FM9 Firmware Version 6.00 public beta (1)

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m_brown

m_brown

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Fractal Audio Systems
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FM9 Firmware Version 6.00 public beta 1 is now available for download:
https://www.fractalaudio.com/downloads/firmware-presets/fm9/6p0/fm9_dsp_rel_6p00_public_beta_1.zip

If updating from a firmware version older than 5.00, you will need to use the newest version of Fractal-Bot to install Dyna-Cabs:
https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/fractal-bot-3-00-17.195519/

An updated version of FM9-Edit is required for use with this release:
https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/fm9-edit-1-02-08-to-support-fw-6-00-public-beta.201281/

Version 6.00 - January 23, 2024​

IMPORTANT: Firmware 6.00 includes DynaCab speaker cab simulation technology. If not updating from version 5.00 or higher, this update requires you to install two separate files: 1) the main firmware, and 2) a separate Dyna-Cab file.
To install both files automatically, please use Fractal-Bot (standalone) version 3.00.18 or newer, OR the version of Fractal-Bot that is built into the latest release of FM9-Edit, version 1.02.01, or newer. https://www.fractalaudio.com/fm9-edit/

NEW FEATURES & UPDATES​

  • Gapless Preset/Scene/Channel Switching : A new parameter in SETUP > Global Settings > Gapless Channel/Scene/Preset has three settings; Off, Channel & Scene, and All. For preset changes to use the gapless switching the preset must be saved under the currently running firmware version. To do so, perform a “store” operation on the preset from the FM9 panel using the “STORE” key. Alternatively, use the Save Preset (ctrl + s) function from the FM9-Edit Preset Menu. This is required even if there are no changes made otherwise to the preset. Note that the preset will no longer be compatible with previous firmware versions after the store operation. See the FM9 Firmware Update Guide for how to create backup files before upgrading.
    In addition, the Global Spillover option must be set to "All". When the gapless setting is "All" presets will use the gapless switching when these conditions are met.
  • Improved channel switching speed. Regardless of the Gapless setting, channel changes – Amp/Cab block in particular — are much improved. This, in turn, improves all Preset and Scene switching times.
  • New Amp Models
    • JS410 Lead Green
    • Brit 800 2203
    • Brit 800 2204 Low
    • 5153 100W Stealth
    • USA MKV Green
    • USA MK V Red
  • New Drive Pedal Models
    • "Nobelium OVD-1” Drive model based on a Nobels™ ODR-1. The BC (Bass Cut) switch is modeled via the Bass Response control. Set the Bass Response to 1.0 to duplicate the response of the pedal with the Bass Cut switch engaged.
      Set Bass Response to 5.0 to duplicate response with BC switch disengaged.
    • Sunrise Splendor model based on a JHS™ Morning Glory.
    • Gauss Drive model based on a Mesa™ Flux Drive.
  • New Spring Reverb Algorithm:
    • New algorithm is based on a digital waveguide with scattering nodes. This algorithm achieves accurate spring reproduction, recreating the iconic “drip” and flutter of classic spring tanks.
    • Added new “Tank Type” parameter. This defaults to the appropriate type based on the model.
      • The first type has all the springs in parallel. This is used by the “British Spring” and “Studio Spring” models.
        This is equivalent to an Accutronics Type 8 reverb tank.
      • The second type has a pair of springs in series, in parallel with one or more pairs of springs in series.
        This is equivalent to an Accutronics Type 4 (four springs) or Type 9 (six springs).
For this type, the reflection off the junction between the coupled springs is controlled using the new “Scattering” parameter. Vintage Accutronics reverb tanks exhibit more reflection than modern, Asian-made tanks.
  • The “Drip” parameter controls the dispersion of the springs.
  • The various models have different tone controls.
  • Several new models have been added. The Tube Spring model is based on a 6G15 Tube Reverb and has an authentic tone control. Studio Spring is a hypothetical spring reverb with six long springs in parallel.
  • Note that the Modulation parameters have been removed as they are not compatible with the new algorithm.
  • Existing presets using Spring Reverb types are reset to default values. Audition as necessary.
  • New Plate Reverb Algorithm
    • This updated algorithm captures the dispersion (Star Wars™ laser “pew, pew” sound) and unique stereo imaging of classic plate reverbs. Dispersion is adjustable via the “Dispersion” parameter. Typical plates are around 25-50%. Set to higher values to exaggerate the effect. Stereo imaging is adjustable via the “Pickup Spacing” parameter.
  • Added “Pre-Delay Tap” parameter to Reverb block. This selects the input to the reverb engine. When set to OUTPUT the behavior is as before. When set to INPUT the initial delay is absent. This allows more natural “Echo-Verb” sounds. This is now the default for these types of models and existing presets are automatically updated.
  • Added “Pitch High Cut” parameter to Reverb block. This can be used to darken the pitch-shifted component of the reverb.
  • Updated many of the Reverb models. Existing presets are not affected. Reselecting the model will load the new default values.
  • New Optical Tremolo Algorithm
    • The Optical Tremolo algorithm used in the Tremolo/Panner block has been completely rewritten and now has three types:
      • Optical Trem 1: based on optical pedal tremolos where “Depth” controls the intensity of the LED.
      • Optical Trem 2: based on optical pedal tremolos where “Depth” controls a “mixer” pot.
        This type has more “throb” than Optical Trem 1.
      • Neon Trem: based on classic “Blackface” amps which use a neon bulb to illuminate the LDR.
    • Note: the “Tremolo” type has been renamed “VCA Trem” and is based on a voltage-controlled amplifier topology.
    • An LFO waveform monitor has been added for appropriate types.
  • Improved Stack/Hold in the Delay block:
    • Improved transition between Stack/Hold states.
    • In “Hold” mode, repeats are now infinite (or nearly, may degrade over many minutes/hours).
      • Note that if the Compander is enabled and/or Bit Reduction is in use the echoes will degrade.
        If you want infinite repeats, set “Compander” OFF and “Bit Reduction” to zero.
      • Note that the Mono Tape algorithm is inherently lossy (like a real tape) and echoes can still degrade over time.
    • Added “Stack Feedback” and “Hold Feedback” parameters. This allows adjusting the decay time independently for the stack and hold modes.
  • Improved Tape Delay algorithm. The LFO1 Target and LFO2 Target parameters have also been removed from the Modulation tab as they are not applicable.
  • Improved Tape Chorus algorithm. The “Number Voices” parameter was removed for this type as it is not applicable.
  • New Controller LFO “Shape” control. (Controllers>LFO1, LFO2) Based on the new Tremolo LFO, “Shape” controls the shape of the LFO for all types except Square and Random. This replaces the old “Astable Beta” parameter. To learn how this and other LFO parameters interact, watch the Monitor as you make changes.
  • Improved Intelligent and Noise Reducer gate types in the Input block to eliminate the slight “squeaking” sound as the gate releases when using aggressive settings.
  • Added Modifier capability to High Cut parameter in Delay block.
  • Changed default values of Speaker Drive and Speaker Thump to better align with measurements of typical speakers.
  • Added "2x12 USA C90 Open Back" speaker impedance curve.
  • Improved Amp block triode algorithm. Many amps have had their preamp bias points updated.
    Existing presets are automatically updated upon recall.
  • Added “NFB Compensation” switch in Amp block. This defaults to On. Turning it off disables the negative feedback volume compensation at the output of the Amp block.
  • Improved speaker compression and amp interaction modeling.
  • Improved/Updated the following amp models
    • Brit Silver
    • Fryette D60 models
    • Citrus RV50
    • CA3+ Rhythm/Lead models
    • Friedman BE/HBE models.
    • Recto1 and Recto2 models.
    • USA JP IIC+
  • Changed Presence control taper on all 6160 and 5153 amp models to replicate the actual amp. Audition and adjust accordingly.
  • Changed Master Volume taper for Recto1 models to agree with actual amp. This will slightly reduce the volume into the virtual power amp. Audition and adjust accordingly.
  • Updated all JS410 Lead models based on a current production JVM410HJS. The Crunch models did not require updating.
  • Added “Global MV” control to JS410 amp models. Master Volume has been renamed “Channel MV”. These two master volume controls can be used to balance the tone into the power amp (as in the real amp). The Channel MV decreases the high frequencies as it is turned down whereas the Global MV is transparent.
  • Improved accuracy of TX Star models. Global MV controls have been added as the Channel MV in these amps affect the tone (and interacts with the Presence control).
  • Renamed “Brit 800” to “Brit 800 2204 High”
  • AMP effect now has 32 less sample times of latency.

