MIDI

Axe-FX MIDI

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a very powerful protocol that allows musical instruments as well as computers to communicate with each other. This MIDI section of Axe-FX Wiki is intended to cover those features and uses as they apply to the Axe-FX Standard and Ultra by Fractal Audio.

MIDI would be primarily used for 5 purposes regarding the Axe-FX.
1. To upgrade firmware (operating system).
2. To have ability to backup and restore Axe-FX presets.
3. To edit Axe-FX presets via computer software editor.
4. To select presets via MIDI foot switch.
5. To control various individual functions via a MIDI controller.

Basic Principles: MIDI is laid out in Banks. A Bank would be 128 presets (or patches) which would be numbered either 0 to 127 or 1 to 128. The Axe-FX utilizes 3 Banks (labeled A/B/C) of 128 preset slots each for a total of 384. Banks A/B are editable factory presets and duplicates of each other. Bank C is empty for custom user creations.

Getting Started: The Axe-FX has 3 MIDI connections. In/Out/Thru. In/Out of the device are obvious but the Thru is a duplicate Out signal allowing a 'daisy chain' of devices to be formed. MIDI cables are also necessary to get started with any MIDI purpose.

Tip - Since you will be going from the Out of one device to the In of the other and the In of that device to the Out of the other it is easy to get lost in your connections. Try using 2 colors of MIDI cables (ex: red and black) and designate a 'go-to' device and a 'go-to' cable. Now by using 'Blackout' as a key word and the Axe as the key device the reference is black cable to Axe MIDI out.

2 colors and a keyword easily keep 4 connections straight.

MIDI Interface - We need a MIDI interface to allow us to communicate with our computer and software.
MIDI Footswitch - This will usually be a 12 button footswitch representing 10 presets and a Bank Up and Bank Down button. Primary purpose is for preset selection only.
MIDI Controller - This is a powerful variable controller which uses Continuous Controller messages. Many times this type of device will have a volume or wah pedal (or both). It will also have various switch buttons which can be used as the MIDI footswitch above or to turn off/on individual effects such as chorus, reverb, flange, echo, etc. It is by far the more complex of the setups.

MIDI Links on Axe-FX Wiki

• How to Download/Upload Patches
  
• MIDI Tips
  
  

MIDI Links on Internet

• MIDI Basics:Part 1
• MIDI Basics:Part 2
• MIDI Basics:Part 3
• MIDI Basics:Part 4
• MIDI 101 by TweakHeadz Lab

(work in progress - mwd)