Related Manuals for Fractal Axe-Fx
Summary of Contents for Fractal Axe-Fx
-
Page 1: Effects Processor
Axe-Fx & Axe-Fx UL TRA Pre-Amp / Effects Processor User’s Manual For Firmware 9.xx and up... -
Page 2: Table Of Contents
Table of Contents Table of Contents ................1 Foreword.................... 3 About the Ultra Model................4 Introduction ..................5 What is the Axe-Fx? .................. 5 Concept ..................... 8 Getting Set Up ................. 11 Rear Panel ....................11 Front Panel....................12 Example Connections ................14 I/O Configuration .................. - Page 3 Status ...................... 98 Reset ....................... 98 Firmware ....................98 Tips and Tricks ................99 Achieving ultimate tone ................99 Using Your Axe-Fx with a Guitar Amp............. 99 Using Your Axe-Fx Live................. 100 Computer Editing................... 101 Interference ................... 101 Maintenance..................101 Warranty Information ..............
-
Page 4: Table Of Contents
Keep power cord in good condition. Do not kink, bend or pinch. If power cord becomes damaged discard and replace. If not using your Axe-Fx for extended periods of time disconnect from AC mains. Protect the unit from rain and excessive moisture. -
Page 5: Certificate Of Conformity
Certificate of Conformity Fractal Audio Systems, USA, hereby declares on own responsibility that the following product Axe-Fx - Digital Guitar Preamp / Effects Processor That is covered by this certificate and marked with CE label conforms with following standards: EN60065... -
Page 6: Foreword
Furthermore, digital offers the convenience of multiple simultaneous effects, programmability and superior control. With the Fractal Audio Systems Axe-Fx we have hopefully restored digital to its rightful place as the superior solution to musical effects processing. Every aspect of the Axe-Fx has been designed to deliver the ultimate in sonic quality. -
Page 7: About The Ultra Model
Foreword We hope you enjoy using the Axe-Fx as much as we enjoyed designing it. Over five years of development have gone into making what we hope is the quintessential effects processor. About the Ultra Model The Axe-Fx Ultra is a “souped-up” version of the Axe-Fx. All the same great sounds but with a faster DSP and more memory. -
Page 8: Introduction
The Axe-Fx approaches effects processing as a strict set of specifications and implements those specifications. For example, the wah effect in the Axe-Fx is not intended to model any of the classic wah-wahs. Instead the input-output relationship of a wah was distilled into a set of specifications. From there the effect was designed to exactly meet these specifications. - Page 9 The Axe-Fx allows you to place effects in any order and in series or parallel. Also, the effects loop is routable as well so if you use your Axe-Fx with a preamplifier you can place the preamplifier in the effects loop and run effects both before and after your preamp. Some effects work better when placed before distortion (which your preamp would provide) and others work better after.
- Page 10 Almost all the effects in the Axe-Fx are full stereo (except for the Amp, Drive, Pitch and Multi-Delay effects) allowing for rich, full-sounding signal chains. And by using...
-
Page 11: Concept
A single op-amp in the Axe-Fx costs more than all the op-amps combined in many “budget” processors. Additionally our unique analog topology eliminates any electrolytic capacitors from the signal path. - Page 12 Introduction adjacent columns is not permitted. Figure 1 shows the conceptual model along with a somewhat simple routing. The input feeds the “WAH” block which feeds an “AMP” block which in turn feeds the “CAB” block, etc. A second series path has another amp and cab and this path is added to the first path at the input to the chorus (CHO).
- Page 13 Introduction Figure 3. Output Mixer...
-
Page 14: Getting Set Up
Figure 4. shows the rear panel of the Axe-Fx. Figure 4. Rear Panel 1. Input1 - Connect line-level input sources to these jacks. If using the Axe-Fx as an effects processor use these jacks and be sure to set the in the menu. -
Page 15: Front Panel
Lights whenever the digital signal level at has exceeded that which is representable by 24-bits. Internally the Axe-Fx uses 32-bit floating-point numbers so clipping is virtually impossible. These values are then converted to 24-bit fixed-point numbers prior to being output. If the converted value is greater than that which can be represented by a 24-bit fixed-point number, this will cause clipping of the D/A converter and clipping of the digital output. - Page 16 Enters the Store menu allowing naming and saving of the current preset. BYPASS - Pressing this button bypasses the Axe-Fx. The LED on the button is lit indicating the bypass state. Press the button again to defeat the bypass. Pressing this button twice in rapid...
