Fractal FM3 vs Quad Cortex: Which will I sell?
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- Опубликовано: 8 авг 2021
- [Reupload in 1080 (export settings got messed up the first time ¯\_(ツ)_/¯)]
Today we'll do a blind A/B comparison between the Fractal FM3 and the Neural DSP Quad Cortex, modelling heavy tones on some Bogner amps and clean tones on the Fender Twin Reverb.
This video is not sponsored in any way. I'll be rating both modellers subjectively based on: Sound Quality, Ease of Use, and Performance Ruggedness, and will ultimately choose one to keep and one to sell based on these categories.
Note: I honestly believe that these are both amazing modellers and think any guitarist would be happy with either. This could have been a very long video if I touched on every aspect to consider for both, but I tried to keep it more focused on what I considered to be the key points to compare.
For more in depth reviews of both modellers individually, I recommend the videos by Ola Englund:
* FM3 - • Fractal Audio FM3 - Us...
* Quad Cortex.- • QUAD CORTEX FOR METAL
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Track was recorded DI and re-amped through both modellers with all compression, overdrive, delays and reverbs processed inside each of the respective units (with the exception of some master bus compression and a bit of GW MixCentric for that extra sparkle on the whole track). You can listen to the track re-amped just for each unit on my SoundCloud / modeller-shootout-frac... .
Gear:
* Logic Pro X
* Aristides 070
* Fishman Fluence Modern Pickups
* Superior Drummer 3 (Drums)
* Roli Equator (Bass)
* EastWest (Strings, Bells)
* Alchemy (other synth sounds)
Great comparison/shootout video! Well done, looking forward to your next effort.
Your playing is amazing. I own an FM3. I travel for a living, and I take it with me in my carry on bag to practice in hotel rooms. I actually preferred the brighter tones of the FM3 in your demo. That’s not due to ownership bias, because I preferred the FM3 tones in the blind test before I knew which one it was. The Quad Cortex is really tempting, because of the amp capture feature, but I’m happy with my FM3, and I can’t justify the expense of the Quad Cortex when I already own a great unit. Liked and subscribed!
Great video, I have both I was struggling at first with the quad Cortex as I was trying to make it sound like the FM3 but once i stopped doing that the QC becomes the unit I gig with and that at least twice a week . Found a kemper profile I loved so I captured that ... oh yeah !!!
solid playing and interesting mix of sounds ..i think both are really exceptional pieces of equipment. I do give the edge to the fm3 as it seems to have a bit more clarity on the highs and a tight not overbearing low end. From other demos my understanding is that the fm3 has a really fantastic effects library with well done effects. I am sure they are both top shelf and would make anyone happy to play through. thanks for the demo Chris
Have both, and lucky enough to be able to keep both but if I could only have one, I'd keep the FM3 today. When the QC desktop app lands, I think I'll really love the QC. I do agree it sounds better. Somehow more open, more headroom and it has a more amp like feel to it. The FM3 does feel a bit compressed in comparison without the same pick attack. I just find the QC hard to work with. Organising presets, midi etc is hard and finding the good captures is a lottery. Also the effects on the FM3 are so much better, especially reverbs and mods. Also the single volume control, lack of global eq, lack of hybrid mode limit the QC for my live needs.
Excellent video Chris
Good review, dude. It seems like you were really thoughtful. It is important to compare price, though. The AXE-FXIII might have been the better product to compare here. Fractal Audio offers way more processing power for more money. Currently, the FM3 is almost a thousand dollars less than the Quad Cortex. FM3 $1K, Quad $1.8K, AXE-FXIII $2.2K
I purchased a screen guard for my QC which eliminates one of Chris's objections. Also, he's spot on regarding the flimsy wall wart of the QC. If I was a live performer I would definitely purchase a spare.
Thanks, great comparison.
I definitely prefer fm3 in the mix though
Awesome song! Very informative video
Loved, "Don't buy the promises of the future." I am happy with my Kemper, but out of these two I'd go with the QC (and QC over AXE FX 3 or whatever version is out now)..
Great comparison Chris! FM3 sounds more natural in my opinion. But anyway both units are insanely good.
Great review, coming from an AX8 and just getting a QC
Very well done, thank you.
