Hi Aaron. I extensively tested both the FR10 and FR12 on 2x gigs, in my studio and on 2 Orcheatra pop dates,… and bought the 10. The 12 sounded boomy, ish, and less natural. The 10 is more natural sounding. You’re right - it’s different than a guitar amp which produces the sound, rather the frfr’s just reproduce what the modeller makes. These are great frfr’s - I’m very happy with mine
Cool. Both have the EQ on board so you can shape either one to sound how you like. I think they probably made the 12 for those that play 7 string and like to have a little more depth than the 10 but it’s swings and roundabouts.
Wow, that's a balanced output! I noticed balanced output on only bass amps. It’s not clear why they don’t add a balanced output to electric guitar combos...
Thank you for this video, particularly the information on the series being entitled for warranty repair. I got a FR-10 thanks god with a serial number higher than CHNI, so it is very quiet. I am playing the POD GO through it an must say that the feeling is even better than I had when I played a Kemper through a custom made cab which was higher priced than the Fender. Maybe I should not have sold the Kemper.....:-)...I did not buy the 12 inch cab because many buyers complain about the 12 inch being too boomy for a modeler with some amp models. Comparing the FR-10 with a 2x12 guitar cab I do not miss anything. Even my colleague in the band playing a Marshall tube amp through a 2x12 cabinet is not missing anything listening to my souund. I can easily keep up with him. We are playing classic rock, so we do not really play at low levels.
I love it too. I have not heard anyone say that the 12 is boomy. These cabs have on board EQ so it’s easy to make the 10 sound like the 12 and the 12 sound like the 10. I think Fender just did it to satisfy users preconceptions and different budgets. Maybe they should have just made an FR-11…
Also both FR cabs are rated at 58Hz-20kHz. The 12 is just going to have a fuller sound than the 10 but the 10 is a couple of pounds lighter. It’s different to a 10” vs 12” analog guitar cabinet.
Bought an FR10 and had to return it because it kept clipping out. I play with a loud drummer and was maxing the volume out to keep up. So it started shutting off. Was going to try the FR12 but didn’t want to risk it. Just moved to a 2x12 cab with a power amp. 🤷🏻♂️
I had no idea there was a fix for this. Looking into bringing it to a service center now. Also, I just noticed when I play a chords the tone is very dark and then brightens up after 1 second. Doesn’t happen every time, but happened many times during my gig last night.
Yes I returned my first cab because of the hiss but now they are super quiet and I love them. The other issue could be related to bad power or the way the pedal is set up. Try it again at home.
Curious if you tried the Laney FRFR cabs? My Sweetwater rep immediately steered me to them as I mentioned getting a fender FR12. I thought the fender was outstanding when I heard one with a quad cortex. I have an axe fx iii. The Laney are more pricey and do have aux input for backing track use but am curious how they sound.
I recently bought the FR10 and am really happy with it! I also have a Redsound MF10, and there isn't much difference between them. Both are great. (I mainly play clean/Edge or breakup in a folk/pop/rock band)
Great video. Just wondering, not using a modeler, can I plug my line out pedal board in to the FR-12 powered speaker cab? I have a couple of overdrive pedals, a comp and delay.
I posted a comment a couple of weeks ago about the ‘Hiss’ and my FR-12 was in the range of the serial numbers mentioned. Long story short I returned the unit to the retailer after being advised by Fender to do so..here’s the retailer’s response.. “Our returns team have tested your item and spoken to fender, They haven't found a fault and any noise produced by the amp is normal. Can you provide a convenient date and address for delivery? We will have this dispatched back to you as soon as possible.” I would recommend if possible going into a store to try one out before you buy or like me you might get stuck with a noisy cabinet.
Is there an official link anywhere to Fenders response to the affected serial numbers? I’ve contacted the retailer here in the UK where I purchased my FR-12 and although they’ve said the product is still covered under warranty they aren’t aware of any hiss/noise issues and Fender’s official response to any hiss issues.
