I found this video about 5 months ago when I started working for a local church and needed to get good tone and levels. A weird update messed my FM3 settings so here I am again. Thanks for the work you do!
Greg, I wanted to thank you in a separate post for the help you gave me in trying to set up my levels. Thanks to you, I'm set up very well for monitoring now - both via the monitors and via headphones. As you so correctly pointed out, it is a bit of a balancing act, but with the addition of the USB level control, it is possible to set it and forget it. Granted, the "setting" part takes a little time. At this point, I'm hard pressed to find a real, valid criticism of the FM3. It obviously sounds fantastic, and it's audio interface functionality is excellent as well. Perhaps the only less than glowing comment is that it can be difficult to understand and set up, but people like you make it extremely doable. Once again, thank you!
great video Greg,thank you,since firmware 15 i was having issues with my sound,but i think firmware 15 change my output setting to -10dBV,but now i change it to +4 dBu and now i get my sound back😃😃
greg, just bought you 3 cups of coffee.. thanks for help on outputs. im not tecky. just like to play. i have a axe 3 and have struggled connecting up my aeros looper correctly to get output the axe. thanks jv
Appreciate this video.....I am on the waiting list for the fm9....possible 6 month wait...so considering the fm3 for the interim....thanks for the help.
I had to send mine back for a few weeks so there was a lull in content but I plan to do more. Got a Bogner ecstasy preset coming as well as some other hot topics. Got a pedalboard build as well I’m going to video
@@MrLevent79 I was initially getting an Ax8 but the waiting list for that was transferred to the Fm3 waitlist😅 I entered in late March, sometime after the 19th.
Manual says when plug in commercial devices you need to set it at -10dBV,otherwise if to line level professional equipment then to +4dBu. If so, if my output2 is to my frfr and output1 goes to mixer of sound guy,then which settings I have to maintain when output2 volume turn fully clockwised so as to avoid floor noise. Please tell me your esteemed instructions. As always,thank you from Korea. Be in safe!
Hey there. Output 1 to FOH should be set at +4. Output 2 only has boost/pad so turn the output 2 knob all the way for unity gain and then adjust your FRFR volume knob if you have one. At that point just get an acceptable setting on the boost/pad setting. I haven’t hooked my FRFR up yet and truthfully I can’t really test loud volumes since the family has been home during this covid stuff. I will see if I can experiment though. The boost/pad is there for the noise floor and to keep things clean.
@@GregSummersMusic Hey Greg, So working with my FM3 and the inputs and I'm not able to even get a slight flash of the red. I play a strat with lace sensor pick ups. Any other tricks to get it hotter?
@@chrizs7168 I'm not at home to test on the unit but per the manual it says increasing the input 1 pad increases the noise floor so I was thinking it would increase signal to it but maybe it's opposite which makes more sense (hence "Pad"). I will have to mess with it later. You can also mess with raising your pickups a little
Thank you so much for this no-nonsense video! As an FM3 newbie, I'm having trouble finding the direct monitoring/DAW mix control. If someone could point me to that, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks!
So, I use an external interface for recording but if you are using the fm3 as your interface, per the manual page 28 “The top panel OUT 1 level of the FM3 works as the master, adjusting the overall levels of the FM3 and computer playback simultaneously. For additional control, adjust levels inside the computer or use the USB 1/2 Level parameter of the FM3 found in SETUP: I/O: USB.” It’s going to be a balancing game. Definitely easier with external speakers and a dedicated separate interface. Hope that helps!
@@GregSummersMusic Thanks for the detailed response, Greg! I was hoping not to have to use and external interface. I'm not even sure what "direct monitoring" means in Fractal-world, because the FM3 doesn't support ASIO direct monitoring, so I'm even struggling with translating from regular terminology to Fractal terminology! The device works very well except for one thing which, as you say, is a balancing act. All I'm trying to do is to get no-latency (I should say, correctly synched with the DAW playback) guitar monitoring signal that sits in the mix. Most interfaces have a direct/DAW balance control somewhere. Also, in addition, I'd like that output signal to be somewhat similar in volume between my studio monitors and headphones. There has to be a way to do this!