Just wanna add my 5 cents. ( i am not on the side any of them) But in the last A-B where you chuging an fm3 for my ears sound much fuller and thicker. And this is the main thing for me. I need unit for brutal chugs. Great vid bro!
This is a cool video. I would say that while I like the screen on the Quad Cortex, being able to edit presets in a desktop app seems very appealing. The QC is awesome though.
This was a great video
Agree. I love my Quad.
Things worth noting:
1) you are using one of the most bass heavy amps in the product (Euro Uber) with a M160 mic (solo’d), not even using the SM57 which will work much better with bass heavy amps
2) 110 hz low cut is nothing uncommon. Some amp, cab and mic combinations might need amp bass at zero and low cut at 120 hz (24dB), or even more if you want a really tight low end. Lowering master volume also clears up bass response. Try using the low cut switch with Euro Uber. Use your ears, not eyes.
2) you are using a totally different amp in Neural. It’s gonna sound totally different. Bogfish in Fractal would’ve been the same amp model, which is a totally different beast.
3) some amps can be noisy. Fractal also models some of the noise generated by the real amps. Neural does not model things like that.
4) What did you try for the glassy clean sound with Fractal? Might be worth trying Tube Pre without cab.
5) Yes, with Fractal you need knowledge about real amps if you want them to sound just how you like. That can be one of the down-sides if you are not entirely sure what you are doing.
I need to start learning how to count to five.
Hey - those are some great points and really good information. Some folks have pointed out about the fish being just a pre-amp, which makes the “comparison” even less scientific. That said, I think I could have done a better job of explaining that my primary reasoning for choosing the QC in the end came down to ease of use and not any differences in sound (because I think they both can sound awesome).
You make a really good point that having some background with the actual amps will give you a lot more power when working with the FM3, which is admittedly not a strong point of mine. For me, the wealth of available captures (which so far have all sounded great to my ears), the routing options, and the ease of use put me more in favor of the QC. But maybe it’s made more for consumers like myself, who want more of a “plug and play” device and not necessarily all of the options/config power offered by the FM3.
It was a tough choice still, and I can imagine one day switching back (maybe after gaining more experience with the real amps behind the unit).
For the clean tone, I tried many EQ options on the FM3, but didn’t get further than that. Someone also pointed out later that removing the cab probably would have done the trick - an unfortunate oversight on my part.
Thanks for watching, and for the feedback!
@@chrisfuentes4756 no worries! And sorry for only talking about technical stuff. Didn't even mention I really like your playing. Tasty stuff!
I totally understand why you prefer QC in this case and somewhat agree with the plug and play part. I think most of the Fractal default presets aim for great sounds instead of mix-ready, at least for your genre. In the end what matters is that the product works for you.
Some people just prefer crafted, mix-ready sounds over how a real amp might sound or behave, and there is nothing wrong with that. Fractal community has gone through years of amp vs modelers research and debate, and constantly been improving to make the models sound like the real counterparts. And this is what mostly matters for many users.
I also agree that if you are a new user, Fractal products can sometimes be tough to tackle. I've been using these products for 10 years already, so it's no problem for me.
What is interesting I've actually learned way more about real amps through Fractal products then I've learned from owning real amps.
Anyway, looking forward to hear more music and hear about your experiences with guitar related technology :) take care!
B rules! Great vid
I find it interesting that with all of these units you could spend a month tweaking and adjusting to only have it sound good on RUclips!
The one that has the better Clean tones would be the one to keep. I have tried three versions of the AXE FX including then AXE FX III , The Cleans and on board compressor FX fell way short of my needs .
Or option C, sell both and buy FM9?
The QC clean tone sounds like there's no cab on it, which is a good way to obtain that glassy tone (probably with every modeler).
Are you sure you haven't compared a combo amp for the FM3 with just an amp head version on the QC?
It’s entirely possible - and I’ve been realizing that’s one of the downsides of the QC: when you use a Neural capture, you know very little about what you’re actually running. It would be helpful if they could include some metadata so that folks like myself (who don’t have as much experience with real amps) could realize things like that.
