Fractal FM3 vs FM9 vs Axe FX 3 - Which one would I buy?

[@Deep_Jimpact]

Hey John, hope you’re well. I’m assuming you will be able to help because as a guitarist you must have accidentally dropped your pick, or plectrum, into the body of a guitar before so you may be able to assist. You know when the pick falls through and you can see how it got in but you can’t get it out and you’ve only got the one and a gig is coming up, well anyway, long story short, I took my nephew to a grain silo this morning and could use some advice.

[@johnnathancordy]

Sorry to hear this Jim, you find that there are a range of options in the pick/plectrum world for improved grip and to reduce the risk of exactly the situation you describe. You'll find some have rougher texture, and some have sort of button holes through the center for greater grip surface. I'm afraid your nephew is a lost cause, but something to think about for the next one? Or. Skyhook?

[@SonnetGomes]

I just made an impulse purchase today. Went with the FM3 due to it's compact size. I dont like going crazy with effects so FM9 would have been an overkill. I would love the hear the difference between the FM3 and HX Stomp! It took me a while to tame the Helix and get rid of the fizzy/harsh sound. Would love to see how the FM3 plays out. What an era we live in. 300 amps on your desktop and TONS of studio quality effects sitting on your desktop!

[@michaelarthurmusic307]

I have the AXE-FX3 and have never had such a great set of guitar tones, and I have been playing professionally for 30 years. I bought your FM3 preset pack and found it very useful. Thanks!

[@kylehowdy]

I agree. If someone said they wanted a fractal my first question is for what purpose. Gigging -> FM9, Studio -> Axe FX 3. like you said, if cash is no issue that's where I would recommend the Axe fx 3 plus FC, but I really think the FM9 is such a sweet spot right between them, and for the extra cost you get so much for a gigging/mobile player while still obviously getting a wonderful studio tool.

[@smellytele9629]

Your vid about never needing to buy delay and reverb pedals again because the FM3 effects were so good was what pushed me gently into buying my FM3. It has proven to be the most flexible and useable and fun piece of gear I think I've ever bought.

[@johnnathancordy]

I actually need to revisit the idea of the FM3 as a pedalboard, I used it on the Marathon recordings at Real World Studios, but that'd be a solid use for it in case someone did end up upgrading to an FM9 or full Axe?

[@paulcuban]

i was a very happy FM3 /MC8 User until last month when i was able to get my hands on an AXE3 Mk2 .Sold my Helix and now gigging with the AXE3 and loving it

[@SausageFingers1]

I have the FM3 and I'm on the wait list for the FM9. Not sure yet if I will grab the FM9 because I've been extremely satisfied with the FM3. I like simple rigs and I have not ran into a situation where the FM3 wasn't powerful enough to run my presets. I'm also loving the form factor, it's small and lightweight but packs a serious punch. I guess we will see what happens once the wait for FM9 is over. Until then I'm more than happy with the FM3.

[@20weststudio]

I’m on the list for an FM9. I picked up a FM3 and have realized the CPU limitations. My AXE-FX III arrives this Monday. I’ll be selling off the FM3 and FC6.

[@azzazelo]

I got the axefx 3 a while back mostly out of curiosity and other things are magically disappearing. It's really an all in one unit if I've ever seen one.

[@chrisdavies9143]

I got an Axe-FX III as a sort of indulgent home studio and rehearsal tool and I'll be honest I've found it to be utterly inspiring and completely sold me on the Fractal eco system. I got on the wait list for FM9 day one and as soon as it's available, I'll be replacing my gigging rig with one, that way the tone I record with can be consistent with what I'm using live. I have considered an FM3 but a lot of what I'm doing blends two amps, requires two reverbs (a shorter conventional room/Hall into something much bigger) and I just feel I would hit limitations with the FM3 too frequently.

[@drnat07]

Is the Fx III too difficult to gig with?

[@chrisdavies9143]

@@drnat07 I tried it a couple of times and it's just too big and unwieldy. Plus it's also bloody heavy even before you put it in a rack. Maybe I'm being a bit precious too but I was also definitely nervous about having it out of the house. Maybe if I wasn't a nobody and I had a roadie or two to look after it and set it up, I'd do it. I do think the FM3 and FM9 look very robust and I'd find it easier and less anxiety-enducing to gig with!

