The Turbo was a workaround to get production working again by moving to chips that were more available. In other words, it was a necessity.
IF Fractal was able to get an accelerated chip in the same size die and it didn’t cause any problems with heat or require any other changes then they would probably consider it, but if it forced the price to be raised then they might have second thoughts. The FM3 has several appealing aspects: flexibility, size, and price, and they’re worth being maintained.
I’d love to see an FM3 Pt. Deux with the processing speed of the FM9. It’d be a little monster connected to an FC6, but the current FM3 is no slouch.
If all is workable as above, they should just sell the mother boards for a user upgrade, and maybe an upgraded fan if need be, cheap and easy (just like a PC).
I think in this case, the timing was not in their control. Not sure why the FM3 wouldn’t be affected by the chip shortages… but maybe they’ve found a way around it?So, let me translate based on my experiences here- Yes there is something in the works for a refresh for both the Axe III/soon IV and FM3 which likely starts with UI refresh and physical changes to accommodate better cooling capacities. Usually these new releases or refreshes are timed as to not diminish/stagnate sales potential of current inventory. So an FM4 would be my guess that includes a bump in specs and an extra foot switch plus it aligns nicely with naming schemes - Axe IV etc.
I doubt it too, as they immediately killed my wish thread way back when LOL!I very much doubt that Fractal will sell / provide motherboards, and I wouldn't be after that ... I'd just like to get my hands on a unit (any unit), and if it comes with a little something extra that it didn't have yesterday, then I'm happy ...
Where's your reference for an Axe IV? I thought I'd previously read there were no plans for such a beast at present. And, other than wishful thinking in this thread, where's the reference for something being in the works for the FM3? Just want to make sure I didn't miss anything.So, let me translate based on my experiences here- Yes there is something in the works for a refresh for both the Axe III/soon IV and FM3
Yeah, I thought I recalled that statement, but couldn't be certain. It can't see that it really makes any sense at this time anyway. Just want to prevent any misconceptions from taking hold.It has been stated by Cliff and co there are no plans for AFIV. Fm3....not sure.
FWIW, here's a video explaining the chip shortage in an interesting way, I haven't heard it expressed like this and I am hip deep in the shortage in my day job. Turns out the chip shortages are due to a combination of older technology being deemed more reliable by auto makers, and that tech not being the best place to put money if you're a die plant. It makes more sense to invest in the newer die tech, not the older. The current chip bill about to be signed has money allocated for older die technology to develop more of that capacity.
What does this mean? I would guess the main IC shortages now have older die tech as well as being used in automotive applications. Newer microcontrollers and memory ICs may not be as affected. That's why the older glue microcontroller in one of our products has a 99 week lead time and all vendors are out of stock, but the new industrial microSD I had to specify yesterday has a 20 week lead time and tons in stock at multiple vendors.
Are you happy with your current tone and ability to dial in the rigs you want? I play an FM3 in my band and our lead player still rocks an AX8. He sounds just as good as I do, if not better every show. He’s a phenomenally talented player and hasn’t touched his settings in years. My point is that there are some downsides to getting used to constant updates. We are always jonesing for that next hit…er….update. If the updates for the FM3 stopped today, I would be satisfied with my product and ability to dial in great tone. Will the resale value drop when the next generation hits? Sure, but damn this thing does so much. I can’t see someone not finding value in that down the line.I'd personally be really bummed about the release of a FM3 turbo. One of my biggest fears with going digital was advancements leaving my product obsolete or undesirable. I look at all the AxeFX IIs and Ultras on the GC used site and worry that I'll fall behind before I'm ready. This is one of the reasons I haven't bought an Axe3 yet. I'm sure I'm in the minority, but these are just my thoughts.
I'm still confused on where you are getting this info. Can you explain?My point - Plans/ideas for a FM4 and Axe IV have already graced a yellow legal pad or digital equivalent for circuit layouts...