Fractal Audio Fm3 Mk ii Turbo First Gig - Are 3 Foot Switches Enough?

[@MotownGuitarJoe]

I have an FM3 and thanks to the "setlist" feature and the unbelievably powerful footswitch programmability, I can comfortably gig the MP3 with only TWO footswitches: One footswitch displays the next "song"on the setlist and the second advances to the next "song part". Very simple, yet very powerful. Oh, since I had a footswitch left over I assigned it to the tuner 🙂

[@PaulHillGuitarist]

There are so many switching possibilities that I'm sure a switching solution can be found to suit anybody. The FM3 is so well thought out.

[@PaulHillGuitarist]

The foot switch setup I created to start using the FM3 worked really well and helped me get to grips with this incredible piece of gear.

[@angelvasquez5066]

I play both jazz and simple rhythm stuff. So honestly, not a bad pedal. Amazing tones and great visual with the screen strips.

[@PaulHillGuitarist]

I have found some great jazz tones in the FM3, although I haven't spent much time tweaking them as I have needed to focus on tones for other styles that I am currently playing live. I am looking forward to the next full-on jazz gig so I can have some fun creating new sounds.

[@jdw2150]

They sound awesome, I want one, and see a deal for half what an FM9 costs, but I don't want to have to tap dance and think that hard to get through a show. This helps, but man, not sure I can manage haha.

[@PaulHillGuitarist]

The foot switches on the FM3 have so much potential in the ways they can be utilised. I am finding that I am using more sounds and effects with the 3 FM3 foot switches (and extra dual switch I added) than when I was using my Kemper Remote with many more switches. With many switches, I couldn't remember where I stored things, although when I have to have things more condensed, I know where everything is and the system works much better for me. 👍

[@jdw2150]

@@PaulHillGuitarist Thanks for the encouraging comment. Guess I just need to get it, and start working with it. Maybe I'm over complicating it. My needs aren't really that complex, but I do make fair use of a Voodoo Lab Ground Control's buttonry, lol. Be Well!

[@PaulHillGuitarist]

@@jdw2150 I'm sure you will be fine with the 3 switches, especially if your needs aren't that complex. If you haven't seen it, check out this video as this is a very cheap way to add more functionality and works great - kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqXNiHWNZdSYnsksi=_1RvEEQ91zF1gDds

[@jimaltair1854]

Thank you

[@jorgemauriciomercado288]

Man it sounds incredible !!

[@PaulHillGuitarist]

Thanks! The tones are a work in process. So much potential in this magical box.

[@jorgemauriciomercado288]

@@PaulHillGuitarist Yeap !!

[@sboy1955]

Sounds really good. 3 switches should be plenty for most guitarists doing standard rock/blues covers, I would think?

[@PaulHillGuitarist]

Definitely. I have added an extra double switch and now I'm spoilt for choice. 3 switches would be OK for me, but might as well have the extra options for the low price of the dual switch. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqXNiHWNZdSYnsk

[@jc5512]

Considering that many of us can get by with a single amp and maybe a drive pedal, absolutely yes

[@PaulHillGuitarist]

@@jc5512 I do prefer to have as few options as possible when playing live so I can focus on the music rather than tap dancing. 😀

[@anidemolimacnauj]

I play death metal and became tired of carrying a bunch of pedals around for gigs and rehearsal and hoping that random amps would get the job done. If you arrange a preset per song and scenes stacked logically for each song section that demands a different sound the amount of switches is more than fine. If you think of the thing as a pedalboard with a switch controlling a specific part of the sound it may be insufficient but I don't know why you would do that. I had an AX8 and wanted an upgrade and more portability, the FM9 seemed a bit large and overkill for my needs; the FM3 does what I need from it and fits in a gig bag.

[@PaulHillGuitarist]

@@anidemolimacnauj Certainly many ways to utilise the foot switches and I have a few approaches now depending on the gig. One trip for load in and pack down compared to lugging in a load of gear has made gigging life so much more enjoyable for sure!

[@elbowjames7625]

At these live gigs, what did the FM3 plug into in order to be heard?

[@PaulHillGuitarist]

The main outs of the FM3 are sent to the PA and I hear myself through IEM. Sounds great.

