marsonic
Power User
They should license Fractal's models for some of the Fender amps and release them as Tone Masters. Partially because it would be funny. And probably better. (JMHO)
Only time will tell if this a better path than so many previous Fender products. I think $1,700 is a chunk to plop down on something that could potentially be totally abandoned within just a few years. I think that's a totally valid concern for anyone considering the product.
Which brand or seller?
Yes…agreed
Is there a code for 15% off right now or did you have to call in?
I called it in. I told em I’ve had it with another big retailer and I’d like to switch if they can do 15.
I am very happy you are enjoying it. I ordered mine on Tuesday. I am looking forward to it arriving. I am very interested in sitting down and actually being able to A/B it with my FM3. To me that will be the truest form of where Fender sits in the digital world.
Not sure I like the touch screen but I do think that the ft swtchs working as control knobs is very useful. The QC has the same thing so probably the switches are sturdy enough. Besides I would use the TMP as a table top unit depending on how well the midi implementation is for controlling parameters etc. via midi floor footswitch. In any case, every current youtube reviewer had really no problem understanding how to get around the UI without a receiving a manual. Fairly sure a newbie to a fractal unit would not be able to do this as well. Of course you can learn the Fractal system but there is that saying of 'more playing time and less tweaking' that I think is a real factor. Whether you think it is a toy without really getting your hands on is kind of subjective but I understand what you mean. It is really to early to call whether this modeler will have much effect in the modeling world but at least a company like Fender now thinks it is part of their future.
Yes, I would like to hear some sound comparisons using the same playback system. Maybe even the new Fender FRFR amp/cabs.. It is obvious that the UI is much easier to use and that is a big advantage as long as the tones are there. Not many reviews have mentioned the IRs that are available and how they sound. I am sure more in depth reviews will be forthcoming. I have owned an FM3 and now an FM9 turbo along with a HX Stomp on a pedal board. The FM3 really took me awhile to get used to the UI but now feel fairly comfortable with the FM9 version. The HX Stomp was a breeze to learn and the amp sounds are good enough for my looping system. The cost of the TMP does seem a bit high but if(?) Fender supports this unit with firmware updates over time I think that mitigate some of the complaints.
A Fender rep also said on TGP that they "plan to release firmware updates roughly every 6 months." And that "each channel of the EVH 5150 took about 3 months of development time."
A really good post for the Fractal side of things. I think the idea of building a new kind of amp or remodeling a current one is one of the best aspects and features of the Fractal systems. However that probably is not what many new players to the modeling world might be interested in. Ease of use and familiarity will go along way towards moving new comers into purchasing a modeler IMO. That is as long as the amp tones and affects are good enough relative to the competition. No one wants a dog especially at this price level. The fact that Fender also released several new FRFR amp/cabs that look like older Fender products may give them a boost. On the Fractal side, it amazes me that with all the features and nuances that are available to tweak that many will settle for just one build preset that has some scene/channel changes etc, and that's it. There are a few that dive deep and try to get the most out of a fractal unit but I really do not think that it is many. As far as 'professional gear' goes I believe that whatever works for you and is of good build quality may fit that definition. FAS has always been in a different modeling category than other modelers and that may fit well with some but not for others. The new TMP is really going in a different direction similar to Line 6 or maybe even the QC, we will just have to wait and see how this all plays out.FWIW this whole UI of Fractal being too complicated by some and the industry in general really baffled me when I first entered in a serious way the modeling world 2 1/2 years ago. For the most part and up until then I had looked at modeling as no where near the quality for serious players and somewhat of a gimmick. Remember I had yet to experience a Fractal device. I had messed with the red kidney over 20 years ago (sent it back) and Guitar Rig on the PC. I always thought using graphics of amps and FX pedals with knobs was silly and just made it more gimmicky. However overall the sound and feel was what always kept me away.
When I received the FM3 with the great FM Edit utility (excellent sound quality aside) I was like “finally a professional piece of gear with a professional UI”!. Whether it is 100% like building and designing your own amp it certainly comes close. I wouldn’t expect anything less from a pro piece of gear. I don’t want the designers to be limited because they have to match the virtual parameters to the real knobs and buttons on the actual thing they’re modeling. Add in the sound quality, touch sensitivity and every other excellent aspect of Fractal and it’s a no brainer.
If I let all the learning curves I had to overcome through the years of really great gear keep me from experiencing the very best I would be such a lesser person. The Fractal UI is exactly what I want and hope they’re never pushed away from it. This doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t welcome any efficiencies that the smart people at FAS devise. Like someone said “nothing is ever perfect” and improvements when needed, should be implemented. Not being afraid of adding improvements is something FAS can never be accused of not doing!
So that’s my way more than $.02 worth of opinion.
They might not need to - they could outsource this. Replace the pedal graphics in the release, test, deploy - as simple as that.
Tip is to always start with all the EQ at 12 o'clock, and work from there if needed.
). The drummer is pretty loud, and the bass keeps up with him, hehehe... So the main challenge is to fit in the mix and be heard. And that worked very well!