ICONS sounds better than FM9 for only 300 €

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Sinfirma23

Sinfirma23

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I recently saw a video comparing the sound of the ICONS against the Fractal FM9. The guy who did the comparison had ICONS as option A and Fractal FM9 as option B, and ICONS clearly demonstrated superior clarity and definition. Looking into it on the Fractal website, I saw that ICONS uses Dynacabs HD (High Definition). The question is: why does a €300 plugin sound better than a €2,400 FM9? This is all very disappointing and makes me consider going back to traditional amplifiers.

I spent 2.400 € in a FM9 and now a plugin sounds better for only 300€...:(

Video here!!
 
Hi...
I don't know Spanish, but in the video you can't see how he connected the FM9 to the computer... via USB? Analog output to the audio interface? The two things he makes us hear are absolutely different, but in my opinion, this video is unreliable... some information is missing. And in any case, how do you do it in a live show? Do you bring the computer... and the audio interface?
 
Sounds like the input of the plugin was driven a little harder, it’s most noticeable in the crunch and lead clips. Also maybe whatever interface he’s using for the plugin has a different sounding hi-z input. He even says he matched the settings but didn’t try to make them sound the same, which I suspect you could do so with the input trim and the amp’s treble knob.
 
strabes said:
Sounds like the input of the plugin was driven a little harder, it’s most noticeable in the crunch and lead clips. Also maybe whatever interface he’s using for the plugin has a different sounding hi-z input. He even says he matched the settings but didn’t try to make them sound the same, which I suspect you could do so with the input trim and the amp’s treble knob.
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Yeah, seems like there are more factors at play here. In my main group, our keyboardist handles the PA and he controls it all digitally. I don’t get a lot of insight into the settings. My FM9 sounds great through the FOH speakers, but I’m always a little disappointed with the direct signal he captures at the mixer. I’m not sure what magic is going on when the signal hits the PA speakers, but the direct signal - especially with distorted/overdriven settings - sounds very grainy in the recorded direct captured tone compared to what is coming out of the PA. I assume it’s something in the direct recording process within the mixer and the signal is getting affected. I’m hearing a bit of that same issue here.
 
Well... I know this guy fairly well, and I don't think he's someone who doesn't know how to use a DAW, FM9, or any audio equipment. In fact, he has tons of Fractal tutorials. I've also compared FM9 with ICONS and noticed a difference using the same amps and cabs but my computer is old and can´t run ICONS, it doesn't work smoothly. If anyone has compared these systems, please share your experience.
 
The plugin is more up to date with the Axe III firmware -- the FM9 hasn't had an update in "ages"... Next week or after the FM3, I suspect.
 
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I think the general theory behind this question is on the minds of many Fractal users. To put it another way, assuming a state-of-the-art interface, and I think the Axe III qualifies, the future of modeling seems to be ICONS. This very much implies doubt about the utility of a future Axe IV.
 
terminator smile GIF by ADWEEK
 
BROCKSTAR said:
1 1/2 months is ages? lol FM9 and FM3 just got updated in January.
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I said "ages," not ages ;)
I've been specifically waiting for the next one to finally have "the definitive update," and yes, it's starting to feel like "forever"... When the previous one came out we could already see must-have features in the new III firmware, which is not always the case to me.
So let's say my last update has been ages... ;)
 
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mglemley said:
I think the general theory behind this question is on the minds of many Fractal users. To put it another way, assuming a state-of-the-art interface, and I think the Axe III qualifies, the future of modeling seems to be ICONS. This very much implies doubt about the utility of a future Axe IV.
Click to expand...
Plugin and hardware are very different formats and functionalities for very different uses, despite both producing guitar sounds in the end. Bedrom shredders regularly fail to see this.
 
I never had lack of clarity and great sound on my FM3, certainly not muddy. Matter of fact I had to tame the high end a bit.

I didn't tried ICONS - but for my purpose is useless as I need a unit to play live.
 
I’d need to know the entire recording chain, etc to assess whether the sonic comparison is useful, but the FM9 has a huge expanse of amp models and FX models (not just one class of amp models) and is a hardware device with many switches, digital and analog I/O, display, and control input options, and that can be used to control other gear, and it’s a standalone unit that doesn’t require the user to provide a computer, DAW software, and interface in order to use. Perhaps you don’t play live, though, so don’t see the difference?

In any event, if you don’t see the value in the FM9 you should sell it and just use plugins.
 
Sinfirma23 said:
Well... I know this guy fairly well, and I don't think he's someone who doesn't know how to use a DAW, FM9, or any audio equipment. In fact, he has tons of Fractal tutorials. I've also compared FM9 with ICONS and noticed a difference using the same amps and cabs but my computer is old and can´t run ICONS, it doesn't work smoothly. If anyone has compared these systems, please share your experience.
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Perhaps it's not about doubting his capability to do any of these things, but more about correct documentation and transparency as to double check the conditions actually apply for a true comparison between products. This allows for anybody else to replicate these findings, as well as to point out possible corrections to the methodology.
 
Murdox said:
Yeah, seems like there are more factors at play here. In my main group, our keyboardist handles the PA and he controls it all digitally. I don’t get a lot of insight into the settings. My FM9 sounds great through the FOH speakers, but I’m always a little disappointed with the direct signal he captures at the mixer. I’m not sure what magic is going on when the signal hits the PA speakers, but the direct signal - especially with distorted/overdriven settings - sounds very grainy in the recorded direct captured tone compared to what is coming out of the PA. I assume it’s something in the direct recording process within the mixer and the signal is getting affected. I’m hearing a bit of that same issue here.
Click to expand...
In my experience, recordings of a FOH mix tend to sound pretty horrible when not going through PA speakers at a high volume level in a larger environment. For example, we have a very resonant room at church, so when you're there, bass levels are very punchy and effective, but when you listen to the mix on headphones or on a personal stereo, the bass is too quiet and the treble is much too loud and harsh.
 
This question is better answered with actual experience rather than being told.

Every rebuttal will create a new rebuttal and I don’t believe the more cynical minded are all that interested in having their minds changed.
 
Sinfirma23 said:
I recently saw a video comparing the sound of the ICONS against the Fractal FM9. The guy who did the comparison had ICONS as option A and Fractal FM9 as option B, and ICONS clearly demonstrated superior clarity and definition. Looking into it on the Fractal website, I saw that ICONS uses Dynacabs HD (High Definition). The question is: why does a €300 plugin sound better than a €2,400 FM9? This is all very disappointing and makes me consider going back to traditional amplifiers.

I spent 2.400 € in a FM9 and now a plugin sounds better for only 300€...:(

Video here!!
Click to expand...
Well then, you should do it. I own a Fractal device...but I love real amps, they sound great. That's why we are all here...WE LOVE AMPS. The Fractal units would be nowhere without the beautiful sound of Hot tubes. The world needs musicians who feel the calling, its not always easy (or healthy) to lug around those heavy works of iconic vintage tech. Fractal units are close enough to the real thing (live), that I don't feel silly standing on stage. I know that my sound is solid. But you should dust off, your old amp and get it cooking!
 
Hearing (your own first person use of a product) is believing, no matter what comparison is being made between audio devices. If you can’t afford to try both, get the one you can and enjoy that! They’ll both sound good if they’re coming from FAS. There are simply too many unknowns in video comparisons to make all-encompassing statements from them. Your ears and experience with a product is the only 100% reliable method of choosing.
 
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