jellodog
Rock Star
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Toxic Old Phuqs.
Fractal ICONS Plugin
- Thread starter CorrosiveMatter
- Start date
Toxic Old Phuqs.
Happy to finally see this happening, but I decided a long time ago I would never buy any guitar plugin again that doesn't have a unified interface/wrapper/whatever. The "DLC" business model a la Neural DSP doesn't resonate with me anymore (been there, done that).
Helix Native hit a home run for me, and the ability to use the same patches in both software and their floor multi-FX is simply fantastic. This is what I expected Fractal to do since they seem to have a similar approach regarding firmware updates, but sadly it wasn't the case.
I mean, all floor multi-FX that we use already have "everything" in there. Why would we struggle having access to the same content in a computer? Makes no sense. A very smart feature of STL Amphub is that every piece of gear has a searchable "Based on [Mesa whatever]" metadata assigned, so you can just use the search bar and type "Mesa" and all related amps appear even if they're called "California something". Very easy to build chains with the stuff you want.
Helix Native hit a home run for me, and the ability to use the same patches in both software and their floor multi-FX is simply fantastic. This is what I expected Fractal to do since they seem to have a similar approach regarding firmware updates, but sadly it wasn't the case.
I mean, all floor multi-FX that we use already have "everything" in there. Why would we struggle having access to the same content in a computer? Makes no sense. A very smart feature of STL Amphub is that every piece of gear has a searchable "Based on [Mesa whatever]" metadata assigned, so you can just use the search bar and type "Mesa" and all related amps appear even if they're called "California something". Very easy to build chains with the stuff you want.
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Cliff's Law: All music forums eventually descend into Harmony Central.
James Freeman
Rock Star
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What's the nominal input dBu of the plugin?
MirrorProfiles
Rock Star
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- 5,282
I believe it’s 1Vp=0dBFS. You set the input to +18dB when using the AxeFX DI input
James Freeman
Rock Star
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No headroom?
MirrorProfiles
Rock Star
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Well it kind of defaults to +18dB and you adjust to what you need. If you set it to 0dB on the input knob then it’s 1Vp=0dBFS. I actually think having a dBu value would make more sense, because for the people who know what their headroom is it’s an easy fix. and for everyone else, it’s just adjusting in dB all the same.
Either way, it’s easy enough to figure out in use.
deathbyguitar
Roadie
- Messages
- 381
Oh god. I forgot about that place. I stopped going there soon after I tried to buy a Rocktron Voodoo Valve from some asshole on there who took the money and stopped communicating pretty soon after. This was maybe 18 or 19 years ago?
Ironically, I remember him wanting to sell it to fund an Axe-FX which I think was how I heard about the brand to begin with.
Still though, I hope he's dead.
James Freeman
Rock Star
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I've put 0.707 RMS = 1v Peak through the AxeFx III Instrument Input and that reads -18dBFS in DAW when setting SPDIF Output as Input 1.
That's 17.20 dBu of headroom.
Yep, after compensating +18dB in the plugin 1Vp becomes 0dBFS or 'equivalent virtual 1Vp' which a lot of plugin algorithms use internally.
That's 17.20 dBu of headroom.
Yep, after compensating +18dB in the plugin 1Vp becomes 0dBFS or 'equivalent virtual 1Vp' which a lot of plugin algorithms use internally.
AlbertA
Shredder
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Uhhhh… he dies.TOP crowd talking plugins…
There are like 5 people whose opinions I’d trust beyond my own when it comes to plugs, and they’re in this thread.
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JiveTurkey
Goatlord
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- 23,132
Good lord what an absolute hellscape that sub is. UghTOP crowd talking plugins…
There are like 5 people whose opinions I’d trust beyond my own when it comes to plugs, and they’re in this thread.
GTR37
Rock Star
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its bad and the pricing complaints , its like 36 amp channels and bunch of fx for $299, its hardly unreasonable, when NDSP basically gives you 3 amp 2 cabs for like $150 I think Mayer is $199
I think its a cool product and a good way to reach a lot more people and let them try out the Fractal modelling and likely draw more interest in the hardware offerings its a win/ win
Everyone wanted the AXE3 plugin for $500 with every amp effect , cab when currently no one is doing that , not Tonex, not Neural not IK , Waves, etc its not greed ,it is good business sense and a way to stay in the game long term .
JT made the best comment of 2026 so far in the FAS forum IMO, " so many untapped CEO's"
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Sascha Franck
Goatlord
- Messages
- 11,439
I would never buy any NDSP plugins at the full asking price, either.
In times when thousands of great NAM captures are free lunch, I do in fact think that this is quite expensive (and yes, I am aware of the implications of using captures and hunting the right ones down).
ian_dissonance
Shredder
- Messages
- 2,083
I don’t think a full axe fx on your PC should cost $500, but at this rate it would be cheaper to just buy the hardware if you do want everything, which doesn’t really make sense for a plugin. I’m going to wait for some high gain options and see if everything gets wrapped into a cohesive framework.
Dom Mcsweeney
Shredder
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- 1,004
I'm a happy customer. This plugin really does sound and feel fantastic to play through.
And also, fwiw, I think they are listening hard and the added value from at least the next few updates should really seal the deal for anyone feeling it's currently lacking in some areas.
And also, fwiw, I think they are listening hard and the added value from at least the next few updates should really seal the deal for anyone feeling it's currently lacking in some areas.
MirrorProfiles
Rock Star
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Swear for some people collecting amp sims is like collecting Pokemon. I do think £300 is a bit expensive for someone who wants to buy absolutely everything, but the advantage is not having to do it all in one big hit, and being able to choose which packs you actually want. How many people actually need all the amps, all the time, in plugin format? I sure as hell don't need as many Fenders as the Fullerton Complete contains, but fuck it.
Some kind of discount to users who own other packs would be nice when more come along, as I imagine there'll end up being quite a lot of overlap with FX, features, cabs etc. And I think each user will always have certain amps that are insta-buy must haves, and a large proportion that are more "cool to have, barely going to use it". I dont care for Dumbles, so Im less likely to throw $300 at that pack, but maybe if its $50-75, I'd just do it.
They're different platforms with different goals. I don't really mind the plugins not being exactly like a 1:1 of an entire AxeFX in one plugin.