@@srinip ok, I see your frustration with this one. I’m seeing others sharing in the lack of ASIO direct monitoring. If you were just using the headphones that would be one thing but trying to use it with dedicated monitors may be another thing. Most people are saying it works with just assigning the DAW output to out 1 of the fm3. I’d have to mess with it to see if I could figure it out. I have the fm9 which should be the same thing or my son has an fm3 I could mess with but it seems there’s still that limitation. I’ve never found the interface capabilities on the fractal units to be my first choice and I’ve always had an external interface. They are so cheap, that for a dedicated home setup with monitors it’s just better to have another interface. For something portable with just your laptop, fm3 and headphones, then the fractal as an interface will work.
@@GregSummersMusic Thanks again, good point about getting another interface. Unfortunately, though, with an external interface, it may not be possible to use the re-amping capability of the FM3....or am I mistaken? I actually do have the DAW output set to Output 1, so maybe I need to mess with that myself. I'll let you know if I have a breakthrough!
@@srinip I’m guessing you are on PC. Mac OS can use aggregate interfaces so you can tie the 2 together as one interface and utilize all the outputs. For windows you can use something like ASIO4ALL to do the same. Might be something for you to experiment with.
Guess it would depend on where that output 2 was going in between my FM3 and my ears. If it was going to a mixer or sorts, I’d still send unity gain and control level somewhere else. If it were going directly to my ears i would mess with block volume level and physical knob. Hope that makes sense.
Thanks for this. What is the significance of clipping? Will it damage my FM3 in any way? *edit - I tried adjusting my input and output settings per your suggestions in this video, and I'm still constantly in the red. As a metal player, I do use high gain tones, and play 7 string guitar, so maybe that's why? Maybe it's completely unavoidable? ** edit 2 - I turned the input 1 pad up to 12 dB, and the clipping seems to have gone away mostly. It tickles the red here on the lower/heavier notes. At 18 dB, it doesn't touch the red at all.
There you go. Yes I was about to tell you to pad it down. Some guitars require the pad. Yes sounds like you have it down. The input adjustments are really for optimal signal to noise ratio. Having it set incorrectly shouldn’t damage anything either.
Thank you so much for the video. Can i please ask some advice? My church mics amp cabinets to front of house. If we use a modeller we just unplug the xlr cable from the mic and plug directly to our pedal. I use an FM3. What output level db should i set in this instance? Thank you in advance.
In the setup menu, I would set the output to +4db for FOH applications. I keep it there for my home setup for my studio monitors as well. From there you can adjust the out 1 knob on the front to your liking or whatever works best for FOH. They will tell you if they want more or less of you. I generally start at noon for the out 1 knob. They usually won’t need more than that.
I can only tell you the ones that I have. I don’t get to try a lot and I bought these more for mixing but the goal is that you really want something that isn’t adding much to the sound, so a very flat response on the EQ. I have the Yamaha HS7 speakers. They’ve been great but there are so many. They do make smaller HS5 models as well.
Awesome job. I am a bass player and I was wondering if, similarly to helix products, i Need to change output level depending if i am going direct to pa or using the product as a pedalboard in my amp. And, of Yes, where in the menu is doable this. Thanks
As far as I know there isnt this same kind of setting. You can set the xlr outputs to either -10db or +4db. Default is -10dB. If you are always outputting to FOH situations or other pro audio gear, you can safely set the output to the +4dB setting. If you are using consumer gear, just leave it at the default -10dB. You can find this setting in Setup, I/O, then tab over to the audio tab, then look for output 1 configuration and set the output level there.
Just save the preset locally then import it. That’s what I do, but with the axe3 being more powerful you will likely have to move some things around and/or remove things that max the cpu on the FM3. Blocks also seem to get disconnected often.
