AX8 vs Axe FX II vs FM3 vs Axe FX III
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- čas přidán 15. 06. 2020
- Amp Block Shootout between the AX8, Axe FX 2, FM3, and Axe FX 3.
Can you tell them apart?
0:07 Intro
1:42 Comparison Explanation
2:26 Deluxe Reverb
2:45 Deluxe Reverb (2)
3:24 Deluxe Reverb CRANKED
3:43 Morgan AC-20
4:22 Morgan AC-20 (2)
4:42 Morgan AC-20 CRANKED
5:20 Friedman BE-100 (low gain)
5:59 Friedman BE-100 (medium gain)
6:37 Friedman BE-100 CRANKED
7:25 Additional specs compared
8:15 My final opinion
Fractal Wiki for all details on the units
wiki.fractalaudio.com/wiki/
Firmwares used:
AX8 - 10.01
Axe FX 2 - Ares 2.00
FM3 - 1.04
Axe FX 3 - 12.09
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#fractalaudio #axefxii #ax8 #axefxiii #fm3 - Hudba
Listening to the comparison of the FX III and FX II, I was expecting a major shift in tone, depth, and overall sound quality. Boy, was I wrong there. The differences are really negligible. Great video!
One of the best comparisons hands down
Thank you David!
Agreed.
WOW! Great video! One of the best comparisons I´ve came across so far here on YT! I have an Axe FX II MK2 and I´m still happy with it! Unfortunately it won´t be updated anymore...
I don't think you could have done this comparison any better - Great choice of riffs for each amp, and keeping the samples quite short really helped. Thanks. As soon as I get my invite for the FM3, I think I'll pull the trigger.
Absolutely spot on review. Thanks for posting.
I love this video, I think exactly as you said at 8:15, I try to say this to everyone. Thank you so much for sharing so much knowledge. we are all always learning. Thank you, always.
Thank you for watching!!!!!
I love your honesty, buddy as always great video!!!!i got an axe fx 3 and this unit it’s amazing
Thanks so much!!!!
Thanks bro, I'm sure many people have answered the question marks in their minds.
Great video. I listened with headphones and honestly the differences between all 4 units is negligible. For me right now it’s between the AX8 and FM3. I’m not a studio or recording artist but looking forward to getting out and playing live and practicing with my band mates post CV. I’ve had an AX8 before and from this video you seem to prefer it’s switching ability over the FM3. The 3 switches on the FM3 really throw me off it.
Really enjoyed the video and it is very hard to tell much difference...the audience will never know between the four for sure. I really love my AX8 and have thought very seriously about getting the FM3 for a second guitar rig at the studio for jam sessions, or the AXE III to have it all. The way you conducted the video was very objective compared to a few others out there. All four units are incredible pieces of equipment that any decent guitarist can make sound great. Thanks for the time you put into it Camilo.
Coming from the AX8, the FM3 is a good option if you want smaller, and a better looking interface. But I'd say the Axe FX III is a better investment. Nothing wrong with the FM3, but your AX8 already kinda does that.
Excelente comparación Milo! Todavía estoy esperando mi fm3. Abrazo!!
Gracias hermano! Que lo disfrutes! Muy buena unidad!!
Sound the same to me.
Sorry to hear that
I honestly thought they all sounded very similar listening on my Rok it 8's . I get that the processing units and cpu is a huge up grade but if you are adding in 200 more amps and sounds then you will need it. But I only need a few sounds when I am playing, the rest is effects and even those are minimal. I could get a great sound with an AX8 and thanks to this video, That's what I am gonna do. Thank you for your hard work on the video.
Amazing review as always, Im still happy with my AX8 although I wouldnt mind to upgrade to an AXE FX III for studio, Im kind of dissapoint with the FM3 because of the switches , I also believe the best choice for live gigs its the AX8.
Saludos Master!!
I remember your excellent video comparing Kemper and AxeFxIII that made me sell mine (AxefxIII) to buy a Kemper, that changed my guitarist life as it inspired me to write a cool tune that is used for European car huge commercial campaign and made me quite ok for 40 years :D
Thank you so much. Was stuck with the AxefxIII, too much highs, too complicated also for me and it was hard for me to focus on writing. Hope Fractal will enter the profiling game one day as Neural DSP does.
Cheers, and thanks for your amazing channel
How much money did you make off of the commercial
Very useful and informative video! Thank you!
