I got old an old jcm 800 head, and a newer hughes and kettner Grand meister 40 which both kick butt to this day, I bought the headrush core modeller to get into the world of modelling. Works fabulous for me. May not have the nuances of the hard core people but at 68 years young makes me smile. Never owned a Mesa or an Orange amp but sounds great to my ears! TC
I NEED TO JUSTIFY MY LINE 6 GEAR PURCHASES.MAKING A COMMENT TO SHOW THAT I LIKE LINE 6. I KNOW ABOUT GEAR AND MY COMMENTS MATTER. IM NOT IN A COVER BAND THAT 10 PEOPLE GO SEE.
Good video Steve. Price is going to be a sticking point for me. I’m primarily a direct to foh with my Helix. But I have been using a tube amp occasionally this summer for outdoor gigs. When I use a real amp I just use a couple stomp boxes because I’ve never liked how my amp sounds with the Helix in front. Not sure why. If this thing plays nicer with amps it might be a good gateway drug for me with Fractal Audio.
I feel like the SPDIF could be a cool way to expand an fm3 if you need more horsepower / switches 👀. If the price is right it would be neat if they put out an AMP4?
As a tube amp user that went through phases of pedals and racks, getting the Fractal FX8 to use with my amp was the absolute best choice. Does everything I need to consolidate my pedalboard and rack into a single device. Pretty hard to beat what the fractal FX8 offer. Fractal needs to come out with a newer updated version of the FX8 for those who use amps still.
That's interesting, cause I've been using a helix forever and am considering going in a different direction after seeing this. Fractals effects are just better than line6, unfortunately for me lol
I have an AX8, great piece of gear. I just bought a Nano Cortex and Im still trying to figure out how it can play with the AX8. Ive had every damn thing on the planet and I need to seek some counseling from this gear addiction.
Price is going to make or break this thing. A used FM3 seems like it could very well run circles around this and you can easily add more switches/exp pedals, etc AND amp modeling if you need it or adding an IR loader or cab sim to a DI sound. IMO, the FM3 is still just too powerful and very affordable second hand.
An interesting question is what new technologies and UX are used in VP4 that might translate to FM3 and FM9. Re scribble vs Gig view - I find being consistent with how the switches are laid out is key to being able to use these configurable pedals live. You can't look down at the unit to select the switch when playing and singing.
unless you're interested in making/using amp captures. If so, ToneX + HX effects is a pretty killer budget combo and that NAM pedal looks to be a strong contender as well, but still in its infancy
Had the FX8. Couldn’t get along with it. Stayed with helix for a long time as FX only. Then changed to a tube amp from Twin Tonemaster. And used less sounds, changed to HX FX with two drives in front. Sounds killer.
If it has controllers like LFOs, pitch followers and envelope followers like the other hardware then a lot more. Also the FX8 offered the ability to put all your effects in parallel which could be useful so this will probably do that too. Fractal Audio’s effects are better than line 6 in my experience too especially reverbs and modulation. This should be more akin to Eventide than Line 6 in terms of quality. That saying I think the HX effects is a great product. I use mine as a midi controller for my Axe FX.
@@peterjessop1878 It does indeed have the modifiers (controllers), LFO A, LFO B, ADSR, Envelope and the Pitch Detector. The first effect block will be series, but blocks 2-4 can be parallel. I was able to peak at the manual before it was taken down. There's also a ton of screen shots of it in the thread at TheGearForum. Also probably important to note, it has a new-to-Fractal, more streamlined UI,
Could be cool. Fractal makes great products. Four footswitches seems enough to turn common effects on and off. Knowing Fractal, I’m a little worried it won’t be a touchscreen and getting to a pedal will require too much knob twisting for easy live use.
Looking fwd to your review of the VP4. They started with the VP4 so the next upgrade can be VP8. The VP4 seems to be like the new version of the FX8 (legacy). I'm very happy with my Fractal FM9 (and the ones win the closet), so no need for more pedals at this time.
4 switches for me doesn't cut it. That's a reason why I've never gone for the HX Stomp or an FM3. I run a Helix floor and the ability to put any effect I want and just go to it is priceless. Depending on price and how the new Fractal works....if I were to go back to an amp I'd be more inclined to us an FX8. Just more choices.
There are alternatives however, Fractal is the tops imo. So there's no comparison. The manual has been leaked/released. It's out there. The 4 switches works in the 4x4 preset/scene application.
