Fractal FM9 Owner's Manual
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Fractal FM9 Owner's Manual

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TUNER
TEMPO
MORE
PRESETS
SCENES
EFFECTS
CHANNELS
LOOPER
PER PRESET
Manual Version 1 for FM9 Firmware 1.x

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Summary of Contents for Fractal FM9

  • Page 1 TUNER TEMPO MORE PRESETS SCENES EFFECTS CHANNELS LOOPER PER PRESET Manual Version 1 for FM9 Firmware 1.x...
  • Page 2 Inside Front Cover...
  • Page 3 Declaration of Conformity Manufacturer’s Name: Fractal Audio Systems, LLC Manufacturer’s Address: 4 Wilder Drive, Plaistow, NH 03865 USA Declares that the product: Product name: FM9 Product option: None Conforms to the following Product Specifications: Safety: EN60065:2014 EMC: EN55013:2013 EN55020:2007+A11:2011 EN55024:2010...

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Overview ......39 Fractal-Bot & FM9-Edit ....13 The Layout Grid .
  • Page 5 Internal Controllers ....65 Fractal-Bot ......101 Control Switches .
  • Page 6 Fractal Audio Systems. Manufacturer names and product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated with or affiliated with Fractal Audio Systems, LLC. The names are used only to illustrate sonic and performance characteristics.

  • Page 7: Introduction

    The main stereo output is equipped with both XLR and 1/4” outs, plus a headphones jack. Two additional independent stereo outputs — one XLR and one 1/4” — can be used as “aux” outs or “sends.” All 1/4” outs feature Fractal Audio’s Humbuster™...

  • Page 8: Feature Summary

    LED ring which shows the category and status of the switch. ƒ The centerpiece of the FM9 is Cygnus, the latest version of Fractal Audio’s industry-leading physical amp modeling. Presets ƒ Every fully-customizable switch has both tap and hold...
  • Page 9 THE SETUP MENU Throughout this manual, you will be directed to use the SETUP menu of the FM9 to make changes to I/O (Input/Output), MIDI, global settings, and more. To open the setup menu, push HOME and then press knob E.

  • Page 10: Quick Connect Guide

    QUICK CONNECT GUIDE Perhaps the best and most flexible way to enjoy your FM9 is through a full-range system such as studio monitors, a high-quality PA, or full-range speakers designed specifically for guitar. All of the factory presets are designed for this type of setup.

  • Page 11: Setting Levels

    1 INTRODUCTION SETTING LEVELS Setting proper levels is critical, but easy, with abundant meters to inform you about levels on the FM9. INPUT LEVELS The FM9 comes ready-to-use for the typical guitar with passive pickups. Connect a guitar to the Instrument input. Choose your loudest pickup setting and set all the guitar controls to “wide open.”...

  • Page 12: Humbuster™ Cables

    1 INTRODUCTION HUMBUSTER™ CABLES The 1/4" jacks of Output 1 and Output 3 on the FM9 feature Fractal Audio’s proprietary Humbuster™ Technology, which can significantly reduce the unwanted hum of ground loops when used with special Humbuster™ cables. A Humbuster™ cable has one TRS end (like a balanced cable) and one TS end (like a guitar cable). The TRS end connects to the FM9.

  • Page 13: The Home Page: Presets

    The FM9 contains 512 preset memories. Each preset is a full “rig” with its own amps, cabs, effects, settings, controllers, and more. When you consider everything that is possible with Scenes and Channels, a single preset can cover an entire song, or even a whole show.

  • Page 14: Layouts

    THE MASTER LAYOUT MENU Switching from one layout to another is the key to the versatility of the FM9. There are many ways to do this, but the built-in Master Layout Menu (“MLM” for short) will be the first method you’ll want to understand. The Master Layout Menu grants instant access to other layouts, one per footswitch.

  • Page 15: Footswitches

    BANK -1 You can use the MANAGE PRESETS feature of FM9-Edit to drag and drop presets of the FM9 into any order you wish. Put your favorites in groups of five so you’ll have what you need without a lot of bank changes.

  • Page 16: Expression Pedals

    This section is for pedals connected to the local “Pedal” jacks of the FM9. For pedals connected to an FC controller, see your FC Owner’s Manual. Each of the three Pedal jacks of the FM9 support one expression pedal or one external footswitch. TO CONNECT & CALIBRATE AN EXPRESSION PEDAL . . .

  • Page 17: Global Expression Setup

    Modifiers. GLOBAL VOLUME SETUP The FM9 allows global remote control of the volume of any Input or Output. To set up a pedal for global volume, follow the instructions below. Be careful not to assign the same pedal to both Volume and an External Controller as described above.

  • Page 18: External Switches

    For switches connected to an FC Series controller, see your FC Owner’s Manual. Each of the two Pedal jacks of the FM9 can support a switch instead of an expression pedal. Any make-break switch type may be used with the FM9 in this way. Connect as shown below:...

