Fractal Talk

[Boudoir Guitar]

Anyone got any viewpoints on the FM3 versus VP4 ????

VP4 if you wanna use it with an amp; FM3 if you wanna use it as an all-in-one device (which could include pedals in front of it, but wouldn’t bother with its loop).

 

[jellodog]

One has Amp and Cab Modeling and the other doesn't.

Ah... so the counting of footswitches has been left as an exercise for the reader.

Nice

 

[Orvillain]

VP4 if you wanna use it with an amp; FM3 if you wanna use it as an all-in-one device (which could include pedals in front of it, but wouldn’t bother with its loop).

Kinda want both. That's the entire problem here! I'm basically thinking up ways where I could sell my Axe3, but still have SOMETHING from Fractal.

 

[Boudoir Guitar]

Kinda want both. That's the entire problem here! I'm basically thinking up ways where I could sell my Axe3, but still have SOMETHING from Fractal.

How would you use the FM3? I can't imagine seeing a time when you want to run a pint-sized all-in-one digital device. The I/O on the FM3 does eventually feel limiting for anything more than "I wanna plug a mono signal into it -- either my guitar or the output of a last mono pedal from a pedal board - and then get a mono or stereo output signal that is ready to either go to a PA, an audio interface, or a poweramp driving a cab".

 

[MTB1973]

Thinking of getting another 2x12 cab to use with my LXII. Anyone have experience using “real” cabs in stereo with the Axe3?

 

[Boudoir Guitar]

Thinking of getting another 2x12 cab to use with my LXII. Anyone have experience using “real” cabs in stereo with the Axe3?

I run a 2x12 as a stereo cab.

 

[OrganicZed]

Thinking of getting another 2x12 cab to use with my LXII. Anyone have experience using “real” cabs in stereo with the Axe3?

Yes. I run two 4x12 cabs with my Axe-FX III. What do you want to know?

 

[MTB1973]

Yes. I run two 4x12 cabs with my Axe-FX III. What do you want to know?

Do you find running in stereo much more enjoyable that just a single 4x12? I have two "FRFR" cabs and it sounds great, just never used two real cabs before with the Axe3.

 

[OrganicZed]

Do you find running in stereo much more enjoyable that just a single 4x12? I have two ""FRFR"" cabs and it sounds great, just never used two real cabs before with the Axe3.

I think it sounds really great with stereo effects into the stereo cabinets. I also have a stereo "FRFR" setup and I would say that the difference between running one cab and running two cabs in stereo is about the same as it is to run only one "FRFR" cab rather than two "FRFR" cabinets in stereo. One is good, but you just can't get the super wide sound of the phase inverted 2290 delay or the swirl of a panning delay without two cabinets.

If you have the space and the financial means, I'd say go for it.

 

[Whizzinby]

I run my Axe into a LXII with stereo 412’s and it’s fucking glorious.

 

[MTB1973]

I run my Axe into a LXII with stereo 412’s and it’s fucking glorious.

 

[iaresee]

Kinda want both. That's the entire problem here! I'm basically thinking up ways where I could sell my Axe3, but still have SOMETHING from Fractal.

I feel like the routing with either and your IRL amps will annoy you versus what you've got now with the AFIII.

 

[Orvillain]

I feel like the routing with either and your IRL amps will annoy you versus what you've got now with the AFIII.

I feel like you might be right.

 

[Stratzrus]

Kinda want both. That's the entire problem here! I'm basically thinking up ways where I could sell my Axe3, but still have SOMETHING from Fractal.

Consider Getting a FM9. When I got mine I sold my FM3 and my Axe FX III is gathering dust.

 

[jellodog]

@Orvillain I was just going to suggest an FM9 too. @Stratzrus is on the right track.

 

[Orvillain]

Consider Getting a FM9. When I got mine I sold my FM3 and my Axe FX III is gathering dust.

@Orvillain I was just going to suggest an FM9 too. @Stratzrus is on the right track.

I have considered this. There are actually several pro's to this:

- Setting up 4 cable with an amp would be quicker I think. Less fucking around behind a tall stack.
- Footswitches are built in. Not as many as the FC12 to be sure, but enough to be flexible.
- Screen is at your feet. Which means the good tuner is at your feet. The FC12 tuner display is not as good as the one on the main units screen.
- I think overall for a rehearsal/live guitar rig, I do prefer floor units. Integrating a few additional pedals on a board would be easier than doing the same thing with a rack unit.
- Priority would be effects usage, but it also ensures I have Fractal quality amp modelling whenever I need or fancy it.

Cons:
- Price differential actually isn't THAT big. 2nd hand I could probably sell Axe3+FC12 for £2300-2500 maybe. A used FM9 is what... £1500-£1800?
- Doesn't do very much to improve workflow or make it faster to use. Pretty much the same experience as the Axe3 itself.

 

[iaresee]

I'll third the FM9 suggestion @Orvillain

 

[SpaceMan]

With an FM9, I’ve never felt like I was missing anything.

Except an RTA block

 

[Stratzrus]

The FM9 with a Fender FR-12 or 10 with the Archangel preamp is a hell of a rig. Compact. Relatively light. Few cables needed. Best amp in the room tone of any "FRFR" option according to many and it looks like a traditional amp.

In my experience the reliability of the Fractal gear is exemplary. Time will tell about the modified FR cabs but so far so good.

I've found that rig works for me in the places where I play, I think for those who would consider a combo amp with a pedalboard the FM9-FR12/10 is a reasonable option.

 

[Orvillain]

I have amps that are portable enough for me, and sound absolutely ball crushingly amazing. I don't want "FRFR", 100%.