Excellent comparison. Exactly what I was looking for. They all sounded similar enough that any of those units would be very useful in the right scenario. To my ears, the AX8 sounded the brightest, the FXII sounded the most compressed, the FM3 sounded the darkest, and the FX 3 sounded the most open. I think it would be easy to dial in just the right tone with any of them. I look forward to watching more of your videos. Very well done. Thanks
Thanks so much!!!;
Glad to see some ax8 love
Thanks Camilo. Super helpful
Excelente y neutral comparación bro! Llámame loco pero siento honestamente que la FX-III suena con mayor claridad y con un tono “much opened”. Pero comparto 100% tu apreciación. Gracias por compartirlo
thanks for the vid. very clear and useful
Loved it bro
I just picked up an Axe FX II XL+ and an MFC-10. I've had a Helix for four years or so. The fractal definitely sounds better but the interface feels horribly inefficient compared to the Line 6. I'm sure the new fractal units have improved it but I really don't have any experience with them yet.
All that said I was really impressed with how well the AX8 and FXII held up next to the newer stuff. The Morgan and Friedman models are definitely improved but the older ones give them a good run for their money. Thanks for making this!
Yeah the unit is a pain to go through…. But if you use the editor its a lot easier
Great video Camilo as always. Just have this link handy everywhere you go since this is always a question lol.
Haha thanks brother!! I wanted to compare other blocks! But need more time!!!!!!! Haha
Camilo Velandia dude that’s a lot of work!!! Lol
Really well done Milo. I have an AX8 and AXE-FX III, they all sound very similar but i must say the III sounds the best, to me its clearer and obviously you have all that CPU which is great. I'm thinking of selling my AX8 soon.
Mark!! Thanks for watching man. Yeah my most used were the Axe FX 3 for studio and the AX8 for live. I can prob get by with those two alone.
Muy bueno el video bro, gracias saludos desde Colombia
For me there is not a winning unit for all the settings, and maybe that is due to the settings in each amp and the difference in firmware, but what I can clearly differentiate in all the tests is that the new units have much more clarity. Thanks for this amazing comparison!
They sound almost identical to my ears. Thanks for this video.
If The amount of foot switches are an issue, you can always buy a midi footboard controller for the FM3 for much less than the fractal counterpart.
Thanks for the info. Much appreciated
Great job! Thanks you!
Muito bom parabéns continue fazendo testes.
Obrigado irmao!!!!
Great video. Well done comparison. Not much difference for sure and the AxeFX II can definitely hold it's own and sounded great in all examples. To my ears, the FM3 sounded the 'thinnest' out of the 4 units on the the clean amp examples. Decisions, decisions .....
Thank you! Greatly appreciate your video. FX III wins it for me. Stay well, stay happy.
Great review! If you had mixed up the units the comments would still be the same IMO. It’s kinda suttle that would get lost in the mix for sure. But for me like you said the AX8 just connects musos to the floor
Nice vid bro
Thanks for the honest comparison. For live I use the AX8. For recordings I use Kemper. I would like to have a unit with a better CPU ... because it limits very quickly on the AX8.
Honestly, you'd dig the Axe FX 3. I love my AX8, but if I only had that one, I'd be saving for the Axe FX III.
@Camilo Velandia, sos un genio. El año pasado pude comprarme un AX8 y es la mejor compra que hice. No se compara con ninguna otra marca. Ojalá pudiera comprar el AxeFXIII pero aquí en Argentina es para multimillonarios, aunque estoy muy feliz con mi AX8. No se escucha gran diferencia entre las 4 aunque seguramente lo note el que está tocando. 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻
Al AX8 es increíble. Te aseguro que entre más tiempo pases estudiando amplificadores, y las bocinas típicas de cada uno, y luego buscándolos en el AX8, te enamoras más y más de la unidad!
Great video!
thanks Greg!!!
Also to add the FM3 doesn’t play the IR’s at Ultra-Res and CPU power is not as powerful as the AX8. I tried doing my ambient patch from the ax8 into the FM3 and couldn’t get it to work because I reached the cpu limit. Edit: The fm3 now has ultra-res support.
the fm3 now does ultra res IRs as of patch 3.03b, I wanted to clarify for people who may be reading this thinking it still doesn't.
This is still the best comparative video. Could you do an update with the latest firmware for 2021
im pretty sure if i was given the cheapest unit of any of these i would still have a lifetime of spectacular tones
Although I love the luxury of the extra CPU of the Axe FX 3, I agree with your statement!
