Suggestions, FM3, Quad Cortex, Helix Stomp, or Tonex for live use, stereo setup, etc?

  • Thread starter Thread starter romanianreaper
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romanianreaper

romanianreaper

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I picked up a Fender FR-12 and would like to get a modeller for live use possibly and maybe a stereo setup at home.

I'm keeping my 5150-III and a 1x12 and my Orange Super Crush 100s. Was wondering what you guys recommend? I know it is a loaded question but maybe this will assist:

Only need a few sounds live and mostly just one preset. Really like the modded Marshall sound as a core tone. Ease of use would help.

I had an Axe-Fx II at one point. Thanks!!
 
cant lose with a used fm3
can always sell and not lose $
Marshall and modded marshall tone in spades
 
I’m been gigging an fm3 for several years now and have been very happy with it.

You can do a lot with the 3 switches…
 
I just picked up the 3 button Tonex pedal and I’m pretty impressed with the quality of the free captures I’ve tried. I gigged with the AXEII and the Helix for a couple years each—this is as good from what I can tell. For under $400 to me it’s a no brainer backup/emergency/small gig solution.
 
I'm using a Fractal FX8 to 4CM two different amps and control channel switching for clean and dirty in stereo. I love it. I am now on the Fractal bandwagon. I was looking at the Fractal FM9 for home fuckery. I would say the FM3.

The Helix is okay for stereo stuff too though. My last band (RIP) was using the Recto and Uber presets into OH IRs in stereo live with great success. It was great to set up with IRMs too. I just wanted to use real amps for my new progressive post-sludge band. Real amps are a necessity in stoner genres.
 
The HX Stomp doesn't really have the DSP to run two amp models at once as well as a complex signal chain, so I would count that out.

I have one. I've tried. It maxes out quick. Lucky for me, I'm a single amp kinda guy. But even if I wasn't, the HX wouldn't let me.
 
Thanks everyone for the replies!! Great info! I'm most familiar with Fractal but has been years. I have b3en curious what it would sound like thru the Fender FR-12 as well. I think an FM3 and two of those would be a pretty solid, light setup.
 
Do any of these units sound good through an effects loop return of an amp
head. Tempted to try one
 
WizardAmpIphoneClip said:
Do any of these units sound good through an effects loop return of an amp
head. Tempted to try one
Click to expand...
I preferred axe fx through my loop compared to the revv generator lmao

I don’t think anyone would prefer axe fxs tone or feel to actual amps, but it does have features you couldn’t get with analog gear.

Unless you want captures specifically, fractal smokes the feature set (and I would say the tone) of the competition. Incredibly robust collection of gear, tweakable settings, and IO options. The only area lacking are their models of more recent amps- but i have yet to find a sound in my head I couldn’t replicate on fractal- almost every modern amp is relatively similar to something it was based on. If you specifically want the Hermansson sound or omega granophyre, or something like that, the captures on the qc are probably the move.

Fractal has the most mature product on the market, as it has been supporting products like the axe fx 3 for a really long time, and everything about it reflects that point. The fm3 can be found at 650-800 used and is an absolute steal if you don’t need more hardware buttons or could get an expansion foot controller.

If you want to see the capabilities of fractal gear, Leon Todd has some videos where he uses some of the more granular settings that most people never even look at. Want to edit tube sag or speaker compression? Want to add a mark style EQ to a Marshall? The sky is the limit. If you use a model of an xtc , the treble knob will have the same atypical curve to it rather than a linear response.

I don’t have fractal any more because I mainly play at home, but for live applications or volume restrictions, it’s hard to beat.
 
Yehuda said:
I preferred axe fx through my loop compared to the revv generator lmao

I don’t think anyone would prefer axe fxs tone or feel to actual amps, but it does have features you couldn’t get with analog gear.

Unless you want captures specifically, fractal smokes the feature set (and I would say the tone) of the competition. Incredibly robust collection of gear, tweakable settings, and IO options. The only area lacking are their models of more recent amps- but i have yet to find a sound in my head I couldn’t replicate on fractal- almost every modern amp is relatively similar to something it was based on. If you specifically want the Hermansson sound or omega granophyre, or something like that, the captures on the qc are probably the move.

Fractal has the most mature product on the market, as it has been supporting products like the axe fx 3 for a really long time, and everything about it reflects that point. The fm3 can be found at 650-800 used and is an absolute steal if you don’t need more hardware buttons or could get an expansion foot controller.

If you want to see the capabilities of fractal gear, Leon Todd has some videos where he uses some of the more granular settings that most people never even look at. Want to edit tube sag or speaker compression? Want to add a mark style EQ to a Marshall? The sky is the limit. If you use a model of an xtc , the treble knob will have the same atypical curve to it rather than a linear response.

I don’t have fractal any more because I mainly play at home, but for live applications or volume restrictions, it’s hard to beat.
Click to expand...
Yeah I gotta admit, when I was using the Fractal Axe-Fx II years ago, I was getting some great tones. To me, tube, solid state, or modeller, they all can sound great. I don't even compare anymore. If something is inspiring to play, I dig it. I have an EVH 5150-III 6L6 and I gig with an Orange Super Crush 100 transistor amp, go figure.
 
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