Next Gen Fractal Speculation Thread

[Boudoir Guitar]

For me, and it might seem weird, but one of the things I'm hoping for most, is the consolidation of amp "channel-models" into single models where you just switch channel and various other switches in the same model. This might sound like a software change, and it is, but on Fractal forum they confirmed that this just simply wasn't possible on current architecture and will require a rework/next-gen.

I don't currently have any Fractal device and I don't need it right now either, that's why I'm waiting for next gen. 2026-2027 is fine IMO. Though a 2025 Christmas announcement would be awesome.

Do you think they will update all devices at the same time? Axe FX 4, FM3 2 and FM9 2 (or whatever those will be called)? Or a gradual roll out?

Unless the "next gen" floor models somehow wind up with the same processor as the rack unit, which itself would be surprising to me, I'd be very surprised to see them all roll out at once.

My guess is that there is more legwork being put into coming up with a manufacturing approach that is less subject to the whimsy of who is in the White House in terms of final pricing at the moment than there is into what the actual design of the thing is.

 

[TSJMajesty]

For me, and it might seem weird, but one of the things I'm hoping for most, is the consolidation of amp "channel-models" into single models where you just switch channel and various other switches in the same model.

That would be great! I asked about that back when I first got mine, because it just didn't makes sense. Like, Where is the 'Pull Shred' switch on the JP2C model? Then Cliff added it, on the pre amp page.

And on the real amp, if you want a different mode, you just flick the mini toggle. But on the Fractal units, you need to switch to a different model, and copy your settings, assuming that's the only thing you wanted to change. But that's how I'd do it on the real amp... Idk

I'd also like to see them get rid of parameters that don't exist on the real amps. I know that's controversial, but I'm still confused at how to set the 'Overdrive' knob on the JP2C, since it doesn't exist on the real amp.

If the idea is to faithfully model the amps, then why have those extra parameters?

 

[mikah912]

For me, and it might seem weird, but one of the things I'm hoping for most, is the consolidation of amp "channel-models" into single models where you just switch channel and various other switches in the same model. This might sound like a software change, and it is, but on Fractal forum they confirmed that this just simply wasn't possible on current architecture and will require a rework/next-gen.

I don't currently have any Fractal device and I don't need it right now either, that's why I'm waiting for next gen. 2026-2027 is fine IMO. Though a 2025 Christmas announcement would be awesome.

Do you think they will update all devices at the same time? Axe FX 4, FM3 2 and FM9 2 (or whatever those will be called)? Or a gradual roll out?

Don't think they've ever rolled a bunch of form factors at the same time. As a smaller, direct-sales business, it's probably not very feasible.

As for channels in the same model, part of the reason why that's never been much of a consideration for me on Fractal devices is that they have the Channels feature on all blocks, so you don't need to add an additional amp block to be able to switch between up to four amps instantaneously.

What would be functionally different if they added a channel switch in the amp block? You'd still need to assign it to a footswitch just like you'd assign the scene with a different amp in channel B or C or D.

 

[Boudoir Guitar]

That would be great! I asked about that back when I first got mine, because it just didn't makes sense. Like, Where is the 'Pull Shred' switch on the JP2C model? Then Cliff added it, on the pre amp page.

And on the real amp, if you want a different mode, you just flick the mini toggle. But on the Fractal units, you need to switch to a different model, and copy your settings, assuming that's the only thing you wanted to change. But that's how I'd do it on the real amp... Idk

I'd also like to see them get rid of parameters that don't exist on the real amps. I know that's controversial, but I'm still confused at how to set the 'Overdrive' knob on the JP2C, since it doesn't exist on the real amp.

If the idea is to faithfully model the amps, then why have those extra parameters?

I think the biggest challenge there is you get into the weeds of "ugh, loading up a Marshall 1959 uses 0.15x the amount of processor as loading up the Mark IV" and figuring out how to deal with that in terms of channels in the amp block, number of amp blocks available, etc. And maybe that's the framework that needs to be changed, but doesn't seem likely.

 

[Jarick]

Sonically I think it’s basically all there, the big changes I’d see would be UI and form factor. I think something smaller but with more switches like VP4 could be welcome but something modular and expandable would be killer too.

