New FM3 user - A few questions

M

Marc Roy

Member
Hi All,

I'm about to join the Fractal family (waiting for the big brown truck to deliver my FM3 today - according to the tracking details).

- Does the FM3 come with the latest update, or must I install it on my end? This is my first modeler, so I'm a bit unsure about updating and whatnot.

- Any tips on how to start with this thing would be appreciated. I'll be running into my PA (Mackie mixer and power amp, EV speakers).
 
First advice, make sure you install FM3-Edit on your computer. When you get it, connect via USB and get everything set up there. You'll also want to look through the manual if you haven't already. It really is very useful.

It will likely have FW5, so run FractalBot in the FM3-Edit from the Tools menu. It should give you a message that there is new firmware available. I'd update this before you start setting up your own presets. The process is pretty straight forward.

As far as starting, just connect to your PA from the Output 1 XLRs and get your levels right. There is guidance here in the manual. Make sure to pay attention to the output 1 knob on the top (typically you'll want this all the way up to get to unity gain, but I actually usually set mine to about 75% so I have a little room each way if needed).

From there I'd just try out some presets that might be close to what you want. Once you find one, you may just want to save a copy to an empty preset location so you can mess with it to tweak how you want. When I first got mine, I literally used it for rehearsal that night after about an hour of messing around (I just slightly modified the ODS-100 preset).
 
Spend time reading the manual and watching YouTube videos before you get started. If you are not familiar with modelers, you may find yourself a bit overwhelmed with all of the options and features so you will do yourself well to familiarize yourself with the basic functions of the unit and how to dial in basic tones. Cooper Carter, Leon Todd, and Brett Kingman are all fantastic YouTubers that have a ton of content on Fractal products. Don't be afraid to watch videos on the FM9 or AxeFX III as they all share the same editing capabilities and basic architecture. Just understand that not all of the features translate. Read the Wiki and bookmark it. It can be found through the Fractal homepage. It is an amazing reference and very easy to navigate. If you have the money, I would recommend Cooper Carter's masterclass on the FM3. It is a phenomenal resource from a guy that builds Fractal rigs for professional players. It is well worth the money, especially for a beginner and will save you many headaches in figuring out how to get the most out of the unit. Finally - start with the factory presets. They are excellent and made by highly competent people. If they don't sound good - there is most likely a problem on your end. Use them to learn what those problems may be - are you playing loud enough to mitigate the Fletcher-Munson effect? Do you have Power Amp Modelling turned on? Etc. There is a lot here to learn, but you can get started playing right away with the factory presets. As you figure out what models and cabs you like - start building your own presets. Repetition is the name of the game. Lots to learn, but well worth the time and effort.
 
I wouldn't immediately update to 6 if it's not on there yet, as some presets may sound less than ideal on it ATM.

To enjoy as is and later try to hear what changed after going to fw6 is a good exercise. If you already selected favorite presets, it will also be easier to adjust just those (if they now sound off).

European versions have ±8 introductory or quick start printed pages, which you could consider must read. Not sure U.S. versions have these too?
 
TheloniusJ said:
Make sure to pay attention to the output 1 knob on the top (typically you'll want this all the way up to get to unity gain, but I actually usually set mine to about 75% so I have a little room each way if needed).
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I'm a new fm3 it as well and I want aware that keeping the output 1 knob is recommend. I post through headphones sometimes and it gets to loud so I rarely go above 50% in the output 1 knob and instead set the volume control on my studio monitors if needed. Is that incorrect?
 
prakhar1989 said:
I'm a new fm3 it as well and I want aware that keeping the output 1 knob is recommend. I post through headphones sometimes and it gets to loud so I rarely go above 50% in the output 1 knob and instead set the volume control on my studio monitors if needed. Is that incorrect?
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This is incorrect. Output 2 is designed to be unity at full. Depending on whether Output 1 is set for consumer levels or professional levels along with how hot the signal is will determine where you set Output one knob. I usually never have to go past 50% to 60%. With headphones if I’m feeling mellow I may set it lower. Sort of depends on what I’m doing. Just playing and nothing else or recording, suppling signal to power amp and speakers, etc.. Read the “Setting Levels” section on page 5 of the manual. The manual is a great source of information and really isn’t overly complicated or lengthy.

Update:
I just realized depending how you read what I wrote it could be misunderstood. What I want to say is the way you are doing it is correct. Output 1 level (front panel knob) is not unity gain at 100%. Hope that is clear.
 
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prakhar1989 said:
I'm a new fm3 it as well and I want aware that keeping the output 1 knob is recommend. I post through headphones sometimes and it gets to loud so I rarely go above 50% in the output 1 knob and instead set the volume control on my studio monitors if needed. Is that incorrect?
Click to expand...
This if fine for Headphones. It is definitely way too loud with Output 1 maxed.

I was commenting on sending output 1 to FOH or FRFRs with the intent of giving them a signal at unity gain. As @GitGuy513 pointed out, the knob being lower than 100% (on a properly leveled preset) is not unity gain. General guidance for audio signal chains is that this signal should be at unity gain, so you want to err on this side for live amplification use, but again for headphones this isn't necessary.
 
It may be a little overwhelming. Cycle through the presets, take your time, be patient. You will find the tone you ultimately want. Some people find it quickly, some people take a little longer. It has a lot of amps, cabs, effects and tons of ways to configure them.

The authentic settings you can tweak easily, and a bunch of others that seem easy to understand. Then there's settings that you have to look up. For the most part it's straightforward but there's a lot of stuff it can do.
 
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Hi Marc Roy

Welcome aboard!

I have a folder in my YouTube account called FM3 and FM9 stuff, and I have a stack of stuff stored for easy reference. The broader community is great here, and Leon Todd ( @2112 ) has some excellent tips on getting started. Here are some good ones, and a fair bit of the FM9 info (basic/initial setups, tips and tricks) translates well across to the FM3 :





Hope this helps?

Cheers

Doogz
 
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