If You Own An Fx8 - Fractal Audio AX8 Owner's Manual

IF YOU OWN AN FX8...

The AX8 looks very similar to the FX8, but there are some important differences. The FX8 is intended for use
with a tube amp, while the AX8 is primarily intended for going "direct. " Later you'll learn how it can also be
used with real amps and guitar speakers, but at first you'll surely want to connect the unit to some studio
monitors, full-range guitar speakers, or a high-quality PA system.
Here are some quick tips that you as an FX8 owner may find helpful as you get to know the AX8.
1. Instead of STOMPBOX MODE, the AX8 boots to the Footswitch Page—the first page of its main
menu. The Footswitch page is very different from Stompbox Mode in that it only changes footswitch
assignments. It does NOT determine which effects are in the preset, or what order they are in. Think
of the Footswitch Page almost like a separate foot controller. The three right F-Switches are also fully
programmable, allowing you to decide what you want each one to do by choosing from a menu.
Review "Setting Up Footswitches 1-8" on p. 33
2. Again, the Footswitch Page has no effect on what you hear. Instead, effect blocks are placed and must
be connected using the Layout Grid on the second page of the main menu. To display the grid,
press PAGE> from the Footswitch Page. Press EXIT to return to the footswitch screen.
Review "The Layout Grid" on p. 25
3. The AX8 uses a flexible architecture that does NOT designate separate "Pre" and "Post" chains.
It is still possible to use a four-cable method hookup, but this needs to be set up manually in each
preset using the FX Loop block
4. In add ition to using Press-and-Hold footswitches to toggle X/Y, you can also select or edit an effect
and double-tap EDIT. (This is good to know because some blocks may not have footswitches assigned.)
5. Unlike the FX8, the AX8 is NOT specifically designed for unity gain, but when you're using it "direct" this
really should not be a concern.
6. The effects of the AX8 are mostly the same as those in the current FX8 firmware, but there are a few
changes. Review "Block Inventory" on p. 29
7. There are no RELAYS. Instead, the AX8 has four jacks for external switches or pedals.
8. The AX8 Looper is not "global, " meaning it needs to be inserted as a block on the grid for every preset
where you want to use the Looper. Review
9. Once you understand the Grid, AX8-Edit is remarkably similar to FX8-Edit.
10. The FX8 and AX8 cannot share presets, but you CAN transfer individual block settings from one product
to another using our editor software applications, FX8-Edit and AX8-Edit.
See "Transferring Blocks Between Products" on p. 91.
11. All of the 1/4" outputs use Humbuster™ Technology. All existing Humbuster™ cables are compatible.
12. Fractal-Bot is fully supported. Use it for firmware updates, backup/restore operations, and more.
and "Function Switches" on p. 21
(p. 57) to insert your preamp.
"The Looper Block" on p. 54
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1 IntroductIon