They say the FM9 is the best modeler...

[@SonicDriveStudio]

G66: www.g66.eu/ Fractal Audio: www.fractalaudio.com/ Thomann Affiliate: www.thomann.de/intl/index.html?offid=1&affid=3210 Sweetwater Affiliate: sweetwater.sjv.io/k0mGvx My personal Thomann recommendations: thmn.to/thocf/cv37zixo68 My webstore for Captures, presets etc: ko-fi.com/sonicdrivestudio

[@russdunton2103]

Absolutely the best of the modelers available. I have a AXFX III Turbo I use in my studio and an FM9 Turbo that I gig with. ( use a EV. FR powered monitor) I do take an old laptop with me to gigs because if I need to make any small changes to a preset it’s much easier. Usually never take the laptop out of my bag. For the cost of a good tube amp Fractal is the way to go. Great live tip go into the cab settings and set a low pass filter to block everything below 70 Hz and a high pass to kill everything above 10kHz. Also use the same IR AND Cab live on all presets. This will keep how your set in the band mix from jumping around and driving the sound guys crazy.. Front of house will thank you.

[@denniskrottje012]

I ❤ my FM9. It makes me smile every time I turn it on 🙂

[@joelmccreight]

Same!!

[@bazilbrushrocks]

Mine makes me smile about a minute after I turn it on. Because you have to wait for it to boot up…..

[@petergrohmuller1372]

@@bazilbrushrocks I feel the same way! When I go into the rehearsal room, turn on my FM9 and just only watch how it boots, the sun rises. 😊

[@petergrohmuller1372]

I bought the FM9 last year and am totally happy with this wonderful thing. No more lugging around heavy tube amps, no more angrily searching for errors because a stupid cable is not properly plugged into the effects device and no sound is coming out of the box except humming. This thing is simply perfect and all the sounds are superb. What surprises me, however, are the countless KZbin clips in which it seems only ever metal sounds are played. The FM9 can do much, much more! And as far as I know, Fractal Audio products aren't built exclusively for metal, are they? 😊

[@joelmccreight]

Ha ha. I don’t do metal and the FM9 does exactly what I need

[@jakemf1]

I do think they favor the distorted tones

[@GP-mk5tj]

I love my fractal audio fm9 turbo unit. It is definitely been a game changer. There have been lots of updates which I love that fractal keeps their customers very satisfied. If there's a problem they'll try to correct it on the next update. There's a wish list on fractal forum and hopefully they can meet most of the demands.

[@berndkiltz]

Just one of the best units money can buy. Reliable, great service, always up to date, build like a tank. If you invest a little time into it, it will deliver every guitar tone you can imagine. And the flexibility of the footswitches is unmatched. No other device comes even close.

[@axellovemouele742]

What about the kemper?

[@majesticpbjcat7707]

GOOD LORD! That baritone with the 5153 cab was absolutely crushing!

[@IamMusicNerd]

I love the FM9. I just wish it had a smaller form factor and larger screen, like the QC. The FM9 is just a little too big to use with the rest of my board, and the FM3 doesn’t have enough foot switches. The QC nailed the form factor and ease of use, but I prefer the Fractal effects.

[@heut4384]

Uuh, no. I thought QC's too small for a regular stage. I never like those "small-table-top" pedals looking thing. In my opinion, Fractal's chassis is a perfect size when you're running around 😅 Have you thought about getting FM3? This is almost the same size like QC.

[@JGorg8]

QC made it small with huge sacrifices like noise from horrible power grounding. The touch screen and buttons on the QC are awesome, but the noise is so bad.

[@eoak134]

@@JGorg8returned mine because it buzzed SO loud. Unbelievably loud. Pitch shifting was amazing tho.

[@robertsimpson5801]

Absolutely right! I had an FM9. I bought a QC…. And I sold the FM9 with no regrets. I don’t even miss it a little bit.

