The Tone Master FR12 is the real deal. I gigged it for the first time Wednesday night with my Quad Cortex, and I felt like I was playing an amp again.

Oh my god my heart warmed so deeply when your little kiddo appeared on screen, and outright melted when you let 'em just fiddle around with your guitar while you were playing. You seem like such a good dude and loving father. I was about to comment about my appreciation for the follow-up video after your last one on the FR12, but it seems so unimportant now. Love your work and your vibes, will be joining your patreon as soon as my budget allows for it.

@ggkohler

7 ай бұрын

Well said, Danny. Johnathan pegged my respect meter with that display of love to his precious daughter!

Her volume swells and tremolo bar was exceptional... she's hired.

I tried one out at GC here in the states, they had a Helix connected to it & it sounded great to me. They only had a demo in the store that they would not sell so I scored one at Sweetwater, rather buy it there anyways & get the free 2 yr warranty. Also got a cover for it for additional $25 bucks. I think the price point is right, sounds & feels like an amp in the room which I was truly missing, It's lighter that the FRFR powered monitor I was using. Can't wait to use it at the next gig. Thanks for the great demo/review you did, your opinion help sell me on it.

Cool. I agree with what you’re saying. First FRFR I found that really was amp like and easy to use. I’ve tried them with the Tonemaster Pro, HX Stomp, Pod Go and it handled them all well.

Yes! Using it with the hotone stomp ii and it sounds remarkable. What a joy to play with this combination

What a player! Awesome tone, technique and feel. I’ve gigged with Charlie Allen a fair bit and to me you have the same fluency and imaginative approach to playing.

GRG AT G210 ST man myself. Nearfield monitor sounds translate very, very well to this active FRFR cab. And made of Carbon Fibre, so it’s a spine saver as well.

Thanks, John, for giving us your thoughts on this amp, I've been waiting to hear more about this amp. it will be great to hear your thoughts after you gig with it.

Exactly what I’m looking for! Thanks for the great video! Love your channel!!

I like having a linear power amp like SLA-1 and I hook it to my Marshall 2x12 (or any other cab you want) and works great with modelers. It's a great solution, you're not stuck to a particular cab or a modeller

Nice follow up review John . I’m sure others will say the same but if you are used to playing through amps the noise floor hiss is always there. If youve been brought up with Multifx and modellers through a set of monitors you will notice it. I’ve not tried this monitor yet but having played amps all my life , l know it won’t be an issue and suspect it will probably make the overall experience more amp like

Hi John, I use a Celestion FRLR Triple Cone Speaker F12M-150 in a 1 x 12 closed back cab with an Orange Pedal Baby Amp and Line 6 HX Stomp. This combination is the best I've had for an FRFR set up. But I'm tempted to try the new Fender and compare the two rigs with my HX Stomp. Regards, John

Think youve talked me into this. Looks like a real fender amp too!

Beautiful interaction with your daughter there! I have a request for content: I've never played through a modeler, nor used digital recording setup like yours. Would you please, at some point run through your recording setup and process of building your backing tracks? Many thanks for all you do Johnathan. You are my go-to source for good content, and I Will be joining as able.

You do great work John. I have a couple questions - first, have you tried recording directly through the XLR output to see if / how it colors the signal? And I can't seem to find any info online as to whether the output is just a *through* of the raw signal from the modeler that remains unchanged regardless of any changes made to the tone and volume knobs, or if it reflects the changes to the knobs. Also wondering if you've tried the Boss GX-100 through it yet (the poor Boss doesn't get enough love, and it seems to me to be the best bang for the buck in that range)

I've got about 15 gigs in mine with 3 full band rehearsals and it's better than anything else that I've owned plus the looks don't hurt either. As far as the hiss goes, if I put my ear about 6 inches away I can hear it otherwise it's totally silent in fact had I not read about it in a complaint I wouldn't have known it existed. The hum from the power section of my tube amps is louder so it's a non issue. I tend to run my presets a bit hotter and that might be because of the other FRFRs that I have so gig level has me running the master on the Fender around 4 and I use it as a traditional amp. Any higher and it's too loud. Great video, thanks John.

How lovely to see the youngest member of the family joining in!

Little Elodie's cameo was best part of the performance! How adorable!

I'm only a home player, but my experience with the FR-12 is very similar, and the hiss really isn't an issue.

I play my Helix through the effects loop of my Line 6 DT50 212, and it sounds great to my ears. No need for a FRFR, except for the weight, which is punishing.

1975 vibes on that opening track, brother! Sounds great!

