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Summary of Contents for Fractal AXE-FX III
- Page 1 Current as of Axe-Fx III Firmware 19.x Original, Mark II, Standard and TURBO versions March 2022...
- Page 2 Inside Front Cover...
- Page 3 Declaration of Conformity Manufacturer’s Name: Fractal Audio Systems, LLC Manufacturer’s Address: 4 Wilder Drive, Plaistow, NH 03865 USA Declares that the product: Product name: Axe-Fx III Product option: None Conforms to the following Product Specifications: Safety: EN60065:2014 EMC: EN55013:2013 EN55020:2007+A11:2011...
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Page 4: Table Of Contents
FX Processor only (“Post”) ... . 29 Welcome to the Axe-Fx III ....1 FX Processor only (“Pre”) ... . . 30 Feature Summary . - Page 5 Creating a Modifier ....55 Fractal-Bot ......91 Modifier Tutorial: Wah Pedal .
- Page 6 Systems. Manufacturer names and product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated with or affiliated with Fractal Audio Systems, LLC. The names are used only to illustrate sonic and performance characteristics.
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Page 7: Introduction
WELCOME TO THE AXE-FX III The Axe-Fx III is the current flagship product in our long line of industry-leading guitar processors, and the world’s most powerful unit of its kind, with significantly more raw power than anything we’ve offered before. Our vision for this platform was to create a product that sounds better, does more, and is easier to use than ever before, with all of the best and room for more. -
Page 8: Feature Summary
ƒ best of 3rd party creators. aluminum front panel and illuminated “Axe-Fx III” logo. On the Axe-Fx III Mark II, the logo can color Presets can now contain up to four instances ƒ cycle, or you can choose your own color. -
Page 9: The Setup Menu
ƒ The FC Controllers menu includes all settings for a connected FC Series controller. ƒ The Global Settings menu includes options which govern the overall behavior of the Axe-Fx III. ƒ The I/O menu contains settings for inputs and outputs, levels, audio, USB, and switches or expression pedals connected directly to the Axe-Fx III. -
Page 10: Quick Connect Guide
QUICK CONNECT GUIDE The most popular and flexible way to enjoy the Axe-Fx III is through a full-range system such as studio monitors, a high-quality PA, or full-range cabinets designed specifically for guitar. All of the factory presets are designed for this type of setup. -
Page 11: Setting Levels
Setting proper levels is critical but easy, with many meters to help you while you work. INPUT LEVELS The Axe-Fx III comes ready-to-use for the typical guitar or bass, but you should check that your guitar is not clipping the inputs. -
Page 12: Humbuster™ Cables
1 INTRODUCTION HUMBUSTER™ CABLES Most FRFR setups use the XLR outputs of the Axe-Fx III into the balanced inputs of mixers, monitors, and other devices. For these applications, XLR cables or XLR-to-TRS cables are typical. When connecting the 1/4” outputs of the Axe-Fx III to unbalanced 1/4" inputs on other devices, you can use standard 1/4"... -
Page 13: The Home Page: Presets
The Axe-Fx III contains 512 preset memories (1024 on the Mark II), each a fully independent rig with its own amps, cabs, effects, settings, controllers, and more. When you consider everything that is possible with Scenes and Channels, a single preset can easily cover an entire song, or even a whole show. -
Page 14: Intro To The Layout Grid
In the world of traditional gear, our options are limited by budget, space, weight, and the limits of the gear itself. Building a rig means making hard choices. With the Axe-Fx III however, a limited selection of gear is instead replaced by a vast (ever-growing!) “inventory”... -
Page 15: Intro To Scenes And Channels
A single Axe-Fx III preset is comparable to an entire rig. Axe-Fx Scenes, are an innovation something like a switching system. A Scene stores whether each block is engaged or bypassed, and which of up to four “channels”... -
Page 16: Grid Editing: Quick Start
1 INTRODUCTION GRID EDITING: QUICK START Learn more about working with the grid in Section 5. Meanwhile, here’s a very quick primer: From the Home page, press LAYOUT (knob B) or ENTER to show the “Edit” page of the Layout menu, commonly called the “grid”. Use the NAV buttons to move the cursor around the grid. -
Page 17: Usb Overview
USB provides the Axe-Fx III with a host of great features. A 16-core, 500 MHz microcontroller provides 16 channels of flawless 48kHz USB audio (8 in, 8 out) allowing the Axe-Fx III to be the center of your music workstation. The audiophile-grade signal path components and converters provide better audio performance than most dedicated USB audio interfaces. -
Page 18: Connecting Pedals Directly
Many factory presets are ready for use with one or more pedals. TO CONNECT & CALIBRATE AN EXPRESSION PEDAL... Expression pedals for the Axe-Fx III should have a linear resistance taper and must have a maximum resistance in the range of 10–100kΩ. Expression pedals must be used with Tip-Ring-Sleeve (TRS) cables! Connect your expression pedal to the desired jack with a TRS cable, then follow these instructions to calibrate: Page to the Pedal page of the I/O menu under SETUP. -
Page 19: Global Expression Pedal Setup
GLOBAL VOLUME PEDAL SETUP The Axe-Fx III allows remote control of the volume at all inputs and outputs. If you have a second pedal, or if you want to use one pedal for global volume instead of expression, follow the instructions below: The first step is to decide which volume you want to control. - Page 20 1 INTRODUCTION SHORTCUTS The Axe-Fx III has many user interface shortcuts. These are listed in “Shortcuts” on p. 104.
