Fractal Audio FM9: Can the new mega-modeller get Fractal back in the game?
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The new Fractal Audio FM9 comes with four DSP cores and thousands of amp models and cab sims along with over 100 virtual pedals and studio effects. But will it carve out a spot in the crowded floor modeller market?
Fractal Audio FM9
Arguably, Fractal Audio has been out of the limelight for a while now. Its most recent major release was the FM3, which came out in April 2019. The new FM9 floor unit expands on the FM3 by adding more footswitches, I/O and DSP power. It uses Fractal’s Cygnus amp modelling technology and is powered by 4 DSP cores, more than ts FM3 predecessor. Fractal says the FM9 is its most powerful floor unit to date. Could this be exactly what the company needs to get back in the game?
Layouts
With a large colour main display and and a set of controls that seem easy to navigate, it looks like many other floor modellers on the market. The buttons, window and rotary encoders look similar to the layout of the FM3. The FM9 adds more footswitches – nine in total – each with its own vari-colour LED ring. A mini LCD above each shows you the current assignment. You can then customise these tap/hold footswitches via the Layouts feature, providing nine different sets of tap and hold functions to the user.
Fractal FM9, possibly their most powerful floor unit to date?
Amp Blocks & Cabinets
The FM9 uses a system called amp blocks. Each of these has four channels available that can run any of 280+ amp models. Plus, it ships with Fractal’s entire cabinet collection from its flagship AxeFX III system – which costs a lot more than the FM9 – encompassing 2200+ cabs. I think this will help make it a viable system for new users. You also get 1024 locations to upload your own impulse responses.
Effects
On the effect side, Fractal throws in an impressively broad set of algorithms. 57 modelled overdrive pedals are included along with over 50 reverbs, and lots of delays. So yes, your bread and butter effects are catered for. But you also have access to lots of chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo, wah, EQ, filter, and pitch effects. Looking at that list, it seems the FM9 should have all your bases covered.
Fractal Audio FM9 rear panel
FM9 I/O
The FM9 comes with a wealth of useful I/O including a 1/4” instrument input, two separate stereo pairs of balanced 1/4” jacks, along with the main stereo output which is equipped with both XLR and 1/4” outs, and a handy headphone jack. Then you have 48k SPDIF in and outs, and 5-pin MIDI ins and outs. Plus, you can connect an external switch or expression pedal and using their FASLINK II port, which allows you to connect up to two additional Fractal Audio FC-12 or FC-6 foot controllers. For recording, it has a built-in USB audio interface with 8-channel recording and 8-channel playback as well.
A little late to the game?
Many players will be familiar with products like Helix, GT-1000 or even the Headrush Pedalboard, products that have established themselves in the floor modeller market and sell worldwide.
The FM9 is in a higher price band, however. Fractal often comes across as a brand that’s a bit more premium than its competitors, a bit more niche. But I think it may have lost ground in recent years. Can the company catch up with the FM9? If you like the Fractal modelled tones, then I’m sure the FM9 will appeal. Fractal still has a lot of fans worldwide.
On paper, the FM9 should have all you need for most scenarios. Check out the demo videos below to hear and see the new Fractal Audio FM9 in action.
RRP: USD 1599
More about Fractal Audio and the FM9
Fractal Audio FM9 Demo Video
- Fractal FM9, possibly their most powerful floor unit to date?: Fractal Audio
- Fractal Audio FM9 rear panel: Fractal Audio
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5 responses to “Fractal Audio FM9: Can the new mega-modeller get Fractal back in the game?”
Back in the game???… The same “game” that Fractal has been #1 in for over a decade… Dude, check your hyperbole at the door
except they’re terrible when it comes to getting their new products into users hands. total joke actually.
Fractal’s problem is that you wait a year on a waiting list to get it, then two years later it’s replaced with the next “latest & greatest”. That’s why i prefer Helix. It keeps getting better with each update. Oh, my friend has the FM3 and it sounds no better than my Helix. I’ve heard both units made to sound spectacular and crappy. It really comes down to user skill set these days. I will admit that the Fractal stuff sounds better “out of the box” but if you know how to sculp sounds, you can easily match tone quality between the two.
This will ultimately be Fractal’s downfall. I find the Fractal intriguing but not enough to go through what you’ve described – long wait for a unto that is nearly end of life by the time you get your hands on it. Have a GT1000 that is a pretty cool unit, considering adding a Helix
Sure wish it wasn’t a year waiting time to purchase a FM9. That’s some yang…