Revision as of 23:04, 11 February 2011

Mail suggestions and corrections here

INTRODUCTION

I hope the information on this page will save Axe-Fx users precious time. Note that I’m just another Axe-Fx user, so this is all “unofficial”. And English isn’t my native language, so don't mind grammatical and spelling errors. Some of the content originates from experienced Axe-Fx users, Wiki contributors and Fractal forum administrators, credit goes to them. Thanks to Ian ("Iaresee") for migrating this page into the Wiki. This is a work in progress. Information is added frequently.

Alexander ("Yek")

READ THIS FIRST!

Here's what happens often; a new user connects the Axe-Fx, plugs in his or her guitar, tries a couple of factory presets and says: “Hey, this doesn’t sound as good as I had hoped for”. Often this is caused by not having configured the Axe-Fx correctly. As the Axe-Fx is geared towards professionals and enthusiast users (it ain't My First Modeler), there’s effort required to accomplish this task. And although it's getting easier to get great results with every firmware upgrade, there is a learning curve. Read the How-Tos below to get started. Also note that if you're using FR amplification, the Axe-Fx won't sound exactly like having a guitar amplifier "in the room". That's because the Axe-Fx mainly models tones of close-mic'd guitars. That's the guitar tones you hear on CDs and through a PA-system. If you are accustomed to listening to your 2x12 or 4x12, this will take some getting used to. Not for the audience though, it hears close-mic'd tones all the time.

GENERAL

How to choose between the Standard and Ultra

There are two editions of the Axe-Fx at the moment: the Standard and the Ultra. Specs are on the Fractal Audio website, in the Axe-Fx manual and in the Wiki (here and here).

The Standard suffices for all amps and cabs, regular effects and basic presets. You can insert two Amp blocks and two Cabinet blocks in a preset, but it won't leave many resources for additional effects.

The Ultra has a faster CPU, more memory and additional Ultra-only effects such as Synth, Vocoder, Multiband Compressor, Quad Chorus, Ring Modulator, Delay Looper etc. It can run more effects per preset than the Standard. This means that the Ultra also is a better "virtual pedalboard" than the Standard if you want to use it that way. The Ultra is more expensive of course.

- Standard-Ultra feature comparison table.

How to keep your knowledge up-to-date

Axe-Fx Wiki
Fractal Audio website: General News Support Axe-Fx info Audio and Video
Fractal Audio forum
Axe-Fx manual
All Axe-Fx firmware release notes
Posts by the Axe-Fx designer on Fractal forum The Gear Page Rig-Talk
The Gear Page

If you subscribe to this forum thread, you’ll receive notifications of important news like the release of new firmware by mail.

How to get started quickly (new users)

Use the checklist below to quickly set up your Axe-Fx the first time. A lot of stuff is explained in detail in separate How-Tos.

Connect the Axe-Fx to your amplifier or mixing table using Output1. If you’re using a guitar combo or head, connect Output1 to the Return jack of the amp’s effects loop, make sure the amp's effects loop is switched on.
If you bought it secondhand, reset the system (Utility menu)
Plug your guitar in the front input. Select “Analog Front” (I/O > Mode).
If you’re using your computer, home stereo, full-range monitor or mixer with headphones, switch on Cabinet simulation and Power amp simulation (Global > Config).

If you’re using a guitar amplifier or a power amp with a separate cabinet, switch off Cabinet simulation. Power amp simulation can be on or off, whatever sounds better to you.

If the amplification device is stereo and you're using the left and right outputs, set Output1 to “Stereo” (I/O > Audio). If it’s mono, set it to “Copy L>R” (for now).
Use the Input1 knob at the front to turn up the input level. The red input level LED should blink occasionally ("tickle the red") when hitting the strings hard.
Use the Output1 knob at the front to turn up the main output level.
Make sure the Axe-Fx isn’t set to Bypass (Bypass LED should not blink).
Select a factory preset and make some noise.

Once you've gotten a feel for what you like from the factory presets, you can start to build your own sounds. You'll probably be overwhelmed with all the choices you have. Start by playing around with the key effect blocks: Amp and Cab. These blocks are your foundation and are the most important things to understand and get a grip on first.

How to make sure the Axe-Fx is set up correctly (gig checklist)

Use this list to verify everything is set up correctly for the gig.

