MX5 + VP4 = True Love
I recently built a small board using the MX5 with a Fractal VP4 going into the MX5 send and return. It's brilliant that HR made the fx loop on the MX5 stereo. Thank you HR! I have the Gigboard as well which has an fx loop, but it is mono.
I know HR doesn't always get the love it deserves, but I love this little setup. It does everything I want it to do and extends the MX5 into all new territory. I'm not one that needs to make models and add models or cabs to my existing setups. I feel I have my MX5 pretty dialed in and I think it sounds amazing. By adding the VP4, tonality just went sky high. The Fractal sounds are incredible and it interfaces with the MX5 beautifully. The sounds are huge, detailed and strikingly clear. Running this setup in stereo is BIG!
I really like the size of the whole package and it gives me loads of paint for the canvas without resorting to my big board. This setup is light, fast, stable and allows for complete creativity of approaches. I'm not using any midi aspects but that is possible to do. I have added an HR expression pedal to the VP4 to weep in fxs as desired and control fx parameters.
The bottom line, i wanted a smaller setup with lush, rich endless sounds. I considered several of the big boards out there incorporating everything into one board. But they seemed big, complicated and included features I'd be paying for not needed or want. I just want to extend my MX5 into new realms. The Fractal VP4 was the answer and I'm stoked to keep on the same page I've been working with and add a whole new tool set. So keeping my MX5 alive and well and not retiring it.
This setup is mounted on a Pedaltrain Metro 8"x24". Fits great. I ran a two outlet extension under the board for the units instead of a power supply. Space is tight under there. I added two rubber foot rests to slightly raise the back of the board up for clearance underneath. It all tucks into the Pedaltrain metal case with ease.
So... sharing this if you are interested in taking a HR legacy product to new levels and have all new opportunities. I know this is all subjective, but for me I'm giddy with this ditty 😄 I hope this is helpful to someone out there... it can be done.
