Controllers and modifiers

Through the Modifier menu you can customize the behavior of a controller. For example, if you attach the Wah block to an external controller (attached to a pedal), you can use the Modifier menu in the Wah block to configure stuff like Auto-engage, Damping etc.

The Axe-Fx II introduces MIN and MAX values which are actual parameter values (not percentages). For example, to change the delay time in a range between 500 - 700 ms, set MIN to 500 ms and MAX to 700 ms. Then 0% corresponds to 500 ms and 100% corresponds to 700 ms.

It gets difficult here. A controller is a source that generates control data. An expression pedal for example is a controller because it outputs control data. And it’s an external controller, because the data is generated from outside the Axe-Fx. The same goes for an on/off switch and a MIDI foot controller, when connected to the Axe-Fx. External controllers often operate on the basis of user input (by moving the pedal for example). The Axe-Fx supports 8 external controllers. These can be connected to the Axe-Fx directly using the two inputs at the rear, or via MIDI IN. Go to I/O > Ctrl to tell the Axe-Fx which external controllers you’ll be using. The Axe-Fx also has internal controllers, which output control data as well. These are: Tempo, LFO, ADSR, Sequencer, Envelope and Pitch. Read the manual (pages 87 etc.) for more information. Push the Control button at the front to change their settings. Adjusting these settings change the current preset, not all presets. And then there are modifiers. These sit between the controllers and the parameters that the controller controls. Still with me? The controller sends control data, which is being modified by a modifier, and then gets used to change a parameter. Actually, it’s far easier to work with than it is to explain. It’s important though to realize that there are internal controllers and modifiers. Often, when something peculiar is going in a preset and you can’t discover exactly why it is behaving like that, it’s because a parameter is being controlled by an internal controller. And it’s not always easy to see that a controller is attached to a parameter! Example: the Wah-Wah effect. Go into Edit mode and you’ll see a block under the FREQ parameter. This means that the frequency parameter can be controlled by a controller. If it is, the block is filled. Go to FREQ and press Enter. You’re now in the Modifier menu. Under Source you can select the internal or external controller you wish to attach, or select “None” to detach a controller. Start, End, Slope etc. are other modifier parameters. If you’d choose an internal controller like Envelope, you need to go to the Control menu (use the front panel button) to configure it.

More information about controllers and modifiers http://wiki.fractalaudio.com/index.php?title=Controllers_and_modifiers