Just picked up a pre-owned FM3, in part because of reviews like this, and wow does it impress. Such a well engineered product in every way. Hold an FM3 in your hands and you will get it. So impressive. 👍
I saw guthrie govan play through an fm9 a few months back. Was one of the most dynamic playing, sounding, and feeling performances I have witnessed. If it’s good enough for him, should be good enough for just about anyone….
@@heut4384Cliff(inventor/owner/genius programmer of Fractal Audio) has made it clear that everybody(including Metallica🤘)pays for any & all Fractal units that they use).
@@heut4384doubtful, I don't think fractal would seek advertising from Guthrie when they already have artists like maroon 5 and metallica using their stuff voluntarily
Hey guys let me know what you think of the FM3? Thanks for watching! Please remember to like and subscribe, and stop by Spotify to listen to some music. open.spotify.com/artist/3GoaK66hG2Al2gf6ync58b?si=L7XJVS7aTCWMPUMLTpFD3Q&dl_branch=1
I had a Helix Rack for a couple of years…it was okay,but I never really bonded with it…so I got an FM3 when it first came out,and instantly I was blown away at the difference in sound….Most of the presets sound terrific straight out of the gate….And it just had that thump,and weight that I get from my real amps…and the FX are so good…So I sold the FM3 and got an AxeFXIII,and absolutely love it…..Fractal is great stuff..Still love my amps,but I love this thing too..
Nice tones! Quick tip: You should set the input pad to 6dB when using a guitar with passive humbuckers. It comes out of the box with 0dB which is fine for singlecoils but humbuckers can drive the input into clipping. I saw the red input led light up pretty consistently when you were on the Epiphone.
You popped up, because I was looking at some fractal products. I must say, You're a very nice dude and did a fantastic review. Just scrolling through presets was an enormous help and benefit for anybody thinking of purchasing this. I completely agree that these treated guitar tones were already masterfully created and ready for a gig or recording. I've never owned a fractal or a helix. I'm just chugging away through a positive grid spark amp, and this is light years ahead of that, lol Thanks again for the review
This is exactly the kind of demo that consumers need more of. Thank you so much. Awesome playing to. The Fractal FM3 sounds amazing. I’m so burnt on this HX stomp it’s like a little kids toy or something at this point. So I’m selling my 1500.00 Stihl chainsaw and buying one….lol! Thanks for the video
Great video! First, thanks for throwing me the job while I was out there! Second, glad you figured out the Fractal so quickly despite the many customizations I had (pedals/layouts/routing/modifiers) that I didn’t have a chance to explain. Third, sorry for facilitating your first hit of crack (Fractal) - an addiction which has captured many! Fortunately/unfortunately the FM9 and all their latest products are backordered on waitlists so you can’t easily GAS/imbibe and pawn everything you own to get them.
I sold a guitar to get it Jeff. Thanks for filing in on that gig. Everything worked out perfect brother! I sat and played the fractal for an hour today.
Great review. I truly appreciate you just going thru presets and getting mad technical about it. A true “unboxing test jam” format. I really enjoyed it. Great that you’re a great player too. Keep up the vids, please! Subscribed immediately ♥️🎸
I have never played through a Helix, but I had a Line 6 HDX500x as my first modeller. I got a Fractal FM3 about 2 yrs ago now, and I love it. I can't imagine a better digital modelling platform. OK, well that's not quite right - the FM9 didn't exist when I bought it, otherwise I would probably have gone for that. (AxeFXIII is a bit too big and expensive!)
Thanks for your time and sharing this great and honest opinion on the FM3. I’ve been on the fence in purchasing one for a few years, and the only if you want to even call it a draw back, is the editing part and dialing in your own tones. Seems to me like you really needs a great deal of patience in navigating your way around and good knowledge of Fractal’s software..Can anyone comment on their support? Thanks!
