Hey guys -- I got asked about the status of the LIVE GOLD Tonepack for FM3 (and for the Axe-Fx III). Pasting in what I wrote on that post here as an FYI. - AB
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This written "status update" is for the "1000+ Live Gold" Tonepack for FM3 (and not the Axe-Fx III version) which is the successor to the 1000+ Dream Rigs.
(There will be an Axe-Fx III version coming that adds Outputs 3 and 4 made available later. Why not Axe-Fx III yet? One beta tester reported some presets are not importing over correctly from FM3 to Axe-Fx III with the volumes correct, so I have to run all that down next week).
It is still my plan that anyone who buys the Live Gold TonePack will get both an FM3 and Axe-Fx III version of the presets as one product/one price. I'll add the Axe-Fx III version to downloads when done/later in July. Will also start selling this on special introductory sale for $79 for a few weeks - like I usually do -- before it goes up to normal price of $99. That serves as the "past customer discount" to those who have bought Naked Amps or Dream Rigs. I'll send an email out to all past customers about this new product and introductory sale price later this month so everyone has notice and can take advantage of the summer sale for this.
Bank 1 is the Marshall-style amps, also including the Splawns, Friedmans, Cameron, Bogners and Captain Hook. Just 12 presets left (48+ scenes) to be leveled today and some cab lo/high cut tweaks to get the bottom end right, so will be done today! Will send off to some beta guys - but not sure if they can test it before weekend hits.
Man, these are the BEST Marshall-style sounds I ever programmed -- really sounds like a 4x12 is in the corner of my studio coming out my Atomic Neo-CLR that is 12 feet away from me, the bottom end is there but not too boomy, good mids and balanced. You can totally gig with these. The foot switchable CS2 Amp BOOST dialed-in is essential to get them "phat" and singing like real Marshall style amps do! This FM31.04 firmware with improved amp modeling really is "the shiz-nit."
Also, FYI, like Dream Rigs, there are 10 blank presets at the beginning of each bank as a work space, plus there are empty preset "dividers" (with amp names) to make it easier to find amp sections.
Bank 2 - Fenders, Vox and Vintage, Class A and various Boutique amp bank -- those are all done. Super happy with them.
Bank 3 - these are the modern/metal amps (ENGL, Diezel, EVH, Mesa-Boogie, etc.) plus some misc. presets. This is the final work left to be done. Bank 3 is constructed and all laid out (meaning I have presets/scenes created in rough draft), but this week my time will be spend doing a good scrubbing, EQ and gain tweaks, and Cab IR auditions, and then final leveling). So that's my main focus next 72+ hours into the weekend, polishing those Bank 3 presets up to sound as good as they can.
As a cool bonus, have some Bank 3 Prog. metal presets completed (with four scenes each) mainly on the 5150-style models that my amigo Mark Holcomb of Periphery (he lives in Austin) came over and did last week, using his signature PRS guitars. What a KILLER player!
These included 5150 presets sound amazing on those PRS guitars (and when MARK plays them!) -- but weirdly aren't nearly as good sounding on my SG's pickups though. Must be the kind of pickups he's using... will note "PRS" in preset names (MarkH-PRS). So you prog. metal guys should dig those!
Mark may come over again to help with a few more if his time permits, he was gracious and great guy to work with. We also did an "Unchained" Van Halen preset scene that nails it!
So - being upfront with ya'll -- I'm honestly not sure in 72 hours I can finish bank 3 to my quality standards/satisfaction worthy of release - but I'm going to try.
As an alternative, may go ahead and start selling the Fm3 Live Gold Tonepack initially with Banks 1 & 2 available in download account this weekend, with a note that "Bank 3 is coming and is included in your purchase, and will be made available in your downloads folder in next 7-10 days."
All this said, no question everything will be done -- FM3 all 3 Banks, Axe-Fx III all 3 Banks, version maybe a modest effects blocks library, multiple video tutorials (several needed) and some FM3 and FC-6/12 layout options all have to be done, and should by the time August hits, it's all coming together.
Hope this helps, let's see how the next 72 hours goes -- now back to work!