I was using a modified version of this preset, which I _believed_ was a fender twin + cab for the clean tone. But since there’s no info about it, you might be entirely correct. neuraldsp.com/cloud/p/e0e06705-a118-4da9-8afc-ff224675440a
I would say, though, that my choice was ultimately decided by the usability and the existence of the neural capture feature. I do believe that both modelers can produce great tones for any sound you’re looking for - they might require more or less work to get there, but I believe they can both get there. So in the end, the Tone wasn’t the deciding factor for me
Agreed @damiano logozzo sounds like a direct to desk sound
@@mikeyg00 the quad? It for not sound sound direct to desk sound in my home. Sorry. And yes I just saw this.
Cheers from Texas!
🤘😎🤘
Most importantly, Great track!
You rock!
I agree with your assessment, by ear 😉
I haven't tried either unit lol
Peace!
Michael Francis
Edit add:
Someone is behind you.
With all due respect, I suggest: Troll-proof by blurring.
All the best
Cheers man! Hope you get to try them one day!
Check my edit...
The real comparison is in the other features of the of the 2 units. amp modeling is very similar today about 60% of the sound will be in the IR you use. Personally Fractal has everyone else beat with the effects. The reviews I have watched all go right to the top of the HI gain amps and down to the cleanest amps. There are not many demos with edge of breakup to mid gain amps. this might be the guys doing the demos don't have a very eclectic taste in music or most people watching the demos only want to hear hi gain tones. either way the other features like effects are overlooked.
I'm seriously looking at the FM9 (on the email waiting list) I wish the QC had scribe strips.
Hi there,
well done. Thanks.
In my opinion the FM3 is the absolutely better deal, experience for years, quality is top. Editor is available.
Quad Cortex is too new on the market for me.
Missing editor which is most important to me.
I can do without touch, it's just more susceptible, and I step on it and don't want to touch it.
But everyone has different preferencies for themselves
In addition, the price for the QC is actually outrageous, in contrast to all other "big ones"
Fractal, Kemper, Helix.
For me everyone else, just not QC
Hey Christian,
Those are some great points. One could certainly argue that going with the QC is a gamble just because of how new the company is, which is to say less certainty about the future, updates, support etc.
The question of price is critical for many as well, and is something I didn’t touch upon. I would say that the QC has a few more I/O options when used as an audio interface, and then of course the Neural Capture feature. Whether this justifies the big price difference, though, is largely up to you. Personally I do think it’s a little overpriced given the price of the competition (though part of the price was allegedly due to that whole Suez freight ship thing… who knows).
Anyway, definitely can’t go wrong with fractal. Thanks so much for watching!
@@chrisfuentes4756 Thank you for your detailed answer.
Yes, the QC probably has more routing options, the question is what you need. Personally, I am a pure hobby player. Actually, all devices in this price range are absolute madness for this.
As an interface, I'm really only interested in the reamping option to try. So far, everyone can do this without any problems. Have already seen some videos that was a lag when changing the preset.
If you use another main output that is not in the factory preset, you have to change them all individually. This cannot be done globally.
This is certainly just an update and it fits, but there is probably none so far, but I think that should not be a teething problem with such a device.
Even a device without an editor today cannot be.
Touch or not. Although I think that the touch of what i see is like "laggi", not really fluid like a mobile phone today?!?
It may be possible whether the prices are due to Suez, as it is currently much more other stuff expensive.
I also find the FM3 expensive, but I also like the editor and the size to take with me. Just the thing for jamming with friends.
But, you can also use a GT1000 or a Helix Stomp or PodGo for this.
At the moment I have a Kemer before I try a Helix. I didn't get really "warm" with the Helix, I can't really say why.
Turn on Kemper and .... , sound fed up and good.
But a little bit back with moddeling makes a lot easier than finding Kemper Profiles, because you can't adapt that well.
But the thing never sounds inferior to the new ones. It's been madness for 10 years, actually.
So actually I just wanted to say that many devices have many ideas and many are very good.
I treat myself to the FM3 if I find it too expensive.
The bad year 2020/2019, it's good to have something to try again
Greetings from Germany and stay healthy
But it still didn't sound as good to me as the QC and that's why I returned my FM3 with Cygnus.
Nice review! I liked B much better. Glad I purchased the QC and returned the FM3 even with Cygnus. Having said that, the QC has a lot of catching up to with regard to Fractal's effects.
Hi Chris
Have things changed in regards to QC
Did it get the desktop app etc?
I have heard in a few reviews of the Cortex that there is a delay when you press the footswitches. That would make it completely unusable for me. Some reviews don't mention that at all which I find odd.