As someone who came from a Bradshaw type rack during. 90s and have had the helix rack Kemper stage and a quad cortex - I’ve returned to the fractal world ! It just simple is the best sounding most powerful modeller around ! The helix is ok but it’s the Fm 9 effects routing amp modelling are just better Pls just go and play one you’ll know as soon as you compare ! ❤
Nice video Rich and your final thoughts are helpful for people. If you are happy with the helix then the helix is your thing. That’s a good tip for folks. I’ve been a fractal user for a while. It’s what kicked off my channel so I’m thankful for that. If we are able to keep things factual and non biased, I believe others will appreciate the content more. Yes, The FM9 would probably be a similar comparison for power, switching, and I/O but they are difficult to get due to component shortages and people just want of much for them on reverb. They just released a “turbo” model to basically sidestep the chip shortage but even then you are still on a waitlist. Anyway, thanks for the great content.
yeah! Great playing and tones, those presets sound amazing, even better than I remember. I bought the Austin Buddy (a Fractal user in TX) presets he makes, which are a great addition. The cool thing about Fractal is their frequent firmware updates. Always adding amps, fx, and features. I still love my tube amps, but for consistency on gigs, I use the FM3. Welcome to the club!
I gigged the Helix extensively and it it a very nice piece of gear. That said, the first time I plugged into a Fractal Axe FX III, it was instantly better sounding/feeling in every way. The FM9T is a step up from the FM3 in that it can create dual-amp tones, and that’s the gene changed for me. The complexity of tone when you make a cool dual amp preset sounds so good that I even find myself using less effects.
Hi Rich. Great video. If you were to recommend a multi effects pedal for someone wanting to use it into a guitar amp (Laney LC 50 tube) for occasional gigging-any suggestions?
What I usually do is, even with my old Axe Fx II, just add Zendrive to EJ preset and stuff is out of the planet for every kind of gig. Was blown away to see the patch in my FM3 as well :D
Good tones, really. I am waiting for an fm9 and also the completely analog modelling platform Amp X, which I think will the next evolutonary step in modelling.
Awesome video thanks, I just got me a helix Lt and the factory presets actually suck to be honest. I have a month to try it on, so if I return it in 30 days. I’m getting me an fm9.
Great video and playing. I've got an AxeFx III and a Helix and the Axe blows the Helix away but it's extremely complicated unless you have it hooked up to a computer. I would not want to take it to a gig. In the house or studio there is no comparison but that said I still love my Helix too. They both sound great. I look at it like this. It's like having two amps that are the same but they're not the same.
Hey I'll be using it at home and editing the patches on the PC, I've got a Helix LT its pretty sweet the amps aren't amazing but if you work on em you can get some great tones, is the Fractal really that much better...I'm considering getting then FM3 are the amps a bit sucky on their own...do you have to tweak em?
@@Tru_Gamer I can't speak for the FM3 but the Axe-Fx III is heads and shoulders above anything else that's out there. A lot of people just use the presets that it comes with and they all sound really good it's just a matter of how much you want to change. For example if you want to add a certain effect or change a reverb parameter. The Axe has the best effects of any of the modelers. It's Strymon level quality. Another thing I like about the the Axe-Fx III is that it's so ridiculously powerful that you can pretty much do whatever you want and not run out of DSP. The only other unit that's like that is the Quad Cortex but the QC has nowhere near the amount of amps, cabs and effects that the Axe-Fx III has. Also the level of tweakablilty in the Axe is without equal. Watch some videos by Leon Todd and Cooper Carter on what you can do with it. Another option would be to get the FM9. The power of the three units is this: FM3 FM9: 2x as powerful as the FM3 Axe-Fx III: 2x as powerful as the FM9
@@Tru_Gamer It does, you just can't do as much. Get the FM3, if it's not powerful enough I think you have 2 weeks to return it and get the FM9. That should be more than powerful enough.
Great form factor. I would LOVE to see a FM"6" with the power of the FM9 (or more.) I would also need to see a totally revamped on unit UI before I would buy another Fractal product. Editing on unit was a nightmare. PC editor is fine. Sounds great when playing through stereo cabs. Backing tracks go through my 7:1 home theatre.
I'm actually getting loaned a FM3 very soon by an uncle who owns a pro tierr studio down in Alabama! I've only ever briefly messed around with an AxeFX Ultra prior, but I'm honestly really super stoked to try i out! My only concern is that due to my diagnosed ASPD & ADD? The potential struggles of "Optional paralysis" are very real. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Just FYI, last year I bought the flagship pedalboard, Helix. Mine only last one week. I returned it back to Sweetwater. 😅. I've been waiting for Fractal. And now, I finally got mine. No disappointment at all. Loving everything.