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Page 21: Hardware Overview
2 HARDWARE OVERVIEW THE FRONT PANEL Chassis — The Axe-Fx III is housed in a rugged 3U steel chassis with a sleek anodized aluminum front panel. A pair of high-strength handles make the unit easy to manage. Power Switch — The front panel power switch turns the Axe-Fx III on or off with pop suppression. - Page 22 LINE Level but accommodate high impedance sources so as not to load down guitar pickups. You can use traditional effect pedals in a loop, or between your guitar and the Axe-Fx III. You may need to trim the input when using a loud guitar or pedal. See...
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Page 23: The Rear Panel
2 HARDWARE OVERVIEW THE REAR PANEL ANALOG INPUTS Axe-Fx III inputs are extremely flexible. Any input can be placed as a block on the grid for use in any number of scenarios. Example rig diagrams are provided in Section Input 1 [Instrument] (mono) — (1) 1/4" Jack (unbalanced) — Plug your instrument into this jack intended specifically for use with electric, acoustic, and bass guitars. - Page 24 3: USB, on p. 19 for more. MIDI Ports — The MIDI IN port of the Axe-Fx III allows you to use a 3rd party MIDI controller or interface to control various functions including preset and scene selection, effect bypass, channel changes, parameter changes, and more.
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Page 25: Usb
The USB connection also carries high-speed “MIDI-over-USB”. On the computer, the Axe-Fx III MIDI In port inputs MIDI data from the Axe-Fx III. The Axe-Fx III MIDI Out port transmits data from the computer to the Axe-Fx III. MIDI-over-USB performs the same functions as regular 5-pin MIDI, only faster. For example, the Axe-Fx III will process an incoming MIDI Program Change message whether that message is transmitted through the unit’s own... -
Page 26: Usb Inputs And Outputs
USB INPUTS AND OUTPUTS The USB Recording and playback capabilities of the Axe-Fx III are illustrated below. The numbered red boxes in the top section represent USB inputs on the computer, and the numbered green boxes in the top section represent USB outputs on the computer. -
Page 27: Mac Os X System Audio
2. Open Audio MIDI Setup (find it in Utilities in your computer’s Applications folder). 3. Select the Axe-Fx III device from the list, then click the Configure Speakers button (lower right). 4. Make sure that the Configuration is set to “Stereo” and then select the desired left and right channels. -
Page 28: Usb Re-Amping
3. Change the output of your “DI” track to Axe-Fx III Output 5/6. Set its output level to –6.0 dB. 4. Solo your DI track, then rewind and hit PLAY. You should hear the DI being processed by your Axe-Fx III preset. -
Page 29: Setting Up
4 SETTING UP This section provides an overview of various ways to use the Axe-Fx III. These diagrams represent just a few of the many ways to use this flexible product, and even if you only intend to use a basic setup you can still learn from looking over this section. -
Page 30: Frfr/Direct
Presets: Factory or Custom This is by far the most popular type of setup, taking full advantage of the ability of the Axe-Fx III to every part of an “end-to-end” guitar chain, from stompboxes to amps, cabs, post effects, and more, for maximum versatility. -
Page 31: Frfr Monitor & Frfr To Front-Of-House
This type of setup is similar to the previous FRFR/Direct setup except that it also sends signal to a mixer for front- of-house mixing (and possible band monitors). In this configuration, the Axe-Fx III creates a fully modeled end-to- end guitar signal path for the ultimate in tonal flexibility—stompboxes, amps, cabs, post effects, and more. -
Page 32: Power Amp & Guitar Speakers
There are two categories of power amp that you can recommended to reduce hum from ground loops. use with the Axe-Fx III. A sonically “neutral” power amp is generally the preferred variety. Such amps (mostly solid-state) allow you to use Power Amp Modeling in the... -
Page 33: Power Amp & Cab & Frfr/Direct
4 SETTING UP POWER AMP & CAB & FRFR/DIRECT Global Settings: Default, check I/O Mono/Stereo settings Presets: Custom In this setup, custom presets simultaneously send two different signals—WITH speaker sims sent to a full-range front-of-house/monitors P.A. mix, and one WITHOUT speaker sims, sent to a “backline” rig consisting of a power amp and traditional guitar cab. -
Page 34: Four-Cable Method ("4Cm")
4CM requires special presets with no Amp or Cab blocks. A stylized illustration appears below. Signal hits the Axe-Fx III first, where it is processed by pre effects. Output 3 feeds the front of the amplifier. A chain of post effects is run in the amp’s FX loop using Input 4 and Output 4. Note that the pre and post chains are not connected to each other at all on the grid. -
Page 35: Fx Processor Only ("Post")
Presets: Custom Although it was designed for complete rig replacement, the Axe-Fx III can also be put to superb use as a standalone FX processor, providing access to our industry leading effects for those who are not ready to make the switch to modeling. -