@@aaronshortmusicthanks, I contacted Fender, to their credit they replied within the hour.. “we are aware of the concern some customers have shared about the volume of output “hiss” which is audible from FR powered speakers in an idle state when powered on, and a manufacturing change has been enacted to address this minor concern. If the level of noise from your unit is interfering with playability or is significantly louder than what is considered normal, your dealer can take the necessary steps to have the unit checked under warranty”
I have One FR 10, bougth two weeks ago. I have a hiss that annoys me a little: the hiss is there, the same at any level. In my bedroom, even two meters away, i can hear it. It's not awful but enouth noticable to be annoying for me. what i'd like to know is if level of hiss is normal, or if i can consider it to be excessive. I mean, we are in en of 2024, so this trouble should have been fixed, but, with mine FR10, i can't say it is silent. What level is considering silent, and what is excessive. With a phone app, i measured the level: I've had 45 dB at 50 cm away. Thanks for you're help. SN: CHNF24 XXXX....
@@aaronshortmusic I would not mind only one amp. The thing is that the FRs might be overkill too since I am only playing at home. But I that also means I doubt I would push the FR amp to any kind of limit.
Hi Aaron After very clearly asking my local dealer for the later model FRFR cab in light of your videos I have nonetheless been sent a unit with the affected serial numbers with a clear hiss Just hoping you could link where to find the information you displayed in regard to sending back for fix or replacement as I’m copping resistance at this point Cheers
I prefer a top quality passive 15'' 2 way p.a. enclosure instead flat via the mixer with a great power amp to juice it, it's a much better solution because most of the time when gigging live, the conventional guitar cabs/combo etc were always being mic'd and were being overridden by the foh no less when live particularly, some modellers go up a level even better when sent to 15's 2 way...more live and trouser shaking and in the room overall, it's easier to get the overall phase aspect right too.
@@aaronshortmusic I messed around for giggles when live by putting my 15 x 2 into super-branded dummy 4x12's ...'golden ears' gave me lot's of praise but nearly murdered me afterwards when I revealed the prank
I'm still relatively new to guitar (2 years). I been playing the Headrush MX5 modeling pedal through a Spark CAB.....and its fine. I think the cab is making everything sound muddy and lacking high end...but the high end turns shrill if I boost it with eq. Do you think the FR-12 would be a worthwhile upgrade...or is there no real difference in the end?
@@aaronshortmusic Thanks for responding, I don't think I asked the question correctly. I get that, that's what I've done with the other speakers but those speakers (powercab, headrush) have an indicator that changes to red if the signal is too high. Is there anything like that?
Have you tried your Bose S1 Pro Plus? I used mine for a wedding band gig last Friday - it sounded fantastic with a couple of simulation pedals and a boost
Hi Aaron .. do you think the FR-12 would trump the atomic CLR Mk 2? (Which I own) .. I trust your ear and would be keen to know your thoughts . Kind regards
Has anyone used the Fender Tone Master Fr10/12 with a preamp and a quad cortex or headrush modeler? Is it necessary to obtain a warmer tone similar to a tube amp?
Hello, good day, excuse me for a question, I play in places that are not very big, I have a QC, does the FR12 have enough power to play in these places? I mean, does it have the power to be able to keep up with the battery without problems? thank you!
Thank you for the video. I have a question: do you set your sound presets directly on the FR12, or do you use headphones or studio monitors? I am looking for an FRFR that will closely match the sound sent to the PA and what I hear in my IEM headphones. Best regards.
If you want that then I would get something like a PA speaker. I always say if my band had two K10.2 speakers for the PA then it would make sense for me to have the same speaker as my guitar monitor as the sounds will be closer but it doesn’t really matter as the sound person can adjust it out front. It shouldn’t be too far off.
Yes but if you plan on listening to music through it as well then I would consider a set of powered studio monitors instead like the IK Multimedia iLoud Precision speakers. This is really suited to electric guitar.
There is no official statement posted. It was sent to customers. You need to reach out to Fender support with your issue and they will inform you how to proceed.
the big difference between speaker size in this discussion is throw, not so much tone. Think of these, as you said, as a pa speaker, completely different to a guitar amp cab speaker. a 10" for the stage for monitoring your guitar processor is good for being close up on the speaker like we mostly are live. 12" maybe better for a stadium, but, not many of us play those, and usually in ears are the go in such a case. i use headrush 108's for all my fold back wedges on stage as i find they through perfectly at the person using it. they are 8" speakers i think and do a great job.
