Get the most out of your Fractal FM3!!

[@LeonTodd]

That board is 👌

[@AngusClarkGTR]

thanks Leon!

[@LeonTodd]

@@AngusClarkGTR loving the new vid format btw, nutrient rich!

[@AngusClarkGTR]

this was far and away the hardest video I’ve ever made. I have no idea how you crank them out. Much respect to you brother.

[@djpgreek]

thank you for explaining your board and actually demonstrating it using the foot switches in the context of performing a song

[@AngusClarkGTR]

Appreciate the comment! It’s all about making it useful on a gig!

[@raybaker9599]

Love how puppy dog seemed to get comfortable when you went to "Crunch" but appears to be giving you "The Eye" at 9:41......"Here he goes Again"🤣

[@nancym.6370]

Wow pedals have come a long way since I was first introduced. Who knew playing electric guitar was so involved. I love the different tones you pulled out of those pedal taps. Beautiful!

[@AngusClarkGTR]

thanks!

[@davidshankle7359]

Hello my friend David Shankle here I have been with Fractal 15 years. Nice demonstration sounds great.

[@mikeschmidt5376]

Thanks for putting this video together Angus. I have FM3 and FC6 with a Temple board but it's great to see an example of taking things even smaller. I have a backup FM3 as well which could now be set up like this. Fractal is just the best.

[@staticf1ux]

Great design! Lots of flexibility. Compact form factor. I use an FM3 with FC6 and EP2. Some days I like to leave the FC6 behind. Great ideas here for an even more compact footprint. Well thought-out preset plan. Thanks for sharing!! Love it!! 🙏✝️❤️🎸🎶

[@SteveWilliamsworld]

Incredible sir. I am using the FM3 nightly to back singers. Great advice and planning. I will also give everyone a trick I use. If I know I am not using the WAH for a song, I switch the wah to an on/off switch with auto on. Now you have another switch!

[@dmitriysemeshkin]

Great advice for users of such an installation and this is a great solution that sounds in the right hands.The demos are just great, the settings express emotions and the right feeling under your fingers.Thanks!!!

[@darylfortney8081]

Just bought an FM3 and my mind is blown... might take a lifetime to learn the basics

[@JD-vj4go]

Sounded great and that guitar is beautiful.

[@michaelcope9501]

Nice video, Angus! Jeff and I were just talking about the FM3 in a pro recording context yesterday. It's great to see the practical live performance tips you've provided here. Programming the wah to shut off in the toe (not heel) position? Hadn't thought of that! smart. On another Axe-FX topic, I've seen a few videos that suggest tweaking a few advanced settings in the amp block (like adding a little output compression, boost, and saturation) may make the amps feel a little more like the real thing. If you have done something like that, I'd love to see a video about it and your thought process.

[@AngusClarkGTR]

Hi Mike! I haven’t really enjoyed the results I get with the boost in the amp block. I do like swapping out the speaker resonance curve (in the amp block). It defaults to a matching speaker with whatever amp you’re using but sometimes if you click through the other ones you can get a better tone. In the speaker block I bring the hi freq rolloff down to around 5.1K. Those are my only deep dive parameters I think.

[@michaelcope9501]

I'll have to try those ideas. And wow, rolling off the cab all the way down to 5.1k! Maybe trying that will mask the slight "digitalness" I can sometimes notice in my rig. Your experience is so valuable. I appreciate you sharing the info! @@AngusClarkGTR

[@dominiquez5643]

Chicago Music exchange!!! Those guys rock hard on their customer service! Looooveeee buying strings from them!! You rock hard as well Angus! SO many great details, always an inspiration watching your videos!

[@AngusClarkGTR]

thanks!

[@Dan_Ranger]

Love those boards, being a Temple Board user. I am going to have a look later, as my Solo 18 is a tad too small but the Duo a tad too big. First word problems I know haha. I swear by the Shures for 100's of gigs, and the Midi Baby's are super versatile as well.

[@TheJourneymanGuitarist]

Great stuff Angus!!!

[@AngusClarkGTR]

Thanks man!

[@user-sn3cs2hd8r]

L Todd is a the best......saved me so much valuable time. Good post Angus and very helpful to see how you run your rig.

[@gottfriedbrux]

Thanks for the video and info. I just ordered the FM3 and was wondering how to go up and down presets. Well done! Great tones!

[@AngusClarkGTR]

thanks!

[@6stringstandard136]

Nice design. By the way, I'm currently working through one of your Truefire courses on Rock Rhythm guitar. Really enjoying it. Also, have had an FM3 for nearly 3 years now and just love it.

[@AngusClarkGTR]

Thanks so much, glad you are enjoying the course!

[@fjk1138]

Thanks for the info. I appreciate your great insight, and your playing was super tight and clean! 🤟

[@CamiloVelandia]

Killer rig man. I am happy with my FM9, it actually fits snug in that same pelican you got… but sometimes I wonder about a simple FM3 for easy travel gigs and smaller stuff. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@AngusClarkGTR]

Thanks man! I think gapless switching is coming to the fm3 too, which makes me think I’ll be sticking with this solution for a while.