Page 36: Fx Processor Only ("Pre")
Global Settings: check I/O Mono/Stereo settings, see also “Tip” below Presets: Custom Here, the Axe-Fx III is used as the ultimate virtual pedalboard, providing access to our vast collection of industry- leading effects between guitar and amp, where traditional pedals might be placed. As with all Axe-Fx III setups, you are not limited by the stock offerings but can combine effects in any configuration imaginable, creating totally new sounds using the layout grid and its modular block architecture. -
Page 37: Inserting Outboard Gear
Global Settings: As per your usual setup, check I/O Mono/Stereo Settings Presets: Custom With the typical “direct” setup using only Input 1 and Output 1, the Axe-Fx III has enough I/O blocks left over for multiple “send-and-return” inserts of outboard gear. The simple example below imagines a 3rd-party device inserted using Output 3 (used as a “send”) and Input 3 (used as a “return”). -
Page 38: Multi I/O Setups
By the way, these signal paths are copies of actual presets used by some artists who endorse Fractal Audio. GUITAR CHAIN & MIXER EFFECTS CPU: 84% Let’s look at a more vertical example. -
Page 39: Presets
5 PRESETS OVERVIEW The Axe-Fx III contains 512 preset memories (1024 on the Mark II), each a fully independent rig with its own amp, cab, effects, and more. Every preset has its own name. The Axe-Fx III ships with various “Factory” presets, plus many empty locations, but even Factory presets can be changed or completely overwritten. -
Page 40: The Layout Grid
D or E knobs, or the NAV buttons. A bottom scrollbar indicates where you are in the overall left-to-right layout. To show the entire grid at once, zoom out with the ZOOM button (Push-knob A). Axe-Fx III Edit... - Page 41 Input and Output blocks are required to place input signals on the grid or pass signal to output jacks. All factory presets use Input 1 and Output 1. Other setups may require different Input and Output blocks. “The Fractal Audio Blocks Guide” for additional information.
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Page 42: Connector Cables
5 PRESETS MOVING BLOCKS, ROWS, AND COLUMNS The Tools page of the Layout menu contains various utilities to MOVE individual blocks, rows, or columns UP, DOWN, LEFT, or RIGHT. When a block or a grid row/column is moved, it swaps places with the item in the space it is moved to. - Page 43 5 PRESETS THE RULES OF AXE‑FX III CABLES No cables = No sound. Even one missing link will break the chain. Signal flows from LEFT to RIGHT. A cable MUST originate from a BLOCK or a SHUNT. Empty locations are not viable origins. If you try to connect to an EMPTY location, a SHUNT will be created there.
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Page 44: Block Inventory
Set the time, pan, and spacing of one to ten separate echoes. TMA Tone Match Matches the Axe-Fx III to the sound of an amp, recording, or device. TRM Tremolo Creates classic trem, plus auto-pan or extreme psycho acoustic effects. -
Page 45: Example Preset Grids
5 PRESETS EXAMPLE PRESET GRIDS Several preset illustrations appear below, to explain how blocks are combined to form presets. These illustrations are screen-captures from Axe-Edit III, rather than representations of the small screen. Ex 1: Sweet and Simple. Wah. Drive pedal. Amp and Cab. Delay and Reverb. Notice the In 1 and Out 1 blocks. Ex 2: Here some more effects are added. -
Page 46: Editing Effect Blocks
5 PRESETS EDITING EFFECT BLOCKS Blocks are fully programmable, meaning you can dial in every setting as desired and save the result. The Edit menu for every block contains one or more pages, each with multiple parameters to control various functions. Here’s a quick guide covering how to access and work with the different types of Edit menu pages. -
Page 47: Saving Changes
5 PRESETS RESETTING A BLOCK/CHANNEL Use RESET when you want a fresh start after making changes to a block. If it isn’t already open for editing, select the desired block on the grid and press EDIT. Press the RESET button (Push-knob D). You are prompted to reset the current channel. Press ENTER to confirm. -
Page 48: Preset Cpu Limits
Adjusting certain parameters can also help. Beware of trying to set parameters back to higher values after inserting the desired block. At extremely high CPU usage levels, the Axe-Fx III may become unstable and/or Axe- Edit may stop responding. -
Page 49: Scenes & Channels
6 SCENES & CHANNELS 6 SCENES & CHANNELS OVERVIEW Before reading this section, please review “Intro to Scenes and Channels” on p. 9. Every Axe-Fx III preset contains eight Scenes. Scenes don’t need to be added or created, and there’s no way to delete them either—they’re just there, ready for use. -
Page 50: Changing Channels
6 SCENES & CHANNELS CHANGING CHANNELS Different areas of the Axe-Fx III provide different ways to change Channels: ƒ On the GRID – Select the desired block and turn the Channel knob (B). The current Channel is shown above the knob. -
Page 51: Selecting Scenes