-
Page 17: Example Connections
As an Effects Unit with Separate Preamp and Power Amp The Axe-Fx can be used as an effects processor along with a dedicated preamp and power amp. In this configuration the preamp provides the primary distortion and tone shaping while the Axe-Fx provides effects. - Page 18 Below are two possible configurations for using the Axe-Fx with a combo amp (or head and cabinet). In the first configuration the Axe-Fx is simply used in the effects loop of the amp. The second configuration is more complicated but allows effects both before and after the amp’s preamp...
- Page 19 GLOBAL chain. If the power amp is a tube amp you may want to bypass the Axe-Fx power amp simulations as well. This can be done via the...
-
Page 20: I/O Configuration
DIGITAL to this bit stream. The Axe-Fx can only run at 48 kHz. If you connect a digital source to the unit be sure that its sample rate is 48 kHz. -
Page 21: Audio Configuration
MIDI Configuration page configures the MIDI parameters and preset mapping of the Axe-Fx. The Axe-Fx MIDI contains memory for 384 presets. From a MIDI standpoint these presets are arranged in 3 banks of 128 each. - Page 22 MIDI continuous controller. To set up the control for an item simply turn the value dial to select the MIDI continuous controller number (or desired pedal) that will control that item. The Axe-Fx has a “learn” feature that allows it to detect the ENTER controller.
- Page 23 CC# 12 message the bypass state of Flanger 1 will be set to the value of the controller. Note that the Axe-Fx uses negative logic for the bypass state. A controller value of zero bypasses the effect and non-zero the effect is active. So if the controller value equals zero, effect off, controller value greater than zero, effect on.
- Page 24 Getting Set Up Internally the Axe-Fx stores a state for the pedal. For momentary footswitches depressing the switch toggles the internal state between 0 and 1. When set to latching the state of the contacts sets the internal state: contacts closed = 0, contacts open = 1.
-
Page 25: Editing
Editing Editing Eventually you’ll probably want to build your own presets. With the Axe-Fx this is easy and straightforward. There are three basic steps: placement, routing and effect editing. Placing Effects LAYOUT PAGE Press the button. Use the buttons to get to the page. -
Page 26: Moving Effects
Editing Auto Routing Instead of having to manually set empty blocks to shunts to complete an effects chain the Axe-Fx ENTER contains an auto routing feature. By pressing and holding the Axe-Fx will automatically ENTER change an empty block to a shunt and place a route. Simply hold down until the chain completes routing to the output. - Page 27 Every effect in the Axe-Fx has stereo outputs. With the control at 12:00 the signal is equal in both the left and right channels. The control allows you to adjust the relative volumes of the left and right channels.
-
Page 28: Output Mixer
Saving Presets All editing in the Axe-Fx modifies data in what’s known as the “edit buffer”. Upon saving, the contents of the edit buffer are written to a memory location. If a new preset is recalled prior to saving... -
Page 29: Recalling Presets
NAME select the character you wish to change with the navigation buttons and turn the value dial to alter the character. The Axe-Fx has a shortcut feature to help you name presets faster. Pressing the PAGE buttons cycles through a short list of convenient starting characters to help you find the character you desire more easily. -
Page 30: The Effects
The Effects The Effects The following sections describe the individual effects and their adjustable parameters. Noise Gate The Noise Gate is not a routable effect. It is always connected directly to the main inputs. To edit the effect go to the page in the menu. - Page 31 Compressor to even out its response compared to a high-gain distortion. Otherwise the low-gain distortion will be too dynamic. Parameters The Axe-Fx contains two different algorithms for the compressor: feedforward and TYPE - feedback. The parameter selects which algorithm is used.
