Fractal

Fractal Audio Systems is an American audio equipment company founded in 2006 by Cliff Chase. It is not a general hi-fi brand in the traditional sense; its heritage is rooted in professional music technology and guitar signal processing rather than home audio.

Fractal is best known for high-end digital amp-modeling and effects processors, especially the Axe-Fx line, along with floor units and related hardware for guitarists. Its products focus on emulating tube amplifiers, speaker cabinets, and studio effects rather than making speakers, turntables, DACs, or headphones.

In the market, Fractal sits firmly in the niche boutique / premium pro-audio tier. It has a strong reputation among serious guitar players and touring musicians for realism, flexibility, and sound quality, and it is widely regarded as one of the most respected names in advanced digital guitar tone. It is not a vintage-collector brand or a mass-market hi-fi manufacturer.