Hi! Fractal Noob coming in from Helix World with questions.

[Colin Whinnery]

HI! Fractal noob here. I'm here after seven years into Helix, so some of my questions will be related to how to find something in the FM9 Mk II Turbo that I'm familiar with in the Helix. I'm a tweaker so I've spent hundreds of hours inside the Helix and know it inside and out, and would like to be just as comfortable in the FM9.
Firstly, My FM9T is on it's way. I don't have it in front of me yet. So...
First question: Is there an expression pedal available that can be set up as a global volume pedal (I prefer after cab and before delays and reverbs), and can it also serve as a global wah pedal using the toe switch to switch between the two? This is how the expression pedal works in Helix. If not, which two pedals should I buy? Keep in mind that the EV-2 is out of stock. I'd prefer something close to that in size if I need two pedals.
Next question: In the Helix I use the Grammatico GSG, basically a Dumble Overdrive Special. What is the go to for this amp in the FM9?
Next question: I have an Ownhammer IRx that I absolutely love! Will I need to repurchase it or maybe redownload it in a different format?
Last question for now: In Helix I use the Minotaur, basically a Klon. What is the go to for this? Are there multiple versions?
I'm asking all this in advance of receiving my unit (hopefully next week) so that I can (1) order the right expression pedals as soon as possible, and (2) jump right in as soon as I open the box! Thanks

 

[Admin M@]

Hi Colin! (Told you I'd see you here... wAAAy better than Facebook ;-)

Any pedal that's compatible with the FM9 that has a toe switch can be used for both volume and wah. 100K linear taper with a latching switch will be best, in my opinion. I have a Mission with an expression jack and a toe switch with a light. The folks there will help you to choose the right model. OR... if you're willing to use a switch on the FM9 to go between Wah and Volume, you can use any compatible pedal without a switch.

Amongst the amps, you'll find types based on Dumble styles. For starters, check out the various "ODS-100" types. If you look at Yek's Guide you can search for amps by their actual names. There are others too... Folks will probably chime in below with their faves. I like the "Fox ODS".

If it's a WAV, your Ownhammer IR should load easily in the FM9. If not, contact Kevin there and he'll get you the right format if possible. From there you can literally drag and drop the file into FM9-Edit and you'll be ready to play.

Our model based on a Klon is called the "Klone Chiron". I think you'll be pleased!

 

[Greg Ferguson]

Is there an expression pedal available that can be set up as a global volume pedal

Yes, how to set it up is described in the manual on pages 12 and 13 and in section 9.

I prefer after cab and before delays and reverbs), and can it also serve as a global wah pedal using the toe switch to switch between the two?

Then you’d want to either insert a Volume block wherever you want and assign the pedal to control the block, or pick an appropriate block and control its level. The modeler is very flexible that way.

I’d recommend reading about scenes and channels in sections 5 and 6 of the manual because they are the keys to using one pedal for multiple purposes. It’s extremely flexible.

which two pedals should I buy?

Dunlop’s (X) Mini work well but they’re a little smaller and lighter than the EV-2. The EV-2 feel great and are very well made. I think they’re worth waiting for if you can.

a Dumble Overdrive Special. What is the go to for this amp in the FM9?

The ODS-100, which is based on Fractal’s own Dumble and also Robben Ford’s Dumble’s circuit. It’s amazing.

Next question: I have an Ownhammer IRx that I absolutely love! Will I need to repurchase it or maybe redownload it in a different format?

I don’t know what an IRx is. There are Ownhammer cabs built in, along with a huge number of other cabs, plus Fractal’s own Dyna-Cabs which are built in as a subset. See Cabinet models list for more information. Or you can buy the full packs from the website and blend them however you want using Fractal’s free Cab-Lab.

basically a Klon. What is the go to for this? Are there multiple versions?

See the Drive block in the Wiki, specifically KLONE CHIRON. There is a huge number of drives to pick from. With the ODS amp, I like the Zen Master drive for that Robben Ford sound.

I’d recommend not tagging your post with “Not a bug”. That’s really for Fractal’s use.

 

[DaveO]

@Colin Whinnery wait and get your ev2's, i did the same, didn not take long... but if your a club foot like me, "lol'... the ev1 is still the best

 

[ashisanandroid]

Enjoy! I went through the exact same switch and posted my thoughts here - it may help: https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/just-got-my-first-fractal-fm9.209217/

I would definitely recommend reading the manual in advance, if you haven't already. There are some significant differences to how signature Helix features work/don't work in Fractal - in almost all cases for the better IMO, but it can definitely throw you at first. Enjoy!

 

[Paulzx]

Done the same.. 7 years with Helix, eventually pulled the trigger on am FM3. Best gear decision I ever made.

Even though guys on the The Gear Page always tell me I'm exaggerating the amount of Helix users that go over to Fractal

 

[sick pickle]

Used Helix for 5 years then moved to an FM9. At first, I was really shocked at how complicated the FAS seemed. I mean, Helix snapshots are brilliant.

Then I learned, and learned some more, and (still learning).... and the Helix seems a bit like a Fisher Price toy in comparison. At first FAS didn't make sense, now it makes so much sense. Block channels are brilliant, no doubt.... But I think the one thing that I could ever gripe about is "I really just want to select Scene 1 turn the dials on everything/anything...then select Scene 2, turn the dials to something else, then select Scene 3..." but it just doesn't work that way.

The FM9 tone is the best digital tone I've ever had!

 

[Erock93]

I recommend checking out James Valentine's tone tour with Cooper Carter, he uses the same kind of models you're looking for, and it comes with a preset you can look through, tweak to flavor!

 

[Admin M@]

We should also mention the Bludotone, which is an Ojai, which is based on a Dumble.

 

[Jammer77]

Got my FM3 a month or so ago. I used to have an AX8 so I'm familiar with the Fractal Ecosystem. But the last few years I've been using the Helix Floor and HX Stomp XL along with HX FX. So glad to be back in the Fractal Camp. My current setup is using the FM3 along with the HX FX to lessen the DSP load on the FM3. I have found this to be a great combo. I've been building some presets over the last month and just completed a preset using the Bludotone which turned out to be my absolute favorite. This is a killer amp (first saw it being used by Larry Carlton). Yes, check out the Bludotone!