6 SCENES & CHANNELS SELECTING SCENES Different areas of the Axe-Fx III provide different ways to select a Scene. ƒ On the Home page – Use the NAV UP/DOWN buttons or turn knob A. The current scene is highlighted. ƒ On the GRID – Turn the Scene knob (A). The current scene is shown above the knob. -
Page 52: Selecting Scenes & Channels Remotely
The number is like an “ID” specifying which function you want to control. A simple example might be a MIDI expression pedal that sends CC#7 which is interpreted as Volume by a device. The Axe-Fx III lets you designate CCs for items in a long list found in the MIDI/Remote menu under SETUP. -
Page 53: Program Change Mapping
6 SCENES & CHANNELS PROGRAM CHANGE MAPPING Another way to select Scenes via MIDI is using Custom PC Mapping, which allows a single incoming MIDI Program Change (PC) message to select your choice of both Preset and Scene. This is a popular option in cases where a connected MIDI foot controller lacks the sophistication to transmit the MIDI messages required for scene selection. -
Page 54: Scene Levels
SCENES, CHANNELS & MODIFIERS The Modifier system provides extensive automation and remote control of parameters on the Axe-Fx III. Modifiers are detailed in Section 9 on p. 55 but here is a summary of important information about Scenes, Channels, and modifiers. -
Page 55: Scene Revert
SCENE REVERT Scene changes you make from the Axe-Fx III front panel (or Axe-Edit III) remain in effect until you save them or discard them by loading a different preset without saving. Changes made via footswitches or MIDI, however, may work differently, depending on a Global setting called Scene Revert. -
Page 56: Scene Ignore
6 SCENES & CHANNELS SCENE IGNORE Axe-Fx III firmware 19.05 introduced Scene Ignore. This feature is designed to allow more flexible switching based on the operation of certain multi-component analog rigs. With Scene Ignore enabled, a block operates outside of the usual automatic control by scenes. A block with Scene Ignore ON can still be bypassed/engaged or change channels when you use a footswitch, or any other means of “manual”... -
Page 57: Leveling Presets
Axe-Fx III. Guitar players and audio technicians face the same obstacles when using traditional equipment: our hearing, speakers, and surroundings are all variable. On a platform as powerful and flexible as the Axe-Fx III, the number of options that affect volume can be daunting, but fortunately there are some good rules of thumb, all backed by a number of precision controls and meters. -
Page 58: A Method For Leveling
When using this method, use the meters and your ears. It is perfectly fine for some tones to appear very quiet; Fractal Audio products have an excellent signal to noise ratio and do not suffer internally from the same degree of problems as analog gear when operating at lower than ideal levels. -
Page 59: Block Bypass Levels
Learn more about Bypass Modes in “The Fractal Audio Blocks Guide” Sometimes, effects are intended specifically to boost or cut levels. Other times, you want the volume to stay the same as an effect is dialed in. -
Page 60: Blocks Guide
THE FRACTAL AUDIO BLOCKS GUIDE Both the Axe-Fx III and our floor-based modeler FM3 use presets built from blocks, and the blocks on both devices share many of the same parameters and settings. A separate manual covers these blocks in complete detail. -
Page 61: Modifiers
9 MODIFIERS Modifiers can be one of the most exciting features on the Axe-Fx III. They allow sound parameters to be remote- controlled or automated in real time. For example, you might use an expression pedal to operate a wah or whammy, or use an LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) to auto-sweep a filter. -
Page 62: Modifier Tutorial: Wah Pedal
9 MODIFIERS MODIFIER TUTORIAL: WAH PEDAL Here is a basic step-by-step tutorial on setting up a modifier for a classic Wah pedal. For this example, we assume: ƒ A Wah block is already in your preset (if not, see ƒ You have an Expression pedal ready (See “Global Expression Pedal Setup”... -
Page 63: Modifier Sources Overview
INTERNAL CONTROLLERS LFO 1 LFO 2 ADSR 1 ADSR 2 Internal controllers are a part of every Axe-Fx III preset. You will find two LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators), two ADSRs, a Sequencer, a Pitch Detector, an Envelope Sequencer Pitch Envelope Scene Ctrl Follower, four Scene Controllers five Manual Controllers. -
Page 64: Modifier Parameters
9 MODIFIERS MODIFIER PARAMETERS The Modify page of the modifier menu contains parameters to determine the nature of the relationship between the source(s) and the parameter. By default, a modifier is linear: the parameter value moves in direct proportion to the source. By changing this relationship, you can create a variety of desirable effects. For example, you might adjust the “taper”... - Page 65 9 MODIFIERS UNDERSTANDING MODIFIER MIN AND MAX MIN and MAX set a range for the parameter under control. This lets you fine-tune modifiers in very cool ways. In the example below, imagine a volume pedal with different settings. Using the principles on this page, you should be able to achieve a wide range of modifier control scenarios.