-
Page 32: Gate / Expander (Ultra Only)
The Effects Selects the type of detector: RMS, Peak or RMS + Peak. RMS detection is smoother and DETECT - generally used to even out the level of the program material over a long period of time. Peak detection is fast and is generally used to limit the peaks of the program material. Peak detection is the most common type for use with guitar. -
Page 33: Multi-Band Compressor (Ultra Only)
HICUT - Multi-Band Compressor (Ultra Only) The Axe-Fx Ultra contains a three-band compressor that is great for mastering or compression of a whole mix. It also works great after distortion to help thicken the tone. The basic principle of the Multi-Band compressor is that the input is divided into three bands using a crossover. -
Page 34: Filter
The Effects Selects the type of detector to use, RMS or Peak. DET - Mutes the output of the band. You can use the mute controls to audition one or more bands. MUTE - Filter The Filter module is a simple programmable filter designed for general tone shaping. It allows a variety of different filters along with real-time control of the filter parameters. -
Page 35: Graphic Equalizer
The Effects Sets the output balance of the block. BAL - Controls the panning of the left output signal. PANL - Controls the panning of the right output signal. PANR - Sets the bypass mode. BYP - Graphic Equalizer The Graphic Equalizer is an 8-band equalizer with band centers at 63, 125, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 and 8000 Hz. -
Page 36: Crossover (Ultra Only)
TYPE - three available types. Crossover (Ultra Only) The Axe-Fx Ultra contains two, two-way stereo crossovers. These crossovers contain 4th-order Linkwitz-Reilly filters. You can combine the two crossovers to form a three-way crossover with a little imaginative routing. Sets the frequency of the filters. -
Page 37: Resonator (Ultra Only)
RIGHT HI PAN - Resonator (Ultra Only) The Axe-Fx Ultra Resonator is four resonant comb filters in parallel. By tuning the comb filters a metallic or resonant timbre can be achieved from normally non-musical signals. The Resonator works best on transient signals like speech or percussion but can also be used to add unique character to musical inputs. -
Page 38: Chorus
The varying delay slightly detunes the signal so the result is one of multiple instruments playing in unison. The Axe-Fx Chorus is a stereo multi-voice chorus. It uses a very computationally demanding algorithm but delivers exceptionally smooth sounding ensemble effects. Each stereo channel in the chorus can have from one to four voices. - Page 39 The Effects Controls the frequency of the Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO). Use low settings with RATE - higher depths for slow moving sounds. Increase the rate for vibrato effects. Set fully CCW to sync the LFO to the Global LFO1 oscillator. Sets the maximum delay variation.
-
Page 40: Quad Chorus (Ultra Only)
LFO2 DEPTH - Quad Chorus (Ultra Only) The Axe-Fx Ultra Quad Chorus is the ultimate chorus effect. Four independent chorus units are modulated by four separate LFO’s. The result is an incredibly lush and liquid chorus sound. It takes a little while to program but the effort is well worth the investment. - Page 41 The Effects Master Parameters The time delay of each chorus unit is set to a percentage of its programmed value by this TIME - parameter. This can be used to adjust all the delay times simultaneously or further modulate the choruses.
-
Page 42: Flanger
The Effects If this is set to , the rate of LFO’s 2 and 3 are locked to LFO1 and the LFO1 MASTER - LFO1 parameter controls the first three LFO rates. RATE MULT Selects the type of LFO for each LFO. LFOn TYPE - Sets the rate of the LFO as a multiple of the master rate. - Page 43 The Effects Sets the amount of wet signal fed back to the input. Increasing the feedback can give FEEDBK - the Flanger a metallic quality as it produces sharp resonances in the frequency response. Note that excessive values can result in marginal stability and may even cause oscillation. Decrease the feedback if this occurs.
-
Page 44: Phaser
The Axe-Fx Phaser is extremely powerful allowing from 4 to 12 stages along with a feedback control for producing even more dramatic effects. Also, the Axe-Fx phase is full stereo allowing for spatial effects as well. -
Page 45: Rotary Cabinet
Stevie Ray Vaughn's "Cold Shot" being one example of that sound. The Axe-Fx Rotary Cabinet simulator reproduces all these classic sounds and offers more control. Also, it doesn't weigh 300 lbs and require four guys to move up a flight of stairs. Isn't technology... -
Page 46: Wah-Wah
"Voodoo Chile" to, well, Stevie Ray Vaughn's "Voodoo Chile" the wah continues to hold a unique place in the annals of rock history. The Axe-Fx Wah is the embodiment of this legacy but with modern reliability and control. Also, the unique control input processing of the Axe-Fx eliminates the "zipper effect"... -
Page 47: Formant Filter
For example the vowel sound "eee" can be reproduced with a bank of narrow bandpass filters with various frequencies and amplitudes. The Axe-Fx Formant Filter allows "talk-box" effects without the fuss and muss of the real thing. -
Page 48: Vocoder (Ultra Only)
The Axe-Fx Vocoder pays faithful homage to those early analog vocoders. Using a true constant- Q approach the Axe-Fx Vocoder can be used to make your guitar “talk” or make your voice sound like a robot or other strange and interesting effects. - Page 49 The Effects Parameters Selects the input to use for the synthesis (carrier) channel. This is the input to use for your INSEL - guitar or other instrument. The other input is then the analysis channel and is typically used for vocal input.