Check the volume level and EQ on the amplifying device
Check the cabling between the Axe-Fx and the amplifier (Output1 and if applicable Output2)
Verify that the input source is set to “Analog Front” (I/O > Mode)
Check the audio output mode: mono or stereo (I/O > Audio)
If applicable: check the output mode of the Axe-Fx for monitoring (I/O > Audio)
Check the global settings for Cabinet simulation, Poweramp simulation and Spillover (Global > Config)
Check the global EQ and level settings (Global > Out1 / Out2)
When using user cab slots: make sure the correct IRs have been uploaded
Adjust the input and output levels using the front knobs
Verify that the MIDI foot controller, pedals and switches are operational
Verify that the Axe-Fx is not in Bypass or Tuner mode
Perform a soundcheck

How to listen to the factory presets

The Axe-Fx comes with a lot of pre-built presets. Some like them, some hate them, some think they are useless and delete them, some use them to build their own presets upon. There are no separate locations for factory presets and user presets on the Ultra; if you want to save your own presets on the Ultra, you have to overwrite factory presets (you can’t delete a preset, you must overwrite one). You can always reload the factory presets, they are available online.

Quote Cliff: "The presets were created using studio monitors. Event 20/20 to be exact. They're very neutral. Guitars were a strat copy and a PRS." And: "The presets are meant as demonstrations of the capabilities. Also they are designed to evoke the "wow" response. As such they tend to be overprocessed. Think of them as a starting point."

Notes:

If possible, use a stereo system to try the factory presets. It makes a lot of difference
The preset output levels vary from preset to preset
Presets may not have been optimized for the latest firmware
Some presets include a noise gate, set to a threshold that may not work well with your guitar. Turn the threshold to zero to switch the gate off (Layout > Gate)
Some presets contain an ENH block (Stereo Enhancer) which is for stereo use only. If you're running the Axe-Fx in mono and audio output is set to “Sum L+R”, this effect will make the tone hollow, thin and glassy ("phase cancellation")
Some presets include a Delay block with Phase Rev (on the Advanced page of the Delay block) switched on. This is a stereo-only feature. If you're running the Axe-Fx in mono and audio output mode is set to “Sum L+R”, you may not hear any delay trails because of phase cancellation. Example; the 2290 factory presets. Switch off Phase Rev or select output mode “Copy L>R” instead
Amp sims which were introduced in recent firmware upgrades do not appear in factory presets yet
When using output mode "Copy L>R" you'll lose signals that are hardwired to the right channel, such as the right channel of the Ping-Pong delay.

How to find a suitable factory preset for your needs

The Wiki contains lists of all factory preset names. These are probably outdated. I categorized the factory presets I found interesting. My (incomplete) list lets you find a specific preset quickly. Scroll down to the end of this page for it.

How to view and hear the Axe-Fx in action

There are lots of YouTube Axe-Fx videos. A selection of ones that I found particularly interesting (including demos and tutorials) can be found near the bottom of this page. The Fractal Audio website also contains video and audio clips.

How to mount or secure it in a rack or bag

The Axe-Fx is a 19” 2HE device. It can easily be mounted in a rack or rackbag like this. If necessary combined with a racked power amp and/or power conditioner. You can put the rack or bag on a stand like this.

AMPLIFICATION AND I/O

How to switch it on and off

Use the front panel knob to switch the device on and off. As often as you want. Just remember to store your preset changes, the Axe-Fx saves all other changes automatically.

How to get sound from it

First read the topics above.

You can use XLR or 1/4" jack cables. Both kind of outputs are "line level". For a balanced XLR connection use Output1. A balanced signal provides +6dB more level compared to an unbalanced connection, supports long distances and enables you to use the ground lift switch at the rear of the Axe-Fx to fight ground loop hum. For an unbalanced 1/4" jack connection use the 1/4" Output1 jack(s). It'll be a little less loud. The balanced and unbalanced Output1 connections can be used simultaneously to feed multiple targets.

You DO NOT NEED a DI-box to connect the Axe-Fx to a P.A., as long as you make sure that it connects to a LINE level input on the mixer. This is often neglected! The output signal of the Axe-Fx, whether it's balanced (XLR) or unbalanced (1/4"), is too hot for a MIC input. If there are MIC inputs available on the mixer, use a DI-box to attenuate the signal, in order to prevent clipping on the mixer.

Quote Cliff: "The XLR output is balanced but it's +4 dBu nominal. The problem is people connect it to a mic input which is way too sensitive for that level signal. If the board has a mic/line switch you want to set it to line level. Or if it has a pad switch turn that on. Otherwise turn the level knob way down. The thing to remember is that XLR is just a connector. It doesn't imply microphone levels. Most pro stuff like eq's, etc. have line-level XLR's."

Note that the Output1 knob at the front controls the signal to the FOH main mixer level. If you have your own monitor, you can supply a separate feed through Output2 (unbalanced), see separate topic.

Quote Cliff: "Phantom power (on the mixer input) wouldn't be a problem. There are blocking caps in there for that."

When nothing is connected to the front or rear inputs, there may be some hiss, that's normal.

