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March 2024: all pages have been checked and are up-to-date

Send and Return blocks

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Extend grid.PNG

Available on which Fractal Audio products

  • Axe-Fx III: 2 pairs
  • Axe-Fx II: 1 pair
  • FX8: no
  • AX8: no

X/Y and channels

  • Axe-Fx III: no
  • Axe-Fx II: no
  • FX8: n/a
  • AX8: n/a

Send and Return on the Axe-Fx III

The Axe-Fx III has two sets of Send/Return blocks, a much-requested feature.

Configuring Feedback Send/Return

Axe-Fx II: Both blocks have parameters which need configuring. In most cases you'll want Send to feed the Return block only, not to pass signal to the next block. So Send Level (signal to Return) has to be at 100% and Output Level (signal to next grid block) stays at zero. In this case the Return block's Mix parameter (signal from Send) should be 100% and Return Level (signal to next grid block) is 0 dB.

Axe-Fx III: Feedback Send does not have parameters anymore. The signal to Feedback Return can be controlled with Mix in the Feedback Return block. And if the signal is passed to the next block and needs adjustment, there are other tools to accomplish that, such as a Volume block.

Using Feedback Send/Return

Extending the signal chain on the grid

You can use Feedback Send/Return to connect the signal chain on the grid from one row to another. The manual explains how this works.

Combining FX Loop and Feedback Send/Return to send Input 2 to Output 2 (Axe-Fx II)

Feedback Send and Return can be used to enhance the FX Loop block in the Axe-Fx II. By itself FX Loop enables:

  • Signal from Input 2 to enter the grid.
  • Sending a signal through Output 2.

By placing FX Loop inbetween Feedback Return and Feedback Send, you can accomplish both: send input from Input 2 to Output 2. Read this: FX Loop block.

Creating a delay loop

Create a delay feedback loop.

Feedback loop.PNG

Parameters table

Parameter Axe-Fx III Axe-Fx II AX8, FX8
Send - Send Level no n/a
Send - Output Level no n/a
Return - Return Level yes n/a
Return - Output Level yes n/a

Troubleshooting

Protection against feedback runaway

"The feedback return will clip at extremely high input levels. This is a protection mechanism to prevent against "runaway" if someone creates a feedback loop. The feedback return clips at a level of 38 dBu. This is nearly 10 times the maximum output level of the unit. If this protection were not there a feedback loop could be created that would result in digital overflow and cause a reboot." source