I think this is going to be an excellent product if it’s only the effects with no amp/cab features. I’ve been using fully digital amps for around 4 years now and I’ve been using an FM-3 for almost 2 years already. I absolutely love it and it’s my favorite guitar device ever, I’m not getting rid of it any time soon and I will be very sad if/when it’s no longer receiving support and updates. Despite this, I’ve been meaning to put together a new conventional pedalboard to use with real amps, and at some point I considered using the FM-3 with just some of the effects for a while; However, it is not particularly practical to use in a hybrid setup because of it’s size, weight, and the way it’s powered; but with this, that just solves my entire problem! I know for a fact a lot of people use the fractal stuff just for the effects, so this is an excellent move, and making it pedalboard friendly (unlike the FX8) is what will make it so appealing to many. That’s why I also think 4 switches is the right amount; it will allow this pedal to be easily incorporated into medium and maybe even small pedalboards, unlike something like the HX Effects which needs a lot of pedalboard real state to be used. I think this will help bring many amp purists into the fractal ecosystem without shoving amp modeling in their face. I don’t know, but I’m very excited, it seems this is going to be awesome!
I think this release is going to be utterly fucking amazing. Stereo effects going into a oouple of Tonex Ones running Amalgam's recent Fender Twin releases = absolute win.
I know what it is. They Got this great idea and said " Hey,Let`s break it down in to 50 products and sell them as we move along" LOL. Jus sayin,Soon as I get settled they drop something else.lol.I`m not complaining jus joking. But do ya feel me ? I`m running a Hybrid system now using my amp but the HX stomp as my Brain or hub on my board. and here we go again,This could be somethin cool,sure hope so,Thanx Steve,You have givin me awesome insight and helped guide me through my gear Journey,I`m happier than ever. KEEP ROCKIN !
I have always wanted to try a fractal unit of some kind. I’m a tonex guy at present but the fractal stuff does sound awesome, it’s just the price I can’t justify sadly New sub Steve 😊
I'm a Fractal guy I bought the little ToneX a few months ago. I'd highly recommend getting hold of one of the current Fractals as there's really no comparison IMHO, the Fractals are just the best of the best
@@tonykennedy8483 thankyou for the advice tony , much appreciated , i have seen the fm3 up for 800 used....also the older axe fx II units seem to go for 500-800. i reckon id go for a fm3 eventually if i get the right price ect.
@@Atlantean-1980 Just get one, it's such a capable unit Have a look in your local area to see if any companies allow you to rent one. If you get one for a week or so it'll give you a chance to compare the two Have a look on the Fractal forum if you want any help or tips as it's always been a great place in my experience and was a lot of help when I got my Ax8 In fact, an AX8 is still an amazing unit, might be a consideration too
@AtlanteanGuitarist The AX8 will give you the same sounds that an AXFXII will, but in a slightly more simplified way. It can only do one amp block at a time whereas the AXFXII can run two I'd still recommend trying to get hold of a Fractal as they're so much better than the Tonex
Interesting for sure! Sell my FM3 and combine a FS4 with my Tonex pedal to complete effects and amps :) Very interested to see what Fractal have come with in the FS4.
Steve I think it depends on the price point if its effects only. But you have to ask, there are so many great multi effects pedals out there, is this going to have competitive offering?
I think the question is how powerful is it. That's a major big deal because if it's super powerful and has midi you can always access other parameters with a midi pedal or maybe even and FC-6 .It's obviously designed for people that love their stand alone amps and just want the Fractal effects which are some of the best in the business. I've got the new Big Sky MX and the reverbs in my Axe-Fx III are on par. Reverb takes a lot of DSP so well have to see what it' really is. I hope it's not something I want.😂
4's good for me right now. I've spent forever throwing in extra fx just 'cos I can. At this point I'm starting to use drive & reverb off the amp, & fx more subtly. I get that most won't feel the same way & that's fine.
Perhaps we will see VP6 and VP8 variants, with additional foot switches added, in line with product naming convention I.e 6 and 8 foot switch variants in the near future!
Assuming they have the ability to do the equivalent of snapshots, like in Line6...4 is plenty. I love my hx effects because it really is the big advantage with digital. Not a problem at all IF they do that right, and I assume they will.
From Fractal themselves on TheGearForums: "No product will ever satisfy everyone. If low price is your primary concern then the product is not for you. If having lots of simultaneous effects is your primary concern the product is not for you. If having up to four, high-quality effects from the Axe-Fx III in a small, pedal board-friendly format is what you want then this product is a compelling choice." Basically Fractal is years late to the party with an expensive product that is competing with the HX Effects (who even buys that now) and not any of the modern solutions. Genuinely can't tell who this product is for and you can't tell me "fractal's high quality effects" when it really all washes out in the mix in any live situation. Niche of a niche product for a market that I'm not sure is big enough or undeserved enough to justify why this thing exists at all lol
Hey boo! Question: How many guitars do you actually own? I'm down to 10 from 28 but I'm not a professional player. Just curious :) Bon Weekend and Best Regards and Best Wishes!