  • Page 19: Usb Audio

    1 INTRODUCTION USB AUDIO USB provides the FM9 with a host of great audio features. With 8 input and 8 output channels, you can play backing tracks, record processed audio or DI signals, re-amp in real-time, and more. Section 3: USB for full details on the USB capabilities of the FM9.

  • Page 20: Intro To The Layout Grid

    INTRO TO THE LAYOUT GRID At the heart of the FM9 is the Layout Grid, an array of rows and columns used to construct presets. In the world of traditional gear, our rig options are restricted by budget, space, weight, and the limits of the equipment itself.

  • Page 21: Intro To Scenes And Channels

    Scenes also offer an advantage over presets when making sound changes while you play. When you change scenes, the FM9 does not need to reload the entire “rig.” Instead, it just sets the blocks and channels as needed for the new scene. This is not only faster, but also allows easy “spillover” of delay and reverb tails.

  • Page 22: Grid Editing: Quick Start

    1 INTRODUCTION GRID EDITING: QUICK START Learn more about the Layout grid in Section 5. Meanwhile, here’s a very quick primer:  From the Home page, press LAYOUT (knob B) or ENTER to show the grid (that is, the “Edit” page of the Layout menu).  Use the NAV buttons to move the cursor around the grid.

  • Page 23: The Fractal Audio Blocks Guide

    THE FRACTAL AUDIO BLOCKS GUIDE The FM9 is based on our flagship rackmount processor, the award-winning Axe-Fx III. Both the FM9 and the Axe-Fx III use presets built from blocks, and the blocks on both devices share many of the same parameters and settings.

  • Page 24: The Footswitch Functions Guide

    Layouts at will. There are many footswitch functions to choose from as you design your Layouts. Additional details about Layouts and switches are included in Section 10: Layouts & Switches. For a detailed guide to all of the available Footswitch Functions, download the Fractal Audio Footswitch Functions Guide from https://www .fractalaudio .com/fas-ffg...

  • Page 25: Hardware Overview

    A, B, C, D, and E knobs — Five “endless rotary” push-knobs perform different functions in different areas of the FM9. Push functions are shown as “buttons” in the display above the knobs. Most Edit pages show one or two rows of five knobs for easy 1:1 operation. On vertical menu pages, knob functions have “A,B,C,D,E”...
  • Page 26 TIP: You can also find on-screen meters on the Meters pages of the Home menu and the Layout. Footswitches — The switches of the FM9 use our proprietary Solid State Switching (SSS™) technology, featuring extremely smooth, quiet, action, and no mechanical contacts to fail. Each footswitch can be assigned your choice of one “Tap”...

  • Page 27: The Rear Panel

    FASLINK™ uses a standard XLR cable for 2-way communication and also powers the first FC without an external “wall wart” adapter. (See your FC Owner’s Manual for more on daisy chaining and other options.) NOTE: The FASLINK II port on the FM9 is designed for our FC Series of foot controllers and is NOT compatible ...
  • Page 28 Section 3: USB for important information on USB. MIDI Ports — The MIDI IN port of the FM9 allows you to control various MIDI functions including preset and 2& scene selection, effect bypass, channel changes, parameter changes, and more. The FM9 can also transmit various MIDI messages and features a soft MIDI THRU which can be enabled in SETUP: I/O: MIDI.

  • Page 29: Usb

    If you are using a USB-C to USB adapter on a newer Apple computer, plug the USB-C adapter into a the port on your Mac first, allow it several seconds to “wake up” and then connect a USB cable and FM9 into...

  • Page 30: Usb Audio

    3 USB USB AUDIO Each of the 8 input and 8 output audio channels is mapped to an audio signal or physical input/output. As with all USB Audio devices, inputs and outputs are defined with respect to the computer. Where an input or output has options, the required parameters can be found under SETUP: I/O: Audio. Setup Parameter names are shown in the diagram in PURPLE CAPS .

  • Page 31: Basic Playback

    The specific steps for recording on a given computer will vary based on its operating system and recording software, but the basic idea is to select the FM9 as your audio interface, set the project sample rate to 48k, create a track, assign the desired input, and begin recording.

  • Page 32: Usb Re-Amping

    DAW to another, but this guide should be easy to adapt to your own environment. 1 . In your DAW, select the FM9 as the main audio interface. Set the main outputs to FM9 Outputs 1+2.

  • Page 33: Setting Up

    This section provides an overview of using the FM9 in various setups using third-party equipment. When you test any new setup, always proceed slowly with all level knobs turned all the way down. The FM9 features pop suppression on startup, but speakers or monitors should be powered on last whenever possible. A basic AC surge/ spike protector is also recommended.

  • Page 34: Frfr/Direct

    Some FRFR systems have a built in amplifier, while others have separate power amp and speaker components. All Global and I/O settings on the FM9 can be left at default settings for this setup, and factory presets can be used without modification.

  • Page 35: Fm9 As Audio Interface

    USB re-amping. Note that all computer audio and project settings must be set to 48 kHz, which is the fixed rate of the FM9. Connect studio monitors directly to Output 1 L+R. The top panel OUT 1 level of the FM9 is the master...

