Fractal 101: FX Loop

Welcome to the Fractal 101 series! Here, we dive into the basics of your Fractal device.
Incorporate your favorite outboard guitar gear with these simple steps!
0:00 Intro
0:36 Layout
0:52 FX Loop Setup
1:42 Grid Setup
2:11 VOLUME DISCLAIMER
3:16 Scene(s) Setup
3:54 FC Controller Setup
5:16 Control Switch for FX Loop
8:02 Outro
Gear:
• Music Man Steve Morse model (equipped with Ernie Ball 10-46s)
• Fractal Audio FM3 (Mesa/Boogie amps)
Use your favorite guitar pedals, whether you're on the FM3, FM9, or Axe-FX III!
--
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[@altag1]

Nice content and delivery = a new subscription!

[@guitarguru186]

Aw thank you! I’m happy to hear this was helpful to you.
Never know when your outboard gear needs to be used in tandem with the Fractal!

[@kevinhicks9386]

What a great tutorial. Thank you !

[@guitarguru186]

Thank you, Kevin!
These devices are so powerful, & I love sharing what I learn as I unlock their full potential (also helps ME learn what I’m doing) ^_^

[@alefenili]

Maybe a silly question, but can I use only the FX Loop return to add extra inputs to the signal chain? For example, using a Boss SY 1000 output to re FX Loop Return to add the synth sounds. Thanks in advance!

[@guitarguru186]

Hmm 🤔 Fascinating question!
While I’ve never tried myself, I don’t see why that wouldn’t work if routed correctly…I’ll have to test it out!
(If you get to it before I do, let me know!)

[@XChristianNoirX]

Is it possible to use L of I/O 3 for one effect and R of I/P 4 for another? Both in mono and operate them independently and put them in different parts of the signal chain?
Or are L&R of each I/O always tied together?
I have a pretty complicated right that I'm trying to out together that uses a couple external switchers for pedals, but sometimes, I need to put the Fractal effects before pedals, after, before and after, and use 4cm at the same time and some other things. On top, I need to be able to split the signal from the guitar to another input in the Fractal to use the Fractal's noise gate. It's too complicated to explain but...
If L/R for each I/O are always tied together and can't operate independently, that hoses my whole plan because there isn't enough stereo I/P for my needs. Not even the III rack unit would have enough I/O . :/

[@guitarguru186]

This is an incredibly fascinating conundrum you're working with, but I LOVE puzzles (especially rig-related ones)!
The I/O sides are linked, to the extent of my knowledge, so I don't think you'd be able to split them in the particular way you're describing. However, I would really love to hear what you're trying to do & try to troubleshoot this stuff with you! Email me your rig (photos & descriptions, if possible), & I'll see what I can do to alleviate some of this for you:
[e-mail]

[@fishmank27]

I put one in parallel and noticed the volume change from when I had it in series. I had seen elsewhere to turn up Ch 2 all the way and had set the global settings for unity gain inside. Not sure which is correct. Trying to add an HX one in the loop

[@guitarguru186]

Hmm 🤔 would you be able to send me an email, with a screenshot and/or video of what’s going on? I’m happy to help, I just need a better understanding of the issue & the components

[@sliverhandsonbasses]

That’s probably a phase issue