FM3 Firmware Version 4.00

FM3 Firmware Version 4.00 is now available for download:
https://www.fractalaudio.com/downloads/firmware-presets/fm3/4p0/fm3_dsp_rel_4p00.zip

A new version of FM3-Edit is required for this release:
https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/fm3-edit-1-05-00.174071/

There are also new factory presets optimized for Cygnus:
https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/fm3-factory-presets-version-4-0-cygnus.174072/

CYGNUS AMP MODELING
Firmware 4.0 brings Cygnus Amp Modeling from the Axe-Fx III to the FM3. Cygnus uses new SpectrumTrack™ Technology to improve the response of amp models from clean to high gain, ensuring that the frequency response of the model matches the real amp at all levels of input excitation. It delivers truer and more dynamic voicing—especially for models with cascaded gain stages—plus exceptionally satisfying "chugs."​
A new set of FM3 factory preset banks is now available on our web site. These are completely dialed in to showcase the latest and greatest features of the FM3 and Cygnus Amp Modeling. With these new banks installed, you won't need to worry about reset existing factory presets — simply install and enjoy. Please see the ReadMe file included with those presets for installation instructions.​
To update your own presets for use with Cygnus, it is recommended that you reset the amp block for best results. The information contained in the following forum post may be helpful: https://forum.fractalaudio.com/thre...ed-to-know-about-reset-an-amp-iii-fm3.173317/

ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND FIXES IN FIRMWARE 4.0
▪ Added: UltraRes IR support and corresponding “IR Length” parameter in the Cab block.​
▪ Added: New Drive block modeling and types. This block is now in sync with Axe-Fx III.​
▪ Added: Output 2 now has both “Unity Gain” and “Line Level” modes, each with their own sub parameters. A short guide follows after these release notes.​
▪ Added: “USB Buffer Size” parameter. The USB buffer size determines the number of samples and thereby the latency between the FM3 and USB host. Lower settings result in better latency (recording and playback) but smaller sizes may not work well with all hosts. A good rule of thumb is to set the buffer to the smallest possible size, increasing if you encounter any USB audio performance issues. Find USB Buffer Size in the Digital I/O Configuration section of SETUP: I/O: Audio.​
▪ Added: Latest changes to the Reverb block from Axe-Fx III.​
▪ Added: Latest changes from the PEQ from the Axe-Fx III.​
▪ Added: Low and High Cut Slope parameters in the Cab block “Preamp” now extend to 24 dB.​
▪ FC Added: “Bank Access” parameter for Bank Inc/Dec footswitch functions. When set to “ALL” the settings for Bank Lower Limit and Bank Upper Limit are IGNORED. ALL is the new default, so if you wish to enable these limits for bank switches, you must set “Bank Access” to “LIMITED”.​
▪ FC Added: FM3 + FC-12 (“OMG15”) layouts are now built-in and loadable from the Reset page in FC Controllers/Onboard Switches.​
▪ Fixed: USB has been reworked to reduce issues experienced by some customers.​
▪ Fixed: Holding special troubleshooting keys (Home, Enter, etc.) now works correctly.​
▪ Fixed: Output 2 EQ only working when Output 2 block is in the grid.​
▪ Fixed: The PRESETS menu page now correctly displays the active preset.​
▪ Fixed: Pedal calibration will now work correctly for pedals set as “Tuner on Heel Down.”​
▪ Fixed: Inserting Pitch block into a high CPU grid will not hang up the GUI.​
▪ Fixed: Vintage Tape Chorus Delay Time parameter can now exceed 19.85.​
▪ Fixed: Drive Low Cut parameter is now functional.​
▪ Fixed: Aligned Pitch block “Type” names with Axe-Fx III.​
▪ Fixed: Speaker LF response if LF Resonance and Q are set to low values.​
▪ Fixed: IRs in Cabinet picker page now displayed in correct color.​
▪ FC Fixed: Disconnected FCs stand-in switches will no longer trigger during start-up.​
▪ FC Fixed: Footswitches are now resistant to an issue that was causing freezing.​
▪ FC Fixed: Mini-LCDs issues experienced by some customers have been eliminated.​
▪ FC Fixed: Default FC Layouts are now loaded correctly by “Reset System Parameters”.​
▪ FC Fixed: Footswitch preset functions will now honor the global “Default Scene” setting.​

