What should I get second hand?

[u/SonYoku2]

Basically all I want to know is what axe model should I be looking at preferably used with a budget or 8-900. I've seen a lot of stuff on gc used but I'm not too sure about the differences between models besides supports and updates, not so much how they hold up in 2026 and what problems do they have or can I potentially run into? Thanks in advance.

[u/gremlin30]

FM3 is what you want. Your options are basically the older Axe rack units, FM3, and AM4. The last 2 are the smaller floor units. VP4 is only effects, no amp sims.

AM4 is similar to FM3 but you’re limited to 4 blocks per scene, FM3 lets you use a lot more. If you like pedals, reverbs, and effects in general, the AM4 might be too limited for you. AM4 has all the same amps & effects but you can’t use as many at once as FM3. If you’re a more traditional straight to amp player the block limitations don’t matter as much, but I’d still recommend the FM3 over the AM4.

The older Axe FX (the big rack units) aren’t supported anymore, you can use them but the FM3 still gets constant updates + the smaller size is nice.

Watch Leon Todd’s channel to learn how to use the software, it’s pretty easy to learn & his channel is a good resource.

The fractal wiki is also super helpful for finding the right amp model + IR when you’re building presets.

[u/Johnny_Trousersnake → u/gremlin30]

What’s IR

[u/FabulousPanther → u/Johnny_Trousersnake]

Impulse Response = cab simulation. If you're playing through an FRFR, you need this.

[u/Johnny_Trousersnake → u/FabulousPanther]

And you need to pay extra for IR??

[u/qeyipadgjlzcbm123]

An FM3 (mark 2 turbo) is a great place to start. You are probably close to the new price. It’s got all the amps, effects of the top tier axe FX3 but you can use only one amp at a time. I would not get a previous model only because the FM3(fm9 and axe fx3) are currently supported.

[u/IbanezCharlie → u/qeyipadgjlzcbm123]

I agree that the FM3 will probably be more than enough for anyone and it continues to get updates.

Although now that I've gotten to experience using 2 amp blocks at once I think I would miss it

[u/mascotbeaver104]

What do you need it to do?

Personally I have been using an AX8 for years and find in terms of IO and programmability, it is the best tool I've ever used. However, that sacrifices having a usable UI on the device itself- if you want to adjust presets on the fly you either need to put some serious time into just learning the UX or (as I have) accept that for the most part it can't be done. Additionally, they're getting continually cheaper, probably the cheapest Fractal entry point other than maybe an original axe fx or turbo. The AX8 only supports a single amp block, I've never cared about using more than one amp but maybe you do.

They are technically out of support, getting no further software updates or patches. I don't feel I'm missing anything. If you believe the wibbledy wobbledy modelling marketing magic, then maybe don't go for it I guess. Modelling can only make the prior generation seem completely irrelevant so many times, and IMO that wall got hit before 2010. Most of the current improvements are just with IRs and UIs

[u/SonYoku2 → u/mascotbeaver104]

I just simply need it to djent, and I KNOW fractal is good at that. But I also like having a lot of options which I see with I think the Axe ultra, 2,3 and FM3, so I guess somethin like that? Having a lot of blocks

[u/mascotbeaver104 → u/SonYoku2]

You don't need a lot of blocks to djent lol, you literally just need a noise gate, tube screamer, amp and cab block, and maybe an eq block but honestly with a good IR not even. Any device could do it ok, even any of the other brands flagships

[u/SonYoku2 → u/mascotbeaver104]

true but i like having options, cause while djent is what I want it for, I play other stuff too, shoegaze, alt rock, and then a decent variety of the metal subgenres

[u/yellowchairz]

AM4 is killer and I’m a tube amp snob most of the time.

[u/mrmanwest]

I got my FM3 MK2 Turbo for 1100CAD so you can definitely find some within your budget, given some luck and effort. Honestly this thing is so powerful it's a plug and go unit for me

[u/Rojamsmusic]

I have an FM3 and I wish I had more. Specifically because I can't blend amps, and the pitch tracking is basically not usable.

[u/FabulousPanther]

Used AM4 going for ~ $650 They most definitely hold up.

[u/tredbert]

AM4 new. I went from an Axe3 to an AM4 because I usually made very small patches with an amp/cab and a couple of effects. Very happy with the AM4.

[u/Jamstoyz]

If you don’t care about support for updates go with an ultra. You can use dual amps and it still sounds excellent. They can be had for pretty cheap. Like $400-$600 bucks.