Thank God the wee sound lady stepped in to help you with your tone there. She's a bit on the short side tho. ❤

What an adorable intro! 😍

It sounds great! The baby is adorable. God Bless 🙏

Just curious: what speaker is in it, and how much of the great sound is because of that? Asking because I'm wondering whether it can be bought separately

Elodie Peeking in, so cute. A great Backing track here JOHN.

Great to hear there is a good frfr (for not crazy money) out there. I’m assuming that for at home use you’ll still just stick to the studio monitors? Ie, this a solution just for when you’re out and about?

This is a great topic. Would love comparison by John of the Catalyst 100 and this because I’ve had the catalyst on my radar since it was introduced. Now with the inclusion of catalyst amps in v3.70 this might be a really good option.

@dkhsnyder

7 ай бұрын

I have the Catalyst 60. Not a great FRFR. Standalone it is a great amp for the money. I have found the Katana 100 sounds much better as a FRFR. I've had the line 6 power cab and an alto 10 inch cab.

@boshi9

7 ай бұрын

@@dkhsnyder Do you prefer Katana 100 for FRFR over the Power Cab and the Alto as well?

@robschaller9061

6 ай бұрын

@@boshi9 I didnt care for the Catalyst and bought the Katana. I use it as my practice amp and if I go out to an open jam. If Im playing a gig, its the Marshall with my vintage 4 x 10

How well does it work if you send the same signal to FOH (or studio monitors) and the Tonemaster? In other words, is it really FRFR, or do you need to EQ each differently?

I work at Bonners Music and tried this cab with my helix!! Sounds great to my ears 👍🏼

@gotguitar

7 ай бұрын

Please say hello (from California) to Myke for me. 😀

@Widdy5150

7 ай бұрын

@gotguitar Haha, yes I will 👍🏼

I've been using the Fr12 since October 28th. The response this cab gives along with the output adjustments you can make on the fly + the high cut makes it near perfect. My only gripe is the small hiss sound that emmenates from the 1 inch driver, high cut removed most of the noise, and you can easily add that freq back in on the global EQ. There is a hardware fix for this issue, as discussed on the fractal forums, but I'm not certain it's enough of a problem to warrant me chasing down that fix any time soon.

Hiya John , does the TMP have a specific file format for the presets , moreover can the presets be imported/exported to others like Boss have with TSL and Line 6 have with HLX formats?

Cutest intro you’ve ever done 👶

Cool video John! Tell me, do you really still use your boss katana? I doubt the choice of amplifier, I would like to buy it and never change it when playing at home on the couch. What would you take? Thank you, your videos are inspiring!

Got my Fr10 and yep it definitely has a hiss and everything as you described (reducing when you turn cut). But if I didn't read about it online - I would probably even didn't notice it. Overall it sounds impressive, really enjoyable. Personally use tube preamps and Torpedo Cab M. Sounds for me like a real thing.

@BobbyCulpepper.srv3fender

7 ай бұрын

are you glad you got the 10 over the 12?

@alexeydubrov8923

7 ай бұрын

@@BobbyCulpepper.srv3fender I bought it not for the gigs, but for playing in room. Don't think they sound much different. I glad that I can set it quite enough without loosing in sound.

@canopy-guitarsgear5615

7 ай бұрын

@@alexeydubrov8923now that makes me curious ❤

@rinkydinky-ob9pe

7 ай бұрын

im glad you said there was a definite hiss, ive heard this on a few sites, id rather spend a few quidditch more on something better, fender dont seem to make anything that doesnt have a hiss in my experience

@alexeydubrov8923

7 ай бұрын

@@rinkydinky-ob9pe yes there is a hiss if it directed straight to your ear. Otherwise it not recognisable.

Are you keeping the impulse response/cab sim on in your preset and going to the FR12 or disabling it? I am keen to get one with my Quad Cortex but unsure if i should leave the CabSim on or off

Awesome review. Really enjoy your playing. Do you any albums out?

Is this FR-12 to be used as a FRFR-Speaker, so that you use on the modeler the Amp Model plus a Cabinet/IR? Or is it supposed to get only the amp Model and the FR12 itself works as a cabinet? Thanks 🤗

Loved the baby whammies!

thanks. i think i'm going to get one. tired of playing through headphones and monitor speakers. just want something in the corner like a real amp and looks like this is the best option

Hi - picked one up (largely on your recommendation) - using with Helix - and sounds great at home...gigs coming up. Do you still use the helix cabs when using this? (they seem to work fine so far, but wondered what's best for live). I did not notice any hiss at all. Also, at gig, did you run the helix direct to PA or did you use the FR12 out to PA? any sense of what works best? Thanks!

