So - of course, it's kind of....difficult....to get hold of an FM9, which as far as I can see is one of the very few drawbacks to what I think might be potentially Fractal's most gigging appropriate product ever?
Nice video! I'll be honest, I had an Axe Fx II for a decade and loved. I never even touched how much was in that box. i sold it for a variety of reasons, and recently got the itch again. I was on the wait list for the FM9, but quickly realized that the Fm3 was all I ever really needed. I'm a home hobbyist, so don't gig and my presets on the Axe Fx II were very basic. I never double amped, and rarely even came close to touching the top of the CPU usage issue. I'm so happy with the FM3. It does everything I need in a small little package. The tones are outstanding. YMMV.
I was one of the first to receive my link to buy from the waitlist. But in fact, had already bought one via Reverb (pre insane prices). Already owning the FM3 as well, I sold the FM3 and kept the FM9 for a season. It worked well on several of my larger gigs (@Royal Albert Hall, O2 Arena, and Slane Castle). Then I ultimately ended up selling the FM9 on Reverb and retaining another FM3 for studio use only. Something to keep in mind is even though one company comes out with the newest flavor of the month/year. Doesn't mean a product made in previous years doesn't hold its weight even still. Most Modeling user settle with the likes of 10-15 presets for everyday use if not less. Furthermore, no many nerds can close their eyes and listen to a mixed/mastered/over produced track and tell you which modeler the musician used, or if it was a modeler or real amp at all. So, it's all subjective and relevant to individual taste and opinion Beers all around and Keep playing and Learning! Cheers
after touring with Marshall amps for 20+ years, I just bought the FM3, and I am so done. the FM9 is too big for my needs as I need a fly rig easily. but I'm finding I'm using on everything now. interesting that you sold the FM9, and went back to the FM3.
I’m going on 2 months with my fm9, have used it approximately 5 times live and absolutely love it. I admit I still have to acquaint myself better in tweaking on the fly as opposed to laptop fm edit. I wish the window was larger for us older guys. What impresses me most are the gain presets, they are dialed in ready for live right out of the box if need be.
Hi there, How do you use it live?Do you run it through power amp to monitors or straight to FOH?I am interested in buying one but I’m old school using tube amps and 412’s… Thanks…
I was fortunate to get an FM9 from the first batch. I love it! It’s the first modeler I’ve used that I don’t feel the need to use any additional outboard gear. It’s a standalone solution for me.
Man, you're one of my favorite reviewers. You seem sincere and upfront with your feelings of whatever you're reviewing. I appreciate that. I purchased the QC and I didn't like it. I thought my bass tracks sounded better than any other modeler Ive used but outside of that - it was not what the hype said it was. Honestly, Rabea sold me on it and I was almost immediately disappointed. It captured great but the second you tried to eq a capture it fell apart... I sold it. I have now been on the FM9 wait list since they announced it. Now its the FM9Turbo so I am sort of glad I wasn't at the top of the list. Currently, I use the AXE2 for all studio work. I love it and I almost never chain multiple amps and cabs. My question is this. Do you think its on par with the rack units (AXE3) You mentioned that most of your presets on Axe3 carried over... Is there anything that didn't? I am hoping to replace my Axe2 with the FM9 I am trying to upgrade my MacBook Pro to a loaded MacBookPro and I can't afford to buy an Fm9 and an Axe3 with the cost of the MacBook ($3800) So do I upgrade my Axe2 to a Axe3 or can I do away with the Axe2 for an Fm9? I forgot to mention... I recently moved and my Axe2 since the move has a nasty hum. I have talked with Fractal and its a repair issue. To repair it (Shipping, plus repair cost) it doesn't make sense. This is my situation. Thanks for making videos that are honest and helpful. I watched your QC videos and appreciated your honesty - even in the face of NDSP fans. Thanks again, and keep making awesome videos! Sam L
Got on the wait list on 23/10/22, Fractal sent me their purchase offer on 07/02/2023, made the purchase on Feb 8 and the unit was delivered to me in Canada on Feb 13.. pretty efficient I would say..
I owned the stomp but sold it to go for the FM3. I use my modelers through a SD PowerStage 200. Eventually I went back to the Stomp for a couple of reasons. I got lost in the infinite tweakability of the FM3. I felt like I would sit there and just keep adjusting every small parameter but never landed on a sound I could leave and be satisfied with. Secondly, I found the Stomp to sound better in that particular set up going into the power amp and real cab.
I have almost all the modelers for studio work and am on the wait list for the FM9. The tonal spectrum and routing options available make it a no-brainer for me.
After using Headrush for 4 years I got an older AX8. Though the tones may be 10% better on the Fractal the Headrush wins hands down for ease of use and being able to load as many drives, delays and reverbs without the issue of running out of CPU. Mind you there are only 11 blocks but If I want 3 reverbs, a shimmer and auto swell I can easily do it. I am not getting that much mileage out of the AX8.
This is the thing that bugs me most about Fractal. When I bought my Helix, I was strongly considering an FM3… but at the time, it was waitlisted. Now with the FM9, it’s another Fractal product I would be interested in… but again I can’t buy one at any time in the foreseeable future. Maybe some people like such exclusivity, but it makes me move on and buy other brands.
