John Mayer
John Mayer uses the Axe-Fx III both live and in the studio, including some standout moments on his latest album Sob Rock. We’re honored that he continues to be inspired by it.
Fractal Audio’s guitar processors are built on the industry-leading Cygnus Amp Modeling, UltraRes™ Speaker Simulation, and the groundbreaking, revolutionary DynaCab™ speaker cab simulations. Experience the unparalleled world-class effects in all three models:
FM3 • ULTRA PORTABLE. MOST AFFORDABLE.
FM9 • MORE POWER, MORE FOOTSWITCHES, MORE OPTIONS.
AXE-FX III • THE MOST POWERFUL GUITAR PROCESSOR IN THE WORLD, BY FAR.
The VP4 is a powerful, compact VIRTUAL PEDALBOARD processor. It provides four simultaneous effects with a user-friendly experience inspired by traditional guitar pedals. The effects are based on the award-winning Axe-Fx III, with 400+ classic stompbox and studio effects to choose from, including drives, delays, reverbs, choruses, flangers, phasers, pitch, plex, EQs, compressors, wah, tremolo, and many more.
The Axe-Fx III Mark II Turbo represents the latest breakthrough in the series of the world's most powerful all-in-one processors from Fractal Audio for guitar, bass, and other instruments. It offers Fractal's latest Cygnus amp modeling technology, thousands of UltraRes™ speaker cab simulations, and state-of-the-art effect algorithms, and adds the innovative DynaCab™ capabilities allowing freely positioning of the microphone, all backed with more raw power and feature upgrades than any Fractal Audio product before. Fractal Audio's vision was to take the Axe-Fx to a whole new level: to create a totally redesigned platform that sounds better, does more, and is easier to use. Equipped with four processors, the Axe-Fx III contains more raw processing power than any guitar product ever made, by far.
The new, upgraded FM9 Mark II Turbo now has larger, easier-to-read displays for the footswitches. The size upgrade has been eagerly awaited by many guitarists and is significant, with the height of individual characters of text doubling, as well as being presented in a bolder and more readable font. The FM9 MK II Turbo from Fractal Audio bridges the gap between the Axe-Fx III and the FM3 and completes the third generation of multiple award-winning Fractal Audio modellers in the most impressive way possible: if the Axe-Fx III is just a bit too much, but the FM3 isn’t quite enough, then the FM9 Turbo will be exactly what you are looking for. It is everything you need both on stage and in the studio, all rolled into one compact, user-friendly unit. The FM9 MK II Turbo from Fractal Audio Systems is an all-in-one amp modeler, effects processor, foot controller, audio interface - and more - designed for professional use and personal enjoyment. The FM9 MK II Turbo features an impressive list of technologies and features including Fractal's industry-leading Cygnus amp modeling, UltraRes™ IR speaker cab sims, DynaCab™ capabilities allowing freely positioning of the microphone, a suite of stompbox and studio effects, expandable FC foot switching, incredibly flexible I/O, 8x8 USB audio interface capabilities, a world-class Mac/PC editor, and much more.
The FM3 MK II Turbo offers you the sounds and the easy-to-use diversity of the world's best guitar processor in a small, handbag size. Everything else about the FM3 MKII Turbo, though, is big. As a compact all-in-one device, it combines an amplifier modeler, effects processor, and footswitch. Based on the highly praised Cygnus Amp Modeling technology of the Axe-Fx III, the FM3 MK II Turbo offers over 300 versatile amp models, an extensive UltraRes™ collection of over 2,200 speaker cabinet impulse responses, and 1,024 custom memory slots, the innovative DynaCab™ technology, and with the new Turbo format, a higher DSP performance of over 10% compared to the standard model, allowing for more complex presets. The Mark II is also characterised by larger footswitch displays. As a multi-effects unit, FM3 truly excels. It includes a superb selection of Fractal Audio’s state-of-the-art effect algorithms. All of the essentials and many exciting innovations are on board: dazzling drive pedals, dozens of delays, reverbs, compressors, EQs, phasers, flangers and other modulation effects, a looper, and much more. The FM3 offers expandable FC footswitches, incredibly flexible I/O, 4x4 USB audio interface functions, a first-class Mac/PC editor, and much more. The FM3 MK II Turbo is ideal for guitarists looking for versatility in a portable format. Whether for live performances or studio work, the FM3 delivers your legendary Fractal Audio experience - and fits easily into a backpack.
The VP4 is a powerful, compact VIRTUAL PEDALBOARD processor. It provides four simultaneous effects with a user-friendly experience inspired by traditional guitar pedals. The effects are based on the award-winning Axe-Fx III, with 400+ classic stompbox and studio effects to choose from, including drives, delays, reverbs, choruses, flangers, phasers, pitch, plex, EQs, compressors, wah, tremolo, and many more. The VP4 is designed to work seamlessly with a traditional amplifier and also excels at providing pre- and/or post-effects with any modeler. Now you can choose your ideal setup and still enjoy Fractal Audio’s legendary effects, vetted by the world’s greatest guitar heroes.
Perfect for: electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass, keyboards, string instruments, and more!
