The VP4 is designed to work seamlessly with a traditional amplifier and also excels at providing pre- and/or post-effects with any modeler. The FM3 MK II Turbo is ideal for guitarists looking for versatility in a portable format. The FM3 offers expandable FC footswitches, incredibly flexible I/O, 4×4 USB audio interface functions, a first-class Mac/PC editor, and much more.
Fremen Presets Supercharge your Guitar Modeler
Whether for live performances or studio work, the FM3 delivers your legendary Fractal Audio experience – and fits easily into a backpack. Equipped with four processors, the Axe-Fx III contains more raw processing power than any guitar product ever made, by far. 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. 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. Whether you’re heading to a live gig, the recording studio, or simply jamming at home, you’ll find the right outputs and inputs to suit your needs. This is where the true tone tweakers will find their paradise.
The quality of all the effects is superb. Vivian CampbellThe Axe-Fx III has a very strong dynamic element. I tried the Axe-Fx III and everything sounded incredible… I switched over just like that.
The New Fractal AM4 Amp Modeler
Despite its complexity and feature-rich nature, the Axe FX III boasts a surprisingly user-friendly interface. This feature allows you to change your cabinet and microphone choices on the fly, and it’s where the Axe FX III excels in versatility. You can load your own custom IRs, but the Axe FX III also comes with an impressive selection of stock IRs, which sound incredibly authentic. The ability to stack and route effects in any order opens up a world of sonic possibilities. Whether you need a touch of reverb to add depth to your cleans, a swirling chorus for your solos, or a searing distortion for your heavy riffs, this unit has you covered.
When Fractal Audio released the Axe-Fx II in 2011, it revolutionized guitar amp modeling with its groundbreaking dual TigerSHARC processor architecture. This is beyond modeling or effects processing… this is the new standard for guitarists. 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. It’s a tool that empowers guitarists to create their unique signature tones while providing the convenience of an all-in-one solution.
How much CPU do I really have?
I couldn’t believe how easy it was to get great sounds! This is the best my guitar has ever sounded. It truly is a quantum leap… a major milestone in guitar technology. My rig has a new openness and clarity and sounds so much better as a result. All of the FX sound richer and the new interface makes it even easier to use.
Is the Fractal Audio Axe-Fx II Still Worth It in 2025? The Complete Buyer’s Guide
The AX8 is a floor unit with similar processing power to Axe-Fx II but in pedalboard format. Buy now if you find a good unit at these prices. Prices have stabilized in the $700-$950 range for XL/XL+ units. Our preset packs are specifically optimized for each platform. The unit is considered « complete » rather than abandoned. While firmware development ended in 2020 with version 20.00, Fractal still provides customer support, documentation, and spare parts for the Axe-Fx II.
- Zip Archive, June 4, 2025 — Factory preset banks for FM3 firmware 10.00 or newer.
- 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.
- You can connect directly to a PA system or recording interface, use it as a preamp into your tube amp, or even utilize it in your pedalboard setup.
- This is the best my guitar has ever sounded.
- The FM3 MK II Turbo is ideal for guitarists looking for versatility in a portable format.
This is a fantastic way to jumpstart your creativity and get inspired by other guitarists’ settings. You’ll find a wealth of downloadable presets that cover a wide range of styles and genres. If you’re not inclined to dive into deep editing yourself, you can benefit from the work of fellow guitarists. You can connect directly to a PA system or recording interface, use it as a preamp into your tube amp, or even utilize it in your pedalboard setup. These are digital snapshots of speaker cabinets and microphones, and they play a pivotal role in shaping your tone. The effects are not just run-of-the-mill; they are studio-quality and can rival dedicated effect pedals.
It features a sturdy cast metal housing, comfortable non-slip rubber tread, and is available in either two sizes. The EV-Series doubles as an ANALOG volume pedal, with separate IN and OUT jacks connected to an audio-taper pot. For those who want simplicity, the unit is virtually plug-and-play. They look great too, making an awesome addition to your stage or studio. These tough next-gen controllers offer an impressive suite of features and capabilities, incorporating years of innovation and customer feedback.
