FM3 MK II Turbo

Fractal Audio's Tiny Giant: Power Meets Portability

The Fractal FM3 MK II Turbo is a compact all-in-one processor for guitar, bass, and other instruments. It features Fractal Audio’s industry-leading Cygnus amp modeling, UltraRes™ and DynaCab™ speaker cab simulation, plus an incredible collection of legendary stompbox and studio effects, all based on Fractal Audio's award-winning flagship the Axe-Fx III. The unit is also a powerful foot controller with all of the programmable features of Fractal's larger FC controllers, plus a 4×4 USB audio interface - and more - all in a compact, rugged, floor unit designed for home, stage, studio, and on-the-road.

The Tiny Turbo...

Cygnus Amp Modeling, UltraRes™ & DynaCab™ Speaker Sims, and an incredible collection of Stompbox and Studio Effects

The advanced and compact floor unit FM3 Mark II Turbo builds on the success of the original FM3, now boasting over 10% more DSP power and larger, easier-to-read footswitch displays. The Turbo DSP allows the creation of more complex presets, going beyond the limits of the standard FM3. The footswitch display size upgrade is significant, with the height of individual characters of text doubling, as well as being presented in a bolder and more readable font. Overall product dimensions and weight remain the same as the original version.

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Overview

I/O

Introduction

FXs

Videos

Audio Interface

Summary

Inputs & Outputs FM3

The compact turbo is also a powerful foot controller with all the programmable functions of the larger FC controllers, plus a 4×4 USB audio interface and more - all in a compact, rugged floor unit designed for both studio and stage. And by the way, it looks so sleek that it’s a true centerpiece for any (studio) desk.

FM 3 Rear

DIMENSIONS: Width: 281mm Height: 103mm Depth: 236mm Weight: 3.22 kg

HEADPHONES:
Headphone output with adjustable volume for silent practice or monitoring.
INPUT 1 (L/Mono Jack):
Main instrument input for guitar or bass, optimized for high-impedance signals. No phantom power – microphones requiring 48V need an additional interface.
OUTPUT 1 (L/R XLR):
Balanced XLR output for mixers, speakers, or audio interfaces.
XLR Ground Lift:
A switch to eliminate ground loop hum in balanced XLR connections.
INPUT 2 (L/R Jack):
Stereo input for line-level signals, e.g., from effect units, keyboards, or preamps. Flexible for additional signal sources or as part of the Four-Cable Method (4CM).
OUTPUT 2 (L/R Jack):
Unbalanced jack output for parallel signal paths, monitoring, or amplifiers. Supports Humbuster cables to reduce ground loop hum.
PEDAL 1:
Connection for expression pedals or footswitches to control effects like wah, volume, or tap tempo.
PEDAL 2:
Second pedal input for additional control options.
FASLINK II:
XLR connection for Fractal Audio FC controllers. Transmits both data and power via a single cable.
USB:
USB port for 4×4 audio streaming (dry/wet), reamping, and use with FM3-Edit software.
MIDI IN:
Control the FM3 via MIDI controllers or DAWs.
MIDI OUT/THRU:
Passes MIDI data through or integrates the FM3 into a larger MIDI setup.
SPDIF OUT:
Digital output (RCA) for lossless signal transmission to recorders or interfaces. Sample rate: 48 kHz.
POWER:
Standard IEC power input, no external power supply required.

Additional Features

Humbuster (OUTPUT 2):
Humbuster cables reduce hum and grounding issues in unbalanced connections – ideal for long cable runs. Available in our shop.
Unity Gain:
The FM3 can be configured to maintain signal strength without alteration. Perfect for setups with amplifiers or effects loops. Settings available in Global Settings.

Discover the Power of the Fractal FM3

The Most Precise Amp Simulation in the World

Cygnus Amp Modeling

The Cygnus technology is the result of years of research and development with one goal: to create the most authentic and dynamic amp simulation. From the playing feel to the smallest tonal details, the FM3 delivers an experience that feels like a real tube amp. With over 320 amp models, the FM3 covers every sonic landscape, whether you prefer classic vintage tones or modern high-gain amps.

Uncompromising Sound Quality

Studio Effects

The FM3’s effects library is designed to impress world-class artists. With reverbs that bring space to life, delays with crystal-clear precision, and rich modulation effects, your creative possibilities are nearly endless. All in studio quality, packed into a portable device.

USB Audio Interface

Capture Creativity Instantly

With its built-in 4×4 USB audio interface, the FM3 is perfect for recording and reamping. Whether you’re tracking directly into your DAW or capturing ideas on the fly, the FM3’s studio-grade quality ensures that every detail of your performance is perfectly preserved.

Compact Design, Maximum Performance

Small but Mighty

The FM3 combines cutting-edge technology in a compact chassis. Weighing just 3.2 kg and built for durability, it’s the ideal companion for musicians on the go. Whether on stage or in the studio, the FM3 delivers in every situation.

Always Up to Date

Firmware Updates

The FM3 is continuously improved through free firmware updates that add new features, amp models, and effects. This ensures your device stays up to date—and even gets better over time.

