Axe-Fx II FAQ

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In time this page will contain questions and answers regarding the Fractal Audio Axe-Fx II. The content below is for editing purposes only at this time.

GENERAL

Where are the units manufactured

All units are made in USA. Source

HARDWARE

How does the unit show up in DAW-software

As a 3 In, 2 Out device. The 3rd channel carries a dry signal for reamping. Source

What's the latency of the USB audio inteface

The "built-in" interface is limited only by the host computer. The USB is Audio Class 2.0 compliant. On a Mac you don't need to install any drivers but you do need to install the firmware loader for the USB chip (it is a "soft" processor and downloads its code from the host on start-up). On a PC you also have to install the Audio Class 2.0 drivers. The driver supports ASIO, SRC, etc. etc. You can use the USB just for remote control via Axe-Edit if you want. You don't have to use the audio features. Source

Is the sample rate for the digital output fixed

Yes, at 48kHz. Resampling is handled in software. Source1 Source2

AMPLIFICATION, I/O CONNECTIONS

Why are there no Input level knobs at the front

There are soft Input knobs in the I/O menu. The input levels are controlled via digitally-controlled potentiometer. Source

How does it obtain unity gain

The Axe-Fx II has digitally controlled potentiometers before and after the A/D and D/A converters. Therefore it knows what the input and output gains are. It compensates for these gains in the digital path. This allows "unity gain processing". If you set the Output Level knob to maximum you will get out what you put in (assuming the blocks have no gain). So if you were to make a preset with shunts from input to output and you put a 1V signal into the unit you would get 1V out. Source

Can the digital input be used with analog inputs and outputs

You can use the digital input with analog Output 1 (and simultaneously digital out). You can use Input 2 and Output 2 while using the digital input. Source

How are levels set in a 4CM setup

See the topic about unity gain. Turn both Output knobs at the front fully up. Source

Can it play streamed music

Yes, connect the player through USB. The signal will be mixed into the output of the Axe-Fx II. Adjust the volume on the player. Source

CREATING AND EDITING PRESETS

Can it import presets from a Standard or Ultra

No. Source

How do I switch between various fixed effects settings within a single preset (X/Y)

For certain effect blocks you can use their X/Y feature to configure and save two different sets of settings. Then use the X/Y knob at the front of the Axe-Fx II, or an IA switch on the MIDI foot controller, to switch between those sets. This essentially doubles the number of those blocks within a preset. Source

AMP BLOCK

Can the names of the amps be renamed

No. Source

Where are the Warmth and Thump parameters

These are removed from the Amp block in the Axe-Fx II. Source

What amp is: Jose Marshall Mod

(...) This is an Axe-Fx II-only amp sim.

CAB BLOCK

Which parameters are added to the Cab block in the Axe-Fx II

Room Level, Room Size, Mic Spacing, Low Cut and High Cut. Source

Where is the Drive parameter in the Cab block

This parameter has been removed from the Cab block in the Axe-Fx II. Instead, the Amp block has a Speaker Drive parameter. Source

Does it contain a cab type for acoustic guitar

No.

How do I handle user cabs

User cabs are the same as external cab blocks, or impulse responses (IRs). (...) The Axe-Fx II uses the name of the IR-file (contained in the sysx data) to show on its display.

OTHER EFFECTS

Does it have a bit crusher effect

No. Source

What do I need to know about: Chorus

The Chorus block of the Axe-Fx II models bucket-brigade delay lines (BBD). Source

What do I need to know about: Flanger

The Chorus block of the Axe-Fx II models bucket-brigade delay lines (BBD). Source

What do I need to know about: Wah

The Wah block of the Axe-Fx II models the Fasel Inductor. Source

INTERNAL CONTROLLERS, MODIFIERS

Can I set a modifier to min and max values

In the Axe-Fx II there are MIN and MAX values. These are the actual parameter values. For example, if you want to change the delay time from 500 ms to 700 ms, you simply set MIN to 500 ms and MAX to 700 ms. So 0% corresponds to 500 ms and 100% corresponds to 700 ms. http://forum.fractalaudio.com/showthread.php?t=35997&p=490193&viewfull=1#post490193 Source]