It ain’t their fault honestly. Fractal is an independent small company that’s not owned by a giant corporation. I’m sure they would love to sell as many units as possible and make lots of money but unfortunately the semiconductor shortage is real. I can’t even get a replacement part for my truck because of that
I think the FM9 is a great form factor and definitely something I’d like to try - I think I’ll get on the waitlist. I do think that as far as right now is concerned a Helix family product is a good solution for gigging just because backup units are readily available
Glad to you see finally got on the Fractal train. That tone nicely compliments your playing. FM9 is the one to get! It's a great time to be a guitar player!
Granted, I'm in the US, but I have an FM9. I got on the waitlist a couple hours after the announcement and ordered, as far as I understand, from the end of the first batch Fractal received.
I use headrush PB and it has lots of options on one rig as far as scenes go. For my purpose I can use one rig for entire night. Not entirely sold on this yet. Love my headrush.
Nice playing and some sweet presets there! I just managed to get an FM9 (not the Turbo) that came up on Sweetwater a little while. It took a bit over a week to get from the US to me in New Zealand, but it was well worth the wait. The learning curve is pretty huge, but I had an FX8 previously, so I was kinda prepared for that. I've never been big on amp modelling, so I was a bit nervous about this. Am I convinced yet? All I know is that I've had it about 3 days now, and most of that time has been spent learning the infrastructure and personalising the set-up, and I've spent minimal time just having fun with the music itself. I'm not much of a gear guy, compared to many. I usually use, with an amp, maybe 3 or four effects at most, but I always seek tone. You know, that sound that just makes you want to play and keep on playing. Does the FM9 achieve that? To be honest, not yet. But it's close. And I've only just begun truly exploring it.
The FM9 might be a great product but Fractal Audio are a woeful company to deal with in Australia. I put my name on the waiting list for the FM9 pretty much when it was released. I was told it was gonna start shipping in December 21. The next email suggested it won’t be until February 22. My most recent email suggested December 22. Well here we are in January 23 in all that time they have actually upgraded their unit to the FM9 turbo and it’s gone up to $600 AUD. As yet I have not been made an offer to buy a unit. The same thing happened to me with the AX8. With this company, it does not pay to assume anything. It will only lead to disappointment. I assumed that if I have to wait for something that long I will get a certain degree of use out of it before it would be discontinued. Not so. It didn’t get out of its warranty period before it was discontinued. The new firmware does sound a lot better than that which is on the AX8. The infuriating thing is that those who are involved in providing the unit and the company itself were well aware of the fact that AX8 was going to be discontinued while I was on the waiting list, but there was no warning, no offer of buying the thing for a little bit less, clearly they just did another production run to use up whatever parts they had before starting the production run of the FM3. I’m getting pretty sick of waiting around so I might just buy a quad cortex and be done with fractal audio for ever.
Thank you for the video and by the way, you are an amazing musician dude. Great phrasing .. and no need to talk about your "feel". I will totally try to learn some of your phrasing :D
But I already have a 3, I think I still would have bought the rack version even if I had to again. It meets my needs better than the pedal version. I use it (as well as a guitar/ bass amp modeller) as an outboard effects processor for my synths and production.
I kinda avoided fractal over the years. The FX 3 always seemed like an awesome product but it just had too much power for me to know what to do with it. Then there’s the FM3, which has CPU restraints and doesn’t have dual amp capabilities. The FM9 came along and now there’s not a single modeler out there that I’ve wanted more. The FM9 is just so perfect for me and a lot of people out there, but of course it’s impossible to buy one nowadays. I could buy one off of reverb but with those prices, I could buy an AXE FX III and more. Sigh… I know it’s out of fractal’s hands with the supply chain situation only worsening, but maybe I’ll buy a helix for the time being. I hear they have a big update coming with improved cab modeling.
Are the FM3 and FM9 equivalent in chip power? If so why not get an FM3 and add an after market foot switch panel like an Airstep? That way you could still be able to down size if needed.
I could have had one when my waitlist number came up. (Somebody else, you’re welcome.) I went for the IIImk2 instead. FM3 suffices for now. IIxl+ went on permanent loan to a friend. Cheers.
Just got replay from Fractal: "If everything goes as planned, we should get the first shipment in July, but it will take some time before we will get enough units for all. We will inform you when we start shipping - by then we should know more."
@johnnathancordy another of my comments got "UA-cam binned" lol.. It seems your patches on the HX and Helix sound more "right" and immersive than what I am hearing here.. I wonder if it is you fluency with the Helix line? or can / does the HX / Helix actually sound better to your ears if you log the same hours with both brands?
I was using a FM3+FC6 and got on the waiting list for the FM9 last October. I got tired of waiting and picked up an AXE-FX III and FC12. Totally loving it! When I finally get the email for the FM9, I don't know if I'll want it. Still debating the AXE III vs. the FM9 ease.