FIXES​

  • Fixed LFO2 not working in Chorus block.
  • Fixed wrong Distortion pot taper in DS1 Distortion models.
  • Fixed wrong Gain pot taper in Angle Severe models.
  • Fixed wrong output pad in USA JP IIC+ Green model.
  • Fixed wrong default tonestack in 1959SLP and Plexi 100W 1970 models.
  • Fixed attack behavior of Dynamicomp model to strong input signals. Default attack time also adjusted to match reference pedal.
  • Fixed wrong PI bias point in Class-A 30W models.
  • Fixed several mistakes in Div/13 CJ amp models.
  • Fixed several mistakes in Two Stone J35 models.
  • Fixed wrong phase inverter bias excursion parameters in Car Ambler model.
 
Last edited:
m_brown said:
For preset changes to use the gapless switching the preset must be saved under the currently running firmware version. To do so, perform a “store” operation on the preset from the FM9 panel using the “STORE” key. Alternatively, use the Save Preset (ctrl + s) function from the FM9-Edit Preset Menu. This is required even if there are no changes made otherwise to the preset. Note that the preset will no longer be compatible with previous firmware versions after the store operation. See the FM9 Firmware Update Guide for how to create backup files before upgrading.
Click to expand...
EVERYONE PAY ATTENTION TO THIS VERY IMPORTANT NOTE PLEASE!
 
Wow, an impressive list!! Thanks!

Edit:
Installed, up&running. Don't forget to turn Gapless on in the Setup. Oh, I really like the Gauss Drive into the Double Verb Normal :hearteyes:
 
Last edited:
Fantastic! I can't wait to hear the new triode modelling and the gapless switching promises to be a new luxury as I've never had a processor/channel switching amp that never had a dropout in decades, literally. I've gotten very good at switching at an appropriate time over the years and will gladly forget all of that!

Awesome job and love the release notes...as always, an update well worth waiting for.
 
Thanks to everyone that made this firmware happen.

Me with the new firmware....

Golden Girls Dancing GIF by TV Land
 
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