I'd rather see a Fractal audio interface or some other ancillary products. I have a feeling we're gonna see something in that category, but specifically what is anyone's guess.
Well if it is true that the main CPU chips fractal uses for the axe fx II are going away....then they would first have to have a better chip than that and find a place they can aquire a certian number of them to build units on....then be able to build their components around it. But frankly...I do NOT see a reason WHY we would need an axe fx III?? A "new toy" is always nice, but necessary?? I don't see it!
AxeFx XL+II
A12x XL+
Maybe an all in one solution.
AxeFx XL+ with a power amp and speaker = AmpFx A8x+
...Historically, it only makes sense to roll out new technology when current sales have leveled off, or a competitive advantage has been lost...
Nailed it! Fractal isn't the typical software company that feels compelled to release new versions of the same thing on a regular basis just to get existing customers to buy the "Next Big Thing". (I spent nearly 20 years with a software company that did exactly that, so I know the game.) Fractal already owns the "Big Thing" market, so it makes no sense at the present time to go through the expense of releasing a new version of the hardware. And we get new software so frequently that it's hard for a lot of us to keep up as it is.
Well this never ending black friday "sale" at Fractal is usually a good indicator "something" new is coming.
Really Fractal, $1699? I just paid full blown retail for my AFX II XL+ and MFC like six months ago from the web store...
My guess is a more powerful version of the ax8 with a modern interface ala Helix/Headrush.
UI and ease of use are the only fields where competitors have some advantage over Fractal and I wouldn't be surprised if Fractal will try to fill that gap with a new product.
its a growing company, we will see all of the above for sure without any doubt what so ever. Just as long as it stays in the hands of USA builders, and doesn't head to china, then ill buy.
My prediction: Fractal cookies.
Bad news for you is that it’s moved to China already. Ax8 used to have final assembly (of a bunch of parts all made overseas already) done in the US, but new production has moved to China. Same, if not better quality, at likely a better price point, allowing the current pricing and production volume to keep up with demand.
As with most products, it’s designed in one place, built in another. I’m as American as anyone, but I could care less where something is made, as long as it’s built to high standards and at a fair price.
I wonder if any of our worldwide Fractal users feel the same silly nationalism? Are guitarist in say England or France refusing to buy the AxeFX because it’s not made in their country?
Any Canadian citizens only buy made in the USA products ? Or in their case only made in Canada ? If so, they are certainly missing out on a ton of products.... I mean heck, can’t buy a USA fender, can’t get a MIM fender, can’t get a MIJ fender....
Has Fender ever made guitars in Canada....? What’s a good nationalistic guitar player to do ?