-
Page 50: Pan / Tremolo
The Effects Pan / Tremolo The Axe-Fx Pan/Tremolo provides, as the name would imply, panning and tremolo effects. A panner moves the sound left/right in the stereo field while a tremolo varies the volume. Tremolo can be used to get that classic "surf" sound especially when used with some spring reverb. -
Page 51: Delay
Digital delays address all of these shortcomings while providing longer delay times. The Axe-Fx contains two different types of delay blocks. The regular Delay, described here, is your basic digital delay (with a few enhancements). We'll talk about the Multi-Delay later. The Delay has five different modes: Mono, Stereo, Ping-Pong, Dual and Reverse. -
Page 52: Common Parameters
The Effects The first and third pages of the Delay menu are the same for all types. The second page of the edit menu changes based on the type of delay selected. Common Parameters Selects between the various delay types available. TYPE - Sets the input level into the delay lines. -
Page 53: Dual Delay
The Effects Sets the amount of delay feedback for the left channel. The left feedback control FEEDBACK L - is the “master” and will automatically set the right feedback to the proper amount so that both channels decay at the same rate regardless of the ratio. The right channel feedback control can be used to override this if desired. -
Page 54: Reverse Delay
The Effects The panning of each voice is multiplied by this value. A value of 100% will result MASTER PAN - in each voice being panned as set in the individual pan controls. A value of 0% will result in both voices being panned to center. - Page 55 The Effects Sets the crossfade time between reverse audio snippets. When the playback XFADE TIME - position approaches the delay time a new snippet begins playback at time zero. The crossfade time controls how long it takes for the old snippet to fade out and the new one to fade in. You can achieve interesting and rhythmic variations by setting a long crossfade time.
-
Page 56: Multi Delay
REV - Multi Delay The Multi-Delay in the Axe-Fx is a rhythmic delay block with five sub-algorithms: Quadtap delay, Plex Delay, Plex Detune, Plex Shift and Band Delay. The Axe-Fx Ultra contains four additional sub-algorithms: Quad-Series, Ten-Tap, Rhythm Tap and Diffusor. Delay times can be controlled by tempo allowing for rhythmic patterns to be easily created. - Page 57 The Effects QuadTap Delay Plex Delay / Plex Detune / Plex Shift...
-
Page 58: Band Delay
The Effects Band Delay Quad-Series Delay (Ultra Only) Parameters Scales all the delay times. Attach a controller to this for real-time control of the MASTER TIME - delay times. Scales all the output levels. Attach a controller to this for real-time control of MASTER LEVEL - the echo levels. - Page 59 The Effects Scales all the pan amounts essentially acting as a spread control. The amount can MASTER PAN - go negative allowing for the echoes to switch sides. Attach a controller to this for real-time control of the pans. Scales all the feedback amounts. You can attach a controller to this. MASTER FEEDBACK - Scales all the frequency values.
- Page 60 Sets the ‘Q’ of the delay line output filter. Higher values result in narrower bandwidth. The Axe-Fx uses a constant power algorithm so higher Q’s increase the gain of the filter. As such, use caution as overloads could result with some program material.
- Page 61 The Effects Ten Tap Delay (Ultra Only) The Ten Tap Delay is a special kind of delay that allows you to precisely control the repeats. It is implemented essentially as 10 delays in series. You can control the exact number of repeats, up to 10, along with the decay, level and panning.
-
Page 62: Megatap Delay (Ultra Only)
FEEDBACK n - MegaTap Delay (Ultra Only) The Axe-Fx Ultra MegaTap Delay is a 2.5 second, 40-tap delay line with parametric control of time, amplitude, and panning. This effect can be used to create interesting delay patterns or as a “density increaser”... -
Page 63: Reverb
Digital processing excels at simulating reverberation and the Axe-Fx has one of the finest reverbs you've likely heard. A proprietary bandpass comb-filter algorithm provides extremely dense and smooth reverbs with no graininess or metallic qualities. - Page 64 The Axe-Fx Reverb edit menu has three pages. The basic page has the most commonly used of the parameters below. The mix page is the standard mixer. The advanced page allows for more in-depth editing and contains all the adjustable parameters (except for the mixer parameters).