@@andrewkoumis4070 I got my FM9 Turbo a few months ago. It’s all I use now. It’s an amazing piece of gear. My presets are using less CPU than the Axe III used.
@@20weststudio Oh wow, seriously? Do you miss anything from the III? I have an FM9 Turbo incoming and debating keeping my III or going with the FM9 for recording and playing live.
Great video and lush playing. Fractal have told everyone on the waitlist that the FM9 will be shipped in bulk to Europe in August this year. Can't wait, to be honest. Does the FM9 have the global blocks feature? That is so useful. I use it a lot on my Axe 2.
This seems like such a great product, it’s unfortunate the back order situation is what it is. The FM3 is a great piece of gear but it serves a different need for Fractal and in a lot of peoples opinion wasn’t even a viable replacement for an Axe Fx II. I think if the FM9 had been available sooner and you could actually get one after it launched, there would be more people looking at Fractal for modeling.
Current chip situation will make their situation worse but Fractal has never been able to support anywhere near the number of musicians who would like to own one of their products. I’m now looking fwd to the next generation Helix.
I wonder if the chip situation will either a) slow down modelling in general or b) necessitate changes that will lead to new products quicker than they otherwise would have?
I have one, but I haven't been motivated to learn how to program it. It's not nearly as intuitive as Helix or Quad Cortex. And I assume at some point they'll switch to the larger LCDs now on their controllers which would be so much nicer.
I still have my axe fx2 mark2 for home and the ax8 for live. I wait for the next Fractal genereation that will have wifi or bluetooth app otherwise i'll might switch for the Neural DSP.
I signed up to the waiting list for FM9 in August 2021. To this day I couldn't get it. I've only received an information that they will get some units in the third quarter of this year. I already have a Kemper and I'd really like the Kemper Remote (foot controller), mainly for the looper, but it's close to 400 quid and I am not sure if I can justify that for old tech. It's great tech and still sounds awesome but after so many years it just feels like something better could come out any moment. However, then I am starting questioning myself: if I already have the sounds I love from the Kemper, why do I even care about new stuff coming out?
oooh very cool id like one of these. I dont understand why there isnt a main dealer for these in the UK. Why cant you just go to a shop and buy one like you can anything else haha. Ill watch the video now and maybe ill find the answer!
would you say that for home use, with a nice pair of good quality studio monitors, the FM3 would be enough? I would use just 1 amp...1 cab (2x12 or 4x12)..a delay, the enhance feature and that would be all..nothing else.
Hey everybody! I am seriously thinking about the FM9, but I have a huge question about the factory presets. Pretty much all UA-cam videos sound great, but I am leery about the post processing (and YT compression) that is done and maybe not mentioned. Do the factory presets really sound that good? I am a Helix user and one thing I can say about it is that the factory presets sound nothing like what you hear on YT videos. Any insight would be much appreciated!
Oioi! It's probably fair to say that the Factory presets in Fractal tend to be really good. ua-cam.com/video/dPqhlsScS6U/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/Wk_jeXraJSo/v-deo.html here are some videos of mine using factory presets (normally you're hearing me play my own)
Hey John, i've had my helix since Oct 2015 and was wondering if the overdrives and distortions sound better on the FM9, when i gig i only use the effects not modeling.
Kemper / Quad Cortex / Fractal's / Helix After all, the sound quality and dynamics are on the same level. You can get the same results from all of them with a few minor adjustments. I cannot say " WOW this sound is soooooo much good than others " for FM9..
Well...sort of but this is a bit of an oversimplification - a Kemper can't do dual amping - Quad Cortex can't do anything resembling power amp shaping, or anything except fairly bog-standard simple effects etc....?
Getting a good sound out of my AxeFx 3 is much easier than in my HX Stomp. You can get great sounds out of Helix too, but it takes me a lot longer to dial it in.
@@johnnathancordy Even though I don't own an FM9, I've read through the manual and watched almost all the videos on youtube about FM9. Likewise in Quad cortex.. I was even obsessed with buying FM9 at one time.. As I listen to the sounds, I admit that there are some differences, but as a lead guitarist, they all give the same result in the chain of effects I set up. It sounds as if they all have the same sound card and processor in them. I have never used the re-amp feature of my Kemper, and I probably will not. This is nothing new about dual amps, many older devices actually have this feature, but I've never seen a dual amp used in any tone called the "Best Lead Guitar" tone, including your videos. There are definitely some differences, but when a music recording is included, the difference really goes down to zero levels. Don't just think of it as a comparison between different brands. This is more evident among Neural DSP's plugins and Quad Cortex. A friend of mine, who is a recording studio and earns money from this business, liked his Plini reverb so much that he even started using it for professional vocal recordings, but a good reverb at this level is Neural DSP; Quad cortex failed to capture in the product. There is something in the technology in the devices that limits some things..
