Stop Chasing Crunch Tones -- Build One That Actually Works!

If you’re using an Axe-Fx III, FM9, FM3 or even the AM4 and still chasing crunch tones, the issue usually isn’t the amp model — it’s how the tone is being approached.

In this video, I show how I built a crunch tone that works well for a bunch of different crunch vibes on Fractal devices, focusing on feel, balance, and musical usability rather than endless tweaking.

This video is part of an ongoing series focused on building guitar tones that actually work in the real world.




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Timestamps:
0:00 – Sound preview (all tones, one preset)
0:30 – What this preset is & why it exists
0:58 – Signal path overview (amp + cab foundation)
1:29 – Why the speaker comes before the amp
1:47 – Default cab vs custom IRs
2:27 – Real-world speaker continuity explained
3:24 – Phase alignment (why it matters)
4:43 – Before & after phase alignment
6:32 – Cab block fine-tuning (proximity, preamp, room)
9:22 – Why the amp is easier once the cab is right
9:58 – Default amp vs tweaked version
10:19 – Tone tab (treating it like a real amp)
11:43 – Ideal tab (low cut & tightening the gain)
13:07 – Preamp tab & boost types explained
14:18 – Why no drive pedal on this crunch tone
14:52 – Speaker tab & impedance curves (Fractal-specific)
17:28 – Input EQ (mid shaping
18:35 – Output EQ (more mid shaping)
19:12– Dynamics tab (improving feel)
19:38 – Fractal Wiki (essential resource)
20:15 – Short dry comparison
20:52 – Free crunch preset & ConTONEuum context
21:16 – Wrap-up: why this crunch tone works



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