Fractal Audio FM3 Mk II Turbo Amp Modeler/FX Processor

The FM3 Amp Modeler/Multi-FX is a compact floor unit from Fractal Audio Systems. It features the company’s newest generation of amp modelling, speaker simulation, and effects processor technologies, all with the extreme sonic performance, features, and flexibility that guitarists have come to expect from Fractal Audio. 

The new FM3 Mark II Turbo was released in July 2023.This advanced and compact floor unit builds on the success of the original FM3, now boasting over 10% more DSP power and larger, easier-to-read footswitch displays. The new Turbo DSP allows the creation of more complex presets, going beyond the limits of the standard FM3. The footswitch display size upgrade is significant, with the height of individual characters of text doubling, as well as being presented in a bolder and more readable font. Overall product dimensions and weight remain the same as the original version.

The FM3 is housed in a durable steel chassis with protective endcaps. It features the same full-color display and familiar, easy-to-use front panel controls found on Fractal Audio’s flagship Axe-Fx III. Three onboard footswitches – each with vari-color LED ring and mini LCD display — provide both tap and hold functions, which can be customized to do different things on eight different switch “layouts”. In addition, a FASLINK II port allows the FM3 to be connected with up to two Fractal Audio FC-12 Mk II or FC-6 Mk II foot controllers, providing an exciting array of extended control options.

The FM3 features ARES Amp Modeling—the latest technology developed by Fractal Audio for the award-winning Axe-Fx III. ARES captures the subtle sonic characteristics of real tube amps, with 265+ models offering an impressive range of clean tones, elusive “edge of breakup”, and everything from warm, touch-sensitive overdrive to face-melting modern distortion. The FM3 also includes the entire speaker cab impulse response (“IR”) collection from the Axe-Fx III, with a stunning 2,200+ “Factory” choices and 2000+ “User” locations to store custom sounds from free or commercial packages. As a multi-effects unit, the FM3 includes a superb selection of Fractal Audio’s state-of-the-art effect algorithms: dazzling drive pedals, dozensof delays, reverbs, compressors, EQs, modulation effects, a looper, and more.

Like other Fractal Audio processors, the FM3 uses “Presets” built from “Blocks” on a “Grid” (4x12). Eight “Scenes” per preset can engage or bypass effects, switch effect “Channels”, adjust levels, and more. Fractal Audio’s flexible “Modifier” system enables easy real-time sound changes with onboard or remote controllers, switches or expression pedals. A precision full-screen tuner, two global equalizers, and a convenient Tap Tempo function are also built-in.

The rear panel of the FM3 offers an instrument input with Fractal Audio’s proprietary low-noise analog circuitry, plus stereo main outputs, a headphone output, MIDI In and Out/Thru, and a 48kHz SPDIF out. A second stereo pair of TRS Inputs and 1⁄4′′ Humbuster outputs can be used as a stereo effects loop, or for auxiliary purposes, such as sending one signal with speaker simulation to a PA, while a second signal without speaker sims feeds a power amp and guitar speakers on stage. 4×4 USB audio rounds out the I/O capabilities of this pint-sized powerhouse.

FM3-EDIT, a full-featured software editor, is included free. The FM3 is also fully compatible with Fractal-Bot for preset sharing, easy backup and restore, plus firmware updates in the tradition of continual improvement that has become a hallmark of Fractal Audio Systems.

Above all, the FM3 was designed “by musicians for musicians” to deliver Fractal Audio’s uncompromising signature sound quality and rugged reliability in a compact, convenient, grab-and-go format that musicians are sure to appreciate and enjoy.