Agreed. They should have been released have released the Axe 3 first, then the FM9, then the FM3 last. So they could avoid any disappointment and feelings of wishing we had more.
@@GenerationDown yeah the 3 should’ve been a later budget floorboard for sure, but I’m still glad they have the FM3. I have no need for the FM9 or Axe3 and at 1k it was portable and cheaper than the QC and actually attainable. I love mine.
Your FM3 video was so helpful, it actually helped me make the decision to buy mine! Having never owned a Fractal product, it was a HUGE learning curve for me. I play jazz standards, musical theater, Motown, and so on, so the small form factor is just what I needed. However! When the cover bands call me, I bring along the FC6 to access scenes and effects much more easily. I absolutely know the FM9 will blow my setup out of the water, no question. But for my simple needs, this works just fine. I'll be cheering on every FM9 owner from the sidelines; can't wait to see the content you come up with!
Any tips for a newbie. Are you still happy with your FM3? Why not get a FM9? It will elevate your playing- less tap dancing, more jazz! Twice the power and many other benefits.
@@MOAB-UT As a matter of fact, I now have both an FM3 and an FM9 - WOW, that wait list sure moved fast! - and they're amazing. Although the FM9 indeed ticks all the boxes for me - and then some, I still love the FM3, as it's a great unit that's super-portable. You really can't go wrong either way. Furthermore, Cooper Carter's classes really helped me out a lot; it's incredible how anyone can go in and change the tubes, bias, cabinets, and everything else. If you end up with any of those products, those courses are a must to really dig in deep and learn absolutely everything about your Fractal unit. Cheers!
@@ricardosilvestri94 Thanks Ricardo. I am a few days in with the FM9 and learning a lot on my own- like how to dim the lights. At night it was blinding- headache inducing. Even my wife was like, that's a lot of flashing lights! Not good for someone like me with a brain injury. They are nice and dim now but *is there a way to turn off the flashing TEMPO light?* Blinking lights send me into a bad place now- too much to process and I run out of DSP! Always protect your head!!! The FM9 is great. I wonder if I could get away with the smaller FM3. Other than some power and footswitches, what are the other main compromises in your opinion? *Should I keep the FM9?* I am still within the return period. I don't know how deep I will go into effects. I am not a pro- I just mostly play at home for fun. I do like options. I am thinking over time, I might learn to appreciate the flexibility of the extra 6 switches and the extra DSP power. Today they are completely overkill. It is sitting on my table and I am changing presets by hand. I have not even fired up the online editor yet. I am a complete newbie with this thing. Steep learning curve but I know I will get it- in time. I hooked up my RC500 Looper to it and it works great. I have not yet explored the included looper. The RC has a lot of rich features like drums, save long loops, 2 tracks, etc. I do want to look into the CC class. I am watching a 19 part FM9 series from Rosh Roslin. He is a pro who helps some big name performers dial in their FM9's, and FM3's and AxeFX. It is pretty good so far and it is free on YTbe. *How do I see my DSP level?* Last question if you don't mind. I am going OUT to two studio monitors. How can I go out to an additional AMP? I have a Fishman Mini Acoustic amp that sounds great (more bass than monitors.) Can I just use any output, like Bank 2 out? It does not have an effects loop. It sounded fine when I went out to it alone. Thanks!
Ryan, I don't care if other content creators have made, countless videos on certain products. I still want to know what YOU have to say about it. If you made a Kemper video, after it being released for all these years, I'd still watch it with great interest because you're reliable and know what research means... and your nerdy AF hahaha!! Which I admire. Please make the FM3 content. Thanks
This might sound like beating a dead dead-horse-beater, but I'm genuinely curious to hear 3rd gen AxeFX vs the older POD stuff if you still have a bean laying around. A lot of people talk about modelers becoming obsolete as soon as the newer shinier one comes out, but i've also heard tones from people who know how to get the best of what was the newest shiniest modeler of its time like AxeFX Ultra or POD HD and they've sounded great. Similarly, a comparison between 3rd Gen AxeFX and free/cheap VSTs could be interesting, because a used laptop, cheap interface, midi footswitch, and some plugins likely undercuts the cost of the FM9 at the expense of being a less elegant solution for just a guitar rig. However, depending on the IO of the interface and the power of the laptop, you could run 2 guitars, a bass, and your click/backing track off that setup.
I bought a second-hand AX8 about a month ago, but after watching your videos for a long time and seeing LT's video the other day I signed up for the Australian waiting list for the FM9 almost immediately. Can't wait to see what sounds you are able to coax out of it :)
I have an FM3 and love it. But I use it and find it best as a desktop unit. It's a perfect fit for recording amazing guitar tones and effects and having right there on top of my work area going into my computer. The FM9 seems like a real floor processor option. I love Fractal and am expanding into it more, and getting rid of some of my tube amps to go straight Fractal, but I don't see any reason to get an FM9 instead of just stepping up to AXE-FX III for full capability. For me anyways. I can see someone who likes to go straight to a PA and wants all the button control on the floor. Or someone who wants to use it with another amp. Other than that though.
You will come around. More buttons is far more convenient. The FM9 will fit on your desk too. It's only 9" longer and actually smaller in ever other dimension! Yet it has twice the power and slightly better tone on identical presets since the DSP is not near max. You can run high resolution effects like reverbs, dual amps. There are several other benefits too like more I/O. It is like having an AxeFX on the floor! Yes, I am biased. Mine comes tomorrow! I tried to go cheaper with the Ampero 2- decent but just not the same. $400 vs. $1699. It's worth it. Now I just have to learn how to play!
Please make the FM3 review, I just recently got one and I think the compact use of it is perfect. I’d love to see the big reasons why an FM9 would be better than it if most people tend to just use a clean, drive, and a solo sound.
@@clownshoes321 I've been googling the hell out of this question, since I'm still on the FM9 waitlist and the waiting is killing me. The FM3 is available to be shipped right now, so it's very tempting. From what I've seen, what you've posted is just about the only difference other than the IO differences that most people aren't going to use anyway - however it's not the whole story. The FM9 has dedicated reverb cores, which also means you're not using main CPU cycles to process those reverbs. I don't know if that matters in reality, but the FM3 + FC6 will basically cost you the same as the FM9 so if you're ever going to want the extra buttons it makes sense to go FM9 and have the extra processor power. If you don't want/need those extra buttons, then there are any number of comparison videos that can effectively prove that you can't hear the difference between the FM3, the FM9, or the FXIII in nearly all cases.
Nice. Now you have an FM3, if you're gonna do a review, would love to hear your thoughts on sound comparisons between the older AX8 modeling and the newer algorithms. I've been using an Axe FX II for about 7 years now and very happy still, but the grass is always greener.
You absolutely called it, bro’, pop your collar n’ get your smug on…you deserve it! 🙏🏾💪🏾🤘🏾 And my AX8 will still ride with me until the wheels fall off (well, until all the encoders tank, at least 😝 ), albeit relegated to the studio room along with my Eventide H9 Max, t.c. electronic G-Force, etc. PS: I will miss the AX8’s handle with the FM9! …much better enables one-handed handling of a unit of that size/weight.
Great vid man..im totally in the same boat..love the Ax8 and was just building a AxeIII rig with a LiquidFoot Jr for a backup...lol...well guess im gonna scrap that idea. Ive been waiting for an FM9 since the Fm3 came out.