Hey Andy -
That's not something I've noticed, but it would also depend on what exactly the footswitch is hooked up to change. I've used it for changing scenes and stomps and there is no noticeable delay to me whatsoever. I could imagine it's possible that if you were changing between entire presets with e.g. several different amps/rigs loaded/unloaded between the two, maybe there will be a delay (I've definitely gotten delays doing this with the FM3).
But as long as it's just changing scenes or doing stomps I don't think you'll see any issues.
And thanks for watching!
Yes, there is latency when switching presets which is why I use Scene mode.
I have a Helix. I just bought the Quad Cortex. Still waiting on back order. I plan to keep both, but if I had to sell one I'd sell the helix. You can't add anything to a helix. You can add you own amps and pedals to the QC.
A year later, does Neural have a desktop app yet?
The QC was louder, but i dont know if thats better. The QC is one of the few I havent had. But I do know that Fractal has everybody beat in the effects department. Right now, the QC costs $1700 and you can get the FM3 for $899 for the MK1 and $1099 on the Mark II.
I owned both Axe FX III and QC. I sold the Fractal. I much preferred the tones of the QC and the captures. Also, the UI is second to none. Great review!
would it be overkill to have both though? if comparing effects tones(not the amps) alone, which is better?
@@xiaoxia5 why would be overkill to have both?i own the Kemper Stage,Axe 3 and Helix ,im going to buy the QC maybe in 2 or 3 months.
The Bogner Fish is a preamp, therefore I suspect that you actually compared a model of a full amp with a model of a preamp plus speaker sim. Which might explain the more apparent crispness or wider range of the QC. BTW, I found A to sit much better in a mix and to sound much closer to a real amp than B. Which might also be related to the preamp only thing.
Oh no way - yeah that would make a big difference, wouldn’t it :) So we might attribute that to consumer ignorance on my part, though it may also speak a bit to the lack of details shown in the QC about a capture. Would be nice if we could include info like that on screen when selecting a capture instead of just the name.
Thanks for watching, and for the info!
Ah, the power cable also explains a chunk of the difference in weight. The Quad Cortex's cable is *also* the power supply while the FM's is built into the unit.
Bogner Uberschall and Shiva are back. FYI I’m a tube amp and pedal lover first. But the feel and sound of the QC beat the others imo.
Do you use any pitch shifting in Quad Cortex? Is there any latency present with the pitch shifter?
There’s pitch shifting and no issues. Not imo. It’s the only modeler I’ve kept.
Definitely love the QC more.
also air vent on the side... really nice for dust / liquids etc etc
Great song! I am surprised that I prefer the Quad Cortex over the Fractal.
“A” sounded way better to me (warmer and more pleasant)- haven’t looked at the results yet. B sounded very thin and direct sounding to me
Dont Forget that you are listening the compressed youtube version. U need to trust his feeling as a guitarist for the sound I guess.
I totally agree with what Nick says and I own a Quad Cortex and an Axe II. IMO the Quad Cortex does feel more than a real amp but it does have a high midrange/treble thing all across the board which I don‘t like. And also lacks a bit of low midrange for tones that I like. Except for clean and very very slightly broken up tones, where I do actually like it.
+1 .. I liked A more as well. Obviously tone is very subjective and it's totally okay if Chris likes B more
Why haven't any of these floor units integrated a pedal ala helix
Because not everybody wants a pedal and many times the modeler that have an integrated one, they don't have a good one.
music vs talky parts... music is way louder, turned up to hear what you were saying and got hammered when the music came in at the end.... otherwise, fabulous review. New subscriber here!
also... starting at 6:12, I didn't notice at first but it became apparent that someone has clearly SNUCK INTO YOUR HOME!!
A sounded better, B sounded harsh to me overall. I have owned Fractal, Kemper, Helix, Headrush and Boss, but never owned/heard QC in person. Personally I would go FM9 if I had enough dough. I believe it would be the ultimate sweet spot between (reasonable) affordability and performance.
Things like "brilliance" and "brightness" are easy to get with the FM3! Tweak the settings.
Ah, tweak the settings! Settings, settings, and more settings! Tweaking and tweaking! Never ends!
i think fm3 is a good choice for me
Great playing. IMO, sell both and grab a new FM9- if you can get one. Far more CPU power, more I/O and 6 more footswitches than the FM3. Enough said.