PEDALS, SWITCHES, FOOT CONTROLLERS, MIDI

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OLD STUFF:

INTRODUCTION= READ THIS FIRST= GENERAL= How to keep your knowledge up-to-date== How to get started quickly (for new users)== How to make sure it is set up correctly (gig checklist)== How to try the factory presets== How to find the right factory preset== How to view and hear the unit in action== How to mount it in a rack or rackbag== AMPLIFICATION AND I/O= How to switch it on and off== How to get sound from it (basics)== How to use it with FR amplification== How to connect it to a mixing table== How to integrate a (pre)amp== How to use it with a poweramp and speaker cabinet== How to use it with a guitar amplifier== How to set it up for mono or stereo output== How to get multiple output signals== How to use it for effects only== How to connect your guitar(s)== How to use its effects loop== How to set the input level== How to set the output level and avoid clipping== How to use it with headphones== How to make a digital connection== How to mute the signal when tuning== How to adjust the overall tone and volume level== How to deal with noise== FIRMWARE, SYSTEM'= How to update its firmware== How to reset the unit== How to prevent overloading the CPU== How to save and restore stuff== How to replace the battery== SOFTWARE, AXE-EDIT= How to connect to a computer== How to use it as an audio interface== How to use Axe-Edit== How to reamp== CREATING AND EDITING PRESETS= How to edit presets on a computer== How to use presets by other users== How to create a new preset from scratch== How to create your first preset== How to make editing easier== How to copy and paste effect settings between presets== How to reset an effect to its default state== How to adjust the global effects level or the master reverb level== How to insert more than 12 effects in a preset== How to add an effect to a preset== How to use effects in a parallel row== How to put effects before or after your own preamp== How to create a master bypass switch== How to run an effect in stereo or mono== How to set the correct bypass mode for an effect== How to set the volume level of an effect== How to adjust the volume level of a preset while playing== How to boost the signal for leads== How to avoid output clipping== How to decide where to put the cab block== How to enable spillover of delay trails and reverb== How to enable global control of any effects block== How to save and recall favorite amp settings (global amp)== How to minimize gaps in the signal when switching presets== How to print presets== How to keep your presets organized== How to insert an external pedal in the routing== EFFECTS'= How to know which effects are available== AMPS== How to know which amps are simulated=== How to dial in amp settings=== How to set the Drive and Master controls=== How to use the amp tone controls (tonestack)=== How to use the Bright switch=== How to use the Boost switch=== How to use the Presence control=== How to set the amp's advanced parameters=== How to split the preamp and poweramp of an amp sim=== How to get tight bass control=== How to use a Drive block to add or control gain=== How to add a gain stage=== How to prevent crossover distortion=== How to use multiple amps in a preset=== How to solve this issue: "My tone changes when I start editing the Amp block"=== How to get controlled feedback=== CABINETS== How to choose between the stock cabinets=== How to choose between the microphone sims=== How to choose between a stereo or mono cabinet=== How to use the Air and Drive parameters=== How to use an external user cab (IR)=== How to set the speaker resonance parameter=== How to optimize your room tone as well as the FOH tone === OTHER EFFECTS== How to use this effect: Chorus and Quad-Chorus=== How to use this effect: Compressor=== How to use this effect: Crossover=== How to use this effect: Delay=== How to use this effect: Detune=== How to use this effect: Drive=== How to use this effect: Effects Loop (FXL)=== How to use this effect: Stereo Enhancer=== How to use this effect: Feedback Send/Return=== How to use this effect: Filter=== How to use this effect: Flanger=== How to use this effect: Formant=== How to use this effect: Envelope filter=== How to use this effect: Graphic Equalizer=== How to use this effect: Looper=== How to use this effect: MegaTap Delay=== How to use this effect: Mixer=== How to use this effect: Multi-Delay=== How to use this effect: Multiband Compressor=== How to use this effect: Noise Gate=== How to use this effect: Panner=== How to use this effect: Parametric Equalizer=== How to use this effect: Phaser=== How to use this effect: Pitch Shifter=== How to use this effect: Resonator=== How to use this effect: Reverb=== How to use this effect: Reversed delay=== How to use this effect: Ring Modulator=== How to use this effect: Rotary Cabinet (Leslie)=== How to use this effect: Seek wah=== How to use this effect: Synth=== How to use this effect: Tremolo=== How to use this effect: (Uni)Vibe=== How to use this effect: Vocoder=== How to use this effect: Wah=== SPECIAL SOUNDS AND ROUTINGS== How to create an automated dive bomb=== How to integrate a real talk box=== How to create the vibrato effect=== How to simulate a violin=== How to simulate multiple violins (strings)=== How to crossfade effects=== How to automate volume swells=== How to get or handle acoustic tones=== How to create U2’s Mysterious Ways effect=== How to create space(ship) and lasergun sounds=== How to simulate a flute=== How to simualte an organ=== How to get the shimmer effect=== How to simulate an E-Bow (infinite sustain)=== How to simulate the sound of a windstorm=== How to simulate a sitar or tampura=== How to create infinite reverb (freeze, hold reverb, chord-drone)=== How to simulate dropped tuning=== How to simulate sirens=== How to create automatic double-tracking (ADT)=== How to use Buzz Feiten tuning=== INTERNAL CONTROLLERS AND MODIFIERS== PEDALS, SWITCHES, FOOT CONTROLLERS, MIDI= How to get familiar with MIDI== How to configure the MIDI settings and stuff== How to handle MIDI problems== How to choose a MIDI foot controller== How to make your MIDI foot controller work== How to operate the MFC-101== How to power a MIDI foot controller through MIDI (phantom power)== How to access presets 128 and higher with a MIDI foot controller== How to switch effects on and off using a MIDI foot controller== How to activate the tuner using a MIDI foot controller== How to display the tuner on a MIDI foot controller's display== How to choose an expression pedal== How to connect and configure an expression pedal or switch== How to solve a "stuttering" expression pedal== How to turn an expression pedal into a wah== How to activate an effect automatically when moving an expression pedal== How to use a single pedal to control different effects without switching presets (dual-function pedal) == How to use a switch for global control of any effects block== How to reset a pedal when switching presets== How to mute the delay using an expression pedal or switch== How to switch between different effect settings using a single switch== How to use a pedal for volume boosts== RECORDINGS= VIDEOS'= CATEGORIZED FACTORY PRESETS=