- Page 65 The Effects Sets input level to the reverb. Primarily for use with a controller to control the reverb and INLVL - allow the reverb to continue to sound. Set to 100% normally. Attach a controller to vary the reverb level without disturbing the mix. Decreases the low-frequency content of the wet signal LOCUT - Decreases the high-frequency content of the wet signal...
-
Page 66: Amp Simulator
Without distortion the electric guitar probably wouldn't have had nearly the impact it has had on popular music. The Axe-Fx contains multiple distortions based on emulations of various amplifiers. As mentioned earlier the Axe-Fx is not a modeler however these emulations provide sonic characteristics very similar to the amplifier they are emulating. - Page 67 - Based on a Japanese solid-state amp with built-in chorus. With essentially no tone Jazz shaping this amp has a warm, midrange-thick sound that is good for jazz and fingerstyle. With the Axe-Fx’s powerful tone controls you can tweak this type to get shimmering rhythm tones as well. •...
- Page 68 The Effects gain than the Plexi. Like the Plexi type it likes having the Master cranked. At low Master settings the amp can be brittle but bring the Master up and the true tone of this beast comes out. Try it with any of the 4x12 cabinet types for classic rock and metal tones. Try a drive block in front for more snarl.
- Page 69 Capable of searing rhythm and lead tones. • - Spandex, studded wrist bands, pyrotechnics and your Axe-Fx are all you'll need to Big Hair relive the 80's metal scene. This custom type has a unique voicing and tone-stack that emphasizes mid frequencies without getting muddy.
- Page 70 The Effects • - Based on a rack-mount preamplifier version of the . The preamp gained Brit Pre Brit 900 notoriety for its crunchy tone and was made popular by ZZ Top. • - Based on the modern version of the Recto 1 and Recto 2 amps. Some minor Recto New circuit changes made this version slightly more aggressive than the originals.
- Page 71 The Axe-Fx amp types default to a particular state for the bright switch. If the amp had a hard-wired treble peaker the default state is on. If the amp had no circuit at all the default state is off. You many...
- Page 72 Sag control will have more effect. NOTE: Turning this control fully CCW defeats the power amp simulation. If you are using the Axe-Fx into an external tube power amp and cabinet you may want to set this control to zero to defeat the power amp simulation.
- Page 73 If using the Axe-Fx along with a separate tube power amp you may wish to experiment with this control to achieve the desired tone as the power amp may have its own high-frequency filtering.
- Page 74 The Effects This control sets the value of the “bright cap” across the virtual drive control. BRIGHT CAP - Increasing this will make the preamp brighter and vice-versa. The Bright Switch must be engaged for the effect to be audible. This control allows you to select the type of tone stack used in the TONESTACK TYPE - simulation.
-
Page 75: Cabinet Simulator
LEVEL, BAL, BYP MODE - Cabinet Simulator The Axe-Fx contains 20 cabinet simulations. These simulations recreate the tonal characteristics of a variety of different speaker and cabinet configurations. More than just simple filters, the cabinet simulator actually captures the subtle frequency response variations inherent in a real guitar speaker. - Page 76 - Based on a boutique 2x12 speaker cabinet from amp maker Mark Sampson. 2x12 Boutiq • - Captured by audio engineer and Axe-Fx user Jay Mitchell. This is a “far-field” 2x12 Gold model based on the famous “gold” speakers made in England.
- Page 77 DRIVE - User Cabinets The Axe-Fx has the ability to import cabinet impulse responses (IR’s) and use them instead of the internal models. The responses may be loaded into the Axe-Fx non-volatile memory via a MIDI utility. Once loaded, you can select which IR to use with the control.
