Synth block

Synth: supported by which Fractal Audio products

• Axe-Fx III: 2x.
• Axe-Fx II: 2x.
• AX8: 1x.
• FX8: 1x.

Synth: X/Y switching or channels

• Axe-Fx III: 2 channels.
• Axe-Fx II: no.
• AX8: no.
• FX8: no.

What can the Synth block do

"The Synth block is a very simple monophonic synth. It doesn't compare to the polyphonic capabilities of something like the FTP and it can't control outboard MIDI synths." source

Synth tracking

The Synth block requires monophonic input. This means that you have play REALLY clean. Always hit single notes and avoid overlapping notes.

Warm up the Synth sound

To warm up the Synth, add a Drive block after it, such as a RAT model.

Fatten the Synth tone

To fatten the Synth, use at least two voices and detune them slightly. source

Use the Synth for special tasks

Synth drone note

Set Tracking to OFF, adjust pitch with the Frequency parameter.

You can change the pitch of sustained synth notes per scene by using Scene Controllers.

Pink or white noise

The Synth block can generate white or pink noise.

• White noise in Wikipedia.
• Pink noise in Wikipedia.

Calibration tone

"Set the synth block to a 1K sine wave at -12 dB. Turn OUTPUT 1 to the maximum level position." source

"There's actually a hidden calibration tone that is used during functional test. The Synth block is reference quality. I use it all the time to generate test tones. The output is spectrally purer than my $2000 Stanford Research Systems Synthesized Function Generator." source

More synth information

• Forum members Simeon and Swedish Chef have provided great synth presets. Search the forum and visit Axe-Change.
• Introduction video.
• Synthesizer in Wikipedia.