Genghis
Power User
I got the FC12 when my name came up early on the waiting list. I figured the more buttons I had the easier life would be and I'd use that many buttons. Then I started gigging in a band, and found that I can get through most songs with 2 to 4 scenes, a couple of IAs, and some clever use of expression pedals to control the mix of guitar and synth that I use for live with everything routed through the Axe-FX III.
First gig came along and I found that we had to set up in a very small area. The FC12 was overkill for what I needed and in the case that I brought it in, was way more than I needed. I found it cumbersome for the size of the stage area we had and almost tripped over it a couple of times. So, I ordered an FC6 a couple of weeks ago. (Should have had it shipped air. LOL - Snow hit hard here shortly after I ordered.)
After some significant snow delays here in Oregon, I got it today, and it will definitely fit the bill for my needs. I set it up where I really only use Layout 1 and Layout 7 which I modified like this:
1 - Presets. I changed the bank size to 6 and set the hold to inc/dec banks on buttons 3 and 6. I also set each of the Preset select buttons to automatically go to Layout 7 after I select my Preset.
7 - Performance:
Button 1 toggles Scene 1 and 2. I've always used this from the Axe-FX II days, to the FX8 and AX8 days. Saves a button as I generally use that as scene 1 main rhythm, and scene 2 main lead.
Button 2 is Scene 3 and Button 3 is Scene 4. Basically I can get 4 scenes from the bottom row, and I like that Button 1 will take me back to my main core rhythm sound no matter where I am.
Once I figured out how the Per-Preset features work, I have the top row set for Per-Preset and configure it within each patch to do different things depending on my needs. This is probably the key to me using the FC6 in place of the FC12. If I need more scenes, I can get to them. Usually, 4 is plenty and having 3 preset configurable buttons on the top row is about all I really need.
Also having each of the 6 buttons doing different things using the hold feature adds even more flexibility, one will take me back to Preset Layout, another turns on the Tuner. Still figuring out what to do with the other 4.
So, if any of you are trying to decide if the FC6 is enough, I've found that it is probably enough for me. I haven't decided yet if I'll sell the FC12, but for cramped areas, and my basic needs, I can cover a lot of ground with the FC6.
First gig came along and I found that we had to set up in a very small area. The FC12 was overkill for what I needed and in the case that I brought it in, was way more than I needed. I found it cumbersome for the size of the stage area we had and almost tripped over it a couple of times. So, I ordered an FC6 a couple of weeks ago. (Should have had it shipped air. LOL - Snow hit hard here shortly after I ordered.)
After some significant snow delays here in Oregon, I got it today, and it will definitely fit the bill for my needs. I set it up where I really only use Layout 1 and Layout 7 which I modified like this:
1 - Presets. I changed the bank size to 6 and set the hold to inc/dec banks on buttons 3 and 6. I also set each of the Preset select buttons to automatically go to Layout 7 after I select my Preset.
7 - Performance:
Button 1 toggles Scene 1 and 2. I've always used this from the Axe-FX II days, to the FX8 and AX8 days. Saves a button as I generally use that as scene 1 main rhythm, and scene 2 main lead.
Button 2 is Scene 3 and Button 3 is Scene 4. Basically I can get 4 scenes from the bottom row, and I like that Button 1 will take me back to my main core rhythm sound no matter where I am.
Once I figured out how the Per-Preset features work, I have the top row set for Per-Preset and configure it within each patch to do different things depending on my needs. This is probably the key to me using the FC6 in place of the FC12. If I need more scenes, I can get to them. Usually, 4 is plenty and having 3 preset configurable buttons on the top row is about all I really need.
Also having each of the 6 buttons doing different things using the hold feature adds even more flexibility, one will take me back to Preset Layout, another turns on the Tuner. Still figuring out what to do with the other 4.
So, if any of you are trying to decide if the FC6 is enough, I've found that it is probably enough for me. I haven't decided yet if I'll sell the FC12, but for cramped areas, and my basic needs, I can cover a lot of ground with the FC6.