Thanks, I meant the pitch block! I've edited the post.
The CPU demands vary with each update. I believe the last update for Aries (so just prior to Cygnus) lowered the CPU demands. Same thing could happen with future updates.I just got my fm3 about a month ago so I'm only familiar with Cygnus. I am coming from Helix where I'm used to free updates. The fact you think most other companies would be wanting a grand for the updates definitely confirms you were an "anti-modeler" guy until now
I'm not trying to sound entitled though and I really appreciate the consistent updates and upgrades the Fractal team puts out. It's part of the appeal. I'm just asking if the cpu usage increase might be a bug, because it does feel like backwards progress. Usually blocks/effects are optimized for lower cpu usage in updates. But maybe the quality was increased for some blocks?
I haven't updated to 4.1 yet but I will when I get back home tomorrow as I'm eager to try the new delays. I was just a little worried as I know many of my presets are around the 79-80% mark. But what made me think it might be a bug is the fact that the admins in this thread have been asking about the increased usage and asking users to upload the presets in question.
The Fm3 is the coolest guitar related thing I've bought in years as well.
Read https://wiki.fractalaudio.com/wiki/index.php?title=CPU_usage#CPU_usage_per_block_and_effect_type to get an idea how to save CPU.
I should add that I’m very familiar with signal processors with F/W (my first MFX unit was in 1990) that always promised updates that would add functionality, but usually would only be fixes for major bugs. Then in a year or so there was a new fangled gadget they were marketing. (In first post I meant a grand for a whole new piece of hardware…mainly “screw our existing customers, let’s get some new suckers”) I suppose the market and competition in the modeling world is more intense today and so others offer more now. Also part of it is due to the lower cost larger EPROMs being used. I still stand behind that no other company would bring a lower cost (by more than half) product in line with their flagship like Fractal has. It may all be self interest since I have been realizing how many own both and for a reason. So by making them similarly compatible helps sell more of each.I just got my fm3 about a month ago so I'm only familiar with Cygnus. I am coming from Helix where I'm used to free updates. The fact you think most other companies would be wanting a grand for the updates definitely confirms you were an "anti-modeler" guy until now
I'm not trying to sound entitled though and I really appreciate the consistent updates and upgrades the Fractal team puts out. It's part of the appeal. I'm just asking if the cpu usage increase might be a bug, because it does feel like backwards progress. Usually blocks/effects are optimized for lower cpu usage in updates. But maybe the quality was increased for some blocks?
I haven't updated to 4.1 yet but I will when I get back home tomorrow as I'm eager to try the new delays. I was just a little worried as I know many of my presets are around the 79-80% mark. But what made me think it might be a bug is the fact that the admins in this thread have been asking about the increased usage and asking users to upload the presets in question.
The Fm3 is the coolest guitar related thing I've bought in years as well.
Yes this is definitely possible.
The short, practical answer is that latency is vastly reduced on the Axe III's Virtual Capo (a mode in the Pitch Block). I'm not sure if there are other optimizations in other modes in the pitch block, but I only use the Virtual Capo in my cover band to cover songs tuned down a half step as well as other songs we need to drop a full step. The latency is nearly double in the FM3. In a full band context, it's still usable, as long as you're just playing rhythm parts and there's lots of other instruments playing, but you'll never play anything precise or fast and have it feel good an connected with the immediacy you're expecting. With the Axe III, there's still some noticeable latency, but it's so much better than it used to be before it was improved (which is the version the FM3 still has and might always have).
I think that another way of looking at this is that the scope and magnitude of Fractal Audio updates is more on par with what most companies would offer in a platform upgrade. Do other companies now offer free firmware updates? Yes! Do they invest as much energy into improving already successful products with as much time and energy and responsiveness? Not in my experience.
Hard agree
"I have owned early Line 6 stuff and they were partially responsible for my distaste for modeling." lol I totally get that! I had a Line 6 Spider II modelling amp that was an absolute abomination! Made me steer clear of Line 6 for almost a decade after.I should add that I’m very familiar with signal processors with F/W (my first MFX unit was in 1990) that always promised updates that would add functionality, but usually would only be fixes for major bugs. Then in a year or so there was a new fangled gadget they were marketing. (In first post I meant a grand for a whole new piece of hardware…mainly “screw our existing customers, let’s get some new suckers”) I suppose the market and competition in the modeling world is more intense today and so others offer more now. Also part of it is due to the lower cost larger EPROMs being used. I still stand behind that no other company would bring a lower cost (by more than half) product in line with their flagship like Fractal has. It may all be self interest since I have been realizing how many own both and for a reason. So by making them similarly compatible helps sell more of each.