I had one (got on the waitlist 3 hours in) and decided to sell it and keep my FM3 and FC-6. I like being able to just take the little unit, or add bigger switches. I also didn’t want to lose money selling the FM3/FC6 vs profit on the FM9.
@@jeffhamula Wow- you won the golden ticket! I've been hearing rumors more might be released next month. I should be next on the list (day 2.) Some got on later than me and already got theirs. The real question is will the new units be on sale in the US or just Europe.
Honestly I just did 2 shows with my Boss Katana Mk2 and it easily did any of these tones and lot more ! With a CME Bluetooth into the usb I was able to control and craft my tone on the fly Live on my IPad !
I have been a Fractal user since 2008 and love them. But there are so many great options today. A lot sound really fantastic and glad to hear the Boss K2 is working well for you!
I know youre going for the rocker look with long hair, I used to do that, but youd look way better with short spiked up hair, as we have similar faces and head size lol.
Lol. I just bought mine FM9 last week. After 4 days later, I knew I was going to return it. I knew it was just a hyped. Then, on my 5th day, my sound: Characters, touch, and feel...it became more and more realistic like my amp (and MORE). Then on my 6th day, I was able to control everything. Now, I'm glad I kept mine. 😅 I'm always skeptical. Now, I'm a believer. I will never sell it.😊
IMO most of the distortions sound like most any other top modeling unit. So considering the features I would buy something else. Just wish you would have stayed with humbuckers for the whole video.
A sincere thanks for this not being all death metal playing! Great assortment of tones. 👍
Amen !
I second that!
Ha thats funny
gotta get those boomer bends
Gen X bends, thank you very much...
I bought a FM3 2 years ago. I'm still blown away everytime I sit down and jam on it.
Just picked up a pre-owned FM3, in part because of reviews like this, and wow does it impress. Such a well engineered product in every way. Hold an FM3 in your hands and you will get it. So impressive. 👍
I saw guthrie govan play through an fm9 a few months back. Was one of the most dynamic playing, sounding, and feeling performances I have witnessed. If it’s good enough for him, should be good enough for just about anyone….
Or, he was paid. 😅
@@heut4384Cliff(inventor/owner/genius programmer of Fractal Audio) has made it clear that everybody(including Metallica🤘)pays for any & all Fractal units that they use).
@@heut4384doubtful, I don't think fractal would seek advertising from Guthrie when they already have artists like maroon 5 and metallica using their stuff voluntarily
Fractal do not pay any artist ! We’ll know in industry 😮
Typical of the guitar community to take things out of context. Yes, Guthrie is using a Fractal FM9 but only a specific gig.
Hey guys let me know what you think of the FM3? Thanks for watching! Please remember to like and subscribe, and stop by Spotify to listen to some music. open.spotify.com/artist/3GoaK66hG2Al2gf6ync58b?si=L7XJVS7aTCWMPUMLTpFD3Q&dl_branch=1
great tones. Sorry if I missed it but how did you record it? Direct? Miked FRFR? Miked amp? Thanks
@@martincloutier666 direct
I'm a long time Helix user, but I'm here because I'm thinking about switching over! Thanks for sharing your honest thoughts.
Presets sounded great as did your fine playing. I liked your simple demo- plug and play.
I had a Helix Rack for a couple of years…it was okay,but I never really bonded with it…so I got an FM3 when it first came out,and instantly I was blown away at the difference in sound….Most of the presets sound terrific straight out of the gate….And it just had that thump,and weight that I get from my real amps…and the FX are so good…So I sold the FM3 and got an AxeFXIII,and absolutely love it…..Fractal is great stuff..Still love my amps,but I love this thing too..
Cool! Thanks!
Opinions on AX8? May pick one up.
Sounded pretty awesome from here. Great tones
Nice tones!
Quick tip: You should set the input pad to 6dB when using a guitar with passive humbuckers.