The FC-12 Mark II and FC-6 Mark II are the perfect way to control your performances with the Axe-Fx III, and can also be used to add extra switches to the FM9 or FM3. These tough next-gen controllers offer an impressive suite of features and capabilities, incorporating years of innovation and customer feedback. They look great too, making an awesome addition to your stage or studio. The FCs are designed to be easy to use while granting extreme flexibility. For those who want simplicity, the unit is virtually plug-and-play. The complete setup can be effortlessly configured using the Axe-Fx III, FM9, FM3, or their respective editors. Gone are the days of kneeling before the foot controller; customisation is now so intuitive and enjoyable that you'll find yourself reconfiguring settings more frequently simply for the sheer pleasure of it.
The EV-1 and EV-2 are EXPRESSION PEDALS, perfect for use with all Fractal Audio Systems products and many 3rd party devices. Unlike most expression pedals it has a true linear response with planetary gearing and a long, smooth pedal throw. The EV-Series doubles as an ANALOG volume pedal, with separate IN and OUT jacks connected to an audio-taper pot. It features a sturdy cast metal housing, comfortable non-slip rubber tread, and is available in either two sizes. The EV-1 is larger than the EV-2.
Questions?
Each week, we scour the web to bring you the coolest videos of the coolest guitarists using the FM3, FM9 and Axe-FX III. Check them out below (and scroll to the right to view past videos)
John Mayer uses the Axe-Fx III both live and in the studio, including some standout moments on his latest album Sob Rock. We’re honored that he continues to be inspired by it.
The Edge is known for his signature sound—a combination of musical elegance, exquisite core tone, and innovative effects—especially echo. For him to trust this illustrious sonic asset to the Axe-Fx expresses that it meets his exacting needs, but also demonstrates that this guitarist is a veritable force at the forefront of both music and technology. We’re proud that he chose to be listed here.
The new Axe-FX has all the functionality and tonal quality of the old model, and then some. The introduction of the original Axe-FX unit into the pantheons of guitar FX processors was akin to the invention of the wheel. The new unit is like having four wheels and racing into the abyss.
Fractal Audio has the best amp sound I’ve heard, ever. I want one of these everywhere.
We wanted to hate the Fractal. All that work formulating and honing the Metallica guitar sounds was going to be lost. We couldn’t have been more wrong! It opened the door to way more options than we had ever had before. In short WOW. — “Big Mick” Hughes, Engineer Metallica
The Axe-Fx completely and forever changed the way I look at guitar processing. The new model takes everything I love about the old one to the next level. All of the FX sound richer and the new interface makes it even easier to use. My rig has a new openness and clarity and sounds so much better as a result.
The new Axe-Fx made my head spin. Amazing amp feel and endless tone. It truly is a quantum leap… a major milestone in guitar technology.
Phil Collen: I’d been using the same amp for years. I tried the Axe-Fx III and everything sounded incredible… I switched over just like that. This is the best my guitar has ever sounded. Amazing!
Rick Savage: When I tried it, I couldn’t believe my ears. It makes you sound a better player. There’s a clarity without sacrifice. This is the best rig I’ve ever EVER used.
Vivian CampbellThe Axe-Fx III has a very strong dynamic element. It actually breathes… responds to the touch. There’s a real clarity. It’s great.
The quality of all the effects is superb. There is great depth and transparency, and excellent imaging that makes listening with in-ear monitoring a wonderful aural experience. The choices are limitless and it’s fully loaded with all the options you’d ever need. Take it for a test drive, you won’t be disappointed.
I’ve tried every modelling unit available on this planet and the Fractal is by far miles ahead in every area. It’s also proven to be flawlessly dependable in the studio and live performances. So no matter who tries to get what out of me…. you’re not getting my Fractal…
Brad Whitford: I switched my main amp, cab, and effects over to the FM3 in rehearsals, then moved up to the FM9 for the Aerosmith residency in Las Vegas. Sounds amazing in the in-ear monitors and house. Makes my playing onstage effortless.
Tom Hamilton: I’d been hearing about these mysterious things called “Fractals” and about how people were loving them. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to get great sounds! I put all my favorite basses through one and was astounded at how lush and rich they all sounded. Amazing tone. Totally natural!
The Axe-Fx is a tone generating powerhouse. I’ve been using it for writing, recording, and live performance. It always delivers the goods. Mike Keneally and I both have them integrated into our live rigs. They’re rock solid and sound great every night. The shows wouldn’t be as fun and exciting without them.
This is what I’ve been waiting for my entire life!
I looked at ‘going back to amps’ …but something wonderful happened, in that not only does the Axe-Fx III provide a truckload worth of tone in a unit I can carry in an overhead compartment, it also puts me in a position where in a very real way, I now prefer the tone over traditional amps. It is a total solution for me, and my life is literally better for it. I can’t recommend this technology enough.
Fractal Audio has finally achieved the goal of emulating real tube amps. You can achieve sounds that you would be hard pressed to get out of an amplifier. For The Madness of Many we had all these amazing high end amps at our disposal and were pretty committed to recording with them, but we found we were able to arrive at the tones we wanted with the Axe-Fx. In fact all of our albums have been recorded using the Axe-Fx.
Siiiicckkk!
The Axe-Fx was a game changer for us both live and in the studio. The new model takes it to an unprecedented level of realism and control. This is beyond modeling or effects processing… this is the new standard for guitarists.
Finally a digital panacea for guitar tone which actually works: I never thought the day would come but the sound and feel of this magic black box are so “real” that witchcraft would appear to be the only logical explanation… Most pleasing!