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Sources:

http://www.fractalaudio.com/products-fas-axe-fx-ii-2.html

http://www.fractalaudio.com/tmp/Axe-Fx_II_Product_Brief.pdf

http://forum.fractalaudio.com/search.php?do=finduser&userid=7762&contenttype=vBForum_Post&showposts=1

http://forum.fractalaudio.com/search.php?do=finduser&userid=1&contenttype=vBForum_Post&showposts=1

http://forum.fractalaudio.com/search.php?do=finduser&userid=8142&contenttype=vBForum_Post&showposts=1

http://forum.fractalaudio.com/search.php?do=finduser&userid=7847&contenttype=vBForum_Post&showposts=1

http://forum.fractalaudio.com/search.php?do=finduser&userid=7936&contenttype=vBForum_Post&showposts=1

http://forum.fractalaudio.com/search.php?do=finduser&userid=8733&contenttype=vBForum_Post&showposts=1

http://wiki.fractalaudio.com/index.php?title=Yeks_How_Tos

http://forum.fractalaudio.com/search.php?do=finduser&userid=7770&contenttype=vBForum_Post&showposts=1

http://forum.fractalaudio.com/showthread.php?t=35930

http://forum.fractalaudio.com/forumdisplay.php?f=61

http://forum.fractalaudio.com/showthread.php?t=35997