I came here to see if you were going to make this video, and voila! I just started the vid, but wanted to make the comment right away. I'll edit and add more later. EDIT: Great video. And I had a genuine LOL when you whipped out the FM3. As for content with the FM3, yes, I'd like to see some. Even if it's simply comparing the AX8, FM3, FM9, and POD GO tone wise. Simply put, even with the overall general increase in quality of tones that has happened with the newer modelers, I keep coming back to this channel because you made then AX8 sound better than pretty much most other demos to my ears. The driving tone force that made me finally buy a III mk.2 myself. And even though I have my own III now, I'd still like to see what you can do on this generation of Fractal stuff just in case I'm missing something on my end.
@@PlagueScytheStudios Nice! 😊 You called it right about the FM3 and didn't jump on the new gear bandwagon- you are free to gloat away! I did too. In fact, I even spoke to Fractal and told them they needed a FM9 type solution. About 6 months later what I described nearly to a T was released (be it very briefly.) I think the so-called "chip shortage" is not what it appears. I would welcome your thoughts. 1. They would have to pay more (cut profits) to get the artificially lower # of available chips. I studied electrical/mechanical engineering. 100%, these manufactures could churn out hundreds of thousands, if not millions of chips every day "if they wanted to." They already have the recipe- baking the tiny cakes is easy. Magically, they can get ALL the other parts the unit needs, power supplies, wires, LED's chassis, buttons, switches. I am not buying it. 2. To sell FM3 at or near cost is not attractive to Fractal (other brands have sold plenty of units this past year so the chips ARE available.) Furthermore, selling the FM9's now en masse would very much cut into sales of their flagship Axe-FX III. Despite the form factor, and mostly theoretical DSP delta, the realistic and practical capability of both units is nearly identical. That is to say, you can play 98% of the same presets on the FM9 as you can on the Axe-FX III (not at all true of the FM3- as you accurately pointed out.) The editor is also nearly identical. It just does not make good business sense for Fractal to have both units for sale at the same time, especially when one unit is 78% higher cost ($2,854* vs. $1,599) (*when you include the cost of the FJ6 controller. You still end up with less foot switches 6 vs. 9.) If you wanted to gain 3 unnecessary foot switches, the FJ12 would make the investment nearly double. I prefer the all-in-one factor of the FM9 anyway. Despite the Mark II, I am confident that a seemingly coincidental and timely announcement of an Axe-FX IV or other serious improvement will closely coincide with the full release of the FM9. Like you, I am usually pretty good about guessing these things. Lastly, I am just curious why don't you post videos of you playing? Surely you must play.
Well constructed thoughts throughout! I'll reply in turn. 1) You may or may not already know, but I too am a mechy. My day job actually revolves around electronics though. The chip shortage is very real, but I agree there is more going on than the dumbed down story being told to the public. The chip suppliers (and shipping companies for that matter) are absolutely taking the piss with this situation and milking manufacturers for all they can get. I think in this case, Fractal is really getting the short end of the stick here and there is no foul play going on. I have seen the same thing at work - two similar chips with the same form factor from the same company can have lead time differences in months. It makes no sense. 2) There's no doubt Fractal would prefer to sell more of the higher profit model, but I don't think it's an apples to apples comparison with other modeling units. It could be a specific supply or allocation issue with the SHARC processors they use, and I would not think FAS is a big enough player globally to get high priority on the limited supply. I bet Yamaha (which owns Line 6) is that big, and the lower end modelers probably use more plentiful micros on older process nodes. With that said, I voiced the same assessment 4 years ago that the AXE is almost too powerful for its own good. It sits in a weird middle ground where it's total overkill for all but a few FX heavy artists (even then, I bet I could match all of Devon Townsend's 30 years of tones in a couple presets), yet it's not enough horsepower or IO to run a zero compromises band rig. The FM9 is finally the perfect fit in terms of power and IO for guitarists that want it all in one box without paying for extras they will never use anyway. All in all, I too foresee an AXE IV or mark III within 3 to 4 years once FM9 sales plateau. Once again, unless it is controllable through a VST host and has the ability to run a full band signal chain, I won't be interested. For the playing angle - I want this channel to be about the topics I cover, not me. It's inseparable to a certain extent, and I do have a few covers and videos on the channel showing me actually playing. Of course, I record all the guitar parts you hear on video. However, if I sit down to watch a video about an amp head, I want to see the amp and accompanying gear. Show me the guitar used once, thats all I need. I'm not there to watch 15 camera cuts of some dudebro head bobbing to the same riff I've heard twenty times. As a result, I construct my videos in a way I wish many others would. I will leave my personal music projects as the avenue for showing off my playing directly.
@@PlagueScytheStudios I was an EE major so I guess that makes me mechy too. The chip thing is still overblown and a money grab on both sides IMO. The processor in the Axe-FX III is actually quite old. It is relatively powerful but not exactly cutting edge by todays standards. th-cam.com/video/rxb0nIBIquI/w-d-xo.html It is a 2012 designed TI 2 DSP. TMS320C6657CZH They sell online for roughly $50.00-$100. I agree that the FM9 is perfect. I still content if available now, it would cannibalize sales of the AFIII for sure. Otherwise, I mostly agree with everything else that you said and I enjoy your channel. Do put some videos up of you playing though- we would all like to see a little more of that! Perhaps you can include it when you release your FM9 video. Nothing fancy mind you. Cheers!
I'd like to see you keep the FM3 to do a comparison of preset(s) that works on the FM9 but will not on the FM3. I got an FM3 to replace my Ultra and I'm happy with it as a stay at home rig (getting an FM9 eventually though). Also, maybe a good comparison of all the different modeling/analog gear you have could be a by genre tone for each, like a doom rig with a big muff, a modern metal 5150/dual rec tone, a classic rock tone, etc.
Good commentary- different but good info. Leon is great but your reviews are as well- you both cover slightly different aspects, perspectives and opinions- all of which are important.
Similar to what another poster said, I would certainly appreciate a breakdown of each of the 3 big names, Cortex, fractals line, and the kemper. I’m considering buying a modeler for future gigging as it’s just such an easier way to travel with. I’m thinking of the AXE FX 3 personally but would love to hear you go over each option and what the pros/cons are. Ik that’s a lot to ask, but I’d for sure appreciate it. Also, Siderum, wow, did not expect how creative and unique it is. Congratulations on that brother, what an awesome record.
Ryan, I have a Quad Cortex and I’d really enjoy you giving it a go one day. I think you’ll be impressed. I’m hoping this FM9 can allow me to score a FM3 on the cheap to try the Fractal system. Great video and I would be interested in your FM3 if you do let it go.
Did you receive yours yet? When did you get on the list? I was day 2 and don't have it yet. I heard more are coming next month- not sure if the US will get them or just Europe.
I received mine the week of Thanksgiving last year, but I got on the wait list early on the first day around noon if I recall correctly. Hopefully yours and everyone else's start shipping soon! I have a good chunk of the FM9 review video complete, and will release it when more people get units in their hands.
Mine arrives tomorrow. Are there any tips you can share. I am interested in looping. I have a RC500 too. Not sure I will need it. I want to change guitar tones on the overdub. What tone preset packs do you like? I want them to be named after the actual song to make it easy to dial in. Austin Buddy? I agree- the FM9 (Turbo) blows away the QC. Are you now comfortable with using the editor. The on unit bit is not it's strong suit- not as good as Helix or QC. I will probably use the PC editor mostly.
