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4 SETTING UP
This section provides an overview of common setups using the FM3. When setting up, begin with all level knobs
turned down and all devices powered off. The FM3 features pop suppression on startup, but speakers or monitors
should still be powered on last whenever possible. A basic AC surge/spike protector is also recommended.
Remember that the FM3 is extremely flexible and there are many options not detailed here.
4 SETTING UP
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
INPUTS
Setting Input Levels is important. See “Setting Levels” on p. 5.
The Input 1/Instrument jack features “Secret Sauce IV” to lower the noise floor, but
you can also safely connect guitars and other instruments to Input 2.
Input 2 is balanced. Use balanced 1/4" cables when connecting to balanced devices.
OUTPUT 1
Output 1 defaults to -10 dBV, a lower level “consumer” format. Change this to +4 dBu when
connecting to pro audio equipment. Find this setting under SETUP: I/O: Audio.
Use female-to-male XLR cables when connecting Out 1 to the balanced XLR inputs of other devices.
Use XLR female to TRS male cables when connecting Out 1 to the balanced 1/4" TRS inputs of other devices.
Use XLR female to TS male cables when connecting Out 1 to the unbalanced 1/4" inputs of other devices.
Use the FM3’s ground lift switch if required to combat the hum caused by ground loops.
FM3 OUTPUT 2
Use regular guitar cables to connect Out 2 to the inputs of pedals, ampliers, and other devices.
Use Fractal Audio Humbuster™ cables whenever possible to combat the hum of ground loops. (See p. 6.)
Use TS male to XLR male cables when connecting Out 2 to the balanced XLR inputs of other devices.
The optional Out 2 Boost/Pad setting can help optimize the noise floor in some cases. (See p. 93.)
MONO/STEREO
Any setup can easily be adapted for mono or stereo with some simple changes to input and output settings.
See “Mono vs. Stereo” on p. 6 for an introduction.
USING THE AMP BLOCK WITH TRADITIONAL GUITAR SPEAKERS
When using the FM3 amp block into traditional (not full range) guitar speakers, certain advanced
parameters require consideration. On the “Speaker” page of the Amp block, set Speaker
Drive to zero. You may also wish to zero Speaker Compression. Also consider setting LF
Resonance Frequency to match your connected cab if you know its resonant frequency.
FC CONTROLLERS
Any setup shown here also works perfectly with one or more FC-6 or FC-12 foot controllers connected.
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