FM3 VS. AX8 Part 1: Comparing the Amps, Drives, & Compressors

Today in Plague Scythe Studios, we have the matchup everyone has been waiting for! Quantum v. Cygnus, Monochrome v. Color LCD, Beeg Board v. smol board... you get the idea. Can the 5+ year old AX8 algorithms hang with the latest Fractal Audio Systems firmware magic?



Timestamps:

00:00 - Let's Get Crackin'

02:37 - Firmware Technical Details

07:24 - But, why no (insert other FAS product here)?

11:45 - DEMO #1: Amplifier Blocks Compared

21:38 - Amp Block Demo Analysis

30:34 - DEMO #2: Drive Blocks Compared

36:34 - Drive Block Demo Analysis

42:02 - DEMO #3: Compressor Blocks Compared

45:01 - Compressor Block Demo Analysis

[palmmoot]

I'll probably never afford either unit, but I'll listen to you talk about them for 51 minutes lol

[LeonTodd]

48:25 is a fantastic perspective on everything.

[paulbaglio]

Sold my AX8 and MkII and just went with the FM3. It sounded great to me and it's still "current" Fractal.

[cmd_f]

Another masterpiece demo. Great stuff as always.
I want an FM9 now haha. Cheers

[closetjimi]

Planning on buying an ax8 this christmas.

[SHARt_murmur]

I upgraded from the Ultra to the 3 about a year or two ago, and the things you noted were the things I noticed right away. Stronger/more useable low end and a drastic change in feel. Good vid as per usual.

[medicinemann]

Thanks for the insights, still trying to understand these units, etc...🎸👍🏼😊

[diecaverna]

I just bought 1 ax8 for $650 on Market Place in great condition! I love it

[green]

I got so lucky to have an fm9. happened to be online right at release and hopped on the waitlist 3min in.

[Cacophaton]

Ah man I love your honesty. This video really does help. Thanks !!!

[thegigfactory]

How do you get the "fizz" out of the AX8 eg inears its sounds fizzy

[huttone]

Nailed exactly some of my questions ... ! now I'd like to see the same test between FM3 and FM9.
I 'm surprised these sound as close as they are! These comparisons can't be judged on your phone. I appreciate your comparisons though I not a metal player this illuminates some of the picture for my ears Thank you.

[parissmith]

Oh dude I gotta get a sub and some snacks for this!

[MariaBethaniaCabrera]

It looks like the FM3 uses 10% more of CPU power than the AX8 all the time.
Is it because the AX8 has a more powerful CPU?

[dusxmachna]

Ax8 still sounds more authentic to me. Newer generations sound tighter but more processed.

[ianthemann]

Treble Booster + Band Commander = Grunge Monster? Who would have thought?

[benjaminmichaut]

Thoughts on new AAL ? And new L6 plugins ? (totally unrelated)

[MrJaydeep]

Looks like the AX8 holds its own pretty good against the FM3!

[alexanderz]

Hugely enjoy your content mate! I am thinking of beginning with building a small mixing space at Home. Could you see yourself doing a video about room treatment? Ive seen a lot of diy bass traps videos but nobody seems to do a deep(ish) dive on where to place what kind of treatment in a room and how much treatment you need for what size of space.

[sinisterpumpkin]

I would love to see you approach a keith merrow reading the bones tone