Fractal Audio Systems has officially entered the plugin arena with ICONS, a new line of premium amp modelling plugins and standalone apps that brings the company\u2019s famed Axe-Fx tone into DAWs for the first time.<\/p>\n
Built on the same modelling algorithms found in the award-winning Axe-Fx III, ICONS delivers Fractal Audio\u2019s unmistakable sound, feel and dynamic response in a streamlined format designed for modern recording and computer-based workflows.<\/p>\n
The first release in the series, ICONS: Fullerton, focuses squarely on classic American-style amps, offering 36 models inspired by designs from the \u201950s, \u201960s, \u201970s and beyond. Between \u201cDeluxes, Bassguys, Double-Verbs, Vibrato Verbs, Supers, Princetones, Champlifiers\u201d and more, it\u2019s safe to say all the usual Fender<\/a> classics are present and accounted for.<\/p>\n At the core of ICONS is Fractal\u2019s component-level modelling approach. Rather than relying on static captures, each amp behaves like its real-world counterpart, with fully interactive controls that respond naturally to player input. The modelling recreates everything from the preamp and tone stack to the power amp, phase inverter and amp-speaker interaction \u2013 meaning familiar amp-dialling techniques translate directly to the plugin.<\/p>\n Cabinet duties are handled by DynaCab HD, Fractal\u2019s next-generation speaker simulation technology. Users can place a virtual microphone on a virtual speaker, move them around, and hear the results in real time. ICONS also supports third-party impulse responses via User Cab mode, accepting IRs up to 8k in length.<\/p>\n A curated selection of stompbox and studio effects round out the package, including authentic spring reverb and tremolo, more than a dozen accurate drive pedals, plus delay, modulation, wah, compression and graphic EQ. Unlike Fractal\u2019s flagship hardware units, ICONS keeps its routing and controls intentionally streamlined, placing the focus firmly on amp and cab tone.<\/p>\n \u201cICONS is not an Axe-Fx in software,\u201d the company explains. \u201cIts effect blocks feature streamlined types and controls that make it fast and natural to create great, complete tones centered on the amp and cab.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn short, ICONS delivers the sound and feel that Fractal Audio is known for \u2013 now available for your DAW or desktop, with everything you need to create truly iconic tones.\u201d<\/p>\n ICONS: Fullerton is available as four individual volumes priced at $99 each, or as a complete bundle for $299.<\/p>\n