[@JGorg8]

@@eoak134 yeah I went to a FM9 specifically because of the noise, and the abysmal headphone out quality as well. Night and day better on Fractal because they don't skimp to fit things into the smallest case

[@joelmccreight]

I’ve used a lot of devices and like many of them. Since getting the FM9 Turbo a year ago it’s the first time I can say I love a device. Couldn’t be happier. I got the FM9 MK 2 when it came out because I love the bigger screens. The device has never failed to do what I need it to do no matter how complex

[@petergrohmuller1372]

When I was looking for a state-of-the-art system, I spent weeks searching the internet and watching all sorts of reviews and tests on KZbin. I ultimately decided on the FM9 and the EV-01 pedal, which was the most expensive floor setup. I haven't regretted it for a second! Fractal Audio is simply the best money can buy.

[@joelmccreight]

@@petergrohmuller1372 100%. Hooray! You chose wisely

[@TobyKBTY]

what a chad. Everyone and their mom is marketing the Nano Cortex and Sonic is doing an FM9 video! Fractal rules.

[@harshgarrett]

nano is competing with tonex more so i think.

[@babtanian]

I dipped my toe in the Fractal ecosystem for the first time this spring with the FM3. I took Cooper Carter's Master Class to ensure I knew the full capabilities of the unit and I was genuinely impressed. Impressed enough that I got an FM9 about a month ago; primarily for the extra switching, but the added DSP is quite nice as well. I use it several different ways too; as a recording interface, direct to FOH with a Matrix power amp & Mesa 2x12 on stage, and in 4-cable method with my various Boogie amps. I'm currently building a pedalboard for the FM-9, so I'm considering getting the Axe-FX III (eventually) that can just sit in the studio. I do have the Helix Floor, HX Stomp & HX Effects, and have used numerous Line 6 hardware over the years - and I do enjoy those platforms quite a bit. The Fractal stuff just seems like home to me and I've enjoyed every minute of it.

[@joelmccreight]

Couldn’t agree more. Like the Line 6 devices but had FM9 for a year and I love that device. The different is love vs like.

[@JJJJ-bg3yz]

You have created some truly great sounding tones, one of the issues I have with this product is I am capable of creating decent tones when I run it into a power amp and then to a cabinet however, it is really hit and miss when I try to use a cab simulator which is obviously more ideal for Recording. In a live setting, I guess I’m a little old school, I like to run it through an actual tube power amp into a cabinet, not every venue has a decent or even present soundman to go direct with cab simulators. into the PA system. I wish there was some more love given to people using tube power amps instead of just cab simulators.

[@djentlover]

17:48 This first chord cycle is one of the most beautiful parts I have ever heard

[@siggycertified]

Holcomb's song from the Clear EP has a part reminiscent of this part. Both amazing parts, but if you want some more of this vibe I'd definitely check that song out.

[@doriangrey4392]

I love my FM9, have a FM3 for the other guitar player and started with AXE FX3 back in 2018. Fractal is the king. It is unbelievable what their products do and sound. AND: Shoot out to G66. Perfect customer support and friendliest guys. I am smiling each day I fire this unit up.

[@SonicDriveStudio]

G66 is great!

[@Steven-u5w]

Factal FM9 turbo this will be a huge game changer for me my line 6 pod XP has done me extremely good service over the years with floorboard God bless

[@s54b32i]

Incredible Tones as always

[@AleVoltolina]

4 year into Fractal and I can't be happier. Started from an FM3, now I use the top of the line Axe FX3 Turbo, this is thing is incredible and continue to be better and better every fw upgrade.

[@thegodless2904]

Fractal is the best guitar gear I honestly think I've ever bought.

[@harryharris1619]

Yeah, if you use it for mostly recording it can sound really nice with so much versatility at your disposal. It's actually almost too much. It has an SPDIF out that can connect to many audio interfaces that have SPDIF IN which makes it nice for recording in some cases. However using it live, like all other modelers, you will need a playback system (amp and speaker) that can translate well the modeling presets. Outside of using FOH you will go thru the conundrum of what to use for the playback system and how much baggage your willing to deal with. Actually a combo tube amp along with a versatile FX unit (like the Fractal VP4 Virtual pedalboard) or a standard pedal board maybe easier in the long run vs a modeler like this. That being said IMO this is one of the best floor 'modelers' that can be had. What really needs to be addressed better is the live playback system. Fender has a fairly nice 10" or 12" FRFR amp cab that could work in many cases and there are others but in reality it is kind of the weak point of a modeler vs the tube amps available.