I was totally the same opinion as you had about the Axe III and the FM3. I love my AX8 but it has limits hate. If the FM9 was released 6 months ago I totally would have bought it. Now I am a Quad Cortex user and I love it! Yes Neural has to catch up with the quality of the effects and the amp models and the amount of both BUT! It is so much more convenient and fast to use and edit its amazing. Also the power of the CPU is still insane: 4 different amps + 4 delays and + 4 Reverbs in the same preset is just freedom with seemless switching. The FM9 still will have only 2 Amps and 2 Reverbs seemlessly switchable. I don’t care about the 4 Channels per Block of those are not seemlessly switching and especially not having trials of the reverb and delays when switching.
generally, channels seamlessly switch, unless it is a heavy dsp effect like an amp sim. In my experience, reverbs, delays, drives and modulation all change channels instantly. I have a FM3 for reference.
@@joshuabenton3785 seamless Reverb and Delay channel switching is pretty useless in my opinion because the trails do not continue to flow...yeah and other than reverbs and delays I mostly need switching of amps so again quite useless for my application.
If you can too check out the boss gt1000, that AIRD stuff is the real deal feel wise. Plugging into it has a completely different response from playing the guitar than something like the Helix feel.
I wonder if the FM9 can push a cab, or profile an amp head, pedals, or cabinet. I think this is what I've been waiting for. I've used the helix, its ok. But I rather like my pedal board and amps. Though, im ready for some convenience and this looks bad ass.
You can run into a cab with a power amp. It does not profile- for that get a QC or Kemper. You will be more than happy with it. You can also get Austin Buddy tone packs.
I’d still like to see some comparision to the ax8 and the kemper. It’s nice to know the limitations of old products and how they hold up to the new products. I have an ax8 and barely used it so I’ll be watching closely to your vids on the fm9
@@idanshahar honestly I haven’t spent enough time with the ax8 to label it as useless. I also have a kemper that I let a TH-camr borrow because I just have a hard time with the workflow of these devices and just sitting down and tinkering. I have a ton of gear that I use more just because I plug and go
@@shane1034 Well what helped me with my Helix (or POD HD back then, then HX EFFECTS then Helix) was acknowledging choice paralysis, creating one main preset that was really good for me and then using *only* it, when wanting to just "plug and play". Try it :)
@@idanshahar yup. I did that for a bit and then got sick of having to use an amp for a power supply etc. then I bought a fryette 2/90 for that and my kemper but still wasn’t super happy. definately too many choices. Now I have a katana mk2 artist 100 with a power amp portion that I may try using in hopes that it becomes easier.
I’m stoked to buy an Axe Fx 3 on Reverb once they start flooding the site like the FM3 right now. I only play at home now, and I use my MacBook for editing, I NEVER use the onboard controls.
I would have changed up the format a bit. Instead of making it a huge 20" long, I'm comparison to the FM3, I would have made it just a bit longer to accommodate another column of switches, made it a little wider in order to put 2 rows of switches at the bottom instead of one, all while cramming the switches a bit more. With this setup, you could probably get away with two rows of 5 switches at the bottom, plus two or 3 more switches to the right of the knobs (probably used for like bank select), for a total of 12 to 13 switches. Maybe 12. For the screens, if wanting to get fancy, one could add two full color led screens that ran accross the length of the board as scribble strips. Might not even cost that much more to implement and you could probably make some cool flashy graphic effects happen to attract attention to the product. That's not a sonic improvement, but attention getting nonetheless. If it were touch-based, even more kudos, but that could be asking for too much. 😂 I'd still add the extra I/O, but if didn't all fit, then move the less used or useful I/O to the sides, like stuff you might not use as much on stage. 20 inches seems like a giant affair, and it's the reason I didn't get a Helix. I still use real amps and my board has ML5 pedal switchers in it, and a Helix with all that would turn my board into a bus. But even if I didn't have my current arrangement, the FM9 no longer fits in a backpack if you want to travel solo with just the unit and an exp pedal. This size/format is not useful for a fly rig. Anyhow, I have much love for Fractal, but at this stage in the game, I expected a bit more. I'd almost prefer all this in the smaller FM3 package and add extra switches if I needed to... Either the add-on controller or just a 2nor 3 button footwitch for banking or whatever.
You can't have it all. Get the FM9 and a FJ12 and you are done. FM3 is fine but it's no FM9 to be sure. You need the FJ6 with it unless you like tap dancing but you still will run into DSP issues often.
I bought the QC and found the effects very disappointing. Amps were good BUT NDSP has years to go to catch up with where FAS is at right now. Touch screen was cool and very easy to use BUT the FAS editor quite frankly is the best editor on the planet. Im getting the FM9'because I never got along with the 3 button switches on my FM3. I still use my AX3 for recording though.
@@PlagueScytheStudios Yes, but also everything (guitar, amps, pedals....) had a considerable bump in their prices since May, and also the used market has been affected with some insane prices as well
The 4 cable method doesn’t work in the same way than AX8, I would like to see your approach in the FM3 because I used your method in the AX8 and didn't work in my fm3
How much DSP is the FM9 comp to Quad Cortex and Helix? I have a Helix and I love it. I just started using dual “rig” set ups for live. (Separate complete amp rigs for left and right channel) but I’m just short of DSP. I can do a clean amp and two sep dirt rigs. I’d like to have 2 clean and 2 dirt. I was thinking about maybe QC but this is very interesting. I might go this route but I know very little about the power of the Fractal stuff.
I Would love to see the sound difference between fm9 and the Ax8 also what more differences on the new fm9 vs Ax8. And lastly, is it ok to keep or buy ax8 In 2021. Or one should definitely upgrade to fm9 or not
off topic question: I am terrible with tech details even if I read up lol I was wondering if you know a way to get two stereo signals out from the AX8 ... one clean like a DI and one with everything ??? REASON? I want to record tax with FX but I also want a DI incase I want to re amp the performance later. help!
Branch your signal path directly after the input. Add the FX loop block, and your amped signal chain in the parallel branch. Send the processed signal path through XLR/SPDIF, and you will have a clean DI signal coming from FX OUT. I'll warn you though, the AX8 wasn't really designed with this in mind so the noise floor is not going to be great.
Multi-function switches are crap for live application but the FM3 was built for gigging so it never made sense to me. No way was it gonna replace my AX8. Fractal however are really good at incorporating (or omitting) really annoying design features. Like on the AX8, no headphone jack and USB but no audio interface! The FM9 addresses all of that with more grunt. The extra inputs for me are the cherry on the cake because I can plug in a reference quality mixer for recording with microphones and separate inputs for keyboards etc worthy of the recording process. You really can't go past the audio quality of Fractal but. After 3 years I'm still cutting new ground with tones and functions on the AX8. I doubt that I'm gonna sell it when I get an FM9.
Do you find your Kemper has more accurate amp tones than the Axe? (I have Boogie Mark(s), Soldano and Diezel and use those tones). Do you find you reach for one over the other for recording? Seriously considering the FX9 for simplicity when recording instead of all the amps. Never had a modeler.
