Always consult the official Owners Manuals first!
March 2024: all pages have been checked and are up-to-date

Input block

From Fractal Audio Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Iii ins and outs.jpg

Available on which products

  • Axe-Fx III: 5 blocks
  • FM3: 2 blocks
  • Axe-Fx II: 1 block
  • AX8: 1 block
  • FX8: no

Channels or X/Y switching

  • Axe-Fx III and FM3: 4 channels
  • Axe-Fx II: no
  • AX8: no

What is the Input block

The Input block is the point where the signal enters the grid for processing by effect blocks.

The Input block also provides:

On the Axe-Fx III and FM3, an Input block can also operate as Effects Return in an effects loop. The signal is sent to an external device through an Output block (= Effects Send) and then re-enters the grid through the Input block (= Effects Return). This is similar to the FX Loop block on the Axe-Fx II and AX8.

Position of the Input block on the grid

Axe-Fx II and AX8 — The Input block has a fixed position at the start of the grid.

Axe-Fx III and FM3 — The Input blocks can be positioned anywhere on the grid.

Input sources

The Input blocks are linked to the hardware input ports, except Input 1 on the Axe-Fx III.

Input 1 on the Axe-Fx III can be linked to:

  • Analog input (Instrument/Input 1)
  • USB outputs 5+6 from computer
  • SPDIF or AES input

There's a 5th Input block on the Axe-Fx III, which is the Input USB block. It gets its signal from USB Outputs 7+8 from a computer.

FM3: to be added... @@

Setting and viewing levels

The Axe-Fx III and FM3 provides block meters, which indicate the Input and Output signal level per block.

Running Input and Output blocks as an effect loop

When running a pair of Input and Output blocks as an effects loop, the blocks don't have to be connected to each other.

Here are the scenarios:

  • If Output is not connected to Input and Input is bypassed: the signal from the loop is muted.
  • If Output is connected to Input and Input is bypassed: the signal is passed without going through the loop.
  • If Output is connected to Input and Input is engaged: the signal from the effect loop is passed.

When using the Input block as the On/Off switch for the loop, it warrants that no noise will enter the grid if the loop is off. However, this will also cut off tails from effects such as delay when turning off the loop.

Input impedance

Read this: Input impedance

Input blocks and Global Blocks

Only Input 1 can be configured as a Global Block (on devices which support Global Blocks).

Input blocks and noise gates

Each Input block has its own noise gate settings. On the Axe-Fx III and FM3 this includes EMI filtering.

Read this: Noise gate

Parameters

Parameter Axe-Fx III / FM3 Axe-Fx II AX8, FX8
Noise Gate
Threshold yes
Ratio yes
Attack yes
Release yes
Output Level yes
Gate Type yes
Input 1/Instr Impedance yes