Like a mythical FM6 with an additional FC6 for instance. You could then drop the SKUs you are supporting to one rack, one floor, and then 1-2 controllers.

I am considering dropping back to an FM3 just to be able to do everything on device again. Sounds dumb but I just don’t like using a mouse and keyboard to dial in guitar sounds.

 

[laxu]

When do people here realistically think the next-gen (i.e. AxeFX IV, not a possible VA4) will be announced?

I'd say mid-2026 at the earliest, 2027 more likely.

Fractal doesn't need to do much for the actual modeling/fx. Their biggest work is in things like:

• Onboard user interface. Let's assume "touchscreen Axe-Edit" as the minimum here.
• Any wireless functionality. I think it's starting to become an expected feature.
• Updating Axe-Edit for the new user interface, which I assume is going to have things like "amp channels/variants in one amp model" like HX Stadium.
• New hardware design. I fully expect they'll keep some tried-and-true things like the footswitching stuff. I hope they come up with something more elegant than the "cast iron stove" look of the FM3/FM9 tho.

I think the HX Stadium range will eat the FM3/FM9 sales completely in Europe unless they apply big price cuts. I'm already seeing on Thomann some US made pedals are getting cheaper due to the stronger Euro, but no change to G66 prices. At the time of writing $1 = 0.85 €.

 

[TSJMajesty]

I think the biggest challenge there is you get into the weeds of "ugh, loading up a Marshall 1959 uses 0.15x the amount of processor as loading up the Mark IV" and figuring out how to deal with that in terms of channels in the amp block, number of amp blocks available, etc. And maybe that's the framework that needs to be changed, but doesn't seem likely.

Not sure I follow you.

To me, with the advent of gapless switching, DSP usage is a non-issue. If you need that many effects in 1 song, and can't find a good part of the song to change presets, you're doing something wrong, imho.

 

[Whizzinby]

"Don't care; don't need it"

signed: the guy that upgraded from an FM3 to an Axe III to go from one to two reverb blocks, and for better spring reverb.

The AxeFX III asks the important questions, like will you ever need to run 8 delays and multi taps concurrently?

Maybe not, but you will be ready when the moment arises.

 

[TSJMajesty]

Fractal had a help-wanted ad on their site a while back, that in the qualifications section, it said something about Android dev, I believe it was. Which makes me think the next-gen will have that capability. Assuming Cliff found the right person for that position.

 

[Vic Winters]

Another bass amp maybe? Preferably something from GK.

 

[Chocol8]

Fractal had a help-wanted ad on their site a while back, that in the qualifications section, it said something about Android dev, I believe it was. Which makes me think the next-gen will have that capability. Assuming Cliff found the right person for that position.

I would hope any next gen premium product would include remote control through phones and tablets within a reasonable timeframe from launch. Especially anything with foot switches means to sit on the floor.

 

[mikah912]

If they go the touchscreen route, I'd want to see them throw out the current paradigm altogether and look at how synth manufacturers have approached it (because they share an equally insane number of parameters to adjust). I was thinking of the Vector hardware synth in particular:



Obviously, you'd only have maybe 20-30 percent of the encoders of something like the Vector (and none of the hardware switches) on a new Axe, but it'd be a good starting point for how to reimagine the complexity and granularity of Cliff's modeling for a modern guitar form factor.

 

[laxu]

If they go the touchscreen route, I'd want to see them throw out the current paradigm altogether and look at how synth manufacturers have approached it (because they share an equally insane number of parameters to adjust). I was thinking of the Vector hardware synth in particular:



Obviously, you'd only have maybe 20-30 percent of the encoders of something like the Vector (and none of the hardware switches) on a new Axe, but it'd be a good starting point for how to reimagine the complexity and granularity of Cliff's modeling for a modern guitar form factor.

That's a super cool looking device!

I'd take that screen and the two 5 knob rows underneath. That would directly translate to the current Axe-Fx block two row paradigm but without the row switching.