I'll go over this in more detail on the Kemper and shootout videos, but my short answer is: I still prefer the AX8 and plugins. Being able to quickly tone match one of my real amps via profiling is really cool, but Kemper still has some serious work to do on their high gain algorithms. I'm more than happy dialing in the closest amp model on the AX8. Every high gain Kemper profile sounds like a heavily pre- and post-EQ'ed Marshall. Compare, for instance, some DI profiles of an SLO, 5150, Rectifier, Mark IV, ENGL, and a Marshall JVM. Using the same cab IR, they all sound way too similar to one another, far more than than actual amps do. Fractal Audio captures these differences far better. The Kemper drive, fuzz, and some of the post effects are really good, but I still prefer Fractal's tool set. The Kemper workflow is also a nice change of pace for the music I'm currently working on, but I don't see myself doing this again.
@@PlagueScytheStudios Thank you!!! To take it further....Do you find yourself reaching for your amps at all during recording or basically just stick with Fractal if you didn’t want to be bothered with the hassle? For example, I have load boxes from Suhr and Rivera but just want to not have to have all these cables going and a huge mess of pedals on the floor that I have to set up every time I want to record. I have a switching system but its not situated near the computer if I want to make quick tweaks on the amps etc. Looking for an easy, neat, contained solution but don’t want to give up too much since I love my amps if that makes sense. Again THANK YOU for your response! It helps me narrow things down!:)
Depends on what I'm doing really. I recorded my last EP with the AX8 due to the day to day consistency and being able to dial in seperate guitars to sound nearly identical. For the final guitar tracks on the music I'm currently working on, it's going to be all tube amps through impulse responses. If I'm toying with riff ideas, it's usually the Fractal stuff. For playing along to my favorite songs, maybe it's an attenuated half stack or combination of all of the above. I've setup my amps through a head/cabinet switch with the Suhr Reactive load, a THD attenuator, and a "kitchen sink" pedal board that's always has a direct line to my audio interface. So it takes less than 30 seconds to connect to any of my gear, be it analogue or digital. It makes using tube amps so much more convenient and enjoyable to use when everything is a few clicks away as opposed to a cable changeover every time. My general advise - if you already have a few amps, invest in a quality amp head switch and load box / IR loader for recording. The initial setup sucks, but the results are so worth it. Otherwise, Fractal's amp modeling hardware simply has not been beat in terms of flexibility, tonal authenticity, and value for your money.
How does this compare to the Helix? I’m looking for something that works well with bass, guitar, but hey if it can work with vocals that’s pretty impressive flexibility. Any suggestions and advice would be greatly appreciated.
I think your comparison of the AX8 and FM3 are not thorough.. I had a AX8 and the overdrive sound were adequate.. It was the clean sound that were pathétique.. It sounded like a cheap toy.. The FM3 does have it's draw backs.. Mainly the factory sound are pretty.. dinky.. But they can be tweaked to make them sound preatty amazing..! That's if you know what your doing.. Especially the Fender clean amps.. Pretty amazing.. Compared to the AX8.. But for sure.. it does have it's draw back (Not enough CPU and missing 6 footswitch).
Lose the pedal board, arrange it into a 1.5/2 U rack unit, align the price a bit, call it AXE FX III Lite (and mend the claimed stability issues I keep stumbling upon in FM3 reviews and forum posts) and I'm on board. I'd never put something of this value at risk of blind stage divers (whom I consider essential for my subculture), but from a signal path and I/O PoV, this is practically all I'd ever need, in the size I'm okay with.
@@idanshahar well, it can give you about 200 more amps, for one. And the processor power is supposedly 1/2 of the AXE FXIII, which is pretty powerful. I have an AX8, a Helix (Flagship model) and I’m grabbing a FM9 too.
@@Stashmanfpv You only need 4 really good amps and I'm sure all companies have covered it :) The IR makes the most difference anyways. But to each their own, enjoy!
Will be odd man out and say we don't *need* an FM3 review. It holds a special place as the cheap way of getting into Fractal, so maybe it'd be good for clicks to throw something out, but that doesn't seem in the style of the channel. By all means, bring on whatever topics you'd rather talk about.
FM3 is great piece of gear. I mean the compact. Three switches are enough. Im planing to keep FM3 and buy FM9 :) Both of them are great. thank you for your movie. greetings
I think you missed the main point being that the Quad Cortex is a "profiling" unit rather than modelling. I understand what you're talking about the I/Os and functionality and stuff but, imagine just capturing pedals, amps, and having them there on your unit. There is a common thing about both units, for example how close do they sound to the real amp, and they both obviously do a very good job, although I personally think Neural Dsp have an edge on that front.
@Plague Scythe Studios - Hey Ryan, though I love watching your videos but they are very lengthy. Nowadays, time is a constraint for most of us. Could you please make shorter videos. Say, 15 mins. I will be value for me. P.S. That said, I am not stopping to watch you even if you don't make shorter videos.
This is what they should've done from the start.
Agreed. They should have been released have released the Axe 3 first, then the FM9, then the FM3 last. So they could avoid any disappointment and feelings of wishing we had more.
@@GenerationDown yeah the 3 should’ve been a later budget floorboard for sure, but I’m still glad they have the FM3. I have no need for the FM9 or Axe3 and at 1k it was portable and cheaper than the QC and actually attainable. I love mine.
Your FM3 video was so helpful, it actually helped me make the decision to buy mine! Having never owned a Fractal product, it was a HUGE learning curve for me.
I play jazz standards, musical theater, Motown, and so on, so the small form factor is just what I needed. However! When the cover bands call me, I bring along the FC6 to access scenes and effects much more easily.
I absolutely know the FM9 will blow my setup out of the water, no question. But for my simple needs, this works just fine.
I'll be cheering on every FM9 owner from the sidelines; can't wait to see the content you come up with!
Any tips for a newbie. Are you still happy with your FM3? Why not get a FM9? It will elevate your playing- less tap dancing, more jazz! Twice the power and many other benefits.
@@MOAB-UT As a matter of fact, I now have both an FM3 and an FM9 - WOW, that wait list sure moved fast! - and they're amazing. Although the FM9 indeed ticks all the boxes for me - and then some, I still love the FM3, as it's a great unit that's super-portable. You really can't go wrong either way. Furthermore, Cooper Carter's classes really helped me out a lot; it's incredible how anyone can go in and change the tubes, bias, cabinets, and everything else. If you end up with any of those products, those courses are a must to really dig in deep and learn absolutely everything about your Fractal unit. Cheers!
@@ricardosilvestri94 Thanks Ricardo. I am a few days in with the FM9 and learning a lot on my own- like how to dim the lights. At night it was blinding- headache inducing. Even my wife was like, that's a lot of flashing lights! Not good for someone like me with a brain injury. They are nice and dim now but *is there a way to turn off the flashing TEMPO light?* Blinking lights send me into a bad place now- too much to process and I run out of DSP! Always protect your head!!!
The FM9 is great. I wonder if I could get away with the smaller FM3. Other than some power and footswitches, what are the other main compromises in your opinion? *Should I keep the FM9?* I am still within the return period. I don't know how deep I will go into effects. I am not a pro- I just mostly play at home for fun. I do like options. I am thinking over time, I might learn to appreciate the flexibility of the extra 6 switches and the extra DSP power. Today they are completely overkill. It is sitting on my table and I am changing presets by hand. I have not even fired up the online editor yet. I am a complete newbie with this thing. Steep learning curve but I know I will get it- in time.
I hooked up my RC500 Looper to it and it works great. I have not yet explored the included looper. The RC has a lot of rich features like drums, save long loops, 2 tracks, etc.