We see your desperation
Thanks, very informative
thanks for watching!!!
Hi Camilo - a meaningful comparison ! 👍👍👍 - I did expect this result … 😀.
When I do my Deeflexx workshops or tests with “modeller-players” we use their units, FRFRs or my power amps + guitar cabs. And I am still impressed by my working horse AX8 how close it works to the bigger units and how close they sound to real amps (using guitar cabs).
And I am really happy to have this “Swiss Knife” as I used it in my latest uploads to emulate booster, drives or the Schaffer-Vega-System to come closer to an AC/DC flavour … #deeflexxrecording
Still a great unit !
And as we talked earlier, it’s close to guitar heaven using a stereo setup with 2X 1x12 cabs and 2 Deeflexx Systems to get this 3D sound cloud … 🔊 👂👂 🔊 👍🧡
Thank you brother!!! The AX8 is great!!
@@CamiloVelandia YESSSSS .... 🧡🧡🧡
Great review Camilo! I appreciate all the work that goes into making these videos: Setting up input and output levels, audio and video editing.. and so on... much appreciated! After playing tube amps all my life and spending the last 2 years considering a modeler (I am 50 and starting to suffer from carrying my Mesa Roadster and 4x12) I just ordered the FM3! This will be my first Fractal product. Do you have any FRFR speaker suggestions to use live? Thanks again for a wonderful review!!
Thank you for this!
My big question is about your observation comparing the II and III in terms of being audio interfaces. Does the III perform better than the II as an external soundcard? Less latency?
They all sound so similar. I currently have an Axe FX 2XL+, which after this video, confirms how happy I am with it. No need for an upgrade for me. Thanks for your video.
Right on the money brother, I own the same boxes and Kemper also I’ve collected real deals since I was 22 I’m 60 now so almost 40 years, lots of emulation owner will argue how accurate these things are to justify the purchase but it is simply not the same, as you said “in the room” so during live gigs there is always something missing but yeah they have a place in the studio or I wouldn’t have spent all that bread, there amazing and fun, versatile and intriguing but when I’m auditioning live chair for a real deal project (no more joining bands for me) I’m bringing three combo amps my mark IIC+ boogie, fender 59 bassman and my 81Jcm800 sometimes a Roland chorus depending on the circumstance it’s as you said “3D” your spot on
Side note I bring a EJ signature strat (great radius) an 86 Charvel model 5, Carvin DC 300 and a 72 les Paul standard...no steinbergs, parkers, suhr or whatever the latest guitar craze although I do have a few of these brands I gravitate back to my traditional ladies
Wow fantastic run down! Question tho.... You mentioned how you like the AX8 over the FM3 for live venues because you can use it like a conventional pedalboard. For the FM3 could it be treated the same way if it had the FC6 attachment? Obviously it's an extra part to lug around but I'm just wondering if you can play it the same. Like running one amp and using the switches for effect pedals?
Actually! The FM3 really has a way of allowing you to navigate it very easily. There's something to be said about having 8 switches available at all times, but the FM3 has very quick ways to get you through dozens of switches with the layouts thing. I think it takes a few days getting used to it but once you do, it gets easy
Where does VL3 and extreme box fit in this from TC Helicon ? I can program any sounds to control with food switches ???
That baraja guitar sound amazing :D
Thanks Brixio!!
Camilo gracias por las comparaciones. I have been listening to different videos about Line 6 helix, hx stomp and fractal units. Can't find an fm3 unit, so I have been inclining to the ax8 more. I have been using line 6 units and amps with stomp boxes for a while and want something different. This video helps me narrow my decision to get my hands on a used ax8. Any advice were to get a used ax8 unit will be appreciated Thank you all the way from Jacksonville.
Thanks. Well done.
Thanks Rick!!
Camilo gracias por este video, es lo que estaba buscando!
Soy usuario de fx2 y estoy pensando en venderlo para reemplazarlo por un Fm3 por ser compacto para trabajos de sesión en vivo usándolo directo como también como pedalera multiefecto de un amplificador real.
Crees que vale la pena para situaciones de vivo tanto como para situaciones de estudio?
Muchas gracias!
Great video again .. LOVE ALL!!!!! kkkkk. thanks thanks !!!!
Thank you for watching!!