-
Page 78: Drive
To load a cabinet into a user location select the desired user location with the type parameter for the Cabinet 1 block. Then send the sysex file from your computer. This will automatically load the IR into the selected location. Alternatively you can use the Axe-Fx editor which automates the process. Drive The drive block replicates the effect of classic “stomp boxes”. -
Page 79: Pitch Shifter
Selects the bypass mode of the block. BYP MODE - Pitch Shifter The Axe-Fx Pitch Shifter has six basic modes of operation: Detune, Fixed Harmony, Intelligent Harmony, Whammy, Octave Divider, and Crystals. The mode is selected on the page. TYPE... - Page 80 The Effects The Pitch Shifter also allows you to select the source of the pitch data that the shifter will use when making pitch calculations. The global detector is unaffected by routings and is usually the best choice for single note usage. The integrated detector uses the signal input to the pitch block including any feedback within the block.
-
Page 81: Fixed Harmony
The Effects Sets the volume level of the voice. VOICEn LEVEL - Sets the panning of the voice. VOICEn PAN - Sets the delay time of the voice. VOICEn DELAY - Fixed Harmony The Fixed Harmony mode creates two voices that are fixed intervals from the input. Multiplies the pitch shift by this amount. -
Page 82: Intelligent Harmony
The Effects Intelligent Harmony The Intelligent Harmony mode creates two voices that track the note you’re playing and remain within the key. Multiplies the delay values by this amount. MASTER DELAY - Multiplies the pan values by this amount. MASTER PAN - Multiplies the level values by this amount. -
Page 83: Classic Whammy
The Effects Classic Whammy The Whammy mode allows control of the pitch shift via a control knob (normally you would connect this knob to a controller such as an expression pedal). There are two sub-modes: Whammy- Up and Whammy-Down. The difference between the sub-modes is the direction of the pitch shift. In Whammy-Up mode the pitch increases as the control is increased. - Page 84 The Effects Sets the volume level of the voice. VOICE1,2 LEVEL - Sets the panning of the voice. VOICE1,2 PAN - Sets the delay time of the voice in milliseconds. VOICE1,2 DELAY - Locks the delay time to the global tempo. For example, if the global VOICE1,2 DLYTEMPO - tempo is 120 bpm and the tempo is set to a quarter note (1/4) then the delay time will be 500 ms.
- Page 85 The Effects Arpeggiator (Ultra Only) The Arpeggiator is a 16-stage sequencer that controls the pitch shift. Complex arpeggio patterns can be created just by playing a single note. Parameters Sets the type of scale (or scale mode) that the harmony will use. Examples are Ionian SCALE - (major), Aeolian (minor), Whole Tone, etc.
-
Page 86: Synth (Ultra Only)
All parameters for the Auto Pitch mode are described under the Intelligent Harmony mode. Synth (Ultra Only) The Axe-Fx Ultra contains two dual-voice monophonic synthesizers. These are classic oscillator- based synthesizers and can be used to do synth leads with your guitar or other instrument input. -
Page 87: Ring Modulator (Ultra Only)
Effects Loop / Aux. Out The Axe-Fx has a fully routable effects loop which allows you to use outboard processors anywhere in the signal chain. The effects loop can also be used as an auxiliary output for live stage monitoring... -
Page 88: Mixer
The Axe-Fx senses if the effects return is not used and then just uses the loop as an output. To use the effects loop as an on-stage monitor with a guitar amp (or head and cabinet) place the loop BEFORE any cabinet simulation blocks. -
Page 89: Volume / Pan
The Effects The Mixer is a simple linear mixer that mixes the four rows feeding the block according to the gains for each row. The Mixer allows you to fine-tune levels, or cross-fade between effects. This is especially useful for cross-fading amps or delays. Each gain control corresponds to a row in the routing matrix. - Page 90 The Effects The Send block has no parameters, while the Return block has a basic mixer. Adjust the control to set the ratio of direct and feedback signals. Best results are achieved when feeding back a pure delayed signal. If any direct signal is fed back the resulting loop will usually be unstable and/or sound strange due to phase cancellation.