That would be the easiest and still leave output 2 free. You can also use output 2 as well which are 1/4 outs but I would just grab the xlr to 1/4 cables
Just got my axe fx 3 today. Hooked up to a pair of Kali lp 8 studio monitors. On the monitors they say inputs from xlr or 1/4” is +4 and rca is -10. Since I’m using xlr, should I be using +4? It’s a bit confusing
Great video! I have a question though. In my AX8, in order to go in front of the house with unity gain I turn my output 1 all the way up. To do the same in the FM3, I would have to plug my front of house signal out of the output 2 unbalanced out jack? or just set it as you did and plug to the console with the XLR output 1?
I would use output 2 for a wedge/FRFR if you had to (copy output 1 to 2), then turn out 2 all the way up for unity and control stage volume on the FRFR with the edge itself (I know not ideal) and then you out 1 xlr out to FOH. Be sure to set your out 1 to +4 dB for FOH. I usually keep mine around 12 o’clock and most FOH guys are able to gain up or down with now issues.
I'm still on the wait list at the moment. For home use what would you recommend? Studio monitors or a FRFR such as the Headrush? I might use it out of home for the last minute jam sessions in a small area.
If you ever have any plans of playing outside of the house, FRFR is my recommendation. If you can swing both options at some point, that works too. I have a pair of yamaha studio monitors as well as a Friedman FRFR.
buy American products when you can. There are a few out there. With chinese products you support the slave labor with no living wage. Got to start somewhere right?
Great video thanks!!! Just got my FM3 and hooked up to my PA yesterday. I have an FRFR coming soon. When you set up the I/O for output 2 to match output one......do you need to add output 2 in the layout of the patch or will the copying of it in the I/O take care of having your signal font on output 2? Just want to be sure I’m setting up correct to go FOH and also to my FRFR.
Yes you will still add the out 2 block to the grid. Copy output 1 in i/o. Let FOH control volume or tell you how much signal to send to him. I usually start with out 1 knob around 11 or 12 o’clock. I suggest that you set out 1 to +4 dB in the setup menu. Just remember that out 2 knob on front is unity gain when its maxed so turn that all the way up. You can adjust volume on your FRFR. You could probably make fine adjustments on the knob but just know that you aren’t at unity gain at that point so the signal isn’t necessarily at its most optimal.
Greg Summers thanks again Greg. I set output one at +4db in the I/O and it was perfect as i was getting some red in the meter before. Another thing I learned in the manual is that I don’t have to set an output 2 block.....copying output one to output 2 in the global settings takes care of it. Got my FRFR this afternoon and have it hooked up along with my PA. The PA is very bass heavy and I have to tame that. What I’m thinking is to tweak the patch eqs for my frfr to taste and then if it’s still boomy on the pa side to use the pa eq to get that dialed in. If there’s a better approach to this, I’m interested. My Bose PA had a separate sub and it’s really pronounced. I def need to dial that out so i don’t step on the bass player. I need to check the manual. I’m wondering...instead of copying output one to output two, maybe I can add the output 2 block on patches so long as there’s a way to adjust the output eqs. If so, I can adjust independently for both my pa and the frfr. Sorry for long winded reply. Lol.
Troy Diaz yes sorry copying out 1 to 2 eliminates the block. Forgot about that, but yes if you use a block and don’t copy it you can try an eq block or I think there is an eq on the output block as well. I don’t have my unit powered up otherwise I’d check to verify.
So, you can't connect this thing to an FRFR without an XLR cable? Am I understanding this correctly? Mine is coming in tomorrow and I don't have one...
you can use output 2 which is 1/4". If you want to use output 1 then yes you will need an XLR for the FM3. Don't forget if you use output 2 you will need to mirror output 1 signal. Start reading the first few pages in the manual. Will really help get you started.