I use my ax8 the same way , I know what your saying about real amp sound ,but I do think the fm3 and axe 3 sound a bit better. Just got the email for the fm3 ,my finger is hovering over the buy button 😎
GRACIAS¡¡¡
😱 99.999 sounds the same. Impressive. I know IR plays huge part on the final sound but so a real cab, so like I said, quite impressive still.
like you always say, the speaker is a huge influence in the sound!
I upgraded my AX8 to FM3 and I'm much more pleased with it :) I have the Axe FX II at home and I use it daily. FM3 is for band stuff.
Ok, I’m sold for fm3
Hola Camilo excelente video, la verdad no veo gran diferencia y en una mezcla menos se sentira. estoy feliz con mi Ax8 pero si gusta mucho la pantalla a colores del Fm3 y el axe 3
Si, es verdad. No hay gran diferencia de sonido, pero es más agradable navegar la unidad con el nuevo display
Good afternoon just saw your CZcams channel, how much of a difference is the fm3 and AXE - FX 111
do the DI signal sound the same on all 4? if not, who is the clearest?
If the same amps and effects are used in all 4, do you find they sound exactly the same? They sound very similar to me in this video but it could be CZcams compression.
And is Fractal still updating/supporting the Axe FX-2 and AX8?
No support for FX-2 and AX8 anymore because they are legacy models. The Axe FX II has different modeling (Ares) than the FM3 and the Axe FX III which will have the new "Cygnus" modeling technology soon when they release the newest firmware updates.
Did you get a chance to play these live? What are your thoughts if yes?
The cranked Friedman model sounds almost the same to me on all units. The other 2 Friedman gain models sound better on Ax2 and FM3/AX3 units while FM3/AX3 sound the exact same on all models to me. I would say don’t throw out any of these units as they are all still relevant and sound great but Ax2 and forward sound best. In a mix - doesn’t matter. My 2 cents based on my ears. However, I feel the FM3 at $1k is the Best Buy to get the latest algorithms as well as best sound in or out of the studio. You want more switches pair it with an FC6. I am waiting on my purchase invite for my FM3! Great video man...been waiting for this one. 👍
The FM3 with the FC6 is a great choice! If you're planning for a typical "pedalboard + amp" setup, the CPU should be enough.
The only downside to that unit is the long wait list and the fact people are selling them way a o e the msrp.
Difficult to tell,, later models and particularly Fm3 seemed a little smoother and more compressed (?),, but that could just be the settings... not a lot in it.. Nice A/B/C ! cheers Camilo.
thanks for watching!!
Hola, Camilo!
En tu opinión objetiva, vale mucho la pena actualizarse del ax8 al fm3?
Hola bro!!! Depende de tus necesidades. Si quieres algo más pequeño, con entrada de audífonos y que funcione de interfaz, entonces si. En cuanto a sonido, es un poco mejor, pero tal vez no lo suficiente para justificar vender el AX8 solo por eso
Nice video. Is he ax8 made in the USA?
Hi Camilo! I agree with everything you said. I bet that if one of those models were used in concert and I couldn’t see it, I wouldn’t be able to tell which one that I was hearing , especially if the other band members were playing. Not to mention that the mains could color the sound and the room will produce it’s own IR. An accomplished guitarist could make the AX8 sound like a dream rig and a mediocre guitarist using an Axe FXIII could influence a potential buyer to consider other options. Those are my thoughts anyway. So many factors.
That's a huge thing you pointed out. The mains always color the sound, even if you have an amp! Some people don't realize that!
Camilo Velandia Exactly Camilo! Yes, even an amp. I know that you know only too well. Years ago, I used to take a few minutes to stand in the middle of the room during sound check and listen to my rig while I had someone play using it. I used to think that can’t be my stuff up there...and when the room is occupied by people during the gig, I’m sure that made it sound different too. Again, you probably have to deal with those challenges all the time. BTW, I especially liked what you said about the AX8; I like having all of those switches built into the unit too.
Fm3 and axe 3 are on the latest firmware right? And did you load the same IR on each device or did you just put an IR loader plugin in the daw? Cuz the FM3 still doesn't support ultrares so doing the latter would probably make the better comparison.
Anyway, the one that sounds more different than the others is the axe fx III imho, surprisingly the fm3 sounds closer to the axe 2 rather than the III to my ears, so I wonder if the fm3 runs the amp block at a lower quality given its limited power.
