Fractal FM3 - THE REAR PANEL

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2 HARDWARE OVERVIEW
THE REAR PANEL
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Input 1 [Instrument] (mono) — (1) 1/4" Jack (unbalanced) — Connect your instrument’s output to this jack,
intended specically for use with electric guitars, acoustics, and basses, and other similar instruments. The
FM3 uses our proprietary “Secret Sauce IV” circuitry from our Axe-Fx products.
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Output 1 L+R (stereo) — (2) XLR-Male (balanced) — Use the XLR jacks to connect to the balanced inputs of
FRFR speakers, mixers, studio monitors, etc. Use the ground lift switch if necessary to reduce 60-cycle hum.
TIP: Balanced audio connections are resistant to noise and interference. Use cables balanced at both ends
when connecting to the balanced inputs of other devices. When connecting to unbalanced 1/4" inputs, use
cables or adapters with an XLR (Female) on one end and an unbalanced 1/4" jack on the other.
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Headphones Output — 1/4" Stereo Jack — Connect headphones here to monitor Output 1 (see above).
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Input 2/FX Return L+R — (2) 1/4" Jacks (balanced) — Connect balanced or unbalanced line level signals
here. Input 2 can be used with the outputs of pedals or processors as an FX Return, or as an auxiliary input
for use with stereo line level sources such as mixers, synthesizers, backing track players, and more. Another
popular use is for inputting the second output of piezo-equipped guitars.
TIP: Balanced audio connections are resistant to noise and interference. It is best to use XLR or TRS
(3-conductor) cables when connecting to the balanced outputs of other devices. Use regular TS-type cables or
adapters (2-conductor) when connecting to unbalanced outputs like those on most guitar pedals.
2)
Output 2 L+R – (Stereo) — (2) 1/4" Jacks (Humbuster) — Use these 1/4" unbalanced outputs to connect to
unbalanced inputs, such as those on many guitar power amps and other devices.
Humbuster™ technology on Output 2 can signicantly reduce hum from ground loops. This requires special
Humbuster Cables, available at https://shop.fractalaudio.com/cables/ (Learn more on p. 6.)
Output 2 is designed for unity gain applications such as the popular “Four-Cable Method” and other
scenarios. Set the OUT 2 Level knob fully clockwise for unity gain. See Section 4 for more.
2!
Pedal Inputs — (2) 1/4" Jack — These are used to connect external expression pedals or switches to control
various functions of the FM3. See “Expression Pedals” on p. 10 and “External Switches” on p. 12.
PHONES