First Look
Fractal delivers its most affordable modeller to date with the AXE FX derived FM3
As proved by our Rig Tour features, Fractal’s Axe FX family has become not only a fixture of professional setups, but in many cases it’s the cornerstone of the rig for tonehounds aplenty. For us regular folk there’s always been one drawback, and that’s the cost. But now, after its much-anticipated wait, Fractal has started shipping the FM3: a more affordable amp/cab/fx modeller that shares its tonal DNA with Fractal’s flagship AXE FX III.
The FM3 makes use of Fractal’s latest ARES amp modelling - as found in the AXE FX III - and inside this shrunk-down stomper (the same footprint as Fractal’s FC-6 controllers) live over 260 amp models derived from its bigger brother. In addition to this, Fractal has included all of the AXE FX III’S cab impulse responses (around 2,200 of them) plus another 1,024 user slots for you to include your own.
It’s not all about the models, though, as Fractal has added some flexible signal routing to the FM3, with stereo inputs and outputs, hardware sends and returns, connectivity for two additional pedals, FASLINK for connecting Fractal’s own Fc-series controllers, 4x4 USB interface, traditional MIDI I/O and an SPDIF digital output.
Now, we said more affordable, not cheap, and the FM3 comes in with a full retail price of €1,266 (around £1,130) from European distributor, G66. For more information, visit G66.eu and keep your eyes peeled for a review shortly!