Fractal are smart, they understand the psychology of guitarists, the more different hardware models you release of basically the same thing the more you sell...Line 6 do the same thing. It's something I wish Kemper would do, but they don't. Kemper should release an FX only floor unit, a Kemper mini Remote for the Player, an external Poweramp box that Stage and Player owners would buy. More products, more sales.
This will probably be great for some… not really what I am interested in at the moment. Will need to see the full feature set and capabilities. that said if this was a small box to run dual amps I would probably be preordering day one. If this is just fx it is not really what I am interested in at the moment. HX FX seems like a good option if I want a full featured multi with enough footswitches. I guess if the Fx quality is clearly way better than line 6 this will find its place for some people.
Hm... It has 4 foot switches, it is called VP4, and the screen shows exactly 4 blocks without any scroll indicators... Why exactly do we assume it needs more than 4 switches? You are not hoping for something like a command center and using that as a midi controller? 🙂
Well, if it is effects only and can be used 4 cable method, I really hope it will also allow you to switch channels on your amp. That would be incredible.
I think you’re right and would be so good to get these relays to switch amp channels plus 4 method cables for pre and post effects. A dream would be to make a profile of your amp with this device … when you can’t bring your on amp on stage 👍
HX Effects blows this away in number of blocks, number of fx loops, general i/o on it, expression pedal input, scribble strips, etc etc. Was interested until I saw the leaked pics of crippled i/o compared to what Fractal is known for with plenty of i/o.
I have used FAS for decades now, but I think it's time for them to really move forward with something close to the QC, with a touchscreen and more foot switches. FM3 is too limiting for me, and the FM9 is too large for today's modelers. This might be a "kick the can down the road" product, not sure but we shall see soon.
If you could use it in conjunction with the FM9 adding 4 additional foot switches and freeing up CPU on the FM9 I’d be all in, but it doesn’t look like it will have that functionality?
Agree but without the FAS link you obviously don’t have integration of the 4 additional foot switches. Like you said, they probably should have had 6, and if they had the FAS link with 6 switches and a price tag $300-$500 over an FC6 you’d have seen a boat load of FC6’s on reverb and FM3 and FM9 owners would take full advantage. I’m not mad at Fractal, just a small opportunity missed, unless there’s a VP6 incoming in the next few months. 😊
Obviously, all we can do is speculate, so take my comments in that light. It is likely to support only a single signal path. Which means that this is for players that normally use a relatively simple signal chain. And for players like that, there would typically be a modulation, delay and reverb, plus drive, maybe compression (but not everyone use it), maybe a boost (but again, not everyone uses a boost). So, 4 foot switches might be OK. Pair it with a ToneX or a real amp, and you're good to go. But modeler/multi-fx units can do all of what I imagine this one will do (although, this may or may not sound better). An HX Stomp / XL can do all that this will do I assume. Just because they have amps and cabs, doesn't mean you have to use them. AT $600 or less, it might be interesting. But if it is $800+, not really. IMHO. YMMV. TTFN :)
It would have to be sub $300 for me to even be remotely interested honestly. I got my hx fx for less then $300 and it has way more features at first glance and its super easy to navigate
I have a helix floor and a Im broke so my opinion means nothing lol but I have the utmost respect for fractal and know they do amazing work and one day if I could see myself with a fractal device. But with that that I have to say on initial impression this is... Underwhelming. Big device with not enough buttons. I know fractal does a great job with effects but it's going to be very very difficult to justify this over the very well priced hxfx as an all in one pedal board. We'll see. I wish this product the best.
While Fractal effects sound great, I’ll stick with my HX Effects simply for the additional footswitches and scribble strips. If you can run only 4 effects at a time, I’d have negative interest.
FAS effects rival anything in an Eventide, Strymon, or Meris pedal and this thing will run four effects simultaneously. Pick up an extra shift at the Waffle House boys, it’s go time.
im not really impressed if thats what it looks like. it reminds me of the HX stomp. No XLR is a no go for me. If i was going to go into fractal it would be the FM9
Everybody keep launching products but for almost 5 years now and POD GO has all the features, all the sounds, all the effects and with the craking a reasonable effect chain. Good size and good sound. I don´t know how many people had forgotten about it and will spend 50 bucks more on a nano cortex that is sheet.
