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Fractal FM9 - User Manual

Fractal FM9
132 pages
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Manual Version 1 for FM9 Firmware 1.x
PRESETS SCENES EFFECTS CHANNELS LOOPER PER PRESET
TUNER TEMPO
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Table of Contents

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Summary

1 Introduction

Welcome

Provides an overview of the FM9 as an all-in-one amp modeler, effects processor, and more.

Feature Summary

Details the extensive features and technologies inherited from award-winning Fractal Audio products.

Quick Connect Guide

Explains the basic setup procedure for connecting the FM9 to amplifiers and speakers.

Setting Levels

Guides users on properly setting input and output levels to prevent clipping and ensure optimal signal.

Humbuster Cables

Explains the use of proprietary Humbuster™ Technology for reducing ground loop hum.

Mono vs. Stereo

Discusses setup options for mono and stereo configurations and their implications.

The Home Page: Presets

Details how to navigate and select presets using the FM9's Home page controls.

Layouts

Introduces the concept of Layouts, which define footswitch functions for presets.

Footswitches

Explains the function, LED rings, and mini-displays of the nine onboard footswitches.

Expression Pedals

Covers connecting and calibrating expression pedals for controlling parameters.

Global Expression Setup

Details how to assign expression pedals for global wah control or other functions.

Global Volume Setup

Explains how to set up expression pedals for global input or output volume control.

External Switches

Describes how to connect and configure external switches for controlling FM9 functions.

USB Audio

Details the FM9's capabilities as an 8x8 USB audio interface for recording and playback.

Fractal-Bot & FM9-Edit

Introduces companion software for firmware updates, backups, and preset management.

Intro to the Layout Grid

Explains the grid-based system for constructing presets with virtual blocks and cables.

Intro to Scenes and Channels

Details how Scenes and Channels provide flexible sound variations within presets.

Grid Editing: Quick Start

Provides a quick primer on navigating and editing blocks within the Layout grid.

Block Editing: Quick Start

Offers a quick guide to accessing and modifying parameters within individual blocks.

The Fractal Audio Blocks Guide

References a separate manual for detailed information on all effect blocks and parameters.

The Footswitch Functions Guide

Refers to an external guide for a complete list of available footswitch functions.

2 Hardware Overview

The Top Panel

Details the controls and features located on the FM9's top panel.

The Rear Panel

Describes the various input, output, and connection jacks on the rear of the FM9.

3 USB

Computer Integration

Explains how to connect the FM9 to a computer for audio and MIDI communication.

USB AUDIO

Details the FM9's 8x8 USB audio interface capabilities for recording and playback.

BASIC PLAYBACK

Guides on setting up the FM9 for computer audio playback.

BASIC RECORDING

Explains the basic steps for recording audio from the FM9 via USB.

USB RE-AMPING

Provides a tutorial on using the FM9 for re-amping guitar signals via USB.

4 Setting Up

General Principles

Covers fundamental guidelines for connecting and setting up the FM9 with external gear.

FRFR;DIRECT

Details the setup for connecting directly to Full-Range Flat Response speakers or a PA.

FM9 AS AUDIO INTERFACE

Explains how to use the FM9 as a standalone high-quality audio interface.

FM9 + THIRD-PARTY AUDIO INTERFACE

Describes integrating the FM9 with an existing third-party audio interface.

NEUTRAL (“FLAT”) POWER AMP & GUITAR CAB

Guides setup using a neutral power amp and disabling FM9 Cab modeling.

TRADITIONAL GUITAR POWER AMP & CAB

Covers using the FM9 with traditional guitar amps, disabling amp/cab modeling.

FRONT-OF-HOUSE + PERSONAL FRFR MONITOR

Details sending identical signals to FOH and a personal FRFR monitor.

FX PROCESSOR ONLY (“PRE”)

Explains using the FM9 as a pre-amp effects processor between guitar and amp.

FX PROCESSOR ONLY (“POST”)

Describes using the FM9 as an effects processor in an amp's effects loop.