Or maybe I'm just imagining things 😂
PS: Would you mind posting the wav files of your recordings on the forum? So that we can listen to the full quality and avoid youtube compression, this is quite an interesting comparison.
All four units are on the latest firmware. I used the cab block and the same IR. An OwnHammer for the Deluxe Reverb, a York Audio for the Morgan, and an ML Sound for the Friedman. I thought about only using the amp block and running them all into Torpedo IR Loader, but I wanted each unit to do its thing with the cab block
excellent. One question I am selling my amplifier, I intend to buy an FM3 or FX2 both cost the same for half a use, which one would you advise me to play at home with an active JBL. Thanks !
Hey bro! My first recommendation would obviously be, get Axe FX 3. Its worth the money, and you will never regret it. If you absolutely cant, get the FM3. The Axe FX II has already been discontinued as far as updates, but the FM3 is new so you will get all the updates, which are very often released
as much as i appreciate this i think you should re do it again. the sounds where bad (why idk) and i think it it would be some cool content to do a re shoot
Totally agree with Camilo. Physics are physics. Speaker cabinets push air in a live setting and there is nothing like a 4x12 stack that you can feel on the back of your legs. The audience may not like it depending on the setting of course. The AX8 is still a beast in the hands of many guitarists. The videos around here prove it. It all depends on if you need all of the CPU for pedal stacking and effects. One day you mucho CPU users will come back to earth!!!
4:22 vs 4:32 - wanted to easily hear AX8 & FM3 side by side so putting links here. Also 5:21 vs. 5:40. Also 5:59 vs. 6:19
Hi, thanks for the great comparison. I have a question for you. I now own the FX8 and the FM3. Just got it, yay! Do you have any idea how I would be able to use both of them together??! Like, maybe having the extra foot switches of the FX8 act as the master to trigger preset and scene changes on the FM3 as the slave through midi?! Since CPU is so important, I thought maybe I can reduce the CPU amounts on both units by splitting the work between them, thus leaving much more room to work with within both units. Capice?? Please let me know. Thanks again. Great job!
Congrats man! Im sure theres a way to make the FX8 a midi controller but Im not sure how. The way I would use it, would be to go into the FX8 first, and use all the “pre-amplifier” effects (wah, compressors, drives, any modulation in front of amp), and then the FM3 after with all the amps and post amp effects (reverbs, delays, modulations after amp)
@@CamiloVelandia thanks man. Yeah, that’s the idea, and hoping the changes I make on the FX8 triggers changes on the FM3 through midi. Thanks again brother. If you discover anything, please post it. I appreciate it. Be well.
@@EnricoBressi Also, dont forget to check the Fractal forum. There are tons of very knowledgeable people there, you'll probably get an answer in minutes.
Play the video and don't look at the pictures . Do a blind test and they all sound similar... If they have differences it's hair line not drastic. It will all boils down on the feel now. Sound wise they all sound the same now even with the 4x the CPU power against the legacy models. Thank you Camilo for sharing this
Yes was going to comment this way. I know Camilo knows all this but people still ask for demos. Using the same IR things will sound almost identical (if not identical) between the units. We can explain feel and responsiveness and those are a hard sell for a lot of people when justifying cost on a new purchase or upgrading. Even comparing different modelers you can get close on the models and sharing the same IR, but in the end it comes back to feel, dynamics, etc. I don't even get the digital fizz comments from a lot of people, because the real amp model can have a lot of those same characteristics. Overall, these demos are tough, but the community loves them and will argue for hours over them, and they are great for the CZcams algorithm, so keep the arguments going to help us content creators out lol.
Thanks so much brother!!
Awesome comparison. Do you have any thoughts why your comparison shows such similarity whereas Frank Steffen Mueller’s demo shows so much difference, especially when he compares the AX8 and FM3?
Yes! I haven't seen his video yet, but I'm assuming he probably compared the presets (i.e. Axe FX III 69 Bassguy vs AX8 69 Bassguy). I believe they all have a lot of the same preset names, but they don't sound the same because the settings are different. I will have to watch the video and follow up with another comment, but Frank makes killer videos!
@@CamiloVelandia Thanks for the reply, Frank's video is definiltey interesting to check out. He mentions that he was using the Factory cabs.... Have you noticed a measureable different in the sound quality of the presets betweent he AX8 and the FM3?
BTW, i also just checked out Leon Todd's comparison of the Ax8 and the Axe III and the results indicate that they sound quite similar.