I do want to look into the CC class. I am watching a 19 part FM9 series from Rosh Roslin. He is a pro who helps some big name performers dial in their FM9's, and FM3's and AxeFX. It is pretty good so far and it is free on YTbe.
*How do I see my DSP level?*
Last question if you don't mind. I am going OUT to two studio monitors. How can I go out to an additional AMP? I have a Fishman Mini Acoustic amp that sounds great (more bass than monitors.) Can I just use any output, like Bank 2 out? It does not have an effects loop. It sounded fine when I went out to it alone.
Thanks!
Ryan, I don't care if other content creators have made, countless videos on certain products. I still want to know what YOU have to say about it.
If you made a Kemper video, after it being released for all these years, I'd still watch it with great interest because you're reliable and know what research means... and your nerdy AF hahaha!! Which I admire. Please make the FM3 content. Thanks
What a brilliant overview, so useful and informative. Thank you for producing this video.
This might sound like beating a dead dead-horse-beater, but I'm genuinely curious to hear 3rd gen AxeFX vs the older POD stuff if you still have a bean laying around. A lot of people talk about modelers becoming obsolete as soon as the newer shinier one comes out, but i've also heard tones from people who know how to get the best of what was the newest shiniest modeler of its time like AxeFX Ultra or POD HD and they've sounded great.
Similarly, a comparison between 3rd Gen AxeFX and free/cheap VSTs could be interesting, because a used laptop, cheap interface, midi footswitch, and some plugins likely undercuts the cost of the FM9 at the expense of being a less elegant solution for just a guitar rig. However, depending on the IO of the interface and the power of the laptop, you could run 2 guitars, a bass, and your click/backing track off that setup.
No contest. Not just tone but feel, features, effects, interface, recording, etc. Fractal is pro level gear. POD, not so much.
@@MOAB-UT this reply is exactly why i want to see the comparison. I want to hear the pros, cons, and tones without the fanboyism or recency bias.
I bought a second-hand AX8 about a month ago, but after watching your videos for a long time and seeing LT's video the other day I signed up for the Australian waiting list for the FM9 almost immediately. Can't wait to see what sounds you are able to coax out of it :)
Did you get your FM9? Mine comes tomorrow! Any tips to help me get started?
Lmao you are the first person that came to mind when I saw the announcement
Notice the nomenclature, FM3, FM9 FJ6 FJ12. All divisible by 3. 3 switches to each board so 3, 6, 9 and 12. Module chassis allow them to be efficient.
I have an FM3 and love it. But I use it and find it best as a desktop unit. It's a perfect fit for recording amazing guitar tones and effects and having right there on top of my work area going into my computer. The FM9 seems like a real floor processor option. I love Fractal and am expanding into it more, and getting rid of some of my tube amps to go straight Fractal, but I don't see any reason to get an FM9 instead of just stepping up to AXE-FX III for full capability. For me anyways. I can see someone who likes to go straight to a PA and wants all the button control on the floor. Or someone who wants to use it with another amp. Other than that though.
You will come around. More buttons is far more convenient. The FM9 will fit on your desk too. It's only 9" longer and actually smaller in ever other dimension! Yet it has twice the power and slightly better tone on identical presets since the DSP is not near max. You can run high resolution effects like reverbs, dual amps. There are several other benefits too like more I/O. It is like having an AxeFX on the floor! Yes, I am biased. Mine comes tomorrow! I tried to go cheaper with the Ampero 2- decent but just not the same. $400 vs. $1699. It's worth it. Now I just have to learn how to play!
nice demonstration, one of the best, when it comes to see oh a L6 product really sonds I like checking your channel
Please make the FM3 review, I just recently got one and I think the compact use of it is perfect. I’d love to see the big reasons why an FM9 would be better than it if most people tend to just use a clean, drive, and a solo sound.
The only benefit I see is dual amps and using multiple high-res reverb/delays in one chain. Aside from that 🤷♂️
@@clownshoes321 I've been googling the hell out of this question, since I'm still on the FM9 waitlist and the waiting is killing me. The FM3 is available to be shipped right now, so it's very tempting.
From what I've seen, what you've posted is just about the only difference other than the IO differences that most people aren't going to use anyway - however it's not the whole story. The FM9 has dedicated reverb cores, which also means you're not using main CPU cycles to process those reverbs. I don't know if that matters in reality, but the FM3 + FC6 will basically cost you the same as the FM9 so if you're ever going to want the extra buttons it makes sense to go FM9 and have the extra processor power. If you don't want/need those extra buttons, then there are any number of comparison videos that can effectively prove that you can't hear the difference between the FM3, the FM9, or the FXIII in nearly all cases.
@@tomaselke3670 Did you get one? If you stayed patient on the list, you would have it. Mine arrives tomorrow! Patience pays sometimes.
its like christmas morning finding out the new toy has come :) man ive waited for this.
Nice. Now you have an FM3, if you're gonna do a review, would love to hear your thoughts on sound comparisons between the older AX8 modeling and the newer algorithms. I've been using an Axe FX II for about 7 years now and very happy still, but the grass is always greener.
You absolutely called it, bro’, pop your collar n’ get your smug on…you deserve it! 🙏🏾💪🏾🤘🏾 And my AX8 will still ride with me until the wheels fall off (well, until all the encoders tank, at least 😝 ), albeit relegated to the studio room along with my Eventide H9 Max, t.c. electronic G-Force, etc.
PS: I will miss the AX8’s handle with the FM9! …much better enables one-handed handling of a unit of that size/weight.
These are going to sell like crazy. It is a proper floor unit and that is what lots of people have been asking for.
The FM9 is exactly what I've been waiting for as the "brain" of my rig with software control... My Headrush has been vanquished... Lol... 😂
Great vid man..im totally in the same boat..love the Ax8 and was just building a AxeIII rig with a LiquidFoot Jr for a backup...lol...well guess im gonna scrap that idea. Ive been waiting for an FM9 since the Fm3 came out.
I came here to see if you were going to make this video, and voila! I just started the vid, but wanted to make the comment right away. I'll edit and add more later.
EDIT:
Great video. And I had a genuine LOL when you whipped out the FM3. As for content with the FM3, yes, I'd like to see some. Even if it's simply comparing the AX8, FM3, FM9, and POD GO tone wise. Simply put, even with the overall general increase in quality of tones that has happened with the newer modelers, I keep coming back to this channel because you made then AX8 sound better than pretty much most other demos to my ears. The driving tone force that made me finally buy a III mk.2 myself. And even though I have my own III now, I'd still like to see what you can do on this generation of Fractal stuff just in case I'm missing something on my end.
Thanks for pointing out the Auto Input Impedance difference. I hadn't noticed that. That's a huge feature miss on the FM3.
Would definitely like to see some Kemper content and to hear your take and any tips you might have!
Thanks. Hopefully it will be available next month as the rumors have it. Briefly, do you LOVE IT so far?
Unequivocally 🙂
@@PlagueScytheStudios Nice! 😊 You called it right about the FM3 and didn't jump on the new gear bandwagon- you are free to gloat away! I did too. In fact, I even spoke to Fractal and told them they needed a FM9 type solution. About 6 months later what I described nearly to a T was released (be it very briefly.)
I think the so-called "chip shortage" is not what it appears. I would welcome your thoughts.