@@ericajohnson7535 yeah that's right, but man everybody wants 3 button on their pedalboard just because ola england saids so, and everyone keeps adding midi foot switches. Just be cool and buy a pod go or a HX xl. Line 6 is king, not the best in sound but they are 0.5 off and who fkng knows with all this products. 10 years of the tech and the HX sounds family it's on top. They are the last to the party of capture and they still compete. Why would you buy a mini Kemper, or a fm3 or a nano cortex if it s not just for amps. If you want effects HX xl and there you go.
I got old an old jcm 800 head, and a newer hughes and kettner Grand meister 40 which both kick butt to this day, I bought the headrush core modeller to get into the world of modelling. Works fabulous for me. May not have the nuances of the hard core people but at 68 years young makes me smile. Never owned a Mesa or an Orange amp but sounds great to my ears! TC
i never played thru a real tube head or amp...
The Hughes n kettner gm40 is great.
@@jesterrajreally? . You should definitely try one once especially going in to a real cab.
Thanks for the update Steve! You're always first to the punch. I just follow you and you always keep me up to date. Thanks again.
Means a lot! Thank you for the support
This seems more like two H90s than a Stomp or HX Effects.
Thanks for the heads up! Great video! Can’t wait to find out more.
I think this is a cool project for Fractal. Much respect for the Feactal effects. I hope it’s reasonably easy to navigate
Cute. Fractal is making an HX Effects now. 😁
Cute? Fractal's effects are much better than the Helix ecosystem's.
@@adammanwill7834 Expensive, and complex.
When fractal makes something it’s never cute. Everybody just tilts
@@pvsnoir Everybody tilts when they see the price.
I NEED TO JUSTIFY MY LINE 6 GEAR PURCHASES.MAKING A COMMENT TO SHOW THAT I LIKE LINE 6. I KNOW ABOUT GEAR AND MY COMMENTS MATTER. IM NOT IN A COVER BAND THAT 10 PEOPLE GO SEE.
Good video Steve. Price is going to be a sticking point for me. I’m primarily a direct to foh with my Helix. But I have been using a tube amp occasionally this summer for outdoor gigs. When I use a real amp I just use a couple stomp boxes because I’ve never liked how my amp sounds with the Helix in front. Not sure why. If this thing plays nicer with amps it might be a good gateway drug for me with Fractal Audio.
why does fractal always sound so much better than quad cortex
I feel like the SPDIF could be a cool way to expand an fm3 if you need more horsepower / switches 👀. If the price is right it would be neat if they put out an AMP4?
As a tube amp user that went through phases of pedals and racks, getting the Fractal FX8 to use with my amp was the absolute best choice. Does everything I need to consolidate my pedalboard and rack into a single device. Pretty hard to beat what the fractal FX8 offer. Fractal needs to come out with a newer updated version of the FX8 for those who use amps still.
Seems like this could be it, but also may be more limited in functions...
@@SteveSterlacci yes it would be very limited for options compared to the FX8 sadly. Would be cool to check out however .
fractal has that function that if you press the same foot switch twice you go back to previous settings/scene right? so 4 switches is bassicly 8.
I had my eye on an fx only board and someone in the FB group mentioned that Fractal had this coming...Man, am I glad I went with the HX effects!
That's interesting, cause I've been using a helix forever and am considering going in a different direction after seeing this. Fractals effects are just better than line6, unfortunately for me lol
I have an AX8, great piece of gear. I just bought a Nano Cortex and Im still trying to figure out how it can play with the AX8. Ive had every damn thing on the planet and I need to seek some counseling from this gear addiction.
Thanks man. You're always informing us . God bless you
Price is going to make or break this thing. A used FM3 seems like it could very well run circles around this and you can easily add more switches/exp pedals, etc AND amp modeling if you need it or adding an IR loader or cab sim to a DI sound.
IMO, the FM3 is still just too powerful and very affordable second hand.
An interesting question is what new technologies and UX are used in VP4 that might translate to FM3 and FM9. Re scribble vs Gig view - I find being consistent with how the switches are laid out is key to being able to use these configurable pedals live. You can't look down at the unit to select the switch when playing and singing.