The Sound of World-Class Artists

Trusted by the Pros

The FM3 is built on the same technology used by some of the world’s most renowned musicians. Artists like John Mayer, Neal Schon, Devin Townsend, John Petrucci, and many others rely on Fractal Audio to create their signature sound.

Perfect Control in Any Situation

Performance Optimization

The FM3 is designed to support you in every playing situation—whether live on stage or in the studio. With the Scene function, you can easily store and switch between complex signal chains and effects within a single preset. Use up to 8 scenes per preset or enjoy gapless switching without interruption. The intelligent footswitch functionality adapts to your needs, allowing seamless navigation through complex setups.

Dynacabs & Premium IRs

Let Your Sound Shine

Dynacabs introduce a revolutionary speaker simulation that lets you adjust microphone positioning in real time, recreating the tone and feel of real cabinets with unmatched precision. The FM3’s built-in Impulse Response (IR) technology takes speaker simulation to a whole new level. With Fractal Audio’s professional IRs—captured in the world’s best studios—your tone will always sound like it’s coming from a perfectly mic’d cabinet.

Simple and Intuitive

FM3-Edit Software

The free FM3-Edit software lets you easily edit, create, and manage your presets on your computer. Its intuitive interface allows you to quickly shape your tone, optimize signal paths, and unlock the full potential of the FM3—whether you're a beginner or a professional.

Space for Your Creativity

Storage Capacity

The FM3 provides over 512 preset slots, giving you plenty of room to store your unique sounds. It also includes a comprehensive factory preset library with meticulously designed tones for every genre—from rock and metal to jazz and ambient. Additionally, you can store up to 1,024 IRs, selecting from the extensive built-in collection or loading your own.

FC-6 and FC-12

Expanded Control

Fractal Foot Controllers add extra switches for presets, scenes, and effects. Whether you need just a few additional switches (FC-6) or a full control center (FC-12), these expansions adapt to your workflow.

MIDI Control

Limitless Possibilities

The FM3 seamlessly integrates into MIDI setups and can function either as a MIDI controller for other devices or as part of a larger MIDI rig. With its extensive MIDI capabilities, the possibilities are endless.

The Sound of Fractal Audio

Unrivaled clarity, depth, and dynamics in every note

The FM3 features Fractal Audio's latest CYGNUS Amp Modeling—a technology developed by Fractal Audio for the award-winning Axe-Fx III. It captures the sound — and the equally important feel — of real tube amps, with 300+ models offering an impressive range of clean tones, elusive “edge of breakup”, and everything from warm, touch-sensitive overdrive to face-melting modern distortion.

The FM3 also includes the entire speaker cab impulse response (“IR”) collection from the Axe-Fx III, with 2,200+ “Factory” choices and 1,024 “User” locations to store custom cabs, widely available for free and from commercial producers. Firmware updates added new DynaCab™ technology, giving you a visual mic-on-cab tone shaping experience that’s easier than ever before.

As a multi-effects unit, the 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.

Effects in the FM3

The Block Inventory of the FM3 is based on that of the award-winning Axe-Fx III.

FM3 Preset Examples (Screen Captures of Actual Factory Presets)

Factory Presets Demo

Every Fractal Effect

FM3 Videos

FM3 Tutorials
Fractal Videos
Factory Presets

Impressive USB Audio Capabilities

Playback, Record, Re-Amp, and More

With a USB connection to a Mac or PC, the FM3 works as an extremely high quality 4×4 audio interface for playback, recording, and re-amping. This lets the FM3 double as the hub of a portable recording studio.

USB channels are mapped for maximum ease of use. For example, to record the processed stereo output of the FM3, just record inputs 1 and 2 in the computer. Computer inputs 3 and 4 can be used to capture a DI, or to record input 2 L+R in stereo.

Computer playback is also easy and flexible. For studio work, you can mix a project and the FM3 to a single pair of connected monitors and transmit a separate DI to the FM3 for re-amping. For live performances, you can route the stereo FM3 and stereo backing tracks to different stereo outputs.

USB also allows 2-way communication between the FM3 and its companion software applications, FM3-Edit and Fractal-Bot.

A Rugged Floor Unit

The FM3 is housed in a durable steel chassis with protective endcaps designed to withstand the rigors of touring.

Three onboard footswitches – each with variable-color LED ring and mini LCD display — provide both tap and hold functions, which can be customized to do different things on eight different switch “layouts.” The new “Views” feature multiplies the power of layouts, in effect creating a virtual 12-button controller with a 3-button footprint.

In addition, a FASLINK II port allows the FM3 to be connected with up to two Fractal Audio FC-12 or FC-6 foot controllers, providing an exciting array of extended control options.

While designed as a floor unit, the FM3 features an intuitive hands-on interface with the same full-color display and familiar, easy-to-use front panel controls found on the Axe-Fx III.

The unit is powered by a 3-Core “Griffin” DSP with one ARM and two SHARC+ cores providing superior power in a compact format. A dedicated graphics processor allows the main DSPs to be focused on critical audio tasks.