I totaly love mine!

My lfr112 has a hiss but it doesn't seem as noticeable as what ive heard from this on KZread vids. The hiss on mine isnt related to settings as far as i know though its just the amplifier noise through the tweeter.

I'd love to hear how the FR-12 (or FR-10) works with amplified acoustic guitar. -Tom

Looks cool too!

Anyone know how vocals would sound through this as well. I have an IRX and the thought would be to run the IRX to the mixer then have my vocals and guitar come back through this as a monitor?

Super interested in the Laney but I hear it might not be loud enough for a heavy rock band. Delighted to hear the Fender is good. Should be louder and it's way lighter with less features. And NO LEDS, lol. Seems perfect

Haven’t tried the Fender, but the Tech 21 Power Engine Deuce Deluxe is the best implementation of the FRFR cab concept I have tried and the price is reasonable too. Try one if you can find one.

I find a lot of users don’t fully undestand how to use the Powercab (how unlike a guitarist to not read the manual). I use mine with a Helix Floor with output set to +9dB set to FLAT. I then back of the high on the Powercab globals by -3dB. Matches the sound of the Bose PA fine. Some people don’t realise that any of the other setting are the speaker without mic through the cab and so won’t sound the same as the same cab on the Helix itself. The real bonus though is when you use the AES connection. I can feel the immediacy of touch with one less ADA conversion. On a side note there is gap in the market for an instrument to balanced line level DI box for plugging into FRFRs

@peterworam9376

Ай бұрын

I have the same setup. I'm a long time Line 6 user (Flextone XL, Vetta, Helix/PowerCab112+, Variax 300, 700 & standard) and love their stuff, but they over engineer things. K.I.S.S. goes a long way. You're setting the PowerCab option in the Helix to FLAT and +9dB? As far as I can recall, you only get 6 dB of gain with the Helix PowerCab settings. I've also found the PowerCab speaker options all color the XLR pass through to FOH. I'm thinking of selling my PowerCab for the FR12; I like the fact that you can pass through the amp/cab settings on the Helix to FOH and and still get a good AIR feel. I think the PowerCab is a great piece of gear, but I can't figure out how to do that. I can get a good FOH sound, or a passable AIR sound, but can't seem to be able to do both using the power link. Maybe I'm missing something.

@davidyelland908

Ай бұрын

@@peterworam9376The Helix Floor set to +9db not the Powercab. BTW the PC will go to +12db. The flat setting is the only PC setting that doesn’t add a mic to its xlr out.

@peterworam9376

Ай бұрын

@@davidyelland908 That's the problem. You end up having to run a separate line from the Helix for FOH. The powercab doesn't have an option to pass thru the XLR/L6Link input to FOH when using the LF Flat/Raw/Speaker modes for AIR response. It's one or the other. Also, having to dime the Helix output for the Powercab causes problems with anything going to FOH. That was one of my initial beefs with the Helix/PC combo - the Helix PC level setting needs more than +6db to get the PC input in the operational sweet spot.

@davidyelland908

Ай бұрын

@@peterworam9376 Surely Flat is meant to simply amplify what you put in and not to attempt amp in the room? The XLR out is active for all settings too. BTW the Helix Floor XLR outputs are at +12db max. I run mine like that with the volume control set to 1/4 only so it can't accidentally affect my FOH level. I am just checking levels into my DAW. With the input gains set identically and using line inputs, the digital out on the Helix Floor needs to be set to +12db to match the XLR outputs. I think the idea of the amp in the room only really works as intended with Line 6 cabs. Idea being pick the same cab as you were using in the floor unit for the PC. You must then turn off the cab in the HF. The PC then models the speaker as AIR but adds whatever mic you chose to the DI.......but not in Flat/Natural. Unfortunately now that the cab engine in the HF has been updated, we will have to wait and see if the PC gets the same as at the moment you can't move the mic position across the speaker. Don't you just love it when only part of a system gets upgraded. Lastly the sweet spot only actually matters for the models and not the Flat. BTW I feed the PA direct from the HF as I often have to play on a silent stage.

John Nathan Cordy's ASMR debut.

Sounds good but noise floor disconcerting, Would be interested in a review of the Seymour Duncan Powerstage 100 Stereo with a couple of Celestion F12M-150 Triple Cones.

That intro track was top notch, I want to be able to listen to it on demand! Any chance of putting a full length on spotify?

