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| − | ='''INTRODUCTION'''=
| + | The contents of this FAQ have been migrated to the soon-to-be-published Axe-Fx II Wiki. |
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| − | This is a FAQ for the Fractal Audio Axe-Fx (AFXII) II. I copied content from forum messages by Fractal Audio, Fractal forum administrators/moderators and other experienced users (Matman, Javajunkie, Bakerman, Jay Mitchell, Scott Peterson, Don Petersen, Rex, GuitarDojo etc.) and added missing stuff.
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| − | This FAQ is not officially supported by Fractal Audio.
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| − | Note: THIS FAQ IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION!
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| − | Its content is being migrated to a new Wiki.
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| − | The official Axe-Fx II manual, created by Matman, is available now.
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| | [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/members/yek.html Alexander van Engelen (Yek)] | | [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/members/yek.html Alexander van Engelen (Yek)] |
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| − | ='''CONNECTING THE INPUT / INSTRUMENTS'''=
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I connect my guitar==
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| − | # 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. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35997-axe-fx-ii-technical-questions-thread-24.html#post491050 Source]
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| − | # 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. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35997-axe-fx-ii-technical-questions-thread-22.html#post490982 Source]
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| − | # The front input impedance is 1 Mohm, or less if Input Impdance is adjusted.
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| − | # All rear analog inputs are balanced like the onboard XLR outputs. The inputs detect whether the incoming signal is balanced or not.
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| − | # Do not use speaker cable to connect to the 1/4" inputs.
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I connect a wireless receiver==
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| − | 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.
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| − |
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| − | == How do I set the input level(s)==
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| − | 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. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/showthread.php?t=35997&p=490268&viewfull=1#post490268 Source1] [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/36299-input-level-knob.html#post495033 Source2]
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| − |
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| − | ==Can I connect a music player==
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| − | Yes, connect the player to the USB slot. The signal will be mixed into the output signal. Adjust the volume on the player. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/showthread.php?t=35997&p=490273&viewfull=1#post490273 Source]
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| − |
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| − | ='''CONNECTING THE OUTPUT / AMPLIFYING'''=
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I use it with FR amplification==
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| − | (tube / ss poweramp)
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I use it with my own preamp or amplifier (4CM)==
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| − | 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. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/showthread.php?t=35997&p=490260&viewfull=1#post490260 Source]
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I set up two separate output feeds==
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| − |
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| − | # FOH
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| − | # FR
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| − | # speaker cabinet
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I set the output levels and avoid clipping==
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| − | # The XLR outputs are line-level. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35997-axe-fx-ii-technical-questions-thread-118.html#post499661 Source]
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I adjust the overall tone and volume level==
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| − |
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| − | ==How to make my tone cut better through the mix==
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| − |
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| − | ==How does it obtain unity gain==
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| − | 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. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/showthread.php?t=35997&p=490260&viewfull=1#post490260 Source]
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| − |
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| − | ==How do the HumBuster outputs work==
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| − | # The 1/4" outputs have a "remote ground sense" feature. You take a TRS cable and on one end you put a TRS plug and on the other end you put a regular TS plug. On the TS end you tie the ring conductor to ground. Plug the TRS end into the Axe-Fx II. The ground noise of the attached equipment is sensed and added to the output signal thereby cancelling the common-mode noise (hum). This is especially useful when doing the 4CM since that's when you usually get the worst ground loops. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35997-axe-fx-ii-technical-questions-thread-38.html#post491850 Source]
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| − | # Manual page ...
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I adjust the headphones level==
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| − | Use the Output 1 knob. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/showthread.php?t=35997&p=490353&viewfull=1#post490353 Source]
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I mute the signal when using the Tuner==
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| − | See Noise Gate.
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| − |
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| − | ='''CREATING AND EDITING PRESETS'''=
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| − |
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| − | ==How many presets can I use==
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| − | 384.
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| − | ==Can I load Standard and Ultra presets==
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| − | No. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/showthread.php?t=35997&p=490194&viewfull=1#post490194 Source1] [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/showthread.php?t=35997&p=490305&viewfull=1#post490305 Source2]
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| − |
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| − | ==How does the DSP load compare to the Ultra==
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| − | A patch that uses 94% of the DSP on an Ultra will use around 70% on the AFXII. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35989-fx-inventory-ii.html#post490116 Source]
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I prevent overloading the DSPs==
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| − | # Manual page ...
