On the FM9 you can press the big button which takes you to Layout page, then navigate to the block you want to tweak and press edit. I know it's not as fast as the QC touch interface, but it's pretty simple once you get used to it.
QC is so easy to dial! I’m just waiting for the next updates, because as a first gen modeler, it needs to improve as you mentioned. To me, a capture’s marketplace will be the real game changer for this.
As a past gigging guitarist myself of waay too many years I care to remember, I always have a wee chuckle when I watch folk complain about shortcomings in 'ease of use'. I could have done with a little more 'ease of use' myself in the past, however, once set up, I had little/no complaints during a gig. The gear I had the longest was a Mesa Triaxis, 2:90 and G-Force FX unit. I controlled this with a Roland FC200 foot pedal. It allowed the use of control/expression pedals etc. There was a lot (MASSIVELY more compared to today's 'learning' systems, lol) of learning initially but, when configured, it was an EXTREMELY versatile setup. Advice? make darn sure you get to the gig well beforehand for that crucial soundcheck/tweaking (and understand the basics of what a filled venue makes to your sound....EQ dampening etc - but don't worry). No soundcheck possible? Use what you know of the room/venue/hall as your base. Understand the crucial reverb and master EQ sections of your FX. If you're mic'ing into an established system then the PA dude will advise (primarily those master reverb / eq levels). Above all, do your homework well before hand on your system, and the venue. Uber above all, try not to worry if your not 100% happy with your sound...now one ever is...Rule #1: Enjoy yourself !!
Hey Steve, thanks so much for videos like this. You are a real blessing for players like me. Really respect your opinion and you have helped shape my playing/tone quite a bit.
I bought a Quad Cortex after watching it. I love it; it sounds great. Great video! I really appreciate the in depth, honest comparison. Sounds like you can't go wrong sound wise.
Great job there Steve and non biased review as well. Its no secret, i really really like my QC, i love the simplicity, Its like you said Its plug and play within minutes. but I am very sure i would be enjoying the heck of both of them.
the most important thing (in my opinion) is, these units (helix,kemper,fractal audio or quad cortex) are not just amp modelers like the pod 20 years ago.these are very powerful devices who are just like a computer and sometimes it can take a lot of time to master these units and i know it can be very very frustrating and confusing...just like buying a new computer;)
Absolutely! Definitely can't just plug in and play lol its worth the time saved over its lifetime rewiring a pedalboard or chasing a bad cable and swapping pedals every few weeks!
Thank goodness for you. I had the money burning a hole in my pocket and started to convince myself I needed an FM9 when I'm totally happy with my QC. The option paralysis and laptop at rehearsal reminded me why I sold my FM3. Impulse puchase averted!
Got my QC last week and within hours I was gig ready. In fact, I used it this weekend. That said, I agree with your frustrations. The power supply choice alone has me scratching my head
You can change a lot more than 4 parameters per scene on the fm9, you can attach more than one parameter to each scene controller and.. you have channels (which also allow to change model within a block besides parameters, unlike helix and qc snapshots)
Yes, but the block is also stuck in that position where in helix and qc, can be placed wherever you want (make 3 ODs stackable into each other for example) and however many you can until you run out of dsp. Also, I am researching more about scene controllers and it looks like the settings are universal if you set more than 1 parameter to them. Like all the parameter changes have to fall in place per Sc? I am hoping to figure it all out.
@@SteveSterlacci what do you mean with "stuck"? You can't move it between scenes but you can't either on the Helix or QC, and there are 3 drive blocks in the fm9, not 2. Sure you can't stack 8 drive blocks like in other platforms but.. do you really need that? 😅
Regarding scene controllers, yes the scene controller setting is the same for all attached parameters, but parameter values can be set differently by editing the modifier curve (min, max, mid, slope, etc..)
@@carmelodl8407 so do you set the scene controller on a value of one parameter, say gain, and then assign a second parameter, but use those modifiers to make it work within the percentages you already used on the SC? My head hurts, but I think I am following...
I'm probably going to get a QC since I'm also a bass/piano/vocalist and the inputs are super versatile that way... But man the foot switches on the Fractal! The hold function alone is keeping me on the fence, nevermind the channel switching options. They both sound great, and it's a great time to be a guitar player!
Agreed man! The i/o and separate paths is very nice in the QC. The open format may be better for you with the different instruments and especially vocals... cant go wrong either way !
Nice video Steve! I have a QC and FM3 - so close to your comparison. I agree with most of your assessment. I like them both but prefer to play the QC live. Also, being able to Capture pedals, in addition to amps, is awesome!
Definitely agree on the captures! fm3 seems tough to use live. FM9 is a perfect size for me. I hope the qc gets the needed updates fast. I love using both
@@SteveSterlacci - I'm also coming from using the Helix/Stomp platform for several years, so we're on a similar journey. I agree - the FM3 has some live challenges that the FM9 covers in Spades. If I didn't already have the FM3 I probably would have gone with the FM9 as well as it's got everything you need without anything you don't. But also agree with the sheer volume of options the Fractal ecosystem presents. It's both their biggest Pro AND Con, IMHO. All great products tho - especially if you use each ti it's strength.
I was at the waitlist for the QC but once I had my first gig with the FM3 that was it for me. The sounds and feel are unbelievable. It feels more real in your hands than the helix imho. Not sure if the audience can tell the difference, but I enjoy playing it a lot more. The effects are amazing too and once you get used to editing on your laptop editing on the unit becomes easier as you understand the flow. I really like the size and touch screen on the QC tho and would like to try one eventually…
I just decided to buy the FM3. is there a long learning curve? You play trough a real amp or just trough monitors. ? The Sound samples of the FM3 on YT are very very good...I hope the buy is worth it....
@@SteveSterlacci thanks. I hope it is good enough to replace my Tube Amps / pedals…I want to be able to play trough headphones and dedicated speakers on a high level sound wise…
@@SteveSterlacci I just bought the Valeton 200 Pedal Board for about 350 USD. It does not even come close to amps / pedals…I can only use it with headphones for playing when I cant loud…
@@1972Georges I play the FM3 into a Fryette PS2A and a real cab and as soon as I plugged it into the Power Station I’ve put me Mesa TC-50 and Fractal FX8 for sale. I’ve had a pedalboard with analog pedals and the FX8 (or the FM3) pedals are better than the real ones as you have much more parameters to tweak. You can run the FM3 through a power amp and real cab using output 2 without the cab SIM and at the same time run it to FOH using an XLR to TRS (or XLR to XLR) using output 1 with the Cab SIM. By using the Power Station as a power amp you get the sound and feel of a real tube amp while having many options of pre and power amps (200+ from the FM3) so it just doesn’t make sense to keep any other tube amp head imho. Cheers!
Steve, I just bought mine FM9 more than 7 weeks ago. I've been playing around every day, then I was finally able to get my dream sound. However, it wasn't that easy though. Lol. One my first day, I already saw that fractal FM9 is NOT as seamless what people claimed. Now I know for sure, Fractal does have a gap (or a small noise or clip'ish sound) between one amp to another or Channel to another Channel (or Preset to another Preset). This is what I agree with your video. On one or two Amps and/or Channels are seamless, BUT not most. I bought mine it's because I needed to be seamless changing between channels during my real LIVE gig, but it's NOT. I do love my sound though and I'm not going to return mine, but it would have been nice if Fractal would allow showing my a few "negative" points on FM9. In my 7 weeks experience, FRACTAL will not show any review less than "5 Stars." Lol.
@@SteveSterlacci Hey, that would be great, IF the gap/clip'ish will help. I went from a 5 piece band to a trio, so I really really hope this gap-seamless will help us simple trio band. Thanks again, Steve. I will be looking forward on Fractal's update.
Very good and fair comparison. I think your Fractal comments and criticisms are pretty spot on. I was an AX8 user for years and just got my FM9 - I did consider the QC before the FM9 came out, but, believe it or not, the biggest turn off was the cheap power source connection and cord. I have been a Fractal user since the ULTRA and they have always been good to me - other than going first to the FM3 which I would not purchase, and waiting so long to develop the FM9. But that was their call. Just got my FM9 yesterday and have only played around for less than an hour. First impressions are that it is an amazing upgrade to the AX8, but you are so right about having so many options you can become paralyzed or distracted from playing. But the tones and the advancement of more DSP, and the reverbs and other effects are absolutely wonderful. Thanks for the GREAT review and the plug for Chad Boston, he lives near me and I have been to his home to check out his Helix.
All good points. Personally the Axe Fx III has been the best musical investment I have ever made by far. I've played and recorded more in the one year I've had it than the previous 5 years combined. Personally I spend most of my time navigating through the front panel just so I don't have to rely on the editor, but some of the menus are a bit confusing and don't necessarily correspond to where they are on Axe Edit.
as much as I can see the need of a desktop editor, I like that I do not need to carry anything else than my QC when I go to practice or gig. adjustments on the units on the fly are super easy
Tweak on the unit, build on a computer. There is no better way. Fractal is still above all imo if you are willing to get your hands dirty. QC was released too early almost like a pre beta product, it has potential to be good but fractal is good
Hi Steve, so i thought id give an update! i bought an FM9 and have QC for sale.. i have to say, for me,, the FM9 is miles ahead of the QC.. and i owned the QC for 2 years. I hounestly have owned the fm9 a few days, and already have far better tones than the QC.. theres alot to be said for a desktop editor ;-) One thing i would say is the ABCD channels are a game changer.. 4.01 as of this week is awsome. QC owners dont know what they are missing! Its all very personal.. it might be the best thing for me, but not for everybody else.. i get it. Thanks for the reviews, it has massivly helped me make a choice. So a huge thank you
I want to love the fractal stuff but…..I bought the Axe Fx111 worked with it for about a month and finally sold it. There were so many things you had to tweak and so many pages to go through to do that I found myself getting lost I mean who wants to adjust amp sag and a whole host of other things that I have no idea what they do nor do I ever want to know what they do and it’s seven pages behind something else that was two pages in for just a single affect or portion of the tone! I don’t want to have to have a masters degree from MIT just to figure out how to turn on the unit! I’m back to a real amp in the room with pedal board!
All of that editing is not necessary with the AxeFX. You can get great tones using the same basic controls as a regular amp. Those options are available on advanced pages for people who wish to dig around but please don't make it sound like deep editing is necessary. It's not.
Yeah, the QC has lots of promise. I was on the Tier 1 waitlist and backed out for the FM3. Now I also have the FM9. For me, I’m not interested in captures at all. I’d rather have a nice selection of detailed models and dial them in, but that’s me. Still, having that function available is cool. I like QC size and form factor. I’ll definitely look again in a couple years once it’s had some updates.
@@SteveSterlacci Also, keep in mind that a) you can use the same Scene Controller for controlling multiple parameters and b) there are 4 channels of controllers so you technically have 16 Scene Controllers per preset. You can use Control Switches to make multiple parameter changes (32 per I think?) and then assign the state of the control switch per scene. so theres a fair amount of power there, but the learning curve is steeper.
