Using a combo amp with the Fractal FM3

Okay, so, I tried it out, connecting Out 1 (or 2) to the FX Return input on my Marshall G50RCD 50 watt solid state (“transistor”) combo amp. I’m new enough to all of this that I’m learning things / making observations that are probably “duh, old hat” to most folks, but it’s novel to me.

I’m patched in with a standard instrument cable, 1/4" TS to 1/4" TS. Fractal sells a Humbuster™ cable, $20 for 15' (plus $22 to ship, plus tax...), that is probably a better solution, there’s a noticeable (although not overwhelming, at least in this application) hum even with the short cable run and both the FM3 and the amp connected to the same mains power outlet. Do I spend $44 on a cable to use this non-ideal amp, or do I put that money towards a proper FRFR setup (and the XLR cable I’ll need to feed it)? Probably the latter. Meanwhile...

Running through the FX Return input, the pre-amp controls for the amp have no effect. Gain, Bass, Middle, Treble, do nothing. There is no “volume” control on the amp used this way. Output volume is controlled using the two knobs above the main display on the FM3.

I haven’t yet setup an ideal configuration; I should setup presets that eliminate the IR block in this application. But just plugging it in and using it as-is, at low practice volumes (apartment living, sigh), it sounds fine. Changing between scenes noticeably changes the sound I‘m getting through the Marshall, as you’d expect.

Anyway. Nothing earth shattering, just, noting what works, and how it works. I still need to sit down with the Fractal and the manual and really start learning the ins and outs. But at least now I know I have a way to hear the results, without always relying on headphones. Huzzah?

Fractal FM3 connected to Marshall G50RCD combo amp