Fractal Audio Firmware Update Thread

forum.fractalaudio.com

FM9 Firmware Version 9.00

The link for the Factory Presets in the release notes does not work I just removed that file to prevent people from accidentally installing the wrong version. Use the link in the original post of this thread or re-download the firmware for a revised PDF.
forum.fractalaudio.com forum.fractalaudio.com

And

forum.fractalaudio.com

FM9 Factory Presets version 9.0 Release

The FM9 factory presets have been updated for firmware version 9.00 or newer. This version includes major improvements to sound quality and performance. As a result, some presets now require more CPU. Older Factory Presets may exceed 80% CPU usage, especially on the standard (non-Turbo) FM9...
forum.fractalaudio.com forum.fractalaudio.com
 
I have an AxeFxIII and love all of the firmware improvements. What a delightful investment it has been.

That aside, I am looking forward to the next major FM3 update that includes as much trickle down as possible.

I’d love to see a Strymon Volante sized new piece of hardware from Fractal focused on amps, IR’s, EQ. And If it’s possible, with pre and post EQ… with the ability to bump gain in the pre-EQ as a boost. You could do a lot of damage with a unit like that in standalone, with a VP4 or heck… pop it in the effects loop of a mid-tier modeler like an Ampero II Stage, L6 Stomp, etc to give it an implanted amp modeling upgrade.

I’ve come to appreciate the value of items like this and would love to see Fractal in the mix along with the other amp-centric modelers.

Engl Ironball IR
OPUS
Solid Studio MKII
Iridium
IR-200
IR-2
Amp Academy
Friedman series of IR-X, D, J
Ampli-Firebox MKII
Amp Core Studio
Dept.10 Dual Drive and Distortion
POD Express

I’m sure I’m missing some products in this category and these are just digital examples. There’s analog devices too like Simplifier, Deluxe, Revolt and more I’m sure.

Lots of great devices but what’s missing is a top of the line class-leader like Fractal to come in at $699 and kick some ass.
Before anyone balks at this price, the Friedman IR-X is $499, the IR-J is $599.

I hope they are considering it at the very least. And put a fx loop, headphone out, aux in, midi and Bluetooth on the dang thing.

Fractal Axe-Amp.

Maybe this belongs in the “Fractal Talk” thread… Oops.
 
KingsXJJ said:
I have an AxeFxIII and love all of the firmware improvements. What a delightful investment it has been.

That aside, I am looking forward to the next major FM3 update that includes as much trickle down as possible.

I’d love to see a Strymon Volante sized new piece of hardware from Fractal focused on amps, IR’s, EQ. And If it’s possible, with pre and post EQ… with the ability to bump gain in the pre-EQ as a boost. You could do a lot of damage with a unit like that in standalone, with a VP4 or heck… pop it in the effects loop of a mid-tier modeler like an Ampero II Stage, L6 Stomp, etc to give it an implanted amp modeling upgrade.

I’ve come to appreciate the value of items like this and would love to see Fractal in the mix along with the other amp-centric modelers.

Engl Ironball IR
OPUS
Solid Studio MKII
Iridium
IR-200
IR-2
Amp Academy
Friedman series of IR-X, D, J
Ampli-Firebox MKII
Amp Core Studio
Dept.10 Dual Drive and Distortion
POD Express

I’m sure I’m missing some products in this category and these are just digital examples. There’s analog devices too like Simplifier, Deluxe, Revolt and more I’m sure.

Lots of great devices but what’s missing is a top of the line class-leader like Fractal to come in at $699 and kick some ass.
Before anyone balks at this price, the Friedman IR-X is $499, the IR-J is $599.

I hope they are considering it at the very least. And put a fx loop, headphone out, aux in, midi and Bluetooth on the dang thing.

Fractal Axe-Amp.

Maybe this belongs in the “Fractal Talk” thread… Oops.
Click to expand...

Cliff did say they had more ideas in the pipeline with the VP4 format/size, I don't think it's far fetched to assume we'll see an amp/cab version too far down the road.

I'd still love to see them do a single pedal format as well.
 
KingsXJJ said:
I have an AxeFxIII and love all of the firmware improvements. What a delightful investment it has been.

That aside, I am looking forward to the next major FM3 update that includes as much trickle down as possible.

I’d love to see a Strymon Volante sized new piece of hardware from Fractal focused on amps, IR’s, EQ. And If it’s possible, with pre and post EQ… with the ability to bump gain in the pre-EQ as a boost. You could do a lot of damage with a unit like that in standalone, with a VP4 or heck… pop it in the effects loop of a mid-tier modeler like an Ampero II Stage, L6 Stomp, etc to give it an implanted amp modeling upgrade.

I’ve come to appreciate the value of items like this and would love to see Fractal in the mix along with the other amp-centric modelers.

Engl Ironball IR
OPUS
Solid Studio MKII
Iridium
IR-200
IR-2
Amp Academy
Friedman series of IR-X, D, J
Ampli-Firebox MKII
Amp Core Studio
Dept.10 Dual Drive and Distortion
POD Express

I’m sure I’m missing some products in this category and these are just digital examples. There’s analog devices too like Simplifier, Deluxe, Revolt and more I’m sure.

Lots of great devices but what’s missing is a top of the line class-leader like Fractal to come in at $699 and kick some ass.
Before anyone balks at this price, the Friedman IR-X is $499, the IR-J is $599.