@@aviator_bryan i haven't seen anything about that on the internets. Is it in the manual somewhere? I would think if more than 1 parameter is assigned to the controller, they would need to not conflict with each other. Like one would have to be in a bypassed state while it controls one thats active? Definitely interested in hearing more on this
@@SteveSterlacci the footswitch functions guide expands on it a bit more. There’s it to cover between scene controllers, manual controllers, modifiers, control switches etc.
Excellent Video and style. Subbed. I'd like to see the QC Capture Kemper Profiles. This was a game changer for me. John Cordy captured a stock Morgan 20 from Kemper and I was stunned. Aside from that I'll be tuning in. Look forward to the shows. Take Care.
@@SteveSterlacci Great Idea, maybe the Fractal also just for curiosity. Here is the Video I refered to just in case it has some clues on how its done. But if QC proves to be consistnat as displayed by Cordy, that is a very big deal. Thanks Steve ! th-cam.com/video/RF3bX4wCHF8/w-d-xo.html
As a hobbyist, I’ve found the Neural stuff that I’ve tried (plug-ins so far but am tempted by QC) fantastic. As you say at the end, Neural have a knack for producing great sounding presets and also for making it easy to tweak sounds. I have spent so many hours working on Helix tones (via Helix Native) and I still don’t like them nearly as much as the Neural ones I get in minutes. I know Helix has amazing sounds, I’m just not experienced enough to get them. What I would ultimately love to see would be a NeuralDSP plug-in that matches the QC like Helix Native does the Helix floor.
For the QC (and everthing else in my rig actually) I use a GC Pro to provide the switch functionality remotely so I can keep it safe and still useable off to the side. Even in 2022 midi is your friend.
I think people overstate the difficulty of editing the fractal on the fly. With no laptop I can dive in and make the changes i need in seconds. I also tried the helix but found the fractal way easier to edit and make good sounds. Relying solely on captures seems really limiting to me. Like I’d have to only have the amps I already own or buy someone else’s capture as opposed to over 200 amp channels in fractal that sound good right out of the box. And as you mentioned if your overwhelmed by the variety of things you can change in fractal, you also don’t have to. Just the basic controls should get you some great sounds.
Using basics was my main suggestion in the video as well. Its not so much that its overstated, it's just not practical to new users. I have my first gig with FM9 tonight and was able to do some tweaking at soundcheck which felt very good lol so I am coming around more on that front. Like I said, new user stresses!
@@SteveSterlacci it’s the first modeler I’ve owned. Coming from a regular pedalboard all the same thought process carries right over. As a new user I found it extremely intuitive.
@@WolfGuitarsandGear thought process, yes. Its more understanding how to navigate the pages than anything. The rest is easy and intuitive. I do wish for more than 4 scene controllers. Definitely a downer vs hx and qc
I just got a Helix a few months ago, so I'm going to stick with that for a while. I have not ever played on a Fractal product, or the QC, but I'm sure they sound amazing. Seem to from what I've heard on TH-cam. I will say this, I've tried a few different pluggins for guitar, (ML Sound Labs, Guitar Rig, and a few others) and I downloaded the Neural DSP Archetype Gojira, and was blown away. It's been a while since I was unable to get up because I was enjoying the sounds so much.
Thank you Steve !! I don't have either of these units so can only base my opinion on what I read/hear from others but to me it looks like these companies have put a lot of effort into the technical part of the units (lots of power, lots of models, lots of parameters, capturing functionality) but didn't pay as much attention to how most people would use the device as did the nice people at Line 6. To me your review actually confirms how great of a job Line 6 did with their Helix family of products. Perhaps the Fractal and the QC sound better (I don't know), but to me the ease of use of the Helix is way more important. I've seen a couple of video's on the Fractal and the amount of parameters that can be tweaked is just insane ... perfect if you're a sound engineer and you're looking to get your tone from 95 - 99% of what you want, but for an average user like me just unnecessary (again, just my personal opinion). With regards to the QC, I understand that the capture function is great for people who own nice amps yet prefer not to take these amps to their gigs. But when you think of it, most people get a modeller for the reason that they don't (want to) own amps. It is tempting to consider buying new gear like this, but for now I'll stick to the Helix. Keep up the good work, much appreciated !
I am learning and getting better! Why? Because I have a problem 🤣😅. I wanted to expand the content on my channel from being just Helix and if it sounds better, use it on tour
@9:33-10:12 I’d have to disagree just a little bit. Being a QC user and taking it out to play live, you don’t need to have the swipe up screen to up to get edits done on the fly live (the screen displaying the 8 performances or pedal blocks). The top right corner of the QC tells you what mode you’re currently on. (Whether it’s Scene Mode, Stompbox Mode or Preset Mode) if you’ve memorized where you’ve routed the footswitches you can turn on/off the pedals or go through scenes and still have access to the main screen displaying the pedal routing - meaning: if you have to change something on the fly you just tap on the block and change the parameters that need to be changed. Granted, It just won’t look as pretty or polished as compared to a screen with custom labels or displayed stompboxes, if that makes any sense. On the other hand, I will agree that hybrid mode is a much needed feature that needs to come in a future update and prayerfully it comes soon! 🙏🏼 Great video btw! Very informative nonetheless!
Thanks for adding Victor! If we had scribble strips that said what the FS were assigned to, then definitely. I personally dont want to memorize every footswitch for every preset that I use. Between scenes and stomp mode, thats a lot of blind memorizing!
I have both. For the QC it is still too early but I think it sounds better especially with single coil guitars. It's a shame they advertised their product way too early. Still waiting for a lot of features. Like you said, hybrid mode, the editor, the cloud. Maybe in a few more years the dust will settle and we will see. RIght now. Wins go to Fractal for effects and ease of use (navigating parameters immediately and mapping buttons). QC is slightly quicker for me at getting the sound I want.
I plan on taking my surface pro tablet to the gig with my FM9. Will have it on a music stand right in front of me. I've only had it for a month and gigged it once. I figure once I get used to it and as I learn the UI better I shouldn't need the tablet.
I am bummed by my QC. The QC DOES NOT have a looper, it doesn’t carry over trails from reverb/delays in preset changes, there’s delay issues with expression pedals. An interesting thing that many QC users have requested - a PC/Mac editor. The FM certainly has a much much bigger list of amps and cabs out of the box. The nice features on the QC is the size and the the user interface screen. Those are nice in the QC. I had an Axe Fx III, and I sold it. ….. i feel like if you want an overall unit that does BOTH amp/cabs and fx (pedals), the QC is still way, way too immature. I think you didn’t understand scenes and presets in the FM, it’s NOT the same as the QC. It’s good to hear people bust the QC hype bubble.
I dont think I say that they are the same. If i did, maybe I just misspoke or just meant in title. I do think the scenes in QC are way more flexible than the FM9, but stilll, overall the QC is currently a diamond covered in a lot of turd.
Great video! Would have loved to see a little more interactions with both units and comparing how each of them handle the same thing (actually seeing the processes). Would also be cool to see both dialing in the same sound (amp, effects, etc) just for a comparison of an A/B test. Great overview though! 👍🏻
Quad Cortex for sure. I plan to use the quad to replace my pedal switcher and amp. I will rely on my timeline, big sky and h9 for all time based effects. These effects will switch midi via Quad Cortex. All my pedals will fit neatly on a novo 24.
Its weird cause the reason I love my axe fx so much is theres so many combinations of things that you can and can go so deep into the amps and cabs that the tone you create is all yours no one elses it just has so much more potential for unique tones that's why all the fractal guys recording albums have such amazing unique tones guys like Owane, Adam Rafowitz, Sithu Aye , and Plini (before he unfortunately switched) and I could keep going on and on
I am sure the list could be just as long with whatever unit a pro decides to use. There is no lack of flexibility anywhere i dont think. I am getting more used to the fractal and enjoying it much more than the QC for now too
I too am stumbling through the FM3's learning curve but I think its worth it. This is the first modeller I am actually keeping. Got an FC-6 to go along with it. Line 6 is great but as it has been said here, the feel is a whole other thing and the Fractal FEELS awesome. I have compared the FM3 with a real Friedman Smallbox/real pedalboard through a captor load box/DI and it's so close! The closest it can be. With some work and tweaking it becomes very difficult to hear the difference. Thanks for the awesome videos Steve.
Thanks for checking it out! I do get the feel thing with the fm9. I'm trying to see if it can still out gig helix in other ways as well. Only 1 way to find out!
I think I will stick with the Helix. I wish I could A/B these modelers to compare the sound & feel. I wish the Helix was smaller. I'm gigging a lot and most gigs I have no room on the floor. The Helix is pretty good but sometimes I miss the feel of my amps.
I have spent 5 years dialing in my helix, and it sounds killer. I have specific needs in terms of routing that I would like to know if the others can handle, but since they’re not in stores, I’ll probably never know. Good luck with them!
In order I’ve owned the fractal rack unit 2 I think, kemper stage, quad cortex, and currently Fm9 turbo Kemper had the worst editing software but my recordings of it sound really good. The Cortex imo didn’t do it for me sound wise but everything else was cool. This fm9 turbo is awesome I don’t feel it difficult at all to edit in ax edit , and sounds great, you don’t have to use all the editing options. All these units have a slight buzz that needs to be dealt with when tracking.
Touch screens are so prone to failure, I would have a hard time committing to a QC. So let's suppose the touchscreen fails. Is that a showstopper, or is there an emergency work around? As an AX8 owner looking to possibly upgrade simply cause I'd like more DSP, the longer term unreliability of touchscreens has me seriously considering FM3, FM9, or AXE3. I wonder if Neal with Journey would trust his show to a touch screen?
Still seems like the helix is the best gigging option. Better layout, integrated volume/expression, robust effects, desktop edit, iec power and the list goes on.
You can really get a great sound out of any of these devices. I have to say that the difficulty with using the Fractal gear is overstated here. After the initial learning curve with the Fractal units (which really doesn't take that long) you can build a great preset with clean, crunch, lead and effects in just a few minutes. It is easier with the editor but if you take a little time with the unit you can edit pretty quickly on that as well. There are many more parameters you can adjust with the Fractal and that is what maybe gives it the edge for me. You don't have to really get into any of that stuff, but if you want to... 😉
For sure! I do still find myself frustrated using it, even after the initial curve. I get that its super capable, but the other units like QC and Helix are just easier IMO. I keep trying with the FM9 though. I plan on mastering it and conquering the universe 🤣😅
Agreed. The fractal stuff is amazing. Have Kemper as well. They are both outstanding. The fractal is a hell of a lot more versatile though. Can be what ever you want. Profilers do what the profile does…+\- 20%. Outside of that…it gets sketchy.
Great episode Steve! I am looking at QC, Helix and Fractal as my next big purchase and which ever unit provides the best useable presets/default sounds will win. The interfaces all seem workable in a gig setting. However, the QC multi-function mechanics of the foot switches scare me into thinking they won't last. As a product developer and engineer, that aspect worries me and dont want to have to replace/repair an $1800 unit because of a $10 switch failure, The Helix light touch activated foot switch for programming mode seems a far more elegant way to make a switch multifunctional with fewer moving parts. On the other hand Helix's less developed presets dont make it attractive either, so Fractal may win. Still researching though. Keep up the great gear rundowns - they are very helpful and I appreciate your bonafide performance experience as a barometer as to what is and is not, gig worthy.