Troubleshooting signal problems:

Verify that the Axe-Fx isn’t set to Bypass
Check the input and output levels at the front of the Axe-Fx
Check the amplifier levels
Check the cabling to/from the Axe-Fx
Verify the settings in the I/O menu
Verify that Input is connected to Output (Layout)
Verify that bypassed effect blocks don't have their Bypass mode set to complete Mute
Check if there’s a Mixer or Volume block connected to an external modifier which is off and should be on
Verify that the Cabinet block isn't set to an empty user cab slot
Verify that the Axe-Fx isn’t set to muted Tuner mode.
If the tone is glassy, thin, and hollow, etc., or if there should be delay trails but you can’t hear them, it may be due to phase cancellation. See the topic about mono/stereo operation
If the output signal is “choppy”, a noise gate could be the culprit. Adjust its threshold or turn it to zero to disable (Layout > Gate; the Ultra may have additional Gate blocks
Check your guitar cable, the battery in your guitar with active electronics, etc.

How to use it with a FR monitor

This is important: the output signal of the Axe-Fx (when using its Cabinet simulation) doesn't equal exactly the tone you're hearing from a regular guitar cabinet. The Axe-Fx models the tone of a recorded guitar / close-mic'd guitar cabinet. The frequency spectrum of the output signal is much broader: 20Hz to 20kHz, a.k.a. full-range. A guitar cabinet would cover just a part of that range, shaving off high and low frequencies.

So, to be able to amplify the full range of the output signal, something different than a regular guitar amp and cabinet is required. That's why you can connect the Axe-Fx directly to a home stereo, mixing table etc.

For personal monitoring purposes there are FR(FR) solutions: Full Range Flat Response (FRFR) or just Full Range (FR). These kind of monitors are designed to amplify the entire source signal and as flat as possible. In other words: what goes in goes out without much tone coloring. Tone shaping is left to the input device, which in this case is the Axe-Fx. FR(FR) monitors can be active/powered (including a power amplifier) or passive (just a full range cabinet) and often consist of a speaker and a tweeter. FR advantages are portability, no tone coloring, stage volume, consistent tone at all volume levels and environments, ability to work with different cab sims, same tone for gigs as in the studio etc. For more information read the sticky threads at the top of the Amps and Cabs forum. There's also this great thread about buying and using full range speakers.

To set up the Axe-Fx for amplification through a FR(FR) monitor:

Connect the Axe-Fx to the FRFR monitor
Switch on Cabinet simulation (Global > Config)
Switch on Power amp simulation (Global > Config)
Presets must contain a Cabinet block (Layout) and the SAG parameter in AMP blocks should be set to something else than zero
Select the correct audio output settings for mono or stereo use (I/O > Audio)

Cab simulation is not required (but still possible) when using an acoustic instrument with the Axe-Fx.

And remember this: you DO NOT NEED to put a microphone in front of the FR monitor! That wouldn't make any sense: the Axe-Fx itself already provides adequate speaker and mic simulation. Just run a line from Output1 or Output2 to the mixing table (LINE input). However, if you do put a microphone in front of the FR speaker for whatever reason, don't forget to mic the tweeter too!

Fractal Audio has its own FR amplifier range with various models. A StandBack or a stand like this is handy if you want to use the cab as a personal monitor. Or you can put the cab on its side to be able to hear it better (the power amp should be at the top).

NOTE: You are probably used to having a real amp and a speakercabinet or combo to play through. If so, you have been listening to the tone coming directly from the speaker, which is often referred to as "in the room" tone, which most users are familiar with and accustomed to as being "the" guitar tone. A guitar cabinet outputs only a part of the full frequency spectrum, you won't hear very low and very high frequencies. The Axe-Fx emulates the amp part and the speaker part. The difference is that it emulates a "mic'd" guitar tone, where the mic is very close to the speaker. Not the "in the room" tone, but the guitar as you hear it in concert through a PA-system, or on a CD. A close-mic'd speaker can sound much brighter than when listening to the speaker at a distance. To amplify it to full extent, you need a full-range amplifier. Now if you use that mic'd guitar tone in a band context, at loud volume levels, the high and low frequencies can get too much. The tone can get harsh and boomy. And because those frequencies compete with things such as cymbals (high) and bass guitar (low), the guitar may disappear in the mix. To bring the guitar back to where it belongs and give it its place within the mix, you can use one of several methods. Yet another approach is to put the Axe-Fx output signal through a real cabinet again but the disadvantage here is that you can't use the cabinet sims anymore: less flexibility, less versatility. Methods:

Adjust Bass, Presence and/or Treble in the Amp’s properties. Don't be afraid to turn down things a lot
Use the Low Cut and High Cut parameters on the amp's Advanced page. Low Cut is a hi-pass filter applied at the input stage of the preamp sim. High Cut is a low-pass filter applied at the output stage of the amp sim
Put a parametric equalizer (PEQ block) after the Amp/Cab blocks to block (not: shelf) frequencies below and above a certain range. Example: use the lowest band to block below 120Hz, use the highest band to block above 5.5kHz. This gets rid of highs and lows that the guitar tone doesn't need in the mix. Use the Q parameter to finetune if required. More information
Use the Global EQ and cut the lowest band(s) and the highest one
Change the cab sim. Some cabinets such as the 4x12 V30 or German cab have much more bass than others
Change the microphone sim. The Royer 121 for example adds a lot of bass and treble to the tone, more than the SM57. Or use no mic sim at all!
Use another mic position. Only possible with 3rd party IRs
Use the Filter with Envelope trick (see topic: How to get tight bass control)
Turn down Depth for less bass. Depth is the same as Resonance, Fat, Whomp etc. on real amplifiers
Turn down HF Resonance on the amp's Advanced page in high-gain presets. This makes the distortion less harsh. It mimics the way these high-gain sims were configured in firmware 9.x and earlier
Use the tone controls on your FR monitor to tame the unwanted highs and lows.

Note: firmware 10.03 has made the top end much easier to deal with. More info on close-micing

How to connect it directly to a mixing table

Sending the Axe-Fx output signal to a mixing table is the same as amplifying it through a FRFR monitor, so read that topic. Always use a LINE input.

For digital connections, see that topic.

How to integrate your own (pre)amp

Instead of using the Axe-Fx's amp models you can use your own preamp and add the Axe-Fx for effects only.

If you want the Axe-Fx effects to come after the preamp, like delay or reverb, and you have a combo or guitar head, do this:

Insert the Axe-Fx in the amp’s effects loop like a regular effects processor. The amp’s effects loop Send goes into Input1 left (mono) at the rear of the Axe-Fx, Output1 goes to the amp’s effects loop Return
Set input source to “Analog Rear” (I/O > Mode)
Set Output1 to one of the mono settings (I/O > Audio)
Disable Cabinet simulation and Power amp simulation (Global > Config). Keep Power amp simulation switched on if you think it sounds better
Disable Amp blocks in the grid (Layout)

If you want the Axe-Fx effects to come after your preamp, like delay or reverb, and you have a preamp and a separate poweramp, do this:

Place the Axe-Fx between the preamp and power amp, using Input1 left (mono) at the rear and Output1. Depending on the power amp, this may be in mono or stereo
Set input source to “Analog Rear” (I/O > Mode)
Depending on your power amp, set Output1 to stereo or one of the mono settings (I/O > Audio)
Disable Cabinet simulation and Power amp simulation (Global > Config). Keep Power amp simulation switched on if you think it sounds better
Disable Amp blocks in the grid (Layout)

If you want the Axe-Fx effects to come both before and after your preamp, use the “Four Cable Method” (4-cable method = 4CM). The preamp becomes part of the Axe-Fx signal routing, because it's inserted into the Axe-Fx's effects loop instead of the other way around.

Connect your guitar to the Axe-Fx front input
Set input source to “Analog Front” (I/O > Mode)
Set Output1 to one of the mono settings (I/O > Audio)
Connect Output2 / Eff.Send to the amp’s main input
Connect the amp’s Send (series effects loop) to Input2 / Eff.Return on the Axe-Fx. Engage the amp’s effects loop and turn up its level
Connect Output1 on the Axe-Fx to the amp’s effects loop Return
Adjust levels using the front panel knobs on the Axe-Fx
Add a FXL block (Axe-Fx Effects Loop) to the preset grid as part of the routing (Layout). Effects before FXL will come before the preamp, and effects after FXL will come after the preamp
Disable Cabinet simulation and Power amp simulation (Global > Config). Keep Power amp simulation switched on if you think it sounds better
Disable Amp blocks in the grid

Note: 4CM CAN may cause ground loop hum and hiss, depending on your specific setup and gear. And if your amp's effects loop is line level only, you'll probably notice serious loss of volume level. Try to get the signal as hot as possible at Eff.Send/Output 2. The hiss originates from the added AD/DA conversion. The conversion happens partly before the preamp gain, so it gets amplified. More information here and here and here.

Quotes Cliff:

"Any time you do an A/D or D/A conversion you add noise, a minimum of 3 dB each time. With the 4CM you've got four conversions so you're going to add at least 12 dB of noise. Just the nature of the beast and why I'm not a big advocate"
"It also has to do with gain staging. With the 4CM and then going into a high gain preamp you're adding the noise before the gain. Those two conversions are now before a high gain stage (your preamp). It's a combination of line-level outputs, the number of conversions and gain staging."
"If you set Output2 to 12:00 you'll be down about 6 dB. You can either make this up with the processing or by turning up Output2. To clarify: at 12:00 Output2 is designed to have unity gain but the effects loop block itself actually has a gain of -6 dB. This is to prevent clipping the D/A. It gets more complicated since the input gain will effect the overall gain. In short, if you set Input1 to 2:00 and Output2 to 2:00 you should get unity gain. If you run Input1 lower or higher than 2:00 you'll need to compensate Output2 by the difference."
"A quick and dirty way to even out the levels is to plug the output into an input and adjust accordingly. For example, if you're doing the four-cable method and you want to make sure the loop send level is the same as the level coming from your guitar you could plug the loop send output into the loop return input and adjust the Output2 knob until the meters were the same."