[@philjones8693]

Fascinating stuff! One of the best life decisions I ever made was to buy an FM3 when they first came out. Haven't bought any pedals, and am unlikely to. (OK I bought a Neo Vent, but that's for the organ!)

[@Wermode]

The canine side eye is universal to all guitar playing dog owners. Nice stuff, man!

[@AngusClarkGTR]

It sure is!

[@danbaer4777]

Clever Design and great video. Thank you!

[@AngusClarkGTR]

Glad you liked it!

[@isaacfoster1107]

Thankfully we are no longer in 80s rack hell! Long live Fractal! For me Fractal into a tube amp is really hard to beat.

[@Szerykguitaracademy1]

Great explnation and I picked up a few new ideas!

[@AngusClarkGTR]

Thanks!

[@ckjjclan]

Sounded great!

[@PatDeJongeSoundwise]

Thanks for that! Nice to see someone of your status confirms my workflow, more or less. I use a Boss FS6 (altough I hate the fact it needs a battery) and another little switch to activate a boost if needed. I tried a MIDI Captain for more options, but that pedal is too big. Will get me one of thos 3 buttons switches you talk about. My only gripe is that programming the FM3 via the unit is a nightmare, I always carry my Macbook with me. Are you comfortable just using the unit? Cheers! Pat

[@AngusClarkGTR]

I prefer using my laptop as well.

[@paulbradshawguitar]

really nice build , that 3m dual lock sure is tough if it's of any help you can also use screws + washers to screw in the FM3 to the board directly (m3.5 x 16mm) this works a treat on temple audio boards and would here as well i guess

[@AngusClarkGTR]

Thanks Paul!

[@AngusClarkGTR]

Thanks Dmitryi!

[@hugoflores8090]

Thanks for this video, it was helpful. To detach de rubber caps do you just need to remove the screws at the sides?

[@AngusClarkGTR]

The end caps come off very easily, just a few screws.

[@charlesg.1207]

Great rig enjoyed. Very similar to one of mine.

[@AngusClarkGTR]

Thanks Charles!

[@arcidiavolo]

getting active lately.. good

[@Brutalharmon]

Loved the tones and cool idea's man!! Sub'd

[@AngusClarkGTR]

Thanks!

[@joechichetti7154]

Any chance of you sharing that preset? Sounds amazing

[@electronik808]

i think you can power up everything from the fm3 using the faslink port (it gives 12v 1a out)

[@07brunoi]

Hello Angus ! I'm Bruno from France! I'm a big fan of Rock of Age (seen in London a few years ago. happiness). Your presets in the video are superb! is it possible to have the settings? I'm struggling to get good sound with my fm3 ! Best regards Bruno

[@07brunoi]

Hi Angus ! I see the settings for the amp , but what drive do you use ? If you can give me the different settings ( Comp , drive , delay .... ) , It would be great !

[@Eddyvnhln5150]

Awesome drums backing track what are you using to create those Drums that can be used with no WiFi at all at gig, that I have found happens you have no signal to use laptop

[@AngusClarkGTR]

Thanks! That’s Apple Drummer in Logic Pro. I think I processed through some UA plugins like the tube EQ and a compressor.

[@Eddyvnhln5150]

@@AngusClarkGTR I’m going to assume that iPad version ? Truly sounds like studio drums for rock not band in n box big band era drums … I guess I’m saying modern 30 years 😂

[@AngusClarkGTR]

Everything I shoot at home is being recorded in Logic Pro on a Mac Studio computer. So the Apple Drummer track is part of the logic session.

[@casadeoracao9134]

Where can i fond a triple switch like that?

[@AngusClarkGTR]

www.disasterareadesigns.com/

[@RAMholistichealing]

This is very helpful. Are the switches, expression pedal and Shure wireless powered by the fm3?

[@AngusClarkGTR]

No, the fm3 doesn’t have any built-in power distribution. I’ve seen some info about making a custom cable to create a workaround using one of the usb ports, but I just make sure I get a 4 outlet power drop at my downstage position. Easy.

[@RAMholistichealing]

@@AngusClarkGTR Thanks!

[@pietherrmann]

Hi Angus. Great Board! One question. How do you amplify your FM3 signal in a live situation? Via an active FRFR box, power amp and cab, guitar box and amplifier. Or just via the FOH and monitor? I'm planning to buy an FM3, but I want to carry as few boxes as possible. I would be happy to hear your feedback. Pete

[@AngusClarkGTR]

Hi Pete, I’m fine with just running it direct. I like running it through stage cas, so if the gig is backlined I can run Output 2 either into the fx return or use my Seymour Duncan Powerblock.

[@andreash8662]

nice! how do you power everything, or do you just power everything separately?

[@AngusClarkGTR]

I just run the power cables off the board to a power strip.

[@AndyIrwandyMesinTaip]

Inspired 👏👏👏

[@haniszabolcs]

Hi! Is there a wiring diagram for the midizable footswitch somewhere? Maybe you have? Hi

[@AngusClarkGTR]

If you’re looking for a schematic maybe check the Disaster Area Designs website.