Thanks Jeff! They are all really incredible units. I have to revisit the Helix presets and do a similar video on it and see where I wind up. I always hear presets suck, but honestly have never found out for myself. I am sure I will be happier than the haters! LOL you are very correct on the user experience of Helix being most elegant too!
Fantastic video. I am a former Helix user now an FM3/FC6 user. I love the Helix works on the unit. I miss that. However, the Fractal sounds Soooo much better. It took a lot to get to learn the FM3 but well worth it. Great job man!
My only experience is with Helix but do you really believe that? Even with the same IR's? I know many people feel they are extremely close, I would love to find out for myself.
Got a QC about a week ago to compare to my Axe-Fx III. Frustrating doesn't even begin to describe the user experience. The whole cloud thing is a hot mess. To download a capture you have to install an app on your iPhone, then search for the capture(s) but there's no metadata so searching is a crapshoot. Then you tag the captures you want to download. Then you go to the QC and download them. That's if you can find them because they're just sorta randomly located. And don't get me started on the Wi-Fi performance. If you're not within 20 ft. of your router then chances are you won't be able to connect. After futzing with it for several hours I finally got something that sounded okay but not nearly as nice as the Axe-Fx. Add to that the complete lack of any kind of effects content. The modulation stuff is a joke. The pitch shifter sucks. The reverbs are passable. As far as amp sounds go it's nothing special. Some of the models are okay but a lot are mediocre. I tried several dozen captures and they all have this weird thing gong on in the high frequencies. The UI for the cabinet stuff is nice but beyond that everything feels half-baked and incomplete. I'm returning it. If I were in the market for a new modeler I'd go with either the Axe-Fx III or the FM9.
I get that frustration big time. Making your own is definitely best, or finding a reputable uploader makes life way easier. Live Ready Sound and Tone Junkies are great. Totally get where you are coming from tho!
To my mind ease of use is 2nd to tonal quality. Tone is king. If it sounds good I'll send the extra time. if not, I could care less if it's easy to use. Having said that, if tweaking and editing for hours is "required" in order to get decent tones then it's useless imo. Give me some well researched (by listening to the market of guitar users buying them) and great tones out of the box then that's the key. Simple presets that are already solid that allow each player to tweak subtly (or aggressively) as needed.
Definitely! I have been comparing it to getting a new smartphone. Once you have it a few days, you figure out what is needed vs wanted and whats unnecessary. Finding a workflow is good on both! I think tonally, these 2 and Helix are quite close
@@SteveSterlacci I listened to the QC, Axe3, Kemper and Helix playing along actual studio tracks. Well, Helix clearly lost that battle, not even close. The Kemper was the warmest, closest to the sound of an amp. Yet the QC consistently sounded good on top of multiple music styles and playing. The ease of use along with clear tonal superiority (to my ears of course) the QC is winning so far. Close to pulling the trigger! Only issue, and it's a big one as you know, is the inability to edit on my computer, damn that's serious drawback, Do I want the extra tweaking and additional hours getting good sounds that the Axe demands or do I sacrifice the editing and go straight for tone and buy the QC???From pure tone If that is the most important I think I'm pulling my cc out for the QC.
All units are dependent on the users ability to dial it in. I could post the same vid and have complete opposite results! QC is great and I do love the captures. It could be the best in the future
@@SteveSterlacci True, either way tweaking will be a part of my life, just don't wanna spend needless hours down the rabbit hole and come out listening to sounds that after all don't sound that great anyways! lol I know tweaking gets my ears lost in what I'm trying to create. The QC seems to have some out of the box rock solid tones.
The presets on the FM9 are incredible too, but learning to navigate is a nightmare. QC seems like your lane. Its so easy to use and the meat and potatoes are all there with a very promising future. I will continue to use them all 🤣. I have listened to our rehearsal and gig footage back and literally dont think there is any noticeable enough difference. Some bandmates prefer one or the other. I dont think any listener would prefer one or another. We record all our rehearsals direct through a MIDAS m32 console. Pretty good indicator! I am gonna probably make that video comparing "the same preset" on each of the 3. They're not meant to sound identical, but they are meant for the same gig and have the same snapshots and scenes as each other
QC just doesn’t look “robust” to me. It looks more like a “studio-only” product, and to me, I just can’t see this being road ready, and being that I’m already a Fractal user (AX8 and AXE FXIII) as well as a Helix (Flagship) owner, I guess I’m already biased, as I’m more familiar w/ those products, but the lack of amps and goodies in the QC keeps me from buying “future” updates, that may, or may not be coming anytime soon… I want my tone and I want it now!!! Haha Thanks Steve, for being an honest guy and all your help and hard work in bringing us these videos! Best! ✌🏼
Thanks for checking them out! I totally get what you mean by studio use for the QC. I think potentially, the best unit is the QC in the loop of a Helix for global domination...
I will say this about the QC is that I've had some accidents with it that I was expecting damages and didn't even get a scratch. One time my cat knocked a cordless drill off my desk which hit the display directly on the floor below. I was absolutely amazed it didn't even get scratched.
Hendrix had two pedals straight into the amp and he got pretty good sounds Why any one needs a fractal with 560 amps with 300 cabs and 3,000 effects is beyond me
Helix desktop editor drove me crazy... ;) With FM3 Edit it felt like home. :) And a general tip for Fractal: don't tweak knobs that you don't understand. :D
Long time Helix user here. Just got my FM9 on Thursday. It sounds great but editing on it is way too much trouble. Line 6 have got it nailed when it comes to UI.
So in other words. If you are someone creative and you want to have your own sound, go for the Fractal. Do you want to plug and play, and play with sound clones, go for QC
I'm going for the fm9 or the Axe fx 3 mk2, I keep seeing post about people having issues with the QC, some die from nothing others have some weird software error that in some cases can't be fixed and when they reported neural did not answer to them for weeks, others have loose screws inside... that last one got me worried because I never heard or seeing something like that in a unit of this price range, the price is almost 2k us dollars for having these kind of issues is just unacceptable, I understand that Joyo pedals, nux, hotone or moer can be possible to have those kind of failures on the hardware because of the price but not from a device that cost almost 2k...
@@SteveSterlacci in the facebook official group of the quad cortex nobody post serious problems, but in the other group that I am it's another history, the group is call Neural DSP - QUAD CORTEX - User Group Original, the reality of many QC users is there.
Thanks for the video, Steve. Looks like my number’s coming up soon on an FM9 Turbo. Wondering if, after a year, it’s gotten easier for you to work with?
Cool. I’ve had the QC for three months. Really like it but I do miss an editor feature. Got an HX Stomp…so I know what I’m missing. Also would rather have my backups on my computer. Autonomy. Captures are great but I’m wondering just how necessary. I’m a pedal guy with two awesome clean amps. Pedals capture well but the stock pedals sound as good. I’ll make a decision when the FM9 arrives. Doubt I’ll keep both. Stomp’s a keeper (thanks for all those vids 😊). Portable Powerhouse!
I’ve always been good with technology, but until recently, that didn’t translate to my guitar. I was happy with some pedals and an amp. The HX Stomp was a great jumping off point and now I’m getting more comfortable with these modelers. Don’t want to be intimidated by the FM9. I’ll give it a good look. Thanks for the pat on the back.
To me the real downside on the FM9 is the limited amount of scene controllers, they should definately improve that part and let us be able to control as many parameters per preset we want just like Helix and QC....it shouldn't be hard to do it The dsp thing, considering that each block has 4 channel it doesn't bother me too much; also the effects quality on fm9 is much better than QC at the moment, so that's why you feel like fm9 is dsp limited compared to the QC: they require more power Tha gap between switching amps is a thing but when your guitar sits in the mix of a band during performance, switching on cue should be fine enough QC on the other hand, as modeler doesn't sound as good as fractal...but the GUI and the form factor kills FM9. I'm not into captures, so that's not really important to me All in all, I think I'll go for the Fractal hoping they will improve the scene controllers thing. Fm9 looks more reliable and solid and seems to be the best sounding MODELER. I bet quad cortex will keep improving adding features, amps, fx's ...but I need a unit ready today, not tomorrow and at the end of the day I prefer having a better sounding unit than a better user interface
All that being said, def skip the QC. I am reading and seeing that you can use 4 channels of scene controllers... idk what that means in terms of actual use, but I am looking into
@@SteveSterlacci it means that you can load 4 different amps on the same block and switch from one to another using scenes..same for drives etc It’s cool but it’s a bit dsp consuming and you don’t get rid of audio gap anyway
Steve, great video. Very fair assessment of the two devices. I have Helix Floor and QC. I've found QC much easier to get a great tone without a lot of endless tweaking. Helix seems to have issues with high end that QC doesn't have. What clear though is that all of these devices are fantastic and capable of great tones and gig-ready use. Really appreciate your insights as you are using these for real.
Thanks Jim! I appreciate you taking the time and commenting. You're right about the weird high end thing. I have worked around it on Helix and still prefer the overall user experience of Helix with the scribble strips and command center
I think that if you use IR from Ownhammer your opinion will change drastically!!!!! I couldn’t get a good tone with Helix Cabs. Once I got Ownhammer the difference is so great. A lot of clarity and definition.
I bought the QC upon its initial release. I still haven’t touched it in nearly 3 months (been really busy) - Last I played it, there was USB audio issues that I believe has since been addressed via firmware update. IMO, QC will take the win once it improves its wet effects & the glitches it’s had. If they care about keeping & acquiring long term users, they should be held to the standard of the kemper as far as firmware updates. Imagine if NDSP was updating the QC 6-7 years from now? That would win so many people over. I genuinely wonder if they’ll ever be able to capture time-based effects.
No editor is why I got rid of my Ultra. A while after the AxeII came out they dropped support for the Ultra and the only way to edit on desktop was to get the editor via 3rd party and it didn't play well with my computer. So I was stuck editing on that little green screen. A company that drops support that quickly for pricey units isn't getting my money, not that they care. They could have gone to a pay model or something for older units as there are a HUGE number still in use and up for sale all the time. But I guess they couldn't be bothered. Built in obsolescence.
@@SteveSterlacci Still used the Helix this past weekend and being able to edit on the fly with the Helix is still my favorite. Once I “port” over my templates over to the QC I’ll be using the QC. It’s still a work in progress but both the Helix and QC are a breeze.