How to use it with your own power amp and speaker cabinet

You can use a dedicated power amp and guitar cabinet with the Axe-Fx. Some players prefer this to going direct and/or FR monitoring, because they feel it sounds more like a real guitar amp on stage, it looks better (subjectively) and it simplifies creating presets because there's no need for cabinet simulation.

Connect Output1 to the power amp input(s)
Disable Cabinet simulation (Global > Config)
Switch off Power amp simulation (Global > Config), unless you think things sound better with it
Select the correct settings for mono or stereo use (I/O > Audio)

If you have a combo or an amp head with a cabinet instead of a dedicated power amp, you can use its power amp section to amplify the Axe-Fx, providing that the amp has a good quality series effects loop. The Return jack of the effects loop is the input of the power section (the preamp section will be bypassed).

Connect Output1 to the amp’s effects loop Return jack
Set Output1 to one of the mono settings (I/O > Audio)
Disable Cabinet simulation. Disable Power amp simulation (Global > Config)
Disable Amp blocks in the grid (Layout)
Turn up the level of the series effects loop

Note: some amps require a dummy jack into the effects loop's Send to activate the effects loop.

Quote Cliff: "With the power amp sims off the depth and deep controls are deactivated. The master works as just a volume and the presence turns into a shelving filter."

You can enable the Axe-Fx's Power amp simulation if you think it sounds better that way. Especially when using solid-state power amps. Note that, instead of globally, you can always switch on/off Power amp simulation per preset by turning the SAG parameter in the Amp block down to zero.

Apart from “on” and “off”, power simulation can also be set to “On-no thump” (Global > Config). This setting serves dedicated tube power amps that provide their own “thump” (FRFR monitors do not apply here, these should be neutral). In other words: this global setting bypasses the Thumb parameter in the amp settings.

How to use it with your own guitar amplifier

See the topic about using your own (pre)amp.

How to set it up for mono or stereo output

Always discussion going on about this. The Axe-Fx sounds gloriously in stereo. However, that experience doesn't always translate very well to a live audience, because people seldom are in the right place to hear both sides equally well. Read this for opinions and ways to set up your gear.

Use the I/O menu (> Audio) to select mono or stereo output mode. The output mode affects the output signal only. The signal of a mono source can be transformed into a stereo signal by using certain effect blocks, or the other way around. These are the choices:

“Stereo”: select this when going direct (no amplification) into a mixing table or when using stereo amplification
“L+R Sum”: use this to feed a mono device. The left and right channels are summed, so both channels are sent to a single mono output. While this seems perfect for mono output, there is a caveat: summing signals can cause phase cancellation. Example 1: if a preset contains an ENH block (Stereo Enhancer), this setting will make your tone glassy, thin and hollow. Example 2: if a preset contains a delay with Phase Rev (Advanced page) switched on, all delay trails will disappear. A lot of factory presets employ either the Stereo Enhancer or the delay with Phase Rev set to on!
“Copy L>R”: use this with a mono source. The signal of the left channel is copied to and replaces the right channel. A nice alternative for L+R Sum to avoid the phase cancellation issue. But you'll lose the right channel signal with hard-wired stereo effects such as Ping-Pong Delay

The output mode applies to Output1 only. Output2 is always stereo. So what if you want to send the FOH a stereo signal, and a (summed) mono signal to feed your monitor? Solutions:

Do it the other way around: set Output1 to mono (monitor) and use Output2 for a stereo signal to FOH. This means that you can't use the balanced XLR outputs for FOH.
Or: use Output1 for a stereo FOH signal. Feed your monitor thrugh Output2 using the FXL block. Force the signal into summed mono by placing a Filter or Volume of Mixer block before it, with both Pan controls set to center.

Now about the effect blocks. Flanger, Chorus and Phaser are set to mono by default. Cliff: "All the effects, except the drive and amp blocks, are fully stereo. Many of the blocks default to a dual-mono configuration to prevent phasing problems when running into a mono PA." So everything before the Amp block or a Drive block will always be summed into mono.

Check this thread for tips about stereo/mono operation.

This thread is about configuring a Wet/Dry/Wet rig.

