The Fractal Audio FM9, Fractal Audio’s newest amp modeler and multi-effects device, has been made public.Four DSP cores, hundreds of amp models and cab simulators, over 100 stompbox and studio effects, footswitching capabilities, and a ton more make up the FM9, the company’s most potent all-purpose floor unit yet.

The Cygnus amp modeling technology from Fractal is the foundation of the Fractal Audio FM9. According to Fractal, this technology enhances the responsiveness of amp models across all input levels for more accurate voicing and improved touch sensitivity.

Each of the amp block’s four channels may be used to power one of the unit’s over 300 amp models, which range in tonality from the purest cleans to the most aggressive barking gains. Notably, it also has 1,024 spots where users may upload their own impulse reactions in addition to the whole, thousands-strong cabinet collection from the more expensive and substantial Axe-Fx III.

Fractal Audio FM9 contains 57 overdrive pedal types, more than 50 reverbs, dozens of delays, and a variety of choruses, flangers, phasers, tremolos, wahs, EQs, filters, and pitch effects in addition to a two-minute looper.

Fractal Audio FM9 and Axe-Fx III both have the same signal route architecture and full-color main display in addition to sharing a cab library. It is made of a 16-gauge steel chassis, protective endcaps that serve as feet, nine footswitches, each with a tiny LCD display and a vari-color LED ring.

Layouts, a feature that offers nine alternative sets of tap and hold actions, may be used to tailor the function of each tap/hold footswitch. Additionally, a FASLINK II connector is included that can link up to two Fractal Audio FC-12 or FC-6 foot controllers.

With a 1/4″ instrument input, two stereo pairs of balanced 1/4″ jacks, a primary stereo output with both XLR and 1/4″ outs, and a headphone jack, there are plenty of inputs and outputs available as well.

Additionally, there are three on-board connections that may be used to connect an external switch or expression pedal, two extra independent stereo outputs (one XLR and one 1/4″), 48k SPDIF in and outs, and 5-pin MIDI ins and outs.

The device has an 8-channel recording and 8-channel playback capability and can also be used as a USB audio interface.

Last but not least, Fractal Audio FM9 is compatible with the Fractal-Bot app for preset sharing, backups and restoration, and firmware upgrades. It also comes with Fractal’s FM9-EDIT software editor for free.

So! How does the Neural DSP Quad Cortex, Line 6 Helix, and Kemper Profiler Stage stack up against this impressive-sounding floor modeling device? We are eager to examine it and learn more.