Same tone though.
@@mrserv0n18 It's not exactly. You can run 2 amps with the FM9 and more high Res effects which can alter the tone significantly. Having more CPU allows for more complex tones. Also the tones on the FM3 are already good so the FM9 is just that much better.
Doesn't the QC have comparable CPU power to the FM9 Turbo? FM9 Turbo has 2 dual core (so 4 cores) SHARC+ running at 500Hz (non-turbo has the same but running at 400Hz). The QC has 4 SHARC+ cores and 2 ARM Cortex-5 cores (so 6 cores), all running at 500Hz. So I'm not sure what you mean with far more CPU power on the Fractal? Looks like QC has 50% more CPU power. Please explain
Both, buy the FM9 😁
To be honest I liked both they were just 'different' I wouldn't say one was better sounding than the other, I might have different preferences when I use one or the other in different mixes... I don't know man
My band has one of each. I prefer the FM3 in the mix; all things considered.
Nice comparison, personally I really liked the tone of the FM3 better, the QC always seems to have this fizz on top that I can’t stand in modelers. I have a Kemper, Helix and Axe FX II, so I’m a little addicted to modelers :).
Yeah, I did find there was a bit of that top-end fizzle with the QC - I actually liked it on the clean tones, but I can see it being annoying on the higher gain settings. Thanks for watching!
It gets that when you raise gain on capture, have to get the capture on the gain setting you want for the sound you are looking for. I noticed this immediately once I started messing with it. But it’s awesome to be able to get captures which you can’t on the fractal.
That’s what I thought also hearing this
How is the helix compared to axefx?? Is the amp modelling better on axfx??
@@pramesh.gurung Yes, most definitely. I would say the sound of the amps, and effects are superior on the Axe but the user experience and ease of programming definitely goes to the Helix. With that said, I sold my Helix and bought an Fractal FM3.
I think in this clip, the QC sounds more like an amp and more balanced/laid back. FM3 sounds more processed but more punchy.
A lot of guitarists aren’t used to good amps and good mixing which may, I say may, lead someone to think it sounds processed. There are many amps in the Fractal and none of them sound processed to me. Small combo amps sound dead on: dry, raw and if you experiment and listen closely you’d swear it felt like the real thing. Especially with some guitar volume knob manipulation. The boutique amp patches sound like boutique amps. A real Friedman amp will sound “processed” compared to a real Deluxe. Lots of great tools to choose from out there
@@vidsforsquids Primarily I wanted to recreate my TriAxis/Strategy 500 rig (clean, Mk1 and lead modes), and my Soldano SLO/X88R. Maybe throw in a Diezel VH4 blend (don’t own one). Thats about it. I’ve had those amps forever. I think its really cool you can edit a bunch of parameters as well but perhaps listening through here isn’t the best way for me to determine - I should probably try one (if thats even possible). I am aware recorded tones are prepped and sound differently than just playing live and admit I don’t have much experience in that area to translate the tones. I have gotten what I’ve wanted by micing the cabs but just want something much simpler and consistent. I also have loadboxes (Suhr and Rivera) but just looking to avoid the massive setup every time I want to record something quickly. Lots of people seem to recommend the Fractal so again it could just be me.
Both… get the
FM9
Get rid of both the the FM9!is on the way !!
QC is also 60% more expensive and the ecosystem and support/rollout continues to struggle compared to Fractals consistent track record
Its strange because QC maybe is brighter but its very strange, not live amp but some compressed with a lot high sounds, thats not be good for guitar tone in mix.
Can you run dual amp in QC?
Yes
Yep. Did the exact same thing. Sold and fm3 and kept the Quad. It's just too easy to use!! It matters more to me to play guitar and bass. I want to get to playing and sounding great faster, less time tweaking. It's fun to tweak but do people want to play now? Or do they just enjoy tweaking parameters. Many menus without a return on tone from the cumulative time wasted tweaking is meh....because sometimes you tweak so much, lose perspective, and arrive at a place that was farther from where you wanted to be.
i have a quad cortex coming over a week,i cant wait! I had a kemper and have still a mooer ge300...I hope i like it.. i gonne use a laney fr 212
@@metalceesie219 I'm pretty sure you will. Ever since buying the Quad, I don't endlessly tweak anymore. I just select something I like, a cab I like, and get onto playing. It sounds good.
