Why doesn’t Fractal include expression pedals on their boards?

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Deadlifts_n_Riffs

Member
Picked up a Boss ME-90 as my “I’m ok if I’m playing out and get robbed when I’m not looking” setup and started wondering why Fractal chose to forego built-in expression pedals. Particularly on all-in-one setups like the FM9.

I have the FC12 and haven’t gotten around to picking up the expression pedal, and kinda wish one was just attached to it.
 
I have 2 expression pedals going into my axe-fx 3. However if i ever get my hands on a FC-6 again (i really need one to turn some stuff on/off and regret letting it go over the summer) or FC-12, I'm definitely gonna hook more up to that too lol.
 
i ran a music store years ago. there was a Vox modeler that was very popular.

people constantly brought it back damaged because the built-in expression pedal physically broke. mostly because they picked it up by the pedal, also just because it dropped or broke from heavy usage.

we didn't have parts to fix it, and all these people just had a board with silly looking broken pedal area that was useless. other brands too, but mostly this Vox unit.

some people want a larger pedal, or smaller, or on the left, or far to the right so the mic stand leg is between the switches and pedal.

i think it's a good thing they aren't included personally. it would increase cost and size of the boards, and many of the reasons mentioned above would apply.

fortunately you can pick up your favorite expression pedal that fits your foot and use it (TRS capable of course).
 
WKSmith said:
Because:

Some people don't need them
Some people need one
Some people need two
Some crazy people need 4

Or other Rando scenarios I may have left out.
😁
Click to expand...
I’ll add:

The built-in expression pedal fails.

Now you’re either stuck with a dead expression pedal attached to your floor modeler or even worse, you have to send the entire unit out repair leaving you without your rig.

Bonus scenario:

You like your expression pedal on the opposite side of your floor modeler.
 
Here's my reasons for preferring them separate:
  • My expression pedals are usually not positioned right next to the FM9/FM3 - often at a slight angle too
  • I usually two pedals. But sometimes I don't use any. And sometimes I use one.
  • I use a Fractal EV2 and a different expression pedal that lets me set a minimum value
  • I use the same pair of pedals with the FM9/FM3
  • Isn't the FM9 heavy enough already?
  • I don't want to send back an FM for servicing just because the expression pedal gets busted
 
I never want that pedal built in - I had some unit a long time ago that I can’t remember- might have been a Vox pedalboard thing with 2 of them on it and one broke - no one could fix it. VC12 or something like that. It controlled the Valvetronix I had at the time. I’d much rather buy a cheap Moog expression pedal if one dies.
 
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I never understood this either until the expression pedal on my Helix about 10 years ago broke and I had to take it to a place to have it serviced (was covered under warranty). Even though they fixed it, it still always remained a bit loose. Like others have said too, not having one helps reduce weight and there are generally better options out there. Some people (like me) prefer auto return wah pedals as well.
 
Don't need one fixed to your fractal when you can have a boss one that is indestructible and will survive ww3. Also different sizes. I use a boss ev-30.
 
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