Luth2000
Inspired
Hi everyone - I've had an XL+, and then a FM3 for a decent number of years now, using the FM3 primarily for traveling with my job (so I can jam in hotel rooms), as well as recording in my home studio. I've been a studious member of this forum and appreciate all of you, especially the high-end users who share a lot of hours to support those of us with less fractal experience. I upgraded my MAC to an M2 Pro this past year, and of course reaped the benefit of better USB performance with the FM3, and the all around upgrades we all experience with a new computer.
Recently, Glenn posted another clarification on the FM3 board that suggested that the FM3 may possibly never get to the USB performance of the AxeFX3, and that the latency issues (albeit with go around techniques) would unlikely improve. That post was kind of a dawning of realization for me, for the amount of time I record easily trumps the away time, and with recent Reverb sales of a Mesa Lonestar and the XL+, I was in affordable budget territory to step up to the Axe3. 4 days later I'm enjoying the Mark 2 Turbo, and I'm here to report the difference is night/day to the FM3. Perhaps not in Guitar sound from presets as much, but the high-end fidelity feeding my Focal Speakers from the M2/AXE3 is far superior. I didn't change anything but the fractal units (same USB cable), and the detail, width, smoothness and power of music is quite impressive. I have to think that the USB speed and processing of the AXE3 is the major deal.
Of course the enjoyment of guitar playing is excellent as well - with what seems to be unlimited preset space and percentage limits that are quite low. I also like the more defined input A/D adjustment. I've just started using the III, and I know i'LL be uncovering a lot in the next months. I've upgraded as I'm contemplating retirement - good timing!
I'm fortunate to have made the change, but it has made me reflect a little on "what took me so long?". I'm mostly a home studio recording guy, I have 7 guitars, etc. When you compare how much we have invested in guitars, and realize we can get state of the art AXE 3 for 2700.00, it seems like the main engine for home studios should be one of the primary investments. Face it, the FM3 is an incredible value, and has served well! And I still have it to travel.
Thanks to all of you here in the community, and Fractal for a solid devotion to musicians and the technology that inspires them!
Recently, Glenn posted another clarification on the FM3 board that suggested that the FM3 may possibly never get to the USB performance of the AxeFX3, and that the latency issues (albeit with go around techniques) would unlikely improve. That post was kind of a dawning of realization for me, for the amount of time I record easily trumps the away time, and with recent Reverb sales of a Mesa Lonestar and the XL+, I was in affordable budget territory to step up to the Axe3. 4 days later I'm enjoying the Mark 2 Turbo, and I'm here to report the difference is night/day to the FM3. Perhaps not in Guitar sound from presets as much, but the high-end fidelity feeding my Focal Speakers from the M2/AXE3 is far superior. I didn't change anything but the fractal units (same USB cable), and the detail, width, smoothness and power of music is quite impressive. I have to think that the USB speed and processing of the AXE3 is the major deal.
Of course the enjoyment of guitar playing is excellent as well - with what seems to be unlimited preset space and percentage limits that are quite low. I also like the more defined input A/D adjustment. I've just started using the III, and I know i'LL be uncovering a lot in the next months. I've upgraded as I'm contemplating retirement - good timing!
I'm fortunate to have made the change, but it has made me reflect a little on "what took me so long?". I'm mostly a home studio recording guy, I have 7 guitars, etc. When you compare how much we have invested in guitars, and realize we can get state of the art AXE 3 for 2700.00, it seems like the main engine for home studios should be one of the primary investments. Face it, the FM3 is an incredible value, and has served well! And I still have it to travel.
Thanks to all of you here in the community, and Fractal for a solid devotion to musicians and the technology that inspires them!