Axe-Fx II FAQ

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In time this page will contain questions and answers regarding the Fractal Audio Axe-Fx II. The content below is for editing purposes only at this time.

GENERAL

What are the differences between 1st-generation (Standard, Ultra) and 2nd-generation (AFXII) units

See the AFXII Product Brief.

What are the specifications of the AFXII

See the AFXII Product Brief.

Where are the units manufactured

All units are made in USA. Source The units are identical for all global regions and support 100-240V.

HARDWARE, CONNECTIONS

Is a MIDI-interface required to connect to a computer

No, an USB connection suffices. The AFXII itself is an USB-to-MIDI adapter. MIDI connections can still be used.

Should a wireless receiver connect to the front or rear input

Front, to take advantage of the front input's "special sauce" for noise reduction. The rear inputs (both 1 and 2) operate on line level, the front input operates on instrument level.

Why are there no Input level knobs at the front

There are soft Input knobs in the I/O menu. The input levels are controlled via digitally-controlled potentiometer. Source

Can the digital input be used with analog inputs and outputs

You can use the digital input with analog Output 1 (and simultaneously digital out). You can use Input 2 and Output 2 while using the digital input. Source

Is the sample rate for the digital output fixed

Yes, at 48kHz. Resampling is handled in software. Source1 Source2

Which knob controls the level of the headphones output

Output1 knob. Source

Does it have a memory slot

No

FIRMWARE, SYSTEM

Which programming language is used to code the firmware

C and assembly. Source

AXE-EDIT, SOFTWARE

Is editing over MIDI (instead of USB) possible

Yes.

What's the latency of the USB audio inteface

The "built-in" interface is limited only by the host computer. The USB is Audio Class 2.0 compliant. On a Mac you don't need to install any drivers but you do need to install the firmware loader for the USB chip (it is a "soft" processor and downloads its code from the host on start-up). On a PC you also have to install the Audio Class 2.0 drivers. The driver supports ASIO, SRC, etc. etc. You can use the USB just for remote control via Axe-Edit if you want. You don't have to use the audio features. Source You can edit and simultaneously record through USB. Source

How does the unit show up in DAW-software

As a 3 In, 2 Out device. Source

Can it be used for reamping

The third channel on the USB output (to the computer) is the raw data from the Instrument Input. You record this. You then play this track back into the AFXII and set Input Source to USB. Then tweak until you get the sound you want. When you are happy, record the first two channels which are the processed audio. You can save the raw track if you want to go back later and reamp the track again. Source1 Source2 Source3 Source4

AMPLIFICATION

How does it obtain unity gain

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. Source

How are levels set in a 4CM setup

See the topic about unity gain. Turn both Output knobs at the front fully up. Source

Can it play streamed music

Yes, connect the player through USB. The signal will be mixed into the output of the AFXII. Adjust the volume on the player. Source

CREATING AND EDITING PRESETS

Do Standard and Ultra presets work

No. Source1 Source2

What's the range of the Input Impedance per preset

70k - 1Meg. Source

How to switch between various fixed effects settings within a single preset (X/Y)

For certain effect blocks you can use their X/Y feature to configure and save two different sets of settings. Then use the X/Y knob at the front of the AFXII, or an IA switch on a MIDI foot controller, to switch between those sets. This essentially doubles the number of those blocks within a preset. Source On the MFC-101 X is green, Y is Red. Source

Does it support spillover of delay trails and reverb between presets

Yes, in the same way as the 1st-generation units.

AMP BLOCK

How many amp models can it hold

Very many. Source

Can the names of the amps be edited

No. Source

How much DSP-capacity does an Amp block need

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. Source

Where are the Warmth and Thump parameters

These are removed from the Amp block in the AFXII. Source

What amp is: Jose Marshall Mod

(...) This is an AFXII-only amp sim.

CAB BLOCK

Which parameters are added to the Cab block

Room Level, Room Size, Mic Spacing, Low Cut and High Cut. Source

What are the advantages of 2048-resolution cabs

Cliff: ""Depends on the cab. Certain cabs benefit more than others. I started out with 8192 but didn't hear any difference so couldn't justify wasting all that space and CPU. You can hear it with room mics but the room simulation sounds nearly identical." Source

Where is the Drive parameter in the Cab block

This parameter has been removed from the Cab block in the AFXII. Instead, the Amp block has a Speaker Drive parameter. Source

Does it contain a cab type for acoustic guitar

No.

How are the user slots managed

User cab slots are the same as external cab blocks, or impulse responses (IRs). (...)

The AFXII uses the name of the IR-file (contained in the sysx data) to show on its display with a maximum of 32 characters. Source Source2

Does it do "amp-in-the-room" tones

Use the room simulation controls in the Cab block.