[@user-nu7xx7pc1d]

came for the axe fx but your playing is so amazing Mr.!

[@erikhartley2494]

All these comments and not one referring to the shred licks in the intro 😱 Such a legato master! I just got an FM3 and plan to use a midi controller (to mimic fc6 sorta) and an Ml5 looper with external drives. I’m hoping I can get the best of both worlds as well as save some cpu this way.

[@heut4384]

For me, my last band (or now only practicing and recording), the FM9 is the best out of them for gigging. The FM9 gives me more FXs and flexibilities to control my sound (and more portability). I've always NEEDED to use the full (9 controls) pedal board: 1) at least, 3 Effects (reverbs, delay, phaser, harmony, and Other), 2) Acoustic tone, 3) Electric Clean, 4) Med - Hi Crunch (for Plexi: Van Halen, Rush, Zeppelin, etc.), and 5) Hi-Gain (Soloing or heavy metal). These are required. However, since I don't really gig anymore, I will save alittle more money to buy AXE-Fx III and add the 12 Foot Control so I can still have fun. This will be a lot better for my taste in my studio/bedroom.

[@hansgruenweg294]

By a fortunate circumstance I have both, FX-III and FM-3. In my sparetime band I played A- and E-guitar (thanks to the current 2-year thing it broke up this month). After equipping the E-guitar with additional Graphtec Piezos I used the Fractals as "dual guitar in" devices with an expression pedal to blend between E an A. In front of the FM-3 I have a TC Electronic BodyRez due to limitation of one amp block only. I am on the FM-9 wait list just to get two amp blocks in a portable device. The FX-III is fixed mounted under Desktop.

[@noslang5539]

Hi John Very good and you may have brought the Axe FXII in the discussion which stays an amazing choice, as used equipment, specially with the last software version which mimics very well the recent evolution of Fractal and at a very interesting price today.

[@Polletross]

I think I would’ve preferred if it was the FM4 and stretched a bit and had the top knobs spaced out a little more… but other than that I love my FM3. Really perfect for my own needs.

[@fivefingerfullprice3403]

I'm sitting here with a full sized Helix and I really love it but it's kind of a PITA to bring around to gigs and practice. I actually am thinking I'd prefer the FM3.

[@toddcollins6746]

Hey John - I see your vids all the time and they are helpful. I’m a Marshall fan and am thinking about getting into the upper echelon modelers strictly for home recording and looking for the best value. Given price points I’m feeling like FM3 is perhaps a better entry point in that realm than Kemper or QC. Right now I have Ampero2 and I like it but want to up my game. Thx!

[@robertpaten]

I am on the waitlist for the FM9 but decided to pull the plug on a FM3 and couldn't be happier. I think getting into the Fractal world it has been nice to have at least one limiting factor (cpu power) so I can make simple patches and start playing. No doubt as time goes on it might be nice to make more elaborate presets but for now I prefer a simple set up.

[@20weststudio]

I’m in the same boat. I’m on the list for an FM9. I picked up a FM3 and have realized the CPU limitations. My AXE-FX III arrives this Monday. I’ll be selling off the FM3 and FC6.

[@MOAB-UT]

I am still on that darn list...over a year and counting.

[@ksharpe10]

@@MOAB-UT Did you ever get it??

[@MOAB-UT]

