Fractal Axe-Fx / FM9 / FM3 settings and best amp models
The Fractal Axe-Fx III (and the FM9 / FM3) is preset-based — the tone lives in the Amp block you choose and the Cab block / IR after it, not in fixed front-panel knobs. The models are deep, but you get 90% of the way there with the right amp + cab and moderate gain. Here is a layout and model picks per genre.
Build the preset. A dependable chain: <b>Input/Gate → Drive (optional) → Amp → Cab (IR) → PEQ → Delay → Reverb</b>. Leave the amp block's advanced pages alone at first — the defaults are voiced well.
Metal / high-gain. Pick a modern high-gain model: <b>5153 100W Red</b> (EVH 5150 III), <b>Recto</b> (Mesa Dual Rectifier) or <b>PVH 6160</b> (Peavey 5150/6505). Keep the Amp block <b>Drive around 4–6</b> — Fractal amps react like the real thing, so max drive just adds fizz. Put a <b>TS808 Mod</b> or <b>FAS Boost</b> in front with low drive and level up to tighten the lows, scoop the mids a touch, and add a gate. Cab: a factory <b>4x12 V30</b> IR with a high-cut near 8 kHz.
Rock / hard rock. A <b>Plexi 100W High</b> or <b>Brit 800</b> (JCM800) model, Drive 5–6, Master up for power-amp grind, mids forward, a British 4x12 cab. Push it with the front-end boost for solos.
Blues / classic rock. A <b>Deluxe Verb</b> or <b>Class-A 30W</b> (Vox) model at edge of breakup, Drive 3–4, and ride your guitar volume. Add a light overdrive block in front for leads.
Clean. A <b>USA Clean</b> (Fender Twin) or <b>Deluxe Verb</b> model, Drive 1–2, bright and dynamic — a great pedal platform. Add chorus and a plate/spring reverb.
Cab and Input Trim are half the tone. Most weak Fractal tones come from the cab, not the amp. Audition the factory IRs (they are excellent) or load your own, and use the Cab block's <b>low-cut (~80–100 Hz)</b> and <b>high-cut (6–9 kHz)</b> to kill mud and fizz. Save a preset per genre and use Scenes to switch fast live.
💡 On a Fractal the amp MODEL and the CAB/IR matter most — pick the model by genre (Plexi/Brit 800 for rock, 5153/Recto for metal, USA Clean for clean), keep Amp Drive moderate (4–6), tighten metal with a boost in front, and fix fizz with the cab high-cut rather than dropping gain.
What are the best Fractal Axe-Fx settings for metal?
What are the best Fractal Axe-Fx settings for metal?
Use a modern high-gain model such as 5153 Red, Recto or PVH 6160 with Amp Drive around 4–6 (not maxed), add a TS808 Mod or FAS Boost block in front with low drive and higher level to tighten the low end, a slight mid scoop, a noise gate, a factory 4x12 V30 IR, and a cab high-cut near 8 kHz to remove fizz.