NAM A2 Arrives on Fractal Axe-Fx III in Epic New Update
Fractal Firmware 33.00 brings NAM A2 amp modeling to Axe-Fx III. New NAM block, TONE3000 integration, enhanced effects, and massive routing flexibility.
Fractal Audio has just dropped a game-changing update for guitarists everywhere. The highly anticipated Firmware 33.00 for the Axe-Fx III officially introduces a dedicated Neural Amp Modeler (NAM) block, bringing the revolutionary NAM A2 technology directly into the Fractal ecosystem.
For tone enthusiasts, this marriage of Fractal’s industry-leading effects and NAM’s hyper-realistic amp captures is nothing short of a dream come true.
The Power of NAM A2 Meets Fractal
Developed in a powerhouse collaboration between NAM creator Steve Atkinson and TONE3000, Architecture 2 (A2) is widely regarded as the most accurate open-source amp modeling technology ever built. It delivers unprecedented sonic accuracy while dramatically reducing CPU overhead compared to older architectures.
By natively supporting these profiles in Firmware 33.00, Fractal is empowering Axe-Fx III users to load incredibly detailed captures of amplifiers, overdrive pedals, fuzzes, and preamps directly into their signal chain without needing external hardware or computer plugins.
How the New NAM Block Works
Fractal hasn't just ported NAM; they've integrated it flawlessly. The new NAM block runs on the exact same core processing as Fractal's legendary Amp block. Users can run models in two distinct modes: Full and Lite.
Because of the Axe-Fx III's immense processing power, routing possibilities are massive. You can seamlessly run two standard Amp blocks alongside a Full NAM block. Alternatively, you can run one Amp block and two NAM blocks (one Full and one Lite, or both Full if you are using a Turbo DSP-equipped unit).
Adding to the flexibility, the NAM block features over a dozen built-in tone stacks. These range from generic active EQs to meticulously modeled passive tube amp networks, ensuring your captures react dynamically and authentically to EQ tweaks just like the real hardware.
Memory Management & Seamless Workflow
Loading your favorite TONE3000 captures is a breeze. Guitarists can simply drag and drop downloaded .nam files directly into the NAM Manager within Axe-Edit. Even more exciting, Fractal has announced that built-in TONE3000 integration is coming soon to Axe-Edit, which will allow users to browse and download models from the massive TONE3000 library directly inside the software!
A quick note for owners: If you are rocking an Axe-Fx III Mark I, the NAM storage will replace User Cab Bank 2, so be sure to back up any custom IRs before updating. Mark II and Turbo owners are unaffected, as those units feature dedicated memory specifically allocated for NAM profiles.
Beyond NAM: What Else is in Firmware 33.00?
While the NAM integration is the undisputed headliner, Firmware 33.00 is packed with other massive quality-of-life and tonal upgrades to solidify the Axe-Fx III's dominance:
- Enhanced Amp Block: Improved preamp-to-power amp interaction, more accurate voltage sag, and opened-up dynamics for amps utilizing cathode followers.
- Revamped Pitch Block: A brand new statistical pitch detector brings faster tracking and reduced latency. The addition of "Formant Correct" and "Formant Shift" controls allows for incredibly natural pitch shifting. You can even use the Formant Shift on its own to make a standard guitar sound like a baritone or mandolin.
- Moog-Style Ladder Filter: A highly accurate new emulation of the classic Moog Ladder filter that features unique overdrive characteristics and true self-oscillation.
- Refined Drive & Effects Blocks: Updates to the drive diode clippers, bit crusher, flanger, reverb, and compressor algorithms eliminate digital artifacts and deliver smoother, more musical tones.
A New Golden Era for Tone
With creators like Liveplayrock already releasing NAM A2 packs fully optimized for Firmware 33.00, the Fractal community is entering a thrilling new era.
Combining the absolute best open-source amp-capturing technology in the world with Fractal’s unbeatable grid routing and studio-grade effects is a massive win for the global guitar community. Update your Axe-Fx III today and prepare to be blown away by the limitless tonal possibilities!
- +Native NAM A2 amp modeling without external hardware or plugins
- +Over a dozen built-in tone stacks for authentic EQ response
- +Massive routing flexibility and signal chain options
- +Improved preamp-to-power amp interaction and dynamics
- +New Moog-style ladder filter with self-oscillation
- +Enhanced pitch detection with formant correction
- +TONE3000 integration coming soon to Axe-Edit
- +Seamless drag-and-drop .nam file loading
- −Mark I owners lose User Cab Bank 2 storage for NAM profiles
What is NAM A2 and why does it matter for Axe-Fx III users?
NAM A2 is the most accurate open-source amp modeling technology available, developed by Steve Atkinson and TONE3000. It captures amplifiers, pedals, and preamps with unprecedented sonic accuracy while using less CPU overhead. Adding it to Axe-Fx III lets users load these detailed profiles directly into their signal chain without external hardware or plugins.
How many NAM blocks can I run simultaneously on Axe-Fx III?
On standard Axe-Fx III, you can run two standard Amp blocks alongside one Full NAM block. Alternatively, run one Amp block and two NAM blocks (one Full and one Lite, or both Full on Turbo DSP-equipped units). Mark I users should note NAM storage replaces User Cab Bank 2.
Will TONE3000 integration come to Axe-Edit?
Yes. Fractal has announced that built-in TONE3000 integration is coming soon to Axe-Edit, allowing users to browse and download models from the TONE3000 library directly within the software, eliminating the need to manually drag-and-drop .nam files.
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