I have output 1 going straight to front of house and output 2 going to a qsc FRFR wedge. Output 2 isn't loud enough for stage volume even when cranked. Any thoughts? This procedure was plenty loud enough with my helix
You can swap them and use output 1 for your FRFR and Out 2 for FOH. Try setting output 1 level to +4dBu under setup, I/O. That should give you enough volume. The FRFR should also have a level control as well.
@@GregSummersMusic ok. I'll try that. So give output 2 to front of house and crank it. Then output 1 for my stage ? Thanks for all your help much appreciated. Happy thanksgiving
I'm also going to try giving front of house output 1 and having him send me a monitor mix to my wedge the old school way. Or output 2 to a power amp and traditional guitar cab
I play at home with a pair of JBL EON 612, that says in their spec sheet that "allows a maximum input level" of +14dBu when "line" is selected and of -4dBu when "mic" is selected. I have them on "line" all the time. You still recomend me to pad the output down to -10?
I know it's unrelated to this video, but I am wondering if I could connect for instance a synth to input 2 (which i read is line-level and stereo) and then use the effects on the FM3 for that as well? It doesn't have to be at the same time as when using the guitar on input 1 (however if that's possible by using separate paths until the output that'd be great), or if not simultaneously, then at least when doing a take without guitar? Obviously not for live-use, but just to avoid having to buy more effect pedals for my synths or to constantly having to switch around..
I don’t see why it wouldn’t work for you but I don’t own a synth so can’t confirm anything. I’ve seen some people talk about doing this for the axe Fx 3 so should be similar.
Im a new FM3 user, and I set it up this way using output 1. It is SO quiet. I leveled presets to make sure that im not clipping, and its pretty quiet even with the out 1 volume all the way up. I'm running Kali LP6's. Anyone help?
@@GregSummersMusic yessir. I’ve got it set to +4, all presets leveled getting close to crossing 0 db and it’s still extremely quiet. LP6’s are at 0db on the back knob and that’s where i was running it with my previous interface and it was plenty loud
Indeed that is strange especially with the output 1 knob maxed. Not sure then. Hit up the forum and see if those guys have any idea. Of that doesn’t work, send in a note to fractal support. One last thing, are the stock presets quiet as well?
@@GregSummersMusic They’re all pretty close in volume to my current ones i set up. Ive posted probably more than i should in the fractal Facebook group which is why i came here 😂 i can try in there
I found this video about 5 months ago when I started working for a local church and needed to get good tone and levels.
A weird update messed my FM3 settings so here I am again. Thanks for the work you do!
Glad to help!
Great videos. Your ratio of information to fluff is higher than most, which is appreciated.
Thanks Ed!
Greg, I wanted to thank you in a separate post for the help you gave me in trying to set up my levels. Thanks to you, I'm set up very well for monitoring now - both via the monitors and via headphones. As you so correctly pointed out, it is a bit of a balancing act, but with the addition of the USB level control, it is possible to set it and forget it. Granted, the "setting" part takes a little time.
At this point, I'm hard pressed to find a real, valid criticism of the FM3. It obviously sounds fantastic, and it's audio interface functionality is excellent as well. Perhaps the only less than glowing comment is that it can be difficult to understand and set up, but people like you make it extremely doable.
Once again, thank you!
Happy to help! And thank you for the coffee. Much appreciated!
great video Greg,thank you,since firmware 15 i was having issues with my sound,but i think firmware 15 change my output setting to -10dBV,but now i change it to +4 dBu and now i get my sound back😃😃
:-) good to hear it’s back lol
greg, just bought you 3 cups of coffee.. thanks for help on outputs. im not tecky. just like to play.
i have a axe 3 and have struggled connecting up my aeros looper correctly to get output the axe. thanks jv
Just bought an FM3. Very useful tutorial. Cheers @Greg Summers
Thanks! Enjoy it!!
Appreciate this video.....I am on the waiting list for the fm9....possible 6 month wait...so considering the fm3 for the interim....thanks for the help.
Glad to help
Insightful even with the manual
the red indicates that the signal hits -6. that's the way the uniut is built to take boosts and overdrives.