[@peterjessop1878]

I agree monitoring while playing live is something you have to adapt to. I personally use an EV 1000 watt RMS PA as a monitor for both vocals and guitar positioned as a wedge. It works great as you can also get natural feedback from the guitar and is very loud. I think we as guitarists forget that it is not necessary for the guitar speaker to be behind us if its not projecting to the audience. (FOH does that) Of course if you use in ears then its not a problem.

[@davidjoel111]

I'm split between this and the Neural DSP. I want to be able to send a stereo signal to FOH with 2 different amp modelers, one to the left, one to the right and send a signal without cab modeling to an fx loop to an amp on stage. I'm leaning Fractal just because it's easy to power.

[@joelmccreight]

I do similar routing to this. No problem with the FM9. You can also do that in with the QC but it’s not quite as easy and flexible with the routing in my opinion.

[@michaeldschutte]

Really easy on the QC

[@LonelyRocker]

Such a great deice...I use it everyday. Great to see how you use it for some perspective. Awesome video!

[@sakidickerson]

Your playing was so good. Even the clean tone normally when ppl demo the clean tone it's kinda boring tbh but I loved what you did here

[@jayguitar]

Thanks so much for the in depth overview Jon. I have been thinking about getting an FM9 for a while and this has helped for sure! The tweakability is amazing and of course sound quality is stunning. Time to get saving for one! Do you (or any else) know if G66 or Fractal will be a Guitar Summit next week? I couldn’t see them on the exhibitor list.

[@SonicDriveStudio]

I don't know if they'll be there. Maybe as visitors?

[@jayguitar]

@@SonicDriveStudio thanks Jon. I appreciate you letting me know 😊 🙏

[@jconner3891]

I love my fm3 turbo. So many features.

[@senhorbaker]

I’ve got in mint condition to sell if anyone wants it. It was too confusing to me, and I liked the Headrush Core more for what I was doing.

[@jnparesa]

Great Video! Could you do a video, starting at the very beginning of understanding the unit right out of the box...firmware update, locating sevens etc f.

[@lukather1]

Simply the best ! I’ve had them all Nueral Helix etc ! Fractal just blows them away on sound amps feature and effects !! Done ✔️!

[@axellovemouele742]

What about the kemper? I have and Hx stomp. I'm split between FM9 and Kemper. Which one do you recommend me?

[@lukather1]

Kemper is great if you want to profile your own amps ! A lot of messing with other peoples profiles to get what u want !! Some weird phase stuff goes on when you try to alter a profile at extremes of eq and and settings Liked it but the FM9 just plug and play and the effects where just miles better and more flexibility

[@KaiDown]

Funny that you've landed on the Das Metal, I shot out a tonne of amps through my poweramp+cab rig the other day trying to find which best represents the sounds I want to hear, and I landed on the Das Metal too. Energyball is another fantastic one in a similar vein that I was really enjoying. Keen to know what put you on the FM9 rather than the FM3 - I was pretty torn, the only thing I really find myself missing with the FM3 is the dual amp setups. Not that important for guitars, but it would be nice to have that possibility for bass tones. It's also a little trickier to set the FM3 up in four cable method since it needs the XLR-F to TS cable, but that's not a major deal.

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Das Metall ftw!

[@Russ_O]

The Revv purple is my favourite. Its the first patch I made and honestly its so good I haven't even made anything else. I still need to figure out scenes to really get into it but so far it does everything I need.

[@UbiLight]

It's so much yes. Still, trying to hold out for the next gen this late in the cycle between them and L6.

[@Necca_UK]

You will possibly wait for ages? they just released mark II 12 months ago.

[@tel5690]

Great sounds...a bit pricey... though.... great video and production. Review

[@hectoralmaguerrosales9517]

I have an FM9 Turbo, great piece of machinery, my only complaint is that it does not have Boss VB2 modulation. You can get vibrato in other ways but it is not the same. And it only has 1 pitch block, sometimes you need to change the tuning of the guitar and add a pitch for something else extra. From there on out, it's excellent! Thanks for the review!

[@GP-mk5tj]

I agree on the pitch block. There should be an additional one as I do alternate tunings and I want the pitch to do something else also.