Yes I agree but a bigger PA box usually sounds fuller. I really think either is fine as they have their own EQ. Fender should have just made it a FR-11 and then there wouldn’t be so much debate about it online lol
Hi Aaron. I extensively tested both the FR10 and FR12 on 2x gigs, in my studio and on 2 Orcheatra pop dates,… and bought the 10. The 12 sounded boomy, ish, and less natural. The 10 is more natural sounding. You’re right - it’s different than a guitar amp which produces the sound, rather the frfr’s just reproduce what the modeller makes. These are great frfr’s - I’m very happy with mine
Cool. Both have the EQ on board so you can shape either one to sound how you like. I think they probably made the 12 for those that play 7 string and like to have a little more depth than the 10 but it’s swings and roundabouts.
Wow, that's a balanced output! I noticed balanced output on only bass amps. It’s not clear why they don’t add a balanced output to electric guitar combos...
It sends the IR sound straight through.
Tons of guitar combos have balanced outputs with cab sims
Thank you for this video, particularly the information on the series being entitled for warranty repair. I got a FR-10 thanks god with a serial number higher than CHNI, so it is very quiet. I am playing the POD GO through it an must say that the feeling is even better than I had when I played a Kemper through a custom made cab which was higher priced than the Fender. Maybe I should not have sold the Kemper.....:-)...I did not buy the 12 inch cab because many buyers complain about the 12 inch being too boomy for a modeler with some amp models. Comparing the FR-10 with a 2x12 guitar cab I do not miss anything. Even my colleague in the band playing a Marshall tube amp through a 2x12 cabinet is not missing anything listening to my souund. I can easily keep up with him. We are playing classic rock, so we do not really play at low levels.
I love it too. I have not heard anyone say that the 12 is boomy. These cabs have on board EQ so it’s easy to make the 10 sound like the 12 and the 12 sound like the 10. I think Fender just did it to satisfy users preconceptions and different budgets. Maybe they should have just made an FR-11…
Also both FR cabs are rated at 58Hz-20kHz. The 12 is just going to have a fuller sound than the 10 but the 10 is a couple of pounds lighter. It’s different to a 10” vs 12” analog guitar cabinet.
Don't trust blindly everything you read on gear forums. A lot of BS over there.
I want to buy one. What you mean higher? Like alphabetical?
@@anotherone9219 yes
Bought an FR10 and had to return it because it kept clipping out. I play with a loud drummer and was maxing the volume out to keep up. So it started shutting off. Was going to try the FR12 but didn’t want to risk it. Just moved to a 2x12 cab with a power amp. 🤷🏻♂️
I can’t imagine needing more volume myself but I also plug into the PA as well. All these things are relative at the end of the day.
What power amp did you get to drive your cab?
I went for the FR12 as it sounds like an amp. Also have a mk2 headrush 108 which is also superb but different
Yes the Fender FR cabs are my favorite solutions for amplifying a modeler right now.
I had no idea there was a fix for this. Looking into bringing it to a service center now. Also, I just noticed when I play a chords the tone is very dark and then brightens up after 1 second. Doesn’t happen every time, but happened many times during my gig last night.
Yes I returned my first cab because of the hiss but now they are super quiet and I love them. The other issue could be related to bad power or the way the pedal is set up. Try it again at home.
Curious if you tried the Laney FRFR cabs? My Sweetwater rep immediately steered me to them as I mentioned getting a fender FR12. I thought the fender was outstanding when I heard one with a quad cortex. I have an axe fx iii. The Laney are more pricey and do have aux input for backing track use but am curious how they sound.
I have not. I am very satisfied with the Fender.
My Fender Fr12 serial has a J and no hiss. It's awesome!
Awesome!
Just ordered a FR-12 via the affiliate link. Thanks for the reviews/info.
Thank you I really appreciate that!
Very good synopsis as usual. Thanks mate!
Thanks. I try to help.
I recently bought the FR10 and am really happy with it! I also have a Redsound MF10, and there isn't much difference between them. Both are great. (I mainly play clean/Edge or breakup in a folk/pop/rock band)
I haven’t tried the Red Sound yet.
Have you tried the Laney 112 frfr? Thats what I have Im debating a fender instead even though the Laney is very good.
I have not but I love the Fender!
Same thing here! I think I'm gonna grab my Quad Cortex with me and go to a store to test both of them lol.
Great video. Just wondering, not using a modeler, can I plug my line out pedal board in to the FR-12 powered speaker cab? I have a couple of overdrive pedals, a comp and delay.
You can try it and it may sound good but I would get a small amp emulator like a ToneX One for the pedalboard.
