parlopower
Inspired
I just received an email from G66 that my non-headphone FM3 might be available for me in the first week of July. Since a lot of my recording stuff has changed in the last months, I would like to ask a few questions here.
I owned an Axe Fx III before, sold it when the FM3 was announced. Back then, I used a Universal Audio Apollo as audio interface for vocal recording, and the Axe Fx III for guitar recording via USB and also USB reamping. The converters of the Axe fx III are IMO even better than those of the Apollo (which are also not bad at all), so mixing was possible on both and preferred on the III. Downside of that system: When recording songs and you want to swap from vocal recording to guitars, you have to close Cubase, switch off monitors and change the cables from the monitors to the other device, restart etc. etc. It is quite a workflow killer.
Now when I buy a Fractal device again, I want to simplify this and use the Fractal exclusively as audio interface. I will run an analog preamp (probably a Focusrite ISA One) into the line ins and use the Fractal's FX (comp, EQ, delay, reverb) for monitoring FX. No more restarting, swapping devices or cables, etc. So the Fractal device I purchase will be the centerpiece of my studio.
I know that that will work well with the Axe Fx III, since I know that the analog i/o is top quality, AD/DA is top notch, USB reamping is possible, etc.
How is that with the FM3?
The USB reamping during mix playback is a must for me. Apart from that, I just want to make sure that I don't make any quality compromises on what will be the centerpiece of my home studio. I know I would be very happy with the FM3 only for guitar, but since things have changed and it has to be more than just my modeler, I rather spend the 1400€ more on the Axe Fx III than compromising and being unhappy in the long run. What I like About the FM3 is the form factor and of course the lower price makes quite a difference for me.
Any input highly welcome! Thanks in advance.
I owned an Axe Fx III before, sold it when the FM3 was announced. Back then, I used a Universal Audio Apollo as audio interface for vocal recording, and the Axe Fx III for guitar recording via USB and also USB reamping. The converters of the Axe fx III are IMO even better than those of the Apollo (which are also not bad at all), so mixing was possible on both and preferred on the III. Downside of that system: When recording songs and you want to swap from vocal recording to guitars, you have to close Cubase, switch off monitors and change the cables from the monitors to the other device, restart etc. etc. It is quite a workflow killer.
Now when I buy a Fractal device again, I want to simplify this and use the Fractal exclusively as audio interface. I will run an analog preamp (probably a Focusrite ISA One) into the line ins and use the Fractal's FX (comp, EQ, delay, reverb) for monitoring FX. No more restarting, swapping devices or cables, etc. So the Fractal device I purchase will be the centerpiece of my studio.
I know that that will work well with the Axe Fx III, since I know that the analog i/o is top quality, AD/DA is top notch, USB reamping is possible, etc.
How is that with the FM3?
- Is the AD/DA (analog circuitry and converters) comparable quality to the Axe Fx III? (I know the modeling sounds the same.) I would like it to be at least as good as the Apollo's.
- Does it run solidly enough with a DAW to use it as your main interface? I think e.g. also about latency when playing VSTis with a MIDI keyboard.
- Is it possible to reamp with the FM3 a DI track while the mix is running? I know the Axe Fx III can, but the Axe Fx II couldn't, you had to solo the track... how is it with the FM3?
The USB reamping during mix playback is a must for me. Apart from that, I just want to make sure that I don't make any quality compromises on what will be the centerpiece of my home studio. I know I would be very happy with the FM3 only for guitar, but since things have changed and it has to be more than just my modeler, I rather spend the 1400€ more on the Axe Fx III than compromising and being unhappy in the long run. What I like About the FM3 is the form factor and of course the lower price makes quite a difference for me.
Any input highly welcome! Thanks in advance.
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