@@ksharpe10 Oh yeah. It's a fine unit. Sounds great via my studio monitors. If you have the budget, I suggest you invest in some high quality monitors like Genelec. Mine are cheaper $200'ish JBL's but they still sound great. I separate them about 10 feet apart and I sit on one point of that triangle. The stereo and ping pong effect are blissful. It's still not quite amp in the room. Understand, these are different than amps, but nearly as good and by far more versatile. The effects are also top notch. In a mix/recording which will get played via speakers anyway, you would "never" know it was not a real amp. I say this having just gotten back from Guitar Center. I sat 2 feet in front of a nice AC15. For what it did, the real tube amp did sound "better" and a bit more articulate. Overall, it's still the FM9 for the win...for my needs. With tube amps, you have to crank them to get that really nice saturated tone. I can and do play my FM9 late night. Low volume sounds great and I can also use headphones. You can also buy both! I have a nice Boss Katana but never play it. There is a learning curve on the FM9. So far I am just playing around with the stock presets/scenes. I figured out that when the board says SCENE, it is actually in Preset mode and vise versa. This confused me for a bit. The logic is, you click e.g, ,SCENE to get to Scenes (then it will say Preset.) When it says PRESET, you are actually in Scenes mode (8 of them- like flavors of the main scene.) I haven't even plugged it into the editor yet. One thing I noticed which maybe is not great is that on the unit, it does not appear easy or intuitive to turn/off, or add new effects. There is a performance tab page that allows some tweaking but it seems limited. The Ampero II, though not nearly as good, had a beautiful and super intuitive touchscreen interface. The looper also looked much better graphically but it was not better in reality. On the FM9, you will want to add an external looper. The full 32 bit RC500 works extremely well. It also brings drums to the party and you can save your patches. You can use the onboard FM9 looper but it is a lot of tap dancing. When did you get on the list? I think you will love it. FAR better than the FM3. It's not just CPU power either or 6 more buttons. There is a comparison sheet online- there are several other important differences that favor the FM9.

[@ksharpe10]

@@MOAB-UT I am not on the List, that scares me because of the length of time. I am still debating whether HELIX, Tonex, or Fm9, have they updated the amps. in the FM9, or Cabs? Now you have not used the Editor? I watched alot of these videos of people doing presets, and most all are doing them with the editor, And I think I recall at least one of them said to do all the parameters properly USE the EDIT software. Now there also seems to be quite a stir and people jumping on the FREE USE bandwagon with the NAM, the only drawback with that is unlike other units, it would be near impossible to use it for Gigging use. Thanks for the information.

[@theflawedspecies]

was just checking out your fm9 videos. I barely feel hindered by the hx stomp limitations so I feel like the fm9 would be plenty.

[@johnnathancordy]

The FM9 is basically functionally as powerful as anything else out there, right now it looks like a really good option!

[@Fifolon]

Greetings John - Can you elaborate on the fuzz within the Axe FX III? Does it do a pretty convincing job over an analog/vintage germanium/silicon fuzzface? The clean up with guitar volume, etc. Very curious to hear your opinion. Killer playing as always, and thanks in advance.

[@VentBasics]

I'm on the wait list for FM9, but it does seem to be the sweet spot with little compromise. I'm not worried about the cab smoothing in the III because I will use it with guitar amp and cab and only be using the amp sim, not cab sims. The addition of the extra amp block in the FM9 vs. FM3 could prove very helpful.... I run my rig in stereo with two amps and two cabs, but in the setting with the 2 amp blocks you can run simultaneously one punchier amp set to a grit type sound and the other heavier sound, so you can get a heavier sound without losing the punch and clarity. I saw this in another vid and it can be quite effective. I "think" with only one amp block in FM3 that you wouldn't be able to do that.

[@sacredgeometry]

Axe FX 3 Clearly. How can less be more? More is more!

[@MOAB-UT]

Do you drive a semi truck or a regular car or truck? Less is often all we will ever need. You are conditioned by marketers. Do you over eat as well to excess?

[@sacredgeometry]

@@MOAB-UT Its an Yngwie Malmsteen quote

[@kenkaorushin]

On the FM9 waitlist, but am using the FM3 for P&W on the weekends. I've been so happy with the FM3 + 2 stand in switches that I'm questioning if I even want the FM9 anymore.

[@darkcranny3851]

Did you ever get the FM9? I put myself on the waitlist in February and I'm trying to figure out how far away I am

[@20weststudio]

@@darkcranny3851 I’ve been on the waitlist since October. I really don’t think they will ship any this year now with the war.

[@darkcranny3851]

@@20weststudio I thought that only affected tubes and not microprocessors? Just got my FM3 today in the mail 😬

[@MOAB-UT]

@@darkcranny3851 I have not yet- got on first 24hrs. Just missed, I think the 20 hour cut off when all their units were gone.

[@BurntMcgurnt]

If I was gonna upgrade I wouldn't compromise I'd definitely get the 3

[@theflawedspecies]

You cool with no footboard or is that not an issue for you? That's what stops me in my tracks. Their footboards are just not priced very well lol

[@BurntMcgurnt]

@@theflawedspecies oh I know they're pretty unfairly priced I wouldn't use the footboard I use the axe 2 at home mostly that's why I would want the 3 so it could handle any crazy things I come up with Haha

[@sacredgeometry]

@@theflawedspecies There are plenty of floorboards you could use with it. The behringer floorboard can be picked up for next to nothing new and even less second hand.