OTHER EFFECTS

Does it have a Bit Crusher effect

No. Source

About Delay

• The AFXII adds improvements to the Delay block: a two-band parametric EQ for the wet signal with low-cut and high-cut with adjustable slopes for the cut filters. The EQ stuff is on a separate GUI page with a graphical display. Source

About Drive

Number of blocks: two.

About Chorus

The Chorus block of the AFXII models bucket-brigade delay lines (BBD). Source

About Flanger

Number of blocks: two. The Chorus block of the AFXII models bucket-brigade delay lines (BBD). Source

About Reverb

The AFXII adds improvements to the Reverb block: there are improvements in the tail decay plus a two-band parametric EQ for the wet signal with low-cut and high-cut. The EQ stuff is on a separate GUI page with a graphical display. Source

About Wah

Number of blocks: two. The Wah block of the AFXII models the Fasel Inductor. Source

SPECIAL SOUNDS AND ROUTINGS

Is there a Freeze or Hold effect

Yes, it's built into the Delay effect.

INTERNAL CONTROLLERS, MODIFIERS

How many steps does the Sequencer have

16.

Can a modifier be set to min and max values

In the AFXII there are MIN and MAX values. These are the actual parameter values. For example, if you want to change the delay time from 500 ms to 700 ms, you simply set MIN to 500 ms and MAX to 700 ms. So 0% corresponds to 500 ms and 100% corresponds to 700 ms. Source

PEDALS, SWITCHES, FOOT CONTROLLERS, MIDI

Can the Quick Control knobs be used as pedals

Yes. Source

What's the purpose of the Rj45 port

Use this to connect the MFC-101, instead of using a MIDI cable. It uses a regular CAT-5 network cable. This supports bidirectional communication and phantom power. When switching off the AFXII, the MFC-101 also switches off. Source

How many pedals can be connected directly to the AFXII

One.

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OLD STUFF: OLD STUFF: OLD STUFF: OLD STUFF: OLD STUFF: OLD STUFF:

