Would love answers/advice/guidance about: How come it's the same fw for mk1 and mk2? I know there's different functionality... so i'm confused... just install this on my Ax3 mk1 and certain features will be ignored and not be installed? Or will i have non functioning controls and/or tabs on the cab block/user banks/axedit?
Because basically they're the same device, the only differences are the available memory and the display. That the Turbo shares the same memory and display as the Mk II, only it runs faster, puts it in the same class. And, when the firmware is written it can ignore those differences, or it can honor them, or pick and choose depending on what the developers want it to do. For reduced development effort, and reduced support needs, it makes a lot of sense to make it as universal as possible. Splitting development into two, or three, or n, separate files works against us and Fractal.
Just some commentary: I'm used to the old way of fw updates! I think it would be great to have separate fw links for mk1 and mk2! Then Mk1 users get their own specific FW, written and verified and tested with "love"... instead of "you'll use only what applies to lesser units from now on"... Is the Mk1 to be declared to be EOL soon (due to lack of Turbo and NV memory)?
Looking at it as "you'll use only what applies to lesser units from now on", or that Fractal would have that attitude toward the users, is a very negative way of viewing what is an industry standard for software development, and has been proven to work better. It's not really about you, it's definitely not about segmenting the FX3 line into a "lesser" or a worst, better, best range. There's been absolutely no mention that the Mk I will be dropped or ignored in any way, to the contrary, by using unified firmware it's guaranteed to remain relevant. It currently runs Cygnus as well as the Mk II does, and Cliff has already said he has more ideas to try to fit the functionality into the Mk I. That passion and effort toward a "lesser" unit is remarkable, so I'd urge looking at this and Fractal's effort in a lot more positive light.
Even if they did decide to stop development for the Mk I, does that mean it'll immediately stop working? Absolutely not. People are still using the previous generations of FAS devices quite happily. Does it mean it'll immediately lose value? Nope, look at what older FAS devices are still selling for. Besides, did you buy to wring the life out of it until it didn't do what you needed, or as a collector's piece? I suspect you intended to use it until it didn't meet your needs.
https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/axe-fx-iii-firmware-release-version-17-00.177099/post-2155039
And,
Cliff said he has ideas to try to implement it in the Mk I. And, if he does, won't all that angst be wasted energy?