New to Fractal

D

DaymansSky

Member
Alright guys,
My new FX3 should be arriving Monday. This is my first experience using anything Fractal. Recently got the Quad Cortex but sold it as I wasn't impressed. Kemper before that but I didn't like being limited to what other people were capturing.
Now I'm 100% a bedroom player, so I'll be using headphones most of the time. But are there any general use tips or beginner things to know/try out with the fx3 specifically or with Fractal in general? Maybe about dialing in tones etc?
Cheers
 
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Yeah, I would start with the manual, then come here for any further questions. If you're using headphones then it's a very simple setup (same as mine), you'll be up and running in a few minutes. Would definitely recommend having a computer attached via USB for editing, recording and jamming along to tracks.
 
Hi @DaymansSky

Welcome!

First, if you’re on windows, go to https://www.fractalaudio.com/iii/ and (from the downloads tab), download and install the “Axe-Fx III USB Driver Setup for Windows”
Then, go here https://www.fractalaudio.com/fractal-bot/ and download, then install fractal bot.
Then, go here https://www.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-iii-edit/ and install axe edit iii.

Right… so you’ve just installed the usb driver, the program you will use to update firmware etc, and the axe fix 3 editor.

While you’re waiting for the unit to arrive, go here https://www.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-iii-downloads/ and download the manual. Read it….forwards, backwards, whatever floats your boat.

Get yourself a usb a cable (to whatever fits your pc), and when the unit arrives, plug it in, turn it on, and see what version firmware you have. (You’ve read the manual so you’ll know how). Hopefully, it’s already Cygnus.

Either way, you’re ready to go. Hope you hav3 a blast over the next few days. Can’t wait to hear what you think.

Thanks
Pauly
 
Some headphones colour the sound massively, they often push low frequencies. Have a look at headphone forum threads.
 
The manual, install axedit, watch all Leon's videos, have the wiki opened in your browser, and download the block guide....and watch your levels in ALL blocks for clipping. The RTA block is really useful as well.
 
The one thing I'd highly suggest is create a document on which you can have tips, suggestions or ideas that you want to remember. I've created a "Fractal Tips to Try" document that has a lot of comments from threads or the manuals.

I'll also add a +1 on reading the manual. Learning the FAS system (terminology and workflow) is important. Learn and understand the functions of and differences between Presets, Scenes and Channels. Fractal Wiki has been mentioned and is an incredible resource that addresses most any aspect of using the Axe III. Take advantage of all of the resources FAS has in the Suppot>Downloads section of fractalaudio.com.

Approach dialing in tones as you would with a physical rig- begin with a Factory preset you like the general tone of and tweak away. Start with the Amp's Authentic page, then go to the other effects to get familiar with their parameters. Some disagree but thing I really like about the FAS system, each effect type has consistent controls from model to model; don't need to figure out what "Flatuelessness", "Fattier" or "Bigness" does from an original pedal. (Before anyone chimes in, these are not 'real' parameters as far as I know).

If you want to dig deeper, go through each page, parameter by parameter to see how they affect the tone and interact with each other. Take note of parameters that you like the way they alter the tone or sound. This step was invaluable to me, knowing where a parameter is that does what I'm looking for.

Be careful who you trust on the forum. Some people like to stir the pot, others like to sound like they know what they're talking about and still others will insist that there's only one way to do something. Most members here are incredibly helpful and want to help you get the most out of your Axe III but there are a few that can make things a bit murky.

Finally, have fun and experiment, the possibilities are endless! Cool thing about digital gear is that you can do things that are impossible in the "real" world. The only thing that matters is does it sound good to you?

Fractal Wiki: https://wiki.fractalaudio.com/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Axe-Fx3
 
toneseeker911 said:
Plug your guitar and headphones in, head over to one of the first 128 factory presets and rock out. Then take your time getting into all the details with the manual / YouTube resources / forum threads etc.
Click to expand...

Since I took a while to save up for my Ultra (and the Axe-FX II, and the Axe-FX III) I always had plenty of time to study the manuals before the gear arrived. I loved doing it! In the long run, they’re something you should spend quality time with. They’re well written, and fun – you shouldn’t think of it as doing homework; it will open your eyes to possibilities you wouldn’t have though of otherwise.

But I agree with toneseeker911: the first thing is just to play, and get a feeling for the wonders your new gear contains.

And to make sure that goes well, be sure to read the very short Quick Connect and Setting Levels sections on pages 4 and 5 of the Owners Manual. Learn to live by the words “tickle the red.” If you start there, you’ll have smooth sailing, and a great time. Enjoy!
 
You’re getting this unit now at its peak of development. Plug your headphones and guitar in and play with any of the newest Cygnus fw 16.02 presets. Prepare to be amazed. That’s pretty funny you returned the Quad Cortex. Leon Todd’s review said the same thing as you “Unimpressed”
 
Thanks for the responses guys. Looking forward to trying it out. It's funny, had the cortex on order for a lot longer, but I'm so much more excited for the axe. I'm reading through the manual now, and it's probably obvious but I've been checking out a fair few videos.
 
pauly said:
Hi @DaymansSky

Welcome!

First, if you’re on windows, go to https://www.fractalaudio.com/iii/ and (from the downloads tab), download and install the “Axe-Fx III USB Driver Setup for Windows”
Then, go here https://www.fractalaudio.com/fractal-bot/ and download, then install fractal bot.
Then, go here https://www.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-iii-edit/ and install axe edit iii.

Right… so you’ve just installed the usb driver, the program you will use to update firmware etc, and the axe fix 3 editor.

While you’re waiting for the unit to arrive, go here https://www.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-iii-downloads/ and download the manual. Read it….forwards, backwards, whatever floats your boat.

Get yourself a usb a cable (to whatever fits your pc), and when the unit arrives, plug it in, turn it on, and see what version firmware you have. (You’ve read the manual so you’ll know how). Hopefully, it’s already Cygnus.

Either way, you’re ready to go. Hope you hav3 a blast over the next few days. Can’t wait to hear what you think.

Thanks
Pauly
Click to expand...
Just as a reminder, you don’t have to install Fractal-Bot. It’s built into the editor already.
 
DaymansSky said:
I'll be using headphones most of the time.
Click to expand...
I use headphones a lot, because they help keep the peace.

I highly recommend creating a PEQ (“parametric”) or GEQ (“graphic”) block pre-configured to flatten the frequency response of your headphones.

Search https://github.com/jaakkopasanen/AutoEq/tree/master/results for your headphones and create the compensation curve then save it to your block library. Then you can insert it just ahead of the final OUT 1 block; enable it when you want to adjust the tonality or just want the sound corrected for the headphones.

Read the manualS several times. There’s a lot to learn, the manuals are well written, and they’re the fastest way to become familiar with the unit. The Wiki is also good and worth reading through.
 
G66 include an excellent walkthrough for beginners with their products.

I don't know if it's okay to share the link here. @Ole ?
 
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