Great video with straight forward explanations... as much as possible, at least. lol I'm getting ready to dive into the world of modelers for the first time, and the decision between QC vs. FM9 vs. Helix vs. Kemper has been a bit paralyzing. I've got it down to the QC vs. FM9, and thanks to your video, I'm leaning towards the QC for reduce option paralysis from what I understand in your video. While I want to learn as much as I can about the product, I still want to get a usable tone relatively quickly and worry about tweaking with time. How simple is it to get a good tone relatively quickly on the FM9 vs. QC? If it's quick to get a great basic tone either way, the FM9 would appear to be the way to go. From what I gather, you can run two amps together in a scene for both products? Does one of the products combine amps together (ie, a Mesa and a Friedman) better than the other? If you've tried this, how would the QC or FM9 sound connected to a power amp and then into a traditional guitar cabinet? Not so sure I'm quite ready to go down the FRFR route. Again, thank you for the great video. I'm new to your channel and a fan of your work. Keep up the great content! Subbed.
Almost a year since youve made this, and I now have The QC and Fm9 turbo. Everything you said still holds true. Im trying to put some time in on both but Im torn on what to keep or get rid of. Im finding the fm9 to be quite tedious and time consuming to get a live gig ready all setup to my liking. The effects are fantastic. The Qc interface is simple to use and very intuitive. Amp models, captures and drives are really good. It however seems to be lacking in reverbs and delays especially. For all its power, its really not very flexible in creating live gig performances. Your limited to the number of scenes you get or using just one amp in stompbox mode. Even the new hybrid mode ( thats coming ) will be a little limited. QC needs some of what the fm9 and kemper has in terms of being able to flexibility to change buttons, turn on and off multiple efect states at once easily from within a performance. Ultimately, neither have replaced my kemper yet in alive context because I know I can grab it and easily get through any gig and cover amything sound wise with good tone.
They should come up in a separate feed. Unfortunately, they're a part of the game to try to gain traction. I am not proud of any of those and hate doing them as well
Really good video. BUT the only thing it has convinced me to do is to keep hold of my Helix for longer until you see which one develops to a better level of usability. 😀
@@normt6226 been waiting for that for ages! It’s really old technology and needs an update instead of being repackaged. 2022 and no App, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection… 😩😩
@@SteveSterlacci When you say it like that, probably not. I can only scrub away so much imagery in my brain. But either way, you have yours. I have no choice but to be patient, even though I'm not a patient person. My FM3 will have to hold me in the meantime. But anyone who wants to buy a Cortex instead, so I can get one sooner is good by me.
Make a choice on the features you have in each unit as per today. Dont buy into the hype that one product is going to be awesome tomorrow especially considering that in 2 years since Neural DSP was announced none of the features that were promised to be coming soon have been delivered and 2 years is a very long time frame. I have been waiting for the next update on QC forever and in another 5 years when QC delivers the coming soon features I can only imagine how far fractal audio will be considering everything already works amazing well currently. No one is buying fracal products for future hype like QC is doing.
Question: this video is 9 month old. Does the quad cortex got any netter in terms of more effects since then? I hear, they added The Dreamscape Pedal recently…
Man, not sure if you will ever read this but I'm really struggling to choose between QC and FM9. My scenario is: I play Black Metal and I need one of those to be used in live shows but I need to run both my guitar and vocals through it. I will need at least a compressor/delay and lots of reverb on vocals and overdrive/amp/cab/reverb/delay on guitar. We play to a metronome so I always setup my vocals/guitars' delay to the correct bpm of the exact part of the song I'm playing. I saw some people saying that the FM9 would not be able to handle all of that at the same time with its CPU (is it true?). As they are both very expensive, I really would like to make the right choice, do you think both of them can handle that amount of stuff with their CPU? If not, which one would suit me better in this case? Thanks a lot for your videos man, really love how clear you explain stuff, it really helps people that know nothing about gear like me.
Hello! I am reading and hopefully can help! You have XLR inputs on the QC. The FM9 has only 1/4 inch so you would need adapters. If you are running a mic in, I would probably suggest QC because it does seem to handle bigger presets better. In your case, 2 independent chains. Plus, if you find the right captures, life becomes easy!
@@SteveSterlacci In this case I will watch more videos about the QC, starting with the videos you did using it live, to learn more about it. Thanks a lot for your help, man! Really appreciate it.
The QC OS is so similar to the Helix, that is part of why you had an easier time. Honestly, though, the touch screen is so fast to work with. Fractal's OS is horrible. I used a laptop with my Axe-FxIII, but that sucks, like you said. I have figured out how to navigate quickly on the FM9. Lot of clicking layout, edit. page >>....it is a pain, but I've got it now. I still think the Fractal sounds better at gig volumes, but damn if the QC isn't easy to use. The QC = Crazy polished studio sound. Almost unnaturally polished, though. The FM9 = More feel from playing. Break up just has a nicer organic sound. Also, palm mutes sound better to me on the FM9. I'd be happy using either. Neither of them is perfect for me. I chose sound over easy, since my audience doesn't care how easy it was for me to set up, They just want it to sound good, and it does.
I agree with everything you said here. All makes sense and lines up with how I feel. I think its in the fractal cab section. Curious if I mess with a room verb after the cab with a high mix and quick decay
I am considering the Quad and the FM- 9 , the Fractal make me leery when I hear how much is involved , really like the idea of the Quad Cortex , but the barrel plug , no editor and lack of delays and reverbs make me want to wait for Neural to remedy these issues , would purchase if this was remedied !
I think I'll be sticking with the Helix. I understand there are things each of these can do that the Helix can't. I'm used to the Helix workflow and think my patches sound great. Any advantages the others may have with will be minimum. It's always cool to have new gear to play with but I think I'll pass. Maybe I'll break out my Eleven Rack :)
Great video , I love Fractal But I have an ADD mind , So I’m grab go and play QC would be my pick , but in reality If I was a touring musician or gigging out a lot , I would use these, but at the moment I’m not, so I don’t really need them , although I lust for them , I’ve streamlined my gear to owning 3 amps , ViOX AC15 , Fender Deluxe Reverb and a Marshall Studio 20 and a small pedal board with 4 pedals ,Timmy, Hotcake OD’s , Naga Viper boost, Memory Man Nano,all I need for now , but someday …..
Just got my qc to replace my pedal board i use stomp mode and is just like my pedal board now great experience and the customizing and able to assign switches and design effects is limitless perfect for downsizing and upgrading
Great Video, but no need to change from my Kemper! The Market for Kemper Profilies is so big.....so many free ones. The QC has to grow a lot to be really interesting to me! An PC Editor is really important today!
What's your take on using it in conjunction with an additional midi controller? Been reading you can do much more with it that way, using a single footswitch on the midi controller to perform multiple functions on the QC, thus in a round about way compensating for some of the current short falls of the QC foot knobs.
My up front take is that these should be all in one units and should not need a midi controller for basic functions. If i went that route, I'd use an HX FX with qc in the loop and control it via midi and snapshots
Hey Steve! Thank you for your review, that was really helpful. I have a question though, I'm currently using an acoustic guitar with 2 in build Microphones and an other one extra from the outside. I saw i just have 2 In channels on the quad, do you know if I also have phantom power on those channels? And the other question, do you know why fractal decided to make just one In channel on such a monster pedal? Best regards from Germany! Luigi
For the best price on a Quad Cortex, check out Sweetwater imp.i114863.net/qnaX9y
For the FM9 - shop.fractalaudio.com/
On the FM9 you can press the big button which takes you to Layout page, then navigate to the block you want to tweak and press edit. I know it's not as fast as the QC touch interface, but it's pretty simple once you get used to it.
Thanks for the tip!! I just messed with that and like it. Thanks
I forced myself to not use axe edit for like a week and now I’m a master at using the hardware.
I know a guitar player and he said this thing is giving him a headache.
QC is so easy to dial! I’m just waiting for the next updates, because as a first gen modeler, it needs to improve as you mentioned. To me, a capture’s marketplace will be the real game changer for this.
I look forward to that as well! Hopefully they can really kill it with updates and set themselves apart
6:55 great explanation - live setups is what I look for in these videos
Glad to help! Thanks Dan
As a past gigging guitarist myself of waay too many years I care to remember, I always have a wee chuckle when I watch folk complain about shortcomings in 'ease of use'. I could have done with a little more 'ease of use' myself in the past, however, once set up, I had little/no complaints during a gig. The gear I had the longest was a Mesa Triaxis, 2:90 and G-Force FX unit. I controlled this with a Roland FC200 foot pedal. It allowed the use of control/expression pedals etc. There was a lot (MASSIVELY more compared to today's 'learning' systems, lol) of learning initially but, when configured, it was an EXTREMELY versatile setup.
Advice? make darn sure you get to the gig well beforehand for that crucial soundcheck/tweaking (and understand the basics of what a filled venue makes to your sound....EQ dampening etc - but don't worry). No soundcheck possible? Use what you know of the room/venue/hall as your base. Understand the crucial reverb and master EQ sections of your FX. If you're mic'ing into an established system then the PA dude will advise (primarily those master reverb / eq levels). Above all, do your homework well before hand on your system, and the venue. Uber above all, try not to worry if your not 100% happy with your sound...now one ever is...Rule #1: Enjoy yourself !!
Well, when they all have the ability to sound good, ease of use becomes more important when tone is subjectively negligible. Rule #1 still applies
Great video. Great points thank you.
Hey Steve, thanks so much for videos like this. You are a real blessing for players like me. Really respect your opinion and you have helped shape my playing/tone quite a bit.
That really means so much to me! Thank you for watching and supporting
This was a really helpful comparison, thank you!
Thank you for checking it out! Mean a lot
I bought a Quad Cortex after watching it. I love it; it sounds great. Great video! I really appreciate the in depth, honest comparison. Sounds like you can't go wrong sound wise.
You can't go wrong with Kemper, Fractal, or QC.
Great job there Steve and non biased review as well.
Its no secret, i really really like my QC, i love the simplicity, Its like you said Its plug and play within minutes. but I am very sure i would be enjoying the heck of both of them.
Thanks for checking it out! QC is such a cool unit!
the most important thing (in my opinion) is, these units (helix,kemper,fractal audio or quad cortex) are not just amp modelers like the pod 20 years ago.these are very powerful devices who are just like a computer and sometimes it can take a lot of time to master these units and i know it can be very very frustrating and confusing...just like buying a new computer;)
Absolutely! Definitely can't just plug in and play lol its worth the time saved over its lifetime rewiring a pedalboard or chasing a bad cable and swapping pedals every few weeks!
Great job, brother. Thanks a ton! Subscribed today!!
Thank goodness for you. I had the money burning a hole in my pocket and started to convince myself I needed an FM9 when I'm totally happy with my QC. The option paralysis and laptop at rehearsal reminded me why I sold my FM3. Impulse puchase averted!
Glad to help! LOL
Tones are more important than iPad feel.
Got my QC last week and within hours I was gig ready. In fact, I used it this weekend. That said, I agree with your frustrations. The power supply choice alone has me scratching my head
You can change a lot more than 4 parameters per scene on the fm9, you can attach more than one parameter to each scene controller and.. you have channels (which also allow to change model within a block besides parameters, unlike helix and qc snapshots)
Yes, but the block is also stuck in that position where in helix and qc, can be placed wherever you want (make 3 ODs stackable into each other for example) and however many you can until you run out of dsp. Also, I am researching more about scene controllers and it looks like the settings are universal if you set more than 1 parameter to them. Like all the parameter changes have to fall in place per Sc? I am hoping to figure it all out.