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| − |
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| − | ==Can I print the settings of presets==
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I keep my presets organized==
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I use the presets of other users==
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| − |
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| − | # Manual page ...
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| − |
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| − | ==Does it have a Compare function for presets or effect blocks==
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| − | No(t) yet. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/36036-compare-button.html#post490847 Source]
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| − | Alternatively you can set up two presets, use the X/Y function or use Axe-Edit's Snapshot to compare.
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I use the Quick Control knobs==
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| − | # You can use them to quickly scroll through presets instead of using the Value Wheel. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35997-axe-fx-ii-technical-questions-thread-60.html#post493071 Source]
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| − | # They can be assigned to any modifiable parameter per patch. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35997-axe-fx-ii-technical-questions-thread-52.html#post492530 Source]
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| − | # Or configure them to function as controllers. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/showthread.php?t=35997&p=490451&viewfull=1#post490451 Source1] [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35997-axe-fx-ii-technical-questions-thread-117.html#post499510 Source2]
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| − |
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| − | ==What's the DIR tab on the main preset screen for==
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| − | It lists preset names and numbers for quick recall. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35997-axe-fx-ii-technical-questions-thread-60.html#post493068 Source]
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| − |
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| − | ==What's the EFFECT tab on the main preset screen for==
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| − | ==How does Input Impedance work==
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| − | It is a parameter in the layout menu that affects a hardware switch. It can be set to automatic (detects the appropriate setting based on your first effect) or you can set it manually. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35997-axe-fx-ii-technical-questions-thread-62.html#post493117 Source]
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| − | Its range is 70k - 1Meg. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/showthread.php?t=35997&p=490276&viewfull=1#post490276 Source]
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| − | The input impedance is selectable from a dozen or so values. It is done right at the instrument input using analog switches. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35997-axe-fx-ii-technical-questions-thread-52.html#post492539 Source]
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| − | It changes based on the amp model, however amps are always 1 Meg. If the first active effect is a Drive, for example, the impedance will change based on the Drive model. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35997-axe-fx-ii-technical-questions-thread-62.html#post493130 Source]
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| − | It can be saved per preset. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35997-axe-fx-ii-technical-questions-thread-72.html#post494106 Source]
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| − | The impedance feature will only have an audible effect if you are plugging your guitar directly in. It operates by loading down the guitar's pickups. If you have anything buffering the guitar then you won't be loading the pickups. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35997-axe-fx-ii-technical-questions-thread-81.html#post495039 Source]
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| − | The amps are all 1Meg but if there's an active effect before the amp and it's default impedance is lower the input impedance will switch to that (if configured to "auto").
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| − | __________________
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| − |
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| − | ==What are Global Blocks==
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| − | # An effect block can be saved as a Global Block. It then can be linked to from other presets, just like Global Amps. A change to the "master" will affect all linked blocks.
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| − | # Manual page ...
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I edit presets on the computer==
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| − | Use Axe-Edit.
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I create a new preset==
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I make editing easier and faster==
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| − |
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| − | # Manual page ...
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I use settings from other presets==
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| − |
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| − | # Manual page ...
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I reset an effect to its defaults==
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| − |
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| − | # Manual page ...
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I insert more than 12 effects in a preset==
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| − |
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| − | # Manual page ...
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I add an effect to a preset==
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| − |
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| − | # Manual page ...
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| − |
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| − | ==What's the advantage of putting an effect in a parallel row==
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I put effects before and after my own preamp or amplifier==
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| − |
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| − | ==What do I need to know about running an effect in mono or stereo==
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| − |
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| − | # Manual page ...
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| − |
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| − | ==What's the correct Bypass Mode for an effect==
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| − |
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| − | # Manual page ...
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I correcly set the level of an effect==
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I avoid output clipping==
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| − |
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| − | # Manual page ...
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I globally control the Bypass Mode of an effect block==
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| − |
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| − | # Manual page ...
