-ADAT I/O
+on-board Blocks Library access.
Excellent, well thought-out list.
Haven't seen it yet, but I trust you!
I agree. CPU doesn't seem to be a limiting factor. We are not at a point yet where suddenly the Axe3 can only run one amp block and the FM3/9 are left behind.
Oh yes : soon ..
A huge +1 to this! More CPU power would be a very welcomed thing......especially when using some of the more power hungry drives.
I don’t know if I’d say these are ‘important’ features. Sure, upgrades are welcome but im not sure anything you listed would move the needle enough to warrant making the current unit a previous gen. I certainly wouldn’t want to make my Axe 3 mkii turbo, which has insane amounts of CPU, a second class system in exchange for the upgrades you listed. I think the refresh cycles will start getting longer. If we’re going to have Axe 4 for 6-10 years I think the new features it carries should justify that.
That’s the beauty of Fractal products…..an Axe III will not lose one bit of its insane power if you choose not to get a IV when they come out. As for me, I say bring it on…there’s plenty of things that will surpass the current offerings.
![[Sandman]](/data/avatars/m/15/15097.jpg?1445662780){kind=avatar}
I asked ChatGPT, probably I don't understand everything, but here is the result:
Based on Fractal Audio's historical release patterns and their current product roadmap, a new flagship product (e.g., an Axe-Fx IV) is most plausibly expected between late 2025 and mid-2026. Here's why:
1. Historical Release Cycle
Since the Axe-Fx III was released in 2018, and its predecessors had lifespans between 5-7 years, 2025-2026 aligns with a realistic window for a next-generation model.
- Axe-Fx Standard & Ultra (2006-2011) → 5 years
- Axe-Fx II (2011-2018) → 7 years
- Axe-Fx III (2018 - present) → 7 years as of 2025
2. Product Support & Firmware Updates
- Fractal Audio continues to provide significant firmware updates to the Axe-Fx III, suggesting they are still extending its lifecycle rather than rushing a replacement.
- However, past trends show that major firmware enhancements often precede a new hardware release.
3. Market Competition & Technological Advances
- Neural DSP Quad Cortex, Kemper's continued evolution, and Line 6's Helix updates may push Fractal Audio to innovate sooner.
- Hardware advancements in DSP processing and AI-driven modeling could be a key driver for a new unit.
4. Fractal's Business Strategy
- Fractal does not rush releases; they focus on stability and quality rather than yearly product cycles.
- The VP4 Virtual Pedalboard (2024) suggests Fractal is still exploring expanding their ecosystem, which might delay a full flagship revamp.
Prediction: Most Likely Release Period
Late 2025 - Mid 2026
If Fractal follows its 7-year cycle, expect an announcement in Q4 2025, with availability in early to mid-2026.
If Fractal Audio releases an Axe-Fx IV between late 2025 and mid-2026, we can expect it to introduce several technological advancements based on current trends in digital amp modeling and audio processing. Here’s a breakdown of the most plausible new features:
1. DSP
- The Axe-Fx III uses dual SHARC+ DSPs, but with DSP advancements in AI-driven processing, we could see quad-core DSP or AI-assisted modeling to compete with Neural DSP's machine learning-based Quad Cortex.
- This could lead to ultra-fast amp profiling, even more accurate real-time dynamics, and lower latency.
- Fractal might introduce a competitor to Neural DSP’s “Capture” technology, allowing users to profile amps, cabs, and pedals with even greater realism.
- Unlike traditional modeling, this would analyze and replicate real amps automatically using AI.
2. Expanded Polyphonic Pitch & Effects Engine
- Faster, more responsive polyphonic pitch-shifting (like EHX's Pitch Fork but with no latency).
- AI-assisted pitch tracking, allowing better tracking for extended-range instruments (7-9 string guitars).
- Expect more accurate recreations of analog gear (stereo reverbs, analog delays, and complex modulation chains).
- Real-time adaptive effects that adjust based on pick attack, similar to AI-assisted compressors and EQs.
3. Higher-Resolution I/O & USB Audio
- Competing high-end modelers (Neural DSP, Kemper) are moving toward higher bit-depth audio, so Fractal could introduce 32-bit floating point processing for enhanced resolution and dynamic range.
- More simultaneous USB channels (e.g., 16-32 I/O channels) for recording multiple wet/dry signals directly into a DAW.
- Standalone DAW integration (like UA Apollo), making the Axe-Fx IV a full studio hub.
4. Seamless Integration with Virtual Pedalboards
- A dedicated Fractal Control App could allow full remote preset editing via Bluetooth.
- Seamless VP4 integration, making Fractal's VP4 Virtual Pedalboard an essential add-on.
- A redesigned FC-12 or FC-6 with high-res color touchscreens, customizable for live performances.
5. AI-Assisted Tone Matching & Dynamic Presets
- AI-driven real-time EQ adaptation to match recorded tones instantly.
- Dynamic Tone Matching that adjusts based on pickup type and volume knob settings.
- No more gapless switching issues—AI could predict and pre-load the next scene for seamless transitions.