@@SteveSterlacci what do you mean with "stuck"? You can't move it between scenes but you can't either on the Helix or QC, and there are 3 drive blocks in the fm9, not 2.
Sure you can't stack 8 drive blocks like in other platforms but.. do you really need that? 😅
Regarding scene controllers, yes the scene controller setting is the same for all attached parameters, but parameter values can be set differently by editing the modifier curve (min, max, mid, slope, etc..)
@@carmelodl8407 so do you set the scene controller on a value of one parameter, say gain, and then assign a second parameter, but use those modifiers to make it work within the percentages you already used on the SC? My head hurts, but I think I am following...
I don't foresee me running into the issues I stated, but would like to know how, if I ever needed to lol. I may be totally over thinking it too
Great video sir! You exposed the pros and cons from both units in a very fair way. You got yourself a new subscriber.
Greetings from Brazil!
Thank you Brazil! I appreciate you very much
I'm probably going to get a QC since I'm also a bass/piano/vocalist and the inputs are super versatile that way... But man the foot switches on the Fractal! The hold function alone is keeping me on the fence, nevermind the channel switching options. They both sound great, and it's a great time to be a guitar player!
Agreed man! The i/o and separate paths is very nice in the QC. The open format may be better for you with the different instruments and especially vocals... cant go wrong either way !
Nice video Steve!
I have a QC and FM3 - so close to your comparison. I agree with most of your assessment. I like them both but prefer to play the QC live. Also, being able to Capture pedals, in addition to amps, is awesome!
Definitely agree on the captures! fm3 seems tough to use live. FM9 is a perfect size for me. I hope the qc gets the needed updates fast. I love using both
@@SteveSterlacci - I'm also coming from using the Helix/Stomp platform for several years, so we're on a similar journey. I agree - the FM3 has some live challenges that the FM9 covers in Spades. If I didn't already have the FM3 I probably would have gone with the FM9 as well as it's got everything you need without anything you don't. But also agree with the sheer volume of options the Fractal ecosystem presents. It's both their biggest Pro AND Con, IMHO.
All great products tho - especially if you use each ti it's strength.
Absolutely! When you just remove the idea of all those options and just stick to basics, it becomes infinitely easier!
Great video man
Thank you Lucas!
Best comparison on the internet because of your honesty. No fanboi-ism. Cheers.
I appreciate that very much! Thank you for checking it out and adding to the conversation 🤘🤘🤘
I was at the waitlist for the QC but once I had my first gig with the FM3 that was it for me. The sounds and feel are unbelievable. It feels more real in your hands than the helix imho. Not sure if the audience can tell the difference, but I enjoy playing it a lot more. The effects are amazing too and once you get used to editing on your laptop editing on the unit becomes easier as you understand the flow.
I really like the size and touch screen on the QC tho and would like to try one eventually…
I just decided to buy the FM3. is there a long learning curve? You play trough a real amp or just trough monitors. ? The Sound samples of the FM3 on YT are very very good...I hope the buy is worth it....
You will learn your way as you go. Just be patient with it! There is no right or wrong way to use it. I use headphones and FRFR with no amp
@@SteveSterlacci thanks. I hope it is good enough to replace my Tube Amps / pedals…I want to be able to play trough headphones and dedicated speakers on a high level sound wise…
@@SteveSterlacci I just bought the Valeton 200 Pedal Board for about 350 USD. It does not even come close to amps / pedals…I can only use it with headphones for playing when I cant loud…
@@1972Georges I play the FM3 into a Fryette PS2A and a real cab and as soon as I plugged it into the Power Station I’ve put me Mesa TC-50 and Fractal FX8 for sale. I’ve had a pedalboard with analog pedals and the FX8 (or the FM3) pedals are better than the real ones as you have much more parameters to tweak. You can run the FM3 through a power amp and real cab using output 2 without the cab SIM and at the same time run it to FOH using an XLR to TRS (or XLR to XLR) using output 1 with the Cab SIM. By using the Power Station as a power amp you get the sound and feel of a real tube amp while having many options of pre and power amps (200+ from the FM3) so it just doesn’t make sense to keep any other tube amp head imho. Cheers!
Great review man, good luck at your gig!
This video is a great advertisement for my helix lt! It's easy to make changes and enjoyable to use with great tones!
Steve, excellent video!! Love it man!!! Very informative...
Thanks bro
Steve, I just bought mine FM9 more than 7 weeks ago. I've been playing around every day, then I was finally able to get my dream sound. However, it wasn't that easy though. Lol. One my first day, I already saw that fractal FM9 is NOT as seamless what people claimed. Now I know for sure, Fractal does have a gap (or a small noise or clip'ish sound) between one amp to another or Channel to another Channel (or Preset to another Preset). This is what I agree with your video. On one or two Amps and/or Channels are seamless, BUT not most. I bought mine it's because I needed to be seamless changing between channels during my real LIVE gig, but it's NOT. I do love my sound though and I'm not going to return mine, but it would have been nice if Fractal would allow showing my a few "negative" points on FM9. In my 7 weeks experience, FRACTAL will not show any review less than "5 Stars." Lol.
Well, they just announced there will be seamless amp switch in the next update! So there is hope!
@@SteveSterlacci Hey, that would be great, IF the gap/clip'ish will help. I went from a 5 piece band to a trio, so I really really hope this gap-seamless will help us simple trio band. Thanks again, Steve. I will be looking forward on Fractal's update.
Great info thanks
Thanks for checking it out! This video is probably due for an update since so much has changed
So that’s like another version of what Kemper does, correct?
Very good and fair comparison. I think your Fractal comments and criticisms are pretty spot on. I was an AX8 user for years and just got my FM9 - I did consider the QC before the FM9 came out, but, believe it or not, the biggest turn off was the cheap power source connection and cord. I have been a Fractal user since the ULTRA and they have always been good to me - other than going first to the FM3 which I would not purchase, and waiting so long to develop the FM9. But that was their call. Just got my FM9 yesterday and have only played around for less than an hour. First impressions are that it is an amazing upgrade to the AX8, but you are so right about having so many options you can become paralyzed or distracted from playing. But the tones and the advancement of more DSP, and the reverbs and other effects are absolutely wonderful. Thanks for the GREAT review and the plug for Chad Boston, he lives near me and I have been to his home to check out his Helix.
Thanks Richard! Chad is the man 😎. Hope to have earned your sub 🤘
@@SteveSterlacci OK, I subscribed. I want to encourage you to do an introduction to the FM9 Edit software. You are a good teacher. Thanks.
@@jiagap thank you! I will be doing plenty of walkthroughs and workflow ideas!
All good points. Personally the Axe Fx III has been the best musical investment I have ever made by far. I've played and recorded more in the one year I've had it than the previous 5 years combined. Personally I spend most of my time navigating through the front panel just so I don't have to rely on the editor, but some of the menus are a bit confusing and don't necessarily correspond to where they are on Axe Edit.
I have to get more savvy with the front panel editing. I am coming around more and more! Loving the sounds it can provide for sure!
Thanks, I'm also a touring musician, this video is excellent!
Glad to help! Safe travels this year 🙌
@@SteveSterlacci Thanks!
as much as I can see the need of a desktop editor, I like that I do not need to carry anything else than my QC when I go to practice or gig. adjustments on the units on the fly are super easy
For sure! But building a rig from scratch is much easier on the pc IMO. Touch screen is def awesome though!
Tweak on the unit, build on a computer. There is no better way. Fractal is still above all imo if you are willing to get your hands dirty. QC was released too early almost like a pre beta product, it has potential to be good but fractal is good
I’ve done the leg work with an axe fx 2 for 5 years so I’ll be happy when my fm9 arrives next month
Thats definitely the right choice for ya!
Hi Steve, so i thought id give an update! i bought an FM9 and have QC for sale.. i have to say, for me,, the FM9 is miles ahead of the QC.. and i owned the QC for 2 years.
I hounestly have owned the fm9 a few days, and already have far better tones than the QC.. theres alot to be said for a desktop editor ;-)
One thing i would say is the ABCD channels are a game changer.. 4.01 as of this week is awsome. QC owners dont know what they are missing!
Its all very personal.. it might be the best thing for me, but not for everybody else.. i get it. Thanks for the reviews, it has massivly helped me make a choice. So a huge thank you
I absolutely can't blame you. I would pick FM9 if I had to only choose one. Thank you for watching and supporting!
I want to love the fractal stuff but…..I bought the Axe Fx111 worked with it for about a month and finally sold it. There were so many things you had to tweak and so many pages to go through to do that I found myself getting lost I mean who wants to adjust amp sag and a whole host of other things that I have no idea what they do nor do I ever want to know what they do and it’s seven pages behind something else that was two pages in for just a single affect or portion of the tone! I don’t want to have to have a masters degree from MIT just to figure out how to turn on the unit! I’m back to a real amp in the room with pedal board!
For some people thats all ya need!
Pressing the button that says ON will turn ON the unit.
The drama OFF switch is the one you really should be looking for.
All of that editing is not necessary with the AxeFX. You can get great tones using the same basic controls as a regular amp. Those options are available on advanced pages for people who wish to dig around but please don't make it sound like deep editing is necessary. It's not.
Yes. I don't want to buy something I'm spending a lot of time on just trying to get it to sound good.
Yeah, the QC has lots of promise. I was on the Tier 1 waitlist and backed out for the FM3. Now I also have the FM9. For me, I’m not interested in captures at all. I’d rather have a nice selection of detailed models and dial them in, but that’s me. Still, having that function available is cool. I like QC size and form factor. I’ll definitely look again in a couple years once it’s had some updates.
You'll probably want to stick with the fm9 if you don't want the captures! Its a BEAST
@@SteveSterlacci Also, keep in mind that a) you can use the same Scene Controller for controlling multiple parameters and b) there are 4 channels of controllers so you technically have 16 Scene Controllers per preset. You can use Control Switches to make multiple parameter changes (32 per I think?) and then assign the state of the control switch per scene. so theres a fair amount of power there, but the learning curve is steeper.
@@aviator_bryan i haven't seen anything about that on the internets. Is it in the manual somewhere? I would think if more than 1 parameter is assigned to the controller, they would need to not conflict with each other. Like one would have to be in a bypassed state while it controls one thats active? Definitely interested in hearing more on this
@@SteveSterlacci the footswitch functions guide expands on it a bit more. There’s it to cover between scene controllers, manual controllers, modifiers, control switches etc.
@@aviator_bryan thank you! I will dive into that manual this week 🤘. I appreciate the tips
Excellent Video and style. Subbed. I'd like to see the QC Capture Kemper Profiles. This was a game changer for me. John Cordy captured a stock Morgan 20 from Kemper and I was stunned. Aside from that I'll be tuning in. Look forward to the shows. Take Care.
Interesting! Capturing a profile is something I may try with my favorite Helix presets. See what happens!
