Next Gen Fractal Speculation Thread

To bring this tread back on track…

I want the next generation small FMx to have a minimum of 6 buttons with screens. 3 is too few for a device as big as the FM3. Helix Stomp size sure, FM3 sized, no.
I was pretty interested the FM3 a while back and then I saw one in person. No matter how functional those three switches are that thing is GIGANTIC for only three button. I would love to see most floor modelers GT1K size or smaller, honestly.
 
To bring this tread back on track…

I want the next generation small FMx to have a minimum of 6 buttons with screens. 3 is too few for a device as big as the FM3. Helix Stomp size sure, FM3 sized, no.
See, I'd rather have that thing as a HX Stomp size box. Or VP4 size with 4 footswitches.

The easiest thing to add to any modeler is more footswitches, just pick a MIDI controller or one of the company's own expansion footswitches.
But you can't make it smaller, can't add more knobs to it in any sensible manner. Unless Fractal actually puts some effort into 3rd party peripheral compatibility...

I agree that if it's going to be FM3 size, it should have more footswitches.
 
My speculation / wish list features for the next gen Axe-Fx:

  • An entire 1U section of the front panel dedicated to only physical knobs for instant access user-assignable parameter controls and LED scribble strips. Multiple pages, all assignable per patch. Full size knobs that feel smooth to turn like an analog amp. They don’t have to be perfectly surgically precise, either. If I want perfectly accurate surgical precision I’ll use the big knob. If I need to reach over at a gig and tweak something right now, or just dial in a tone from scratch quickly, I’d like to be able to do that with a row of “real” feeling, always accessible knobs.

  • User-renamable amp / drive / cab models with the option to revert names to default if necessary. Option to re-arrange the list alphabetically by custom name.


That’s it. Take the Axe-Fx III and add only that functionality and I’d be happy. If you wanna get weird and allow for like 4 amp blocks per patch that would be fun, too. But, having a row of real knobs would translate to a lightning fast workflow with no menu diving required, and is basically the last honest to goodness absolute objective advantage real amps have over Fractal gear. If Fractal added that kind of functionality, the only thing left to complain about would be the crazies still grasping at straws about how modeling "sounds digital" even though that phrase doesn't mean anything.
 
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HX Stomp size box
Jason Sudeikis Yes GIF by Apple TV+
 
It seems clear to me that right now Fractal are focusing on lateral moves - pedals and other bits of gear. VP4 was just the start.

I personally would not expect a new Axe FX unit for a good few years from now.
 
It seems clear to me that right now Fractal are focusing on lateral moves - pedals and other bits of gear. VP4 was just the start.

I personally would not expect a new Axe FX unit for a good few years from now.
JUst make another VP4 size and weighr unit with a bigger screen that is touch, supports 8 blocks and call it a day.
 
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