GREAT THANKS
Thanks for the video
You are welcome!
Thanks.What is Unity gain pls? Also while re-amping the dry signal seems very low while recording in Logic.Any tips on that?
great video ty
would appreciate any additional thoughts jv
Mine's coming in on monday, thanks for the useful tips! Not a lot of videos on the FM3 for some reason...
I had to send mine back for a few weeks so there was a lull in content but I plan to do more. Got a Bogner ecstasy preset coming as well as some other hot topics. Got a pedalboard build as well I’m going to video
Congrats! May I ask when you entered the waiting list? I got in April 5th.. assume I will wait a lot longer. thx
@@MrLevent79 I was initially getting an Ax8 but the waiting list for that was transferred to the Fm3 waitlist😅 I entered in late March, sometime after the 19th.
@@yantaran4757 Thanks for letting me know :) Enjoy it!
Nice video
Thanks!
Manual says when plug in commercial devices you need to set it at -10dBV,otherwise if to line level professional equipment then to +4dBu. If so, if my output2 is to my frfr and output1 goes to mixer of sound guy,then which settings I have to maintain when output2 volume turn fully clockwised so as to avoid floor noise. Please tell me your esteemed instructions. As always,thank you from Korea. Be in safe!
Hey there. Output 1 to FOH should be set at +4. Output 2 only has boost/pad so turn the output 2 knob all the way for unity gain and then adjust your FRFR volume knob if you have one. At that point just get an acceptable setting on the boost/pad setting. I haven’t hooked my FRFR up yet and truthfully I can’t really test loud volumes since the family has been home during this covid stuff. I will see if I can experiment though. The boost/pad is there for the noise floor and to keep things clean.
Thanks this is very helpful!
Glad to hear it!
@@GregSummersMusic Hey Greg, So working with my FM3 and the inputs and I'm not able to even get a slight flash of the red. I play a strat with lace sensor pick ups. Any other tricks to get it hotter?
@@chrizs7168 even at 18dB you still can't get the red to light up?
@@GregSummersMusic When I go to 18 it is even less signal. I think 0 is the highest and the others are cutting the volume.
@@chrizs7168 I'm not at home to test on the unit but per the manual it says increasing the input 1 pad increases the noise floor so I was thinking it would increase signal to it but maybe it's opposite which makes more sense (hence "Pad"). I will have to mess with it later. You can also mess with raising your pickups a little
Thank you so much for this no-nonsense video! As an FM3 newbie, I'm having trouble finding the direct monitoring/DAW mix control. If someone could point me to that, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks!
So, I use an external interface for recording but if you are using the fm3 as your interface, per the manual page 28 “The top panel OUT 1 level of the FM3 works as the master, adjusting the overall levels of the FM3 and computer playback simultaneously. For additional control, adjust levels inside the computer or use the USB 1/2 Level parameter of the FM3
found in SETUP: I/O: USB.” It’s going to be a balancing game. Definitely easier with external speakers and a dedicated separate interface. Hope that helps!
@@GregSummersMusic Thanks for the detailed response, Greg! I was hoping not to have to use and external interface. I'm not even sure what "direct monitoring" means in Fractal-world, because the FM3 doesn't support ASIO direct monitoring, so I'm even struggling with translating from regular terminology to Fractal terminology!
The device works very well except for one thing which, as you say, is a balancing act. All I'm trying to do is to get no-latency (I should say, correctly synched with the DAW playback) guitar monitoring signal that sits in the mix. Most interfaces have a direct/DAW balance control somewhere. Also, in addition, I'd like that output signal to be somewhat similar in volume between my studio monitors and headphones.
There has to be a way to do this!