- Page 66 9 MODIFIERS ADVANCED MODIFIER CURVES AND SHAPES You can also adjust Start, End, and Slope (which introduces an “S” or “backwards S” shape). The numbers beneath each example below show the settings for Start, Mid, End and Slope. With a bit of experimentation, you will learn to achieve desired modifier effects quickly.
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Page 67: Internal Controllers
9 MODIFIERS INTERNAL CONTROLLERS Internal Controllers can be programmed per-preset for use as modifier sources. To access these parameters, push the CONTROLLERS button on the Home page (Push-knob C) or press TEMPO. TEMPO Tempo appears in the Controllers menu. For more information, see Section 10: Tempo. - Page 68 9 MODIFIERS MANUAL CONTROLLERS The five Manual Controllers are virtual knobs with no function other than to serve as modifier sources. A Manual controller makes it possible, for instance, to create a “super control” where one knob operates multi- ple sound functions at the same time. For example, you might assign delay mix, reverb time and chorus depth parameters —...
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Page 69: Metronome
The External Controller Initial Value parameters can change the startup value for a controller to 100%. Then, when the Axe-Fx III is powered on, any modifiers assigned to the missing controller will be all the way up instead of all the way down. To change the initial value for an External Controller: Page to the General page of the MIDI/Remote menu under SETUP. -
Page 70: Dual Source Modifiers
9 MODIFIERS DUAL SOURCE MODIFIERS The Axe-Fx III allows modifiers to have not one but two sources. These can be combined in interesting ways to jointly control a target parameter. Among many other possibilities, this allows pedal-controlled effects to be operated by either of two different pedals. -
Page 71: Tutorial: Scene Controllers
9 MODIFIERS TUTORIAL: SCENE CONTROLLERS In this tutorial, we will set up a Scene Controller to adjust the Input Drive of an Amp block. While it is easy enough to achieve different amp sounds within a preset simply by switching the channel, this example provides an excellent and easy way to understand how Scene Controllers work. -
Page 72: Modifier Tips And Tricks
Each block has a dedicated Bypass parameter, and this parameter allows you to assign a modifier. ƒ (“Bypass Mode” is not used as it was across the previous generation of Fractal Audio products.) Scenes cannot change block parameters, but Scene Controllers can. Four different knobs can be used ƒ... -
Page 73: Tempo
Tempo is used in electronic music for synchronizing different rates and times, whether inside one machine or across several. Tempo on the Axe-Fx III allows for both internal and external synchronization, providing effects with a central BPM clock that can either run autonomously or follow the tempo of a connected device outputting MIDI Beat Clock. -
Page 74: Synchronizing Sound Parameters
— as indicated by its appearance in parentheses. To regain control of an overridden parameter, set its corresponding Tempo parameter back to “NONE”. Almost every LFO rate and delay time parameter on the Axe-Fx III can be synced to the tempo. TO SYNCHRONIZE A DELAY TO THE TEMPO... -
Page 75: The Tuner
11 THE TUNER 11 THE TUNER The Axe-Fx III has a built-in Tuner—essential for the performing or recording musician. The tuner is easy to use and has high-resolution automatic pitch detection, a calibration control, offsets for modified tuning schemes, and the option to mute audio while tuning. -
Page 76: Mini Tuners
11 THE TUNER MINI TUNERS For convenience, mini-tuners appear throughout the Axe-Fx III. These consist of two green triangles to indicate when a note is flat (left lit), sharp (right lit) or in tune (both lit). -
Page 77: Setup Menu
Power Amp Modeling This parameter globally enables or disables power amp simulation in all Amp blocks in all presets when the Axe-Fx III is used with a guitar-oriented/tube ON/OFF power amp that contributes significantly to tone and dynamics. Having these characteristics applied twice to the sound—once in the virtual power amp... - Page 78 If the THRESHOLD for a given preset is set to “OFF”, the global Offset will have +/- 40.00 dB no effect. Learn more about the Noise Gate in "The Fractal Audio Blocks Guide" Prompt on Edited Preset When set to ON the unit will prompt before changing presets if the current Change preset has been edited.
