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Fractal FM3 - User Manual

Fractal FM3
129 pages
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Manual Version 1 for FM3 Firmware 1.x

Table of Contents

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Summary

1 INTRODUCTION

FEATURE SUMMARY

Details the key features and specifications of the FM3 device.

THE SETUP MENU

Overview of the SETUP menu options for I/O, MIDI, global settings, and utilities.

QUICK CONNECT GUIDE

Basic steps for connecting and setting up the FM3 for initial use.

SETTING LEVELS

Guide to adjusting input and output levels for optimal performance and to prevent clipping.

USB AUDIO

Managing audio streams between FM3 and computer for recording and playback.

FRACTAL-BOT & FM3-EDIT

Using companion software for updates, backups, and editing.

2 HARDWARE OVERVIEW

THE TOP PANEL

Description of the FM3's front panel controls, display, and chassis.

TOP PANEL CONTROLS

Detailed explanation of buttons and knobs on the FM3's top panel.

THE REAR PANEL

Description of the FM3's rear panel connectors and ports.

REAR PANEL CONNECTORS

Detailed explanation of the FASLINK II, USB, MIDI, SPDIF, Power, and AC ports.

3 USB

COMPUTER INTEGRATION

Connecting the FM3 to a computer for audio and software control.

USB AUDIO

Managing audio streams between FM3 and computer for recording and playback.

USB RE-AMPING

Tutorial for recording a DI signal and re-amping it through the FM3.

4 SETTING UP

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Fundamental guidelines for connecting and configuring the FM3 for various setups.

FRFR;DIRECT

Setup for using the FM3 with Full-Range, Flat Response speakers or PA systems.

BASIC RECORDING SETUP

Using the FM3 as the core of a recording setup with studio monitors and a computer.

NEUTRAL (FRFR) POWER AMP & SPEAKERS

Using the FM3 with a neutral power amp and traditional guitar speakers.

TRADITIONAL GUITAR POWER AMP & SPEAKERS

Connecting the FM3 to a traditional guitar power amp and speaker.

FRONT-OF-HOUSE + PERSONAL FRFR MONITOR

Sending identical signals to PA and personal monitor for flexible performance.

FRONT-OF-HOUSE + GUITAR SPEAKER BACKLINE

Sending separate FRFR and backline signals to PA and amp.

FX PROCESSOR ONLY (“PRE”)

Using the FM3 as a pre-amp effect between guitar and amp.

FX PROCESSOR ONLY (“POST”)

Using the FM3 as a post-amp effect in the amp's effects loop.

FOUR-CABLE METHOD (“4 CM”)

Detailed setup guide for the Four-Cable Method (4CM) configuration.

5 PRESETS

THE LAYOUT GRID

Understanding the grid framework for building presets and signal flow.

WORKING WITH BLOCKS

Inserting, changing, and removing blocks within the preset grid.

SAVING CHANGES

Procedures for saving edited presets and naming them.

PRESET CPU LIMITS

Understanding CPU usage and optimizing presets for performance.

6 SCENES & CHANNELS

7 LEVELING PRESETS

A METHOD FOR LEVELING

Practical steps for setting levels using the layout grid and VU meters.

9 MODIFIERS

CREATING A MODIFIER

Steps to assign parameters to a modifier source for automation.

MODIFIER PARAMETERS

Details on parameters like Min, Max, Attack, Release for shaping modifier curves.

10 LAYOUTS & SWITCHES

USING THE FM3 WITH AN FC CONTROLLER

Connecting and integrating FC-6/FC-12 controllers with the FM3.

11 TEMPO

THE GLOBAL TEMPO

Setting and managing the global tempo for the FM3.

SYNCHRONIZING SOUND PARAMETERS

Syncing delay and tremolo rates to the FM3's tempo.

12 TUNER

ADVANCED TUNER FUNCTIONS

Configuring tuner parameters like source, mute, display mode, and calibration.

13 SETUP MENU

FC CONTROLLERS;ONBOARD SWITCHES MENU

Accessing and configuring settings for FC Controllers and onboard switches.

FC CONTROLLERS: CONFIG PAGE

Parameters for configuring footswitch behavior like Hold Timeout and Mode.

THE GLOBAL SETTINGS MENU

Configuring global parameters like Power Amp Modeling and Cabinet Modeling.

GLOBAL SETTINGS: CONFIG PAGE

Parameters for Power Amp Modeling, Cabinet Modeling, Tone Display, and Spillover.

THE I;O MENU

Configuring input and output settings, including USB and SPDIF.

I;O: AUDIO PAGE

Parameters for SPDIF, USB record/playback, input modes, and output modes.

I;O: PEDAL PAGE

Setting up expression pedals and switches connected to the FM3's pedal jacks.

THE MIDI;REMOTE MENU

Global MIDI and remote control settings and assignments.

MIDI;REMOTE: GENERAL PAGE

Basic MIDI settings like channel, thru, display offset, and scene revert.

THE UTILITIES MENU

Accessing utility functions like display adjustment and system resets.

14 ADDITIONAL TOPICS

FRACTAL-BOT

Introduction to Fractal-Bot software for firmware updates and backups.

BACKING UP & RESTORING

Procedures for backing up and restoring FM3 system data and presets.

FIRMWARE UPDATES

Guide to downloading and installing firmware updates for the FM3.

RECOVERY

Procedures for recovering from firmware update failures or boot issues.

LOADING USER CABS

Transferring and managing Impulse Responses (IRs) on the FM3.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Answers to common technical and operational questions about the FM3.

15 SPECIFICATIONS

INPUT;OUTPUT AND CONVERSION SPECIFICATIONS

Detailed specs for inputs, outputs, A/D, D/A, digital, USB, and MIDI interfaces.

Fractal FM3 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Sample Rate48 kHz
Bit Depth24-bit
Phantom PowerNo
TypeAmp Modeler/Multi-Effects Processor
USBYes, USB 2.0
Footswitches3x Footswitches with LED Rings
Amp ModelingYes
Impulse Response SupportYes
Presets512
LooperYes
Output Channels4
ConnectivityUSB, MIDI
Headphone OutputYes

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