I use the same preset 99% of the time since buying my fractal. So not sure what you mean.
@@ryanshook8284 I use a regular guitar cabinet. It sounds amazing. Kemper was sold. Helix next. Will not miss them since I never used them. I love my amps and pedals but I really enjoy the quad. I think you’ll really like it. Enjoy it. It’s fun.
@@Utubesup7890 Very nice
Sell the quad cortex so I can buy it!
I sold my fm3 and got the qc, big mistake. I had issues with the 3 buttons is the only reason I sold my fm3. I found the qc amps were good but found I missed the he'll out of my Fractal effects. I was very disappointed in the qc effects. I sold it and I'm getting the Fm9. QC is years away from FAS quality imo. NDSP needs to update much faster than they are now.
You have been on every post praising the quad. Now you don’t like it. A man who can’t make up his mind. Hmm 🤔
@@Utubesup7890 trolling? humm,, My post say's it all. I liked it BUT when you don't update, the product suffers. I have used FAS for several decades now and it will always be my go to no matter what I try out. My FM9 is just killer
@@r.llynch4124 I’m
Just saying you sang it’s praises now you’re saying now the opposite. That’s your perogative. I don’t need a bunch of modulation fx. No offense but you were really on a lot of posts so I did notice you. There’s no reason to be upset if you are it seems but I want the guitar to sound like a guitar not a saxophone or piano. So I’m happy with the quad. The feel and sound are great. It’s UI is beyond great. And I have no issues with it except maybe making the list of captures easier to navigate and download. I do not want to get tied to a pc. And I definitely don’t need the plug ins. The quad has a lot of captures that are updated plug ins pr just as good if not better. That’s all. No offense. Enjoy your Axe and see you back with the quad soon. I’m just kidding. It’s tiring hearing a bunch of plug in whiners trying as hard as possible to put the quad out of business. It’s not going to happen. It’s too good and too many of us that love it. Amps first and pedals. Quad next. I mean what’s the point of these people. If they don’t like it move on. That’s it. Simple.
@@r.llynch4124 when did I call you a troll? You must feel that you’re trolling.
Sold the QC!
Bought two.
Having owned a couple of fractal products, and currently use a Kemper, I immediately knew which one was which just from the sound files. The one thing that stood out the most were the clean tones, which is an area the fractal does a terrible job IMHO, it’s one of the reasons I stopped using their products.
You didn’t speak about the quality of the effects, which is an area where fractal excels.
So kemper does breakup sound well???
@@pramesh.gurung exactly like an actual amp.
@@BarryJohns not imo. I sold it. I love the quad. Sorry just my opinion.
Quad cortex touch screen is a huuuge problem. How does it work when you’re playing live and your hands are sweaty? And beers been spilt on it…. You accidently loose balance and fall forward kicking it into a monitor, snapping the power cable….. I though the fm3 looks a little delicate, but nowhere near the quad. The fm3 looks like it will stop functioning if you spill beer or water on it….. if I had a fm3, I’d have a plexi glass screen protector on it. Thats impossible with the quad.
Totally. I imagine I’d want a live setup where the QC is totally off to the side, ideally controlling e.g. delay or whatever fx via an external footswitch (Ola Englund uses an expression pedal to do that for the FM3 - ruclips.net/video/Zc17M-SVxi8/видео.html ). It’s definitely the thing that makes me the most nervous about it!
and reliability I give the QC a 1 and the FM3 a 9. Had the QC, got rid of it. Way too many lockups, audio issues. As well, these 2 products are at different price points. The new FM9 is in the same band as the QC but still 200 less.
"A" sounded better to me.
both...get the fm9
A allday.
Nope, the Bogner Fish was an 80's preamp, it is quite god like.
Keep axe obviously
Nice work. In my opinion, the FM3 sounded better than the QC. Ease of use is a minimal criteria since creating rigs occur at home prior to showtime. Tone rules!
If all you need is ease of use, save some money and get a HeadrusH pedalboard. ;) ♪
Bogner fish is the preamp not shiva
Pretty much a tie except for the clean section. Fractal clean way better
A sound much better, more in mix, tighth...
