Tutorial Breakdown: Like Marshalls? You NEED To Try These Fractal Amps Introduction Welcome to another Tuesday Tone Tip! Let's break down Leon Todd's tutorial, and today we're diving into four exceptional Marshall-style amp models within the Fractal ecosystem that might have slipped under your radar. Unlike the other Marshall, Friedman, Bogner, or Cameron amps, which are based on real-world counterparts, these models are unique creations within the digital domain. They aim for specific tones, free from the constraints of real-world analogs. This freedom allows for creative sound-shaping, and today, we'll explore how to dial in these incredible sounds. Detailed Steps 1. Brit 800 Mod The Brit 800 Mod amp model is a modified version of the Brit 800, itself based on the Marshall JCM800. This model adds an extra gain stage, a popular modification in real amps. Here’s how to set it up: Initial Setup: Start with the stock settings. Adjustments: Set bass, middle, and treble to around 7. Adjust presence, gain, and master volume to taste. Leon also turns up the Gain from 3 to 6.6. Gain: 3-6.6 Bass: 7.0 Mid: 7.0 Treble: 7.0 Presence: 4.0 Depth: 2.0 Master Volume: 3.0 Level: -6.0 dB Balance: 0.0 IR and Effects: Use the free LT TV Mix 7 cab IR (link in the description) and a touch of large room reverb at stock settings. The Brit 800 Mod offers extra girth and stickiness, making it a reliable choice for gigging, as Leon used it extensively in the Club Cabaret season. 2. Brit Brown The Brit Brown amp model is inspired by the legendary Jose Arredondo-modded Plexi, incorporating various famous Plexi mods into one fine-tuned model. Here’s how to set it up: Initial Setup: Use the stock settings. Adjustments: Turn the bass down, and increase the middle and treble. Gain: 5.0 Bass: 2.97 Mid: 8.21 Treble: 7.99 Presence: 5.0 Depth: 5.0 Master Volume: 5.0 Level: -10.5 dB Bright: On Use the volume knob of your guitar to get all the sounds you need. This model delivers an instant "Brown Sound" vibe straight out of the box, perfect for those seeking that classic Plexi tone. 3. FAS Hot Rod The FAS Hot Rod is Fractal Audio’s take on the modded Marshall sound, offering a custom-voiced, smooth, and rich low-end tone. Here’s how to set it up: Initial Setup: Use the stock settings. Adjustments: Experiment with the master volume - keep it low for a modern high-gain sound or crank it up for a vintage tone. Gain: 6.0 Bass: 1.96 Mid: 6.63 Treble: 7.90 Presence: 4.50 Depth: 0.94 Master Volume: 3.50 Level: 0.0 dB Bright: On Boost: This model responds well to a preamp boost, such as the CC boost. Switch the Boost on in the Preamp Section of the Amp Block's menu. Effects: Leon loves using that parallel delay for a nice lead tone. Get his library blocks in the description for all his delay settings or try the delay from the video. Type: Stereo BBD Route in parallel. Delay Settings: Time: 390 ms Tempo: 1/4 Master Time: 100.0% Feedback L: 30.0% Master Feedback: 100.0% L/R Time Ratio: 75.0% Feedback R: 40.5% Input Gain: 100.0% Mix: 30.0% Level: 0.0 dB Balance: 0 Spread: 100.0% Kill Dry: ON Bypass Mode: Mute FX In This model maintains the Marshall DNA with a unique character that shines in a mix, making it a versatile choice. 4. FAS Crunch The FAS Crunch blends Marshall-style crunch with Boogie-style tones, offering a bright and dynamic sound. Here’s how to set it up: Initial Setup: Use the stock settings. Adjustments: Lower the treble and presence if using a bright guitar. Crank the master volume for power amp distortion and keep the gain low. Gain: 4.0 Bass: 6.91 Mid: 6.56 Treble: 4.0 Presence: 3.0 Depth: 3.0 Master Volume: 10.0 Level: -8.0 dB Bright: On Bright Switch: Turn off the bright switch for overly bright guitars. This model delivers a medium-gain crunch reminiscent of AC/DC, perfect for rock tones. There are also some custom Fractal Audio System amp models Leon recommends to check out. These include the FAS Modern and other high-gain models that offer pristine cleans and super tight modern tones. Practical Tips Experiment: Don’t be afraid to tweak settings to find your ideal tone. If you can't get that low-end tamed, check the Input EQ. Here you can cut the lows by sweeping around from 70-330 Hz. Input Level: Check your input signal in either the Input block or I/O settings. Ensure the guitar input is touching the red, leaving some headroom, and adjust as necessary. Mix Considerations: Some amp models may sound harsh in isolation but excel in a mix. Play to a backing track. Also, keep an eye on your output levels, maintaining consistent levels across amps and leaving some headroom for lead tones (add 1-3 dB to the lead tones by adjusting the Scene level). IR and Effects: Use different cab IRs and effects to further shape your sound. Use Dynacabs to adjust the mic positioning. Conclusion These unique Fractal amp models offer a wide range of tones, from vintage crunch to modern high-gain sounds. By experimenting with the settings and understanding their unique characteristics, you can achieve the perfect tone for your style. Lastly, these custom amp models in the Fractal ecosystem provide a "best of both worlds" scenario. They capture the core character of the tones you love, while often being easier to dial in than their real-world counterparts. Happy tone chasing, and see you in the next Tuesday Tone Tip! Additional Resources Fractal Audio Wiki Leon Todd’s Free IRs and Blocks in the description RUclips: Tuesday Tone Tips Playlist Feel free to ask any questions in the comments below and check out the description for Leon's free IRs and blocks. See you in the next Tuesday Tone Tip!