FOUR-CABLE METHOD (“4 CM”)

Guides on setting up the FM9 using the Four-Cable Method for pre and post effects.

INSERTING OUTBOARD GEAR

Explains how to use the FM9's extra ins/outs for integrating external gear via send/return.

ELECTRIC AND ACOUSTIC

Details setup for processing both electric and acoustic guitars simultaneously.

5 Presets

Overview

Introduces the FM9's preset system, including memory locations and customization.

Selecting Presets

Explains various methods for selecting presets via the Home page, directory, and footswitches.

THE LAYOUT GRID

Describes the grid framework used for building and visualizing presets.

WORKING WITH BLOCKS

Explains how to insert, change, and remove blocks within the preset grid.

SAVING CHANGES

Guides on how to store edited presets and change preset or scene names.

PRESET CPU LIMITS

Discusses CPU usage and parameters that affect it to avoid performance issues.

6 Scenes & Channels

CHANNELS

Explains how channels within blocks provide distinct parameter sets for different sounds.

HOW TO CHANGE A BLOCK’S CHANNEL

Details methods for changing block channels via the grid, edit menu, or foot control.

SELECTING SCENES

Explains how to select scenes using the Home page, grid, edit menu, or MIDI control.

SETTING UP SCENES

Provides step-by-step instructions for creating or editing scenes within a preset.

SELECTING SCENES & CHANNELS REMOTELY

Covers using MIDI or Global Controllers to select scenes and channels.

PROGRAM CHANGE MAPPING

Explains how to remap MIDI Program Change messages to select presets and scenes.

7 Leveling Presets

THE RULE OF THUMB

Offers a core principle for adjusting levels across presets, scenes, and channels.

A METHOD FOR LEVELING

Details a systematic approach to leveling using the Layout grid and VU meters.

BYPASS AND LEVEL

Provides tips for managing levels when bypassing or engaging blocks.

9 Modifiers

CREATING A MODIFIER

Explains the process of assigning parameters to be controlled by modifiers.

MODIFIER SOURCES OVERVIEW

Lists and describes the various sources available for controlling parameters.

MODIFIER PARAMETERS

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

INTERNAL CONTROLLERS

Describes built-in controllers like LFOs, ADSRs, and Sequencers for modifier sources.

EXTERNAL CONTROLLERS

Explains how to use external MIDI controllers or pedals as modifier sources.

10 Layouts & Switches

CHANGING LAYOUTS

Explains how to switch between different footswitch layout configurations.

TAP & HOLD FUNCTIONS

Details the Tap and Hold functions for footswitches and their timing.

EASY (“EZ”) EDITS

Provides a simplified method for assigning footswitch functions.

THE LAYOUTS LIST

Overviews all available layouts and allows access to deeper editing.

EDIT A LAYOUT

Guides on editing Tap and Hold functions for switches within a layout.

EDIT A SWITCH

Details deep editing options for individual footswitch Tap and Hold functions.

FM9 FOOTSWITCH FAQ

Answers common questions regarding footswitch LED rings, assignments, and layouts.

STAND-IN SWITCHES

Allows external switches to control FM9 switches, acting as remote controls.

USING THE FM9 WITH AN FC CONTROLLER

Explains connecting and using Fractal Audio FC-6 or FC-12 controllers with the FM9.

LAYOUT VIEWS

Describes how to utilize different views to access all footswitch definitions.

11 Tempo

THE GLOBAL TEMPO

Covers setting a global tempo for the FM9, independent of presets or scenes.

PRESET TEMPO

Explains how presets can use their own tempo or follow the global tempo.

SYNCHRONIZING SOUND PARAMETERS

Details how to sync various rates and times to the FM9's tempo.

12 Tuner

ADVANCED TUNER FUNCTIONS

Explains tuner features like source selection, mute options, and display modes.

13 Setup Menu

FC CONTROLLERS;ONBOARD SWITCHES MENU

Details settings for onboard and connected FC controllers, including layouts and switches.