  • Page 36: Neutral ("Flat") Power Amp & Guitar Cab

    FRFR guitar. They are ideally tonally neutral and dynamically transparent though some may have basic tone controls and/or some effect on “feel.” The FM9 performs amp modeling but NOT speaker cab simulation. Effects can be used as desired in any position. DISABLE SPEAKER CAB MODELING...

  • Page 37: Traditional Guitar Power Amp & Cab

    We will therefore  Connect the FM9 to the power amp disable “Power Amp Modeling” in the FM9 so as to not input using FM9 Output 1 (1/4" jack) apply power amp characteristics twice! The FM9 will using a Humbuster™...

  • Page 38: Front-Of-House + Personal Frfr Monitor

    This setup sends identical signals to the front-of-house PA and your personal FRFR monitor, with separate level and global EQ controls for each. As in other Direct/FRFR setups, the FM9 creates a fully modeled end-to-end guitar sound for the ultimate in flexibility—stompboxes, amps, cabs, post effects, and more.

  • Page 39: Frfr Front-Of-House + Guitar Cab Backline

    “post amp” FX (Chorus and Delay). If a stereo signal is required at Output 1, the cab block must also be set up for to stereo. Learn more about the Cab block in “The Fractal Audio Blocks Guide”.

  • Page 40: Fx Processor Only ("Pre")

    It is placed between your guitar and amp like traditional pedals. You’ll need custom presets, but as with all FM9 setups, you are free to create what you need. Presets should NOT contain Amp or Cab blocks for this setup.

  • Page 41: Fx Processor Only ("Post")

    Presets: Custom The FM9 can be used as a processor in the loop of an amp, providing access to our industry leading effects for those who may not be not ready to make the jump to amp modeling. (Don’t worry, we still like you!) FM9 Input 3 is used in this setup to accommodate your amp’s line level FX send.

  • Page 42: Four-Cable Method ("4Cm")

    FX Send is connected to Input 3, and a chain of post effects processes signal and passes it to Output 1 and your amp’s FX Return. Note that the pre and post chains are not connected to each other at all on the FM9 grid.

  • Page 43: Inserting Outboard Gear

    Don’t miss this cable Signal passes through the grid to the OUT 3 block where it leaves the FM9 to be processed by the external device. The outputs of the external device are connected to Input 3. Additional blocks can be used before finally passing signal to Out 1.

  • Page 44: Electric And Acoustic

    Presets: Custom This setup is provided for those who wish to use the FM9 to process an electric guitar and an acoustic guitar at the same time. It also works for guitars equipped with dual output magnetic and piezo pickups. Special presets containing the Input 2 block are required as illustrated below.

  • Page 45: Presets

     Blocks contain Channels. Change the channel to dial in a completely different setting!  The FM9 has more CPU power than the FM3, but less than the Axe-Fx III. Still, a single preset can still potentially cover an entire song, or even an entire gig.

  • Page 46: The Layout Grid

    Access the grid from the Home page by pressing the ENTER button or the LAYOUT Push-knob. In the default view, the FM9 display shows only a 6×6 section of the grid. Navigate to off-screen areas using the E knobs, or the NAV buttons. A bottom scrollbar indicates where you are in the overall left-to-right layout. To show the entire grid at once, zoom out with the ZOOM button (Push-knob A).
  • Page 47 RESETTING A BLOCK/CHANNEL Blocks on the FM9 remember their last used settings, even as you place them on the grid. You may want a fresh start before or after making changes. RESET takes only two button presses and can be performed at any time.

  • Page 48: Connector Cables

    CONNECTOR CABLES Just like physical gear, the blocks in the FM9 need to be connected together for signal to flow. This is done using virtual cables, which run from one grid block to another. With even one cable missing, your preset may be totally silent! Like shunts, connectors are stereo and totally transparent.
  • Page 49 5 PRESETS THE RULES OF FM9 CABLES  No cable = No sound. Even one missing link will break the chain.  Signal flows from LEFT to RIGHT.  A cable MUST originate from a BLOCK or a SHUNT. You cannot start from an EMPTY location.

  • Page 50: Block Inventory

    Simple volume block also offers channel input/output tools. WAH Wah The classic wah, with multiple types based on classic originals. Each preset also includes a Controllers block that is not placed on the grid. Certain blocks found on the Axe-Fx III do not appear on the FM9.

  • Page 51: Example Preset Grids

    5 PRESETS EXAMPLE PRESET GRIDS These FM9-Edit screen captures show how blocks are combined to form presets. Ex 1: Bare bones! Amp and Cab. No effects. Ex 2: Here some effects are added before the amp and after the cab.

  • Page 52: Editing Effect Blocks

    OPENING AN EDIT MENU  On the Layout grid, select the desired block and press EDIT.  OR... from anywhere on the FM9, just press EDIT to jump right to the Edit menu for the selected block. CHANGING PAGES  Most Edit menus have multiple pages, shown as “tabs”...