How to get multiple output signals

The Axe-Fx sends its main signal through Output1. It goes into an amplifier, into the FOH mixing table (Front of House - the main sound system that an audience hears at a live show), etc. You can enable a separate output signal (Output2), for example to feed a separate monitor. There are multiple ways to accomplish this.

Enable “Copy Out1 to Out2” in I/O > Audio. This instructs the Axe-Fx to duplicate the signal and send it through Output2, connected to another device such as a personal monitor. This DOES NOT WORK with presets with a FXL block (Axe-Fx’s effects loop).

Duplicating takes place before the global EQ is applied, so you can voice each output differently (Layout > Out1 / Out2). The Output1 knob at the front controls the main volume level, the Output2 knob controls the monitor volume (turn down Output2 if you want to have a good listen to your tone through the FOH speakers). Or:

Put a FXL block in the grid, make it part of the routing and connect it to the grid output. The signal chain before FXL gets sent to Output2. This method is more flexible than the first one because the position of the FXL block determines which part of the signal is being sent. For example, placing FXL before or after a Cabinet block determines whether the Output2 signal includes Cabinet simulation or not. Especially useful when using Output1 for the sound reinforcement system (WITH cabinet simulation) and Output2 for your own guitar amplifier with a speaker cabinet (WITHOUT cabinet simulation).
Use the "Through" or "Link" connection on your monitor to send just a single signal to your monitors and the mixing table.

It's also possible to send a stereo and a mono signal simultaneously:

A very easy solution is to set things up in stereo. Then use a 3rd connection (Output1 jack, left or right) for a mono signal. Of course you'll lose some of the signal this way. For example: if you have two cab IRs panned hard left and right, you'll hear just one of them through the mono signal
Or: use the FXL block to enable Output2 (stereo). Now make the Output1 signal mono: in I/O select "Sum L+R" or "Copy L>R". This method makes it possible to set the volume level and eq for each output differently. Beware of phase cancellation issues when summing both channels.

How to use it for effects only (effects processor)

See the topic about using your own (pre)amp.

How to connect your guitar

The front input jack is the main input (Input1). It's a guitar level mono jack, conditioned for guitar through hardware and software. Tell the Axe-Fx that you're using this input by selecting “Analog Front” (I/O > Mode) which enables software noise reduction for the front input, a.k.a. “secret/special sauce”. If you select “Analog Rear” instead, the software optimization is not applied to the front input and the front input tone will get harsher (and then there are always people who prefer just that...).

Note that the front input jack can feel quite loose or wobbly. This is by design.

There are also left and right Input1 jacks at the rear. These have the same impedance as the front input (1 Ohm, for guitars), however they operate at LINE level instead of guitar level and are more prone to clipping. This means that you probably need to bump up the level using the Input2 knob at the front. Set the mode to “Analog Rear” (I/O > Mode). Note: using the left Input1 jack at the rear will disable the front input! The front input can still be used in combination with the right rear input; two input sources will feed the Axe-Fx effects routing.

Quote Cliff: "You have to set the input selection to match the input you're using. If you're using the front input then you must set the input selection to front and vice-versa. If you plug something into the front and set the input selection to rear it will get MUCH brighter. The front input is optimized for guitar-level inputs and has spectral shaping and more gain than the rear input. The front input is optimized for guitar pickups. This is a combination of hardware and software processing. If you set the input source to Analog Rear this turns off the software processing part. If you are plugged into the front it will change the tone since you're still going through the hardware processing. This is why I say you must match the input selection to the input you are using. The rear inputs are standard line-level inputs and can be used with any program material. The front input, as stated above, is optimized for guitar pickups. As such it has more gain and less headroom and may clip if used for non-guitar program material. If you are using a buffer or wireless unit with a line-level output either input can be used. If you plug a guitar directly into the rear you may find you don't have enough signal level."

If you connect a microphone level source to Input1 or Input2, for example for the Vocoder effect, there will be a level mismatch. You'll need to turn up the signal level to get sufficient signal strength, for example by using a mic preamp.

There’s a second set of inputs: Input2 left and right. These are also LINE level inputs that you can use to connect instruments (or use as an effects loop):

Insert the FXL block (Effects Loop) in the grid. Make sure nothing connects to its input in the grid. The block must be connected to the grid output
Connect the instrument to one or two Input2 jacks
Tell the Axe-Fx about the connection (I/O > Audio):
- “Left”: a mono source is connected to the left jack. The signal is copied to the right channel
- “L+R Sum”: separate mono sources are connected to each jack. The signals are summed (combined)
- “Stereo”: a stereo source is connected to the left and right jacks

Note: if you want accurate pitch tracking and envelope detection, use the front input or rear left input.

The latency of the Axe-Fx is about 1ms. Source

How to use its effects loop

You can use the Input2/Eff.Return and Output2/Eff.Send connections to insert a device into the effects loop on the Axe-Fx. For example a preamp (see separate topic) or an external effects processor.

