Fractal Audio: FM9 Amp Modeler / FX Processor

First we had the mighty AX8. People are still using it and loving that one, understandably. Then came the FM3 with its Axe-FX III looks and Cygnus firmware. Again, very popular. Now we have the FM9. Some might call it the "Goldilocks" product. I sure do! The FM9 has four DSP cores making it the most powerful floor processor Fractal Audio have ever built. Add the nine completely customisable footswitches, hundreds of presets and user slots, hundreds of amp blocks (you can have two per preset each with four channels); thousands of IRs, expandable control, FM9-Edit... Let's just say there are a lot of good reasons to want an FM9, not least its industrial-strength build and future-proof upgradeability. I love it! I expect you probably will too.

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2021 Charvel USA Custom Shop Select So-Cal.
Power Supply: Eventide PowerMax by Cioks
Mic: Samson Airline77 (me)
Camera: iPhone 11 Pro and Canon D60
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum & Fractal Audio Systems
FM9 via S/PDIF (guitar, mixing and bouncing).
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
Software: Logic Pro X, Apple Final Cut Pro X, Compressor.

[r.llynch]

We have waited years for this, FINALLY!! and I'm all over this one. Super stoked

[tonystees]

Great NoNonsense Demo !!! You let us see what we need to see while giving us the crucial info on the unit. Great Job !

[MrVishnuu]

Am I dreaming or with the Cygnus update this seems to be the only modellers brand in which each and every sound feels like the real thing...?!
Great work as ever Brett !!

[kamalsinnofilms]

That tome before whole lotta love is beautiful

[lukather]

This has just smashed the quad cortex out of the ball park !!!

[dennisbelon]

Perfect timing. I was looking at the AxeFX3 but this is even better for my needs.

[MarcCoteMusic]

Sigh... If only I had the budget for this incredible machine. I'll have to experience it vicariously through you, Brett. Cheers.

[Bobby_Digital]

What an amazing piece of gear!!! It’s so visually pleasing to look at this piece of equipment!!! This is what expected the Line 6 Helix XL to look like but the just cheaper out and made it look Frankensteinish….

[JasonMcNamara]

Such a magnificent presentation Burgs. I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for my FM9 to arrive. Should be here this week fingers crossed ❤🤘

[nostro]

Sh!t...we know Brett means business when he's standing...

Say no more.✋

😎😎😎

[DrRussPhd]

Now I know why the FM3, FC12, and EV pedal were on sale as a bundle . . . so Fractal could drop this a month later. I bought the bundle but would have waited for this unit instead. This seems like something Line 6 would do.

FM9 sounds nice, great demo Burgs.

[warrenhahnel]

Awesome Brett. As a long time user of the AX8 I have loved that unit, particularly as its so user friendly live. The downside for me with the AX8 was the processor power and the FX9 seems to address this and provide a lot of the options available in the AXE FX III.

[Ron_Padgett]

Thanks Brett! Great video. Answered all my questions. I love my FM3 but being able to run 2 amps would be nice. Awesome!

[terrydoylemusic]

Great review .. demoed lots of sounds, gave us the low down on possibilities, more demos ... Thanks for putting this together.

[DavidCurtisGuitar]

This unit is freaking RAD!! You are the man as always! Great job explaining all the features and functions.

[MOAB-UT]

Not sure what sounds more amazing you or the FM9! Keep rockin!

[arnaudnoar]

Bonjour Brett.I started playing the guitar 30 years ago .Ive played a lot on many many configuration and situations but, even if I've tried, I never went into digital in guitar world. Use only computers for recording....At first, because of technology in the early beginning which was awfull!! Secondly, lost of time in terms of searching searching again in front of a screen....but years have past and with this Fractal tool, it's the first time that my hears and brain agreed this thing: this is really impressive machine!!! God, the devil of digital entered my pure soul!!
But not entirely...for the effects, it's perfect. And limitless. But I can't hear the warm of the amplifier, the vibration of the sound going out of the speaker., no "grain".... It's like you play music with surgery is not perfect, digital tends to be perfect that's why I will never play with Merci Brett.

[philiprobinson]

I want one. Just falling in love with the FM 3. But FM 9 will be a really good upgrade

[jeffsadie]

Amazing. Every tone was amazing. I'd like to hear the country twang of my Telecaster through it. Now, all I have to do, is come up with $1600 or whatever the price is. Then, I have to start playing as good as Brett plays.

[johngudgeon]

I nearly squeezed the trigger on a full fat Helix yesterday, thank the gods I didn’t!
just joined the waiting list for this.