Everyone is trying to catch up with Line 6, but there will never be a better tool than the Stomp within the same price.
unless you're interested in making/using amp captures. If so, ToneX + HX effects is a pretty killer budget combo and that NAM pedal looks to be a strong contender as well, but still in its infancy
🤣 Let me guess, you only use and know line 6
@@LaCajaDeSnakeonly if your mom changed her name 🤣
@@Rav3nghast 🤣 You are a bommer and a cheapskate, you don't know a nickname and you don't like to spend on your work tool
Foreal tho. I even have an fm3 and I still love my hx stomp. Best piece I ever bought
Had the FX8. Couldn’t get along with it. Stayed with helix for a long time as FX only. Then changed to a tube amp from Twin Tonemaster. And used less sounds, changed to HX FX with two drives in front. Sounds killer.
Really neat stuff! I hope it is touchscreen and has the ability to type in preset names when searching for them.
What might this do that an old (and inexpensive) HX-effects can't already do while having scribble scripts?
Million dollar question right there.
utilize Fractal-quality effects.
If it has controllers like LFOs, pitch followers and envelope followers like the other hardware then a lot more. Also the FX8 offered the ability to put all your effects in parallel which could be useful so this will probably do that too. Fractal Audio’s effects are better than line 6 in my experience too especially reverbs and modulation. This should be more akin to Eventide than Line 6 in terms of quality. That saying I think the HX effects is a great product. I use mine as a midi controller for my Axe FX.
@@peterjessop1878 Ahh, ok - interesting! Thank you for the thoughtful reply!
@@peterjessop1878 It does indeed have the modifiers (controllers), LFO A, LFO B, ADSR, Envelope and the Pitch Detector. The first effect block will be series, but blocks 2-4 can be parallel. I was able to peak at the manual before it was taken down. There's also a ton of screen shots of it in the thread at TheGearForum.
Also probably important to note, it has a new-to-Fractal, more streamlined UI,
There may be a VP6 and VP9 coming for all we know!
Could be cool. Fractal makes great products. Four footswitches seems enough to turn common effects on and off. Knowing Fractal, I’m a little worried it won’t be a touchscreen and getting to a pedal will require too much knob twisting for easy live use.
I'm supposing that it accepts complex paths with scenes, so your 4 switches would be 4 (maybe 8?) scenes.
Looking fwd to your review of the VP4. They started with the VP4 so the next upgrade can be VP8. The VP4 seems to be like the new version of the FX8 (legacy).
I'm very happy with my Fractal FM9 (and the ones win the closet), so no need for more pedals at this time.
4 switches for me doesn't cut it. That's a reason why I've never gone for the HX Stomp or an FM3. I run a Helix floor and the ability to put any effect I want and just go to it is priceless. Depending on price and how the new Fractal works....if I were to go back to an amp I'd be more inclined to us an FX8. Just more choices.
Can fm3 link to this to free up dsp but also control this?
Definitely cool for someone that doesn't already have an Axe FX or FM version.
There are alternatives however, Fractal is the tops imo. So there's no comparison.
The manual has been leaked/released. It's out there.
The 4 switches works in the 4x4 preset/scene application.
Getting this day 1 too. I have the nano cortex, so maybe I can use these 2 together for an amazing sounding fly rig
Great call!
I just got the Nano as well and was thinking the same thing! I wonder what the price will be?
@@TheBassrocker500 awesome ! Hopefully under $ 600 !
As long as the 4 buttons, you can use for clean crunch rhythm and lead.I'm in any idea on the price thanks
I think this is going to be an excellent product if it’s only the effects with no amp/cab features.
I’ve been using fully digital amps for around 4 years now and I’ve been using an FM-3 for almost 2 years already. I absolutely love it and it’s my favorite guitar device ever, I’m not getting rid of it any time soon and I will be very sad if/when it’s no longer receiving support and updates.
Despite this, I’ve been meaning to put together a new conventional pedalboard to use with real amps, and at some point I considered using the FM-3 with just some of the effects for a while; However, it is not particularly practical to use in a hybrid setup because of it’s size, weight, and the way it’s powered; but with this, that just solves my entire problem!
I know for a fact a lot of people use the fractal stuff just for the effects, so this is an excellent move, and making it pedalboard friendly (unlike the FX8) is what will make it so appealing to many. That’s why I also think 4 switches is the right amount; it will allow this pedal to be easily incorporated into medium and maybe even small pedalboards, unlike something like the HX Effects which needs a lot of pedalboard real state to be used. I think this will help bring many amp purists into the fractal ecosystem without shoving amp modeling in their face.
I don’t know, but I’m very excited, it seems this is going to be awesome!
I think this release is going to be utterly fucking amazing. Stereo effects going into a oouple of Tonex Ones running Amalgam's recent Fender Twin releases = absolute win.
everyone going "but my hx effects has more buttons" just doesn't know how much better the fx are.