  • Page 53: Saving Changes

     The message “SAVED!” is shown when saving is complete. TO CHANGE PRESET OR SCENE NAMES… The FM9 has 512 preset memory locations. You can edit the name of any preset while storing.  Press STORE to show the STORE page.

  • Page 54: Preset Cpu Limits

    5 PRESETS PRESET CPU LIMITS The CPU of the FM9 is used mainly for sound processing. A preset with nothing but an Amp and Cab is less demanding than a preset with a Wah, Drive, Amp, Cab, Delay and Reverb.

  • Page 55: Scenes & Channels

    6 SCENES & CHANNELS 6 SCENES & CHANNELS Before reading this section, please review “Intro to Scenes and Channels” on p. 15. A Scene is a bit like a preset within a preset. Scenes can turn blocks on/off, change block Channels, and more. Scenes don’t need to be created—they’re already there, ready to be set as desired.

  • Page 56: How To Change A Block's Channel

    6 . Test your preset and remember to STORE to make the changes permanent. While you can’t copy channels across blocks or presets on the FM9 itself, you can do this using FM9-Edit, the free companion software editor for the FM9.

  • Page 57: Selecting Scenes

    (Push-knobs A & B). The current scene is shown near the top center of every page in the Edit menu. ƒ Foot Control – The onboard switches of the FM9, or those on a connected FC Controller offer a range of dedicated “Scene” options.

  • Page 58: Selecting Scenes & Channels Remotely

    A simple example might be a MIDI expression pedal that sends CC#7 which is interpreted as “Volume” on the receiving end. The FM9 lets you designate CCs for various controllable items in several lists found in the MIDI/Remote menu under SETUP.

  • Page 59: Program Change Mapping

    The custom map parameters remain intact but not active when if you switch PC Mapping Off. TRANSMITTING MIDI WITH SCENES The Scene MIDI Block allows each scene to transmit up to eight MIDI messages. “The Fractal Audio Blocks Guide” on p. 17 for more on this block. SCENE LEVELS Each of the Output blocks includes eight parameters that allow you to cut or boost the level for any scene.

  • Page 60: Scenes, Channels & Modifiers

    SCENE REVERT Changes to a scene on the FM9 remain in effect until you save them or discard them by loading a different preset—or reloading the current preset. This last option can work differently, depending on a Global setting called Scene Revert.

  • Page 61: Leveling Presets

    THE RULE OF THUMB  There are a lot of different ways to adjust levels on the FM9. A good rule of thumb is to use the Level parameter of the Amp block. See “A Method for Leveling” on the next page for how to use this in a process for adjusting levels across Presets, Scenes and Channels.

  • Page 62: A Method For Leveling

    This helps ensure that you will have plenty of headroom to avoid clipping. It’s fine for certain tones to be very quiet: all Fractal Audio products have an extremely low noise floor and do not easily suffer internally from the kinds of problems which plague analog gear at lower levels.

  • Page 63: Bypass And Level

    “THRU”. Try it and see what works best for you.  The various Bypass Modes are detailed in “The Fractal Audio Blocks Guide”. : Unless you use multiple parallel paths to prevent effects from feeding into one another, PRO TIP time-based effects sound exactly the same in series or parallel.

  • Page 64: Blocks

    8 BLOCKS 8 BLOCKS “The Fractal Audio Blocks Guide” covers effect blocks and parameters for all current Fractal Audio products.

  • Page 65: Modifiers

    9 MODIFIERS Modifiers are one of the most exciting features on the FM9. They allow sound parameters to be remote controlled or automated in real time. With modifiers, anything goes: an expression pedal might operate a wah or whammy. A step sequencer or LFO might sweep a filter.

  • Page 66: Modifier Tutorial: Wah Pedal

    6. On the Source page, change the SOURCE to your pedal. Depending on how your pedal is connected this might be “Pedal 1 (Exp/Sw Tip)” (the on-board expression jack of the FM9), or it might be one of the “External Controllers”...

  • Page 67: Modifier Sources Overview

    ONBOARD & FC PEDALS & SWITCHES The onboard Pedal jacks of the FM9 and the Pedal or Switch jacks of a connected FC series controller can be assigned directly as modifier sources. In comparison to previous...

  • Page 68: Modifier Parameters

    9 MODIFIERS MODIFIER PARAMETERS By default, a modifiers creates a direct, linear relationship: the controller changes and the parameter follows in exactly the same way. Various parameters, however, allow you to change this relationship. You might change the taper of a pedal to be “curved,” or make it work in reverse. Perhaps you want the parameter attached to a footswitch to glide instead of snap.
  • Page 69 9 MODIFIERS UNDERSTANDING MODIFIER MIN AND MAX MIN and MAX set the range of a modifier. They let you fine-tune modifiers in very cool ways. In the example below, imagine a volume pedal with different settings. Using the principles on this page, you should be able to achieve a wide range of modifier control scenarios.
  • Page 70 9 MODIFIERS ADVANCED MODIFIER CURVES AND SHAPES You can also adjust Start, End, and Slope (which introduces an “S” or “backwards S” shape). The numbers beneath each example below show the settings for Start, Mid, End and Slope. With a bit of experimentation, you will learn to achieve desired modifier effects quickly.

  • Page 71: Internal Controllers

    The Internal Controllers menu offers four channels for four sets of independent settings for ALL of the items listed above: four tempos per preset, four sequencer settings, etc. When you change the channel, ALL of the controllers switch to the new channel and the new settings. FM9-Edit provides a way to copy/paste Controller channels.

  • Page 72: Control Switches

    9 MODIFIERS MANUAL CONTROLLERS Similar to Scene Controllers, the five Manual Controllers are virtual knobs whose values can only be changed manually. A Manual controller makes it possible, for instance, to create a “super control” where one knob operates multiple sound functions at the same time. For example, you might assign delay mix, reverb time and chorus depth parameters —...

  • Page 73: Metronome

    9 MODIFIERS METRONOME A metronome is included for convenience. The Metronome is not technically a controller, but its settings are accessed through the Tempo page of the Controllers menu. To enable the metronome press the Tempo button and adjust the level for the desired output(s). Note: the metronome levels persist across presets and are reset to OFF at power on.

  • Page 74: Tutorial: Scene Controllers

    6. For this tutorial, you don’t need any custom settings on the Modify page, so you may now close the modifier screen. Notice that the open yellow modifier symbol below Drive is now a solid yellow dot. 7. Now let’s set some values for Scene Controller 1. Click the Controllers button in the upper left below the FM9- Edit logo.

  • Page 75: Layouts & Switches

    Home page. CHANGING LAYOUTS Changing from one layout to another is the key to the versatility of the FM9. There are many ways to do this:  On the home page of the home menu, use Knob E.  Use the Master Layout Menu (“MLM” for short). This special menu grants instant access to other layouts, one per footswitch.

  • Page 76: Tap & Hold Functions

    THE RULES OF SWITCH TIMING Like every product with “hold” footswitches, the FM9 must follow rules for timing so it “knows” whether you are trying to activate the Tap function or the Hold function. If you’re still holding after a short (and configuable) time delay, the Hold function fires.

  • Page 77: Factory Default Layouts

    While the FM9 has NINE onboard switches, you will notice that each layout actually contains TWELVE switch definitions. The extra definitions can be accessed when you connect an FC-12, or when you use the FM9 or an FC-6 and change the View. See “Layout Views”...
  • Page 78 10 LAYOUTS & SWITCHES FM9 FACTORY LAYOUTS The default layouts showcase the capabilities of the FM9 and also provide a solid basis for studio or live use. (Loads Layout 2) Layout 1: Presets is designed for switching PRESETS Tempo TAP:...

  • Page 79: Easy ("Ez") Edits

    10 LAYOUTS & SWITCHES EASY (“EZ”) EDITS The FM9 makes it simple to change any footswitch in any layout to perform any function. The easiest way to do this is with the “EZ” Switch edit page as described below. IMPORTANT: To avoid annoying screen jumps and sonic mishaps, all footswitches are DISABLED while you are on the EZ page.

  • Page 80: The Layouts List

    Unlike all other layouts, #9 reverts to factory settings instead of being completely cleared. As you get deeper in to the FM9, you may find the ability to modify the MLM quite useful, with options like “Layout Link” or the ability to add functions instead of unused menus.

  • Page 81: Edit A Layout

    10 LAYOUTS & SWITCHES EDIT A LAYOUT Select any layout on the Layouts page 74) and press ENTER or EDIT LAYOUT (Push-knob B) to open that layout for editing in the Edit Layout view. The Edit Layout view has two pages: one for the Tap functions and one for the Hold functions. Each shows the Category and the Function for all 12 switches, plus values for the first two parameters of each.

  • Page 82: Edit A Switch

    RESET TAP  The LAYOUT LINK parameters allow the Tap or Hold function of the switch to also change the and Layout and View of the FM9 and up to two connected FC units. ”The Footswitch Functions Guide” for more on Layout Links.

  • Page 83: Naming Layouts

    Reminder: All changes in the FC Controllers menu take effect immediately with no need to store. STARTUP LAYOUTS The FM9 and each connected FC Controller have a Default Startup Layout that loads automatically when you power on the FM9. You can change the default startup layout for any device as follows.

  • Page 84: Per-Preset Switches

    PER-PRESET SWITCHES Like the Axe-Fx III and FM3, the FM9 supports two ways of having the footswitches in any layout change on a per- preset basis. The first is “Placeholders” and the second is “Overrides.” Both of these methods rely on the special set of “Per Preset Switch Definitions”...