Tried pretty much all the "Marshall" amps and the various amps that are inspired by them (Friedmans, etc..) I have settled on the Brit Brown. I also own several Friedman amps..
Sounds great, I don't know how he does it, I waste so much time trying to get a good sound out of my Axe Fx 3. His tone sounded better on my TV that I can guitar it with studio monitors.
Cool models, thanks for sharing! Dude, your insane accent (or maybe I’m the one insane) is starting to rub off a little, I started saying “Muuuuurdur”! LOL!
Tutorial Breakdown:
Like Marshalls? You NEED To Try These Fractal Amps
Introduction
Welcome to another Tuesday Tone Tip! Let's break down Leon Todd's tutorial, and today we're diving into four exceptional Marshall-style amp models within the Fractal ecosystem that might have slipped under your radar. Unlike the other Marshall, Friedman, Bogner, or Cameron amps, which are based on real-world counterparts, these models are unique creations within the digital domain. They aim for specific tones, free from the constraints of real-world analogs. This freedom allows for creative sound-shaping, and today, we'll explore how to dial in these incredible sounds.
Detailed Steps
1. Brit 800 Mod
The Brit 800 Mod amp model is a modified version of the Brit 800, itself based on the Marshall JCM800. This model adds an extra gain stage, a popular modification in real amps. Here’s how to set it up:
Initial Setup: Start with the stock settings.
Adjustments:
Set bass, middle, and treble to around 7. Adjust presence, gain, and master volume to taste. Leon also turns up the Gain from 3 to 6.6.
Gain: 3-6.6
Bass: 7.0
Mid: 7.0
Treble: 7.0
Presence: 4.0
Depth: 2.0
Master Volume: 3.0
Level: -6.0 dB
Balance: 0.0
IR and Effects: Use the free LT TV Mix 7 cab IR (link in the description) and a touch of large room reverb at stock settings.
The Brit 800 Mod offers extra girth and stickiness, making it a reliable choice for gigging, as Leon used it extensively in the Club Cabaret season.
2. Brit Brown
The Brit Brown amp model is inspired by the legendary Jose Arredondo-modded Plexi, incorporating various famous Plexi mods into one fine-tuned model. Here’s how to set it up:
Initial Setup: Use the stock settings.
Adjustments:
Turn the bass down, and increase the middle and treble.
Gain: 5.0
Bass: 2.97
Mid: 8.21
Treble: 7.99
Presence: 5.0
Depth: 5.0
Master Volume: 5.0
Level: -10.5 dB
Bright: On
Use the volume knob of your guitar to get all the sounds you need.
This model delivers an instant "Brown Sound" vibe straight out of the box, perfect for those seeking that classic Plexi tone.
3. FAS Hot Rod
The FAS Hot Rod is Fractal Audio’s take on the modded Marshall sound, offering a custom-voiced, smooth, and rich low-end tone. Here’s how to set it up:
Initial Setup: Use the stock settings.
Adjustments:
Experiment with the master volume - keep it low for a modern high-gain sound or crank it up for a vintage tone.