Connect Output2/Eff.Send to the input of the external device
Connect the output of the external device to Input2/Eff.Return
If possible set the external device to operate at line level
Put the FXL block (Effects Loop) somewhere in the grid to include the external device in the routing
Set the correct mono or stereo mode for Input2 (I/O > Audio):
- “Left”: a mono source is connected to the left input. The signal is copied to the right channel
- “L+R Sum”: separate mono sources are connected to each input. The signals are summed (combined)
- “Stereo”: a stereo source is connected to the left and right inputs.
Set the correct levels using the knobs for Input2 and Output2 at the front of the Axe-Fx, and the controls on the external device

Quote Cliff: "There is a detector switch on Input2 Left. If you don't plug anything into Input2 Left the Effects Loop won't pass signal."

Quote Cliff: "You have to use the left input for the right input to work. The unit detects if anything is plugged into the left input. If not it won't run the fx loop since this could result in no sound. It's a safeguard in case the cable were accidentally unplugged."

How to set the input levels

The Input1 and Input2 knobs at the front are used to set the input level for those inputs. If the red input LED blinks, it doesn’t mean that the input signal is clipping. It’s indicating that you’re just 6 dB below full-scale (< 6 dB of input headroom left). The input never really clips because a soft-limiter kicks in before that.

It’s important to set the input level correctly. Essential for the amount of preamp gain and headroom!

Select the loudest pickup on your guitar and strum hard
Turn up the level to make the red input LED blink while strumming. Then turn it down a bit to make the red LED blink only occasionally ("tickle the red"). Notice that there's quite a range between orange and red!

The manual states that the input level normally should be around 2:00 when using a guitar with a humbucker. It’s even possible that you need to turn the input level all the way up (more information), or even never see the red LED blink!.

Don't forget to adjust the input levels when swapping guitars.

If you're using 4CM (the topic about using your own preamp), select the amp's clean channel and adjust Input2 as well.

Don't mind the crackling noise when when you move the input level knob, that's normal.

How to set the output levels and avoid clipping

The main output level controls are at the front of the Axe-Fx. These control Output1 and Output2. The Axe-Fx can deliver +18 dB with all levels maxed.

Output2 at the rear will only send a signal if the setting "Copy Out1 to Out2" is enabled (I/O > Audio) or if a FXL block (Effects Loop) is used in the grid. See the topics about employing the effects loop and having multiple output signals.

There are other volume level controls too:

Effects blocks have their own level controls
Each preset has its own level controls: a master control and one for each row (Layout > Mixer)
The Global menu contains master volume level controls for each output (Global > Out1 / Out2)

When the red “Out1 Clip” LED blinks, the output signal is too hot. Severe clipping will cause digital distortion which you want to avoid at all times. There's roughly 1 dB of headroom left when the clip lights come on. Note that clipping only occurs at the output stage, not in individual blocks. The best places to reduce the signal level are the Amp block’s level parameter (recommended by Cliff) and the main preset level control in the Layout Mixer. The Output knobs at the front have no effect on clipping, they're analog and AFTER the digital-to-analog converter.

Quote Cliff: "Brief excursions into clipping may not light the clip LED long enough to be noticeable but can be audible. There is a hard limiter prior to D/A conversion that prevents wrap-around but if your preset is too hot you can hit that limiter which will sound nasty. As a rule of thumb, a preset shouldn't clip regardless of the pickups used. If you plug in a hotter guitar and the output clips then your amp block output level is too high."

It can be quite tricky to avoid clipping. Here’s how it can be done:

Select one of your presets with a clean amp
Disable all effect blocks except Amp and Cabinet
Verify that the Cabinet's level is 0dB and select the cab you always use
If you use a boost, enable it.
Select your loudest pickup and hit the strings hard
Turn down the Amp block's level until the output signal doesn’t clip anymore
Turn that level down another couple of dBs for headroom (6dB will do)
This will be your reference level for all other presets

You probably want to match the volume levels of all your presets. It's difficult if not impossible to do this by ear at home or when using headphones. For example, you may think that your high-gain patch preset needs to be turned down in comparison to your clean preset. But when playing live, that high-gain preset is compressed and won't sound as loud as when you were playing at home. Really, the only good way to match levels is at gig level. There's also a way to do this while playing, see the section about presets. Alternatively, use the volume level of the Axe-Fx in bypass mode as reference for all presets.

When the red “Out2 Clip” LED blinks, the Output2 signal is too hot. Solve this by turning down the level in the FXL block.

There's 6 dB volume level difference between Bypass and non-Bypass mode. This is by design.