- Page 79 The Scales page is used to configure scales for the Custom Shifter type in the Pitch block. Learn more in "The Fractal Audio Blocks Guide" Note that as of firmware 12, global scales can also be edited, exported, and imported using Axe-Edit.
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Page 80: The I/O Menu
Stop USB audio streaming when 8–256 changing this value so as to allow the buffer to reset properly. Streaming can be stopped by closing the application sending data to the Axe-Fx III or by disconnecting the USB cable. Digital Input Source Sets the global digital input source to your choice of AES, SPDIF, or USB Channels 5/6. - Page 81 12 SETUP MENU PARAMETER Description Output 1 Mode These four parameters determine how signals at the corresponding output Output 2 Mode ports will be processed. This control makes it easy to use the same presets Output 3 Mode in a variety of stereo and mono performance or recording environments. The Output 4 Mode decision between the mono options “SUM L+R”...
- Page 82 The Pedal page of the I/O menu contains parameters to set up and use an expression pedal or a switch through the Pedal jacks on the rear panel of the Axe-Fx III. Expression pedals should have a linear resistance taper and max resistance of 10kΩ...
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Page 83: The Midi/Remote Menu
MIDI/REMOTE: GENERAL PAGE PARAMETER Description MIDI Channel Sets the channel on which the Axe-Fx III will receive MIDI messages. “OMNI” causes the unit to respond to incoming messages on any channel. 1–16, OMNI Display Offset (Also appears in the Global menu) Causes presets numbers to begin at 001 instead of 000. - Page 84 This determines whether real-time MIDI SysEx messages for tuner and tempo will appear at the MIDI OUT port. ON/OFF Program Change Determines whether the Axe-Fx III will process or ignore incoming MIDI Program Change messages. ON/OFF Ignore Redundant PC This setting determines whether the Axe-Fx III should re-process or ignore a Program Change message that corresponding to the current preset.
- Page 85 External Control 1–16 16 External Controllers 63) when the Axe-Fx III is powered on. This value persists until data is received from the MIDI controller. This is especially useful when an external MIDI controller is absent. For example, if you normally use an expression pedal to control the volume in your presets, a missing pedal might make the preset get “stuck”...
- Page 86 12 SETUP MENU jack, or via the USB connection of the Axe-Fx III. Each of these settings is global. In every case, the method for mapping a controller to one of these functions is the same: 1. Use the NAV knob to select the desired function.
- Page 87 12 SETUP MENU MIDI/REMOTE: OTHER PAGE Controller assignments for various other functions of the Axe-Fx III. PARAMETER Description Tempo Tap Provides the ability to tap the tempo using an external controller. Remember that tempo is calculated using either the last two taps OR an average, as set in the global Tempo configuration 67).
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Page 88: The Utilities Menu
THE UTILITIES MENU UTILITY: DISPLAY PAGE Provides a control to adjust brightness for the main LCD display. On the Axe-Fx III Mark II, there are additional controls for the LED Brightness and Color of the main front panel logo. UTILITY: ADC LEVELS Shows Analog-to-Digital Converter levels for the four front panel Level knobs and rear panel Expression jacks for troubleshooting. -
Page 89: Fc Controllers
13 FC CONTROLLERS 13 FC CONTROLLERS The Fractal Audio FC-6 and FC-12 foot controllers are designed for use with the Axe-Fx III and other Fractal Audio products. Every FC offers an impressive suite of features and capabilities, incorporating years of innovation and customer feedback. - Page 90 13 FC CONTROLLERS...
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Page 91: Ir Capture
(e.g. not a guitar-oriented amp, which would add tonal coloration). Method 2 adds a speaker-level DI box — such as the Fractal Audio X-Load LB-2 — to “factor out” the power amp, so you can use any amp—even a regular guitar amp. -
Page 92: Setup 1: Mic Only
Connect the output of the preamp (or mixer) to INPUT 2 LEFT of the Axe-Fx III. ƒ Connect OUTPUT 2 LEFT or OUTPUT 4 LEFT of the Axe-Fx III to the input of your power amp. ƒ Connect the power amp’s speaker out to your speaker. -
Page 93: Setup 2: Mic + Di
14 IR CAPTURE SETUP 2: MIC + DI Method two requires a microphone, a preamp, and a DI Box with the special capability to convert speaker level to line level. This method has an advantage in that it “factors out” the tonal Influence of the power amp, allowing almost any amp to be used. -
Page 94: Capturing Impulse Responses
CAPTURING IMPULSE RESPONSES USING AXE-EDIT OR CAB LAB Axe-Edit now includes a free IR Capture Utility which serves to control for the Axe-Fx III during IR capture. Cab-Lab is an IR Mixer and Toolbox, available at https://www.fractalaudio.com/cab-lab-3. It is strongly recommended that you use Cab-Lab to capture IRs. - Page 95 1. Make the connections for your chosen setup as detailed on the previous pages of this section. 2. In the Axe-Fx III, create a preset with an Amp block set to an appropriate model and a Cab block with Cab 1 set to Bank: “SCRATCHPAD”, Number: “1”.
