ICONS

ICONS is a new Fractal Audio product. Information will be added as it becomes available.

About ICONS

ICONS is Fractal Audio's plugin series, bringing their amp modeling, cabs and effects to DAW and desktop.

ICONS is available exclusively through Fractal Audio's online store: https://shop.fractalaudio.com/collections/plugins

FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES

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[1] ICONS brings Fractal Audio’s industry-leading amp modeling to the world of plugins—and to your desktop as a standalone application.

Built on the same algorithms used in the award-winning Axe-Fx, it delivers the unmistakable tone and feel that Fractal Audio is known for—now re-imagined for modern recording and computer-based workflows.

ICONS is not a software version of an Axe-Fx. It’s streamlined to be fast, intuitive, and inspiring. Whether you’re tracking in a studio, at home, or just having fun, it focuses on what matters most: exceptional sound quality, and a creative flow that stays out of your way.

ICONS is also a series. New releases will add additional amp families with new cabs and effects, and more—allowing the platform to evolve over time—plus the improvements and enhancements you would expect from Fractal Audio.

In short, ICONS delivers the Fractal Audio amp modeling experience in a format for the new ways you want to work, create, and play.

[2] This is our "pseudo-skeuomorphic" approach that we are using for new products. There are hints of skeuomorphism but not fully skeuomorphic. Your brain sees enough visual cues to understand the lineage of the amp but without the clutter of a full skeuomorphic implementation.

[3] The modeling is a direct port from the hardware code-base.

[4] More plugins are on the roadmap.

References:

• Website
• Owners manual
• Press release

More pictures

The Owners Manual covers everything, from requirements and installation to configuration and usage. The contents are not repeated on this page.

System requirements

The Owners Manual lists the system requirements for Windows and MacOS. On a Windows computer, always use a ASIO driver for best performance.

ICONS uses iLok protection for authorization. A hardware dongle is not required.

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[5] Apple typically recommends having 16GB of RAM for any serious audio processing tasks, but the plugin should work just fine at 8GB RAM. Apple doesn't sell computers with less than 16GB of RAM anymore anyways.

Frequently asked questions

Is a trial version available?

Currently not, but it has been announced.

Which formats are supported?

VST3, AAX (Pro Tools) and AU (Logic, GarageBand).
ICONS also contains a standalone app for MacOS and Windows.

Is the sound quality the same as the hardware products?

The code is directly ported from the hardware code-base.

Is iLok really required?

Yes. A physical iLok is not required, you can use their app or cloud service.

How many installations are allowed with a single license?

A single license allows two activations (e.g. desktop and laptop).

Do the plugins provide the same amps, cabs and effects as the hardware products?

Each plugin provides a selection of amps, cabs and effects. A looper is not included.

Do the plugins provide the same user parameters as the hardware products?

The plugins provide a selection of basic and expert block parameters.

Why is there no sound on startup?

Verify that the audio is not muted, as indicated by the MUTE button top left.

Where do I adjust the audio settings for my audio interface?

In the settings menu of the DAW. When using the standalone app, go to the Audio/MIDI menu.
It's recommended to use the same interface for input and output, to avoid delayed playback.

Which sample rates are supported?

The plugin adheres to the sample rate selected in the DAW. The standalone operates at 48 kHz (fixed). Note that some interfaces are limited to a fixed sample rate.

How can I decrease latency?

Lower the audio buffer size in the DAW or the Audio/MIDI menu of the standalone app. Start with 64 samples but be aware that low buffer sizes may cause audio artifacts or dropouts on some systems. In that case, increase the buffer size or use a more powerful computer.
ICONS performs best with buffer sizes that are powers of two (16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024), as stated in the Owners Manual.

How do I set the correct input level?

Follow the calibration instructions for your hardware interface described in the Owners Manual.

Does ICONS use a grid like the hardware products?

There’s no visible grid.

Can I transfer presets between ICONS plugins?

Presets created in an individual volume can NOT be loaded into another volume but can be loaded in the Complete volume of that series. Presets created in the Complete volume can NOT be loaded into any individual volume.

Can I transfer presets to one of Fractal Audio’s hardware products and vice versa?

They are not cross compatible.

Where does ICONS store my user presets on my computer?

The location is shown (and can be changed) in the Global Settings menu. It defaults to your Documents folder, under Fractal Audio/ICONS.

Can I change and save a factory preset?

No, but you can it as a user preset.

Can I change preset tags and preset information?

User presets let you do that.

Can I bypass the In/Gate block to disable the noise gate?

No, but you can turn down Threshold to disable the gate.

Where do I find more information about the modeled amps, cabs and effects?

Look it up in the wiki.

Does the Cab block provide the same DynaCabs as the hardware products?

Selected DynaCabs match the amp models in the plugin. ICONS supports an expanded list of microphones.

What’s DynaCab HD?

DynaCab HD supports “higher spatial density, delivering smoother and more accurate microphone positioning”.