It comes out of the box with 0dB which is fine for singlecoils but humbuckers can drive the input into clipping. I saw the red input led light up pretty consistently when you were on the Epiphone.
The red clip indicator should be flickering. That's a normal and desired indication. Just don't want it to be solid.
You popped up, because I was looking at some fractal products. I must say, You're a very nice dude and did a fantastic review. Just scrolling through presets was an enormous help and benefit for anybody thinking of purchasing this. I completely agree that these treated guitar tones were already masterfully created and ready for a gig or recording. I've never owned a fractal or a helix. I'm just chugging away through a positive grid spark amp, and this is light years ahead of that, lol Thanks again for the review
Welcome!
I actually got mine yesterday. I had a Hx stomp( still have), I will say this…I’m selling my Hx stomp. The Fm3 just sounds and feels miles better.
Good to hear I just ordered one on reverb.
@@RichBischoff should have gone for fm9- nice playing
This is exactly the kind of demo that consumers need more of. Thank you so much. Awesome playing to. The Fractal FM3 sounds amazing. I’m so burnt on this HX stomp it’s like a little kids toy or something at this point. So I’m selling my 1500.00 Stihl chainsaw and buying one….lol! Thanks for the video
Did the same. Sold my line 6. Moved on to Fractal. Never looked back. Only regret is not doing it sooner!
Update. I did get a fractal FM3 and I love it. It's an awesome tool. And the great news is I still have my chainsaw....
Great video! First, thanks for throwing me the job while I was out there! Second, glad you figured out the Fractal so quickly despite the many customizations I had (pedals/layouts/routing/modifiers) that I didn’t have a chance to explain. Third, sorry for facilitating your first hit of crack (Fractal) - an addiction which has captured many! Fortunately/unfortunately the FM9 and all their latest products are backordered on waitlists so you can’t easily GAS/imbibe and pawn everything you own to get them.
I sold a guitar to get it Jeff. Thanks for filing in on that gig. Everything worked out perfect brother! I sat and played the fractal for an hour today.
These sound great. I don’t know if they sound or feel better than Helix. I really like my Helix now so I don’t feel the need to change.
Long time Helix user here. Switched to Fractal and no regrets!
Great review. I truly appreciate you just going thru presets and getting mad technical about it. A true “unboxing test jam” format. I really enjoyed it. Great that you’re a great player too. Keep up the vids, please! Subscribed immediately ♥️🎸
Thumbs up for the XYZ riffing around 8:38. :)
I have an FM9 I just love it. So quick and responsive. I’d be happy with a fm3. Where were these 20 years ago
I have never played through a Helix, but I had a Line 6 HDX500x as my first modeller. I got a Fractal FM3 about 2 yrs ago now, and I love it. I can't imagine a better digital modelling platform. OK, well that's not quite right - the FM9 didn't exist when I bought it, otherwise I would probably have gone for that. (AxeFXIII is a bit too big and expensive!)
Thanks for your time and sharing this great and honest opinion on the FM3. I’ve been on the fence in purchasing one for a few years, and the only if you want to even call it a draw back, is the editing part and dialing in your own tones. Seems to me like you really needs a great deal of patience in navigating your way around and good knowledge of Fractal’s software..Can anyone comment on their support? Thanks!
It's actually not that bad once you get the hang of it.
Great video! I just purchased an FM3
The audio was recorded directly from the unit or in room ?
Direct
As someone who came from a Bradshaw type rack during. 90s and have had the helix rack Kemper stage and a quad cortex - I’ve returned to the fractal world !
It just simple is the best sounding most powerful modeller around !
The helix is ok but it’s the Fm 9 effects routing amp modelling are just better
Pls just go and play one you’ll know as soon as you compare ! ❤
Nice video Rich and your final thoughts are helpful for people. If you are happy with the helix then the helix is your thing. That’s a good tip for folks. I’ve been a fractal user for a while. It’s what kicked off my channel so I’m thankful for that. If we are able to keep things factual and non biased, I believe others will appreciate the content more. Yes, The FM9 would probably be a similar comparison for power, switching, and I/O but they are difficult to get due to component shortages and people just want of much for them on reverb. They just released a “turbo” model to basically sidestep the chip shortage but even then you are still on a waitlist. Anyway, thanks for the great content.
yeah! Great playing and tones, those presets sound amazing, even better than I remember. I bought the Austin Buddy (a Fractal user in TX) presets he makes, which are a great addition.