I agree with your take on it. I came on the FM9 and QC waitlists a few weeks ago, and I gave myself the luxury of relaxed side by side comparison. At first the QC UI and initial sounds were compelling…but after about a week I started finding a subtle difference in the ‘depth’ of tones and feel (for clean and crunch). The FM9 drew me in with a more realistic sound and feel. Hard to explain. The QC had a slight harshness, shallowness, and sameness, while the FM9 drew me in with some combo of depth, variety, and dynamics. This was in spite of my sort of hating the initial complexity and old-school flavor of the FM UI. Now I’ve learned all the things there are to like about the FM layout flexibility and even come to like other aspects of the UI. Bottom line, the decision was clear, with no agonizing or second guessing. Have you shared your custom layout or walked through the customization process? Cheers
This is the ONE we want but can't get. FM9 beats FM3, not only for 6 extra buttons and extra CPU power, both were needed, but also the ability to use more High Res. effects. Most AxFXIII patches work on the FM9- no so much the FM3. Question, why can all other manufacturers have access to chips but Fractal can't? I can get a Q.Cortex DSP or a Helix tomorrow. I have been on the list about a year- from day 2. I heard from them and they basically said don't hold your breath. I asked them to swap me for an AXFIII but they declined! Pretty sure that uses chips too- what gives?
Line6 has been around forever which I assume makes buying chips easier in a shortage and/or they’ve got big enough production capability to have a stockpile waiting to go into production or they use a chip that goes in many products and can float them to whatever product is selling most.
@@matthewwomack7901 Thanks Matt. I was initially thinking the same but a year- really? If that were the case, the big guys surplus would have run out 10 months ago and they are not slowing down. I think there is something going on inside the company. Maybe they don't want to sell many FM9's so they can announce the new AxeFXIV's that I highly suspect are in the works. The FM9, if sold en masse would cannibalize on those sales. Also, with the shortage, they probably don't want to over pay for chips. Everyone else can get them.
Has anyone other than reviewers/influencers actually got their hands on one? I would have put serious thought into the FM9 instead of buying a QC. But basically no ETA!
I must have been one of the first to be added to the wait-list because I received mine in November. Had an Axe 2 beforehand and this has a little more power and slightly better modeling. Love it!
Not sure of the point of this video to be honest - have been unavailable to most of us who have sat patiently on the waitlist for 9 months. Why didnt you wait until they start to become available again? Just bragging that youve got one??
I know @johnnathancordy probably doesn't like beating people over the head with Like / share / subscribe/ comment, so I will do it: Really, all: A simple click of the "Like" button on any video you actually DO like can make a difference in the UA-cam algorithm's treatment and promotion of John's content. I am guilty of not doing so in the past for just about all the stuff I watched on UA-cam in general, even on my subscriptions where the notifications bell is set to "ring".. With this channel, It is going to take me a year to get back through all the content he has released and each and every video I watch seems to always have something of use, even videos focused on gear I will never buy. The playing each time is gorgeous and somehow inspires me to believe I could get closer to playing like him instead of what my practical mind says, which is "wow, that was effortlessly insane, you should just give up guitar now" I love how close knit the comments community is on his videos, and how John replies to even ME here and there; probably because there AREN'T 1 million subscribers to sort through. But I still would rather see his channel blow up like a Rick Beato or Pete Thorn or That Pedal Show, just so he gets paid back more for the ocean of content I am still enjoying backtracking through now. Take a moment to click like at least, and if you have any musician friends and one of the videos really seems like something they might like, use the share button to get it onto your Facebook timeline rather than emailing them a link you cut and pasted.
So - of course, it's kind of....difficult....to get hold of an FM9, which as far as I can see is one of the very few drawbacks to what I think might be potentially Fractal's most gigging appropriate product ever?
No
Nice video! I'll be honest, I had an Axe Fx II for a decade and loved. I never even touched how much was in that box. i sold it for a variety of reasons, and recently got the itch again. I was on the wait list for the FM9, but quickly realized that the Fm3 was all I ever really needed. I'm a home hobbyist, so don't gig and my presets on the Axe Fx II were very basic. I never double amped, and rarely even came close to touching the top of the CPU usage issue. I'm so happy with the FM3. It does everything I need in a small little package. The tones are outstanding. YMMV.
I was one of the first to receive my link to buy from the waitlist. But in fact, had already bought one via Reverb (pre insane prices). Already owning the FM3 as well, I sold the FM3 and kept the FM9 for a season.
It worked well on several of my larger gigs (@Royal Albert Hall, O2 Arena, and Slane Castle). Then I ultimately ended up selling the FM9 on Reverb and retaining another FM3 for studio use only.
Something to keep in mind is even though one company comes out with the newest flavor of the month/year. Doesn't mean a product made in previous years doesn't hold its weight even still. Most Modeling user settle with the likes of 10-15 presets for everyday use if not less.
Furthermore, no many nerds can close their eyes and listen to a mixed/mastered/over produced track and tell you which modeler the musician used, or if it was a modeler or real amp at all. So, it's all subjective and relevant to individual taste and opinion
Beers all around and Keep playing and Learning! Cheers
Why did you sell the FM9?
after touring with Marshall amps for 20+ years, I just bought the FM3, and I am so done. the FM9 is too big for my needs as I need a fly rig easily. but I'm finding I'm using on everything now. interesting that you sold the FM9, and went back to the FM3.