I have owned early Line 6 stuff and they were partially responsible for my distaste for modeling. Besides the stuff sounding and feeling awful they were always wanting more money for add-ons. I saw it as a scam back 20 years ago. I do understand that the Helix is not the stuff of years ago.
I had assumed you were referring to the 4.01 upgrade as that seems to be where some have found CPU issues. I also was thrown by the synth block part. Excellent pitch effects take tons of processing power to do in real time. I have an Eventide H9 that I use in the loop to get some more pitch effects or offload the CPU. Although, I’m blown away by the FM3’s pitch algorithms and sound quality even though I see many complain about it. There is so much stuffed into that little box.
You may already know this stuff, but I found this very enlightening on CPU usage and how much goes into making these gadgets put smiles on our faces. It helps if you understand some of the electrical theory discussed, but it still is lay person enough to have meaning. The forum post and “I’ve cracked the code“ section in particular.
https://forum.fractalaudio.com/thre...version-13-00-public-beta.164208/post-1968588
https://wiki.fractalaudio.com/wiki/...eling_improvements_in_firmware_Ares_and_later
Yeah I'm a total Fractal noob so I'm not too familiar with the frequency of updates and its usual content. The 4.01 is the first update so far for me. But I had heard through the grapevine that Fractal are a step ahead of the competition when it comes to updates and goodies. I remember seeing a thread on TGP not long ago where someone was complaining about the delays and soon after the Fractal team responded with the new delays and features. That's top class responsiveness for sure!
Too late Marco updated last week , do you need to reset your presets
you have to reset all preset as described in the release note.
Just to be clear. The Upgrade preset functionality described in the release notes does not increase the CPU usage for a preset. You will experience the same CPU usage whether or not you performed the upgrade. These CPU increases are due to improved functionality in several blocks.
Me too! I jump on by pure dumb luck at a good time. I had been following Fractal from all the way back when Dweezil Zappa started praising them. I was still skeptical for a long time. Then a Floyd tribute band (Brit Floyd) went all Fractal and I was very impressed. The main thing though is I had become very hampered by arthritis in my hands and wrists and became very depressed and just about gave up playing. Hardly played in 5 years. Part was due to the pain and the other part was due to the fact that I knew I couldn’t haul gear around anymore. Especially the heavy tube amps and cabs I love. I also swore I was done spending huge money on gear. (Didn’t buy anything in that 5 years, that was a miracle
) By chance I saw the FM3. I thought they only had the couple grand rack unit. I fretted and spent 2 months going back and forth whether I should pull the trigger. I ordered the FM3 and EV1 on May 15 and got it in about a week and a week later they announced the Cygnus update. I had no idea about how open and honest the company was about updates, problems, valuable tech information, etc.. When the owner and chief engineer talk to their customers like regular people on the forum that says a lot to me.
That and wrist support and lots of warm up and stretching. The FM3 allows me to get the big tones I love in a small package.
I tried reinstalling the new FM Edit software but that didn’t correct the connectivity issue. Coincidentally, after the screen went blank upon rebooting the FM3, it connected to FM Edit right away. I’ll go back to 4.01 later tonight.
Man this post went completely past me! Glad to hear you didn't give up playing and are able to play today! Healthy body is definitely not to be taken for granted. Been dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome a bit lately and it's no fun!Me too! I jump on by pure dumb luck at a good time. I had been following Fractal from all the way back when Dweezil Zappa started praising them. I was still skeptical for a long time. Then a Floyd tribute band (Brit Floyd) went all Fractal and I was very impressed. The main thing though is I had become very hampered by arthritis in my hands and wrists and became very depressed and just about gave up playing. Hardly played in 5 years. Part was due to the pain and the other part was due to the fact that I knew I couldn’t haul gear around anymore. Especially the heavy tube amps and cabs I love. I also swore I was done spending huge money on gear. (Didn’t buy anything in that 5 years, that was a miracle
Most of all it has me playing more than I have in a long time. Got my spirits up enough to get serious about treatment and physical therapy and right now the pain is manageable. Although, treatment includes having a combination of Cortisone and Lubricating Gel injected into my joints periodically.