[@jesterraj]

how is the 2 button sw connected to the FM 3?

[@AngusClarkGTR]

1/4” TRS

[@markedwards1948]

What make of 1/4" jack do you use? I see the Midi are Rockboard. Thanks

[@AngusClarkGTR]

They are all EBS.

[@markedwards1948]

@@AngusClarkGTR Awesome thanks… I’ll have to look up a supplier in Australia lol

[@analogblues9606]

Question: could you please tell me the exact dimensions of your board? I’d like to replicate what you have if that’s ok. Thank you!🎸

[@AngusClarkGTR]

It’s 19.5” x 10.5”

[@analogblues9606]

@ Thanks Angus! Great video with some great points!Are you in Suffolk County NY where I am from? I’m considering traveling with an FM9 but not sure yet. Is that a bad idea? Thanks!

[@AngusClarkGTR]

No, I’m based in Jersey. I think traveling with an fm9 is a great idea!

[@chriswalsh4203]

Is your preset available for sale please?

[@elbowjames7625]

What is making that Slow Gear type of pumping effect in the demo section? I don't see any block engaged for it. Is it maybe your video recorder audio overloading that's causing it? It's actually a really cool effect.

[@AngusClarkGTR]

The audio during the demo is recorded directly into logic, so it’s not from a video source. I don’t think I know what you mean by “slow gear pumping effect”. I don’t hear it.

[@elbowjames7625]

@@AngusClarkGTR It's the next day now and I don't hear it anymore either. It must have been some bizarre behavior in my sound system yesterday. It was from 9:23 onwards. Sounds completely normal today. Killer tone, by the way. What's that made of?

[@AngusClarkGTR]

@@elbowjames7625 I mostly use the HBE model. The clean is probably the JTM45.

[@elbowjames7625]

@@AngusClarkGTR What a great tone. Your expression pedal - is that something you carefully picked from the herd, or is it what you have always used so you have stayed with it? So many Fractal users seem to go for the Mission Engineering stuff and you have sidestepped that.

[@AngusClarkGTR]

@elbowjames7625 I got it because it’s smaller - it fits on the board. I think the Lehle pedals may be a similar size but I wasn’t aware of them when I put this together so I never checked the dimensions.

[@hod8931]

thanks

[@MusicChannel-rf5zz]

Thanks for this informative video.Does the Mission SP1-L6 HELIX exp pedal work with this? I'm having trouble getting it to work.Will the Roland /Boss exp pedal work?

[@AngusClarkGTR]

I wouldn’t know, I don’t own those pedals.

[@AngusClarkGTR]

thanks!

[@dominiquez5643]

Hi Angus! I have the FM9 (2 weeks) and it sounds horrible through my tube amp! Scouting youtube, I've done everything and anything Fractal and YOutube recommend and I sound NOTHING like you guys! Somebody mention that the unit works only with FRFR speakers (you shoulded disclose that Fractal!)...how do you connect the FM3 when you play live? do go straight to the "house"? This expensive ($2K black box)

[@AngusClarkGTR]

If you are running it into the input of a tube amp you have to disable the amp and cab blocks. So it’s just a multi-effect. Not a good use of the unit. If you run it into the fx return of an fx loop or the “power amp in” jack on a tube amp then the amp block works like a preamp. Some players use the cab block as well in this scenario, but most disable the cab and just use an eq with a hi and low cut. The unit sounds best running direct with the amp and cab blocks engaged, that’s what it’s designed to do.

[@RichardA5150]

Sounds great, deign the new video style as well

[@GuitarTeleMan]

Question: Can you please tell me how to get to the controls of a Fractal stomp without having to scroll through menus. I loved my Fm9 but sold it because of that, or it wasn't anywhere near as easy as the Helix. I'm sure it must be easy to get to on the Fractal but I couldn't find that bit of information anywhere. Maybe I'll buy one again if I can find the solution to this problem. thanks

[@AngusClarkGTR]

When you say “get to the controls of a Fractal Stomp” are you referring to “effects view”?

[@GuitarTeleMan]

@@AngusClarkGTR yes, thanks

[@AngusClarkGTR]

@@GuitarTeleMan I think the default behavior is to press and hold the center button. Takes you to the view menu, then select “effects”

[@GuitarTeleMan]

@AngusClarkGTR thanks, I can get to the effects mode. For example, I want to get the gain nob of tube screamer and have it show in the display window without have to scroll sideways and press buttons to get to it. Thanks for your time. I have sent the same request to a few others, so I'll wait and see what they have to say.

[@underoathov]

use quadcortex

[@luskimo1]

sounds like simplier is better and i'm not a musician but it makes sense

[@Nig6tWalker]

Fractal is good but im a Kemper fan

[@BobW5150]

How did you get the Midi Baby 3 led to flash the tempo? I've been trying to get mine to work, but haven't been able to figure it out.

[@AngusClarkGTR]

I’ll have to plug it into the editor so see what I did.

[@BobW5150]

@@AngusClarkGTR Could you post the config file for your Midi Baby 3?