Fractal Audio Systems is a highly regarded brand in the music industry for their digital amp modeling and multi-effects processors. Their Axe-Fx line of preamp/effect processors is renowned and widely used by professional musicians such as Metallica, John Petrucci, John Mayer, Misha Mansoor, Steve Vai, and many others.

In 2020, Fractal Audio introduced the FM3, a portable and compact form of the Axe-Fx III for live usage. The FM3 has since become very popular among guitarists and bassists. Recently, Fractal Audio released the FM3 Turbo MkII, which offers more DSP power and larger, more readable footswitch displays.

Are you wondering if it's worth upgrading or replacing your FM3 with the latest Turbo MkII? How can more DSP processing power improve your tone creation? And, is the change immediately noticeable after getting the FM3 Turbo MkII? Let’s find out here!

The world of guitar multi-effect processors has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years, evolving from the rudimentary analog stompboxes of the 1960s to the highly sophisticated digital powerhouses of today. Initially, musicians experimented with standalone analog effects, such as fuzz and wah-wah pedals, which were popular in the late 1970s. As they sought greater control and versatility, rack-mounted effects units gained popularity, housing multiple effects in a single rack.

The introduction of digital signal processing (DSP) in the 1980s was a game-changer in the world of guitar effects, marking a revolutionary shift in the technology landscape. Advanced digital processors such as the ADA MP-1 in 1987 provided musicians with unparalleled sound manipulation capabilities, pushing the boundaries of what was previously possible with analog technology.

In the late 1990s, the guitar effects world saw a transformative moment with the introduction of the Line 6 POD. This compact desktop unit was a pioneer in digital modeling, offering guitarists a portable solution to emulate classic amps and effects with unprecedented accuracy. The Line 6 POD was a game-changer in the industry, enabling guitarists to create and experiment with new sounds like never before.

Digital Signal Processing (DSP) is a crucial component in modern guitar multi-effect processors, allowing for the creation of a wide range of tones and effects. It involves manipulating digital signals in real-time using mathematical algorithms, which provides precise and versatile sound modifications.

In the context of guitar multi-effect processors, DSP is responsible for emulating analog effects, amplifiers, and signal processing algorithms. Unlike traditional analog circuits that rely on physical components, DSP operates in the digital domain. It converts the guitar's analog signal into a digital representation using analog-to-digital conversion (ADC). The digital signal is then processed using algorithms that simulate various amplifiers, cabinets, and effects. Finally, the modified digital signal is converted back to analog through digital-to-analog conversion (DAC), delivering it to the amplifier and speakers.

DSP technology allows for unparalleled flexibility and precision in guitar multi-effect processors. Musicians can access a vast array of effects, amp models, and signal routing options within a single unit. The real-time nature of DSP ensures low-latency performance, which is critical for live performances where instantaneous response is essential. Additionally, DSP technology facilitates the integration of features like impulse response (IR) support, enabling the realistic simulation of different speaker cabinets and microphone placements.

In the realm of guitar multi-effect processors, Fractal Audio Systems made a significant impact by introducing pioneering innovations that revolutionized the way guitarists approached tone shaping. Their contribution was crucial as the music industry navigated the digital revolution, and the Fractal Audio Axe-Fx, which was launched in 2006, marked a pivotal moment. The Axe-Fx was a single rack-mounted unit that provided highly detailed amp modeling and an extensive array of effects.

What set Fractal Audio apart was their commitment to delivering studio-grade sound quality and unparalleled versatility. By using advanced digital signal processing (DSP) technology, they were able to achieve an unprecedented level of realism in emulating amplifiers, cabinets, and effects. This breakthrough enabled musicians to access a broad spectrum of tones in a compact and user-friendly package, bringing a new level of convenience to their playing.

The success of the Axe-Fx series paved the way for subsequent releases, including the AX8 in February 2015. The AX8 is a floor-based multi-effects processor that offers a streamlined version of the Axe-Fx's powerful capabilities. The AX8 is a more compact and stage-friendly unit that doesn't compromise on sound quality or versatility, allowing musicians to create their desired tones effortlessly.

Fractal Audio's Axe-Fx III was launched in January 2018, and it brought a host of upgrades in the form of new modeling technology, an improved GUI, and substantially increased processing power. The success of the Axe-Fx III was followed by the launch of the FM3 in April 2019, which was the successor to its pedalboard sibling, the AX8.

The FM3 brought forth several key differences and improvements, which made it an ideal choice for guitarists. With Fractal's ARES amp-modelling technology and the full suite of over 2,000 cabinet impulse responses and hundreds of amp models of the Axe-Fx III, the FM3 allowed guitarists to achieve a broader sonic palette and more detailed amp modeling. This feature ensured that guitarists could create a more diverse range of tones with ease.

Compared to the AXE-FX III, the FM3 represented a significant leap forward in terms of portability and user interface. The FM3's floor-based design made it more stage-friendly for live performances. The FM3 inherited the advanced modeling capabilities of its larger predecessor, ensuring that guitarists could achieve the same studio-grade sound in a more compact form factor. The FM3 also featured an intuitive user interface with a vibrant display and streamlined controls, making it easier to navigate its extensive features.

The FM3 Mark II Turbo is the latest release from the FM3 series, and it comes with advanced features that build on the success of the original FM3. It was launched in July 2023 with more powerful in terms of processing capabilities. The new Turbo DSP has over 10% more processing power, enabling the creation of more intricate presets that go beyond the standard FM3's limits.

One of the most significant improvements in the FM3 Mark II Turbo is the footswitch display. It has been upgraded to a larger, easier-to-read display that doubles the height of individual characters in the text. The font is bolder and more readable, making it easier for users to navigate and select presets. This improvement is a significant enhancement to the user experience and adds to the overall appeal of this new model.

Guitar multi-effects pedals can offer a wide range of sound effects to guitarists, but to achieve the best performance, they require powerful Digital Signal Processing (DSP) processing power. Having extra DSP processing power can provide numerous advantages that can make the device more efficient and effective. Below are some of the key benefits of having additional DSP processing power:

1. Efficient algorithm execution:

When a guitar multi-effects pedal has a more powerful CPU, it can execute DSP algorithms more efficiently. This is essential to achieve lower latency, which is the time it takes for the device to process the guitar's signal, and handle more complex signal processing tasks without overloading the processor.

2. Multiple effects processing:

Additional CPU power allows the pedal to process multiple effects running simultaneously without any issue. This is particularly important for multi-effects pedals where users might want to combine various effects in their signal chain to create a unique sound.

3. Low latency performance:

CPU usage is directly related to latency. A powerful CPU can process audio signals with lower latency, ensuring that the effects respond quickly to the guitarist's playing dynamics without noticeable delays. This helps guitarists to play with more precision and accuracy.

4. User interface responsiveness:

CPU power contributes to the responsiveness of the user interface. A faster CPU can handle user input and display updates more quickly, leading to a smoother and more user-friendly experience when navigating through settings and adjusting parameters. This ensures that guitarists can easily customize their sound without any lag in the device's response.

5. Resource allocation:

Adequate CPU resources allow for efficient resource allocation among different processing tasks. This ensures that each effect receives the necessary processing power without causing bottlenecks or performance issues. It helps the device to allocate its processing power appropriately, ensuring that guitarists can enjoy a seamless experience while playing their guitar.