If it plays well with analog drives, I think it's a good option
Loving the podcast👍🏻, please keep it up!
I'm betting this is Fractal's answer to HX Effects. It may have a connection capability to be able to be used with the FS6 and FS12 units.
I know what it is. They Got this great idea and said " Hey,Let`s break it down in to 50 products and sell them as we move along" LOL. Jus sayin,Soon as I get settled they drop something else.lol.I`m not complaining jus joking. But do ya feel me ? I`m running a Hybrid system now using my amp but the HX stomp as my Brain or hub on my board. and here we go again,This could be somethin cool,sure hope so,Thanx Steve,You have givin me awesome insight and helped guide me through my gear Journey,I`m happier than ever. KEEP ROCKIN !
Exciting Steve!!! Thanks for the video!!
The Gear Forum FTW
Indeed!
I have always wanted to try a fractal unit of some kind.
I’m a tonex guy at present but the fractal stuff does sound awesome, it’s just the price I can’t justify sadly
New sub Steve 😊
I'm a Fractal guy
I bought the little ToneX a few months ago.
I'd highly recommend getting hold of one of the current Fractals as there's really no comparison IMHO, the Fractals are just the best of the best
@@tonykennedy8483 thankyou for the advice tony , much appreciated , i have seen the fm3 up for 800 used....also the older axe fx II units seem to go for 500-800.
i reckon id go for a fm3 eventually if i get the right price ect.
@@Atlantean-1980 Just get one, it's such a capable unit
Have a look in your local area to see if any companies allow you to rent one.
If you get one for a week or so it'll give you a chance to compare the two
Have a look on the Fractal forum if you want any help or tips as it's always been a great place in my experience and was a lot of help when I got my Ax8
In fact, an AX8 is still an amazing unit, might be a consideration too
@@tonykennedy8483 yes i have seen the ax8 for even cheaper ect, i didnt want to go for too old of a unit due to the weaker processing power perhaps?
@AtlanteanGuitarist The AX8 will give you the same sounds that an AXFXII will, but in a slightly more simplified way. It can only do one amp block at a time whereas the AXFXII can run two
I'd still recommend trying to get hold of a Fractal as they're so much better than the Tonex
Interesting for sure! Sell my FM3 and combine a FS4 with my Tonex pedal to complete effects and amps :) Very interested to see what Fractal have come with in the FS4.
Steve I think it depends on the price point if its effects only. But you have to ask, there are so many great multi effects pedals out there, is this going to have competitive offering?
I think the question is how powerful is it. That's a major big deal because if it's super powerful and has midi you can always access other parameters with a midi pedal or maybe even and FC-6 .It's obviously designed for people that love their stand alone amps and just want the Fractal effects which are some of the best in the business. I've got the new Big Sky MX and the reverbs in my Axe-Fx III are on par. Reverb takes a lot of DSP so well have to see what it' really is. I hope it's not something I want.😂
Looks like it'll play nicely with a Nano Cortex
As if they were made for each other!
4's good for me right now. I've spent forever throwing in extra fx just 'cos I can. At this point I'm starting to use drive & reverb off the amp, & fx more subtly. I get that most won't feel the same way & that's fine.
Hopefully this is like the Boss MS-3, with FX Loops + Fractal effects + Midi out at least, if so, take my money.
I use ToneX and TC Plethora X5 for the effects. It works great for what I need but my GAS is telling me to get this too!
Seems to be like the plethora x3 but with 4 fxs and higher quality
Would be great if they really sell this, allowing two amps in fm3 to use it together are they are proposing
I wonder if it will have amps as well. I’d like to make a small bass board it it did have amp capabilities.
Fractal's take on TC's Plethora x3-x5?
More importantly Steve where did you buy that t shirt??
The airport in Kota Bharu !
@@SteveSterlacci gotta get me one when I go back. Kota Bharu is my wife’s hometown 🤘🏽🤘🏽
@azrul666 very cool! We loved it there
Perhaps we will see VP6 and VP8 variants, with additional foot switches added, in line with product naming convention I.e 6 and 8 foot switch variants in the near future!
Unlikely. What you will see are people using small MIDI floorboards with this.
it's supposed to be like the Line 6 Pod Go. not a Helix but a more simplified floorboard
Pod go has amp models and an exp pedal. I hope it's comparable in price
Assuming they have the ability to do the equivalent of snapshots, like in Line6...4 is plenty. I love my hx effects because it really is the big advantage with digital. Not a problem at all IF they do that right, and I assume they will.