@@brendonjohnson8243 the presets are definitely different. Different gain, EQ, and reverb
In your examples what I'm hearing is the sensation of the rack models having more headroom. But not with every example.
hi sir.. which one little bit more cheap, ax8 or fm3? how much their price?
depends on the real amp size too my orange lunchbox sounds a bit better than a model unit, but my mesa mk5.25 kills em through a real cab and mic for 3d bloom
its the iron in the transformers
Great demo Camillo. Since you have such deep experience with fractal I have a question. I own an axe fx 2 xl and recently I've noticed that when the unit has been in use for awhile (i.e. 30-60min) there is a noticeable unpleasant change in tone. I'll describe it as brittle and fizzy. Any thoughts?
Hmmm that sounds strange. Are you certain its the fractal? Does it happen when using headphones?
How effect blocks that FM3 allows?
In every case I thought the FX III sounded best. the first 2 sounded much the same, and the FM3 was a bit better than those 2. They all probably sounded better than anything out there except for real tube amps. Thank you for this video. There is no way I could budget more than one of these, and your experiences with these units that you are sharing is huge.
thanks for watching!! I always recommend the Axe FX 3 the most, because it's the most complete to me!
Wonder why fm3 sounded better than fm9. Should sound exactly the same
I picked up an AX8 couple weeks ago and looking for a simple way to learn how to use this monster. I'm afraid im gonna break it some how if I dive right in and start playing with the unit or should I just dive right in, or do you know of any videos ect on using this unit. Iv found some but they are not showing how to set up an amp and pedal configuration like you were saying to use it like a pedalboard. By the way great videos I just subscribed. Can you point me in the right direction to go with this?
They all sound very similar. Some brighter and others darker but all an all they sound amazing.
Hi, Check out Leon Todd's videos on CZcams. They will really help you.
@@PhilWilliams3 👍
how are you with the ax8 now? Are you now comfortable using it live?
@@jeeeeev great thanks asking!
@@psychoshredder4139 did you regret buying an ax8 instead of a helix?
Subed!
Thank you!!!;
What's the Lenny Kravitz song called for the riff at 5:20 ?
Rock N Roll is dead!
@@CamiloVelandia thanks 👍🏻
To my ear the FX II & III sound more natural, I'm sure with additional settings the FX II could be more an exact match to the FX III? not sure but both sounded great.
Camilo, what is the difference between the AX8 and AX8 Mark II? and this AX8 which one it is? thanks...great comparison
Hey bro. As far as I know, AX8 Mark II doesn't exist. There is an Axe FX 2 Mark II, and now an Axe FX 3 Mark II, but AX8 wasn't revisioned.
@@CamiloVelandia thanks for your reply, so if I get the AX8 I am fine and guess is all about updating firmware... I have a question for you, I play guitar, record stuff, but I am not a Pro Musician, I used to play guitar a lot, and I want to play again, mainly to connect to the guitar, now I want a very good sound, and I think I do not want to invest in the Fractal Axe FXIII until I know I am really hooked again to the guitar... so with the advancement of the technology, do you think the AX8 overall still better than a new device like Mooer G300, Hotone Ampero, Amplify12 or Line6 podgo or HX Stomp?? the capabilities of using the IRs in the AX8 still current? thanks... great video
@@bluematrix5001 My first suggestion would be to get the FM3 UNLESS you want to have 8 footswitches. If you want all the switches, then AX8 is the one. The FM3 has that beautiful screen, and the experience of navigating it and tweaking it is much better. As far as sound goes, you can probably get the same sounds with both. All of the units work with any IR's that you load into them, even the discontinued ones like the AX8 and Axe FX II, etc, so you're good there. I think any of these units will be great for you. Of the other you named, I only tried the Helix and HX Stomp, and even though they're great, I still prefer Fractal. I suggest if you get a Fractal unit, read the manual. If you get REALLY familiar with the Amp Block and the Cab Block, you can get any sound you want, trust me.
I noticed the FX3 was generally brighter than the FM3. But they are supposed to run the same exact software. So, it must be something in the "outside world": input impedance, cables, whatever you have used. Or maybe there is some difference in the myriad parameters they have.
My point is: if you can not get the same sound (on reamps) through the FX3 and the FM3, you should suspect there is something different in your comparing process. This is corroborated by the fact that I already have listened to comparisons where they sound indistinguishable to my ears.
