This is the wiki for products made by Fractal Audio Systems. Maintained by members of the community.
Difference between revisions of "AM4 firmware release notes"
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__TOC__ | __TOC__ | ||
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| + | =2.00 - released: 2026, March 20= | ||
| + | |||
| + | New Features & Improvements | ||
| + | |||
| + | The AM4 is now up to date with Axe-Fx III firmware 32.02, featuring improved modeling, enhanced accuracy, improved aliasing performance, and more. (See details at the end of these notes.) | ||
| + | |||
| + | This version also includes small fixes planned for the upcoming Axe-Fx 32.03 release. Note that some presets may show a slight increase in CPU usage. | ||
| + | |||
| + | NEW! Swedish Metal Drive pedal model based on a Boss™ HM-2 Heavy Metal. | ||
| + | The expert Diode Type now also includes the 1S2473 from this model. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The Input Gate and Gate block now allow faster Attack times down to 0.1. | ||
| + | Note: Setting Attack and Release times too fast in any gate can cause distortion. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Changed default values of Dual Head Tape type in Delay block to be a bit more musical. | ||
| + | |||
| + | NEW SPDIF Input Mode option. This setting, available only when INPUT SOURCE is set to SPDIF, determines how incoming SPDIF signals are handled by the AM4 (Left Only, Right Only, L+R Sum, Stereo). The option “LEFT ONLY” will be of special interest to those using the AM4 in a 4CM configuration with the VP4, as it can be used to reduce overall latency. | ||
| + | |||
| + | FIXES | ||
| + | |||
| + | Fixed an issue where amp level was sometimes not set correctly after a channel change. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Fixed an issue where Speaker Impedance values were incorrect when using AM4-Edit copy/paste | ||
| + | |||
| + | Improved the performance of tempo from external MIDI clock, which can push-pull during preset changes. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Fixed an issue with Preset Changes while Loading Cabs with Ignore Redundant PC set to ON. | ||
| + | |||
| + | NOTES FROM AXE-FX UPDATES | ||
| + | |||
| + | * Double Verb, Vibrato Verb and Super Verb models: the gain Taper was previously 20A, and is now “2-35”. Audition presets and adjust as necessary by slightly lowering the gain. | ||
| + | * Improved power tube grid modeling in Amp block. | ||
| + | * Improved frequency response accuracy for amp models. | ||
| + | * Added “Transistor” Power Tube Type. This is now the default type for the Jazz 120 amp model and models a transistor output stage. Existing presets using this model are automatically updated. | ||
| + | * Fixed an issue with PVH 6160, PVH 6160+ Lead and 5153 Red amp models. These models have been remastered accordingly. It is recommended to do a soft reset to load the new default values. | ||
| + | * Fixed wrong resistor value in 5153 100W Green amp model. Audition presets and adjust as necessary. | ||
| + | * Fixed wrong resistor value in 5153 100W Stealth Blue model. Audition presets and adjust as necessary. | ||
| + | * Fixed wrong B+ voltage in Friedman BE/HBE models (due to wrong dropping resistor value). These models have been remastered accordingly. The default Negative Feedback has been changed to being commensurate with being taken from the 4-ohm tap. Note that the first-generation BE-100 had the feedback off the speaker jack. This was then changed to the 4-ohm tap. The latest version has a three-way switch to select between 4/8/16-ohm taps. Audition presets and adjust as necessary. | ||
| + | * Fixed wrong Master Volume taper in Solo 100 amp models. Remastered the models. Audition presets and adjust as necessary. | ||
| + | * Fixed wrong bass taper in Band-Commander amp model. Audition presets and adjust as necessary. | ||
| + | * Fixed wrong master volume taper in Mr Z MZ-38 amp model. Audition presets and adjust as necessary. | ||
| + | * Fixed preset updater not correctly setting Preamp Hardness if Amp block using EF86 tube type. | ||
| + | * Improved Amp block preamp modeling. | ||
| + | * Fixed wrong Overdrive Volume taper in Fox ODS models. Audition presets and adjust as necessary. | ||
| + | * Fixed an issue with the Euro Uber model where certain combinations of Presence and Depth can cause | ||
| + | * Various other fixes and improvements. | ||
=1.02 - released: 2026, Jan 15= | =1.02 - released: 2026, Jan 15= | ||
Latest revision as of 19:29, 20 March 2026
Contents
2.00 - released: 2026, March 20
New Features & Improvements
The AM4 is now up to date with Axe-Fx III firmware 32.02, featuring improved modeling, enhanced accuracy, improved aliasing performance, and more. (See details at the end of these notes.)
This version also includes small fixes planned for the upcoming Axe-Fx 32.03 release. Note that some presets may show a slight increase in CPU usage.
NEW! Swedish Metal Drive pedal model based on a Boss™ HM-2 Heavy Metal. The expert Diode Type now also includes the 1S2473 from this model.
The Input Gate and Gate block now allow faster Attack times down to 0.1. Note: Setting Attack and Release times too fast in any gate can cause distortion.
Changed default values of Dual Head Tape type in Delay block to be a bit more musical.
NEW SPDIF Input Mode option. This setting, available only when INPUT SOURCE is set to SPDIF, determines how incoming SPDIF signals are handled by the AM4 (Left Only, Right Only, L+R Sum, Stereo). The option “LEFT ONLY” will be of special interest to those using the AM4 in a 4CM configuration with the VP4, as it can be used to reduce overall latency.