[@hectoralmaguerrosales9517]

@@GP-mk5tj -2 Semitones + Whammy? No way.. :c ! We need 1 more pitch block! hahaha

[@GP-mk5tj]

@@hectoralmaguerrosales9517 I like to make the sound like two guitars. So when I'm down tuning it just sounds like two people are playing. I can't do that when I am using the virtual capo. That's just one example.

[@2204JCM]

If it’s that “critical” get one and run it in the loop.

[@hectoralmaguerrosales9517]

@@2204JCM In fact, I do that with a Boss VB-2, but I am paying for a device of almost 2 thousand dollars, what need do I have to appeal to other things? Don't you think so?

[@JHPRS]

When you started playing the clean tone, it sounded very familiar. It reminded me of something I may have heard by the band Bush or someone like them. Was it a song or at least inspired by one? :)

[@willieriffs3946]

Is it possible to connect multiple instruments to the Fractal, like two guitars and a bass using different inputs, like you can on the Quad Cortex?

[@spacefx1340]

Yes fm9 and axe fx 3 can, fm3 no.

[@israelcarneiro3940]

hello! Congratulations on the video. I'm your fan! your presets are too good! Would it be possible for you to make the presets available?

[@VisceralDementia]

I was just talking about the FM9 then you posted this lol. I have a QC and TMP, debating ditching the TMP for a FM9 any thoughts there?

[@SonicDriveStudio]

That is very dependent on what you want out of it and what your personal preferences and needs are tbh. Both are solid!

[@VisceralDementia]

@@SonicDriveStudio Mainly do high gain rock/metal style things. I like the fender product design but not sure about how well they will support it and to me some of its models are lacking. I know fractal is praised for being really authentic sounding. I just can't see having 3 devices for modeling, so the TMP would be the one I'd let go. Much like neural, fender just seems to be slow on the updates, so I'm hesitant to stick with it. Kinda just collecting dust on my workstation atm lol.

[@joshpetermann]

@@VisceralDementia If that’s your goal/context, the FM9 with absolutely crush the TMP.

[@2204JCM]

@@VisceralDementiaSwitching between units is a waste of time and money. I’m a Fractal user/ promoter. But if I had any of the major competitors it would be good enough.

[@VisceralDementia]

@@2204JCM I mean, you are absolutely correct in it being a waste of time and money. I will fully admit that, however, it's like chasing the dragon, lol.

[@shawnhicks5501]

Absolutely love it, sometimes you get what you pay for. 🤷‍♂️

[@lukather1]

They have a distributor in UK ? Sukh he’s on YT !!

[@Santidie86]

Hi John great video! Can I ask you a particular question? I noticed that when I record via spdif with my fm3 it loses some of the character of the amp. sounds thinner than when i am playing through the fm3 as an interface. I have a focusrite 8i6 which for ease of use I prefer to go like that. Have you noticed something similar when you recorded through spdif also?

[@thisisnotdom]

Can you do a video on the nano cortex? Would love to hear your thoughts!

[@SonicDriveStudio]

soon

[@GuusEikens]

😎 Did the same, a year ago. No regrets.

[@christiancalderonduarte1905]

It is the one!!

[@nahnotsomuch2292]

@24:07 That...was fucking glorious.

[@augustodiniz1051]

If you had to choose between the Quad Cortex or the FM9, which one would you pick? For live and studio use.

[@SonicDriveStudio]

General use FM9, if you want Captures QC

[@pizzaisgood4877]

Nothing like some good sausage finger riffs.

[@Batsinthebelltower]

Recently got my hands on a lexicon pcm70 , duuuuude check one out , especially the psycho echoes preset ! For sure the nicest delayverb ive ever used. Also if you get a chance , try the ADA Monstercab ANALOG cabinet simulator !

[@Hillman1312]

Thanks Jon!! How does the processing power compare to a Helix? Similar or can you do even more than what the Helix can? Asking because using the Helix with the “new” pitch effects requires some creativity in routing and amt. of effects.

[@2204JCM]

The FM3 is similar to the Helix for processing power. The FM9 has double that. The FX3 has over 4 times that. Seriously

[@Hillman1312]

Thank! That’s impressive…

[@Necca_UK]

Yes that’s the one :)

[@bestboy897]

it is

[@JasminMusic1602]

Never more guitar toys...but never less guitar albums !!!