-
Page 91: Controllers And Modifiers
Controllers and Modifiers Controllers and Modifiers The Axe-Fx allows control over many of the various effect parameters. In essence a controller is like a robot that turns a knob for you. There are two basic types of controllers: internal and external. -
Page 92: Lfo's
LFO's The Axe-Fx contains two Low Frequency Oscillators (LFO's) that can generate various low- frequency waveforms for use in parameter modulation. The controls for each are identical. Sets the waveform type. -
Page 93: Sequencer
Controllers and Modifiers The threshold level in dB. When the signal crosses this value the sequence is triggered. THRSHLD - Sequencer The Sequencer generates a sequence of values. When the last stage of the sequence is reached the sequence starts over. The Sequencer can be used to generate repetitive patterns in time with the beat of the song. -
Page 94: Pitch
Controllers and Modifiers Pitch The Axe-Fx has a fast built-in Pitch detector. It is completely automatic and has no adjustable parameters. The value from the pitch detector is proportional to the frequency of the note played, higher notes give a higher value. If multiple notes are played at once the pitch detector will attempt to find the lowest pitch but may not be able to lock onto it. - Page 95 Controllers and Modifiers ENTER To remove a modifier select the parameter with the navigation buttons and press . Set the source to none then press exit. This will remove the modifier and restore the parameter’s value to its stored value. Parameters This is the controller that will be used to control the parameter.
- Page 96 Controllers and Modifiers The damping control is also effective when using an expression pedal to control a parameter. It can help smooth out the pedals response, especially if the pedal’s potentiometer has gotten “scratchy”. When set to , automatically engages the target effect block when activity occurs AUTO ENG - on the connected controller.
-
Page 97: Global Parameters
The Axe-Fx Global Parameters menu is accessed by pressing the menu button. The Global Parameters allows you to set the overall tone and mix of the Axe-Fx. These settings are stored independently of the presets and restored at each power-on. - Page 98 Global Scales (Ultra Only) The Axe-Fx Ultra has the ability to define up to 32 custom scales. A custom scale is an arbitrary table of pitch shift values that need not conform to any conventional definition of a scale. Custom scales can be used to create harmonic counterpoint using the Custom Shifter mode of the Pitch block or other non-standard harmonic relationships.
-
Page 99: Tuner
TUNER Pressing the button brings up the Axe-Fx tuner display. There are three pages. The first page is the basic tuner display. The second page allows you to configure the tuner and the third page allows you to enter custom tuning offsets. -
Page 100: Utilities
To restore a preset from a MIDI librarian connect the device to and send the SysEx data into the Axe-Fx. The Axe-Fx automatically loads the data into its edit buffer. You can then save the downloaded data to the location of your choice. -
Page 101: Status
Naturally some effects use much more power than others, the amplifiers using the most. The Axe-Fx does not allow the total CPU load to exceed 98% as the unit could then become unresponsive. -
Page 102: Tips And Tricks
EQ can make a HUGE difference in sound. Try placing EQ before AND after the amplifier block. Subtle EQ adjustments can tighten up the sound or increase the depth. The Axe-Fx has a lot of EQ resources for just this reason. Take advantage of them. -
Page 103: Using Your Axe-Fx Live
Tips and Tricks If you are connecting the Axe-Fx to a tube power amp as well, then once again the signal is effectively passed through a power amp twice (once in the Axe-Fx, once in the external tube amp). For this reason the Axe-Fx allows you to defeat the power amp simulations and the cabinet simulations. -
Page 104: Computer Editing
If your unit is malfunctioning do not attempt to service it yourself. The Axe-Fx is more like a computer than a tube amp and has no user serviceable components. TO PREVENT RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK DO NOT OPEN THE CHASSIS. -
Page 105: Warranty Information
This warranty only applies to products sold and used in the USA and Canada. Fractal Audio Systems shall not be liable for damages or loss resulting from the negligent or intentional acts of the shipper or its contracted affiliates. -
Page 106: Specifications
Specifications Specifications Front Panel Input Connector:1/4” phone jack, unbalanced. Impedance:1 Mohm Max. Input Level:+12 dBu (conditioned for guitar use) Rear Inputs Connector:1/4” phone jack, unbalanced. Impedance:1 Mohm Max. Input Level:+18 dBu A/D Conversion Bit Depth:24 bits Sample Rate:48 kHz Dynamic Range:> 105 dB Frequency Response:20 - 20kHz, +0 / -3 dB Crosstalk:<-60 dB over full bandwidth Analog Outputs... - Page 107 Specifications Finish:Powdercoated steel chassis with anodized aluminum faceplate LCD:128x64 dot matrix graphic display Dimensions:19” x 3.5” x 12” (483 x 88 x 305 mm) Weight:10 lbs 4.5 kg) Input Voltage:100 to 240 VAC, 47 - 63 Hz (universal input) Power Consumption:< 10 W Backup Battery Life:>...