It's cool...kind of a big footprint for 4 blocks. It will probably sound great but cost a bit too much to overthrow the mighty HX Stomp.
I was just about to order an H90…if it’s all effects and it plays nice with my Brown Protein and UAFX Ruby/Enigma…I might be an early adopter.
I was hoping this was going to be an updated FX8.
From Fractal themselves on TheGearForums: "No product will ever satisfy everyone. If low price is your primary concern then the product is not for you. If having lots of simultaneous effects is your primary concern the product is not for you. If having up to four, high-quality effects from the Axe-Fx III in a small, pedal board-friendly format is what you want then this product is a compelling choice."
Basically Fractal is years late to the party with an expensive product that is competing with the HX Effects (who even buys that now) and not any of the modern solutions. Genuinely can't tell who this product is for and you can't tell me "fractal's high quality effects" when it really all washes out in the mix in any live situation.
Niche of a niche product for a market that I'm not sure is big enough or undeserved enough to justify why this thing exists at all lol
Hey boo! Question: How many guitars do you actually own? I'm down to 10 from 28 but I'm not a professional player. Just curious :) Bon Weekend and Best Regards and Best Wishes!
Awesome, maybe now I’ll be able to afford an FM3 Mk 1 😎
Fractal are smart, they understand the psychology of guitarists, the more different hardware models you release of basically the same thing the more you sell...Line 6 do the same thing.
It's something I wish Kemper would do, but they don't. Kemper should release an FX only floor unit, a Kemper mini Remote for the Player, an external Poweramp box that Stage and Player owners would buy.
More products, more sales.
I like the goldilocks method. There's a right product for everyone
Oh wow this might be perfect for my amps
I want to see the price tag.
This will probably be great for some… not really what I am interested in at the moment. Will need to see the full feature set and capabilities.
that said if this was a small box to run dual amps I would probably be preordering day one. If this is just fx it is not really what I am interested in at the moment.
HX FX seems like a good option if I want a full featured multi with enough footswitches. I guess if the Fx quality is clearly way better than line 6 this will find its place for some people.
Hm... It has 4 foot switches, it is called VP4, and the screen shows exactly 4 blocks without any scroll indicators... Why exactly do we assume it needs more than 4 switches? You are not hoping for something like a command center and using that as a midi controller? 🙂
Fractal is known to have multiple applications for 1 fs. Press hold, double tap etc
I would kill for a Fractal spring reverb pedal. No digital reverb pedal comes close to the algos on the Fractal.
Nuenaber Immerse Mk-II is just as good as the Fractal verbs.
I can already taste the complaints 😂 That power supply people will lose their mind about out of the gate.
I think this’ll be a decaf fm9 or something like that
Well, if it is effects only and can be used 4 cable method, I really hope it will also allow you to switch channels on your amp. That would be incredible.
I think you’re right and would be so good to get these relays to switch amp channels plus 4 method cables for pre and post effects. A dream would be to make a profile of your amp with this device … when you can’t bring your on amp on stage 👍
It IS effects only and can do 4CM, but does not have amp channel switching.
Disagree on the six footswitches notion, you can always expand but you can't cut down a unit with six footswitches. But super excited for this!
Yeah that could just be a surface/gut reaction. With press hold and double press options it can probably do a ton more than just the 4
HX Effects blows this away in number of blocks, number of fx loops, general i/o on it, expression pedal input, scribble strips, etc etc. Was interested until I saw the leaked pics of crippled i/o compared to what Fractal is known for with plenty of i/o.
It looks like it was designed by HeadRush. I expect more from Fractal. As always thanks Steve!
AWSE! I used my FM9 many times as a pedal board infront of my amp
Ill stick with my Analog for now, I'll wiat for that new HX Stomp or an HX Stomp killer
Stomp is gonna be tough to beat!
Have their footswitches stopped failing yet?
All I want is an updated unit with M9 interface, and size. Until then, I’m content to use my old, and inferior, M9.
Its a legend for a reason!
I have used FAS for decades now, but I think it's time for them to really move forward with something close to the QC, with a touchscreen and more foot switches. FM3 is too limiting for me, and the FM9 is too large for today's modelers. This might be a "kick the can down the road" product, not sure but we shall see soon.
Has fractal even been around for decades lol?
@@matthewfreeman33 2006 to present pretty damn close.
100% this
This would have to be sub 500 bucks to be worth it. Otherwise just get an FM3 for a lot more firepower. That is assuming only 4 fx at once is allowed.
It will be interesting to see what Fractal thinks is "worthy" to introduce as a new product. Perhaps Captures, Profiling capability? 🤷♀
No captures/profiles.
