The Fractal Audio FM9 is a floor-based digital amp modeler and multi-effects unit for guitar and bass. It runs on four DSP cores using Fractal's Cygnus amp modeling technology, and Fractal describes it as its most powerful floor unit to date1. Each of its four channels can run any of 280+ amp models, and it ships with the entire cabinet collection from the flagship Axe-Fx III, over 2200 cabs in total1.
Alongside amp and cab modeling, the FM9 covers the effects a player would expect from a full multi-effects unit: 57 modeled overdrive pedals, over 50 reverbs, and chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo, wah, EQ, filter and pitch effects1. It also works as a built-in USB audio interface with 8-channel recording and 8-channel playback, and Fractal positions the floor unit as suited to both studio and live applications12.
What it does
The FM9 is a digital modeler: instead of carrying amps and a pedalboard, a player dials in modeled amplifiers, cabinets and effects in one floor unit1. It uses Fractal's Cygnus amp modeling technology, and Fractal says the FM9 is its most powerful floor unit to date1. The effects selection includes 57 modeled overdrive pedals, over 50 reverbs, and chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo, wah, EQ, filter, and pitch effects1.
The signal chain building blocks break down like this:
- 280+ amp models, each with four available channels1
- 2200+ cabinet models from the Axe-Fx III collection1
- 1024 locations for uploading your own impulse responses1
- 57 modeled overdrive pedals1
- Over 50 reverbs1
- Chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo, wah, EQ, filter and pitch effects1
Editing and setup can be done on a computer through the FM9-Edit desktop editor, provided for graphical setup of the unit; Bass Gear Magazine's reviewer noted that Fractal Audio "always invests in top-notch desktop editors, with FM9-Edit certainly not bucking that trend"3. The FM9 Owner's Manual, version 3.x dated August 17, 2022, is available as a PDF5.
Fractal has since expanded the FM9 line with the FM9 Mark II Turbo, which also uses the FM9-Edit desktop editor for graphical setup3.
Controls and footswitches
The FM9 carries nine footswitches, each with its own vari-color LED ring, and a mini LCD above each switch showing its current assignment1. The switches are tap/hold footswitches, customizable through the Layouts feature, which provides nine different sets of tap and hold functions1.
For players who need more switching, the FASLINK II port allows up to two additional Fractal Audio FC-12 or FC-6 foot controllers to be connected, and an external switch or expression pedal can also be plugged in1. Bass Gear Magazine's spec sheet for the Mark II Turbo lists the FASLINK II interface as one XLR-F connector, with a warning to connect it only to the FASLINK II connector on a Fractal Audio FC controller3.
Third-party add-ons exist as well. American Loopers makes a replacement mini footswitch for the FM9 with two clickless buttons that adds the Stand-in-Switch function; it connects using two mono TS cables, one per switch, using two ports6.
Fractal recommends buying a humbuster cable for each device connected to the FM9, and expression pedals require special cables2.
Inputs, outputs and connections
The FM9's rear panel covers studio and stage routing in one box. Gearnews listed the launch-model I/O as follows1:
| Connection | Details |
|---|---|
| Instrument input | 1/4"1 |
| Stereo line inputs | Two separate stereo pairs of balanced 1/4" jacks1 |
| Main outputs | Stereo, with both XLR and 1/4" outs1 |
| Analog Output 2 (Mark II Turbo) | (2) XLR balanced with Ground Lift, selectable between -10 dBV and +4 dBu in software3 |
| Digital I/O | 48k SPDIF in and out1 |
| Headphones | 1/4" jack; Mark II Turbo spec: stereo phone jack, 35 Ω impedance13 |
| MIDI | 5-pin DIN input and Out/Thru; MIDI over USB13 |
| Pedal interface | (3) 1/4" TRS phone jacks; pedal 10 to 100 kΩ max, or SPST switch, momentary or latching3 |
| FASLINK II | (1) XLR-F, for Fractal Audio FC controllers3 |
Bass Gear Magazine characterized the unit overall as a "floor-based," 9-footswitch, 3-input/3-output guitar and bass amp modeler and effects processor, audio interface and looper3.
USB audio and recording
The FM9's USB audio and recording functions are documented in the FM9 Owner's Manual, version 3.x dated August 17, 2022, available as a PDF5. Setup and editing on a computer can also be done graphically through the FM9-Edit desktop editor3.
What reviewers said
Gearnews' launch coverage concluded that "On paper, the FM9 should have all you need for most scenarios" and that it would appeal to fans of Fractal modeled tones1.
Bass Gear Magazine's Sean Fairchild reviewed the FM9 Mark II Turbo in March 2025 and judged it3:
"Fractal Audio Systems' FM9 is world class; touring class; professional grade."
He expanded that it offers "some of the finest and most flexible tones and timbres available today at any price point," while noting that personalizing it takes effort unless you are already familiar with Fractal Audio's methodology3.
Videos
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Questions
How much does the Fractal Audio FM9 cost?
The FM9 launched at USD 1599 recommended retail price in 2021. Guitar World gave the price as $1,799 in November 2025, and Bass Gear Magazine listed the FM9 Mark II Turbo at $1,799 USD in March 2025, so the current street figure sits at the higher of the two.
Can the Fractal FM9 load third-party impulse responses?
Yes. The FM9 provides 1024 locations to upload your own impulse responses, alongside the factory cabinet collection, so a player can load third-party IR files into the unit's user slots.
Does the Fractal FM9 work as a USB audio interface?
Yes. It has a built-in USB audio interface with 8-channel recording and 8-channel playback. The FM9 Mark II Turbo is USB Audio Class 2.0 compliant with 8 input and 8 output channels and a fixed 48 kHz audio clock.
Can I add extra footswitches to the Fractal FM9?
Yes. The FASLINK II port lets you connect up to two additional Fractal Audio FC-12 or FC-6 foot controllers. Third-party options exist too: American Loopers makes a mini footswitch with two clickless buttons that connects using two mono TS cables and two ports.
How many amp models does the Fractal FM9 have?
The FM9 offers 280+ amp models, each with four channels available, running on Fractal's Cygnus amp modelling technology across four DSP cores. It also ships with 2200+ cabinet models and 57 modelled overdrive pedals.
Sources (6)
- Fractal Audio FM9: Can the new mega-modeller get Fractal back in the game?, gearnews.com, 2021-08-27
- FM9 Reviews, Fractal Audio Systems, 2025-06-04
- Fractal Audio Systems FM9 Mark II Turbo, Bass Gear Magazine, 2025-03-06
- Fractal AM4 amp modeler takes on IK Multimedia and Line 6, Guitar World, 2025-11-25
- FM9 Downloads, Fractal Audio Systems, 2022-08-17
- Replacement Mini Footswitch for Fractal FM9, American Loopers