Does ICONS support imported impulse responses?

Absolutely. It defaults to your Documents folder, under Fractal Audio/ICONS.

Can I change the order of the blocks?

Drag the block to the new position.

How can I reset an entire block?

Choosing another (or the same) type within a block resets some of the parameters. You can reset an individual parameter by right-clicking and selecting Reset To Default Value. A full block reset option is not available.

Can I set the Tuner to mute the signal?

You can do this and set other preferences on the CONFIG tab of the tuner.

Can I change the resolution of the mouse behavior?

Hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) while moving the mouse or trackpad.

Does ICONS support modifiers on parameters like the hardware products?

Modifiers are not supported, but MIDI is.

How can I make use of MIDI automation?

See the MIDI section in the Owners Manual.

The plugin doesn't appear in GarageBand?

Execute the Terminal command "Defaults delete com.apple.garageband10” and restart your Apple computer to reset GarageBand and force it to scan for plugins.

ICONS Fullerton

The Fullerton series provides component-based models of American-style Fender amplifiers. "Fullerton" refers to the original location of the Fender factory.

The models are available as 4 separate volumes, or as a complete package. A demo has been announced. [6]

Noite that ICONS is not an Axe-Fx in software. The modeling is ported from the hardware code-base, but there's a limited selection of cabs, effects and available parameters.

For specific information about the modeled amps, cabs and effects, consult Fractal Audio’s Owners Manuals and this wiki.

Amps

The Complete volume provides 36 amp models (at the time of writing), including: Deluxe, Bassman, Twin, Princeton, Super, Vibroverb, Champ and more, covering various periods in time.

Cabs

ICONS supports DynaCab HD, providing higher spatial density for smoother and more accurate mic positioning. Which means longer and more IRs.

Mics: Condenser 023, Condenser 87, Condenser LOL67, Dynamic 57, Dynamic 57 Off Axis, Dynamic 58A, Dynamic 421, Dynamic SM7, Ribbon 121, Ribbon 160, Ribbon 313

Additional effects in ICONS Fullerton Complete:

Compressors 

Analog, Classic VCA, Dynami-Comp, JFET Pedal

Wah 

Cry Babe

Drives 

BB Pre, Bosom Boost, Box o’ Crunch, DS1 Distortion, Face Fuzz, FAS Boost, Klone Chiron, Octave Distortion, Nobelium OVD-1, PI Fuzz, T808 OD, Tube Drive 4-Knob, Zen Master

Graphic equalizer 

5-band, 7-band, 8-band, and 10-band

Modulation

Chorus — Digital Stereo, Dimension, Japan CE-2, BBF-2

Flanger — Deluxe Mystery, Digital Stereo

Phaser — Classic Vibe, Script 90, Treadle Phaser

Tremolo — Bias, Optical 1, Optical 2, Harmonic

Delay 

Digital Mono, Digital Stereo, Analog Mono, Analog Stereo

Reverb 

Spring reverbs, Room, Hall

Other 

Tuner, noise gate

Third-party audio interfaces

ICONS needs an hardware audio interface to allow signal from the instrument entering the computer, and if necessary, to monitor audio output. This can be a Fractal Audio device that supports USB Audio (Axe-Fx, FM3, FM9, AM4, VP4), or a 3rd-party product.

The following sections provide tips to optimize the interaction of 3rd-party interfaces with ICONS. Information will be added to this section as it becomes available.

RME Fireface UFX

1. Use a Mic/Line Instrument Input.
2. In Totalmix, click "Instr." to set the channel to Instrument Input.
3. Set Gain to 20.0.
4. Make sure that EQ and Dynamics are OFF.
5. Turn the fader that would send your DI to the speakers all the way down.
6. Leave ICONS Input Level at the default setting of +18.00 dB.

Example

Universal Audio Volt 2

1. Set UA Input to Instrument.
2. Set UA front panel input gain to its minimum setting.
3. Utilize the reference track to match the guitar input.
4. The ICONS Input Level is set to about 9.7dB.

iRig HD X (IK Multimedia)

1. iRig HD X doesn't allow adjusting its input gain.
2. Works well with Audio Buffer Size set to 64 samples.
3. Based on ear-only comparison with Fractal Audio hardware: set the ICONS Input Level around 13 dB. YMMV

ToneX One (IK Multimedia)

1. Set the pedal to Stomp mode: hold the ALT knob for 6 seconds until it becomes blue, then turn micro knob 1 clockwise until it becomes amber.
2. Press the switch to turn off the stomp. This turns it into a DI device.
3. Adjust input trim: hold the ALT knob for 6 seconds until it becomes blue, then turn micro knob 3 using the LED as a meter to trim the input (don't let it tickle red).
4. Sample rate is fixed at 44 kHz.
5. Works well with Audio Buffer Size set to 64 samples.
6. Based on ear-only comparison with Fractal Audio hardware: set the ICONS Input Level around 10 dB. YMMV