[@metootube30]

I really like your videos and reviews! Your demo songs always shine! But i think it would be nice also to hear only just the presets from one guitar... i mean no backing track... and no double rythm guitar hard pan left right... I know it sounds better this way but it could be a good idea to show how it sounds at home if you plug your (one) guitar in.

[@LouCondon-j1v]

I am torn between the AXE -FX III and this unit. How much more can the Big Brother of these Two do than the FM9? So when you pick a Tube Screamer let's say, it appears inn the effects where your foot switch it.

[@2204JCM]

The difference is that the AXE III is ridiculously over kill. The FM9 is just over kill. All three units sound identical with the same firmware. With all the 3 models you can easily add a tube screamer to a single switch. That’s nothing. The work flow is the same on all 3.

[@Gauudyy]

So torn on what modeller to buy.. my main want out of any of these is TONE.. I can get used to UI (not a big factor in my choice).. my main concern is how good it sounds? How is the feel and how close can it get to the real thing? Main options I’m looking to buy are fractal, QC, and helix

[@Gauudyy]

TMP as well possibly.. the amps sound great with the update

[@martymeatball1877]

I've owned and used them all. Fractal sounds the best. By far.

[@Gauudyy]

@@martymeatball1877 how are the harmonics? How’s the low end compared to others?

[@martymeatball1877]

​@@Gauudyy See if you can find someone who has one and try it. Everyone hears things differently. but to me the Fractal stuff just has that something extra that the others don't.

[@peterjessop1878]

Feel is such a personal thing and is also dependent on the monitoring system you use. None will sound like an amp in a room and you have to accept that if you go the modelling route. I have Line 6 and other cheaper modelling units but Axe fx feels the best to me.

[@Sevastopol91]

I've got the original FM9. What's the difference between it and Mark II Turbo?

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Less DSP (iirc about 10%) and smaller scribble strips

[@wilmathewisp8252]

I love my little Kemper. The Fractal is probably far superior. But since I don't know what else I could improve on my sound, I'll stick with the Kemper. If I don't know if I need something new, then I don't need it.

[@heut4384]

Superior to what? Remember though....Your Kemper is a profiler. Fractal is a multiple FX modeler. Both are different. If you're happy with your sound, then you don't need a modeler (Fractal, Helix or QC, etc.). 😅 Trust me, when you get to a certain point (like my 40 years experience playing), you'll know.

[@2204JCM]

Far superior? I’m a Fractal user and that’s just BS.

[@nele4470]

Yeah I think FA is decent for heavy sounds.

[@koolbreeze8698]

I use the FM9 and when I am actually using a Real amp I use a Fractal FX8

[@moskitoh2651]

Affiliate links? Than I know your answer without watching the video... 😂

[@SonicDriveStudio]

As far as I know Fractal doesn't do affiliates. So....

[@johnherreshoff436]

Sick.

[@peterjessop1878]

Fractal units aren’t for everybody as the UI is a bit awkward and there are so many choices it can lead to option paralysis. For those who like to tweak and have an understanding of signal chains however it’s a playground of guitar sound design. There is nothing else like it on the market and nothing that sounds as good.

[@Badrique]

20:49 reminds me a lot of bands like ASIWYFA and Lost in the Riots. Cool stuff! Which tuning is that?

[@robertsimpson5801]

Nope! Had it… sold it. QC all the way!!!

[@krailanuar]

With this Modeler if playing feel like real amp sound... if blind tesf cant tell with one modeler n tube amp...Nowdays technology

[@ozmusic3035]

The scene feature on helix is more powerful...and easier to program

[@adilsonobelard9690]

the same o

[@DoctorMcFarlandStudios]

Next week Fractal will release the MKIII Nitro so everyone can go spend money on yet another version.

[@2204JCM]

No you don’t. The upgraded versions don’t matter unless you think you need 15 effects on at once.

[@Sevastopol91]

​@@2204JCM So, what's missing on my original FM9 vs Mk 2 turbo?