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I insert an external pedal or effect device into my routing==
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| − |
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| − | ='''USING PRESETS / PLAYING'''=
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| − | ==How fast does it switch between presets==
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| − | About 20ms.
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| − | ==Does it support spillover of delay trails and reverb between presets==
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| − | # Yes, in the same way as the 1st-generation units.
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| − | # Manual page ...
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I use a Master Bypass switch==
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| − |
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| − | ==Can I adjust the levels of presets during play==
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| − |
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| − | # Manual page ...
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I boost the signal for leads==
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I switch between amps in a preset==
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I adjust effect settings globally to the room==
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| − |
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| − | # Manual page ...
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I crossfade between effects==
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| − | ==How does the X/Y function work==
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| − | # You can set up certain effect blocks to switch between two sets of parameters. For example, with Amp blocks you can have 4 configured amps per preset, of which two can be active. Then use the X/Y knob on the front panel, or an IA switch (toggle) on a MIDI foot controller, to switch between the sets. This essentially doubles the number of those blocks within a preset. X and Y can be the same type of effect, say a RAT drive, but with different parameters. There's no transition between the two. Switching occurs at block level using a MID CC, not on preset level. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35997-axe-fx-ii-technical-questions-thread-36.html#post491710 Source1] [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/showthread.php?t=35997&p=490219&viewfull=1#post490219 Source2] [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35997-axe-fx-ii-technical-questions-thread-40.html#post491945 Source3] [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35997-axe-fx-ii-technical-questions-thread-42.html#post492017 Source4] [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35997-axe-fx-ii-technical-questions-thread-42.html#post492024 Source5] [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35997-axe-fx-ii-technical-questions-thread-43.html#post492049 Source6]
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| − | # Cliff: "The idea behind X/Y is that people often have multiple distortion/chorus/delay/etc. pedals on their board but they rarely have more than one on at a time. So rather than creating more instances of effects, which sucks up CPU, have each instance capable of more than one sound." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35997-axe-fx-ii-technical-questions-thread-42.html#post492028 Source]
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| − | # X/Y switching is nearly instantaneous. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35997-axe-fx-ii-technical-questions-thread-39.html#post491930 Source]
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| − | # X/Y doesn't support spillover. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35997-axe-fx-ii-technical-questions-thread-41.html#post492003 Source]
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| − | # On the MFC-101 X is green, Y is Red. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/showthread.php?t=35997&p=490451&viewfull=1#post490451 Source]
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| − | # The X and Y buttons also double as user-definable Quick-Jump keys, which can be set to open the EDIT menus of any 2 blocks without going through the grid.
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| − | # Values 0-63 for the CC select Y, and 64-128 select X. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35997-axe-fx-ii-technical-questions-thread-137.html#post504541 Source]
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| − | # Manual page ...
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| − |
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| − | ='''AMP BLOCK'''=
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| − | ==How many amp models can it hold==
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| − | Lots. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/showthread.php?t=35997&p=490310&viewfull=1#post490310 Source]
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| − | Each preset can have two Amp blocks. There's no impact on the DSP capacity because one of the two AFXII DSPs is devoted entirely to amp modeling.
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| − | Each Amp block can also use the X/Y feature to switch between sets of parameters. The current state is indicated on the front panel display.
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| − | ==Can I rename the amp types==
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| − | No. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/showthread.php?t=35997&p=490268&viewfull=1#post490268 Source]
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| − |
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| − | ==How much DSP-capacity does an amp block require==
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| − | One Amp block uses about 40%. One of the two DSPs is dedicated to Amp blocks. So you can run 2 of those. The other DSP is for other effects. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/showthread.php?t=35997&p=490451&viewfull=1#post490451 Source]
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| − |
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| − | ==Does the amp modeling differ from Standard/Ultra==
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| − | # Yes. It's called G2 and Virtual Vaccuum Modeling modeling. See Fractal Audio website.
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| − | # A part of it has been ported to Standard/Ultra firmware (firmware 11).