The cool thing about Fractal is their frequent firmware updates. Always adding amps, fx, and features.
I still love my tube amps, but for consistency on gigs, I use the FM3.
Welcome to the club!
Thanks Jeff!
The presets were redone after a firmware update this past year, and I have been very pleased with them. They keep releasing more updates…
@@jeffhamula yep, I also have one and love it! What fw version are you on?
I 2nd the Austin Buddy. Been a Fractal user since 2008 and am damn good at using their stuff. Austin Buddy is like Rainman good at it.
Sounds so good!
I gigged the Helix extensively and it it a very nice piece of gear. That said, the first time I plugged into a Fractal Axe FX III, it was instantly better sounding/feeling in every way. The FM9T is a step up from the FM3 in that it can create dual-amp tones, and that’s the gene changed for me. The complexity of tone when you make a cool dual amp preset sounds so good that I even find myself using less effects.
Hi Rich. Great video. If you were to recommend a multi effects pedal for someone wanting to use it into a guitar amp (Laney LC 50 tube) for occasional gigging-any suggestions?
Something simple might be the RK5 Fly Rig by Tech 21.
@@RichBischoff Cool-thanks!
What I usually do is, even with my old Axe Fx II, just add Zendrive to EJ preset and stuff is out of the planet for every kind of gig. Was blown away to see the patch in my FM3 as well :D
Good tones, really. I am waiting for an fm9 and also the completely analog modelling platform Amp X, which I think will the next evolutonary step in modelling.
Question what did you play the fm3 thru for you to hear during the vida?
Studio monitors.
Great video!! You sound amazing and the FM3 rocks!! Still love my Helix, but Fractal beats it out…
Awesome video thanks, I just got me a helix Lt and the factory presets actually suck to be honest. I have a month to try it on, so if I return it in 30 days. I’m getting me an fm9.
Great video and playing. I've got an AxeFx III and a Helix and the Axe blows the Helix away but it's extremely complicated unless you have it hooked up to a computer. I would not want to take it to a gig. In the house or studio there is no comparison but that said I still love my Helix too. They both sound great. I look at it like this. It's like having two amps that are the same but they're not the same.
Hey I'll be using it at home and editing the patches on the PC, I've got a Helix LT its pretty sweet the amps aren't amazing but if you work on em you can get some great tones, is the Fractal really that much better...I'm considering getting then FM3 are the amps a bit sucky on their own...do you have to tweak em?
I rarely edit the FM3 patches. There are so many and so many sound really good.
@@Tru_Gamer I can't speak for the FM3 but the Axe-Fx III is heads and shoulders above anything else that's out there. A lot of people just use the presets that it comes with and they all sound really good it's just a matter of how much you want to change. For example if you want to add a certain effect or change a reverb parameter. The Axe has the best effects of any of the modelers. It's Strymon level quality. Another thing I like about the the Axe-Fx III is that it's so ridiculously powerful that you can pretty much do whatever you want and not run out of DSP. The only other unit that's like that is the Quad Cortex but the QC has nowhere near the amount of amps, cabs and effects that the Axe-Fx III has. Also the level of tweakablilty in the Axe is without equal. Watch some videos by Leon Todd and Cooper Carter on what you can do with it. Another option would be to get the FM9. The power of the three units is this:
FM3
FM9: 2x as powerful as the FM3
Axe-Fx III: 2x as powerful as the FM9
@@BeachJazzMusic thanks from what I've read the FM3 has everything the FM9 and AXE-FX3 has but uses only 1 signal chain which is fine for me.
@@Tru_Gamer It does, you just can't do as much. Get the FM3, if it's not powerful enough I think you have 2 weeks to return it and get the FM9. That should be more than powerful enough.
Brilliant sounds and playing.
You’re a hell of a player my guy. Thank you for the demo
Thanks!
@@RichBischoff my FM3 arrives today :-)
What were you playing through as far as speakers, interface etc. sounds incredible
I'm just going to my Focusrite isa one then to a presonus interface and into Reaper.