Hi! Great video mate. Will the backing track eventually be available on your Patreon?

i have one but i have problems to take a good stage sound only if i cranked the volume up. can you do a video on how to calibrate volume sound to have a good stage sound? i have a Quad Cortex

Great video ! Very informative. Albeit I would add the other biggest issue with modelers is the inability to easily set the volumes to all presets to the same level. If only there was a way to have a master and “easily” set all patches to hit at the same level. Now THAT would be a game changer. Don’t get me wrong…I’m not saying it can’t be done….just not easily.

@scottbullard3479

7 ай бұрын

The Headrush units have an output level meter that greatly helps you balance output levels between rigs. I have the original Pedalboard and have all my rigs balanced, you just need to do some tweaks to accommodate perceived volume differences with clean and overdriven settings.

@R0BL68

7 ай бұрын

@@scottbullard3479 That is awesome ! I’d have to give that some serious consideration

I really seriously can’t understand why more FRFR like this have taken so long to hit the market. I’m waiting for a stereo 2x12

@deanopie4390

7 ай бұрын

@@user-hc2rz6vs8h damn!

@gdawgs101

7 ай бұрын

​@@user-hc2rz6vs8hPowercab also just doesn't sound as good as this one tho. I've spent time with both and the Fende took almost zero tweaking to sound good. The Powercab can sound really good, but it takes some time to get there in my experience. Just pick up two FR12s/FR10s and call it a day

@ChuckTheHamster

6 ай бұрын

Try the Harley Benton 2x12 FRFR 👍

Man, I love my EV PXM12-MP but this thing looks so much better. Wish i could try one out with my quad cortex but the hiss could be a dealbreaker depending on how bad it is.

How many more people would watch if you added puppies with the baby? Fantastic opening tune.....

Tube amps are heavy, and I’m always waiting for failure. I’ve been lucky but I have some UAFX sims and I am into them. And did I mention tube amp load out?

If im not mistaken. Most people reporting a "hiss" were also using the Fender Tonemaster floor unit, and it's an issue with the AUX setting being enabled by default, once disabled it fixed it.

@kevinreynolds6792

7 ай бұрын

No I’ve got a QC and it’s the same. With or without anything plugged in

@bluesman815

4 ай бұрын

I have the FR-10 and I don't hear any hiss. I run a tonemaster pro and a Strymon Iridium and both sound great. Maybe it's my old ass hearing. I've seen videos on KZread where there's definitely an audible hiss without anything plugged into them, as well. Mine sounds amazing.

frfr no cap that sounds pretty good

Love the whisper...! This hiss thing is silly...!

Ya know, your daughter is going to be absolutely brilliant. 😎

yeah, i keep babies in my studio too. its great for sound dampening. put a few babies in each corner and it makes a good bass trap.

Sold my Powercab 112+ after playing my FR12 - It is the BEST sounding FRFR cab to me so far. Really amp in the room feels.

@fabianvasquezjr8852

4 ай бұрын

I'm trying to figure out which one to get line 6 or the fender?

@synonyx

4 ай бұрын

@@fabianvasquezjr8852 get the Fender. It sounds better in the room than the powercab.

Sounds awesome. I just like Fender, period! Come to the US and tour! I love your expressive playing.

Is this FR12 so much different than using a Katana MKII through its power amp in?

I tried the F 12 on a gig and I did not like it. I was running a Tonex and a BOSS IR200 thru it. Sounded good at home but didn't cut through the mix live. I had to keep turning it up. A 1000 watts? Really? I ended up returning it. So far for me the BOSS GT-1000 Core is the best gigging pedal I've used. It sounds good through everything I run it thru. I am curious about the Fractal FM3 though.

How will it sound with a mix of modeller IR and conventional andalog pedals

I have the Harley Benton G112A-FR, which is much cheaper. It only has 100 W in stead of 1000 for Fender, but it's less than half the price, and it gives me a real guitar amp feeling.

@brucehayes7251

7 ай бұрын

I have a slight wariness of 1000 watts being available,the 100 watt Harley Benton might be closer to the truth

Damn! That solo at the end! So hot!! Game over dude :) 😎 @JNC

The hiss is on the first batch. Fender rectified the issue on the latest cabs.

I really wish there was 2x12 stereo version. I love my stereo delays and dual amps. Guess I’ll have to get two…

@synonyx

7 ай бұрын

I'd imagine they should have a twin 2x12 coming up - Hopefully in tweed to look like a real fender twin.

@nmv881

7 ай бұрын

@@synonyx 🤞🏻

Dont know if you mention the weight, but as far as I can see, it is more than 1 kg heavier than the Tonemaster Deluxe Reverb, for example. Still lighter than a tube amp, but I would have hoped for a lower weight (8-9 kgs ish) I'm guessing it's not a dealbreaker for you, but it might be for older guys? How do you find the weight and size - easy to throw in the car?

