FM9 4CM?

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glpg80

glpg80

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I’ve accepted I like the AfX and have stopped clinching.

I still want to run my guitar into an SD-1 and into my amp without converters.

Is there a true bypass with the axe? Could I have it switch from a normal guitar -> SD-1 -> amp and run it in effects, and then switch it to a 4CM setup on the fly?

I need more effects and I’m not about to travel down the vintage effect pedal path.

I’ve been looking at the GT1000 and GT1000 core but the UI is awful on the core and I don’t think it can do what I need.

I like my amps but acknowledge having something that can do direct to FOH if my amp shits or can be used on smaller gig locations would be nice. I need the effects.

So am I fucked or is the FM9 capable of the setup I want?
 
Not a FM9, but I've been using an FM3 in 4CM with great results, even with a second head for a stereo setup. I keep the FM3 backline and use a FC-12 out front, to prevent long cable runs. Works great.
 
burger said:
Not a FM9, but I've been using an FM3 in 4CM with great results, even with a second head for a stereo setup. I keep the FM3 backline and use a FC-12 out front, to prevent long cable runs. Works great.
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Is there a way to run it post preamp with your own signal chain in the front and change it to 4CM on the fly?

I like to hit the front end with a pedal unabated by convertors, all analog. But I see a need for 4CM (pre and post effects) as well.
 
You need midi controled true bypass loop/ AB box and put it before amps input. It is possible with FX8 due true bypass.
I use FX8 in dsp bypass (no clicking noises) and the converters are much better than cripled Boss bypass -:) And Fractal drives…almost every one is better than SD-1. Those are not 80’s multieffect anymore ?
 
bubucci said:
You need midi controled true bypass loop/ AB box and put it before amps input. It is possible with FX8 due true bypass.
I use FX8 in dsp bypass (no clicking noises) and the converters are much better than cripled Boss bypass -:) And Fractal drives…almost every one is better than SD-1. Those are not 80’s multieffect anymore ?
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Exactly. The FM3 is transparent enough, and the drives are good enough, to use it as in all in one solution. Let's be honest, 4CM is a PITA and complicated enough so I wouldn't recommend complicating it further. It did take me a bit to get the FM3 dialled in properly, it's ground loop city in 4CM unless you use humbusters and an iso transformer. You also need to get all the padding levels dialled in right otherwise it's noise AF.
 
A big part of my drive tone is over-voltage on a drive pedal which cannot be done in the FM3. Unfortunately it’s not an option to go full on but I appreciate the comments on the complications to look out for.

I’m debating FM3, keeping my PCM81 for reverb, and my damage control timeline delay. I’m not sure if I can run them all true stereo through the FM3 as their own individual blocks but that would be the goal. I’d want to use the FM3 for clean tones, level controls, and the midi brains.
 
The FX8 does a much better job at 4CM than the FM3. I have both and have been trying (failing) to get the FM3 to be as transparent/quiet/dynamic as the FX8. I wish the 8 had the 3's drive pedals though.......
 
Jason_86_951 said:
The FX8 does a much better job at 4CM than the FM3. I have both and have been trying (failing) to get the FM3 to be as transparent/quiet/dynamic as the FX8. I wish the 8 had the 3's drive pedals though.......
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I struggled with this too, having owned a FX8. But I think I got there after some tinkering. I made the XLR to 1/4” cables etc and now I think it’s a better setup on the time based fx alone.
 
I’m bumping this topic again because I still can’t decide. What about FM9 vs FX8 for 4CM only?
 
for signal 'purity' it is FX8. Even DSP bypass doesn't suck any tone. Scenes are really useful and addictive :)
FM9 is overkill for this purpose. There are some new effects and drives but still a lot of money over FX8.
 
bubucci said:
for signal 'purity' it is FX8. Even DSP bypass doesn't suck any tone. Scenes are really useful and addictive :)
FM9 is overkill for this purpose. There are some new effects and drives but still a lot of money over FX8.
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I wouldn’t say overkill, there’s a lot of overdrives missing in the FX8.

For my purpose though I did come to the same conclusion in my research. The FX8 is a more cost effective solution that what it lacks in some front end effects, it provides in transparency and low noise floor with no ground loops.

The other thing worth mentioning is the FM9 wait list due to covid and general demand.
 
I have FM3 in the transit to replace my Boss GT-1000 core. I'm very curious if 4CM will be as silent as FX8 I had before. I switch to Core due to clean amp simulation (for 1 channel amps with loop) and best form factor/performance ratio but I have been curios about FM3 for long time.
I sold FX8 to my buddy, he is very picky about getting his tone intact and it was MK 1....even without humbuster cables.
 
I run my FM3 4CM with my amps without any issues. Leon Todd has a video with the 4CM method and presets that allow you to use the Axe amps as preamps in one preset and effects only pre & post in the other. I have gone back and forth and A/B a real Sd-1 in front of the amp vs the Axe Super OD and it’s hard to tell the difference, however, I do wonder if you get more output or hit the input of the amp harder with a real pedal vs the digital to analog converters.
 
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