Gain: 6.0
Bass: 1.96
Mid: 6.63
Treble: 7.90
Presence: 4.50
Depth: 0.94
Master Volume: 3.50
Level: 0.0 dB
Bright: On
Boost: This model responds well to a preamp boost, such as the CC boost. Switch the Boost on in the Preamp Section of the Amp Block's menu.
Effects: Leon loves using that parallel delay for a nice lead tone. Get his library blocks in the description for all his delay settings or try the delay from the video.
Type: Stereo BBD
Route in parallel.
Delay Settings:
Time: 390 ms
Tempo: 1/4
Master Time: 100.0%
Feedback L: 30.0%
Master Feedback: 100.0%
L/R Time Ratio: 75.0%
Feedback R: 40.5%
Input Gain: 100.0%
Mix: 30.0%
Level: 0.0 dB
Balance: 0 Spread: 100.0%
Kill Dry: ON
Bypass Mode: Mute FX In
This model maintains the Marshall DNA with a unique character that shines in a mix, making it a versatile choice.
4. FAS Crunch
The FAS Crunch blends Marshall-style crunch with Boogie-style tones, offering a bright and dynamic sound. Here’s how to set it up:
Initial Setup: Use the stock settings.
Adjustments:
Lower the treble and presence if using a bright guitar. Crank the master volume for power amp distortion and keep the gain low.
Gain: 4.0
Bass: 6.91
Mid: 6.56
Treble: 4.0
Presence: 3.0
Depth: 3.0
Master Volume: 10.0
Level: -8.0 dB
Bright: On
Bright Switch: Turn off the bright switch for overly bright guitars.
This model delivers a medium-gain crunch reminiscent of AC/DC, perfect for rock tones.
There are also some custom Fractal Audio System amp models Leon recommends to check out. These include the FAS Modern and other high-gain models that offer pristine cleans and super tight modern tones.
Practical Tips
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to tweak settings to find your ideal tone. If you can't get that low-end tamed, check the Input EQ. Here you can cut the lows by sweeping around from 70-330 Hz.
Input Level: Check your input signal in either the Input block or I/O settings. Ensure the guitar input is touching the red, leaving some headroom, and adjust as necessary.
Mix Considerations: Some amp models may sound harsh in isolation but excel in a mix. Play to a backing track. Also, keep an eye on your output levels, maintaining consistent levels across amps and leaving some headroom for lead tones (add 1-3 dB to the lead tones by adjusting the Scene level).
IR and Effects: Use different cab IRs and effects to further shape your sound. Use Dynacabs to adjust the mic positioning.
Conclusion
These unique Fractal amp models offer a wide range of tones, from vintage crunch to modern high-gain sounds. By experimenting with the settings and understanding their unique characteristics, you can achieve the perfect tone for your style.
Lastly, these custom amp models in the Fractal ecosystem provide a "best of both worlds" scenario. They capture the core character of the tones you love, while often being easier to dial in than their real-world counterparts. Happy tone chasing, and see you in the next Tuesday Tone Tip!
Additional Resources
Fractal Audio Wiki
Leon Todd’s Free IRs and Blocks in the description
RUclips: Tuesday Tone Tips Playlist
Feel free to ask any questions in the comments below and check out the description for Leon's free IRs and blocks. See you in the next Tuesday Tone Tip!
Heaven’s Above those Marshall’s sound fantastic.🤟🏻
I messed with the FAS brown over the weekend and loved it. The 800 mod has been my go to for 800 tones. Great sounding models.
Yes..The Grease an essential daily vitamin 😊
Great stuff as always Leon. Your head got cut in the video by the G66 logo.
FAS Amps are sooo good 🤘
Killer sounds!
What‘s the Song called with this riff you play at 6:45?
Love the Brit Brown, one of my go to Amps 👍🏻
Tried pretty much all the "Marshall" amps and the various amps that are inspired by them (Friedmans, etc..) I have settled on the Brit Brown. I also own several Friedman amps..
Still love that guitar, Leon!
LEON!!!! 🤘🏻
Trying to make a Shawn Lane preset, which one would you say is closer to a Gjika Powers of Ten? Thank you for shedding a spotlight on these.🎸🔥👍🏽
Sounds great, I don't know how he does it, I waste so much time trying to get a good sound out of my Axe Fx 3. His tone sounded better on my TV that I can guitar it with studio monitors.
Cool models, thanks for sharing! Dude, your insane accent (or maybe I’m the one insane) is starting to rub off a little, I started saying “Muuuuurdur”! LOL!
This makes recording with a real amp useless. Chapeau!
@@godzoo18 that’s only in your mind