INTRODUCTION= READ THIS FIRST= GENERAL= How to keep your knowledge up-to-date== How to get started quickly (for new users)== How to make sure it is set up correctly (gig checklist)== How to try the factory presets== How to find the right factory preset== How to view and hear the unit in action== How to mount it in a rack or rackbag== AMPLIFICATION AND I/O= How to switch it on and off== How to get sound from it (basics)== How to use it with FR amplification== How to connect it to a mixing table== How to integrate a (pre)amp== How to use it with a poweramp and speaker cabinet== How to use it with a guitar amplifier== How to set it up for mono or stereo output== How to get multiple output signals== How to use it for effects only== How to connect your guitar(s)== How to use its effects loop== How to set the input level== How to set the output level and avoid clipping== How to use it with headphones== How to make a digital connection== How to mute the signal when tuning== How to adjust the overall tone and volume level== How to deal with noise== FIRMWARE, SYSTEM'= How to update its firmware== How to reset the unit== How to prevent overloading the CPU== How to save and restore stuff== How to replace the battery== SOFTWARE, AXE-EDIT= How to connect to a computer== How to use it as an audio interface== How to use Axe-Edit== How to reamp== CREATING AND EDITING PRESETS= How to edit presets on a computer== How to use presets by other users== How to create a new preset from scratch== How to create your first preset== How to make editing easier== How to copy and paste effect settings between presets== How to reset an effect to its default state== How to adjust the global effects level or the master reverb level== How to insert more than 12 effects in a preset== How to add an effect to a preset== How to use effects in a parallel row== How to put effects before or after your own preamp== How to create a master bypass switch== How to run an effect in stereo or mono== How to set the correct bypass mode for an effect== How to set the volume level of an effect== How to adjust the volume level of a preset while playing== How to boost the signal for leads== How to avoid output clipping== How to decide where to put the cab block== How to enable spillover of delay trails and reverb== How to enable global control of any effects block== How to save and recall favorite amp settings (global amp)== How to minimize gaps in the signal when switching presets== How to print presets== How to keep your presets organized== How to insert an external pedal in the routing== EFFECTS'= How to know which effects are available== AMPS== How to know which amps are simulated=== How to dial in amp settings=== How to set the Drive and Master controls=== How to use the amp tone controls (tonestack)=== How to use the Bright switch=== How to use the Boost switch=== How to use the Presence control=== How to set the amp's advanced parameters=== How to split the preamp and poweramp of an amp sim=== How to get tight bass control=== How to use a Drive block to add or control gain=== How to add a gain stage=== How to prevent crossover distortion=== How to use multiple amps in a preset=== How to solve this issue: "My tone changes when I start editing the Amp block"=== How to get controlled feedback=== CABINETS== How to choose between the stock cabinets=== How to choose between the microphone sims=== How to choose between a stereo or mono cabinet=== How to use the Air and Drive parameters=== How to use an external user cab (IR)=== How to set the speaker resonance parameter=== How to optimize your room tone as well as the FOH tone === OTHER EFFECTS== How to use this effect: Chorus and Quad-Chorus=== How to use this effect: Compressor=== How to use this effect: Crossover=== How to use this effect: Delay=== How to use this effect: Detune=== How to use this effect: Drive=== How to use this effect: Effects Loop (FXL)=== How to use this effect: Stereo Enhancer=== How to use this effect: Feedback Send/Return=== How to use this effect: Filter=== How to use this effect: Flanger=== How to use this effect: Formant=== How to use this effect: Envelope filter=== How to use this effect: Graphic Equalizer=== How to use this effect: Looper=== How to use this effect: MegaTap Delay=== How to use this effect: Mixer=== How to use this effect: Multi-Delay=== How to use this effect: Multiband Compressor=== How to use this effect: Noise Gate=== How to use this effect: Panner=== How to use this effect: Parametric Equalizer=== How to use this effect: Phaser=== How to use this effect: Pitch Shifter=== How to use this effect: Resonator=== How to use this effect: Reverb=== How to use this effect: Reversed delay=== How to use this effect: Ring Modulator=== How to use this effect: Rotary Cabinet (Leslie)=== How to use this effect: Seek wah=== How to use this effect: Synth=== How to use this effect: Tremolo=== How to use this effect: (Uni)Vibe=== How to use this effect: Vocoder=== How to use this effect: Wah=== SPECIAL SOUNDS AND ROUTINGS== How to create an automated dive bomb=== How to integrate a real talk box=== How to create the vibrato effect=== How to simulate a violin=== How to simulate multiple violins (strings)=== How to crossfade effects=== How to automate volume swells=== How to get or handle acoustic tones=== How to create U2’s Mysterious Ways effect=== How to create space(ship) and lasergun sounds=== How to simulate a flute=== How to simualte an organ=== How to get the shimmer effect=== How to simulate an E-Bow (infinite sustain)=== How to simulate the sound of a windstorm=== How to simulate a sitar or tampura=== How to create infinite reverb (freeze, hold reverb, chord-drone)=== How to simulate dropped tuning=== How to simulate sirens=== How to create automatic double-tracking (ADT)=== How to use Buzz Feiten tuning=== INTERNAL CONTROLLERS AND MODIFIERS== PEDALS, SWITCHES, FOOT CONTROLLERS, MIDI= How to get familiar with MIDI== How to configure the MIDI settings and stuff== How to handle MIDI problems== How to choose a MIDI foot controller== How to make your MIDI foot controller work== How to operate the MFC-101== How to power a MIDI foot controller through MIDI (phantom power)== How to access presets 128 and higher with a MIDI foot controller== How to switch effects on and off using a MIDI foot controller== How to activate the tuner using a MIDI foot controller== How to display the tuner on a MIDI foot controller's display== How to choose an expression pedal== How to connect and configure an expression pedal or switch== How to solve a "stuttering" expression pedal== How to turn an expression pedal into a wah== How to activate an effect automatically when moving an expression pedal== How to use a single pedal to control different effects without switching presets (dual-function pedal) == How to use a switch for global control of any effects block== How to reset a pedal when switching presets== How to mute the delay using an expression pedal or switch== How to switch between different effect settings using a single switch== How to use a pedal for volume boosts== RECORDINGS= VIDEOS'= CATEGORIZED FACTORY PRESETS=

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Sources:

http://www.fractalaudio.com/products-fas-axe-fx-ii-2.html

http://www.fractalaudio.com/tmp/Axe-Fx_II_Product_Brief.pdf

http://forum.fractalaudio.com/search.php?do=finduser&userid=7762&contenttype=vBForum_Post&showposts=1

http://forum.fractalaudio.com/search.php?do=finduser&userid=1&contenttype=vBForum_Post&showposts=1

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http://forum.fractalaudio.com/search.php?do=finduser&userid=8733&contenttype=vBForum_Post&showposts=1

http://wiki.fractalaudio.com/index.php?title=Yeks_How_Tos

http://forum.fractalaudio.com/search.php?do=finduser&userid=7770&contenttype=vBForum_Post&showposts=1

http://forum.fractalaudio.com/showthread.php?t=35930

http://forum.fractalaudio.com/forumdisplay.php?f=61

http://forum.fractalaudio.com/showthread.php?t=35997