FIXES
Fixed an issue where amp level was sometimes not set correctly after a channel change.
Fixed an issue where Speaker Impedance values were incorrect when using AM4-Edit copy/paste
Improved the performance of tempo from external MIDI clock, which can push-pull during preset changes.
Fixed an issue with Preset Changes while Loading Cabs with Ignore Redundant PC set to ON.
NOTES FROM AXE-FX UPDATES
- Double Verb, Vibrato Verb and Super Verb models: the gain Taper was previously 20A, and is now “2-35”. Audition presets and adjust as necessary by slightly lowering the gain.
- Improved power tube grid modeling in Amp block.
- Improved frequency response accuracy for amp models.
- Added “Transistor” Power Tube Type. This is now the default type for the Jazz 120 amp model and models a transistor output stage. Existing presets using this model are automatically updated.
- Fixed an issue with PVH 6160, PVH 6160+ Lead and 5153 Red amp models. These models have been remastered accordingly. It is recommended to do a soft reset to load the new default values.
- Fixed wrong resistor value in 5153 100W Green amp model. Audition presets and adjust as necessary.
- Fixed wrong resistor value in 5153 100W Stealth Blue model. Audition presets and adjust as necessary.
- Fixed wrong B+ voltage in Friedman BE/HBE models (due to wrong dropping resistor value). These models have been remastered accordingly. The default Negative Feedback has been changed to being commensurate with being taken from the 4-ohm tap. Note that the first-generation BE-100 had the feedback off the speaker jack. This was then changed to the 4-ohm tap. The latest version has a three-way switch to select between 4/8/16-ohm taps. Audition presets and adjust as necessary.
- Fixed wrong Master Volume taper in Solo 100 amp models. Remastered the models. Audition presets and adjust as necessary.
- Fixed wrong bass taper in Band-Commander amp model. Audition presets and adjust as necessary.
- Fixed wrong master volume taper in Mr Z MZ-38 amp model. Audition presets and adjust as necessary.
- Fixed preset updater not correctly setting Preamp Hardness if Amp block using EF86 tube type.
- Improved Amp block preamp modeling.
- Fixed wrong Overdrive Volume taper in Fox ODS models. Audition presets and adjust as necessary.
- Fixed an issue with the Euro Uber model where certain combinations of Presence and Depth can cause
- Various other fixes and improvements.
1.02 - released: 2026, Jan 15
New Features & Improvements
The AM4 is now up to date with Axe-Fx III firmware release 31.03.
New Deluxe 6G3 amp model based on the bright channel of a 6G3 “Brownface” Deluxe.
New Citrus Juicer compressor model, based on the Dan Armstrong Orange Squeezer™. The original pedal has a single knob, but the model adds additional parameters for extended flexibility. On the original, the ratio and threshold vary with the specific components used and the internal bias trim. As a starting point, set Threshold to –26.0 dB and Compression to 8.0, then adjust to taste.
The new Half-Wave detector type used by this model is also available for other compressor types, offering different attack and release behavior and a slightly grittier character.
Improved Amp block preamp modeling for more accurate response when the amp is driven harder—for example, when using a boost or overdrive.
Improved Amp block phase inverter modeling - Went through every model with a fine-toothed comb and adjusted power amp and phase inverter parameters as needed to reflect new modeling.
Analog Bypass is now available on the AM4. When engaged, the signal passes directly from input to output with no digital conversion, processing, or latency. Analog Bypass can be controlled via a footswitch, MIDI, or an external pedal/switch, and it can also be set to engage automatically when all four blocks are bypassed by using SETUP > Global Settings > Automatic AM4 Bypass.
Improved “Dwell” in spring reverb types.
The default startup mode is now Preset Mode instead of FX Mode.
New warning when an external S/PDIF clock is detected at a frequency other than 48 kHz.
New “USB 3/4 Record Source” option – Allows USB channels 3/4 to be set to NONE so the input DI signal is not sent to the computer. This option is provided specifically for use with software such as OBS and other streaming or recording applications that cannot select individual USB inputs and instead listen to all available USB channels, which could otherwise result in the DI signal being unintentionally blended with the processed AM4 output.
AM4 is now supported in Cab-Lab version 1.01.01 or newer.
Fixes
Corrected the order of Treble Gain / Normal Gain in some amps.
Fixed the expert Cab Preamp VU meter.
Fixed an issue that would cause Preamp Tube Type to not update when selecting certain models/modes.
Fixed incorrect default DynaCabs for Class-A 30W and Band Commander.
The hardware now follows along perfectly when the amp type is changed in AM4-Edit.
Changing the Amp Type from AM4-Edit does not trigger a refresh of the control UI.
Very long preset names no longer cause a problem for the preset picker page.
Removed non-working stereo spread control from mono spring reverbs.
Reset System parameters now correctly sets SPDIF In Level to 0.00.
Fixed interaction of metronome and FX bypass remote switching.
Fixed an issue caused by certain diode settings in the Drive block.
Small fixes to the Deluxe Tweed, Band Commander, and Herbie amp models, and Pi Fuzz drive types.
Corrected the level for USB 3/4 for recording a DI.
Corrected an issue that could occur when changing amp type while DynaCabs were loading.
Fixed Amp GEQ display when it is toggled on/off by a modifier.
Speaker Impedance Curves are now auto-set correctly when changing channels in all cases.
Various other fixes and improvements.
1.01 - released: 2025 Nov 24
Initial firmware release on the first shipped units.