[@lordPix3lUK]

I’m thinking of selling my amp head and just getting one of these tbh. I’ve already sold loads of pedal and would rather downsize to an fm3

[@PaulHillGuitarist]

The last tube amp I sold a few years ago was an absolutely gorgeous-sounding Handwired Vox Ac30 head and cab (Alnico blue speakers). I originally purchased a Kemper for recording, but when I started using it for gigs, it just made sense. Playing a quiet gig wouldn't get the best out of the AC30, but the Kemper always sounded consistent. After not even turning on the AC30 for a couple of years, I decided to sell it. Zero regrets and loving my tones.

[@Rogijimbex]

Good stuff - could have mentioned which guitar was being used. Assume Tele or Gibson style ( both pickups mentioned). I ask because I have an FM3 and find differences in the way these guitars work with presets. Not huge but different nonetheless.

[@PaulHillGuitarist]

Thanks! Yes, the examples were played on my Telecaster Elite. I have different presets for my other guitars, although the Tele presets are my main focus at the moment. How are you finding the FM3 with different guitars?

[@Rogijimbex]

@@PaulHillGuitarist Hi, I'd mentioned earlier the differences are quite subtle but I guess my impression follows the conventional thinking about humbuckers vs. single-coil sound characteristics. My presets are primarily geared toward a single coil sound which means the higher frequencies are somewhat toned down to account for the "brighter" Fender soundscape. This works for my P90 instruments as well. When I strap on a Les Paul I tend to raise the high frequency adjustment a little. Again, this is subtle stuff. My conclusion: I love the Fractal gear I have no matter what I'm playing. As usual however - I'm still searching for the "perfect" preset. A Tele Elite - I'm envious.

[@PaulHillGuitarist]

@@Rogijimbex The Tele Elite is pretty awesome. I only run a Strat and a Tele into the FM3, so all single coils. I will be modding my Strat soon and adding a humbucker in the bridge position, so I'll deal with tone tweaking when that happens. The quest for the perfect preset is now an ongoing mission. I never had this with my Kemper as the editing software wasn't great. FM3 Edit makes tone tweaking simple and enjoyable, so that's all my free time taken up for the foreseeable future.

[@Rogijimbex]

@@PaulHillGuitarist As to your adding a humbucker....Interestingly I neglected to say earlier that my Pro II Strat contains a stock humbucker in the bridge position. I often deselect the humbucker but now that I think about it I really haven't noticed a remarkable sound issue when I do have it engaged. Perhaps I deselect because using the single coil option gives me a bit less "thickness" and more clarity. (near as I can tell)...I've sought the Fender sound my entire playing life - and use very slight vibrato arm techniques so am biased from the outset. Anyway this gives me reason to pay more attention going forward and maybe I'll rethink this a little... always keeping in mind my earlier statement... "it's subtle." It'll be interesting to see how your pickup mod affects your perception. Thanks for re-triggering my attention to this.

[@PaulHillGuitarist]

@@Rogijimbex Good to hear I have re-triggered your thought process with your Strat. I am still deciding on which pickup to go for. So far, I am thinking either Suhr Thornbucker or SSV. Decisions!

[@forza5evc]

ola! i have this as well :) so fun! regarding outputs, do you use the XLR output 1 to the mix console or to a real amp? I use out1 as phone out (like iem) and out2 to a real amp. It s working but… i dont know if it s a good way to use them

[@PaulHillGuitarist]

I use output 1 left and right XLR for a stereo feed to the desk and output 2 left and right for a stereo feed to my ears. The monitor feed from the desk is mono and goes to input 1. This set up sounds amazing in my ears! I do not have any type of speaker on stage. Not only does it sound great, there is only one trip to and from my car as I hardly have any gear to carry. This is probably the most important part. 😀

[@anotherone9219]

HOW IS THE EV2? why dont you buy the bigger version?

[@PaulHillGuitarist]

Big enough to fit my toe and heel on, so functions as well as a bigger pedal I reckon. Also, fits nicely in the case I have, so the perfect choice for me.

[@MatthewWright001]

The biggest drawback of all of the Fractal stuff is the size. Every other floor board on the market fits more switches in as much space as the FM3 takes up... It's embarrassing. They could honestly fit 4 switches on there no problem.

[@PaulHillGuitarist]

This is interesting as many people say the opposite in that the switches are too close together on other units. A friend of mine has the Quad Cortex and he hates how close together the foot switches are. I think it was Paul Gilbert who said that he couldn't use the Kemper Remote as his feet are too big for the spacing of the switches. Personally, the switches on the FM3 work for me very well. Have you gigged with any of the Fractal stuff?