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14 ADDITIONAL TOPICS
: Q Can I use a computer or external MIDI controller to remote control the FM3?
: A Yes. The FM3 has a rich MIDI spec which allows it to be remote controlled. Using a computer, you can
use the built-in USB connection for “MIDI-over-USB”, rather than relying on a third-party MIDI interface.
See “The MIDI/Remote Menu” on p. 95 and “MIDI Implementation” on p. 120 for more on this.
: Q I’m hearing click and pops.
: A First, check all cables. You’d be surprised by how often a short can be found in a brand new or trusted cable.
Then, check to see whether you are clipping the FM3 inputs or outputs (p. 5).
Excessive CPU usage may also be to blame. Is the CPU meter at or near 80%? If so, you’ve overloaded
the current preset. Try removing one block and review “Preset CPU Limits” on p. 48 for useful tips.
: Q One or more of my presets produces no sound.
: A This might be any one (or several) of a number of things. Is every other component in your rig working
correctly? Most of the time, the problem is a faulty or disconnected cable. Checking the FM3 with
headphones can help rule this possibility out. Using the DELETE button (Push-knob C), try changing each
block to a SHUNT, ending with the Amp and Cab blocks. Do some presets work? If so, have you double-
checked to ensure that each has a complete path from the input to the output? Does every preset begin and
end with Input and Output blocks corresponding to inputs and outputs connected to other equipment? Is
there a Modier assigned to a volume or level control while the pedal or external switch is not present? You
may simply need to change the INITIAL VALUE for an external controller from 0% to 100% (see p. 96).
Does the preset require a USER CAB which is not loaded? Try changing the Cab block to a Factory cab.
: Q Why would I place certain effects before or after an Amp and Cab?
: A Sonically speaking, the main reason to care about effect placement is that a given
effect will sound different when placed before or after distortion.
How does this difference sound? If you’ve ever switched the sequence of traditional drive and wah pedals,
you’ve heard an excellent example. In the case of wah before overdrive, the resonant lter of the wah
“excites” the overdrive in a cool way while still retaining a natural overall tone. When the wah follows
distortion, you might hear a more dramatic sweep that almost sounds synth-like and might be considered
less “classic.” It’s not surprising then that wah would traditionally be a run as a “pre” effect between
guitar and amp. The amp’s distortion follows the wah. Many other effects fall in this same category.
A different example is found in overdrive with reverb or delay. In the natural world, reverb and echo occur
because of open spaces around your guitar amp – like a club or concert hall. These effects would therefore
NOT be heard before a distorted amp, but after it. Recording studios often add these kinds of effects “post”,
i.e. at the console—after the mic has picked up the distorted sound from the guitar amp. If you wanted
to simulate this natural sounding reverb or delay these effects would likely be run “post.” This is not to
say that delay or reverb before distortion is a “no-no.” Many “legendary” tones came from echo units in
front of an amp—but this is very different from “post” delay, both tonally, but also in terms of dynamics.
The good news is that the FM3 allows you to experiment easily and nd what combinations
of pre- and post-effects work best for you. Creativity begins where conformity ends.
: Q Anything else I should know?
: A The Layouts and Footswitches section includes its own FAQ. Check out the “FM3 Footswitch FAQ” on p. 82
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