@@srinip ok, I see your frustration with this one. I’m seeing others sharing in the lack of ASIO direct monitoring. If you were just using the headphones that would be one thing but trying to use it with dedicated monitors may be another thing. Most people are saying it works with just assigning the DAW output to out 1 of the fm3. I’d have to mess with it to see if I could figure it out. I have the fm9 which should be the same thing or my son has an fm3 I could mess with but it seems there’s still that limitation. I’ve never found the interface capabilities on the fractal units to be my first choice and I’ve always had an external interface. They are so cheap, that for a dedicated home setup with monitors it’s just better to have another interface. For something portable with just your laptop, fm3 and headphones, then the fractal as an interface will work.
@@GregSummersMusic Thanks again, good point about getting another interface. Unfortunately, though, with an external interface, it may not be possible to use the re-amping capability of the FM3....or am I mistaken?
I actually do have the DAW output set to Output 1, so maybe I need to mess with that myself. I'll let you know if I have a breakthrough!
@@srinip I’m guessing you are on PC. Mac OS can use aggregate interfaces so you can tie the 2 together as one interface and utilize all the outputs. For windows you can use something like ASIO4ALL to do the same. Might be something for you to experiment with.
Great video. Thanks. If you were using output 2 for in ears and output 1 for front of house. Would you still set the same way? Or put output 2 down?
Guess it would depend on where that output 2 was going in between my FM3 and my ears. If it was going to a mixer or sorts, I’d still send unity gain and control level somewhere else. If it were going directly to my ears i would mess with block volume level and physical knob. Hope that makes sense.
Thanks for this. What is the significance of clipping? Will it damage my FM3 in any way?
*edit - I tried adjusting my input and output settings per your suggestions in this video, and I'm still constantly in the red.
As a metal player, I do use high gain tones, and play 7 string guitar, so maybe that's why? Maybe it's completely unavoidable?
** edit 2 - I turned the input 1 pad up to 12 dB, and the clipping seems to have gone away mostly. It tickles the red here on the lower/heavier notes. At 18 dB, it doesn't touch the red at all.
There you go. Yes I was about to tell you to pad it down. Some guitars require the pad. Yes sounds like you have it down. The input adjustments are really for optimal signal to noise ratio. Having it set incorrectly shouldn’t damage anything either.
Thank you so much for the video. Can i please ask some advice? My church mics amp cabinets to front of house. If we use a modeller we just unplug the xlr cable from the mic and plug directly to our pedal. I use an FM3. What output level db should i set in this instance? Thank you in advance.
In the setup menu, I would set the output to +4db for FOH applications. I keep it there for my home setup for my studio monitors as well. From there you can adjust the out 1 knob on the front to your liking or whatever works best for FOH. They will tell you if they want more or less of you. I generally start at noon for the out 1 knob. They usually won’t need more than that.
What model or type of speakers would you recommend for Fm3 playing at home for low to medium volumes?
I can only tell you the ones that I have. I don’t get to try a lot and I bought these more for mixing but the goal is that you really want something that isn’t adding much to the sound, so a very flat response on the EQ. I have the Yamaha HS7 speakers. They’ve been great but there are so many. They do make smaller HS5 models as well.
Powered monitors like those will make your computer audio sound better, too. I use Adams A3s but wish I had the A7s.
Awesome job. I am a bass player and I was wondering if, similarly to helix products, i Need to change output level depending if i am going direct to pa or using the product as a pedalboard in my amp. And, of Yes, where in the menu is doable this. Thanks
As far as I know there isnt this same kind of setting. You can set the xlr outputs to either -10db or +4db. Default is -10dB. If you are always outputting to FOH situations or other pro audio gear, you can safely set the output to the +4dB setting. If you are using consumer gear, just leave it at the default -10dB. You can find this setting in Setup, I/O, then tab over to the audio tab, then look for output 1 configuration and set the output level there.
@@GregSummersMusic thanks!
Great channel
Is there an easy way to save Ax3 presets to Fm3 from Exchange? I only found a couple that i could audition
Just save the preset locally then import it. That’s what I do, but with the axe3 being more powerful you will likely have to move some things around and/or remove things that max the cpu on the FM3. Blocks also seem to get disconnected often.