[@yyzpro9460]

Fractal stopped making updates for my AX8 in very little time ((: So, bases on my past Fractal experience - you will be behind once they no longer sell their model !

[@misterbeane]

FM3 v FM9 is personally where I'm at, as the FX3 is overkill for what I need. I've had a Kemper for years, but I'd definitely like to go to Fractal, for a variety of reasons. I'm a single amp, main clean type of player, but I'd still REALLY like the extra horsepower of the FM9, but I still can't really justify the FM9 because of the lack of availability. Unfortunately, I've only just recently joined the waitlist, so it sounds like I'll be waiting until the end of 2022 or even early 2023 for an FM9, and honestly, they'll probably be an updated version by then. Obviously, the better choice between the 2 is the FM9, but I mean the FM3 is available right now, vs. the FM9 which is a 6-12 month wait at this point.

[@gritsguitar]

that's what I'm thinking....

[@MOAB-UT]

2023 or later. I got on within a day and I am not even close to getting one yet.

[@davidhunt8606]

studio slips do a gig bag for the FM9

[@drnat07]

I’m thinking about pulling the trigger on a fractal unit. Wanting to go for the FM3, not worried re size of the presets, but more about the gaps between scenes if change amp channel - is this significant? Thanks,

[@johnnathancordy]

It's certainly not a seamless switch if that's what you're looking for - I imagine if you're playing with in ears it could be a bit annoying. It's not a large gap either, just saying, I think it might slightly irritate you if you're worried about noticing it

[@strattonsound789]

I gig with an Fm3 and find the gap to be annoying

[@drnat07]

@M How do you mean? There are channels within blocks that cause the delay & there is only 1 amp block for the FM3? Am I missing something? Thanks

[@frankcifarelli3473]

@@drnat07 just got my FM3 on Wednesday. The switching between channels is not seamless and makes that feature unusable for me. BUT there is a great workaround with Scene Selectors where you can adjust any parameter (up to 4) per scene (this is above turning things on and off). So I've been using this method to turn up gain and/or flip the Input Gain switch on my presets. Basically like a two-channel amp that shares an EQ. Some amps' character really changes with the Input Gain switch, which sometimes sounds great when you combine it with a dirt pedal that turns on with it. I'm thinking about writing to Fractal to make a wish for 8 Scene Controllers. Would make so much more possible for me. There's a great video on KZbin by Rosh Roslin about this (which is where I learned it). The video is called FM3 Basics Episode 6 - Gapless & Seamless Switching. I hope this helps! Edit: here's the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGmkd4KXlLSGpNU

[@Joop5000]

Looks like it's not a problem for you deciding, you have all 3 units LoL! It's true that the FM3 and FM9 cost less, but I like that the AxeFx3 has much more power to handle for future updates etc, that the others won't be able to handle.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Fractal FX 3 unless I needed a portable unit.

[@bryantwalley]

The FM9 seems to be the sweet spot for me. If the III was a floor unit instead of rack I would be all over it.

[@ryndanriley5348]

I see a lot of people refer to the fm9 as the gigging option but is anyone else scared to have something that expensive sitting on a stage at a gig? I feel like if im bringing a hyper expensive product to a gig, id rather have it in a rack at the back of the stage and use a midi controller.

[@strattonsound789]

Of course! I had a guy recently spill coke all over my floor pedal. I did not care bc it was a plastic midi controller and I just wiped it off. I would never gig with an Fm3 or Fm9 on the floor.

[@JoshPaterson]

I gigged with the AxFxII and MFC-101 for 6 years without issue. Had plenty of spills and bumps. I still have them and they work perfectly.

[@foxmeisteruk]

Not sure if you've mentioned this, but one tiny difference between the FM3 and the FM9/AxeFXIII, is that the value encoder on the bigger units is also a push button, whereas it isn't on the FM3.

[@foxmeisteruk]

Haha - just got to the "longer" version, and you do mention that the FM9 value encoder is a push button - I should have finished watching the video first! :)

[@johnnathancordy]

That was the most important part of the video Dave! One other difference - the FM3 doesn't have a guitar input impedance circuit!