@@aaronshortmusic Thanks for that info.
I posted a comment a couple of weeks ago about the ‘Hiss’ and my FR-12 was in the range of the serial numbers mentioned.
Long story short I returned the unit to the retailer after being advised by Fender to do so..here’s the retailer’s response..
“Our returns team have tested your item and spoken to fender, They haven't found a fault and any noise produced by the amp is normal. Can you provide a convenient date and address for delivery? We will have this dispatched back to you as soon as possible.”
I would recommend if possible going into a store to try one out before you buy or like me you might get stuck with a noisy cabinet.
If you hear hiss and it’s within the numbers that Fender mentioned then I would insist that the modification is made to the amp.
Is there an official link anywhere to Fenders response to the affected serial numbers? I’ve contacted the retailer here in the UK where I purchased my FR-12 and although they’ve said the product is still covered under warranty they aren’t aware of any hiss/noise issues and Fender’s official response to any hiss issues.
No but many people have posted this same statement. You should reach out to Fender support if your unit has a problem.
@@aaronshortmusicthanks, I contacted Fender, to their credit they replied within the hour..
“we are aware of the concern some customers have shared about the volume of output “hiss” which is audible from FR powered speakers in an idle state when powered on, and a manufacturing change has been enacted to address this minor concern. If the level of noise from your unit is interfering with playability or is significantly louder than what is considered normal, your dealer can take the necessary steps to have the unit checked under warranty”
@@mattpearce79 Yep that’s it.
Buy the 12 but buy two and use them in stereo.
I would not disagree. Unless someone needs portability, then they could get a single 10.
My model is CHND24… i assume that’s a newer fixed model correct?
I can’t remember. Check it against what I say in the video.
I have One FR 10, bougth two weeks ago. I have a hiss that annoys me a little: the hiss is there, the same at any level. In my bedroom, even two meters away, i can hear it. It's not awful but enouth noticable to be annoying for me. what i'd like to know is if level of hiss is normal, or if i can consider it to be excessive. I mean, we are in en of 2024, so this trouble should have been fixed, but, with mine FR10, i can't say it is silent.
What level is considering silent, and what is excessive. With a phone app, i measured the level: I've had 45 dB at 50 cm away.
Thanks for you're help.
SN: CHNF24 XXXX....
If you watch the video it will give you the answer you are looking for.
Now with the latest TMP update including bass, would either of the FRs work for bass too?
They would if you don’t push them too hard but maybe Fender will release a bass-specific version?
@@aaronshortmusic I would not mind only one amp. The thing is that the FRs might be overkill too since I am only playing at home. But I that also means I doubt I would push the FR amp to any kind of limit.
@ If you are playing at home then it should be fine!
Hi Aaron
After very clearly asking my local
dealer for the later model FRFR cab in light of your videos I have nonetheless been sent a unit with the affected serial numbers with a clear hiss
Just hoping you could link where to find the information you displayed in regard to sending back for fix or replacement as I’m copping resistance at this point
Cheers
Fender support. They will send the new parts to a service center. It’s a quick fix.
@@aaronshortmusic 🙏🏻🙏🏻
I prefer a top quality passive 15'' 2 way p.a. enclosure instead flat via the mixer with a great power amp to juice it, it's a much better solution because most of the time when gigging live, the conventional guitar cabs/combo etc were always being mic'd and were being overridden by the foh no less when live particularly, some modellers go up a level even better when sent to 15's 2 way...more live and trouser shaking and in the room overall, it's easier to get the overall phase aspect right too.
Have you tried the FR-12?
@@aaronshortmusic Yes, it was pretty close when live a few times tbh
@@aaronshortmusic I messed around for giggles when live by putting my 15 x 2 into super-branded dummy 4x12's ...'golden ears' gave me lot's of praise but nearly murdered me afterwards when I revealed the prank
I'm still relatively new to guitar (2 years). I been playing the Headrush MX5 modeling pedal through a Spark CAB.....and its fine. I think the cab is making everything sound muddy and lacking high end...but the high end turns shrill if I boost it with eq. Do you think the FR-12 would be a worthwhile upgrade...or is there no real difference in the end?
The me it’s an essential part of the chain. Try one if you can!
Great video! Would a Strymon iridium pair well with one of these? Thanks!
Thanks. Any modeler should work great!
Is there a way of setting the input signal from the modeller?