- Page 96 IR processing. FullRes IRs can capture a typical live room and even small-to-medium halls and clubs, and can even be used as a convolution reverb. As of this writing, only the Axe-Fx III supports FullRes IRs. Any FullRes IRs you capture with this utility can be stored on the unit in “User Cab Bank 3 (FR)”.
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Page 97: Additional Topics
You will need to send over all of the files from your backup set individually. Once the first file completes, send the next file over, and so on, until they are all finished. Remember to reboot the Axe-Fx III immediately if a System file has been transmitted to it! (Fractal-Bot will remind you.) -
Page 98: Firmware Updates
Fx III up to date as new versions are released. Firmware is technically software — the “operating system” of your Axe-Fx III — tracked using version numbers: 1.00, 1.01, 2.00, etc. Every Axe-Fx III is shipped from the factory with the latest version installed. -
Page 99: Recovery
3. Update as normal using Fractal-Bot. PROBLEMS WITH A SINGLE PRESET If your Axe-Fx III will not boot normally, the problem may just be the current preset. You can force the unit to load an empty initialized preset as follows: 4. -
Page 100: Global Blocks
15 ADDITIONAL TOPICS GLOBAL BLOCKS Global Blocks provide a convenient way to synchronize parameter changes across multiple presets. If you use multiple presets and want to keep certain sound settings the same in all of them, you might imagine needing to repeat those changes into every preset, one by one. Another idea might be to use Axe-Edit to copy/ paste the desired blocks from one preset to another. - Page 101 15 ADDITIONAL TOPICS Global Block Operations Four different operations enable presets to interact with Global Blocks. You can find these operations on the Tools page of the Layout menu (from the Grid, page right to “Tools”). To execute a function, select the desired grid block using the NAV buttons, use the VALUE wheel to choose the desired Global Block function, turning the E knob if indicated to select the desired Global Block number, and press ENTER or the “Execute”...
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Page 102: Performance Control Pages
Performance Control pages eliminate the need for menu-diving to find the controls for your favorite settings. The ten on-screen knobs map directly to the front panel A, B, C, D, and E knobs of the Axe-Fx III. This creates an experience very much like using a traditional amp or pedal where what what you see is what you get. - Page 103 AMP 1 block here: Drive, Bass, Mid, Treble, Presence, Depth, Master Volume, Level, etc. Let’s get started with this in our tutorial. 2. Connect your Axe-Fx III over USB to a compatible Mac or Windows computer. You will need a driver if you are running Windows. See Chapter X.
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Page 104: Loading User Cabs
LOADING USER CABS In addition to thousands of onboard cabs in its factory banks, the Axe-Fx III allows you to store up to 2,048 cabs in user memories. These “User Cabs” allow you to personalize your Axe-Fx III with unique tones. -
Page 105: Axe-Change
15 ADDITIONAL TOPICS AXE-CHANGE Axe-Change is the official source for sharing Preset and Cab files for your Axe-Fx III and other Fractal Audio Systems products. You can upload your own creations or browse what others have contributed including some high profile artists (though regrettably many artists treat their Axe-Fx presets as guarded secrets). -
Page 106: Input Selection
INPUT SELECTION Firmware 15 for the Axe-Fx III introduced a new way of selecting between analog and digital input sources. Each of the available inputs has an option in settings for ANALOG or DIGITAL. The Analog inputs are “hard wired”, meaning that when Input 1 is set to “ANALOG”... -
Page 107: Spillover
15 ADDITIONAL TOPICS SPILLOVER Spillover allows delay and reverb tails to “ring out” when an effect is bypassed or when you change channels, scenes, or presets. This section covers how to set up spillover in different scenarios. WHEN BYPASSING A BLOCK (“IA” SWITCHES)... Block spillover is easy and requires only a particular setting in the block. -
Page 108: Sending Midi
15 ADDITIONAL TOPICS SENDING MIDI MIDI Messages are transmitted at the MIDI OUT/THRU port of the Axe-Fx III. Connect a 5-pin MIDI cable from the MIDI Out to the MIDI In of your other device. SEND MIDI PC The simplest MIDI capability of the Axe-Fx III is transmitting a single MIDI program change message (“PC”) each time a new Preset is loaded—whether via the front panel, using an FC Footswitch, or in any other way. - Page 109 15 ADDITIONAL TOPICS SETTING UP THE MIDI PAYLOAD FOR A CONTROL SWITCH: Open the SETUP | FC Controllers menu and page to the “CS MIDI” tab. Use NAV buttons and the VALUE wheel to get around the page. Select the desired control switch at the top of the menu.