1. They would have to pay more (cut profits) to get the artificially lower # of available chips. I studied electrical/mechanical engineering. 100%, these manufactures could churn out hundreds of thousands, if not millions of chips every day "if they wanted to." They already have the recipe- baking the tiny cakes is easy. Magically, they can get ALL the other parts the unit needs, power supplies, wires, LED's chassis, buttons, switches. I am not buying it.
2. To sell FM3 at or near cost is not attractive to Fractal (other brands have sold plenty of units this past year so the chips ARE available.) Furthermore, selling the FM9's now en masse would very much cut into sales of their flagship Axe-FX III. Despite the form factor, and mostly theoretical DSP delta, the realistic and practical capability of both units is nearly identical. That is to say, you can play 98% of the same presets on the FM9 as you can on the Axe-FX III (not at all true of the FM3- as you accurately pointed out.) The editor is also nearly identical. It just does not make good business sense for Fractal to have both units for sale at the same time, especially when one unit is 78% higher cost ($2,854* vs. $1,599) (*when you include the cost of the FJ6 controller. You still end up with less foot switches 6 vs. 9.) If you wanted to gain 3 unnecessary foot switches, the FJ12 would make the investment nearly double. I prefer the all-in-one factor of the FM9 anyway.
Despite the Mark II, I am confident that a seemingly coincidental and timely announcement of an Axe-FX IV or other serious improvement will closely coincide with the full release of the FM9. Like you, I am usually pretty good about guessing these things.
Lastly, I am just curious why don't you post videos of you playing? Surely you must play.
Well constructed thoughts throughout! I'll reply in turn.
1) You may or may not already know, but I too am a mechy. My day job actually revolves around electronics though. The chip shortage is very real, but I agree there is more going on than the dumbed down story being told to the public. The chip suppliers (and shipping companies for that matter) are absolutely taking the piss with this situation and milking manufacturers for all they can get. I think in this case, Fractal is really getting the short end of the stick here and there is no foul play going on. I have seen the same thing at work - two similar chips with the same form factor from the same company can have lead time differences in months. It makes no sense.
2) There's no doubt Fractal would prefer to sell more of the higher profit model, but I don't think it's an apples to apples comparison with other modeling units. It could be a specific supply or allocation issue with the SHARC processors they use, and I would not think FAS is a big enough player globally to get high priority on the limited supply. I bet Yamaha (which owns Line 6) is that big, and the lower end modelers probably use more plentiful micros on older process nodes.
With that said, I voiced the same assessment 4 years ago that the AXE is almost too powerful for its own good. It sits in a weird middle ground where it's total overkill for all but a few FX heavy artists (even then, I bet I could match all of Devon Townsend's 30 years of tones in a couple presets), yet it's not enough horsepower or IO to run a zero compromises band rig. The FM9 is finally the perfect fit in terms of power and IO for guitarists that want it all in one box without paying for extras they will never use anyway.
All in all, I too foresee an AXE IV or mark III within 3 to 4 years once FM9 sales plateau. Once again, unless it is controllable through a VST host and has the ability to run a full band signal chain, I won't be interested.
For the playing angle - I want this channel to be about the topics I cover, not me. It's inseparable to a certain extent, and I do have a few covers and videos on the channel showing me actually playing. Of course, I record all the guitar parts you hear on video. However, if I sit down to watch a video about an amp head, I want to see the amp and accompanying gear. Show me the guitar used once, thats all I need. I'm not there to watch 15 camera cuts of some dudebro head bobbing to the same riff I've heard twenty times. As a result, I construct my videos in a way I wish many others would. I will leave my personal music projects as the avenue for showing off my playing directly.
@@PlagueScytheStudios I was an EE major so I guess that makes me mechy too. The chip thing is still overblown and a money grab on both sides IMO.
The processor in the Axe-FX III is actually quite old. It is relatively powerful but not exactly cutting edge by todays standards. th-cam.com/video/rxb0nIBIquI/w-d-xo.html It is a 2012 designed TI 2 DSP. TMS320C6657CZH They sell online for roughly $50.00-$100.
I agree that the FM9 is perfect. I still content if available now, it would cannibalize sales of the AFIII for sure.
Otherwise, I mostly agree with everything else that you said and I enjoy your channel. Do put some videos up of you playing though- we would all like to see a little more of that! Perhaps you can include it when you release your FM9 video. Nothing fancy mind you.
Cheers!
I'd like to see you keep the FM3 to do a comparison of preset(s) that works on the FM9 but will not on the FM3. I got an FM3 to replace my Ultra and I'm happy with it as a stay at home rig (getting an FM9 eventually though).
Also, maybe a good comparison of all the different modeling/analog gear you have could be a by genre tone for each, like a doom rig with a big muff, a modern metal 5150/dual rec tone, a classic rock tone, etc.
Definitely do a little shoot out for the FM3.
This is the way
Good commentary- different but good info. Leon is great but your reviews are as well- you both cover slightly different aspects, perspectives and opinions- all of which are important.
Similar to what another poster said, I would certainly appreciate a breakdown of each of the 3 big names, Cortex, fractals line, and the kemper.
I’m considering buying a modeler for future gigging as it’s just such an easier way to travel with. I’m thinking of the AXE FX 3 personally but would love to hear you go over each option and what the pros/cons are.
Ik that’s a lot to ask, but I’d for sure appreciate it.
Also, Siderum, wow, did not expect how creative and unique it is. Congratulations on that brother, what an awesome record.
15:26 those are to protect knobs
I'm with ya Ryan. I've yet to own a Fractal product...but this is the thing that is gonna change that.
Ryan, I have a Quad Cortex and I’d really enjoy you giving it a go one day. I think you’ll be impressed. I’m hoping this FM9 can allow me to score a FM3 on the cheap to try the Fractal system. Great video and I would be interested in your FM3 if you do let it go.
Did you receive yours yet? When did you get on the list? I was day 2 and don't have it yet. I heard more are coming next month- not sure if the US will get them or just Europe.
I received mine the week of Thanksgiving last year, but I got on the wait list early on the first day around noon if I recall correctly. Hopefully yours and everyone else's start shipping soon!
I have a good chunk of the FM9 review video complete, and will release it when more people get units in their hands.
As foretold in the prophecy.
Also please make a review of it, because you're one of the few reviewers whose honesty is hardly disputable.
Mine arrives tomorrow. Are there any tips you can share. I am interested in looping. I have a RC500 too. Not sure I will need it. I want to change guitar tones on the overdub.
What tone preset packs do you like? I want them to be named after the actual song to make it easy to dial in. Austin Buddy?
I agree- the FM9 (Turbo) blows away the QC.
Are you now comfortable with using the editor. The on unit bit is not it's strong suit- not as good as Helix or QC. I will probably use the PC editor mostly.
Perfect title for the video. True in every sense
I was totally the same opinion as you had about the Axe III and the FM3. I love my AX8 but it has limits hate.
If the FM9 was released 6 months ago I totally would have bought it.
Now I am a Quad Cortex user and I love it! Yes Neural has to catch up with the quality of the effects and the amp models and the amount of both BUT! It is so much more convenient and fast to use and edit its amazing. Also the power of the CPU is still insane: 4 different amps + 4 delays and + 4 Reverbs in the same preset is just freedom with seemless switching. The FM9 still will have only 2 Amps and 2 Reverbs seemlessly switchable. I don’t care about the 4 Channels per Block of those are not seemlessly switching and especially not having trials of the reverb and delays when switching.
generally, channels seamlessly switch, unless it is a heavy dsp effect like an amp sim. In my experience, reverbs, delays, drives and modulation all change channels instantly.