Think what you hear is the FM3 cannot play impulse responses in higher quality yet. It can’t even play ultra-res files atm.
The real genius is the marketing department at Fractal. Minimal tonal differences over the past decade (as proven in this video), yet guitarists feel the need to continually upgrade....because it keeps getting "more realer".
I agree that when I did this comparison, I didn't hear much tonal difference. However, keep in mind that I was only comparing an amp block with an IR across all units. The new systems do have new effects (new reverbs, tri-stereo chorus, new drives, etc), and with the extra DSP in theAxe FX III, you can create bigger and more complex presets. IMO, the Axe FX III is one of the best purchases I've ever made. Changed my life, pretty much.
There are constant (albeit relatively small) improvements to feel and sound, even in the III, even since I have had it, but what else are they going to do?
Once it sounds exactly like the amps they modelled there is nowhere else to go except to model more things. add more features or create idealised versions of those things.
We are truly at a point at which its no longer about sound, it's about small nuances and getting those just right (which no doubt we are almost there with too) but yeah we are well within the law of diminished returns now.
Listened blindfolded FM3 is the best. Also from a quality/price/practical use perspective.
Una pregunta Rapida: Comprarias hoy en dia un Fractal AX8?
Hola bro! El AX8 aun es tremenda unidad. Si fuera posible te recomendaría ahorrar un poco mas y comprar el FM9. Le han agregado muchas cosas a comparacion del AX8. Si te es imposible, te iria muy bien con el AX8 igual
Can you do a video showing the best way to connect the axe fox 2 or 3 to a amp? I have a carvin legacy 3 amp and still can’t decide which is the best setup. Thanks
Sure! It's easy to explain, what exactly are you trying to achieve with the Axe FX? Only effects? are you trying to use any drives at all, or only modulations/reverbs/etc?
Camilo Velandia just effects
@@2979paul you're gonna wanna go through the FX loop of the amp. From the SEND of the amp, go into the Axe FX. Create a chain of only effects, no amp simulation, no cab simulation. Then from the output of the Axe FX, run a line to the RETURN of the amp. That's it. This works for running effects AFTER the tone stack of the amp.
@@2979paul the other way is to use the 4cm (4 cable method) which means you place the Axe FX BEFORE the tone stack of the amp, and then AFTER as well. In this case, you plug into the Axe FX, create a chain of effects for the front of the amp (i.e. wah, drives, etc, no amp or cab sim) and then from the output to the front of the amp. Then on the fractal create an FX Loop (or on Axe FX 3 another input and output) and then do the process in the previous comment, through the FX Loop of the fractal into the FX Loop of the amp. Make sense?
Camilo, I’ll give both a shot. Thanks Sir
the fm3 doesn‘t support IRs in pro resolution. both devices sound really similar but the axefx3 just sounds more detailed and „organic“ to me. maybe a software update can fix this but i wouldn‘t bet on it since the cpu might get overworked by it.
side note: with all these nice features i still don‘t get why gapless ampswitching between x/y states still isn‘t possible.
Did fractal say if there would be an fm 6 or 9 lol?
2:46 name of song pls
fx2 xl+ still worth it today?it only cost 1000dollar
Hey Camilo,
great comparison video. To me ist seems that the FM3 has a little more "edge" in some cases. The other 3 units sound the same in total. I'm an AxeFx II user and I can fully agree with your judgement. The 5 or less % in feel (compared to a very good real amp in very good technical condition) isn't worth the disadvantages on the other hand you have with a real amp (weight, need of maintainance, dependence on volume, only one amp sound, etc.).
I thought about having the AX 8 for the stage but I got recently the Mooer GE300 for home rehersal. What can I say: With the right IR it comes so damn close to the Axe II, that I'm gonna use it live.
What iMac specs
Excellent review and even better playing! For me, it's clear- Axe-FX III wins all day long. For strong value and convenient foot switches, AX8 is a close #2 followed by Axe-FX II. For practice or a quick, small gig where space is a concern, maybe an FM3.
I'm waiting for the day when they bridge the gap between the Axe FX III and the FM3- so basically a more practical, user friendly consumer (not full pro) focused unit that has ~25% more CPU power & memory than the current FM3, at least 6 onboard foot switches (this is huge.) It would be the ideal unit that most non-pro's would buy in mass. They probably haven't done this yet because they don't want to cannibalize on the sales of the Axe-FX III. As I see it, they should because they are two different market segments- Consumer vs. Pro.