Fractal Audio Systems mystery product speculation

[laxu]

Let's see. From left to right:

• Input L (Mono) / R
• Output L (Mono) / R
• Pedal 1/2
• SPDIF in/out (RCA)
• USB-C
• MIDI in/out (mini TRS)
• Power? Is this two 9V outlets to power pedals? Or power for the Fractal + pedal outlet?

 

[jellodog]

And no effects loop!

This looks like an entirely sensible bag of choices to me

(for what I believe the device to be)

Nice to see USB-B (C ?) on there in 2024. I'm looking at you, Mr. Friedman!

 

[PorcinePicker]

Okay, 1/8" MIDI jacks and S/PDIF confirmed. Nothing on the sides. More evidence for four rather than five soft knobs and a value knob to the side (what I suspected from the fuzzy pics).

 

[Sascha Franck]

No built in PSU.

 

[Orvillain]

Hopefully it can be powered from a couple of outputs on a Zuma or Ojai.

 

[DrewJD82]

View attachment 29842

New guy droppin’ gold right out the gate!

 

[mbenigni]

While we are at it, what is this?
<< Insert nip/slip or knob jokes here >>

View attachment 29836

Best as I can tell, that's a rounded trapezoid, in black magic marker.

 

[Hapless]

SPDIF.

Shows how much I use SPDIF (never). I was thinking the jacks were usually a different color.

 

[mbenigni]

Yep. I’m going to put it in a loop in my FM9 that’s in a loop in my AxeFX. And I’m going to use the exact same effects blocks with the exact same settings in each device for extra redundancy. Maybe I’ll be really crazy and set the Feedback on one delay block to 33.4% instead of 33.3% just to see who notices.

You gotta buy all of these components in pairs, so you can build out your backup and/or "fly rig".

 

[laxu]

Nice to see USB-B (C ?) on there. Looking at you, Mr. Friedman.

I thought it was B at first, but on closer look I think it's C. Which is a good choice as C is becoming the defacto option.

 

[jellodog]

I thought it was B at first, but on closer look I think it's C. Which is a good choice as C is becoming the defacto option.

It might be a cool option if you could even power it via this port too!

 

[Orvillain]

New guy droppin’ gold right out the gate!

Oh aye. "new guy"

 

[yek]

SPDIF: smart design choice.

 

[laxu]

It might be a cool option if you could even power it via this port too!

Absolutely. I've powered a Strymon Nightsky, SA Nemesis and a couple of drive pedals from a CIOKS 4 Expander using a USB powerbank.

 

[Orvillain]

Do any of the smaller Helix options offer SPDIF???

 

[laxu]

SPDIF: smart design choice.

I wonder if this is intended to connect e.g FM3 + "FX4" together, which you could further chain to an audio interface I guess since unlike the FM3, there's both a SPDIF in/out?

 

[mbenigni]

No built in PSU.

If there's no internal PSU/ IEC jack, I will demand at least 4 pages of "not professional" commentary.

 

[Hapless]

Do any of the smaller Helix options offer SPDIF???

Only the OG Helix. The LT and both Stomp variants do not.

 

[Sascha Franck]

I will demand at least 4 pages of "not professional" commentary.

This is the way!

 

[Orvillain]

Hmmm... wondering how I might utilise SPDIF....

I can only thing that there is a software option to treat the right channels for the input and output, as your 4-cable-method I/O.

Not supporting 4cm seems ... odd. Unless it is literally just a chorus/delay/reverb box, and no drives or anything like that.