I have a FM3 for reference.
@@joshuabenton3785 seamless Reverb and Delay channel switching is pretty useless in my opinion because the trails do not continue to flow...yeah and other than reverbs and delays I mostly need switching of amps so again quite useless for my application.
@@waikschoner4885 ahh I see, that makes sense.
If you can too check out the boss gt1000, that AIRD stuff is the real deal feel wise. Plugging into it has a completely different response from playing the guitar than something like the Helix feel.
Yes, more content on the FM3 please (esp OMG9).
I think my POD GO kicks ass. It does lack DSP and some outs. FM9 looks good for the price point. Or a Helix or Lt.
Helix LT does not compare to FM9 at all. Fractal all the way.
Can't wait man
Even i thinking of buying it but...... Axe fx iii were on sale on my place
Primarily planning to use it with my analog synthesizer and Boss sy1000.
I wonder if the FM9 can push a cab, or profile an amp head, pedals, or cabinet. I think this is what I've been waiting for. I've used the helix, its ok. But I rather like my pedal board and amps. Though, im ready for some convenience and this looks bad ass.
You can run into a cab with a power amp. It does not profile- for that get a QC or Kemper. You will be more than happy with it. You can also get Austin Buddy tone packs.
I’d still like to see some comparision to the ax8 and the kemper. It’s nice to know the limitations of old products and how they hold up to the new products.
I have an ax8 and barely used it so I’ll be watching closely to your vids on the fm9
Do you use anything else that makes your ax8 useless at the moment?
@@idanshahar honestly I haven’t spent enough time with the ax8 to label it as useless. I also have a kemper that I let a TH-camr borrow because I just have a hard time with the workflow of these devices and just sitting down and tinkering. I have a ton of gear that I use more just because I plug and go
@@shane1034 Well what helped me with my Helix (or POD HD back then, then HX EFFECTS then Helix) was acknowledging choice paralysis, creating one main preset that was really good for me and then using *only* it, when wanting to just "plug and play".
Try it :)
@@idanshahar yup. I did that for a bit and then got sick of having to use an amp for a power supply etc. then I bought a fryette 2/90 for that and my kemper but still wasn’t super happy. definately too many choices. Now I have a katana mk2 artist 100 with a power amp portion that I may try using in hopes that it becomes easier.
If the FM9 came out a year ago i wouldnt have bought an axe 3 rack.
I’m stoked to buy an Axe Fx 3 on Reverb once they start flooding the site like the FM3 right now. I only play at home now, and I use my MacBook for editing, I NEVER use the onboard controls.
So glad to see this.
I would have changed up the format a bit. Instead of making it a huge 20" long, I'm comparison to the FM3, I would have made it just a bit longer to accommodate another column of switches, made it a little wider in order to put 2 rows of switches at the bottom instead of one, all while cramming the switches a bit more.
With this setup, you could probably get away with two rows of 5 switches at the bottom, plus two or 3 more switches to the right of the knobs (probably used for like bank select), for a total of 12 to 13 switches. Maybe 12.
For the screens, if wanting to get fancy, one could add two full color led screens that ran accross the length of the board as scribble strips. Might not even cost that much more to implement and you could probably make some cool flashy graphic effects happen to attract attention to the product. That's not a sonic improvement, but attention getting nonetheless. If it were touch-based, even more kudos, but that could be asking for too much. 😂
I'd still add the extra I/O, but if didn't all fit, then move the less used or useful I/O to the sides, like stuff you might not use as much on stage. 20 inches seems like a giant affair, and it's the reason I didn't get a Helix. I still use real amps and my board has ML5 pedal switchers in it, and a Helix with all that would turn my board into a bus.
But even if I didn't have my current arrangement, the FM9 no longer fits in a backpack if you want to travel solo with just the unit and an exp pedal. This size/format is not useful for a fly rig.
Anyhow, I have much love for Fractal, but at this stage in the game, I expected a bit more. I'd almost prefer all this in the smaller FM3 package and add extra switches if I needed to... Either the add-on controller or just a 2nor 3 button footwitch for banking or whatever.
You can't have it all. Get the FM9 and a FJ12 and you are done. FM3 is fine but it's no FM9 to be sure. You need the FJ6 with it unless you like tap dancing but you still will run into DSP issues often.
I bought the QC and found the effects very disappointing. Amps were good BUT NDSP has years to go to catch up with where FAS is at right now. Touch screen was cool and very easy to use BUT the FAS editor quite frankly is the best editor on the planet. Im getting the FM9'because I never got along with the 3 button switches on my FM3. I still use my AX3 for recording though.
the Quad cortex now sells for $1849
I saw that right after I uploaded this video, the chip shortage strikes again!
@@PlagueScytheStudios Yes, but also everything (guitar, amps, pedals....) had a considerable bump in their prices since May, and also the used market has been affected with some insane prices as well
FM3 is all I need!
The 4 cable method doesn’t work in the same way than AX8, I would like to see your approach in the FM3 because I used your method in the AX8 and didn't work in my fm3
How much DSP is the FM9 comp to Quad Cortex and Helix? I have a Helix and I love it. I just started using dual “rig” set ups for live. (Separate complete amp rigs for left and right channel) but I’m just short of DSP. I can do a clean amp and two sep dirt rigs. I’d like to have 2 clean and 2 dirt. I was thinking about maybe QC but this is very interesting. I might go this route but I know very little about the power of the Fractal stuff.
@Richard Cornes - Guitar thanks! The grid thing had me confused as I have never had any fractal products
the price for can't be justified to be as high as it's rumoured though. at least for the added advantages over the fm3
I had no idea about this but god damn it’s sick.
I Would love to see the sound difference between fm9 and the Ax8 also what more differences on the new fm9 vs Ax8. And lastly, is it ok to keep or buy ax8 In 2021. Or one should definitely upgrade to fm9 or not
FM9 by far. Similar power but updated algorithms and support.
Ahahah rofl so funny great video :) lol love it !
off topic question: I am terrible with tech details even if I read up lol I was wondering if you know a way to get two stereo signals out from the AX8 ... one clean like a DI and one with everything ??? REASON? I want to record tax with FX but I also want a DI incase I want to re amp the performance later.
help!
Branch your signal path directly after the input. Add the FX loop block, and your amped signal chain in the parallel branch. Send the processed signal path through XLR/SPDIF, and you will have a clean DI signal coming from FX OUT. I'll warn you though, the AX8 wasn't really designed with this in mind so the noise floor is not going to be great.
@@PlagueScytheStudios would it be better just to use some kind of DI box before my guitar signal goes into the AX8 just branch it off then?
Yes that would be the best method, especially for the AX8. It's kind of a different story on thr FMs since they have USB recording functionality.
The presets which are included in the fm9 and all the other choices .. cab blocks etc .. will they actually sound better than the FM 3? Or same ...
Sound is EXACTLY the same, from Axe Fx 3 to FM9 to FM3. The upgrades are more about options and power overall
…With the exception of some interface options as explained in the video, and the variable impedance in certain applications.
