How many of you use FM3 as is?

MayPRS said:
FM3 "end of life"? With this FW10 - reports of hitting CPU limits, no more Dynacabs...
Click to expand...
Plenty of life in the old dog yet. For example reducing dispersion in reverbs frees up plenty of cpu (and for me) doesn’t noticeably change the overall sound.
MayPRS said:
Something with a bit more power about to hit the market?
Click to expand...
Maybe but the FM3 sounds great today and should something hit the market soon, it will still sound great. Like others have said, with all the firmware updates sounds better today than it did when I bought it 2 years ago ago. There’s nothing to say that this won’t continue to be the case even if something new drops.
MayPRS said:
Queen tribute band ;)
Click to expand...
Try the Brian Might factory preset as a good place to start.
 
You may want to check this out, it’s Dante Frisiello from Steve Vai touring band, if you search under Gift of Tone he not only shared a preset, but also his Custom Layout for using the 3 buttons and if you watch the video he made on how the layout works live it’s pretty cool

 
I have an original fm3 that I am really happy with. I'm in central Florida, if close your welcome to hit me up and try it out.
 
I need at least one expression pedal for most of my gigs, and some small external buttons significantly expand the functionality of the FM3, so that’s what my small rig includes. It fits in a carry-on (I’m doing fly dates this weekend with it, flying on a budget airline):

IMG_5246.jpeg
 
I have only just got my FM3T this week, it’s killer and I will be using it for everything from now on. Made a basic preset last night for the first time, it was not difficult and I got no way near the CPU limit with a chain consisting of Comp, Drive, Trem, Amp, Dynacab, Delay, Reverb. And actually while I put a comp and drive in for ‘tradition’ sake, the amps in the FM3 are so good I didn’t need them.
 
MayPRS said:
Are 3 switches enough for most of you?
Click to expand...
Absolutely. I run the FM3 paired with an EV-2 expression pedal and nothing else. The switching capabilities and gapless switching ensure that three footswitches are more than sufficient for my needs. And it all fits easily into a backpack (no pedalboard) with all of my cables and accessories. I can load in my entire rig in a single trip.
 
Couple things.

1. I've gigged the FM3 without issue. That said, these days the gigs I've sat in with are rehearsed with a set list known before hand, so I have a solid idea of what I need and when. If I was doing something with a ton of improv and didn't know what exactly I might need, the FM3 might be somewhat limited. You can still build out a preset with access to many different sounds/effects quickly, but not an absolute kitchen sink preset.

2. There will always be something better just around the corner just out of reach. You can spend your life doing or waiting, up to you.
 
I was somewhat concerned about the fact that Fractal might drop the FM5 with all new üBéř Møďeľłînğ Tėçħ but I am a semi-professional guitarist and play probably about 40ish gigs a year. I figured the FM3 is roughly the same price as a Vox AC30 or Fender Blues Deluxe or similar. To spend that amount as something that will make my job easier and more enjoyable doesn't seem so expensive. If the FM5 comes out in a couple years, I'll probably buy it too and either sell the FM3T or keep it as a backup rig.
 
When I was shopping for a backup unit for my Axe 3, I got the Yamaha TH, Hotone Stage 2, Boss IR Amp/Cab. Sold them all and got the FM3 Turbo.. Yes quite a bit more expensive but worth every penny.
 
I think the FM3 MKII Turbo is an amazingly good unit. I use it live on its own. There's a learning curve to everything so to me it's no different then the Helix or any other units. The three switches are more than enough for my cover band. That said, it has been relegated to a backup rig for my Kemper Player. I just like the feel of the Kemper better but in the modeling realm, I don't think the Fractal stuff has an equal and I've tried many more than I should have. You'll be making a great choice with the FM3.
 
I don't think the UI/UX complaints are valid - it doesn't look like you're turning knobs on real gear. But that's basically how it works. I do think that the computer editor makes things faster/easier. But, it's not the end of the world either way. I don't think I've ever gotten particularly confused. Also, you don't have to use any of the "deep tweaking"; it's just there if you want it. YMMV.

As for DSP power...that kind of depends on what you want to do. I'm reasonably confident that I could get any sound I'd ever want out of the FM3 non-Turbo....just not necessarily in a kitchen sink preset. The exception is if you want 2 amps running in parallel - it just can't do that. IME, that's literally the one limitation I've found that has kept me from trying out something I wanted to try.

I also don't think it's all that necessary. I reserve the right to change my mind if I ever upgrade to an FM9 or AF3. I have done that IRL with amps, with a pair of DSM Simplifiers, etc.. I don't actually miss it.

I do have a few (analog) pedals on the way into my FM3....if I'm honest, it's 90% because they look cool. The FM3 has models of them (and one is a tuner), and I basically can't tell the difference. I also have a pair of expression pedals (for wah and volume) that work great.

After I got it, I sold almost all of my analog gear and have zero regrets about either choice.
 
This is a very specific question but how do you reckon the input deals with a real TB in front?

My use case would be Guitar -> TB -> Wireless -> FM3 input
 
I've had my FM3 for at least 3 years now. It's the most amazing product I've ever had. Each release of the firmware just makes it better. As far as CPU, I have plenty of CPU left. I typically only use reverb, delay, a noise gate and a little EQ. But even when I use the Virtual CAPO, chorus, panner, or whatever effect, I have plenty of CPU left. It does have a few effects that can suck up a lot of CPU but most of them don't.

When I bought the Fractal money wasn't the issue. I wanted something small and I wanted the best. Fractal delivered. When I first got it, it took me a little time to learn it, just like it will with any modeler. But it wasn't any more difficult than any other one I've used.

There is no better modeler out there. I say this with a lot of confidence. There are a few that are getting closer but none as good.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom