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FM3 - Amp Modeler/Multi FX/Floor Unit

I've been using it for 4 months now, works like a charm.
I play in different bands with different genres, from ska, rock, metal, hard core and it has everything covered.

Expression pedal for volume, wah, whammy, tuner, etc.
Dual switch for changing presets.
 

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I used one for a while also. It was pretty nice. I had the FM3/FC6 setup and it worked well enough. If you're playing multiple genres or you want a ton of flexibility, it's a great way to go. Fractal doesn't offer too many bass amp models, but the ones they offer are really good! Ultimately, I just wanted one killer preamp(a Noble), a couple of good drive pedals, a good comp, some usable modulation, and a relatively accurate pitch shifter, so I sold the Fractal, got my Noble, and I'm happy.

I do still have a Helix and a POD Go. the pitch shifter on my board is an HX Stomp. ;)
 
i have the fractal. Sad that after all this time, they really have no SS bass amps in it. I end up using a heavily modified JC120 amp model when recording with 300 guitar amps, why can't they dedicate a few slots to markbass, mesa and Aguilar ss amps (or others)

Thinking about switching to line 6 for this reason...
 
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i have the fractal. Sad that after all this time, they really have no SS bass amps in it. I end up using a heavily modified JC120 amp model when recording with 300 guitar amps, why can't they dedicate a few slots to markbass, mesa and Aguilar ss amps (or others)

Thinking about switching to line 6 for this reason...

I've spent plenty of time and effort - along with many other bassists - on the Fractal Audio forum (and others) pleading for them to add just a handful of extremely popular bass amp models. Some you've mentioned, but also the likes of Acoustic (360), SWR, etc., as well as the iconic SansAmp BDDI (love it or not). I know for a fact that they've lost a number of bassists because of this as they've moved on to greener pastures, myself included.

....however....

I just joined the waiting list for the FM9 TURBO, for the heck of it, and because it is just such an incredible floorboard unit. Not sure if I'll pull the trigger if/when my number is called, but in the final analysis, I could find myself overlooking the bass amp model shortcomings since every other aspect of the FM9 is simply KILLER. I came from the Axe Fx Ultra, and then the Axe Fx II, before giving up in frustration due to lack of bass stuff. That was a long time ago and many new firmware iterations have come and gone. I'd like to think that the bass modeling, along with tons of other features, have been improved enough to keep my happy, along with finding some cabinet IRs that I really like a lot (thank you @dr bonkers ) which go a long way toward getting the sounds I prefer.

Line 6 Helix family of products is obviously excellent gear and very popular. Can't say it would ever be a mistake to go that route. I'll never understand the blind spot FAS has regarding bass amp models & other bass effect items. It's such great gear except for the limited number of bass amps, but if you like Ampeg, you're good-to-go.
 
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