Fractal FM0 - mockup thread

[Allexi]

Why I even need buttons? It can have maybe minimal set of those. There are plenty of industrial designs with crucial set of navigation buttons to get job done. Or without

 

[Los-D]

Archetype Fractal

This is closer to what I envisioned an FM0 would be. Something like a Motu M series interface in terms of size or even a synergy preamp module. Back in the Axe Fx II days, my thought was around something like that (based on front panel from the old non-XL)

 

[Whizzinby]

This is closer to what I envisioned an FM0 would be. Something like a Motu M series interface in terms of size or even a synergy preamp module. Back in the Axe Fx II days, my thought was around something like that (based on front panel from the old non-XL)

View attachment 20843

For the record my mock-up is for a UAD Satellite in Fractal form, so we can run Frac as plugins. That’s the gap in the platform for me, not footswitches. Everyone can make do with 3,9, or BYoB with the Axe, we need plugins!!!

 

[gumtown]

So what you're looking for is a Fractal version of the Boss Katana-GO. ?

 

[dk_ace]

 

[DrewJD82]

I hope Cliff makes it in the form of a suppository and the I/O is user-decided, modular, based on how much they can handle, not the FM0.

 

[holoholo]

I hope Cliff makes it in the form of a suppository and the I/O is user-decided, modular, based on how much they can handle, not the FM0.

Fractal users now

 

[Jarick]

Imagine the gnashing of teeth when FM0 users are waiting for firmware to trickle down to their unit!

 

[DrewJD82]

Fractal users now

 

[Los-D]

Imagine the gnashing of teeth when FM0 users are waiting for firmware to trickle down to their unit!

Cygnus X3!

 

[GTR37]

I hope Cliff makes it in the form of a suppository and the I/O is user-decided, modular, based on how much they can handle, not the FM0.

When you you update the firmware are you doing a “hard or “soft reset

 

[2112]

The only thing that would matter to me with a hypothetical FM0 is that it fits in my guitar bag and flight case. The FM3 is that little bit too big for that task, so being able to split up the brain from the switches and cram there where needed would make life even easier than it already is.

 

[James Freeman]

 

[Orvillain]

For me, an FM0 should be no bigger than a Strymon Timeline, Boss DD-500, or perhaps even Meris LVX. It really shouldn't be a cut down version of an Axe III or FM9, simply with bits chopped off it. It should be an entirely new type of device for Fractal, with a completely new user experience.

So far, none of the imagined concepts scream "viable product" to me, at all really.

 

[James Freeman]

FM Naught

 

[Foxmeister]

FM Naught

FM-None

 

[Sascha Franck]

Seriously, what is this supposed to be good for? In case it's merely a desktop unit or something you mount, say, on a music/mic stand, then it defenitely needs more encoders to really make sense because in that case it'd probably become the main deal for creating and adjusting patches.
Touchscreen to select, lotsa encoders to adjust, that's it. Wouldn't need any oldschool switches in that case, a touchscreen is more than sufficient to accomplish everything you usually need whatever arrow keye, menu buttons and what not for. Obviously, LEDs aren't needed, either.

Anything shown above is merely FM3s with the switches stripped off. Not that it wouldn't make sense for some people, but it's hardly adressing any of the "known issues" at all (as in delivering a much better on-unit-editing experience) and all it'd do is to cannibalize FM3 sales at the cost of some R&D, new case design, etc.

And fwiw, any such a unit needed FM9 power. That'd make it the perfect studio desktop machine that you could still use live.

 

[laxu]

For me, an FM0 should be no bigger than a Strymon Timeline, Boss DD-500, or perhaps even Meris LVX. It really shouldn't be a cut down version of an Axe III or FM9, simply with bits chopped off it. It should be an entirely new type of device for Fractal, with a completely new user experience.

So far, none of the imagined concepts scream "viable product" to me, at all really.

The premise with the current Fractal range is that if they do something new in that range, it's going to work very much like the existing ones. The mockups I made are made with that premise - using existing parts, functionality etc.

For next gen, I'd of course like to see something with a redesigned user experience.

 

[SKU]

GAS wheel goes round and round. FAS F0M0

 

[Sascha Franck]

For next gen, I'd of course like to see something with a redesigned user experience.

Well, I think, if at all, any such a device would not be part of the current FAS modeling generation anyway. And it really shouldn't be, either. The current affair of hardware UI design really doesn't lend to slapping your device onto your desktop to use it instead of the editor. But IMO that's what any such "sort of desktop and not necessarily sitting on the floor" thing should be about.

---

Fwiw, not that I'd think anything like this would necessarily be a huge success, but personally, I'd like a kind of modular solution, regardless of whatever company making it. Could be one base unit with a bunch of typical I/Os and no UI elements at all (ok, maybe some emergency "kill all"switch or a volume knob). You could then either use it as is, only editing with your computer or mobile device or add:

- A dedicated touchscreen and knob controller (or maybe just a knob controller - but IMO a proprietary system to integrate a touchscreen isn't a bad thing...). This should be both attachable to the main unit but also offer remote functionality (ideally wirelessly). There should possibly be two versions (one with the essential amount of encoders, another with plenty).

- Different variatons of floor switches. 3/6/12, with or without scribble strips.

- An additional I/O board for those with more complexed needs.