@@SteveSterlacci Great Idea, maybe the Fractal also just for curiosity. Here is the Video I refered to just in case it has some clues on how its done. But if QC proves to be consistnat as displayed by Cordy, that is a very big deal. Thanks Steve ! th-cam.com/video/RF3bX4wCHF8/w-d-xo.html
@@plexidust5101 thanks! I will definitely try it out
As a hobbyist, I’ve found the Neural stuff that I’ve tried (plug-ins so far but am tempted by QC) fantastic. As you say at the end, Neural have a knack for producing great sounding presets and also for making it easy to tweak sounds. I have spent so many hours working on Helix tones (via Helix Native) and I still don’t like them nearly as much as the Neural ones I get in minutes. I know Helix has amazing sounds, I’m just not experienced enough to get them. What I would ultimately love to see would be a NeuralDSP plug-in that matches the QC like Helix Native does the Helix floor.
For the QC (and everthing else in my rig actually) I use a GC Pro to provide the switch functionality remotely so I can keep it safe and still useable off to the side.
Even in 2022 midi is your friend.
It feels like this device really needs midi! I wish it could assign multiple bypasses to one switch without using scenes though!
I think people overstate the difficulty of editing the fractal on the fly. With no laptop I can dive in and make the changes i need in seconds. I also tried the helix but found the fractal way easier to edit and make good sounds. Relying solely on captures seems really limiting to me. Like I’d have to only have the amps I already own or buy someone else’s capture as opposed to over 200 amp channels in fractal that sound good right out of the box. And as you mentioned if your overwhelmed by the variety of things you can change in fractal, you also don’t have to. Just the basic controls should get you some great sounds.
Using basics was my main suggestion in the video as well. Its not so much that its overstated, it's just not practical to new users. I have my first gig with FM9 tonight and was able to do some tweaking at soundcheck which felt very good lol so I am coming around more on that front. Like I said, new user stresses!
@@SteveSterlacci it’s the first modeler I’ve owned. Coming from a regular pedalboard all the same thought process carries right over. As a new user I found it extremely intuitive.
@@WolfGuitarsandGear thought process, yes. Its more understanding how to navigate the pages than anything. The rest is easy and intuitive. I do wish for more than 4 scene controllers. Definitely a downer vs hx and qc
@@WolfGuitarsandGeardo you miss your pedalboard? Im thinking to build one or go for fractal
I just got a Helix a few months ago, so I'm going to stick with that for a while. I have not ever played on a Fractal product, or the QC, but I'm sure they sound amazing. Seem to from what I've heard on TH-cam. I will say this, I've tried a few different pluggins for guitar, (ML Sound Labs, Guitar Rig, and a few others) and I downloaded the Neural DSP Archetype Gojira, and was blown away. It's been a while since I was unable to get up because I was enjoying the sounds so much.
Well, you won't get that in QC yet. Plug in implementation is far away. Helix is an amazing workhorse choice
Thank you Steve !! I don't have either of these units so can only base my opinion on what I read/hear from others but to me it looks like these companies have put a lot of effort into the technical part of the units (lots of power, lots of models, lots of parameters, capturing functionality) but didn't pay as much attention to how most people would use the device as did the nice people at Line 6. To me your review actually confirms how great of a job Line 6 did with their Helix family of products. Perhaps the Fractal and the QC sound better (I don't know), but to me the ease of use of the Helix is way more important. I've seen a couple of video's on the Fractal and the amount of parameters that can be tweaked is just insane ... perfect if you're a sound engineer and you're looking to get your tone from 95 - 99% of what you want, but for an average user like me just unnecessary (again, just my personal opinion). With regards to the QC, I understand that the capture function is great for people who own nice amps yet prefer not to take these amps to their gigs. But when you think of it, most people get a modeller for the reason that they don't (want to) own amps. It is tempting to consider buying new gear like this, but for now I'll stick to the Helix. Keep up the good work, much appreciated !
Thanks for watching and for the well thought out comment. You're on the money with the Helix stuff having the best end user gigging experience.
@@SteveSterlacci THANX A LOT To YOU BOTH. that was the really most useful comment to me so far
I would recommend editing on the FM9 itself. IR selection and switching methodologies are really the big initial hurdles to get over.
Also; why wouldn't you just stick with the Helix as it sounds like it already does what you need it to do without driving yourself nuts?
I am learning and getting better! Why? Because I have a problem 🤣😅. I wanted to expand the content on my channel from being just Helix and if it sounds better, use it on tour
@@SteveSterlacci I know something about problems :) Good luck on your progress \m/
@9:33-10:12
I’d have to disagree just a little bit. Being a QC user and taking it out to play live, you don’t need to have the swipe up screen to up to get edits done on the fly live (the screen displaying the 8 performances or pedal blocks). The top right corner of the QC tells you what mode you’re currently on. (Whether it’s Scene Mode, Stompbox Mode or Preset Mode) if you’ve memorized where you’ve routed the footswitches you can turn on/off the pedals or go through scenes and still have access to the main screen displaying the pedal routing - meaning: if you have to change something on the fly you just tap on the block and change the parameters that need to be changed. Granted, It just won’t look as pretty or polished as compared to a screen with custom labels or displayed stompboxes, if that makes any sense.
On the other hand, I will agree that hybrid mode is a much needed feature that needs to come in a future update and prayerfully it comes soon! 🙏🏼
Great video btw! Very informative nonetheless!
Thanks for adding Victor! If we had scribble strips that said what the FS were assigned to, then definitely. I personally dont want to memorize every footswitch for every preset that I use. Between scenes and stomp mode, thats a lot of blind memorizing!
@@SteveSterlacci Facts! 💯
I wish I could have both for about 2wks to play with and explore. Before determining which unit to keep
I have both. For the QC it is still too early but I think it sounds better especially with single coil guitars. It's a shame they advertised their product way too early. Still waiting for a lot of features. Like you said, hybrid mode, the editor, the cloud. Maybe in a few more years the dust will settle and we will see. RIght now. Wins go to Fractal for effects and ease of use (navigating parameters immediately and mapping buttons). QC is slightly quicker for me at getting the sound I want.
I plan on taking my surface pro tablet to the gig with my FM9. Will have it on a music stand right in front of me. I've only had it for a month and gigged it once. I figure once I get used to it and as I learn the UI better I shouldn't need the tablet.
QC after trying lots of different units I found the QC so easy to get a good sound a to organise into a usable order
I am bummed by my QC. The QC DOES NOT have a looper, it doesn’t carry over trails from reverb/delays in preset changes, there’s delay issues with expression pedals. An interesting thing that many QC users have requested - a PC/Mac editor. The FM certainly has a much much bigger list of amps and cabs out of the box. The nice features on the QC is the size and the the user interface screen. Those are nice in the QC. I had an Axe Fx III, and I sold it. ….. i feel like if you want an overall unit that does BOTH amp/cabs and fx (pedals), the QC is still way, way too immature. I think you didn’t understand scenes and presets in the FM, it’s NOT the same as the QC. It’s good to hear people bust the QC hype bubble.
I dont think I say that they are the same. If i did, maybe I just misspoke or just meant in title. I do think the scenes in QC are way more flexible than the FM9, but stilll, overall the QC is currently a diamond covered in a lot of turd.
Great video! Would have loved to see a little more interactions with both units and comparing how each of them handle the same thing (actually seeing the processes). Would also be cool to see both dialing in the same sound (amp, effects, etc) just for a comparison of an A/B test. Great overview though! 👍🏻
That might be a cool idea! Set up a basic preset with a pre determined rig and see how long it takes each to make
Quad Cortex for sure. I plan to use the quad to replace my pedal switcher and amp. I will rely on my timeline, big sky and h9 for all time based effects. These effects will switch midi via Quad Cortex. All my pedals will fit neatly on a novo 24.
Doing the same
Let me know how it goes for you
Great video
Its weird cause the reason I love my axe fx so much is theres so many combinations of things that you can and can go so deep into the amps and cabs that the tone you create is all yours no one elses it just has so much more potential for unique tones that's why all the fractal guys recording albums have such amazing unique tones guys like Owane, Adam Rafowitz, Sithu Aye , and Plini (before he unfortunately switched) and I could keep going on and on
I am sure the list could be just as long with whatever unit a pro decides to use. There is no lack of flexibility anywhere i dont think. I am getting more used to the fractal and enjoying it much more than the QC for now too
I too am stumbling through the FM3's learning curve but I think its worth it. This is the first modeller I am actually keeping. Got an FC-6 to go along with it. Line 6 is great but as it has been said here, the feel is a whole other thing and the Fractal FEELS awesome. I have compared the FM3 with a real Friedman Smallbox/real pedalboard through a captor load box/DI and it's so close! The closest it can be. With some work and tweaking it becomes very difficult to hear the difference. Thanks for the awesome videos Steve.
Thanks for checking it out! I do get the feel thing with the fm9. I'm trying to see if it can still out gig helix in other ways as well. Only 1 way to find out!
@@SteveSterlacci I. Can’t wait to see that video!
I think I will stick with the Helix. I wish I could A/B these modelers to compare the sound & feel. I wish the Helix was smaller. I'm gigging a lot and most gigs I have no room on the floor. The Helix is pretty good but sometimes I miss the feel of my amps.
I will still be using my Helix a ton! Its honestly not a lot smaller than Helix at all. Even without the exp pedal!
Thank you 😀
Welcome!
I have spent 5 years dialing in my helix, and it sounds killer. I have specific needs in terms of routing that I would like to know if the others can handle, but since they’re not in stores, I’ll probably never know. Good luck with them!
Thanks Bill! I think Helix is still the best all in one gig solution. That videos coming 😉
In order I’ve owned the fractal rack unit 2 I think, kemper stage, quad cortex, and currently Fm9 turbo
Kemper had the worst editing software but my recordings of it sound really good. The Cortex imo didn’t do it for me sound wise but everything else was cool. This fm9 turbo is awesome I don’t feel it difficult at all to edit in ax edit , and sounds great, you don’t have to use all the editing options. All these units have a slight buzz that needs to be dealt with when tracking.
Touch screens are so prone to failure, I would have a hard time committing to a QC. So let's suppose the touchscreen fails. Is that a showstopper, or is there an emergency work around? As an AX8 owner looking to possibly upgrade simply cause I'd like more DSP, the longer term unreliability of touchscreens has me seriously considering FM3, FM9, or AXE3. I wonder if Neal with Journey would trust his show to a touch screen?
Schon is now using an FM-9
Still seems like the helix is the best gigging option. Better layout, integrated volume/expression, robust effects, desktop edit, iec power and the list goes on.
Its hard to disagree! Helix is seriously so much better than I even expected
Until you use any distortion in my opinion the helix has really crappy distortion!
