Panda Audio Future Impact V4.5 Adds DX7 Bass Sounds and Zero Latency Mode
Panda Audio has updated its flagship Future Impact V4 and V4 VIP bass synthesizer pedals with a V4.5 upgrade. The new firmware update retains the sounds and features of its predecessor while adding 99 DX7 FM presets. It also features a Setlist mode to easily program a performance list without a computer, and a Zero Latency mode, which joins the Speed and Accuracy modes.
“The FM library draws heavily from iconic ‘80s and ‘90s recordings made with the Yamaha DX7 bass: ‘Take on Me,’ ‘Smooth Criminal,’ ‘Take My Breath Away,’ ‘Broken Wings,’ and many more,” Panda Audio states. “There are also funky bass, smooth bass, double bass, Stratocaster emulation, and a selection of classic DX7 sounds —church organ, tubular bells, pan pipe, and harmonica, to name a few. You can also explore the tens of thousands of other FM patches out in the world and upload them using the 4.5 Editor software for Windows or Mac. The only caveat is to not to get too lost down that rabbit trail!”
Panda Audio also points out that while there are plenty of presets to pick from, users can still add and edit their own sounds. Hear about the Future Impact’s history and its new DX7 tones in this new demo:
The Panda Audio Future Impact V4.5 firmware update is available now. The Future Impact V4 and V4 VIP are available for $399 and $449.
Panda Audio Future Impact V4 – VIP Features:
| FM Sound Engine |
| Setlist Mode |
| Zero Latency Pitch Tracking Priority Parameter |
| Portamento |
| Copy and Swap VA Programs |
| Automatic Input Mode Switching |
| Separate MIDI Channels |
| Restore Factory Defaults |
| CV/Gate output |
| Detented Parameter dial with extended range |
| Sturdier knobs |
| Long Release |
| Oscillator sync |
| Improved audio fidelity |
| Overwrite programs |
| Superior pitch tracking |
| Octave transposition |
| 63 new Flexi curves |
| Robust firmware update process |
| Alternative quick access to Global Menu |
| Better Global Menu layout |
| Fresh Editor look |
| Onscreen Mod Wheel |
| midiBeam 4Control integration |
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
Brilliant sound demo. I have been waiting for the MXR Synth Bass, however I think the V4 VIP is the way to go!
They put the demo on YouTube “Kids,” which means I can’t save it to my watch later playlist, which means I’ll never see it. Pity.
Are these factory presets? They sound pretty darn good. Better then the MXR I think.
Future impact 4.5 is the absolute bomb, the new presets cover the needs for bass players in cover bands while the synth interface offers a huge range of creative options for those willing to dive deeper. Tracking is very fast and accurate but you have to have a clean playing style for best performance. The ability to play the synth engine from a keayboard as well as the ability to use the FI as a MIDI interface to utilize other synths adds to the overall value of this latest generation. Panda is teasing further updates and features are planned.