Hey Greg, I am a newbie for sure. I have studio monitors that have 1/4 inch jacks. Do I need xlr to 1/4 inch jack to get sound out of the unit?
That would be the easiest and still leave output 2 free. You can also use output 2 as well which are 1/4 outs but I would just grab the xlr to 1/4 cables
@@GregSummersMusic Thanks man for the info sir.
Very welcome!
Just got my axe fx 3 today. Hooked up to a pair of Kali lp 8 studio monitors. On the monitors they say inputs from xlr or 1/4” is +4 and rca is -10. Since I’m using xlr, should I be using +4? It’s a bit confusing
I keep mine at +4 for my studio monitors and live use connected to PA. +4 is fine for your application.
@@GregSummersMusic thanks!!! I’ll try out both tmrw after work. I’ve played till my fingers hurt today. Like a kid on Christmas morning 🤣🤣🤣
@@budgetbullionstacker1950 that’s what it’s all about!!!! Enjoy
Great video! I have a question though.
In my AX8, in order to go in front of the house with unity gain I turn my output 1 all the way up. To do the same in the FM3, I would have to plug my front of house signal out of the output 2 unbalanced out jack? or just set it as you did and plug to the console with the XLR output 1?
I would use output 2 for a wedge/FRFR if you had to (copy output 1 to 2), then turn out 2 all the way up for unity and control stage volume on the FRFR with the edge itself (I know not ideal) and then you out 1 xlr out to FOH. Be sure to set your out 1 to +4 dB for FOH. I usually keep mine around 12 o’clock and most FOH guys are able to gain up or down with now issues.
@@GregSummersMusic great! i'll try that! thanks!
I'm still on the wait list at the moment. For home use what would you recommend? Studio monitors or a FRFR such as the Headrush? I might use it out of home for the last minute jam sessions in a small area.
If you ever have any plans of playing outside of the house, FRFR is my recommendation. If you can swing both options at some point, that works too. I have a pair of yamaha studio monitors as well as a Friedman FRFR.
buy American products when you can. There are a few out there. With chinese products you support the slave labor with no living wage. Got to start somewhere right?
I reccomend you the JBL EON 612.
What do I do I if I want to control my stage volume through a FRFR speaker without changing the front of house volume. ?
You would use output 2 for the FRFR. Out 1 to the house or out 1 to FRFR and out 2 to house.
@@GregSummersMusic would I still copy output 1 to output 2?
Yes
@@GregSummersMusic thanks man!
Great video thanks!!! Just got my FM3 and hooked up to my PA yesterday. I have an FRFR coming soon. When you set up the I/O for output 2 to match output one......do you need to add output 2 in the layout of the patch or will the copying of it in the I/O take care of having your signal font on output 2? Just want to be sure I’m setting up correct to go FOH and also to my FRFR.
Yes you will still add the out 2 block to the grid. Copy output 1 in i/o. Let FOH control volume or tell you how much signal to send to him. I usually start with out 1 knob around 11 or 12 o’clock. I suggest that you set out 1 to +4 dB in the setup menu. Just remember that out 2 knob on front is unity gain when its maxed so turn that all the way up. You can adjust volume on your FRFR. You could probably make fine adjustments on the knob but just know that you aren’t at unity gain at that point so the signal isn’t necessarily at its most optimal.
Greg Summers thanks Greg. Wow I didn’t know that about output 2 knob. I wouldn’t have thought to max that out for the frfr. Good to know.
@@tdz69 yes sir. Check page 5 in the manual for reference.
Greg Summers thanks again Greg. I set output one at +4db in the I/O and it was perfect as i was getting some red in the meter before. Another thing I learned in the manual is that I don’t have to set an output 2 block.....copying output one to output 2 in the global settings takes care of it. Got my FRFR this afternoon and have it hooked up along with my PA. The PA is very bass heavy and I have to tame that. What I’m thinking is to tweak the patch eqs for my frfr to taste and then if it’s still boomy on the pa side to use the pa eq to get that dialed in. If there’s a better approach to this, I’m interested. My Bose PA had a separate sub and it’s really pronounced. I def need to dial that out so i don’t step on the bass player. I need to check the manual. I’m wondering...instead of copying output one to output two, maybe I can add the output 2 block on patches so long as there’s a way to adjust the output eqs. If so, I can adjust independently for both my pa and the frfr. Sorry for long winded reply. Lol.
