them, and save your settings. Any preset in the VP4 can be customised or even overwritten. Some players may use just a single preset. Others may create a preset for each performance, each guitar, or even for parts of a song. Each preset also contains additional settings. Press HOME and use the PAGE buttons to access settings for the Noise Gate, Levels, EQ and more.
What is a Scene?
A scene is a snapshot of a pedalboard, so to speak. Each scene stores the bypass status of an effect, and can have different 'channel' settings. For more information on this topic, see the user manual.
What is a Channel?
A channel is one of four independent settings within a block, labelled A, B, C, and D. Channels allow you to switch between different configurations of the same effects block without loading multiple instances of the same block into a preset. For example, a drive block could use Channel A for a clean boost, Channel B for overdrive, Channel C for distortion, and Channel D for fuzz.
This provides a wider range of sounds while conserving CPU by using one block with multiple settings. To access a menu of channels, press and hold the footswitch for any effect.
Gear Nerd? Expert Tweaker?
The VP4 was designed for ease of use, with minimal options, similar to traditional pedals. At the same time, Fractal Audio is known for its extensive depth and flexibility, enabling creative musicians and effects enthusiasts to delve deep into sound design.
If this sounds like you, then Expert Edit might be for you. This special mode offers advanced options for editing effects and modifiers. To open Expert Edit, press PAGE LEFT & RIGHT at the same time while editing an effect or when an effect is selected on the start page. You can leave Expert Edit at any time by pressing EXIT.
CONNECT PEDALS & SWITCHES
The VP4 has two connections for expression pedals or switches. These must be configured before first use.
SET UP AN EXPRESSION PEDAL
Expression pedals should have a linear taper with a maximum resistance in the range of
10100 k. Connect an expression pedal using a TRS-TRS cable.
TIP SLEEVE
1. Open SETUP>Pedals. 2. For pedal jack 1, set the parameter Pedal 1 Type to 'EXPRESSION PEDAL'. RING
Respectively Pedal 2 Type for pedal jack 2.
3. Select the Calibrate line and press ENTER.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.
SET UP A SWITCH
1. A switch can be connected instead of a pedal..
2. Open SETUP>Pedals and set Pedal 1 Type' to one oft the 'SWITCH' options.
Select `SWITCH (Any, Follow Hardware)', if you connect either a latching switch or a momentary switch.
Choose 'SWITCH (Momentary, Virtual Toggle)', if you connect a momentary switch, but want it to function like a latching switch.
Modifiers provide an easy way to use a connected pedal or switch to control sound settings like the sweep of a Wah or Whammy, the rate of a Rotary, the mix of a Delay or Reverb, or hundreds of other settings. To set up a modifier, look for the Modifier symbol while editing any effect. lt appears as a small yellow circle in the center of a knob, or near a dropdown or menu parameter.
Select the desired knob/control and press ENTER to open the modifier screen. Choose a Source, such as 'PEDAL 1' to assign it. You can set the range and more. Press EXIT when you're finished, and don't forget to save the preset. See your Owner's Manual for more on Modifiers and other ways to use pedals or switches using the SETUP > MIDI Remote menu.
BYPASS THE VP4
The VP4 features a buffered analogue bypass. This passes the signal directly from the input to the output, without digital conversion or latency. If you want the analogue bypass to be activated automatically when all four effects are bypassed, enable this option under: SETUP > Global Settings > Automatic VP4-Bypass.
CPU
More effects or more sophisticated settings increase the CPU load. An indicator in the upper right corner shows the current CPU load. The limit is around 80%. If this limit is exceeded, the VP4 switches to bypass mode and displays the warning 'CPU LIMIT: Bypassed'. See also the user manual to learn more about the CPU.
USB
The VP4 can be connected to a Mac or PC via USB. This offers features such as audio recording, playback, using VP4-Edit with Fractal-Bot and direct MIDI integration with a DAW. Windows computers require a driver.
USB INPUTS (RECORDING)
INPUTS
L
R
12 34
Processor Output
IN 1 L+R
Record stereo audio from the VP4 outputs.
Record an unprocessed signal from the VP4 inputs.
USB-OUTPUTS (PLAYBACK)
12
USB PLAYBACK LEVEL
34
OUTPUTS
L
R
OUT 1 L+R
Processor Input
Play computer audio through the VP4 output..
Sends signals from the computer to the VP4 for processing.
Hum with USB connected? Computers can create a ground loop with aguitar amp if the VP4 is connected to both. To fix this problem, try using a USB isolator between the VP4 and the computer or an audio isolating transformer between the VP4 and the amp. Also, if you're using a laptop, try switching from AC power to battery power.
VP4 MORE
PRESET EXTRA
Presets have additional features. Use the PAGE buttons to navigate from the home page. The info bar shows you where you are at all times.
The Noise Gate reduces noise when you're not playing. lncrease Threshold to close the gate on louder noise. Setting it too high may gate your playing. Ratio adjusts how powerful the gate is - from no effect to extreme. Note: Some gate types rely on a global setting. For Europe, Australia and other regions with 50 Hz AC power, change SETUP > Global Options > AC Line Frequency to 50 Hz.
On the 'Main Level' page, you can adjust the overall levels of the current preset and each scene within it.
If you set the levels too high, a 'clipping' warning may appear. To fix this, lower the levels of the effects, the preset or the scene.
The Preset EQ page offers a 10-band EQ that can be set differently for each preset a great sound-shaping tool. If you make heavy boosts, you may need to lower the overall level of the preset to avoid clipping.
The Preset Mix/Routing page allows you to change the mix, level, bypass, channel and more for each effect in the current preset. These options can also be found on the regular FX editing pages, but this is a handy tool for making quick changes. You can also change the effect routing, kill dry, bypass mode and more. For more information, please refer to your user manual.
The 'Controller' page is actually the gateway to another menu. Just as an expression pedal can be used as a modifier, you can also assign an Envelope Follower, ADSR, LFO and Sequencer to make creative sound changes in real time. A tempo page and a modifier overview are also included. All settings in the `Controller' submenu are part of the preset and can be selected and saved. For more information, please refer to your user manual.
Use the Tools page to reset any channel or effect in the current preset to default settings--useful for a fresh start or when troubleshooting.
You can also reset the noise gate, preset EQ, or controller menu for the current preset. Don't forget to save if you want the changes to be permanent.
MANUALS & DOWNLOADS
The VP4 comes with a detailed user manual that provides instructions for setup, operation and troubleshooting. Downloads are also available for the Windows USB driver and any new firmware updates for the VP4. www.g66.eu/en/vp4-downloads
VP4 EDIT
VP4-Edit is the accompanying editor app for Mac or Windows.
www.g66.eu/en/vp4-edit
SUPPORT
Tel: +49 461 1828 094 E-Mail: support@g66.eu WhatsApp: +49 151 62660473
FORUM
The Fractal Audio forum is also a great resource, with members helping other members 24/7:
https://forum.fractalaudio.com