  • Page 85: Stand-In Switches

    To make such switches more powerful, we created Stand-In Switches. This feature allows a connected external switch to operate like a remote control for any switch that you have already programmed in a layout on your FM9. For example, you might normally have Layout 3, Switch 12 set to bypass/engage the Trem Pan 1 block on tap, and toggle the block’s channel from A to B on hold.

  • Page 86: Using The Fm9 With An Fc Controller

    USING THE FM9 WITH AN FC CONTROLLER The FM9 has a FASLINK port to connect up to two Fractal Audio FC-6 or FC-12 foot controllers. Using an FC controller expands the number of footswitches to increase your options on the floor — including jacks for 4 additional expression pedals and 4 external switches per FC.

  • Page 87: Layout Views

    <<VIEW 1 On the FM9, View 2 shows only three switches — those “left over” from View 1. To maximize their utility without the need to sacrifice a tap or hold function, a switch in the top row is hard-coded to change back to View 1.

  • Page 88: Fm9 Footswitch Faq

    In fact, the preset Footswitches in the default FM9 layouts use the function “PRESET: SELECT IN BANK”. Banks show presets in the order in which they are stored in the FM9. It is easy to reorder presets using the Manage Presets area of FM9-Edit, where you can copy/paste or use drag-and-drop to swap preset locations.

  • Page 89: Tempo

    Tempo on the FM9 allows for both internal and external synchronization, providing effects with a central BPM clock that can either work standalone or chase incoming MIDI Clock from 5-pin or USB. The FM9 does not transmit MIDI Clock. The Tempo can be set to any whole number value in the range 20–250 BPM. The FM9 flashes its current tempo on a front-panel LED and any footswitch assigned to Tempo.

  • Page 90: Synchronizing Sound Parameters

    11 TEMPO SYNCHRONIZING SOUND PARAMETERS Many rates and times on the FM9 can synchronized to the Tempo by setting their corresponding Tempo parameters. This is done by selecting from a list of values, ranging from 1/64-note-triplets to double whole notes, with 76+ options in all.

  • Page 91: Tuner

    12 TUNER 12 TUNER The FM9 has a built-in Tuner—an essential tool for the performing or recording musician. The tuner is easy to use and has high-resolution automatic pitch detection, a calibration control, offsets for modified tuning schemes, and the option to mute audio while tuning. Find the Tuner on the Home page by pressing TUNER (Push-knob A) or on various foot switches in the footswitch layouts.

  • Page 92: Mini Tuners

    (left lit), sharp (right lit) or in tune (both lit). A small line helps display tuning progress. FOOTSWITCH TUNER MODE This option, which you can enable in SETUP: FC Controllers: Config uses the onboard LED rings of the FM9 to help you tune visually.

  • Page 93: Setup Menu

    The Master Layout Menu (aka “MLM”, aka “Layout 9”) provides access to ENABLED, DISABLED other layouts. This setting disables or enables the switch combination used to display this menu on the FM9 and any connected FC controllers. See also "The Master Layout Menu" on p.
  • Page 94 ON/OFF Message Hold This determines the duration for special footswitch messages to be shown in the main display of the FM9 or the display of a connected FC controller. Example: Effect BYPASSED or ENGAGED) Ring Intensity Bright, Each FC footswitch has its own LED ring. These rings change between off, Ring Intensity Dim dim, and bright to show switch states.

  • Page 95: The Global Settings Menu

    Power Amp Modeling is turned off. Presence and Depth are disabled, and Master Volume becomes a simple volume control. Remember that like a real amp, the FM9 has separate preamp and power amp sections. When you disable Power Amp Modeling, the Amp block still models the preamp, which includes distortion, the tone stack, and more.
  • Page 96 If the THRESHOLD for a given preset is set to “OFF”, the global Offset will have +/- 40.00 dB no effect. See "The Fractal Audio Blocks Guide" for more on the noise gate. Prompt on Edited Preset When set to ON the unit will prompt before changing an edited preset. This may Change save you from accidentally losing your edits.
  • Page 97 NOT signals routed to USB or digital outs. GLOBAL SETTINGS: CUSTOM SCALES PAGE The Scales page is used to configure scales for the Custom Shifter type in the Pitch block. "The Fractal Audio Blocks Guide" for more on this effect. PARAMETER...

  • Page 98: The I/O Menu

    SPDIF IN “SPDIF IN”: uses the clock from the current digital input. A valid 48 kHz data stream must be present at the SPDIF input for the FM9 to operate properly. Digital Input Source Sets the digital input signal to SPDIF, or USB Channels 5/6.
  • Page 99 13 SETUP MENU PARAMETER Description Output 1 Mode These parameters determine how signals at the corresponding outputs will Output 2 Mode be processed. This control makes it easy to use the same presets in a variety Output 3 Mode of stereo and mono performance or recording environments. The decision between the mono options “SUM L+R”...
  • Page 100 The Pedal page of the I/O menu contains parameters to set up expression pedals or switches at the Pedal jacks on the rear panel of the FM9. Expression pedals should have a linear resistance taper and max resistance of 10kΩ to 100kΩ. Fractal Audio Systems EV-1 and EV-2 expression pedals are recommended. An external switch can also be used, as long as its contacts make and break the connection between tip and sleeve.

