tonymckenziecom | 5 months ago
An in depth look at Fractal Audio FM3 Amp Simulator Inside and Out Review. Learn the good and maybe not so good points and whether the Fender Tone Master Pro, Neural Networks quad cortex or the Kemper player is better value.
Contents:
00:00 Start
00:18 Intro & preamble
03:25 Quick top view
03:45 Inside the FM3
04:35 Quick look at processor
05:35 Power supply
06:35 Power connector
07:13 Midi I/O board
07:53 Cooling fan
10:02 Undocumented stuff
11:12 Double gang sockets
12:49 Strange connections
13:14 Top controls
16:27 FM3 I/O
18:31 Approvals
21:07 Turning it on
22:08 Top controls
22:19 The screen
27:39 Thoughts so far
27:45 Made in China
29:21 About the features
29:57 UK prices
30:56 Tube amp feel
31:54 Is it an FX-III?
33:02 3 button antics
33:31 Everyday features
34:35 More about that screen
35:53 Obsolescence theory
39:44 Other thoughts
41:34 Chips in the FM3
49:29 Systems & processors
51:32 Software & updates
52:21 About downloads
54:00 About updates
55:58 Have a laugh
57:42 After the upgrade
59:04 The editor
1:05:42 Amp controls
1:15:20 Cab settings
1:17:19 Other software controls
1:26:52 Screen size button
1:29:08 Thoughts about editor
1:30:47 Engl SE tones
1:33:42 Summing up
1:36:20 FM3 hardware
1:40:38 Likes and dislikes
1:45:01 Score
1:45:21 Notes to read
1:49:10 Audio Plexi 50
1:52:18 Audio Boogie MK IV
1:54:03 Audio Euro
1:57:55 50 Bass Guy blues
What you will learn:
How to learn to update?
Why buy it? is there a reason?
Is that the UK price?
Where can I buy one?
How good/bad are the tones?
What is the processor
Warranty features
Related links:
My website: https://tonymckenzie.com
With a fanfare the FM-3 from Fractal Audio was updated about 11 months ago. I bought one and decided to create the mother of all reviews and I show what in my opinion are the good points and the bad points. The FM3 is not particularly low cost at £1250.00 in the UK and bearing in mind that this area of equipment the simulators has Line 6, Fender, Roland Boss, NUX, and so many other devices is there anything that makes this stand out above the rest? Well I think there is, but not necessarily in a way that some might say.
The internet is rife with FA reviews, one after the other. You will see many from the same 'old faces' where it's possible they may have been given the gear or loaned it for a 'favorable' review? maybe or not, that's for you to decide. But for reviews that fit that methodology you only ever really see what are sales videos. Of course there are many other videos about the whole FA range, and over and over again they are trying to teach someone how to use the device. Hmm... go figure.
So I bought one from G66 (a friendly bunch of guys) and later the 6 button FC6 just because I can't dance. I decided to create as real a review that I can from the point of view of a real customer, and I show what I liked and what I did not like.
I did, as always take a good look inside this FM3 from Fractal Audio because historically I had been sold equipment that shall I say was not quite up to the reasonable standards that I expect for premium priced equipment. I show the processor, the memory, the I/O and more - no one ever does that but I believe its best to know what you're buying.
I cover the updates of firmware and discuss the top controls and back I/O. I also discuss a number of things that I think were 'OK' and many things that to be honest I don't think are reflective of a product at this price range in 2024. Watch ALL of the video because if you don't you won't see everything I mention.
There are a number of 'work around's' from others that remove issues you might/will have. For example there was a distinct delay between switching tones but with jiggery pokery you can effectively program around that. I also discuss the manuals and info in those as well as features of the FM3 according to Fractal Audio.
I do give the unit a score that I feel is correct for this amp simulator in 2024 compared to competitive guitar gear with the 'baggage' that this unit carries IMO. I have been as unbiased as it is possible to be. Would I buy another? Well that's a question - go figure...
This is not a sponsored review and it's my own opinion as an owner of the FM3. There are many points that are 100% correct. e&o.e.
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, RING THE BELL, AND THUMBS UP to give my channel a boost and thank you for watching - I hope the video is enjoyable for you and that you see what other reviews NEVER show!.
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