@@steveforwarduk Are still sold on the FM9 12 months later Steve? And are you using it just for the amps or has it replaced your pedals too?
I’m going on 2 months with my fm9, have used it approximately 5 times live and absolutely love it. I admit I still have to acquaint myself better in tweaking on the fly as opposed to laptop fm edit. I wish the window was larger for us older guys. What impresses me most are the gain presets, they are dialed in ready for live right out of the box if need be.
Hi there,
How do you use it live?Do you run it through power amp to monitors or straight to FOH?I am interested in buying one but I’m old school using tube amps and 412’s…
Thanks…
I just picked up fm9 turbo and i am a tube amp pedal guy for years . This thing is 100% mind blowing .i love it .
How are you hooking up the unit, from guitar to FM9 and Amp. I am really struggling with it. The sound coming out of the amp is not very pleasing.
I was fortunate to get an FM9 from the first batch. I love it! It’s the first modeler I’ve used that I don’t feel the need to use any additional outboard gear. It’s a standalone solution for me.
Man, you're one of my favorite reviewers. You seem sincere and upfront with your feelings of whatever you're reviewing. I appreciate that.
I purchased the QC and I didn't like it. I thought my bass tracks sounded better than any other modeler Ive used but outside of that - it was not what the hype said it was. Honestly, Rabea sold me on it and I was almost immediately disappointed. It captured great but the second you tried to eq a capture it fell apart... I sold it.
I have now been on the FM9 wait list since they announced it.
Now its the FM9Turbo so I am sort of glad I wasn't at the top of the list.
Currently, I use the AXE2 for all studio work. I love it and I almost never chain multiple amps and cabs. My question is this. Do you think its on par with the rack units (AXE3) You mentioned that most of your presets on Axe3 carried over... Is there anything that didn't?
I am hoping to replace my Axe2 with the FM9
I am trying to upgrade my MacBook Pro to a loaded MacBookPro and I can't afford to buy an Fm9 and an Axe3 with the cost of the MacBook ($3800)
So do I upgrade my Axe2 to a Axe3 or can I do away with the Axe2 for an Fm9?
I forgot to mention... I recently moved and my Axe2 since the move has a nasty hum. I have talked with Fractal and its a repair issue. To repair it (Shipping, plus repair cost) it doesn't make sense.
This is my situation.
Thanks for making videos that are honest and helpful. I watched your QC videos and appreciated your honesty - even in the face of NDSP fans.
Thanks again, and keep making awesome videos!
Sam L
Got on the wait list on 23/10/22, Fractal sent me their purchase offer on 07/02/2023, made the purchase on Feb 8 and the unit was delivered to me in Canada on Feb 13.. pretty efficient I would say..
I owned the stomp but sold it to go for the FM3. I use my modelers through a SD PowerStage 200. Eventually I went back to the Stomp for a couple of reasons. I got lost in the infinite tweakability of the FM3. I felt like I would sit there and just keep adjusting every small parameter but never landed on a sound I could leave and be satisfied with. Secondly, I found the Stomp to sound better in that particular set up going into the power amp and real cab.
I have almost all the modelers for studio work and am on the wait list for the FM9. The tonal spectrum and routing options available make it a no-brainer for me.
After using Headrush for 4 years I got an older AX8. Though the tones may be 10% better on the Fractal the Headrush wins hands down for ease of use and being able to load as many drives, delays and reverbs without the issue of running out of CPU. Mind you there are only 11 blocks but If I want 3 reverbs, a shimmer and auto swell I can easily do it. I am not getting that much mileage out of the AX8.
Hey Doc! I bought an AX8 a while back to to try out, but yeh it's a tricky beast, they improved the UI quite a lot between then and now
This is the thing that bugs me most about Fractal. When I bought my Helix, I was strongly considering an FM3… but at the time, it was waitlisted. Now with the FM9, it’s another Fractal product I would be interested in… but again I can’t buy one at any time in the foreseeable future. Maybe some people like such exclusivity, but it makes me move on and buy other brands.
Similar experience here re deciding Fractal vs Helix so I agree - and bought my Helix 6+ years ago.
As Marilyn Monroe said, if a thing’s worth having, it’s worth waiting for. We’d all do well to keep that in mind in this day and age.
@@vubear - true, hence enjoying the Helix and waiting for Helix II..
@@sboy1955 good call.
It ain’t their fault honestly. Fractal is an independent small company that’s not owned by a giant corporation. I’m sure they would love to sell as many units as possible and make lots of money but unfortunately the semiconductor shortage is real. I can’t even get a replacement part for my truck because of that
I think the FM9 is a great form factor and definitely something I’d like to try - I think I’ll get on the waitlist. I do think that as far as right now is concerned a Helix family product is a good solution for gigging just because backup units are readily available
Glad to you see finally got on the Fractal train. That tone nicely compliments your playing. FM9 is the one to get! It's a great time to be a guitar player!
Granted, I'm in the US, but I have an FM9. I got on the waitlist a couple hours after the announcement and ordered, as far as I understand, from the end of the first batch Fractal received.