The Axe-Fx is a tone generating powerhouse. I put all my favorite basses through one and was astounded at how lush and rich they all sounded. It’s also proven to be flawlessly dependable in the studio and live performances. I’ve tried every modelling unit available on this planet and the Fractal is by far miles ahead in every area. The choices are limitless and it’s fully loaded with all the options you’d ever need.
Featured User Videos of the Week
The Edge is known for his signature sound—a combination of musical elegance, exquisite core tone, and innovative effects—especially echo. 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. If you’re ready to embark on a journey of tonal exploration, the Axe FX III is your ticket to unlocking the ultimate guitar tones. Those who prefer the tactile feel of traditional amps and pedals may find the digital interface less satisfying.
Fractal Audio has the best amp sound I’ve heard, ever. The introduction of the original Axe-FX unit into the pantheons of guitar FX processors was akin to the invention of the wheel. Each week, we scour the web to bring you the coolest videos of the coolest guitarists using the FM3, FM9 and Axe-FX III. Now you can choose your ideal setup and still enjoy Fractal Audio’s legendary effects, vetted by the world’s greatest guitar heroes.
User-Friendly Interface
It’s ideal for a wide range of guitarists, from touring professionals to studio musicians and bedroom players. Want your rig to sound like it’s in a cavernous hall or a tight, isolated studio room? The Axe FX III is more than just an amp modeler; it’s a comprehensive effects processor. Dig in for more saturation, ease up for cleaner tones – it’s all there. It’s the third generation of their Axe FX series, and it packs a wealth of features and capabilities that have made it a staple in the touring and studio guitarist’s arsenal. The Fractal Audio Axe FX III aims to simplify this process by offering a digital, all-in-one solution that can mimic virtually any amp and effects setup you can dream of.
❌ Touchscreen Is Essential Modern workflow heavily benefits from touchscreen interface ❌ You Demand Latest Features Newer firmware updates only on Axe-Fx III/FM series The increased preset storage and IR capacity make them significantly more versatile for modern workflows. The Axe-Fx was a game changer for us both live and in the studio. Fractal Audio has finally achieved the goal of emulating real tube amps. They’re rock solid and sound great every night.
Ampero
- I’ve only had the Axe-Fx III and FC-12 for a few days now, so it’s still early for a full review.
- The Axe-Fx III Mark II Turbo is the latest flagship in a line of legends and the world’s most powerful processor for guitar, bass, and other instruments.
- If you’re not inclined to dive into deep editing yourself, you can benefit from the work of fellow guitarists.
- Vivian CampbellThe Axe-Fx III has a very strong dynamic element.
- You’ll find a wealth of downloadable presets that cover a wide range of styles and genres.
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. It provides four simultaneous effects with axes broker a user-friendly experience inspired by traditional guitar pedals. There’s also a learning curve involved in navigating the vast array of features, so it’s not the best choice for those who want a simple plug-and-play solution. If you demand flexibility, authenticity, and the ability to craft your dream tones with ease, the Axe FX III is worth every penny. However, when you consider the cost of assembling a high-quality traditional rig with amps, pedals, and effects, the Axe FX III can be seen as a cost-effective choice. They regularly release firmware updates that not only fix bugs but also introduce new features and improvements.
The Axe-Fx III Mark II Turbo is the latest flagship in a line of legends and the world’s most powerful processor for guitar, bass, and other instruments.
From lush ambient soundscapes to gritty, in-your-face rock tones, the Axe FX III can do it all. One of the standout features of the Axe FX III is its exceptional amp modeling. The Axe FX III is the flagship product from Fractal Audio Systems, a company well-known in the guitar community for their top-tier digital modeling technology. Discover authentic tones, instant downloads, and reliable support—everything needed to create your signature sound. For budget-conscious professionals, home studio owners, and gigging musicians who prioritize sound over features, it remains an exceptional value. While it lacks the processing headroom and modern interface of newer units, it delivers 90% of the tone quality at 35% of the price.
For those who want to dig deeper, there’s an in-depth editing mode that allows you to sculpt your tone down to the smallest detail. If you’ve used a traditional amp before, you’ll feel right at home. The large color display is easy to read, and the front panel controls make it simple to tweak your tone without getting lost in submenus.
