The Fractal FM3 Sucks (Kind of)

[fiftyshadesofjay]

So let me preface this by saying I’m normally a Kemper or valve amp guy but in a quest to minimise the footprint of my rig I recently got hold of an FM3 and FC6.

First things first, it sounds amazing. Genuinely some of the best modelling I’ve heard and the effects are something else and I haven’t really deep dived yet.

But f##k me, this thing is a NIGHTMARE to use. Yes the editor is good but anything else, forget it. Took it to rehearsal today and got some cool tones but trying to locate a certain preset, set a solo boost, change the chorus tone, add more mix to the delay etc was just a massive PITA.

I know it’s been said before but it really brought home how something so awesome can be dragged down by the UI.

And it absolutely doesn’t matter if you use Axe Edit, but for live use and live creativity it’s just bad, and that’s a real shame.

I’m sure there will be a certain amount of flaming for this but honestly, I want to play guitar not program my dads old Beta Max player. Sorry not sorry.

 

[Mongillo19]

Just when I was worried about another Amp where I'm at thread

 

[Achilles]

This is another one of those that really doesn't need to be repeated too often. Hands down the best PC editor of them all but here in 2024 it's also the worst on-board UI.

 

[Los-D]

 

[la szum]

I am shocked. This is the first I have heard of this.

 

[nicolasrivera]

So let me preface this by saying I’m normally a Kemper or valve amp guy but in a quest to minimise the footprint of my rig I recently got hold of an FM3 and FC6.

First things first, it sounds amazing. Genuinely some of the best modelling I’ve heard and the effects are something else and I haven’t really deep dived yet.

But f##k me, this thing is a NIGHTMARE to use. Yes the editor is good but anything else, forget it. Took it to rehearsal today and got some cool tones but trying to locate a certain preset, set a solo boost, change the chorus tone, add more mix to the delay etc was just a massive PITA.

I know it’s been said before but it really brought home how something so awesome can be dragged down by the UI.

And it absolutely doesn’t matter if you use Axe Edit, but for live use and live creativity it’s just bad, and that’s a real shame.

I’m sure there will be a certain amount of flaming for this but honestly, I want to play guitar not program my dads old Beta Max player. Sorry not sorry.

Clearly you are a Helix candidate.

 

[the-trooper]

ut f##k me, this thing is a NIGHTMARE to use. Yes the editor is good but anything else, forget it.

Would the cheapest possible Windows tablet work as an addon to the unit?

 

[Orvillain]

Pretty much having this conversation in the other thread too!

But I agree with you to a large degree. Not even specifically about the Fractal devices. But multi's in general.

Menus cascaded with menus and more menus and more options..... not really inspiring nor fun.

This isn't a simple UX problem to solve.

 

[fiftyshadesofjay]

Either that, or search Amazon for refurbished Windows laptop.

I do appreciate the thinking but I don’t think a cheap ass windows laptop that can barely load YouTube is going to facilitate creativity in a band environment

 

[fiftyshadesofjay]

Pretty much having this conversation in the other thread too!

But I agree with you to a large degree. Not even specifically about the Fractal devices. But multi's in general.

Menus cascaded with menus and more menus and more options..... not really inspiring nor fun.

This isn't a simple UX problem to solve.

I saw that, and I totally get what you mean. I don’t even really use anything too crazy, I think a big sky, boss delay, CE-2 and and an octave pedal would probably do me

 

[Orvillain]

I saw that, and I totally get what you mean. I don’t even really use anything too crazy, I think a big sky, boss delay, CE-2 and and an octave pedal would probably do me

Not that different here tbh!

 

[unix-guy]

Obviously you've never had to program a rack mount multi effects unit? Fractal is way easier.

Take a few days and actually learn how to use the hardware. It's really not that hard, no matter how many people like to claim contrary...

 

[fiftyshadesofjay]

Obviously you've never had to program a rack mount multi effects unit? Fractal is way easier.

Take a few days and actually learn how to use the hardware. It's really not that hard, no matter how many people like to claim contrary...

So says “unix-guy”, which sort of rests my case

 

[Achilles]

It's really not that hard, no matter how many people like to claim contrary...

Not sure I remember anyone actually saying the unit is HARD to use.
The onboard UI is just seriously outdated considering we're a 1/4 through the 21st century already!

 

[Achilles]

Obviously you've never had to program a rack mount multi effects unit?

Had one of these down pat!

 

[Frodebro]

Obviously you've never had to program a rack mount multi effects unit? Fractal is way easier.

Take a few days and actually learn how to use the hardware. It's really not that hard, no matter how many people like to claim contrary...

Quoted for truth. I have been using Fractal floor units with my band for the past two years (first an FM3, currently an FM9).

There is a learning curve, this is NOT an instant gratification device, but it doesn’t take long at all to learn your way around the front panel.

If you want caveman simple, get a Twin Reverb and a Tube Screamer.

 

[LP59]

Obviously you've never had to program a rack mount multi effects unit? Fractal is way easier.

Take a few days and actually learn how to use the hardware. It's really not that hard, no matter how many people like to claim contrary...

The point is it’s hard to use compared to other modelers. That doesn’t mean it needs a touch screen. The Helix is great without a touch screen. But a mobile app, connecting with or without a cable, might be the way to solve this problem.

 

[djd100]

Pro Tip: Performance Pages

 

[Frodebro]

The point is it’s hard to use compared to other modelers. That doesn’t mean it needs a touch screen. The Helix is great without a touch screen. But a mobile app, connecting with or without a cable, might be the way to solve this problem.

I have a Helix, a Kemper, a GT-1000, and a GSP1101. And an Axe-FX 3. I didn’t find the Fractal that much more difficult to figure out than any of the other units, but there is a shit ton more that the user can access and tweak.

 

[timbuck3]

So let me preface this by saying I’m normally a Kemper or valve amp guy but in a quest to minimise the footprint of my rig I recently got hold of an FM3 and FC6.

First things first, it sounds amazing. Genuinely some of the best modelling I’ve heard and the effects are something else and I haven’t really deep dived yet.

But f##k me, this thing is a NIGHTMARE to use. Yes the editor is good but anything else, forget it. Took it to rehearsal today and got some cool tones but trying to locate a certain preset, set a solo boost, change the chorus tone, add more mix to the delay etc was just a massive PITA.

I know it’s been said before but it really brought home how something so awesome can be dragged down by the UI.

And it absolutely doesn’t matter if you use Axe Edit, but for live use and live creativity it’s just bad, and that’s a real shame.

I’m sure there will be a certain amount of flaming for this but honestly, I want to play guitar not program my dads old Beta Max player. Sorry not sorry.

get the fender tmp...if you want simple, As i said before if fractal hired some people to redo the gui to something uch easier on unit we wouldnt have these complaints