FM3 Firmware Version 10.0 public beta

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Wow, just wow. Cliff and company, I don’t know if I just forgot how good the FM3 (and Fractal products in general) are, or if firmware 10 really is a game-changer!

I’m all about convenience when it comes to recording, so I’ve been using TH-U for years with my own tone-matched guitar patches (created with Ozone). But honestly, TH-U just doesn’t have that “bouncy, rubbery” feel when playing high-gain amps the way the FM3 does. Plus, the high end on the FM3 isn’t harsh or piercing, it’s actually pleasing. I spent over an hour last night just playing through the presets and scenes.

Is it just me, or does every preset flow seamlessly into the next without any pauses or delays? Was it like this in firmware 9.x too?

Also, I really appreciate the “input clipping” indicator in the small tuner! Maybe having the tuning key displayed next to it (as an option) would be a nice touch?

Great job on 10.x. It sounds phenomenal, especially the presets. It’s so good, I might just go back to the hassle of recording DIs and manually reamping, just to take advantage of it killer tones.
 
thanks man really helpful for me but i want to say
i cant use "fm3 edit" because via midi-usb cable it doesnt able to work i can only use the unit itself for editor it's super easy large screen
i will only use "fractal bot" to update so this will be proper update ?

You can still update the FW and use either Fractal Bot or FM3 Edit via the MIDI sockets on the FM3, instead of the USB socket.

Whichever software you use, you will need to select the Roland USB/MIDI in the Preferences > Communication port.

Once the link is established you can push FW10 across. There is no other way to get it in ... USB or the MIDI socket - This Is The Way
 
I haven't tried the beta yet - waiting for it be released and settled first, I know I'm being over-cautious compared to some :)

Noticed on the release notes
FM3 Release Notes "Improved Filter block Touch-Wah detector behavior"
would this apply to the Envelope Filter as well does anyone know? I'm looking forward to trying this one for some more bass playing funky goodness!
 
I haven't been a fractal user very long. I tend to use devices that profile and capture, Tonex (meh), Kemper, Headrush, and Quad Cortex (really good), along with NAM, etc. I purchased the FM3 a few months ago to add to my collection because I knew it had the best models of any modeler, and was always envious. While I like the FM3, and endless tweakability (I am a tube amp builder), there was something not quite there for me in an organic way. Difficult to explain and highly subjective.

This update has added a feel-sound that is more organic than it was, at least to me. It isn't something I can put my finger right on, but there is some air in the spatial effects and cabs that I wasn't enjoying before. The Amps have always been exceptional and the clear industry standard. If I was in front of Mr. Cliff I would shake his hand. But since I can't do that, I will save up for an Axe-FX III.
 
Okay so I've reworked my compressor usage, adjusted my reverb for cpu usage and then Leon Todd puts out a video showing me the delays built into the reverb. Back into the lab. This update is phenomenal stuff! I'm dyna cab exclusive now too.

Only thing I've noticed is I'm fairly certain my input pad level was changed when updating to new firmware.
 
Noted and wondered if I am nuts but asking why these amps sound and feel so much better or is it my imagination:

Big Hair
JS410
CAE amps
It’s not your imagination. There are overall improvements to the amp modeling, some of which affect all models.
 
It’s not your imagination. There are overall improvements to the amp modeling, some of which affect all models.
Agree 100%. I particularly notice it with legato playing - the notes are "sharper" for lack of a better word. Not to mention, the fact that delay and shimmer made their way into the reverb block. I really didn't think we would ever see that on the FM3 - mad respect to FAS for figuring that out.
 
I seem to be having a problem with losing audio when adding a block. Its two complex of an issue to narrow down to one block in particular so far. For a test case I cleared a preset and connected input 1 to output 2, which is how I use the unit. It works fine and signal passes as it should. when I add an amp block, audio cuts out and I can't figure out why. Shunting the block does not return audio, which is why I think this a bug. I've included the simple preset file in case support wants to take a look.


update: Reinstalling the firmaware seems to have solved it. we'll see....
 

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I seem to be having a problem with losing audio when adding a block. Its two complex of an issue to narrow down to one block in particular so far. For a test case I cleared a preset and connected input 1 to output 2, which is how I use the unit. It works fine and signal passes as it should. when I add an amp block, audio cuts out and I can't figure out why. Shunting the block does not return audio, which is why I think this a bug. I've included the simple preset file in case support wants to take a look.


update: Reinstalling the firmaware seems to have solved it. we'll see....
Your preset works fine here. Make sure the Output 2 Level knob is turned up.
 
Amazing update.
Two things from me:
1. 082 Petrucci 2025 preset, sounds a bit muffed to me. Just a bit. May be the choice of the IR's is not exactly matching the recent Petrucci sound...may be it is only me. What is your opinion?
2. I am playing JP15- stereo Y -cable - In1 and In2, and only yesterday the sound of the piezo was very strange. I thought that my battery drained, and I plugged the guitar in the Focusrite, and through Archetype Petrucci, the piezo sound was normal. Plugged it again in FM3 - same strange piezo sound. Changed cables - same, build new preset - same. Used left IN2 instead of right - same.
I restarted the FM3 - the problem disappeared, and I was not able to reproduce it anymore.
 
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