Fractal FM3 - FOUR-CABLE METHOD (“4 CM”)

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4 SETTING UP
Global Settings: Default, but see “Tip” Below Presets: Custom
The Four-Cable Method (“4CM”) setup inserts the FM3 in two different places of the signal chain. Each of these
requires its own separate blocks within a custom preset. First, the FM3 processes signal between your guitar and
amp, where a chain of “pre” effects like wah and drive are used. Next, it processes signal in your effects loop,
where a chain of “post” effects like delay and reverb appear.
A 4CM setup requires special presets with no Amp or Cab blocks. A stylized illustration appears below. (See also
factory preset #382). Signal hits the FM3 rst, where it is processed by the pre effects. Output 2 feeds the front
of your amplier. The amp’s FX Send is connected to In 2, where a chain of post effects processes signal and
passes it to Output 1 and your amp’s FX Return. Note that the pre and post chains are not connected to each
other at all on the FM3 grid. In fact, either chain can be as simple or as complex as desired.
FOUR-CABLE METHOD (“4CM”)
FM3
IN1 (Instr)
Guitar
Amp
INPUT
2L
FX
SEND
FX
RETURN
Amplifier
Model 50
OUTPUT
1L
OUTPUT
1R
OUTPUT
2L
MAIN
INPUT
Optional
for Stereo.
Pre-FX Post-FX
IN1 WAH DRV OUT2 IN 2 DLY REV OUT1
etc. etc.
CONNECTIONS
 Connect your guitar to FM3 Input 1 (Instrument).
 Connect FM3 Output 2 L to the front input of your
amp. Set the front panel OUT 2 knob fully clockwise
for unity gain operation. A Humbuster™ cable is
recommended to combat hum from ground loops.
 Connect your amp’s FX Send to Input 2 L. FM3
Input trim can be adjusted in SETUP: I/O: Audio. On
the same page, set Input 2 Mode to “LEFT ONLY”.
 Connect Output 1 L to the FX Return of your amp.
You will need an XLR-female to 1/4" TS (NOT TRS!)
cable in most cases. Set the front panel OUT 1
knob as desired for appropriate volume. To extend
this conguration for optional stereo, connect
Output 1 R to the FX Return of a second amplier.
 The 4CM is fairly intricate and has questionable
benets compared to the setup called “Traditional
Guitar Power Amp & Speakers” on p. 31
TIP: OPTIMIZE FOR LOW NOISE
The optional Boost/Pad function on Output 2 can be
used to lower the noise floor. To nd the right setting,
adjust this to be as high as possible without clipping,
as indicated by a red LED on the front panel meters.
The volume won’t change but you should hear the
FM3’s noise floor drop as you increase boost/pad. Find
this option under SETUP: I/O: Audio.