Multi-function switches are crap for live application but the FM3 was built for gigging so it never made sense to me. No way was it gonna replace my AX8. Fractal however are really good at incorporating (or omitting) really annoying design features. Like on the AX8, no headphone jack and USB but no audio interface! The FM9 addresses all of that with more grunt. The extra inputs for me are the cherry on the cake because I can plug in a reference quality mixer for recording with microphones and separate inputs for keyboards etc worthy of the recording process. You really can't go past the audio quality of Fractal but. After 3 years I'm still cutting new ground with tones and functions on the AX8. I doubt that I'm gonna sell it when I get an FM9.
Which one do you thing is better? Axe fx ii mark ii or fm9?
Cheers from Chile!
Need to know if presets will be cross platform compatible at least with the AXE3?
Do you find your Kemper has more accurate amp tones than the Axe? (I have Boogie Mark(s), Soldano and Diezel and use those tones). Do you find you reach for one over the other for recording? Seriously considering the FX9 for simplicity when recording instead of all the amps. Never had a modeler.
I'll go over this in more detail on the Kemper and shootout videos, but my short answer is: I still prefer the AX8 and plugins. Being able to quickly tone match one of my real amps via profiling is really cool, but Kemper still has some serious work to do on their high gain algorithms. I'm more than happy dialing in the closest amp model on the AX8.
Every high gain Kemper profile sounds like a heavily pre- and post-EQ'ed Marshall. Compare, for instance, some DI profiles of an SLO, 5150, Rectifier, Mark IV, ENGL, and a Marshall JVM. Using the same cab IR, they all sound way too similar to one another, far more than than actual amps do. Fractal Audio captures these differences far better.
The Kemper drive, fuzz, and some of the post effects are really good, but I still prefer Fractal's tool set. The Kemper workflow is also a nice change of pace for the music I'm currently working on, but I don't see myself doing this again.
@@PlagueScytheStudios Thank you!!! To take it further....Do you find yourself reaching for your amps at all during recording or basically just stick with Fractal if you didn’t want to be bothered with the hassle? For example, I have load boxes from Suhr and Rivera but just want to not have to have all these cables going and a huge mess of pedals on the floor that I have to set up every time I want to record. I have a switching system but its not situated near the computer if I want to make quick tweaks on the amps etc. Looking for an easy, neat, contained solution but don’t want to give up too much since I love my amps if that makes sense. Again THANK YOU for your response! It helps me narrow things down!:)
Depends on what I'm doing really. I recorded my last EP with the AX8 due to the day to day consistency and being able to dial in seperate guitars to sound nearly identical. For the final guitar tracks on the music I'm currently working on, it's going to be all tube amps through impulse responses. If I'm toying with riff ideas, it's usually the Fractal stuff. For playing along to my favorite songs, maybe it's an attenuated half stack or combination of all of the above.
I've setup my amps through a head/cabinet switch with the Suhr Reactive load, a THD attenuator, and a "kitchen sink" pedal board that's always has a direct line to my audio interface. So it takes less than 30 seconds to connect to any of my gear, be it analogue or digital. It makes using tube amps so much more convenient and enjoyable to use when everything is a few clicks away as opposed to a cable changeover every time.
My general advise - if you already have a few amps, invest in a quality amp head switch and load box / IR loader for recording. The initial setup sucks, but the results are so worth it. Otherwise, Fractal's amp modeling hardware simply has not been beat in terms of flexibility, tonal authenticity, and value for your money.
Is the ax8 obsolete? Man I just bought it 😭💀
You also need to buy a haircut and some food lol. No just joking but funny
The fm3 FEELS better than the ax8. Simple as that. Better effects too
Keep your AX8!!!!
How does the processing power compare to an axe fx 2?
Weld them together and you’ll have an AXFM17 🥴🥴🥴🥴 but seriously I love my Ax8 and I think it would be awesome to get the FM9
How does this compare to the Helix? I’m looking for something that works well with bass, guitar, but hey if it can work with vocals that’s pretty impressive flexibility. Any suggestions and advice would be greatly appreciated.
It is better than the Helix.
RYAN THE GIGACHAD
Hey man! Which lavalier mic are you using in the vid?
Dude, if you are selling the FM3, please let me know!
Nailed it , 😂
I think your comparison of the AX8 and FM3 are not thorough.. I had a AX8 and the overdrive sound were adequate.. It was the clean sound that were pathétique.. It sounded like a cheap toy.. The FM3 does have it's draw backs.. Mainly the factory sound are pretty.. dinky.. But they can be tweaked to make them sound preatty amazing..! That's if you know what your doing.. Especially the Fender clean amps.. Pretty amazing.. Compared to the AX8.. But for sure.. it does have it's draw back (Not enough CPU and missing 6 footswitch).
Lose the pedal board, arrange it into a 1.5/2 U rack unit, align the price a bit, call it AXE FX III Lite (and mend the claimed stability issues I keep stumbling upon in FM3 reviews and forum posts) and I'm on board.
I'd never put something of this value at risk of blind stage divers (whom I consider essential for my subculture), but from a signal path and I/O PoV, this is practically all I'd ever need, in the size I'm okay with.
Ahahaha my comment made it into the video🤣
Imho fm 3 is fine for studio but not practical for live. Fm9 practical for live but needs an expression pedal.
FM9 is amazing. But i'm sure that FM3 will cover everything for most of guitar players all around. So, yes..., please, do the FM3 video
He won't do it. It's FM9 and ahead. No looking back. Far better unit.
Fm3 still is a great fly rig option
Fm3 I like to see videos. I'm from Brazil.
I don't care about other reviewers bud, most of them can't riff. You could be reviewing a Behringer V-amp and I'll watch.
Coming from the Helix since day one, the FM9 has really peaked my interest. On the wait list in UK 🤷♂️😴
Yeah but can it really give you something the Helix can't do?
Or at least the price for those tiny extra features? I'm staying with my Helix LT.
@@idanshahar well, it can give you about 200 more amps, for one. And the processor power is supposedly 1/2 of the AXE FXIII, which is pretty powerful.
I have an AX8, a Helix (Flagship model) and I’m grabbing a FM9 too.
@@Stashmanfpv You only need 4 really good amps and I'm sure all companies have covered it :)
The IR makes the most difference anyways.
But to each their own, enjoy!
how about give the FM3 away in a raffle ....since your listeners bought it 🤷♂️
Will be odd man out and say we don't *need* an FM3 review. It holds a special place as the cheap way of getting into Fractal, so maybe it'd be good for clicks to throw something out, but that doesn't seem in the style of the channel. By all means, bring on whatever topics you'd rather talk about.
Yes me too.
Meanwhile on reverb the cheaper FM3s are above the new prices lmao. People are delusional.
Gift me your AX8 hahaha!!
Just get a quad cortex lol
FM3 is great piece of gear. I mean the compact. Three switches are enough. Im planing to keep FM3 and buy FM9 :) Both of them are great. thank you for your movie. greetings
Goldilocks ftw
I think you missed the main point being that the Quad Cortex is a "profiling" unit rather than modelling. I understand what you're talking about the I/Os and functionality and stuff but, imagine just capturing pedals, amps, and having them there on your unit.
There is a common thing about both units, for example how close do they sound to the real amp, and they both obviously do a very good job, although I personally think Neural Dsp have an edge on that front.
Get both and run them automated live for the ultimate tone
@Plague Scythe Studios - Hey Ryan, though I love watching your videos but they are very lengthy. Nowadays, time is a constraint for most of us. Could you please make shorter videos. Say, 15 mins. I will be value for me.
P.S. That said, I am not stopping to watch you even if you don't make shorter videos.