Troy Diaz yes sorry copying out 1 to 2 eliminates the block. Forgot about that, but yes if you use a block and don’t copy it you can try an eq block or I think there is an eq on the output block as well. I don’t have my unit powered up otherwise I’d check to verify.
So, you can't connect this thing to an FRFR without an XLR cable? Am I understanding this correctly? Mine is coming in tomorrow and I don't have one...
you can use output 2 which is 1/4". If you want to use output 1 then yes you will need an XLR for the FM3. Don't forget if you use output 2 you will need to mirror output 1 signal. Start reading the first few pages in the manual. Will really help get you started.
I have output 1 going straight to front of house and output 2 going to a qsc FRFR wedge. Output 2 isn't loud enough for stage volume even when cranked. Any thoughts? This procedure was plenty loud enough with my helix
You can swap them and use output 1 for your FRFR and Out 2 for FOH. Try setting output 1 level to +4dBu under setup, I/O. That should give you enough volume. The FRFR should also have a level control as well.
@@GregSummersMusic ok. I'll try that. So give output 2 to front of house and crank it. Then output 1 for my stage ? Thanks for all your help much appreciated. Happy thanksgiving
I'm also going to try giving front of house output 1 and having him send me a monitor mix to my wedge the old school way. Or output 2 to a power amp and traditional guitar cab
@@guyx6x well, for FOH, yes, output 2 all the way up is unity gain but there may be cases they will want you to back off.
@@guyx6x happy thanksgiving!
I play at home with a pair of JBL EON 612, that says in their spec sheet that "allows a maximum input level" of +14dBu when "line" is selected and of -4dBu when "mic" is selected. I have them on "line" all the time. You still recomend me to pad the output down to -10?
You are probably safe to set it to +4 on line. I keep mine there with my yamaha HS7 monitors.
I know it's unrelated to this video, but I am wondering if I could connect for instance a synth to input 2 (which i read is line-level and stereo) and then use the effects on the FM3 for that as well? It doesn't have to be at the same time as when using the guitar on input 1 (however if that's possible by using separate paths until the output that'd be great), or if not simultaneously, then at least when doing a take without guitar? Obviously not for live-use, but just to avoid having to buy more effect pedals for my synths or to constantly having to switch around..
I don’t see why it wouldn’t work for you but I don’t own a synth so can’t confirm anything. I’ve seen some people talk about doing this for the axe Fx 3 so should be similar.
@@GregSummersMusic thanks, i'll give it a go once it comes in.. if not, then i still have my old pedal-board that i can use on the synths instead :)
Im a new FM3 user, and I set it up this way using output 1. It is SO quiet. I leveled presets to make sure that im not clipping, and its pretty quiet even with the out 1 volume all the way up. I'm running Kali LP6's. Anyone help?
You’ve set your output to +4dB in the setup for out1?
@@GregSummersMusic yessir. I’ve got it set to +4, all presets leveled getting close to crossing 0 db and it’s still extremely quiet. LP6’s are at 0db on the back knob and that’s where i was running it with my previous interface and it was plenty loud
Indeed that is strange especially with the output 1 knob maxed. Not sure then. Hit up the forum and see if those guys have any idea. Of that doesn’t work, send in a note to fractal support. One last thing, are the stock presets quiet as well?
@@GregSummersMusic They’re all pretty close in volume to my current ones i set up. Ive posted probably more than i should in the fractal Facebook group which is why i came here 😂 i can try in there
@@WeAllFloatHere you will probably get further in the forum or fractal support. Lots of good folks there.