[@SonicDriveStudio]

@Sevastopol91 a small amount of CPU and the scribble strips are now larger

[@RichardDuenaz]

if fractal would put out a vst of there product soi could experiment maybe i would consider spending that kinda money on a floor ,odel but i dont feelit has anything that can rival the laptop interface method so there arealot of guys feel the same way i do

[@dominiquez5643]

Hi! I see all of you connecting to your "laptop speakers" (Sarcasm) and all the production you don't disclose...my unit sounds like crap andd NO SUCH A THING as connecting it to a tube amp!!!! My $400 boss GH100 sounds 100K better than this thing. VERY frustrated, Fractal said to disable the Amp and Cabinet sims globaly and connect to the Loop of my tube amp...even more crap out of the speaker. Then somebody said it only works with FRFR speakers! Can you (in detail) explain what do you do to sound spectacular??? You CAN NOT use this thing live!! It sounds amazingly horrible and I have not found ANYONE with a piece of useful advise....can you please help me???

[@Nb0ssProductions]

I use my FM9 in a cover band. It is great because it can reproduce wildly different, authentic guitar tones within songs and across the set and it has powerful routing and MIDI control that allows me to run lighting , backing tracks and click from my FM9, in addition to absolutely huge tones. My learning about this whole "does it sound as good as a real amp" is that in a live setting in only matters to the audience (and the sound person). A modeller produces the sound of a mic’d tube amp and effects chain as if it was in the studio. That should be put directly into the FOH and players should use in-ears. This experience is not what the guitarist has when playing in front of a “real” amp. In my view it’s way better because I can hear myself and my stereo effects, and it is overall way less stressful and better for my hearing. Modellers make the live experience better for the audience and sound tech because it gives better control of the volume and mix. It also makes load out easier because you do not need to carry amps and cabs. In my view it’s pointless running a modeller into a power amp and cab. If you are doing that with an FM9 you are wasting its potential. Much cheaper alternate options, or just use an analogue combo if you are already lugging a cab.

[@2550marshall]

I would highly suggest you are experiencing what is known as "User Error". There are 1000's of guys using these in many different ways for live use. Your best way is to go to their forum and explain in every detail what you are doing/seeking to do, and someone will be around to help. They may in fact even ask you to upload your preset. You absolutely do not have to use it with an FRFR cab. I have the AF3 which is essentially the same. I have used it direct for recording into studio monitors, with the cab sims off and into a SS power amp then cab, and into a tube amp's FX return with the cab sim off and the power amp sim off. All 3 sound phenomenal. More recently I picked up a Fender FRFR cab and that was the only time I had to do some tweaking to get it to sound right.

[@mihaiad86]

For someone who is gaining his life by doing music, the price is good, for the normal consumer, it's out of the question.

[@ImPoppy_1]

It’s attainable more so than unattainable

[@fuzzymuppet1990]

Best way to go on a budget is a used fm3 for 800 bucks.. sometimes u can find it with the extra 6 button footswitch for around a grand

[@2204JCM]

They’re not that expensive. Most people really only need the FM3. Do you really need two amps running at the same time? How many effects do you need on at once? I could have bought the FX3 but got the FM3 instead because the units sound the same and I don’t need to run many effects. Two amps at once isn’t as great as people think. Even stereo effects are overrated for the most part.

[@mihaiad86]

@@2204JCM most people need only 4-5 tones, so the FM9 turbo is overkill. The FM3 it's in the reach and more suitable to the consumer.

[@perforations6234]

unfortunately fractal gives every buyer the impression to have bought an "old" piece, because they update hardware so often... should learn from Line6

[@rubenhernandez4522]

Your comment doesn't make sense? Do you work for line6?

[@revcanada2147]

FM 9 is like a Samsung phone . Better but more difficult to navigate Helix is like an Apple Phone not Quite as Good but Super Easy to Navigate and figure out! And lot Funner ! 😂😂😂

[@RichardDuenaz]

sorry i can stilldomore with a laptop and an interface keepyour pedals the behringer midi peddle hoked up tolaptop is fine that way the expensive parts arent onthe frigi floor

[@borninkaraj]

I have this thing. It sounds good but the user interface is garbage. Its truly a pain in the anus. Screen is also super small.

[@sakidickerson]

Your playing was so good. Even the clean tone normally when ppl demo the clean tone it's kinda boring tbh but I loved what you did here