Les,why don't you like the fractal ?? That is apart from the fact there's no mic involved.
I think the Fractal is a great tool with a lot of uses, and I have a lot of respect for it. It's just not for me. I suppose I should explain a little.The main reason I don't have a fractal is that I didn't really dig playing through one. The immersive experience wasn't there with the Fractal as it was with the real amp. I get inspired through the real deal for some reason.
I play better through an amp.
For me, after you get over the tone and the analog/digital yada yada thing, the question is, "How do you get your best performance?" No one wants to listen to realistic sounding bad playing. My clients want a good take, that sounds good and is well performed. So how do I get it?
I've found I get it through an amp. It's just that, no more. I have nothing against the fractal.
I like wearing boots with jeans more than wearing sneakers with jeans. I have nothing against sneakers. Just prefer boots.
Do I think the Fractal sounds 100% as good as an amp?
Not really, but it's so close it wouldn't matter if I played better through the Fractal; if so, I would have one.