GUIDE TO FM3 OUTPUT 2 UNITY GAIN & LINE LEVEL OPERATION
Output 2 of the FM3 is now able to provide your choice of either unity gain or line level output. The following short guide will help you to make the required settings for either use case.​
UNITY GAIN
To use FM3 Out 2 in unity gain applications, such as when connecting to a tube amp or certain pedals, confirm the following settings in the "Output 2 Configuration" section under SETUP: I/O: Audio​
▪ Output Type: Unity Gain​
▪ Boost/Pad: This optional setting may be increased to lower the noise floor. This can be useful, for example, when connecting to a "gainy" tube amp. Be careful however, as higher settings can cause clipping in the FM3. Watch the Status LEDs and reduce preset levels or turn this setting down if needed.​
▪ Output 2 Copy: Typically, "None", but there are also applications for copying "IN 1" to OUT 2, such as when recording an analog DI at unity gain via Out 2 while also recording the processed signal via Out 1. Remember though that placing an OUT2 block on the grid will override any Output 2 Copy setting, passing instead whatever audio is sent to the block. Other settings such as Level, Boost/Pad, etc. are not affected by the presence of the OUT2 grid block.​
▪ Set Out 2 Mode and Phase as desired. See the FM3 Owner's Manual for additional details.​
For Unity Gain applications, set the Out 2 top panel knob fully clockwise to the highest setting.​
LINE LEVEL
To use FM3 Out 2 for Line Level applications — such as when connecting to FRFR guitar speakers, studio monitors, mixers, etc., confirm the following settings in the "Output 2 Configuration" section under SETUP: I/O: Audio​
▪ Output Type: Line Level​
▪ Output Level: -10dBV or +4dBu (most pro devices operate at +4)​
▪ Output 2 Copy: As desired: "None”, or "Out 1" if you want Out 2 to reproduce the signal at Out 1 without needing an OUT2 grid block. You could use this, for example, when connecting to personal monitors via Out 2 while Out 1 is connected to a house PA. Remember though that placing an OUT 2 block on the grid will override the COPY OUT 2 setting, passing instead whatever audio is sent to the grid block. Other settings such as Output 2 Level (+4/-10) are not affected by the presence of the Out 2 block.​
▪ Set Out 2 Mode and Phase as desired. See the FM3 Owner's Manual for additional details.​
For Line Level applications, set the Out 2 top panel knob as desired, starting fully counterclockwise and then increasing gradually until the desired output level is achieved.​
Thank you @BryantP and FAS Team!
 
Congratulations on the official release of Cygnus for the FM3 and v4.00 firmware. This is a significant, milestone upgrade/update both in sonic quality (Cygnus modeling) and hardware concerns (USB, fan) for the FM3, as well as many new features and additions.

Thanks to everyone at FAS; this one makes you feel that the FM3 has totally 'arrived', ready to kick butt and take names...:cool:
 
Just like it did for Ares before it, the FM3 has its own version of Cygnus. It isn't lockstep with one version or another of the modeling on the Axe-Fx III. One thing I can tell you is that the version released today does include the most recent bias excursion updates from 16.03
Can you make this post a sticky please.
I mean the 1st half.
It will save a lot of BS in the future imho
 
There was an entire thread about the FM3 not sounding like the AXE3. It was stated by many folks that the amp modeling was identical between both products and there should be zero difference between them. Turns out there may be some truth to that.
The core modeling technologies are the same, but not all features are present on the lighter platform. For example, the FM3 doesn't have input dynamics or bias trem. At present, it doesn't have Master Bias Excursion. This is what I mean by different versions not necessarily in lockstep.
 
Help! Just used fm3 edit to to the fractal bot firmware upgrade and my unit is bricked.

After powering off and powering on again it is stuck at the bootloader screen.

I tried holding the edit key while coming out no difference.

I went frrom beta 3 to this version. Please advise on things to try.

Thanks!
 
The core modeling technologies are the same, but not all features are present on the lighter platform. For example, the FM3 doesn't have input dynamics or bias trem. At present, it doesn't have Master Bias Excursion. This is what I mean by different versions not necessarily in lockstep.
OK. I get it. Thanks for the clarification.
 
Is there any difference between Beta 5 and the official 4.00 release? I have Beta 5 loaded now and it worked like a charm last night at rehearsal. I have three gigs this weekend starting tomorrow and it will be tight to find time to load the latest version? I'll find time if needed? Please advise. Thanks again!
 
Is there any difference between Beta 5 and the official 4.00 release? I have Beta 5 loaded now and it worked like a charm last night at rehearsal. I have three gigs this weekend starting tomorrow and it will be tight to find time to load the latest version? I'll find time if needed? Please advise. Thanks again!
the release has fixed some minor bugs of beta 5
 
Is there any difference between Beta 5 and the official 4.00 release? I have Beta 5 loaded now and it worked like a charm last night at rehearsal. I have three gigs this weekend starting tomorrow and it will be tight to find time to load the latest version? I'll find time if needed? Please advise. Thanks again!

You should err on the safe side & wait to update on Monday...
 
Thanks! Bought the fm3 after considering every option out there for months. After hearing the various preliminary Cygnus videos i decided to at least "try" the fm3 looking forward to full release. Pre cygnus honestly i didn't care for the Axe. I just don't think it sounded much greater than even the cheaper options out there so it was basically tube amp or nothing. After hearing a few videos of the difference between pre cygnus and cygnus, to me it was an immense improvement. So glad i bought it when i did. I had the ultra back in the day when they released. Cool unit, didn't grab me over the vintage gear i already had. But one thing i did remember was the incredible support from FAS and from the community, and that absolutely factored into my decision to try the fm3. So thanks to all.
 
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