  • Page 101: The Midi/Remote Menu

    64–127=ON). When set to “Toggle” the bypass state toggles whenever the CC message is received, regardless of the value (0–127). Send Realtime Sysex Causes the FM9 to transmit MIDI messages for Tap Tempo and Tuner so a 3rd party MIDI controller can display this information.
  • Page 102 This is the easiest way for most people to operate a single connected MIDI device while changing presets on the FM9. Any custom MIDI mapping is left to the downstream device. To use this feature you simply select which channel you want the message to be transmitted on.
  • Page 103 The following assignments work with a pedal or switch connected ƒ to the on-board expression jacks of the FM9: ƒ PEDAL 1 or 2 (EXP/SW TIP) - for an expression pedal or a switch connected to the tip of a TRS cable.
  • Page 104 Preset Inc/Dec Start/Stop defined start and end/wrap points. Preset mapping and offsets are ignored. Don't confuse this with the Preset Inc/Dec function of the FM9's onboard footswitches. These switches have their own settings and ignore this value, which is used only for changing presets via MIDI.

  • Page 105: The Utilities Menu

    Be very careful with this option . Erasing cabs is irreversible! UTILITIES: USB Two meters show USB buffer levels, used for troubleshooting. UTILITIES: FIRMWARE PAGE This page indicates which firmware version the FM9 is running. USB firmware version is also shown.
  • Page 106 13 SETUP MENU This page is left blank to preserve facing in the printed manual.

  • Page 107: Additional Topics

    Simply send each of the files from your backup set one by one. When the first file completes, send the next file, and so on, until all files have been sent. Remember to reboot the FM9 after the System file has been sent to it.

  • Page 108: Firmware Updates

    (Push-knob E) on the Home page. The version is displayed at the top left of the SETUP menu. UPDATING Updating is safe, easy, and quick with Fractal-Bot (see previous page). Use the version built in to FM9-Edit or quit FM9-Edit before using Fractal-Bot standalone. Quit any other applications which might interfere, including any DAW software or audio/MIDI applications.

  • Page 109: Recovery

    1. Power down the unit and wait five seconds. 2. Power on holding HOME until the boot-up progress bar first appears. The FM9 will boot with an empty initialized preset in location “000”. You can STORE this to any other location to overwrite a problematic preset.

  • Page 110: Optional Ofm9G Layouts

    Many who use the Fractal Audio FM3 with an FC-6 enjoy a special set of custom layouts cheekily called “OMG9”. We created a special FM9 version of this system called “OFM9G” and it can be installed using these simple steps.
  • Page 111 14 ADDITIONAL TOPICS PRESETS MODE Next Bank Prev Bank SCENES MODE Tap “MORE” to toggle between Scenes 1-4 and 5-8 << MORE>> Tempo Hold for Tuner EFFECTS MODE Tap “MORE” to toggle between these FX and Comp1, TremPan 1, Flanger 1, Pitch 1, and Rotary 1 . Drive 1 Phaser 1 Chorus 1...

  • Page 112: Loading User Cabs

    When you finish importing or rearranging, press the “Save” button to commit your changes. 3 . To select a user cab, click the Cab block in FM9-Edit and use the “Picker” to select it. You can also load User IRs from the front panel of the FM9 by selecting the Cab block on the grid, pressing EDIT, changing to the “Cabs”...

  • Page 113: Axe-Change

    Axe-Change is the official source for sharing or downloading shared Preset and Cab files for Fractal Audio Systems products. You can upload your own FM9 presets or browse what others have contributed including some high profile artists. Axe-Change is also a great source for free Cabs! Find Axe-Change at https://axechange.fractalaudio.com...

  • Page 114: Performance Control Pages

    PERFORMANCE CONTROL PAGES INTRODUCTION The FM9 is easy to edit with its intuitive system of menu pages and parameters, but you can’t really do this mid- performance. Musicians sometimes do adjust their equipment while playing, however (during a break or even mid- song).
  • Page 115 Of course we could mometarily return to the grid, but there’s a way to change the current block without doing this. A dropdown menu in FM9-Edit lists every block in the current preset. Find it left of the large block icon in the lower panel of FM9-Edit (shown at right, highlighted in green).

  • Page 116: Digital Input Sources

    DIGITAL INPUT SOURCES The FM9 allows incoming digital signals from SPDIF or USB 5/6 playback to be routed to your choice of input blocks 1, 2 and/or 3 on the Layout grid. This supports a range of applications such as digital reamping, digital send and return, and processing of digital sources.

  • Page 117: Digital Output Sources

    OUTPUT 1 - Outputs the signal from the OUT 1 grid block. This will be the most common setting, where the SPDIF output is used instead of or in addition to the main analog outs. This might be used when connecting the FM9 to the SPDIF inputs of an audio interface, digital mixing console, or other device.