[@gritsguitar]

@@johnnathancordy So what is the advantage of having a guitar input impedance circuit and when would that be a deal breaker when deciding between the FM3 and the FM9? Just curious to know...thanks for any answer. :)

[@AntF1982]

Hi there, can you tell me are you able to connect a P.C or tablet to the FM9 to access those setting options while its running through an frfr speaker?

[@shellsjoint]

Excellent video

[@jburdsinfuse]

These are like CG special effects. At this point, it’s near impossible to catch them when they’re well done. That’s where modeling technology is. The high end stuff is indistinguishable from tubes and pedals in a mix. Maybe not under a studio microscope, but definitely through the PA out to front of house.

[@JonWickensMusic]

The main difference comes down to feel rather than sound. And that’s a personal preference. Some prefer the feel of valves with an amp speaker moving air and the feedback between the guitar and the amp, and other people don’t miss that when using modellers. Both options are great.

[@jburdsinfuse]

@@JonWickensMusic I much prefer a tube amp and a cabinet behind me, the problem is that venues feel VERY differently.

[@komorebi_dayo]

@G the nyquist frequency of 48khz is still above 20khz. it oversamples internally on gain stages to avoid aliasing but by the time it outputs 48khz the full audio spectrum is represented. this does not factor in to any perceived drawbacks

[@BigJohnDeere100]

Fractals sound awesome thanks, but I wanna know what guitar brand that Tele is. Love the color, and the upper horns/bouts. Sweet licks Jonathan!🔥🌡💯🔝

[@johnnathancordy]

That's a Seth Baccus guitar! Go give him a shout on instagram instagram.com/sethbaccusguitars/ I think he'd appreciate it!

[@BigJohnDeere100]

@@johnnathancordy Will do thanks! 🤙

[@marksystemed4678]

@@johnnathancordy Your guitar is amazing and your playing really great. That neck on the guitar, beautiful!

[@edrosenquist6541]

Hey John. Awesome playing!!! I've got my name in the hat for a Fractal FM9. Looks like a year out now for my wait...anyway, have you tried Fishman Fluence modern pickups with the FM9?

[@PeacelandMusic]

Do all 3 units come with the same presets? Thank you for all you do! Peace

[@DrRussPhd]

I believe they do. I have the FM3 and the last update gave us the same presets, tho they are adjusted down because the FM3 doesn't have the CPU of the Ax FX III. They still sound very good.

[@adrianolemura]

Gator G-MULTIFX-1110 fits the FM3 perfectly

[@fritzhieke7209]

The extrem boring playing in the beginning aside a very good and informational video.

[@tonymarinelli7304]

Fantastic intro song

[@benriddelluk]

I wonder if Dweezil Zappa watches your videos for tips when he’s creating new tones on his two Axe-Fx units? 🤔

[@johnnathancordy]

I can guarantee the answer to this is a hard no

[@benriddelluk]

@@johnnathancordy have a little faith. Everyone’s a tone chaser 🤘🏻

[@MOAB-UT]

VALUE is a relative term. For pro's, the III regardless of the higher purchase price. Bands can also run multiple instruments with more power out of the III- that could be of high value to them vs. a solo performer. For the rest of us, and many pro's, the FM9 is more than we will ever need. Technology is great but a real musician can play a 2+ hour unplugged acoustic set.

[@sundroppunk1280]

I know this vid was made 8-9 months ago; however, the prices shared aren’t that low any longer. Today in the US the FM3 is $1700. and the FM9 is N/A (not sure what MSRP is), the AxeFx-III is $2500. So, for $800. more, I would suspect better to go “all-in”. Really appreciate the insight you shared. 🤙

[@sundroppunk1280]

$2500. is the Turbo model. $2300. for non-turbo. 🥂

[@johnnathancordy]

Thanks for the update Sundrop!

[@JoshPaterson]

FYI, The FM3 is listed at $1099.99 normally and they just dropped it $100 for Christmas.

[@alexledford4747]

Axe fx 2.

[@PhilipGregory1981]

I have a bad taste in my mouth for Fractal purely because they aren't smart enough to have enough stock available for their orders. No company should have people on a wait list for one of their products, especially one that claims to make professional gear. It's just bad planning.