Would like to hear some of the amps and cabs dry, or with much less reverb. 7yr Helix user here too, thx for that perspective.
Great form factor. I would LOVE to see a FM"6" with the power of the FM9 (or more.) I would also need to see a totally revamped on unit UI before I would buy another Fractal product. Editing on unit was a nightmare. PC editor is fine. Sounds great when playing through stereo cabs. Backing tracks go through my 7:1 home theatre.
How it sounds depende on what you run it thru also
I'm actually getting loaned a FM3 very soon by an uncle who owns a pro tierr studio down in Alabama!
I've only ever briefly messed around with an AxeFX Ultra prior, but I'm honestly really super stoked to try i out!
My only concern is that due to my diagnosed ASPD & ADD?
The potential struggles of "Optional paralysis" are very real. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
That's very real.
Not sure why the FM 3 is not available at other online stores.
Sounds great. Friedman is very sweet.
Que tipo de radio tiene ese telecaster? Sino me equivoco parece una avri52. Pero me llama la atención si es radio 9 o 7,25!?
This is a Real Modeler
Wow! Ive been lookin at this or Helix and DAMN these are solid tones Rich! (And great playing of course 😛🎸)
Thanks. I mean these where just the presets. I'm excited to see what I can dial in.
@@RichBischoff pretty darn good presets! Influenced me to watch Live without a net right now haha.
Just FYI, last year I bought the flagship pedalboard, Helix. Mine only last one week. I returned it back to Sweetwater. 😅. I've been waiting for Fractal. And now, I finally got mine. No disappointment at all. Loving everything.
Review the FM9.
I just bought one. mk2 turbo mang
Enjoy it
Can I ask what model Tele that is?
Baja mim
Sounds stunning l dream of owning a FM9!🙂🎸
me too and my dream is becoming a nightmare- nearly 1 year on the darn waiting list.
I had one (got on the waitlist 3 hours in) and decided to sell it and keep my FM3 and FC-6. I like being able to just take the little unit, or add bigger switches. I also didn’t want to lose money selling the FM3/FC6 vs profit on the FM9.
@@jeffhamula Wow- you won the golden ticket! I've been hearing rumors more might be released next month. I should be next on the list (day 2.) Some got on later than me and already got theirs. The real question is will the new units be on sale in the US or just Europe.
Are you playing through studio monitors?
Yes
@@RichBischoff sounds great
Sounds nice
i agree!!..only i do not own a helix....can`t compare!..hahah
Helix and fractal sound identical when adjusted right
Maybe so, but I could never get my helix to sound as good as my fractal. Especially for high gain. If you can that’s great.
Agree - im 5 years user of helix still cant get good sound as fractal... Helix cant handle very well in metal tones
Anyone who says it doesn't sound like a tube amp and I like tube amps, is lying
Honestly I just did 2 shows with my Boss Katana Mk2 and it easily did any of these tones and lot more ! With a CME Bluetooth into the usb I was able to control and craft my tone on the fly Live on my IPad !
I have been a Fractal user since 2008 and love them. But there are so many great options today. A lot sound really fantastic and glad to hear the Boss K2 is working well for you!
Denial is a thing...
Katana !! Omg !!! As an ex owner your miles apart ! Different planet ! Try an Axefx and you’ll know
I know youre going for the rocker look with long hair, I used to do that, but youd look way better with short spiked up hair, as we have similar faces and head size lol.
My wife doesn't like it either...
@@RichBischoff Lets just say when I cut my hair everything improved in the house lol.
@@guitarandotherthings6090 ha!
sounds only a touch fake which aint bad
Ha!
Lol. I just bought mine FM9 last week. After 4 days later, I knew I was going to return it. I knew it was just a hyped. Then, on my 5th day, my sound: Characters, touch, and feel...it became more and more realistic like my amp (and MORE). Then on my 6th day, I was able to control everything. Now, I'm glad I kept mine. 😅 I'm always skeptical. Now, I'm a believer. I will never sell it.😊
IMO most of the distortions sound like most any other top modeling unit. So considering the features I would buy something else.
Just wish you would have stayed with humbuckers for the whole video.