Ok so I feel compelled to point out that while everything Greg says is true, the FM3 is still a ~$1K solution. Once you add in a decent FRFR it is much more. I guess my main issue is at an open mic, even with a substandard ~$250 amp and some basic pedal(s) out front, why isn't the cheap utilitarian amp and pedal(s) combo preferable for "making the song fly" in that scenario? It's an open mic! Greg has already pointed out that he still brings one of his Mesa's in that exact same scenario. So why would he still bring his Mesa?
Hint & My Guess: The engineer in me is always deferent to the right tool for the right job. My Fractal Audio FM9 destroys even my most expensive boutique amps in the right setting all day long. But it isn't (yet) a swiss army knife for me in all applications - especially this one. It has become my main recording platform and my main gigging platform for anywhere we have good FOH and everyone on monitors. For those situations I have literally retired about $11,700 in expensive boutique tube amps sitting right here in my home studio. I still play them for fun but that's about it! I continue to discover that my FM9 can do anything they can do. However, the exception is this exact use case. Maybe I just don't have enough experience with my FM9 yet? I am sure everyone who disagrees with me will say exactly this.
But I agree whole heartedly that if Fractal made a grab and go 1x12 combo voiced properly for their modelers, that would be a game changer. They would probably sell a darn good number of them too. I would certainly line up to buy one! So PLEASE Cliff if you do, then for us old folks, make it under 30 lbs.! I am growing weak and lazy in my advancing years.
The sentiments are appreciated, but the thought was to do with what is currently within my ownership, acquiring some new parts, and relinquishing some used. The FM3 would have been a good choice save for the fact that like some, I've previously owned one, as well as an FC12, and even that was too much real estate. With the FM3, I'd likely need an FC6 to work as easily with the FM3. The costs would add up.
Just to clarify, here's what's being planned for my FM9:
Existing Temple Audio Duo 34 board:
Salvage -
(1) Temple Audio M/M XLR Module;
(1) FAS EV-1,
(1) Neutrik USB A > USB B 'Genderchanger' Reversible USB Panel Adapter;
Several TRS, XLR, and TS Cables...
Sell / Donate -
(1) Peterson StroboStomp HD tuner;
(1) Temple Audio IEC Micro Mains Power Module;
(1) Furman AC-215A 115-125VAC Dual AC Mains Power Conditioner/Surge Protector/Power Supply;
(1) Temple Audio (M/F) Pass-Thru XLR Module;
(2x) ProCraft (F/F) TRS Jack Panel Adapters;
(1) Studio Slips Temple Audio Duo 34 Custom-Made Gigbag;
(1) Temple Audio Duo 34 Board (modified w/ enlarged (drilled/filed) access point 2/5ths from the upper left toward upper center of Duo 34)
For the new Duo 24 board:
Buy -
(1) Temple Audio 4-Port ¼" Module;
(1) 3' Tripplite IEC Power Cable*;
(1) Temple Audio Duo 24 Effects Board*;
(1) Temple Audio Duo 24 Gigbag*;
(1) Furman AC-215A Power Supply;
(1) Temple Audio IEC Micro Mains Power Module
(1) Peterson StroboStomp Mini Tuner
Q: Why buy several items when they already were part of your former board?
A: Like most all electronic items we own, electronic components are typically warrantied for 1 year at most. Used components are comparatively inexpensive, especially electronics that have been used for more than a year. Also, smaller effects board requires some forethought into designing it. The 4-port module will replace the 2 ProCraft adapters and allow for additional upgrades in the future...
Regards pricing, don't touch that dial...beginning next Monday or Tuesday you'll be pleasantly surprised with what will be offered in the FOR SALE section...
