Fractal FM0 - mockup thread
- Thread starter laxu
- Start date
Los-D
Shredder
- Messages
- 2,237
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)Archetype Fractal
- Messages
- 7,257
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!!!
holoholo
Shredder
- Messages
- 1,502
- Messages
- 13,110
Los-D
Shredder
- Messages
- 2,237
GTR37
Rock Star
- Messages
- 5,241
When you you update the firmware are you doing a “hard or “soft reset
- Messages
- 1,256
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
Rock Star
- Messages
- 4,409
- Messages
- 11,055
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.
So far, none of the imagined concepts scream "viable product" to me, at all really.
James Freeman
Rock Star
- Messages
- 4,409
FM Naught
Foxmeister
Shredder
- Messages
- 1,023
FM-None
Sascha Franck
Goatlord
- Messages
- 11,706
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.
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.
Last edited:
laxu
Rock Star
- Messages
- 8,839
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.
Sascha Franck
Goatlord
- Messages
- 11,706
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.
laxu
Rock Star
- Messages
- 8,839
I'd love something like that.
I really like what Luminite has built for their M1/M2 MIDI controller and would love something like that applied to a modeler. All the physical controllers are seamlessly wireless, you can add more of them as you please or leave them out, no problem.
