Setting Up the FM3 as an Audio Interface (And More!)
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- čas přidán 8. 02. 2024
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A few months ago, I uploaded a video describing the best practices for setting up our Fractal devices as audio interfaces and recording music in a DAW. That video had a number of questions regarding the initial set up with a computer, cabling, speaker hook ups, and more. so over the next few weeks we're going to back some things up!
This video addresses the initial digital signal routing through USB into a computer, setting up speakers, and addressing why you still may not be getting audio from your computer and DAW. Keep the comments and questions going as I'll be answering more in next week's video!
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Finally...thank you. Been struggling for months with my FM3 on proper audio setup until I found this walkthrough. Much Appreciated.
My FM3 is on it's way as we speak so this video was perfectly timed on my recommended section hahaha.
How you like it. I just got mine tonight. You using yours as interface with monitors
@@jconner3891 that’s right I’ve used it with monitors but for some reason, I’ve become more of a headphones guy lately. I think it’s awesome. The best sounds I’ve gotten in my room. Hope you’re enjoying yours!
Simple, straight to the point, and well explained. Thanks heaps for this
Absolutely!
Thanks!
Nice video!!
Received fm3 yesterday. Nice videos
Awesome! Thank you!
Until recently, I had been using my FM3 as the only external audio interface and it worked well for recording guitars. I didn't have any issues with the drivers or noise, it just worked but it was also limiting. The visual gain meters aren't that great, it took forever to boot up, and things like vocals or acoustic guitars are just out of the question. I recently picked up a UA Volt 476 and it's a more complete audio interface, has built-in compression, and it has balanced inputs. I'm now connecting my FM3 via the left/right XLR mains into the Volt and I'm getting the best of what I can get out of both units. Overall I think the FM3 is a good audio interface if you have basic needs and only play electric guitar.
And the Volt is connected to your computer via usb?
Great video, thanks.
Couple of follow-up Qs: What if I want to use the PC for watching a movie or gaming as well. Does the FM3 need to be turned on?
What would the audio set-up look like if I have a focusrite (4i4) connected to monitors?
Yes, if you need to pass signal through the FM3 it will need to be turned on. If using a 4i4, I'd plug the FM3 into the "line ins" in the back (XLRf to 1/4' TRS). Since the Focusrite is bus powered, it will always be on with your computer passing signal to your monitors, and you have the addition of using the mic preamps when needed. This won't immediately give you access to convenient re-amping, but you could use the "line outs" or set up the FM3 and the Focusrite as an aggregate device to accomplish this.
hello and greetings from Ireland. Love your videos man and appreciate you putting the time together to make them. I've had multiple ops on my spine so tube amps are no longer an option. I'm thinking of going down the fractal route...could you recommend a wedge for the fractal for monitoring purposes as i don't wear IEM's.,..thnaks
Thanks for the kind words! Try looking into the QSC CP8. I've had my eye on these for a bit and would love to test them out on the channel soon. Lighter and more compact build. If they operate somewhat close to the K series, they are sure to be a great option.
IMO if you have an audio interface that has an spdif input, probably would be easier just using that coming from the spdif out of the FM3. You only need to set the clock on the interface to come externally from the FM3 spdif. It also means you do not have to use an aggregate device on the computer. I like having a standard output to monitor that an external audio interface provides without fussing about etc. There are so many decent low cost audio interfaces out there now that using the FM3 or FM9 as the recording audio interface I think is not worth it. However some do not have an spdif input so you can use the analog in/outs or use the FM3/FM9 as the interface as in this video.
Thanks Mathew - amazing video - SUBSCRIBED. Any issues you faced while using as an audio interface? Also can it effectively "replace" your audio interface if all you are "practicing/playing", not recording your guitar? Did you try it with an iPAD?
Thanks so much! Haven't tried with an iPad. No issues when using as an audio interface. As long as you don't need a mic or have an external mic preamp, you can use this as your main interface.
How do you use a block library vs a preset? Downloaded but don't know what to do next. Import preset doesn't work.
There is a helpful video on my site that explains this... MATHEWDALE.com/blocks
What if my projects are at 44.1 KHz instead of 48 KHz? I prefer this setting cause it’s “lighter” and I have a base MacMini M1.
Fractal units are only 48K. Your Mac won’t have an issue running projects at 48k. I’d just move up to that.
Hello. My conecctions: guitar to Fm3, spdif to focusrite, USB focusrite to pc, fm3 output 1 to studio monitors. I don't know what i doing bad because the sound i horrible, can't rec in daw, etc
I don't know how configuration in fm3, in reaper setup and focusrite software for rec my guitar with fm3 effects, ear youtube backibgtracks, etc
Help
I'll be talking about this one on tomorrow's video!
great video... quick question for you. Can I use the FM3 as a virtual instrument in Studio one "The Show" so that I can add it as a virtual player and send midi to the FM3 to change presets?
You can! But you will need to use a MIDI to USB cable for control. FM3 does not send or receive MIDI through USB. Check out this video on my channel for more info...
czcams.com/video/c-Mz588uTMU/video.htmlsi=NcZE91GTcnnaqJ6F
@@mathew_dale Thanks man, that is good. I am currently using my Ampero Stomp II pedal but I am seriously looking to purchasing an FM3. There is 1 thing that the Ampero does and that is MIDI through USB, but I do have a 5 pin MIDI to USB-A cable that I can use with my laptop. My band is using The Show page for all of our backing tracks instead of using the standard page like you are doing.
Please excuse my ignorance. As I watch this I have my fm3 plugged in via usb to the computer and output 1 is going into an frfr powered wedge monitor.I have studio monitors connected to a headphone amp/dac. I can go to audio settings and choose between listening to the video via the studio monitors or wedge. The sound to the wedge is running through the USB? Than must be poor sound quality right?
Not necessarily. USB audio can be very clean and high quality as most Audio interfaces use USB
Excellent video Mathew. I currently have an Audient ID14 MK1 which I use pretty much just to playback audio from my PC/Daw and for recording guitars though the DI input. I'm thinking of selling my audient with a SM7B (that I currently only use to record melodies to mangle and use in my beats and to talk to my friends on discord), to be able to get some money to buy a FM3 in the future to be the central interface and hub of my home studio. I just need 2 inputs: one for the guitar, which FM3 has, and one for a mic (a cheap 58 clone that I have), to be able to continue recording ideas and use on discord. So in this case, I will need to get a preamp for the mic, and then, balanced out to input 2/return of the FM3, correct?
I'm also concerned about the overall 'health' of the FM3 being used in this case. Is it safe to use it turned on multiple hours a day? I pretty much live in my studio nowadays (I work from home).
Also, did you try to use Pipeline XT to reamp in Studio One?
Correct you’ll need to plug in your mic to an external preamp and then to input 2. You can also use some eq and compression (or anything else in the fm3) for mic processing on the grid. I wouldn’t worry about the overall health from leaving the device on. Mine is on from 9 am to 11 pm 5 days a week and hasn’t faltered. Haven’t tried pipeline since I can use the usb signal path but have watched tutorials on pipeline and it looks like a great solution for analog gear and amps!
@@mathew_daleThanks man!