Quad Cortex or Fractal FM3 MKii

guitarmansteve77

I'm looking at these two units and can't decide which to go for.
I like the sound of both but think the Fractal possibly edges it in sound but prefer the QC interface and ease of use. 
Unfortunately I can't demo either one and only have YouTube videos to go off. 
What are people's thoughts on these two and what do you prefer? 
Cheers!

mrleon83

It depends how much updated and support mean to you, if they are important, fractal all day long.

i doubt you can go wrong with either

ive been using an fm3 for 18montzs now and it just gets better.

keep an eye on the fractal forum, if the next update has gapless switching then it’s a no brained to go for the fm3 (looks quite likely) 

Wazmeister

I've been looking for a FM3 Mkii for a while... haven't seen any used yet 

John_P

I've had lots of fractal units (not the fm3 though) and they are great, with regular updates but I'm preferring the QC at the moment - imo it's more intuitive to edit and gives the options of models of captures and finding a good ir or capture that you like gives great sounds.  
The fractal has more effects, but the QC has all the effects I could ever use, so might depend if you need anything fancy.  

From what I've seen on the FB groups Neural offer really good support and will repair/replace units if anyone has an issue as will fractal I assume, but both units will be super reliable. 

Blaendulais

I have both. Fractal sounds are in a different league. Also massively robust build whereas QC feels a little fragile.  

Nerine

Fractal all day. Not even a question. 

guitarmansteve77

Thanks everyone, I've gone with a FM3, I think it seems to have the sounds and features I need. Cheers!

mrleon83

Be sure to join up to the fractal forum, right now there’s speculation and excitement about the latest axe fx updates coming to the fm3 (and 9) :-) 

https://forum.fractalaudio.com/

mrleon83

Obvs only if your into that.. 

AndyJP

Have just been through the FM3 vs Quad Cortex decision. I went for a MK 1 FM3.  Here's my 2p...

The reason I went Fractal is for sound and build quality. I didn’t want anything with a proprietary power supply in case I forgot it at a gig.  The Fractal units have standard Kettle style power cables, the QC does not.  Plus the QC power supply looks pretty flimsy.  Regarding the Quad Cortex I got put off by some posts about hardware issues. Also the warranty can't be transfered.   

The Fractal app is really good so don’t really mind that the onboard UI doesn’t match the Quad Cortex. And I think I could make basic tweaks at a gig no problem.

The switching in the FM3 is powerful. Using it in stomp mode and not getting any lag.  The three buttons are surprisingly flexible.

A FM3 MK1 is fine for my purposes. I only use a single amp at a time. Able to build up presets with multiple overdrives and delays and never seem to get over 70% processing power. The MK2 is probably wasted on me.

Wazmeister

I've owned both, more than once

I think the Fractal is better sound quality in all areas, BUT the ease of use of the QC is really to be admired. It's fun and easy to use, whereas the Fractal has a steeper learning curve.

I guess in reality, most the the modern devices are similar in quality and excellence. 

Wazmeister

I’ve submitted and ordered an FM3 MKii Turbo. Arrived in one day from G66 - superb service from Sukh.

Very impressive unit.

nero1701

Wazmeister said:

I’ve submitted and ordered an FM3 MKii Turbo. Arrived in one day from G66 - superb service from Sukh.

Very impressive unit.

Oh..cheeky

AndyJP

@Wazmeister ;Nice one. Are G66 doing discounts like in the US?

mrkb

AndyJP said:

@Wazmeister ;;Nice one. Are G66 doing discounts like in the US?

G66 never do discounts, but post sales service is good.

Wazmeister

AndyJP said:

@Wazmeister ;Nice one. Are G66 doing discounts like in the US?

No chance !

Roland

G66 do occasionally have returns which they sell as B stock. You have to haunt their website

AndyJP

Wazmeister said:

AndyJP said:

@Wazmeister ;Nice one. Are G66 doing discounts like in the US?

No chance !

Boo!

guitarmangler

They currently have a fm9 with a £64 discount under B stock. 

Wazmeister

guitarmangler said:

They currently have a fm9 with a £64 discount under B stock. 

Looks like its sold now

guitarmangler

Wazmeister said:

guitarmangler said:

They currently have a fm9 with a £64 discount under B stock. 

Looks like its sold now

A ha! Early Christmas present to yourself? I’m debating whether to get one, as well. Let us know how you get on.