Axe-Fx II FAQ
NOTE: The contents of this FAQ are being migrated to a dedicated Axe-Fx II Wiki.
Contents
- 1 CONNECTING THE INPUT / INSTRUMENTS
- 2 CONNECTING THE OUTPUT / AMPLIFYING
- 2.1 How do I use it with FR amplification
- 2.2 How do I use it with my own preamp or amplifier (4CM)
- 2.3 How do I set up two separate output feeds
- 2.4 How do I set the output levels and avoid clipping
- 2.5 How do I adjust the overall tone and volume level
- 2.6 How to make my tone cut better through the mix
- 2.7 How does it obtain unity gain
CONNECTING THE INPUT / INSTRUMENTS
How do I connect my guitar
- The front panel input uses a proprietary circuit and dedicated A/D converter for low noise. Always use the front input for guitar, whether wired or wireless. Source
- The front input does not disable the rear input (different from Standard/Ultra). Use the menu to select either the front or the rear for Input 1. You can leave everything plugged in. Source
- The front input impedance is 1 Mohm, or less if Input Impdance is adjusted.
- All rear analog inputs are balanced like the onboard XLR outputs. The inputs detect whether the incoming signal is balanced or not.
- Do not use speaker cable to connect to the 1/4" inputs.
How do I connect a wireless receiver
The same way as with your guitar: to the front input, to take advantage of the front input's "special sauce" for noise reduction. The rear inputs (both 1 and 2) operate at line level, the front input operates at instrument level.
How do I set the input level(s)
Instead of knobs on the front panel, there are soft Input knobs in the I/O menu. The input levels are controlled via digitally-controlled potentiometer. These work globally, not per preset. The setting doesn't affect the input gain of the Amp and Drive blocks. Source1 Source2
Can I connect a music player
Yes, connect the player to the USB slot. The signal will be mixed into the output signal. Adjust the volume on the player. Source
CONNECTING THE OUTPUT / AMPLIFYING
How do I use it with FR amplification
(tube / ss poweramp)
How do I use it with my own preamp or amplifier (4CM)
The AFXII supports unity gain when settings things up for 4CM: Four Cable Method. To obtain unity gain turn both Output knobs on the front panel fully up. Source
How do I set up two separate output feeds
- FOH
- FR
- speaker cabinet
How do I set the output levels and avoid clipping
- The XLR outputs are line-level. Source
How do I adjust the overall tone and volume level
How to make my tone cut better through the mix
How does it obtain unity gain
The AFXII 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