Back in the day Rols-Royce released a Ghost model, that was so silent inside, they had to add a spraker to pretend a normal, car noise. Because people didn't feel comfortable inside. Same story with Fender. People complaint that modelers, and profilers, connected to FRFR speakers sound artificial. So they added some hiss, to make it feel more like a real amp 😉

Two of those in stereo would be immense!

I use qsc cp8 as my FRFR, you think its a good change with this?

i wonder how will it sound with the kemper

I hope fender will fix this problem

I love that BRIGHT clean tone at the top. “1975”ish. What is that please????

Would love to see you try out the new Spark Cab from Positive Grid and compare!

Quilter Tone Block, in FRFR mode, solved this a while back

John, we’re going to need a gig report on this. If it replaces your current setup of tube amp and cab, then it’s legit.

@NateTheMeh

7 ай бұрын

@@user-hc2rz6vs8hI think he regularly uses the helix, but also has specifically taken a tube Rig out in the last few months to see if he was missing out in anything. Hard to tell what the consensus is

The hiss is easily solved by swapping IC5 and IC8 from TL084 to OPA4227PA. $25 in parts and it's quiet as a mouse.

@mikej6565

6 ай бұрын

@crew66 Not sure your level of soldering experience, but it is quite simple. Buy the OPA4227PA from Mouser (too many other counterfeit ones sold elsewhere). Then you have to desolder the old ones. I use a Hakko FR301 desoldering gun. You could save money by using a desoldering sucker/pump for about $15. (Then you can either put a socket in so you can drop in the new opamp, or you can solder the new opamp in and leave it for life (that's what I did). Great upgrade! So quiet I forgot it was on!

FR12 sounds amazing.

It would be nice to hear your thoughts on the Laney LFR 112…

@mathiasbruce6582

7 ай бұрын

Definitely! I have one and like it, but it's always interesting to get professional opinions with greater frames of reference. If the Fender one is even better, I'll trade up.

@juankmarte4046

6 ай бұрын

Have you gigged with it? Im curious about how much it handles playing with drummers​@@mathiasbruce6582

Only thing I am curious about is how it sounds with hx stomp compared to my katana artist mk2 100. I have been loving using the katana power amp input jack with hx stomp. Leaves only access to master volume and power setting on katana and bypasses everything else. So I’m not sure if it would be worth $550 bucks for the fr-12 or pay another $50 dollars and get the mk2 artist 100? Any thoughts on that? Cheers

@synonyx

7 ай бұрын

My HX Stomp sounded great through it! Much better than my Powercab 112+

Can you try the amp with an acoustic guitar? I am afraid that his thing will be a big issue.

Can this thing keep up with a loud drummer?

Its amazing how, given that many prominent youtubers have mentioned this time and again that, FRFR cabs which look like guitar cabs are not more of a thing. Especially taking into account how much things have moved in that direction. My wish is someone would do it in the THR/Spark40 style desktop form factor. fwiw I have two stomps. I use one with a spark running a "flat" preset. That's what I play with most. The other is permanently hooked up to a PC and used with studio monitors.

@angrygoldfish

7 ай бұрын

Maybe the design of them at a reasonable price has been hard for manufacturers to get together. Like you I would have thought Fender would have had loads of competition by now, but they don't. So few companies are tapping into this market. I ended up using my old heavy tube amp and disabled my IR's in the global settings because I couldn't find a solution I liked. It's only now that I can see myself buying something.

@canopy-guitarsgear5615

7 ай бұрын

@@angrygoldfish I can see that obviously a small FRFR isn’t as useful with no models and I’m told the THR does have a flat mode. My mate with one also gigs with a 100w mustang using the studio preset with a stomp. I’ve also found that ‘flat’ for FRFR isn’t as straightforward as it seems which I’m assuming is why there’s so much variance with cabs

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to decide between FR10 and FR12?

Mission has already done this . . .

Hum and Hiss is owned by Fender 😆😆🤣🤣 - sounds great by the way 👍👍👍👍

Isn’t this basically what a Line6 Powercab+ does? If you don’t use the helix speaker cab model but instead use the powercab’s speaker models (speaker, not cab) it sounds like a real amp and not a mic’d cab.

Great video. And that tone and phrasing on the outro solo was just phenomenal.

Please compare this to Laney LFR-112

That intro made me want to have a baby, so cute!

Future guitarist debut at 1:05 :)

Are there any FRFR cabs out there that have two speakers that you can run in stereo?

@tomkare

6 ай бұрын

Line 6 Powercab 212 Plus 👍