Day2 here and still no email. 🙄
Always good to hear you playing John
I use headrush PB and it has lots of options on one rig as far as scenes go. For my purpose I can use one rig for entire night. Not entirely sold on this yet. Love my headrush.
Nice playing and some sweet presets there!
I just managed to get an FM9 (not the Turbo) that came up on Sweetwater a little while. It took a bit over a week to get from the US to me in New Zealand, but it was well worth the wait. The learning curve is pretty huge, but I had an FX8 previously, so I was kinda prepared for that.
I've never been big on amp modelling, so I was a bit nervous about this. Am I convinced yet? All I know is that I've had it about 3 days now, and most of that time has been spent learning the infrastructure and personalising the set-up, and I've spent minimal time just having fun with the music itself.
I'm not much of a gear guy, compared to many. I usually use, with an amp, maybe 3 or four effects at most, but I always seek tone. You know, that sound that just makes you want to play and keep on playing. Does the FM9 achieve that? To be honest, not yet. But it's close. And I've only just begun truly exploring it.
The FM9 might be a great product but Fractal Audio are a woeful company to deal with in Australia. I put my name on the waiting list for the FM9 pretty much when it was released. I was told it was gonna start shipping in December 21. The next email suggested it won’t be until February 22. My most recent email suggested December 22. Well here we are in January 23 in all that time they have actually upgraded their unit to the FM9 turbo and it’s gone up to $600 AUD. As yet I have not been made an offer to buy a unit. The same thing happened to me with the AX8. With this company, it does not pay to assume anything. It will only lead to disappointment. I assumed that if I have to wait for something that long I will get a certain degree of use out of it before it would be discontinued. Not so. It didn’t get out of its warranty period before it was discontinued. The new firmware does sound a lot better than that which is on the AX8. The infuriating thing is that those who are involved in providing the unit and the company itself were well aware of the fact that AX8 was going to be discontinued while I was on the waiting list, but there was no warning, no offer of buying the thing for a little bit less, clearly they just did another production run to use up whatever parts they had before starting the production run of the FM3. I’m getting pretty sick of waiting around so I might just buy a quad cortex and be done with fractal audio for ever.
´The FM9 is a beast! Great playing John! Your phrasing /tone reminds me Allen Hinds in some moments. Cheers!
Thank you for the video and by the way, you are an amazing musician dude. Great phrasing .. and no need to talk about your "feel". I will totally try to learn some of your phrasing :D
I’m in Australia and you can’t even order one.
What’s the use?
Love your glasses. Never stop wearing them.
But I already have a 3, I think I still would have bought the rack version even if I had to again. It meets my needs better than the pedal version. I use it (as well as a guitar/ bass amp modeller) as an outboard effects processor for my synths and production.
I just purchased my FM3. And I think its legit. Even if i havent been able to use it properly since I need an frfr speaker or studio monitors.
I kinda avoided fractal over the years. The FX 3 always seemed like an awesome product but it just had too much power for me to know what to do with it. Then there’s the FM3, which has CPU restraints and doesn’t have dual amp capabilities. The FM9 came along and now there’s not a single modeler out there that I’ve wanted more. The FM9 is just so perfect for me and a lot of people out there, but of course it’s impossible to buy one nowadays. I could buy one off of reverb but with those prices, I could buy an AXE FX III and more. Sigh… I know it’s out of fractal’s hands with the supply chain situation only worsening, but maybe I’ll buy a helix for the time being. I hear they have a big update coming with improved cab modeling.
Are the FM3 and FM9 equivalent in chip power? If so why not get an FM3 and add an after market foot switch panel like an Airstep? That way you could still be able to down size if needed.
I'm still digging my kemper stage... sounds amazing!!
I could have had one when my waitlist number came up. (Somebody else, you’re welcome.) I went for the IIImk2 instead. FM3 suffices for now. IIxl+ went on permanent loan to a friend. Cheers.
Just got replay from Fractal: "If everything goes as planned, we should get the first shipment in July, but it will take some time before we will get enough units for all. We will inform you when we start shipping - by then we should know more."
@johnnathancordy another of my comments got "UA-cam binned" lol.. It seems your patches on the HX and Helix sound more "right" and immersive than what I am hearing here.. I wonder if it is you fluency with the Helix line? or can / does the HX / Helix actually sound better to your ears if you log the same hours with both brands?
I was using a FM3+FC6 and got on the waiting list for the FM9 last October. I got tired of waiting and picked up an AXE-FX III and FC12. Totally loving it! When I finally get the email for the FM9, I don't know if I'll want it. Still debating the AXE III vs. the FM9 ease.
Same. I’m also debating this
@@andrewkoumis4070 I got my FM9 Turbo a few months ago. It’s all I use now. It’s an amazing piece of gear. My presets are using less CPU than the Axe III used.
@@20weststudio Oh wow, seriously? Do you miss anything from the III? I have an FM9 Turbo incoming and debating keeping my III or going with the FM9 for recording and playing live.
@@andrewkoumis4070 I don’t miss a thing. I sold the Axe III. The FM9 does it all in a single floorboard! You’ll see.