 

[Whizzinby]

If they go the touchscreen route, I'd want to see them throw out the current paradigm altogether and look at how synth manufacturers have approached it (because they share an equally insane number of parameters to adjust). I was thinking of the Vector hardware synth in particular:



Obviously, you'd only have maybe 20-30 percent of the encoders of something like the Vector (and none of the hardware switches) on a new Axe, but it'd be a good starting point for how to reimagine the complexity and granularity of Cliff's modeling for a modern guitar form factor.

 

[Stone]

Dont know there would have to be significant Improvements and QoL Improvement for me to consider dropping that kind of coin, seeing as my FM9 already does anything i need.

 

[Tanax]

Don't think they've ever rolled a bunch of form factors at the same time. As a smaller, direct-sales business, it's probably not very feasible.

As for channels in the same model, part of the reason why that's never been much of a consideration for me on Fractal devices is that they have the Channels feature on all blocks, so you don't need to add an additional amp block to be able to switch between up to four amps instantaneously.

What would be functionally different if they added a channel switch in the amp block? You'd still need to assign it to a footswitch just like you'd assign the scene with a different amp in channel B or C or D.

Then don't make the amp channels switchable. Personally I just want it for better clarity and ease of use when setting up a patch. Rather than scrolling through 200+ "amps", it's easier if that list were composed of actual amps. Then having the amp channels be selectable in the amp block settings after choosing the amp.

I realize people by now have gotten used to how they have done it for so long, but IMO it's a really illogical way of grouping since you're not actually choosing an amp in the amp block today. You're choosing an amp channel. In some cases you're choosing a combination of amp channel and specific switches selected (like with the Friedman BE100 where you have C45 switch, etc as separate "amps"). Causing the list to get insanely long.

Seems like Line6 agrees and they're changing this with the new Stadium at least. And again, it sounded like on Cliff and the mods on Fractal forum that this very likely to come on the next gen, so I'm hoping for that!

 

[Boudoir Guitar]

Then don't make the amp channels switchable. Personally I just want it for better clarity and ease of use when setting up a patch. Rather than scrolling through 200+ "amps", it's easier if that list were composed of actual amps. Then having the amp channels be selectable in the amp block settings after choosing the amp.

I realize people by now have gotten used to how they have done it for so long, but IMO it's a really illogical way of grouping since you're not actually choosing an amp in the amp block today. You're choosing an amp channel. In some cases you're choosing a combination of amp channel and specific switches selected (like with the Friedman BE100 where you have C45 switch, etc as separate "amps"). Causing the list to get insanely long.

Seems like Line6 agrees and they're changing this with the new Stadium at least. And again, it sounded like on Cliff and the mods on Fractal forum that this very likely to come on the next gen, so I'm hoping for that!

In practice, in terms of actual "ease" of use, it becomes a non-issue pretty quickly once you know which amps you want. Arrow buttons make "scrolling" not a big deal and all channels of the same amp are pretty much adjacent to one another.

It's a more elegant workflow for sure. But you don't REALLY lose a lot in terms of real-world speed once you have gotten used to the device.

 

[laxu]

In practice, in terms of actual "ease" of use, it becomes a non-issue pretty quickly once you know which amps you want. Arrow buttons make "scrolling" not a big deal and all channels of the same amp are pretty much adjacent to one another.

It's a more elegant workflow for sure. But you don't REALLY lose a lot in terms of real-world speed once you have gotten used to the device.

It's still a mess. Fractal's model naming schema is inconsistent at best. Try to find e.g all Marshall Superleads amps, they are not just a continuous list because only some of them follow the "Brit" nomenclature.

I'm all for bundling them under one model, and making e.g. Friedman BE switches work like the actual amp even if it means they change the amp model behind the scenes.

Less file browser, the better.

 

[GTR37]

I still think the next product will be a VA4 amp/ cab VP4 style box , possibly early next year

 

[Whizzinby]

It's still a mess. Fractal's model naming schema is inconsistent at best. Try to find e.g all Marshall Superleads amps, they are not just a continuous list because only some of them follow the "Brit" nomenclature.

This is one of those things that I’m amazed hasn’t been done by now. That could seemingly be fixed current-gen, unless something is hard coded by those names and not some meta-ID ?