AFAIK, you can currently do just one at a time with the FM3 or FM9 (one Pitch Block).
So, AFAIK, you cannot use the virtual capo and a whammy/detune/other pitch effect at the same time...?
There is some limited form of pitch algorithm in the Reverb block too though — again AFAIK.
Make sure to make sure
I'd recommend reading the FM3 and FM9 manuals, as they explain the units' capabilities, and ways to use them, and will give you a headstart toward working with them. The Blocks Guide is also good to read as it shows which blocks and how many are available on the units.
Yeah, "need" is usually relative of course. But let's say you don't want to retune for a modern EVH sound, you'd want the virtual capo for Eb and the detuning effect. Many scenarios like this. As long as you know that in advance, you can decide how to deal with it.
I must respectfully -yet completely- disagree.
Sweet! I wont be using it with clean tones anyways.
Well, I guess that's the kicker - there is only one Pitch block, so if you actually did need both, then yes, you would need the Axe III (or an external pitch pedal), as both the FM9 and FM3 only have one instance of the Pitch block.
For down-tuning plus a basic whammy effect you can use the Advanced Whammy pitch type. For example, to get 1/2 step down with +1 octave whammy, set "start" and "stop" parameters to -1 and +11. This method will add less latency, sound better and use less CPU% than two pitch shifters in series, so it makes sense to use it when possible on the Axe-FX III as well.
Too add to this. I bought and returned an FM9 because the pitch shifting wasn’t that much of an improvement. Its slightly less warbly but not really “better” IMO.
Hearing this is actually really depressing as I use an FM3 to pitch shift for my band, while I don't notice any issues, I also have never used anything else in comparison, so I definitely wouldn't know.... that being said, it's seems like the FM3 has been able to get almost everything the III or FM9 have, sans enough CPU for complex presets and what not. Can you 100% say that the tech wont eventually come to the FM3? I'm genuinely not interested in owning an FM9, and upgrading to a III and buying an FC-6 really isn't ideal either monetarily. Just kinda bummed to hear this.
Again; it's not true, so fear not. I verified this using rigorous objective latency testing as well as many, MANY gigs. The FM3 is on par with the Axe Fx III (and, by extension, the FM9) in terms of Virtual Capo. But yes, it was confirmed that the EXACT algorithm on the Axe Fx III will NEVER come to the FM3. But, again, the one it's got is just as good (I own both and can neither HEAR a difference nor did I find a difference during my objective latency tests). As @Thirtyandseven noted above, the Axe III and FM9's VC may be a tiny bit less warbly for cleans, that's the only time you'd hear a difference and they all sound so terrible on cleans anyway that you wouldn't want to use it. NO COMPANY has a poly pitch shifter that actually sounds good on clean guitar.