I just bought the fm3 turbo 4 months ago.
Dont worry the FM3 has amps and effects the FS4 will be effects only!
I bought one only to find out it’s not powerful enough to have 2 reverbs 😭
Definitely layout dependent. With the buttons.
TC Electronic Plethora x3 sells more that Plethora x5.
3 options + other pedals gives more freedom.
Each pedal might hold 2 scenes like headrush does. 8 is enough.
Limiting to four foot switches drives customers into the FC product line.
If it can do more than 4 blocks at least
If you could use it in conjunction with the FM9 adding 4 additional foot switches and freeing up CPU on the FM9 I’d be all in, but it doesn’t look like it will have that functionality?
I guess it would need the FAS link? Otherwise you can still 4CM and use midi 🤔
Agree but without the FAS link you obviously don’t have integration of the 4 additional foot switches. Like you said, they probably should have had 6, and if they had the FAS link with 6 switches and a price tag $300-$500 over an FC6 you’d have seen a boat load of FC6’s on reverb and FM3 and FM9 owners would take full advantage.
I’m not mad at Fractal, just a small opportunity missed, unless there’s a VP6 incoming in the next few months. 😊
Excited to run this with tonex
But is it midi capable???
Yes.
Midi I/O is on minijacks.
You can add a Dual Switch to increase the buttons ;-)
I'd love a unit with four foot knobs. :)
Monkeys will be happy. 🐒
Obviously, all we can do is speculate, so take my comments in that light. It is likely to support only a single signal path. Which means that this is for players that normally use a relatively simple signal chain. And for players like that, there would typically be a modulation, delay and reverb, plus drive, maybe compression (but not everyone use it), maybe a boost (but again, not everyone uses a boost). So, 4 foot switches might be OK. Pair it with a ToneX or a real amp, and you're good to go. But modeler/multi-fx units can do all of what I imagine this one will do (although, this may or may not sound better). An HX Stomp / XL can do all that this will do I assume. Just because they have amps and cabs, doesn't mean you have to use them. AT $600 or less, it might be interesting. But if it is $800+, not really. IMHO. YMMV. TTFN :)
You can set it up in 4CM to run pre/post effects.
Seems like it could be a virtual Gigrig WITH all my pedals
🤯🤯
It would have to be sub $300 for me to even be remotely interested honestly. I got my hx fx for less then $300 and it has way more features at first glance and its super easy to navigate
Funny how I just sold my HX Effects two weeks ago. Ain't buying this tho. Still waiting for a Fractal touch screen device 😂 Maybe in 2030
Maybe Fractal will offer the FC-4 with it…
It will be like tone master pro. Click pedal and they will be encoders
I have a helix floor and a
Im broke so my opinion means nothing lol but I have the utmost respect for fractal and know they do amazing work and one day if I could see myself with a fractal device.
But with that that I have to say on initial impression this is... Underwhelming.
Big device with not enough buttons. I know fractal does a great job with effects but it's going to be very very difficult to justify this over the very well priced hxfx as an all in one pedal board.
We'll see. I wish this product the best.
These guys are going to empty my bank acc
While Fractal effects sound great, I’ll stick with my HX Effects simply for the additional footswitches and scribble strips. If you can run only 4 effects at a time, I’d have negative interest.
Its gotta be real affordable for it to beat out hx fx
@@SteveSterlacci Have you looked at the manual yet? Someone posted in here that it’s online.
FAS effects rival anything in an Eventide, Strymon, or Meris pedal and this thing will run four effects simultaneously. Pick up an extra shift at the Waffle House boys, it’s go time.
im not really impressed if thats what it looks like. it reminds me of the HX stomp. No XLR is a no go for me. If i was going to go into fractal it would be the FM9
Everybody keep launching products but for almost 5 years now and POD GO has all the features, all the sounds, all the effects and with the craking a reasonable effect chain. Good size and good sound. I don´t know how many people had forgotten about it and will spend 50 bucks more on a nano cortex that is sheet.
Except the footswitches are garbage
@@ericajohnson7535 yeah that's right, but man everybody wants 3 button on their pedalboard just because ola england saids so, and everyone keeps adding midi foot switches. Just be cool and buy a pod go or a HX xl. Line 6 is king, not the best in sound but they are 0.5 off and who fkng knows with all this products. 10 years of the tech and the HX sounds family it's on top. They are the last to the party of capture and they still compete.
Why would you buy a mini Kemper, or a fm3 or a nano cortex if it s not just for amps. If you want effects HX xl and there you go.