You can really get a great sound out of any of these devices. I have to say that the difficulty with using the Fractal gear is overstated here. After the initial learning curve with the Fractal units (which really doesn't take that long) you can build a great preset with clean, crunch, lead and effects in just a few minutes. It is easier with the editor but if you take a little time with the unit you can edit pretty quickly on that as well. There are many more parameters you can adjust with the Fractal and that is what maybe gives it the edge for me. You don't have to really get into any of that stuff, but if you want to... 😉
For sure! I do still find myself frustrated using it, even after the initial curve. I get that its super capable, but the other units like QC and Helix are just easier IMO. I keep trying with the FM9 though. I plan on mastering it and conquering the universe 🤣😅
Agreed. The fractal stuff is amazing. Have Kemper as well. They are both outstanding. The fractal is a hell of a lot more versatile though. Can be what ever you want. Profilers do what the profile does…+\- 20%. Outside of that…it gets sketchy.
Great episode Steve! I am looking at QC, Helix and Fractal as my next big purchase and which ever unit provides the best useable presets/default sounds will win. The interfaces all seem workable in a gig setting. However, the QC multi-function mechanics of the foot switches scare me into thinking they won't last. As a product developer and engineer, that aspect worries me and dont want to have to replace/repair an $1800 unit because of a $10 switch failure, The Helix light touch activated foot switch for programming mode seems a far more elegant way to make a switch multifunctional with fewer moving parts. On the other hand Helix's less developed presets dont make it attractive either, so Fractal may win. Still researching though. Keep up the great gear rundowns - they are very helpful and I appreciate your bonafide performance experience as a barometer as to what is and is not, gig worthy.
Thanks Jeff! They are all really incredible units. I have to revisit the Helix presets and do a similar video on it and see where I wind up. I always hear presets suck, but honestly have never found out for myself. I am sure I will be happier than the haters! LOL you are very correct on the user experience of Helix being most elegant too!
Fantastic video. I am a former Helix user now an FM3/FC6 user. I love the Helix works on the unit. I miss that. However, the Fractal sounds Soooo much better. It took a lot to get to learn the FM3 but well worth it. Great job man!
My only experience is with Helix but do you really believe that? Even with the same IR's? I know many people feel they are extremely close, I would love to find out for myself.
Got a QC about a week ago to compare to my Axe-Fx III. Frustrating doesn't even begin to describe the user experience. The whole cloud thing is a hot mess. To download a capture you have to install an app on your iPhone, then search for the capture(s) but there's no metadata so searching is a crapshoot. Then you tag the captures you want to download. Then you go to the QC and download them. That's if you can find them because they're just sorta randomly located. And don't get me started on the Wi-Fi performance. If you're not within 20 ft. of your router then chances are you won't be able to connect.
After futzing with it for several hours I finally got something that sounded okay but not nearly as nice as the Axe-Fx. Add to that the complete lack of any kind of effects content. The modulation stuff is a joke. The pitch shifter sucks. The reverbs are passable.
As far as amp sounds go it's nothing special. Some of the models are okay but a lot are mediocre. I tried several dozen captures and they all have this weird thing gong on in the high frequencies.
The UI for the cabinet stuff is nice but beyond that everything feels half-baked and incomplete. I'm returning it. If I were in the market for a new modeler I'd go with either the Axe-Fx III or the FM9.
I get that frustration big time. Making your own is definitely best, or finding a reputable uploader makes life way easier. Live Ready Sound and Tone Junkies are great. Totally get where you are coming from tho!
To my mind ease of use is 2nd to tonal quality. Tone is king. If it sounds good I'll send the extra time. if not, I could care less if it's easy to use. Having said that, if tweaking and editing for hours is "required" in order to get decent tones then it's useless imo. Give me some well researched (by listening to the market of guitar users buying them) and great tones out of the box then that's the key. Simple presets that are already solid that allow each player to tweak subtly (or aggressively) as needed.
Definitely! I have been comparing it to getting a new smartphone. Once you have it a few days, you figure out what is needed vs wanted and whats unnecessary. Finding a workflow is good on both! I think tonally, these 2 and Helix are quite close
@@SteveSterlacci I listened to the QC, Axe3, Kemper and Helix playing along actual studio tracks. Well, Helix clearly lost that battle, not even close. The Kemper was the warmest, closest to the sound of an amp. Yet the QC consistently sounded good on top of multiple music styles and playing. The ease of use along with clear tonal superiority (to my ears of course) the QC is winning so far. Close to pulling the trigger! Only issue, and it's a big one as you know, is the inability to edit on my computer, damn that's serious drawback, Do I want the extra tweaking and additional hours getting good sounds that the Axe demands or do I sacrifice the editing and go straight for tone and buy the QC???From pure tone If that is the most important I think I'm pulling my cc out for the QC.
All units are dependent on the users ability to dial it in. I could post the same vid and have complete opposite results! QC is great and I do love the captures. It could be the best in the future
@@SteveSterlacci True, either way tweaking will be a part of my life, just don't wanna spend needless hours down the rabbit hole and come out listening to sounds that after all don't sound that great anyways! lol I know tweaking gets my ears lost in what I'm trying to create. The QC seems to have some out of the box rock solid tones.
The presets on the FM9 are incredible too, but learning to navigate is a nightmare. QC seems like your lane. Its so easy to use and the meat and potatoes are all there with a very promising future. I will continue to use them all 🤣. I have listened to our rehearsal and gig footage back and literally dont think there is any noticeable enough difference. Some bandmates prefer one or the other. I dont think any listener would prefer one or another. We record all our rehearsals direct through a MIDAS m32 console. Pretty good indicator! I am gonna probably make that video comparing "the same preset" on each of the 3. They're not meant to sound identical, but they are meant for the same gig and have the same snapshots and scenes as each other
QC just doesn’t look “robust” to me.
It looks more like a “studio-only” product, and to me, I just can’t see this being road ready, and being that I’m already a Fractal user (AX8 and AXE FXIII) as well as a Helix (Flagship) owner, I guess I’m already biased, as I’m more familiar w/ those products, but the lack of amps and goodies in the QC keeps me from buying “future” updates, that may, or may not be coming anytime soon… I want my tone and I want it now!!! Haha
Thanks Steve, for being an honest guy and all your help and hard work in bringing us these videos!
Best! ✌🏼
Thanks for checking them out! I totally get what you mean by studio use for the QC. I think potentially, the best unit is the QC in the loop of a Helix for global domination...
I will say this about the QC is that I've had some accidents with it that I was expecting damages and didn't even get a scratch. One time my cat knocked a cordless drill off my desk which hit the display directly on the floor below. I was absolutely amazed it didn't even get scratched.
Hendrix had two pedals straight into the amp and he got pretty good sounds
Why any one needs a fractal with 560 amps with 300 cabs and 3,000 effects is beyond me
Helix desktop editor drove me crazy... ;) With FM3 Edit it felt like home. :) And a general tip for Fractal: don't tweak knobs that you don't understand. :D
HX edit is the easiest of all IMO. How long ago did you have it? Could be an older version compared to what's out now?
@@SteveSterlacci I had HX Stomp ca.1-1,5 year ago. I guess in terms of guitar gear I prefer knobs to sliders. ;)
Whatever works best for ya! As long as you're inspired to create 🤘🤘🤘
Danny Miranda of BOC uses Fractel. I'll go with that.
Long time Helix user here. Just got my FM9 on Thursday. It sounds great but editing on it is way too much trouble. Line 6 have got it nailed when it comes to UI.
So in other words.
If you are someone creative and you want to have your own sound, go for the Fractal.
Do you want to plug and play, and play with sound clones, go for QC
I'm going for the fm9 or the Axe fx 3 mk2, I keep seeing post about people having issues with the QC, some die from nothing others have some weird software error that in some cases can't be fixed and when they reported neural did not answer to them for weeks, others have loose screws inside... that last one got me worried because I never heard or seeing something like that in a unit of this price range, the price is almost 2k us dollars for having these kind of issues is just unacceptable, I understand that Joyo pedals, nux, hotone or moer can be possible to have those kind of failures on the hardware because of the price but not from a device that cost almost 2k...
I haven't heard many of those horror stories. So far its fine for what it does..but still feels very incomplete
@@SteveSterlacci in the facebook official group of the quad cortex nobody post serious problems, but in the other group that I am it's another history, the group is call Neural DSP - QUAD CORTEX - User Group Original, the reality of many QC users is there.
Thanks for the video, Steve. Looks like my number’s coming up soon on an FM9 Turbo. Wondering if, after a year, it’s gotten easier for you to work with?
Oh yeah it has! I can fly through anything I need at this point. Took a lot of work, but now its all easy
Cool. I’ve had the QC for three months. Really like it but I do miss an editor feature. Got an HX Stomp…so I know what I’m missing. Also would rather have my backups on my computer. Autonomy.
Captures are great but I’m wondering just how necessary. I’m a pedal guy with two awesome clean amps. Pedals capture well but the stock pedals sound as good.
I’ll make a decision when the FM9 arrives. Doubt I’ll keep both. Stomp’s a keeper (thanks for all those vids 😊). Portable Powerhouse!
@@bobprince1539 i think you're making all the right decisions!
I’ve always been good with technology, but until recently, that didn’t translate to my guitar. I was happy with some pedals and an amp. The HX Stomp was a great jumping off point and now I’m getting more comfortable with these modelers. Don’t want to be intimidated by the FM9. I’ll give it a good look. Thanks for the pat on the back.
Mind if I ask if you have a fave of the three for clean to mid OD on a Strat?
To me the real downside on the FM9 is the limited amount of scene controllers, they should definately improve that part and let us be able to control as many parameters per preset we want just like Helix and QC....it shouldn't be hard to do it
The dsp thing, considering that each block has 4 channel it doesn't bother me too much; also the effects quality on fm9 is much better than QC at the moment, so that's why you feel like fm9 is dsp limited compared to the QC: they require more power
Tha gap between switching amps is a thing but when your guitar sits in the mix of a band during performance, switching on cue should be fine enough
QC on the other hand, as modeler doesn't sound as good as fractal...but the GUI and the form factor kills FM9.
I'm not into captures, so that's not really important to me
All in all, I think I'll go for the Fractal hoping they will improve the scene controllers thing. Fm9 looks more reliable and solid and seems to be the best sounding MODELER.
I bet quad cortex will keep improving adding features, amps, fx's ...but I need a unit ready today, not tomorrow and at the end of the day I prefer having a better sounding unit than a better user interface
All that being said, def skip the QC. I am reading and seeing that you can use 4 channels of scene controllers... idk what that means in terms of actual use, but I am looking into
@@SteveSterlacci it means that you can load 4 different amps on the same block and switch from one to another using scenes..same for drives etc
It’s cool but it’s a bit dsp consuming and you don’t get rid of audio gap anyway
Steve, great video. Very fair assessment of the two devices. I have Helix Floor and QC. I've found QC much easier to get a great tone without a lot of endless tweaking. Helix seems to have issues with high end that QC doesn't have. What clear though is that all of these devices are fantastic and capable of great tones and gig-ready use. Really appreciate your insights as you are using these for real.