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Page 110: Shortcuts
15 ADDITIONAL TOPICS SHORTCUTS The Axe-Fx III has several shortcuts and hidden features. These are summarized below. IN GENERAL To show the Layout Grid for the current preset, push the VALUE wheel. ƒ Press EDIT to jump to the Edit menu for the currently selected block. - Page 111 15 ADDITIONAL TOPICS DOUBLE-TAP SHORTCUTS Firmware 17.0 introduced new “double-tap” shortcuts to the front panel controls. These are listed here with other shortcuts HOME - You can double-tap the HOME BUTTON to open the Layout grid. EDIT - You can tap the EDIT button sequentially to step through all blocks in the current preset (top-to-bottom, left- to-right), or double-tap to step in reverse order.
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Page 112: Frequently Asked Questions
: Q Why all the technical terminology? : A The language of the Axe-Fx III is for the most part the universal language of professional audio. This allows the Axe-Fx III to serve very diverse communities from casual to pro players, to producers, engineers, and beyond. - Page 113 : A This might be any one (or several) of a number of things. Is every other component in your rig working correctly? Most of the time, the problem is a faulty or disconnected cable. Checking the Axe-Fx III with headphones can help rule this possibility out.
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Page 114: Midi Reference Tables
MIDI REFERENCE TABLES MIDI BANK & PROGRAM CHANGE The following table lists the MIDI Bank and Program Change messages required to select Axe-Fx III presets. MIDI Bank Select (CC#0) Value , Midi Program Change = Axe-Fx III Preset Number. 0, 0... - Page 115 15 ADDITIONAL TOPICS 1, 82 = 210 2, 6 = 262 2, 58 = 314 2, 110 = 366 3, 34 = 418 3, 86 = 470 1, 83 = 211 2, 7 = 263 2, 59 = 315 2, 111 = 367 3, 35 = 419 3, 87...
- Page 116 15 ADDITIONAL TOPICS Entries on this page and the next are used only by the Axe-Fx III Mark II, which has a total of 1,024 presets. 4, 0 = 512 4, 43 = 555 4, 86 = 598 5, 1 = 641...
- Page 117 15 ADDITIONAL TOPICS 6, 0 = 768 6, 43 = 811 6, 86 = 854 7, 1 = 897 7, 44 = 940 7, 87 = 983 6, 1 = 769 6, 44 = 812 6, 87 = 855 7, 2 = 898 7, 45 = 941 7, 88 = 984 6, 2 = 770...
- Page 118 15 ADDITIONAL TOPICS CC VALUE TO SCENE When selecting Scenes using the global options found on the Other page of the MIDI/Remote menu under SETUP, the value of the designated CC# determines the Scene: 0..1 16.
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Page 119: Specifications
16 SPECIFICATIONS 16 SPECIFICATIONS INSTRUMENT INPUTS Connectors: Front and rear 1/4" phone jacks, unbalanced (front automatically overrides rear) Impedance: 1 MΩ (less on front jack if “Auto-Z” is active) Max. Input Level: +16 dBu ANALOG INPUT 2 Connectors: (2) XLR-F + 1/4" phone “combo jack” balanced Impedance: 1 MΩ... - Page 120 Pedal: 10–100 kΩ max Switch: make/break; momentary or latching FASLINK II INTERFACE Connectors: (1) XLR-F WARNING: Connect ONLY to the FASLINK II connector on a Fractal Audio FC Series controller GENERAL Finish: Powder coated steel chassis with anodized aluminum faceplate Controls: 12 buttons, 10 knobs (6 with additional “push”...
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Page 121: Midi Implementation
16 SPECIFICATIONS MIDI IMPLEMENTATION The Axe-Fx III features a robust MIDI implementation detailed below. Function Remarks Basic Channel Default Changed 1-16 1-16 Note Number True Voice Velocity Note ON Note OFF After Touch Keys Channels Pitch Bend Control Change Receivable CCs are globally soft-assigned to functions via the MIDI/Remote menu under SETUP. -
Page 122: Warranty
Fractal Audio Systems or to make any warranty for Fractal Audio Systems. Fractal Audio Systems may, at its option, require proof of original purchase date in the form of a dated copy of original authorized dealer’s invoice or sales receipt. Service and repairs of Fractal Audio Systems products are to be performed only at the Fractal Audio Systems factory or a Fractal Audio Systems authorized service center. -
Page 123: Eula
1) GRANT OF LICENSE FOR PRE INSTALLED OR USER UPGRADED FIRMWARE (“THE SOFTWARE”) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, Fractal Audio Systems, (“FAS”) grants you an individual, personal, non-sub licensable, nonexclusive license to use this product in accordance with the applicable end user documentation, if any (the “License”).
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