Very nice video and I really enjoy your playing!
Great video and lush playing. Fractal have told everyone on the waitlist that the FM9 will be shipped in bulk to Europe in August this year. Can't wait, to be honest. Does the FM9 have the global blocks feature? That is so useful. I use it a lot on my Axe 2.
If it was available, certainly I would. Hurry Fractal!
Yoo I gotta say, super nice intro demo man! Love those lines!!
I dont get why such extensive platforms dont have integrated expression pedals? Btw isnt the Headrush board on the list at all?
Built like a painter's drill? (I clearly don't know any tradesmen well enough!) As in: doesn't get used much? Or a lot, for mixing paint?
Sound of this guitar is awesome.
This seems like such a great product, it’s unfortunate the back order situation is what it is. The FM3 is a great piece of gear but it serves a different need for Fractal and in a lot of peoples opinion wasn’t even a viable replacement for an Axe Fx II. I think if the FM9 had been available sooner and you could actually get one after it launched, there would be more people looking at Fractal for modeling.
Current chip situation will make their situation worse but Fractal has never been able to support anywhere near the number of musicians who would like to own one of their products. I’m now looking fwd to the next generation Helix.
I wonder if the chip situation will either a) slow down modelling in general or b) necessitate changes that will lead to new products quicker than they otherwise would have?
I am on the wait list since the ice age and in a very bad mood due the cold (for what ever reason the silicon gets not baked to a DSP chip).
I have one, but I haven't been motivated to learn how to program it. It's not nearly as intuitive as Helix or Quad Cortex. And I assume at some point they'll switch to the larger LCDs now on their controllers which would be so much nicer.
Been on the waiting list since November 2021, still waiting…….. : )
I still have my axe fx2 mark2 for home and the ax8 for live. I wait for the next Fractal genereation that will have wifi or bluetooth app otherwise i'll might switch for the Neural DSP.
I signed up to the waiting list for FM9 in August 2021. To this day I couldn't get it. I've only received an information that they will get some units in the third quarter of this year. I already have a Kemper and I'd really like the Kemper Remote (foot controller), mainly for the looper, but it's close to 400 quid and I am not sure if I can justify that for old tech. It's great tech and still sounds awesome but after so many years it just feels like something better could come out any moment. However, then I am starting questioning myself: if I already have the sounds I love from the Kemper, why do I even care about new stuff coming out?
I’ve been on a waitlist since October… not sure if I got lost in mix
oooh very cool id like one of these. I dont understand why there isnt a main dealer for these in the UK. Why cant you just go to a shop and buy one like you can anything else haha. Ill watch the video now and maybe ill find the answer!
would you say that for home use, with a nice pair of good quality studio monitors, the FM3 would be enough? I would use just 1 amp...1 cab (2x12 or 4x12)..a delay, the enhance feature and that would be all..nothing else.
In your use case there absolutely, it sounds like the FM3 is the way to go Vlad!
Been on the waiting list since January. No hint that it's coming anytime soon. 😞
your very inspiring my friend..
Hey everybody! I am seriously thinking about the FM9, but I have a huge question about the factory presets. Pretty much all UA-cam videos sound great, but I am leery about the post processing (and YT compression) that is done and maybe not mentioned. Do the factory presets really sound that good? I am a Helix user and one thing I can say about it is that the factory presets sound nothing like what you hear on YT videos. Any insight would be much appreciated!
Oioi! It's probably fair to say that the Factory presets in Fractal tend to be really good.
ua-cam.com/video/dPqhlsScS6U/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/Wk_jeXraJSo/v-deo.html
here are some videos of mine using factory presets (normally you're hearing me play my own)
Hey John, i've had my helix since Oct 2015 and was wondering if the overdrives and distortions sound better on the FM9, when i gig i only use the effects not modeling.
if just effects I think Line 6 has some great offerings. Not worth the change unless you wanted to get into amp modeling
@@matthewchlebowski1443 Thanks Matthew i haven't seen any reviews on overdrive comparisons on these two units. i have time just looking ahead.
Still waiting for mine......Someday......Soon..........
Que timbre dessa pedaleira ate quem nao sabe tocar vai conseguir tirar um belo som
Right Oh Mate!
Kemper / Quad Cortex / Fractal's / Helix After all, the sound quality and dynamics are on the same level. You can get the same results from all of them with a few minor adjustments. I cannot say " WOW this sound is soooooo much good than others " for FM9..
Well...sort of but this is a bit of an oversimplification - a Kemper can't do dual amping - Quad Cortex can't do anything resembling power amp shaping, or anything except fairly bog-standard simple effects etc....?
Not true. Different sounds and effects
Getting a good sound out of my AxeFx 3 is much easier than in my HX Stomp. You can get great sounds out of Helix too, but it takes me a lot longer to dial it in.