I hope they are considering it at the very least. And put a fx loop, headphone out, aux in, midi and Bluetooth on the dang thing.

Fractal Axe-Amp.

Maybe this belongs in the “Fractal Talk” thread… Oops.
Click to expand...
Repeat after me: FM0
 
My understanding was the FM0 was a scaled down FM3. If it was mentioned before as an amp only device I missed that entirely.

If not, the Amp-Axe is something altogether different.

As an aside of how much I love this specific category of modelers, I took a look at the firmware history of the Amp Academy. I tried one of these when relatively new. It was a nice way to get 12 TSAC-HD 2K amps (MG-30 level models), boosts/drives, reverb, EQ, gate, effects loop, etc. With the latest firmware from last year you get an additional 6 amps that are nicely chosen to round out the library. Plus upgrades of numerous amps to TSAC-HD 4K algos.

All while the price has dropped if you look around. After reading about the progress on the platform, I ordered a replacement for $177…
And it’s a solidly built product with very nice hardware at this price point. When I compare it to the recent ENGL Fireball for $249, I can’t help but believe that the ENGL’s modeling is likely similar in complexity and accuracy to the Amp Academy’s 4K models.

As a newcomer to the category somewhat (the ENGL Cabloader marking their first foray AFAIK), I’m sure the ENGL is nonetheless great sounding. But it’s more expensive, lacks a lot of features and seems limited in range. There isn’t any power amp tweaking (hello bias) or options… there is a mid-boost available but appears to be fixed. There are only 3 IR slots but it does offer 2048pt sampling on the IR’s which beats the AA’s 1024. But the EQ beyond amp tone controls, fx loop, pre Amp effects, built in drums, editors across devices, bias control for amps, aux in and 5 reverbs along with 18 amp choices is limited to the Amp Academy.

I use this just an example of how competitive this space can be and that, obviously, big names can attract buyers willing to pay more for less.
I’d love to see Fractal come in and offer more for more.. I do hope they learn from the feature set that some companies embrace and offer a product with not only top-tier amp models but with the niceties as well.
 
Last edited:
KingsXJJ said:
My understanding was the FM0 was a scaled down FM3. If it was mentioned before as an amp only device I missed that entirely.

If not, the Amp-Axe is something altogether different.
Click to expand...
I always imagined the FM0 as primarily an amp-cab-EQ thing with a very truncated overdrive section and MAYBE basic reverb (spring hall plate).
 
The FM0 exists only in the imaginations of FAS fans, it can be whatever you want it to be!

1000011263.jpg
 
My understanding was that the FM0 would have similar processing power as the FM3 so all those Amps and FX.

However, it would be as small as reasonably possible and have no footswitches. I/O would at least include MIDI, TS / TRS / XLR, USB, S/PDIF.

It could be used for performance with via a variety of MIDI footswitches or in the Studio / at Home only via FM0-Edit.

IIRC, another one of the reasons the FM0 was dreamt up was so that we could use it digitally over USB or S/PDIF with a DAW; such that Cliff would not have to port FAS algorithms to plugins or worry about code and IP theft, because the algos would only run on the FM0 and send their digital data to the client device / DAW.
 
jellodog said:
My understanding was that the FM0 would have similar processing power as the FM3 so all those Amps and FX.

However, it would be as small as reasonably possible and have no footswitches. I/O would at least include MIDI, TS / TRS / XLR, USB, S/PDIF.

It could be used for performance with via a variety of MIDI footswitches or in the Studio / at Home only via FM0-Edit.

IIRC, another one of the reasons the FM0 was dreamt up was so that we could use it digitally over USB or S/PDIF with a DAW; such that Cliff would not have to port FAS algorithms to plugins or worry about code and IP theft, because the algos would only run on the FM0 and send their digital data to the client device / DAW.
Click to expand...
So basically a Fractal version of the Two Notes Opus but loaded with essentially FM3 code. Amps and effects would be very nice.
If they can hit $699 that would be a great value. But given the VP4’s retail at $699, I think it would cost more even though downsized physically & loosing switches. Killer idea.

Your final point was interesting as it was news to me and you stated it well. Thank you. A few questions pop to mind.

I’m guessing this feature is for the desire to remove two AD/DA conversions between the Fractal and your DAW? You mention relying on Cliff to port algos. Is that for DAW’s as well? Like Studio One for example. 😉

I would guess this would be to improve latency and fidelity? I wonder what this sounds and feels like to those that have experienced the transition. Great info to know. Thanks for bringing this up!
 
KingsXJJ said:
I would guess this would be to improve latency and fidelity? I wonder what this sounds and feels like to those that have experienced the transition. Great info to know. Thanks for bringing this up!
Click to expand...

Latency / Feel is the same to me.

I already use my Axe-Fx this way, over S/PDIF into my RME UCX II interface which is also a small routing and mixing system.

I prefer the sound of the RME driving my monitors, but it's a very subtle perception and it's only a preference; the AF3 sounds great too of course.
 
It would be handy to have a cable somewhat like the 9V power daisy chains. But instead of the power plug, there would an attached metal
o-ring that fit around the barrel of the 1/4in. pedal interconnect cables. Put one on each digital device with a loop back to you to somehow measure latency. Maybe USB and app on the user side. Also be fun to find out your personal threshold for noticeable latency.
 
Fractal have clearly dropped the ball in relation to getting the FM3 up to the latest FW 10 ..... said no-one ever that possess at least one functioning brain cell .................
 
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