  • Page 118: Frequently Asked Questions

    ƒ Certain CAB block settings must also be considered. An Axe-Fx III preset that has bank USER 2 selected will be changed to USER 1 since the FM9 has only one bank. Also note, that “Cab 3” and “Cab 4” settings from an Axe-Fx III preset will NOT be imported since the FM9 allows only two IRs per Cab block.
  • Page 119 : Q Can I use a computer or external MIDI controller to remote control the FM9? : A The FM9 has a rich MIDI spec which allows it to be remote controlled. Any 3rd party MIDI controller can be used, but please note that an FC-6 or FC-12 connected via FASLINK offers many advantages over traditional 5-pin MIDI.

  • Page 120: Shortcuts

    14 ADDITIONAL TOPICS SHORTCUTS The FM9 has several shortcuts and hidden features. These are summarized below. IN GENERAL Press EDIT to jump to the Edit menu for the currently selected ƒ block. Press repeatedly to step through all blocks. ON THE HOME PAGE Press ENTER or push the VALUE knob to show the Layout Grid for the current preset.

  • Page 121: Spillover

    For a simple preset spillover experiment, create a preset, then save an exact copy to a new location and test spillover. Then begin making changes as needed to settings outside of those blocks that you want to spill over. FM9-Edit also makes it easy to copy and paste a block from one preset to another.

  • Page 122: Sending And Receiving Midi

    The FM9 also synchronizes its own Tempo value to incoming MIDI beat clock signals. The FM9 is a USB MIDI Device. It will appear as a MIDI device in a DAW or other MIDI program. You can use automation and other MIDI messages to control the FM9.
  • Page 123  The Control Switch function can be placed as TAP or HOLD of any switch in any FC Layout.  Control Switches 1–6 appear in the list of Modifier sources on the FM9. The role of a switch as a modifier source is not compromised if you also use it to transmit MIDI. The same switch can simultaneously control the FM9 and a connected device.

  • Page 124: Midi Reference Tables

    14 ADDITIONAL TOPICS MIDI REFERENCE TABLES MIDI BANK & PROGRAM CHANGE The following table lists the MIDI Bank and Program Change messages required to select FM9 presets. MIDI Bank Select (CC#0) Value , Midi Program Change = FM9 Preset Number. 0, 0...
  • Page 125 14 ADDITIONAL TOPICS 1, 82 = 210 2, 6 = 262 2, 58 = 314 2, 110 = 366 3, 34 = 418 3, 86 = 470 1, 83 = 211 2, 7 = 263 2, 59 = 315 2, 111 = 367 3, 35 = 419 3, 87...
  • Page 126 14 ADDITIONAL TOPICS CC VALUE TO SCENE When selecting Scenes using the global options found on the Other page of the MIDI/Remote menu under SETUP, the value of the designated CC# determines the Scene: 0..1 16.

  • Page 127: Specifications

    15 SPECIFICATIONS 15 SPECIFICATIONS INSTRUMENT INPUT Connectors: Rear 1/4" phone jack, unbalanced, with “Secret Sauce” Impedance: 1 MΩ Max. Input Level: +16 dBu ANALOG INPUTS 2 & 3 Connectors: (2) 1/4" phone jack balanced (TRS) Impedance: 1 MΩ Max. Input Level: +20 dBu A/D CONVERSION Bit Depth:...
  • Page 128 Format: Pedal: 10–100 kΩ max or Switch: SPST, momentary or latching FASLINK II INTERFACE Connectors: (1) XLR-F WARNING: Connect ONLY to the FASLINK II connector on a Fractal Audio FC controller GENERAL Finish: Powder-coated steel chassis Controls: 12 buttons, 9 knobs (6 with “push” functions) Display: 800×480 high contrast color LCD...

  • Page 129: Midi Implementation

    15 SPECIFICATIONS MIDI IMPLEMENTATION The FM9 features a robust MIDI implementation detailed below. Function Remarks Basic Channel Default Changed 1-16 1-16 Note Number True Voice Velocity Note ON Note OFF After Touch Keys Channels Pitch Bend Control Change Receivable CCs are globally soft-assigned to functions via the MIDI/Remote menu under SETUP.

  • Page 130: Warranty

    Fractal Audio Systems or to make any warranty for Fractal Audio Systems. Fractal Audio Systems may, at its option, require proof of original purchase date in the form of a dated copy of original authorized dealer’s invoice or sales receipt. Service and repairs of Fractal Audio Systems products are to be performed only at the Fractal Audio Systems factory or a Fractal Audio Systems authorized service center.

  • Page 131: Eula

    1) GRANT OF LICENSE FOR PRE INSTALLED OR USER UPGRADED FIRMWARE (“THE SOFTWARE”) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, Fractal Audio Systems, (“FAS”) grants you an individual, personal, non-sub licensable, nonexclusive license to use this product in accordance with the applicable end user documentation, if any (the “License”).
  • Page 132 CHANGE LOG Version 1 .00 - July 2021 - First Version .

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