B sounds completely in the mud, without definition
A is superior
I liked B and have A lol😂
What are you using for speakers ? In normal life I mean.
If you're asking about my recording/mixing monitors, I use Rokit 5. Simple and reliable.
If you're asking about the live setup while performing, I have a DI going to Front of House as well as some in-ear monitors shared by the band (in other words, I'm not using any speakers). If I _needed_ to hook up to an actual cabinet, I would personally go for a Marshal Jubilee (get a Nightwish-esque tone) or Orange 2x12 cab for a little more meat, but that's totally personal preference.
@@chrisfuentes4756 exactly what I wanted to know thanks so much
@@chrisfuentes4756 What would you say for someone only playing tiny gigs and at home practice etc. When using a di modeler
@@SticksAandstonesBozo There are some speakers that are specialised for modellers (like the Friedman ASM-12). With a modeller, you also have the liberty of just using any PA cabinet you want since it will create the same Front of House sound that the audience will get (and you can find some tinier PA cabinets for smaller gigs).
If you want to use a real cabinet, you'll have to also get a power amp (either via the amp head or a dedicated power amp). The EHX 44 magnum will do the trick (though certainly not the smoothest gain), but IMO a PA speaker cabinet is a more practical way to go for a pure modeller rig. There's a lot of personal taste considerations - some folks want a cab on stage just for that classic guitar rig appearance. Totally up to you! Hope this helps
@@chrisfuentes4756 yeah that’s why I ask I’ve went through several options and have hated them all so far. To the point I kind of gave up on modelers. But some of the stuff I’m doing lately it would really be nice because I can’t bring 3 amps and 3 guitars just to get a handful of tones.
Keep -AAAAAA.." WHAAAAT better sound the QC over the FM3 ...OMG.
But with the fm3
I can Peripheryee.
Great points concerning the durability of the fm3 power cable design. And the LACK of durability of the QC screen.
Play the QC barefoot, like Plini? Lol
fractal fm3 the better
The fractal sounds a LOT better here.
Sell both and get the FM9.
??? Oh I get it. Your name is Merl.
I must be the only person on planet earth that hates touch screens, they're just too finicky and imprecise. Other than that they both sound good although I slightly prefer the Fractal.
You can turn the stomp knobs too but yea the touchscreen isnt the worst but the refresh rate is slow on it
A sounds much better in many ways. It has more detailed saturations, resulting in fuller, richer, bigger and more-depth sounds. I can hear A gets the smoothness and the punchiness simultaneously from mid-high to high range. For authenticity, A is also the winner. It's way more like a real amp.
I think B sounds great too, but when comparing to A, B sounds like rubbing two sandpapers: thin and fizzy. If I boost the top end to achieve a more aggressive sound, the harsh fizz will be amplified too. Most importantly, B has less saturation details, which is hardly able to fixed by EQs and compressors. Maybe I could get rid of the harsh sound by using stuff like Soothe 2 or DSEQ3, but I would never get the depth what A has by any means: if the sound is 2D-ish to me, it will always sound 2D-ish.
Metallica uses fractal, I'm going with fractal hands down no doubt
Nice comparison.
Yeah ! FRACTAL FM3 is a big shit ! It is a holy crap. I try to sell it but I think I will lost my money.
I wish you pleasure with Quad Cortex than I had (with big crash) with the FM3.
Wish you the best.
Phil.
good thing I don't have any of these.. Such burden you are having..
Get rid of quad it’s stagnating !
Sell the cortex...!
Great song and playing however the video quality for the purpose of demonstration is horrible. It's so damn busy you don't know which one is which let alone hear anything. Your background track is blaring out the guitar tone so it's hard to decipher what is what.
I give you an e for effort but terrible video
Hey - thanks for the feedback. It was an intentional decision to make the track a bit "busy" with the intention to show how the models would sit in a busier mix. Sorry if it wasn't super helpful. There's a nice shootout vid by Massive Sound Productions that might be more of what you're looking for: ruclips.net/video/l7Pnc0frASI/видео.html
You can also hear my demo track all the way through with the QC and FM3 as separate tracks on my soundcloud (soundcloud.com/chris-fuentes-742398780/sets/modeller-shootout-fractal-fm3-vs-neural-dsp-quad-cortex) if that helps.
Have a great day!