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| − | # Cliff: "As you listen to clips from modelers what you start to recognize is a certain "stationary" aspect to the tone compared to the every-changing tonality of a tube amp. Another thing is finger response. With a good tube amp you can vary the tone quite a bit just by how you fret the note and attack it. Modelers tend to make every note sound the same. So I tested some hypotheses and came to the conclusion that it's because a real vacuum tube has a transfer function that is not static. The transfer function is dependent on time, frequency and amplitude. Where you really hear it is in the in-between regions where the tube is just starting to distort. At first I tried some dynamic transfer functions but that was a lesson in futility. So then I created the VVT stuff. In VVT there is an actual vacuum-tube replica in software. You enter the values of the resistors and capacitors on the grid, cathode, etc. and it behaves just like a tube complete with Miller effect, cathode memory, etc. The problem is that it requires an obscene amount of horsepower so the only solution was a dedicated DSP. The other big part of the G2 sound is the output transformer modeling. The OT distorts and as it distorts its inductance decreases which changes the bandwidth and loop characteristics." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/36159-where-axe-ii-samples-come-beta-testers-18.html#post497893 Source]
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I know which cab type to use with an amp==
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| − |
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| − | #Wiki
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| − |
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| − | ==Where is the 8-band EQ positioned in the Amp block==
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| − | It's fixed in position at the very output. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35997-axe-fx-ii-technical-questions-thread-30.html#post491401 Source]
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| − |
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| − | ==What are Global Amps==
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| − | Global Amps do not exist anymore. There are Global Blocks now.
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| − |
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| − | ==Do amps still have negative presence==
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| − | No. However for amps with no negative feedback (damp at 0) it turns into a Hicut parameter. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35997-axe-fx-ii-technical-questions-thread-64.html#post493267 Source]
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| − | ==Can I split the preamp and poweramp==
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| − |
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| − | No.
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| − |
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| − | ==Are all amp parameters assignable to MIDI controllers==
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| − | No. Cliff stated it now has the ability to do that for all parameters so maybe down the road. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35997-axe-fx-ii-technical-questions-thread-24.html#post491055 Source1] [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35997-axe-fx-ii-technical-questions-thread-91.html#post495969 Source2]
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I dial in an amp==
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I set the Drive and Master controls==
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I use the Tonestack==
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I use the Boost switch==
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I use the Bright switch==
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I use Presence==
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| − | # The way Presence works is changed. It's now a traditional Presence control (0-10) for amps that have a Presence control. There's no default, so keep this in mind when changing amp types. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/37123-presence-hi-cut.html#post506274 Source] For amps without Presence, it's changes into a Hi-Cut control.
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| − |
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| − | ==How does Input Trim work==
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| − | Changing the input trim doesn't affect the amount of distortion. This the whole idea. You set the trim to optimize the signal level into the converters. Internally the unit applies the inverse of the trim so that the signal into the grid is constant. In other words, if you put 1V into the input the input to the grid is 1V regardless of the trim setting. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35997-axe-fx-ii-technical-questions-thread-34.html#post491611 Source]
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| − |
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| − | ==What do I need to know about the advanced parameters==
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| − | # Saturation switch: it switches in a zener diode clipping stage right before the tone stack. This is the "Arrendondo Mod". [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35997-axe-fx-ii-technical-questions-thread-76.html#post494304 Source]
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| − | # Warmth and Thump: these Standard/Ultra parameters haven been removed from the Amp block in the AFXII. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/showthread.php?t=35997&p=490168&viewfull=1#post490168 Source]
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| − |
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| − | ==How do I add gain to the amp==
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| − |
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| − | ==What about Standard/Ultra amp types that are not in the list (yet)==
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| − | # Cliff: "The amps I haven't ported yet are because I don't have the real amp yet. I could use theoretical values but I would rather not." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35930-list-models-10.html#post492166 Source]
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| − | # Javajunkie: "Plexi2 on Ultra = Plexi 1 w/ different bright cap val, xformer hi freq, and presence freq. I have the values written down. You can do the same with the Plexi normal on the II. From what I understand (and Cliff can correct if I am wrong) - Plexi 1 and 2 are the same models with different default values. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35930-list-models-7.html#post491728 Source]
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| − | # Cliff: "As for Eggie... It's just a Blues Jr. with no negative feedback." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35930-list-models-3.html#post490634 Source]
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