New Fractal speculation thread

"In the pipe" - sounds like a possible reference to their forthcoming pharmaceutical line. Perceiving the ever expanding demand for stimulants and, in the knowedge that there is only so far another energy drink will get you, they are planning to crack that market right open.

Ultimately , we could expect a very lucrative spinoff and a new name on the top of the 751 5th Avenue, NY after the previous owner flees to Russia: CRACKTAL !
You heard it here first.
 
My bets are on a VA4. Virtual Amp. Amps, cabs, reverb, tremolo. Given SPDIF IO on VP4 this seems like a somewhat obvious next step. 4 blocks, up to 2 amps, 3 cabs, 2 reverbs, 2 trem?

-Aaron
 
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the-simpsons-homer.gif
 
TJontheRoad said:
I’m a huge Fractal fan. But, rehashing their products into smaller, cheaper, and dumber stuff isn’t the best thing IMHO. A premium brand should stay focused there. Will be interesting to watch where this all goes.
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I dunno - they are smaller, but they aren’t built more cheaply. If they were going in the PODGo direction, or releasing smaller boxes with obviously compromised signal path (see HX one), I’d agree.

But given that the Axe Fx III and FM9 are going to be as good as it gets from a hardware perspective for a long time coming, it makes sense for them to spread their wings into other applications while still making products uncompromised in build quality and signal path component/design…if for no other reason than to give them a chance to explore new UI approaches that might inform development of Axe IV.
 
The Plex Delay and Multi-Tap Delay are such unique and gorgeous sounding effects blocks, I could easily see either being a top-flight stand-alone pedal. If I had to guess their next steps it would be a line of single or dual block pedals like their Delay/Reverb blocks in one pedal, the Plex or MTD stand alone or together, and a smaller amp model only box similar to the Tonex or NDSP mini.
 
TJontheRoad said:
I’m a huge Fractal fan. But, rehashing their products into smaller, cheaper, and dumber stuff isn’t the best thing IMHO. A premium brand should stay focused there. Will be interesting to watch where this all goes.
Click to expand...

I'm with you ... up until the blurb about "premium brand". I suspect it's more a matter of degree; I think they could go a little downmarket but not too far.

An amp/cab only device doesn't do it for me, just like an effects only device doesn't do it for me. I also think neither version exploits Fractal's competitive advantage in the combo of stellar amps and effects.
 
DLC86 said:
In the last few days I was feeling a void in my soul but couldn't explain why. Then I realized it was due to the departure of our dear old Fractal speculation thread.
It was a good friend that made our days better, but sadly it's not among us anymore.

But just like when your loved pet dies and you swear you'll never get another one, then some time passes and you fall in love again with a fuzzy animated ball...
Here's your new puppy babe!

View attachment 31569

At first it will look like a stranger, it won't be the same as the old one, but with time you'll learn to love it, just take care of it!
Speculate folks!
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OMG, should i..... maybe @paisleywookiee can be more merciful this time! :bag
 
TJontheRoad said:
I’m a huge Fractal fan. But, rehashing their products into smaller, cheaper, and dumber stuff isn’t the best thing IMHO. A premium brand should stay focused there. Will be interesting to watch where this all goes.
Click to expand...
Not wanting Fractal to make products makes no sense. All of their products are premium. None of them are "dumber stuff". A simpler, pedal board friendly, FX box fills a pretty good niche in the market.
Line6 is generally applauded for having numerous products and price points based off of the Helix.
 
KHAAAAAAANNNNNNN!!!!!!!! said:
Not wanting Fractal to make products makes no sense. All of their products are premium. None of them are "dumber stuff". A simpler, pedal board friendly, FX box fills a pretty good niche in the market.
Line6 is generally applauded for having numerous products and price points based off of the Helix.
Click to expand...
No one said they shouldn't make products. Some people would just prefer they concentrate on the big stuff...like an Axe I V.

It's just an opinion......lighten up Francis.......
big grin.png
 
Boudoir Guitar said:
I dunno - they are smaller, but they aren’t built more cheaply. If they were going in the PODGo direction, or releasing smaller boxes with obviously compromised signal path (see HX one), I’d agree.

But given that the Axe Fx III and FM9 are going to be as good as it gets from a hardware perspective for a long time coming, it makes sense for them to spread their wings into other applications while still making products uncompromised in build quality and signal path component/design…if for no other reason than to give them a chance to explore new UI approaches that might inform development of Axe IV.
Click to expand...

quadgear said:
I'm with you ... up until the blurb about "premium brand". I suspect it's more a matter of degree; I think they could go a little downmarket but not too far.

An amp/cab only device doesn't do it for me, just like an effects only device doesn't do it for me. I also think neither version exploits Fractal's competitive advantage in the combo of stellar amps and effects.
Click to expand...

KHAAAAAAANNNNNNN!!!!!!!! said:
Not wanting Fractal to make products makes no sense. All of their products are premium. None of them are "dumber stuff". A simpler, pedal board friendly, FX box fills a pretty good niche in the market.
Line6 is generally applauded for having numerous products and price points based off of the Helix.
Click to expand...

I can also agree with all this if it is executed well without loosing sight of how they got there. The world is littered with companies and brands that went down market and never went back. It is just a thought on my part. Not a criticism of them trying new things with the current tech. I truly wish them all the luck.
 
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