@@johnnathancordy Even though I don't own an FM9, I've read through the manual and watched almost all the videos on youtube about FM9. Likewise in Quad cortex.. I was even obsessed with buying FM9 at one time.. As I listen to the sounds, I admit that there are some differences, but as a lead guitarist, they all give the same result in the chain of effects I set up. It sounds as if they all have the same sound card and processor in them. I have never used the re-amp feature of my Kemper, and I probably will not. This is nothing new about dual amps, many older devices actually have this feature, but I've never seen a dual amp used in any tone called the "Best Lead Guitar" tone, including your videos. There are definitely some differences, but when a music recording is included, the difference really goes down to zero levels. Don't just think of it as a comparison between different brands. This is more evident among Neural DSP's plugins and Quad Cortex. A friend of mine, who is a recording studio and earns money from this business, liked his Plini reverb so much that he even started using it for professional vocal recordings, but a good reverb at this level is Neural DSP; Quad cortex failed to capture in the product. There is something in the technology in the devices that limits some things..
Dig the oodie
I agree with your take on it. I came on the FM9 and QC waitlists a few weeks ago, and I gave myself the luxury of relaxed side by side comparison.
At first the QC UI and initial sounds were compelling…but after about a week I started finding a subtle difference in the ‘depth’ of tones and feel (for clean and crunch). The FM9 drew me in with a more realistic sound and feel. Hard to explain. The QC had a slight harshness, shallowness, and sameness, while the FM9 drew me in with some combo of depth, variety, and dynamics. This was in spite of my sort of hating the initial complexity and old-school flavor of the FM UI.
Now I’ve learned all the things there are to like about the FM layout flexibility and even come to like other aspects of the UI.
Bottom line, the decision was clear, with no agonizing or second guessing.
Have you shared your custom layout or walked through the customization process?
Cheers
Been on the waiting list since day one but not holding me breath, Europe seems an afterthought at the moment.
Did you get email from G66 about September?
@@lukather1 September or just Q3 2022?
This is the ONE we want but can't get. FM9 beats FM3, not only for 6 extra buttons and extra CPU power, both were needed, but also the ability to use more High Res. effects. Most AxFXIII patches work on the FM9- no so much the FM3. Question, why can all other manufacturers have access to chips but Fractal can't? I can get a Q.Cortex DSP or a Helix tomorrow. I have been on the list about a year- from day 2. I heard from them and they basically said don't hold your breath. I asked them to swap me for an AXFIII but they declined! Pretty sure that uses chips too- what gives?
Line6 has been around forever which I assume makes buying chips easier in a shortage and/or they’ve got big enough production capability to have a stockpile waiting to go into production or they use a chip that goes in many products and can float them to whatever product is selling most.
@@matthewwomack7901 Thanks Matt. I was initially thinking the same but a year- really? If that were the case, the big guys surplus would have run out 10 months ago and they are not slowing down. I think there is something going on inside the company. Maybe they don't want to sell many FM9's so they can announce the new AxeFXIV's that I highly suspect are in the works. The FM9, if sold en masse would cannibalize on those sales. Also, with the shortage, they probably don't want to over pay for chips. Everyone else can get them.
Has anyone other than reviewers/influencers actually got their hands on one? I would have put serious thought into the FM9 instead of buying a QC. But basically no ETA!
I must have been one of the first to be added to the wait-list because I received mine in November. Had an Axe 2 beforehand and this has a little more power and slightly better modeling. Love it!
Zoom G5n pls😁
Waiting list for me… apparently not going to realistically get any in Europe until around Christmas at the earliest 😵💫😭
I heard some slightly better news than that earlier...
FM9 far surpasses any multi effects board. Didn’t find one bad preset.
Waiting list 😢
That's the most frustrating part of this....Nearly a year later and I think there's relatively few units out there in the wild?
What if, you cAnt
Not sure of the point of this video to be honest - have been unavailable to most of us who have sat patiently on the waitlist for 9 months. Why didnt you wait until they start to become available again? Just bragging that youve got one??
Wasted video man. The FM9 is a great idea that Fractal can't deliver. It's easier to get a bag of rainbow unicorn poop. 🌈 🦄 💩
Lol one day they might make some more....
I know @johnnathancordy probably doesn't like beating people over the head with Like / share / subscribe/ comment, so I will do it:
Really, all:
A simple click of the "Like" button on any video you actually DO like can make a difference in the UA-cam algorithm's treatment and promotion of John's content.
I am guilty of not doing so in the past for just about all the stuff I watched on UA-cam in general, even on my subscriptions where the notifications bell is set to "ring"..
With this channel, It is going to take me a year to get back through all the content he has released and each and every video I watch seems to always have something of use, even videos focused on gear I will never buy.
The playing each time is gorgeous and somehow inspires me to believe I could get closer to playing like him instead of what my practical mind says, which is "wow, that was effortlessly insane, you should just give up guitar now"
I love how close knit the comments community is on his videos, and how John replies to even ME here and there; probably because there AREN'T 1 million subscribers to sort through.
But I still would rather see his channel blow up like a Rick Beato or Pete Thorn or That Pedal Show, just so he gets paid back more for the ocean of content I am still enjoying backtracking through now.
Take a moment to click like at least, and if you have any musician friends and one of the videos really seems like something they might like, use the share button to get it onto your Facebook timeline rather than emailing them a link you cut and pasted.