No you would set the output signal from the modeler.
@@aaronshortmusic Thanks for responding, I don't think I asked the question correctly. I get that, that's what I've done with the other speakers but those speakers (powercab, headrush) have an indicator that changes to red if the signal is too high. Is there anything like that?
@ Yes it will indicate if it’s clipping.
@aaronshortmusic you're a star thank you that's exactly what I needed to know.
@ It’s a great unit!
Have you tried your Bose S1 Pro Plus?
I used mine for a wedding band gig last Friday - it sounded fantastic with a couple of simulation pedals and a boost
Yes it works great but it’s Apples and Oranges compared to this.
Hi Aaron .. do you think the FR-12 would trump the atomic CLR Mk 2? (Which I own) .. I trust your ear and would be keen to know your thoughts . Kind regards
I’ve only tried one briefly but I love the FR-12!
Can someone post the link with the contact info that states Fender will replace the PCB board for affected units? Thanks.
It’s not public. It was sent to some customers that reposted it online but I know friends that have had the procedure done.
@@aaronshortmusic So, how would I go about getting it repaired? by contacting Fender customer service?
@@angbernardo Yes
Can you put a bass through this thing?
You can but it would be better if they released a version specifically for bass guitar.
is ok to play music from laptop in the FR10 and play the guitar over it? is that ok for the FR10 ?
Yes you can do that.
@ is that safe for fr10?
@ Of course.
Has anyone used the Fender Tone Master Fr10/12 with a preamp and a quad cortex or headrush modeler? Is it necessary to obtain a warmer tone similar to a tube amp?
No it sounds great.
Hello, good day, excuse me for a question, I play in places that are not very big, I have a QC, does the FR12 have enough power to play in these places? I mean, does it have the power to be able to keep up with the battery without problems? thank you!
Yes it is loud. For larger places you would also run it into the PA.
Thank you for the video. I have a question: do you set your sound presets directly on the FR12, or do you use headphones or studio monitors? I am looking for an FRFR that will closely match the sound sent to the PA and what I hear in my IEM headphones. Best regards.
If you want that then I would get something like a PA speaker. I always say if my band had two K10.2 speakers for the PA then it would make sense for me to have the same speaker as my guitar monitor as the sounds will be closer but it doesn’t really matter as the sound person can adjust it out front. It shouldn’t be too far off.
Does it work well at low volume? for home use, studying... etc :)
Yes but if you plan on listening to music through it as well then I would consider a set of powered studio monitors instead like the IK Multimedia iLoud Precision speakers. This is really suited to electric guitar.
@@aaronshortmusic tks! I plan to use for guitar only, but at low volume since I live in a small apartment
@ It should be fine then. It sounds excellent with a modeler!
Enjoyed the video, wonder how the new Spark speaker compares.
There’s always a new thing! I think it would be better as an all in one but I like having the modeler and the FR cab separate.
Anderton's just made a video comparing the most popular FRFR cabinets. I think they had the Spark as well.
It says that thing is like a 1000 watts! I wouldn't mind rockin out on that!
Solid state though but it sounds great and is loud enough.
where is that statement in the internet? I would like to share it with a retailer here in Mexico to be sure what I will be getting
There is no official statement posted. It was sent to customers. You need to reach out to Fender support with your issue and they will inform you how to proceed.
Can you compare qsc cp8 and fender fr 10?
I sold the CP8. It never quite did it for me and I am using the Everse 8 instead. The FR-12 is the best FRFR solution for a modeler right now.
the big difference between speaker size in this discussion is throw, not so much tone. Think of these, as you said, as a pa speaker, completely different to a guitar amp cab speaker. a 10" for the stage for monitoring your guitar processor is good for being close up on the speaker like we mostly are live. 12" maybe better for a stadium, but, not many of us play those, and usually in ears are the go in such a case. i use headrush 108's for all my fold back wedges on stage as i find they through perfectly at the person using it. they are 8" speakers i think and do a great job.
Yes I agree but a bigger PA box usually sounds fuller. I really think either is fine as they have their own EQ. Fender should have just made it a FR-11 and then there wouldn’t be so much debate about it online lol
There's a reddit post that showed Fender have replaced 2 opamps on a small PCB that sits above the existing PCB.
Yes they are replacing the boards under warranty.
great channel aaron!
Excellent information.
Thank you for your appreciation!