Thanks Jim! I appreciate you taking the time and commenting. You're right about the weird high end thing. I have worked around it on Helix and still prefer the overall user experience of Helix with the scribble strips and command center
I think that if you use IR from Ownhammer your opinion will change drastically!!!!! I couldn’t get a good tone with Helix Cabs. Once I got Ownhammer the difference is so great. A lot of clarity and definition.
I bought the QC upon its initial release. I still haven’t touched it in nearly 3 months (been really busy) - Last I played it, there was USB audio issues that I believe has since been addressed via firmware update.
IMO, QC will take the win once it improves its wet effects & the glitches it’s had.
If they care about keeping & acquiring long term users, they should be held to the standard of the kemper as far as firmware updates. Imagine if NDSP was updating the QC 6-7 years from now? That would win so many people over.
I genuinely wonder if they’ll ever be able to capture time-based effects.
Used to have racks of dx7s and AKai samplers .. hesitating having to go back to small edit screens at least live
its not so bad!
No editor is why I got rid of my Ultra. A while after the AxeII came out they dropped support for the Ultra and the only way to edit on desktop was to get the editor via 3rd party and it didn't play well with my computer. So I was stuck editing on that little green screen. A company that drops support that quickly for pricey units isn't getting my money, not that they care. They could have gone to a pay model or something for older units as there are a HUGE number still in use and up for sale all the time. But I guess they couldn't be bothered. Built in obsolescence.
Lol, you make good content, Steve. Actual guitar playing is getting better, too ;)
Thank you!
Both units look cool, Helix is still my go to. Great Video.
Thanks brother!
@@SteveSterlacci Still used the Helix this past weekend and being able to edit on the fly with the Helix is still my favorite. Once I “port” over my templates over to the QC I’ll be using the QC. It’s still a work in progress but both the Helix and QC are a breeze.
Great video with straight forward explanations... as much as possible, at least. lol I'm getting ready to dive into the world of modelers for the first time, and the decision between QC vs. FM9 vs. Helix vs. Kemper has been a bit paralyzing. I've got it down to the QC vs. FM9, and thanks to your video, I'm leaning towards the QC for reduce option paralysis from what I understand in your video. While I want to learn as much as I can about the product, I still want to get a usable tone relatively quickly and worry about tweaking with time.
How simple is it to get a good tone relatively quickly on the FM9 vs. QC? If it's quick to get a great basic tone either way, the FM9 would appear to be the way to go.
From what I gather, you can run two amps together in a scene for both products? Does one of the products combine amps together (ie, a Mesa and a Friedman) better than the other?
If you've tried this, how would the QC or FM9 sound connected to a power amp and then into a traditional guitar cabinet? Not so sure I'm quite ready to go down the FRFR route.
Again, thank you for the great video. I'm new to your channel and a fan of your work. Keep up the great content! Subbed.
Almost a year since youve made this, and I now have The QC and Fm9 turbo. Everything you said still holds true. Im trying to put some time in on both but Im torn on what to keep or get rid of. Im finding the fm9 to be quite tedious and time consuming to get a live gig ready all setup to my liking. The effects are fantastic. The Qc interface is simple to use and very intuitive. Amp models, captures and drives are really good. It however seems to be lacking in reverbs and delays especially. For all its power, its really not very flexible in creating live gig performances. Your limited to the number of scenes you get or using just one amp in stompbox mode. Even the new hybrid mode ( thats coming ) will be a little limited. QC needs some of what the fm9 and kemper has in terms of being able to flexibility to change buttons, turn on and off multiple efect states at once easily from within a performance. Ultimately, neither have replaced my kemper yet in alive context because I know I can grab it and easily get through any gig and cover amything sound wise with good tone.
Yeah we will see about this next QC update thats supposedly huge. But will it be enough? Who knows...
I love your channel I don't like how you post those 7 second tiktok vids all the time and clog my feed though.
They should come up in a separate feed. Unfortunately, they're a part of the game to try to gain traction. I am not proud of any of those and hate doing them as well
Really good video. BUT the only thing it has convinced me to do is to keep hold of my Helix for longer until you see which one develops to a better level of usability. 😀
I don't blame you! So far, Helix still takes the cake. But FM9 is getting more and more fun to use
Or until Helix 2.0 comes out...
@@normt6226 been waiting for that for ages! It’s really old technology and needs an update instead of being repackaged. 2022 and no App, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection… 😩😩
Is the QC worth it if I don't have gear to capture? Sounds like there's plenty of options already in the Cloud?
Yes absolutely
It would be best for all of you to buy the Cortex.
This way I don't have to wait as long for my FM9.
LOL!!! Nice one
@@SteveSterlacci A man's gotta do, what a man's gotta do,........ to speed up his place on the wait list. 😁
@@yanossnicklefritz7064 absolutely correct! Lol you don't wanna know how I got mine 😳😳😳
@@SteveSterlacci When you say it like that, probably not. I can only scrub away so much imagery in my brain. But either way, you have yours. I have no choice but to be patient, even though I'm not a patient person. My FM3 will have to hold me in the meantime. But anyone who wants to buy a Cortex instead, so I can get one sooner is good by me.
Fractal for me . Excellent video bro .
Thanks bro! Its a BEAST of a unit
Make a choice on the features you have in each unit as per today. Dont buy into the hype that one product is going to be awesome tomorrow especially considering that in 2 years since Neural DSP was announced none of the features that were promised to be coming soon have been delivered and 2 years is a very long time frame. I have been waiting for the next update on QC forever and in another 5 years when QC delivers the coming soon features I can only imagine how far fractal audio will be considering everything already works amazing well currently. No one is buying fracal products for future hype like QC is doing.
You make a perfect point here. If i were buying only 1 today, itd be the fm9
Question: this video is 9 month old. Does the quad cortex got any netter in terms of more effects since then? I hear, they added The Dreamscape Pedal recently…
They have definitely added a bunch! The list is on their site i believe
@@SteveSterlacci Thanks!
Man, not sure if you will ever read this but I'm really struggling to choose between QC and FM9. My scenario is: I play Black Metal and I need one of those to be used in live shows but I need to run both my guitar and vocals through it. I will need at least a compressor/delay and lots of reverb on vocals and overdrive/amp/cab/reverb/delay on guitar. We play to a metronome so I always setup my vocals/guitars' delay to the correct bpm of the exact part of the song I'm playing.
I saw some people saying that the FM9 would not be able to handle all of that at the same time with its CPU (is it true?). As they are both very expensive, I really would like to make the right choice, do you think both of them can handle that amount of stuff with their CPU? If not, which one would suit me better in this case?
Thanks a lot for your videos man, really love how clear you explain stuff, it really helps people that know nothing about gear like me.
Hello! I am reading and hopefully can help! You have XLR inputs on the QC. The FM9 has only 1/4 inch so you would need adapters. If you are running a mic in, I would probably suggest QC because it does seem to handle bigger presets better. In your case, 2 independent chains. Plus, if you find the right captures, life becomes easy!
@@SteveSterlacci In this case I will watch more videos about the QC, starting with the videos you did using it live, to learn more about it. Thanks a lot for your help, man! Really appreciate it.
The QC OS is so similar to the Helix, that is part of why you had an easier time. Honestly, though, the touch screen is so fast to work with. Fractal's OS is horrible. I used a laptop with my Axe-FxIII, but that sucks, like you said. I have figured out how to navigate quickly on the FM9. Lot of clicking layout, edit. page >>....it is a pain, but I've got it now.
I still think the Fractal sounds better at gig volumes, but damn if the QC isn't easy to use. The QC = Crazy polished studio sound. Almost unnaturally polished, though. The FM9 = More feel from playing. Break up just has a nicer organic sound. Also, palm mutes sound better to me on the FM9. I'd be happy using either. Neither of them is perfect for me. I chose sound over easy, since my audience doesn't care how easy it was for me to set up, They just want it to sound good, and it does.
I agree with everything you said here. All makes sense and lines up with how I feel. I think its in the fractal cab section. Curious if I mess with a room verb after the cab with a high mix and quick decay
I am considering the Quad and the FM- 9 , the Fractal make me leery when I hear how much is involved , really like the idea of the Quad Cortex , but the barrel plug , no editor and lack of delays and reverbs make me want to wait for Neural to remedy these issues , would purchase if this was remedied !
Might as well wait for next gen helix. Its the next one to take the huge leapfrog forward
@@SteveSterlacci But if you believe the Helix guys it won't be any new helix for the next years to come :/
I think I'll be sticking with the Helix. I understand there are things each of these can do that the Helix can't. I'm used to the Helix workflow and think my patches sound great. Any advantages the others may have with will be minimum. It's always cool to have new gear to play with but I think I'll pass. Maybe I'll break out my Eleven Rack :)
I feel the same! I often am missing the functionality of my Helix lol. I keep saying "i wish this did what Helix does "
The Eleven Rack is actually an under rated unit! I have two! And I love my headrush gigboard.
@@SteveSterlacci is the Helix easier to use than the QC? For someone who is totally new to modelers
@@allboutthemojo if you're new, quad cortex is easy. Helix is 2nd easiest
@@SteveSterlacci thanks 👍
Great video , I love Fractal But I have an ADD mind , So I’m grab go and play QC would be my pick , but in reality If I was a touring musician or gigging out a lot , I would use these, but at the moment I’m not, so I don’t really need them , although I lust for them , I’ve streamlined my gear to owning 3 amps , ViOX AC15 , Fender Deluxe Reverb and a Marshall Studio 20 and a small pedal board with 4 pedals ,Timmy, Hotcake OD’s , Naga Viper boost, Memory Man Nano,all I need for now , but someday …..
Just got my qc to replace my pedal board i use stomp mode and is just like my pedal board now great experience and the customizing and able to assign switches and design effects is limitless perfect for downsizing and upgrading
Absolutely! Wait til you start using scenes!
The FM9 is back ordered until at least May 2022. There's that
The QC is just as bad, if not worse...
Great Video, but no need to change from my Kemper! The Market for Kemper Profilies is so big.....so many free ones. The QC has to grow a lot to be really interesting to me! An PC Editor is really important today!
What's your take on using it in conjunction with an additional midi controller? Been reading you can do much more with it that way, using a single footswitch on the midi controller to perform multiple functions on the QC, thus in a round about way compensating for some of the current short falls of the QC foot knobs.
My up front take is that these should be all in one units and should not need a midi controller for basic functions. If i went that route, I'd use an HX FX with qc in the loop and control it via midi and snapshots
Now 2024...and the FM9 is still leaps ahead of the Cortex in amps/effects.... also, Cortex still waiting on promised updates.
Hey Steve! Thank you for your review, that was really helpful. I have a question though, I'm currently using an acoustic guitar with 2 in build Microphones and an other one extra from the outside. I saw i just have 2 In channels on the quad, do you know if I also have phantom power on those channels?
And the other question, do you know why fractal decided to make just one In channel on such a monster pedal?
Best regards from Germany!
Luigi
Used the FMP||| and sold it after 3 months. Haven’t tried the QC. How do they compare price wise? Dollar for dollar which is the better value?
At this point and until qc gets updates, the fm9 is my choice. I believe theyre the same price or within $100 of each other