THE GLOBAL SETTINGS MENU

Covers global parameters for EQ, amp modeling, cabinet modeling, and spillover.

THE I;O MENU

Explains settings for input/output configuration, audio routing, and digital sources.

THE MIDI;REMOTE MENU

Details global MIDI settings, controller assignments, and remote control options.

THE UTILITIES MENU

Covers display adjustments, reset options, and firmware version information.

14 Additional Topics

FRACTAL-BOT

Introduces Fractal-Bot for firmware updates, backups, and restoring settings.

BACKING UP & RESTORING

Provides instructions for backing up and restoring FM9 presets, system settings, and cabs.

FIRMWARE UPDATES

Guides on downloading and installing the latest firmware for the FM9.

RECOVERY

Outlines procedures for recovering the FM9 from firmware update or preset issues.

OPTIONAL OFM9 G LAYOUTS

Explains the installation and basic idea behind the OFM9G custom footswitch layouts.

PERFORMANCE CONTROL PAGES

Introduces pages for quick, on-the-fly adjustment of key parameters.

DIGITAL INPUT SOURCES

Details routing digital signals from SPDIF or USB to input blocks.

DIGITAL OUTPUT SOURCES

Explains options for transmitting digital output signals via SPDIF.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Provides answers to common questions about the FM9's terminology and functionality.

SHORTCUTS

Summarizes useful shortcuts for navigating and operating the FM9.

SPILLOVER

Explains how to set up delay and reverb tails to ring out during effect bypass or scene changes.

SENDING AND RECEIVING MIDI

Details how the FM9 sends and receives MIDI messages for control and synchronization.

MIDI REFERENCE TABLES

Provides tables mapping MIDI Bank/Program Change messages to FM9 presets and scenes.

15 Specifications

INSTRUMENT INPUT

Technical specifications for the 1/4" unbalanced instrument input.

ANALOG INPUTS 2 & 3

Technical specifications for the balanced 1/4" analog inputs.

A;D CONVERSION

Details the Analog-to-Digital conversion specifications.

ANALOG OUTPUT 1

Technical specifications for the balanced XLR and unbalanced 1/4" analog outputs.

ANALOG OUTPUT 2

Technical specifications for the balanced XLR analog outputs.

ANALOG OUTPUT 3

Technical specifications for the unbalanced 1/4" analog outputs.

HEADPHONE OUTPUT

Technical specifications for the 1/4" stereo headphone output.

D;A CONVERSION

Details the Digital-to-Analog conversion specifications.

DIGITAL INPUT & OUTPUT

Technical specifications for the S/PDIF digital input and output.

USB AUDIO

Technical specifications for the FM9's USB audio interface capabilities.

MIDI INTERFACE

Technical specifications for the FM9's MIDI input and output ports.

PEDAL INTERFACE

Technical specifications for the FM9's pedal and switch input jacks.

FASLINK II INTERFACE

Technical specifications for the FASLINK II connector for FC controllers.

GENERAL

General specifications including finish, controls, display, dimensions, and weight.

ENVIRONMENTAL

Specifies operating and storage temperature ranges, and humidity limits.

MIDI IMPLEMENTATION

Details the FM9's MIDI implementation chart for transmitted and received messages.

WARRANTY

EULA

Fractal FM9 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Footswitches9
DisplayFull-color LCD
MIDIIn, Out/Thru
USB1 x Type B
Weight9.8 lbs
LooperYes
Presets512
A/D Conversion24-bit/48kHz
TypeAmp Modeler/Effects Processor
Inputs1 x 1/4" (instrument), 2 x 1/4" (FX return)
Outputs2 x XLR (main out), 2 x 1/4" (main out)
Power100-240V, 50/60Hz
ProcessorDual SHARC+
Effects typesDelay, Reverb, Modulation, Distortion, etc.
EffectsReverbs, Delays, Modulations, Drives, etc.

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