I adore the FM9 but they do sound a hair different to the Axe III to me!

[FPFL]

Another tip: set the power supply type in the amp block to "DC" otherwise tracks will never null even if they sound identical, cuz the default setting "AC" introduces hum that won't be "synced" between two different reamps, even if made on the same device.

DLC86,

Question. Power supply type? I've never touched this! Using AC introduces hum you say... I don't like hum.

Any reason not to use DC? Is everything set to AC by default? I've got to go look.

Thank you.

 

[Random Hero]

I have all three units, with the same firmware, same volume, IR, settings etc... there's a little difference in sound, the Axe is a little brighter, it's true, but nothing dramatic, they're really close.

Completely agree. Very close. And all killer.

 

[DLC86]

Any reason not to use DC? Is everything set to AC by default? I've got to go look.

Yes, all amps are set to AC by default... anyway, hum introduced here is not a constant noise, it's just the ripple of the power supply that creates ghost notes while you play, and those are part of the sound of a tube amp, so I personally wouldn't set it to DC for normal playing... read here for more info: https://wiki.fractalaudio.com/wiki/index.php?title=Amp_block#SUPPLY_TYPE

 

[Rick]

Completely agree. Very close. And all killer.

In a way, it’s almost more accurate modeling. In the same way two identical amps sound just a shade different, but you can only tell it with side by side testing, and then the differences are minute, the different Fractal units mimic that. I’m sure it’s intentional.

Not really… but it’s a humorous thought.

You did a good job presenting your observations, and avoiding unnecessary controversy, btw!

 

[ApocalypticKatana]

I have done, using both my ears and the test website above. They're different!

I did FM9 v FM9, FM9 v III Best Quality, FM9 v III Min Latency and III Best Quality v III Min Latency.

I want to stress again that I don't think this is a massive deal at all, just a curiosity.

Thanks for sharing, would like to see freq graphs of what frequencies are getting cancelled out and how much by.

 

[Random Hero]

In a way, it’s almost more accurate modeling. In the same way two identical amps sound just a shade different, but you can only tell it with side by side testing, and then the differences are minute, the different Fractal units mimic that. I’m sure it’s intentional.

Not really… but it’s a humorous thought.

You did a good job presenting your observations, and avoiding unnecessary controversy, btw!

Thanks man!

I’m a dyed in the wool Fractal fanboy. Use them professionally on tours etc all over all the time. I’m not out to “gotcha” anyone - I couldn’t anyway, I’m simply a guitar player..! - but I’ve always noticed the Axe to be a little brighter. They all sound amazing and we’re lucky to be living in times where this gear is this good.

 

[Aja]

It sucks when curiosity gets mistaken as negative criticism. I dont think that happened here, but OP having to constantly reassure us...I know how that feels. The internet has trained a lot of us to behave poorly.
Sorry, random thought.

 

[FractalAudio]

Thanks for sharing, would like to see freq graphs of what frequencies are getting cancelled out and how much by.

There is no difference in frequency response. Best Quality uses a linear phase filter. Min Latency uses a minimum phase filter. The frequency response of the filters is the same.

 

[steadystate]

A couple of concurrent firmwares ago, the III and the FM9 sounded significantly different to my ears. I stopped comparing them, because the FM9 sounds wonderful, I couldn't be sure of the cause of the difference, and I have better things to do than comparisons after every firmware release. But if you say you currently hear a difference, I believe you. My advice is to not worry about it and make music.