6. Future-Proof Hardware & Expandability
- Replaceable DSP chips (like Line 6’s Helix rumored "Helix 2.0" concept) to extend lifespan.
- External expansion slots for future firmware updates or added features.
- While maintaining high build quality, Fractal might shrink the form factor to make it more rack/desktop-friendly.
Final Prediction:
Axe-Fx IV could be the first Fractal unit to integrate AI-driven modeling, real-time neural capture, and adaptive tone shaping—all while refining their industry-leading amp modeling engine.
And here is the mock up:
View attachment 152182
Truly nauseating mockup. Looks like a car stereo I’d have in 2003I asked ChatGPT, probably I don't understand everything, but here is the result:
Based on Fractal Audio's historical release patterns and their current product roadmap, a new flagship product (e.g., an Axe-Fx IV) is most plausibly expected between late 2025 and mid-2026. Here's why:
1. Historical Release Cycle
Since the Axe-Fx III was released in 2018, and its predecessors had lifespans between 5-7 years, 2025-2026 aligns with a realistic window for a next-generation model.
- Axe-Fx Standard & Ultra (2006-2011) → 5 years
- Axe-Fx II (2011-2018) → 7 years
- Axe-Fx III (2018 - present) → 7 years as of 2025
2. Product Support & Firmware Updates
- Fractal Audio continues to provide significant firmware updates to the Axe-Fx III, suggesting they are still extending its lifecycle rather than rushing a replacement.
- However, past trends show that major firmware enhancements often precede a new hardware release.
3. Market Competition & Technological Advances
- Neural DSP Quad Cortex, Kemper's continued evolution, and Line 6's Helix updates may push Fractal Audio to innovate sooner.
- Hardware advancements in DSP processing and AI-driven modeling could be a key driver for a new unit.
4. Fractal's Business Strategy
- Fractal does not rush releases; they focus on stability and quality rather than yearly product cycles.
- The VP4 Virtual Pedalboard (2024) suggests Fractal is still exploring expanding their ecosystem, which might delay a full flagship revamp.
Prediction: Most Likely Release Period
If Fractal Audio releases an Axe-Fx IV between late 2025 and mid-2026, we can expect it to introduce several technological advancements based on current trends in digital amp modeling and audio processing. Here’s a breakdown of the most plausible new features:
1. DSP
- The Axe-Fx III uses dual SHARC+ DSPs, but with DSP advancements in AI-driven processing, we could see quad-core DSP or AI-assisted modeling to compete with Neural DSP's machine learning-based Quad Cortex.
- This could lead to ultra-fast amp profiling, even more accurate real-time dynamics, and lower latency.
- Fractal might introduce a competitor to Neural DSP’s “Capture” technology, allowing users to profile amps, cabs, and pedals with even greater realism.
- Unlike traditional modeling, this would analyze and replicate real amps automatically using AI.
2. Expanded Polyphonic Pitch & Effects Engine
- Faster, more responsive polyphonic pitch-shifting (like EHX's Pitch Fork but with no latency).
- AI-assisted pitch tracking, allowing better tracking for extended-range instruments (7-9 string guitars).
- Expect more accurate recreations of analog gear (stereo reverbs, analog delays, and complex modulation chains).
- Real-time adaptive effects that adjust based on pick attack, similar to AI-assisted compressors and EQs.
3. Higher-Resolution I/O & USB Audio
- Competing high-end modelers (Neural DSP, Kemper) are moving toward higher bit-depth audio, so Fractal could introduce 32-bit floating point processing for enhanced resolution and dynamic range.
- More simultaneous USB channels (e.g., 16-32 I/O channels) for recording multiple wet/dry signals directly into a DAW.
- Standalone DAW integration (like UA Apollo), making the Axe-Fx IV a full studio hub.
4. Seamless Integration with Virtual Pedalboards
- A dedicated Fractal Control App could allow full remote preset editing via Bluetooth.
- Seamless VP4 integration, making Fractal's VP4 Virtual Pedalboard an essential add-on.
- A redesigned FC-12 or FC-6 with high-res color touchscreens, customizable for live performances.
5. AI-Assisted Tone Matching & Dynamic Presets
- AI-driven real-time EQ adaptation to match recorded tones instantly.
- Dynamic Tone Matching that adjusts based on pickup type and volume knob settings.
- No more gapless switching issues—AI could predict and pre-load the next scene for seamless transitions.
6. Future-Proof Hardware & Expandability
- Replaceable DSP chips (like Line 6’s Helix rumored "Helix 2.0" concept) to extend lifespan.
- External expansion slots for future firmware updates or added features.
- While maintaining high build quality, Fractal might shrink the form factor to make it more rack/desktop-friendly.
Final Prediction:
And here is the mock up
View attachment 152182
I predict that the second I move up from my FM3 to an Axe FX3 will be the day or week that the Axe FX4 will be released. And then the 3's will be heavily discounted and I won't be in a finacial position to sell my "new" week old unit to replace it with a "4".
That is how things seem to work in my World. My last car I bought brand new and the above happened. A new MK3 or 4 or whatever came out with newer LED lights, a facelift and better choices in paints...
I am just unlucky.
