NAM support announced by Fractal Audio

[laxu]

I'd love to see :

1. Independently controllable signal paths via multiple FASLINK connectors.

That's a neat idea. Would not necessarily even need multiple, but just chaining two FC units together and allowing the footswitching to be assigned to manage different signal paths. Goes with that "two presets at once" idea for sure.

But I think multiple guitarists or guitarist/bassist using the same Axe-Fx are quite few so it'd be a pretty niche feature.

3. Slightly expanded mixer functionality and I/O aimed at people on IEMS so they don't need a separate mixer. If you're already using the unit for guitar and bass, it wouldn't be that much more complicated to pipe in a mic or two, process them with comp and EQ, then have 2 different outputs for 2 different mixes (guitars+bass+vocals) going to 2 different IEM transmitters. Maybe you have one mix set to prioritize the singer's levels, another for a general purpose mix. This is how I'm currently running my band with the Axe-FX but it'd be nice if I could ditch the Midas MR12 mixer and have all that stuff in the Axe.

Overall, I just wanna see more features that empower smaller artists to do more with less. Maybe that kind of thing would add a bit cost to the Fractal but you'd be able to save money and space from omitting a mixer. A boy can dream....

I can agree with that. The current mixer block sucks because instead of being based on inputs/outputs, it's based on rows which is quite unintuitive.

I'd like to see a node-based connection system in the next gen, even if it aligns those nodes on a grid. Get rid of the "shunt" blocks.

 

[JiveTurkey]

Things I want:
Capture on device
Synth block updates
More Pitch block refinement
Dual Pitch block on floor unit
Overhaul of ease of onboard footswitch configuration.

 

[deathbyguitar]

That's a neat idea. Would not necessarily even need multiple, but just chaining two FC units together and allowing the footswitching to be assigned to manage different signal paths. Goes with that "two presets at once" idea for sure.

But I think multiple guitarists or guitarist/bassist using the same Axe-Fx are quite few so it'd be a pretty niche feature.

Admittedly niche, yes. Although I recall the Axe-FX III manual showing an example layout with 2 guitars and bass at once. And I've been playing bass in a band for the past 5 years where the 2 guitarists and me are all running through my Axe along with e-drums using the Axe-FX as an AISO interface. So damn streamlined. And the new Sansamp BDDI model streamlines that even more.

But at this point, I really don't see amp modelers sounding any better from here on out, only different. What I hope to see from all modelers is more features and random crap thrown in there that can help lessen the amount of equipment bands need to take out, maybe lessening the need for more personnel on the road, potentially yeilding your band more money. Like what if the Axe-FX had the ability to play backing tracks, MIDI data for lights and patch changes and handle IEM mixes all from the same unit? The future really needs to focus on further streamlining operations for touring bands, in my opinion. More musicians are complaining about how the costs of touring have gone up exponentially....I have to imagine some high tech solutions can be implemented to help somewhere.

 

[DrewJD82]

Lasers and a fog machine. That’s all I care about seeing on the IV.

 

[synthpenguin]

Lasers and a fog machine. That’s all I care about seeing on the IV.

You only get those special FX with a power supply mod

 

[KHAAAAAAANNNNNNN!!!!!!!!]

Lasers and a fog machine. That’s all I care about seeing on the IV.

Better chance than a touch screen.

 

[yek]

Which begs the question: "What is Fractal going to do with all that power?"

Ultra Super Mega stuff.

 

[AlbertA]

This was my list back in June:

Post in thread 'Next Gen Fractal Speculation Thread'

Jun 13, 2025

• Loadable dynaCAB packs, complete with SIC curves
• One core dedicated to Reverb (make it true stereo like the plugin)
• On device block libraries
• User editable amp circuits and pedal circuits
• Sub-grid for feedback loop of Delay based effects (yeah I know we can do a lot already with feedback send/return in the main grid, but It would be nice to keep all at a block level)
• Arbitrary control points for modifier curves (like in a DAW)
• Looper with multi-track support (or at the very least A/B loops)
  • Global looper with configurable input source
• USB-c port...

• AlbertA

• 
• 

 

[timbuck3]

I agree - I'd rather see the extra CPU used for things like being able to route mono signals more freely and easily without needing to make panning blocks and doing weird splits. Similarly, being able to use all digital I/O at the same time rather than being limited to only one type.

There's also things like running 2 presets at once (say you had 2 guitarists or guitar and bass with their own chains, and they could each switch internally on one global preset). Or perhaps (as Nathan said) combining several blocks into a single "macro" block for the use. And a big one would be to finally consolidate amp channels and modes into single amp models because IMO that really does make things feel a bit dated compared to having an all in one model.

As much as I love modelling accuracy kicking on and getting better, it would be a shame if thats the only area that gets any attention with more CPU available. I highly doubt that'll be the case, although I'm sure there are likely a few ideas Cliff has that need the extra grunt.

Running 2 players thru 1 modeler? Why ? Just buy your own unit to go thru

 

[timbuck3]

• Room mics for cab sims. Yes, room reverbs will do most of the same job but it's not 100% the same thing.
• More experimental effects. They're not for me, but there's a subset of users that enjoy messing with them.
• Full blown synth blocks that allow you to control them e.g via MIDI notes, or MIDI notes generated from your guitar. This would allow e.g drone notes or whatever to be triggered via footswitching.
• Cab positioning in 3D space for headphones use ala Boss Waza Air.
• Multiple loopers in different parts of the signal chain?

Honestly 99% of what I want from next gen modelers is workflow and usability stuff.

Wow all fantastic ideas…. Would like to see this implemented

 

[timbuck3]

Lasers and a fog machine. That’s all I care about seeing on the IV.

And a bake convection mode and hotub mode

 

[MirrorProfiles]

Running 2 players thru 1 modeler? Why ? Just buy your own unit to go thru

There’s plenty of situations on my own where I’d like a single unit to be able to function as two distinct units. It just stops all the I/O and CPU from being redundant

 

[Shask]

Running 2 players thru 1 modeler? Why ? Just buy your own unit to go thru

It seems like running the entire band through one box is getting more common with touring bands.

 

[deathbyguitar]

Running 2 players thru 1 modeler? Why ? Just buy your own unit to go thru

Why? A lot of bands have very limited needs. I use a single bass tone in my band and the two guitarists are both on the same distortion sounds the entire time. Everyone is on wireless and has their own tuners. Separate units would be a waste of time and money.

 

[Rock Chalk]

Just buy your own unit

How ironic.........

 

[timbuck3]

How ironic.........View attachment 54322

How so? Seems like 2-3 peoples going thru one helix may be chaotic live

 

[2dor]

How so? Seems like 2-3 peoples going thru one helix may be chaotic live

It's actually quite the opposite. If you have a structured / defined preset with well laid out scenes, it's a lot easier to adjust levels, make sure everything sounds right etc. With just one switch you can move all instruments to another scene etc. It's quite powerful & extremely convenient. The only issue is you're running a single point of failure.. so you might want a backup unit if doing pro stuff.

 

[timbuck3]

It's actually quite the opposite. If you have a structured / defined preset with well laid out scenes, it's a lot easier to adjust levels, make sure everything sounds right etc. With just one switch you can move all instruments to another scene etc. It's quite powerful & extremely convenient. The only issue is you're running a single point of failure.. so you might want a backup unit if doing pro stuff.

Never thought of it that way thanx

 

[Rock Chalk]

How so? Seems like 2-3 peoples going thru one helix may be chaotic live

It's the buying par..........nevermind............