Also, you may encounter differences between the left and right output when running stereo. Note by Cliff: "It's inevitable that there will be mismatch in the L/R levels. The output levels are controlled by a stereo potentiometer. The tracking between the two resistors will never be perfect and gets worse as you get near the start of the curve (fully CCW). It's impossible to fix in software as the mismatch will vary from unit to unit. Also, you can't simply put a global balance control because the mismatch varies with the level knob position. The good news is this is one reason why they put faders on mixing boards. I'd hardly consider it a problem or a flaw. Simply compensate as necessary." Source

If you're wondering whether the frequency response of the Axe-Fx is flat: yes, it is. Read this

How to use it with headphones

The Axe-Fx doesn’t have a dedicated output for headphones. You can use a splitter cable to connect your headphones to the Axe-Fx outputs, but there might be an impedance mismatch (headphones impedance needs to be 32 Ohm or greater). You can also connect the Axe-Fx to a DAW, to a simple mixer with a headphones output or to a small headphones amplifier for this purpose. Common opinion though is that using headphones is not the right way to finetune preset settings or to enjoy the Axe-Fx.

Why is playing through headphones dull? Quote Cliff: "Because there's no string and body reinforcement. When you play through speakers the sound couples into the guitar body and strings. With headphones you don't get this so the sound is very sterile and lifeless.Now, if you use speakers during recording and then playback through headphones it will sound fine."

Quote Cliff: "It depends on the headphone impedance. Generally, the higher the quality the lower the impedance and the less likely you'll get satisfactory results. Cheap headphones tend to be high impedance and can often be driven from line-level outputs with varying measures of success. For the best fidelity, especially with pro quality headphones, a headphone amplifier is recommended."

How to make a digital connection (Spdif)

The Axe-Fx supports digital connections (Spdif). A digital connection skips the analog-digital conversion process. The sampling rate of the Axe-Fx is fixed at 48kHz (24-bit), so you need to set digitally connected devices to the same sampling rate.

Connections:

RCA (digital coax) input. Select “Digital” in I/O > Mode to enable it. This will disable Input1 and the effects loop!
RCA (digital coax) and XLR outputs. If the connected device only has an optical input, you’ll need a converter to connect it to the Axe-Fx’s digital output.

Note that the high-quality A/D convertors in the Axe-Fx for the analog outputs may deliver better results than a digital connection.

How to use it for reamping

There's a How-To here.

How to mute the signal in tuning mode

The output signal of the Axe-Fx can be muted when activating the tuner (Tuner > Mute). The signal is muted at the output stage, so delay and reverb trails are cut off immediately when the tuner is activated.

The Axe-Fx tuner works on Input1 Left and the front input only.

How to adjust the overall tone and volume level

Read the topic about output levels.

There is also an equalizer for each output (Global > Out1 / Out2). Use these to adjust the Axe-Fx’s global tone for different environments and applications, instead of having to edit presets.

How to deal with noise

It's a common misunderstanding that there's no noise when using a digital device such as the Axe-Fx. It's very possible to experience noise when using the Axe-Fx. Mostly because the input device generates noise itself, or picks it up, which is then amplified inside the Axe-Fx through the amount of amp gain. Best method is to decrease that noise before it enters the Axe-Fx as much as possible. F.e. by shielding guitar pickups properly and removing other interference sources (dimmed lights etc.). Also, set the Input level correctly to obtain a good S/N ratio. Using much amp gain at very bright settings (high frequencies are a large part of distorted tones) may make noise very noticeable, resulting in "crackle". Try disabling the Bright switch or turning down the amount of gain. To fight noise you also use the Noise Gate, see seperate topic.

FIRMWARE, SYSTEM, SOFTWARE

How to connect it to a computer

Communication between the Axe-Fx and a computer requires a MIDI connection and the Axe-Fx editor: Axe-Edit or another MIDI editor such as:

The software must communicate with the Axe-Fx, so a MIDI interface is required. You can also use an USB-to-MIDI interface to turn an USB port on your computer into a MIDI interface. The Axe-Fx doesn’t support USB directly.

Note that not all interfaces work equally well with the Axe-Fx. Information regarding a couple of those is on the website's Support page. More information

How to update the firmware

One of the best features of the Axe-Fx is the fact that it gets updated all the time. For free! Through these software updates the Axe-Fx is continuously improved, extendending its functionality and features.

Go to Utility > Firmware to see the version number of the installed firmware. The latest firmware can be downloaded here.

A MIDI connection with a computer is required for the update procedure, see separate topic.

How to update:

Create the connection between the Axe-Fx (MIDI IN) and the computer
Load the firmware SysEx file into the application
On the Axe-Fx go to Utility > Firmware, press Enter
Send the file from the computer to the Axe-Fx
A progress box should appear on the Axe-Fx. It will take several minutes to transfer the file
If all goes well, the Axe-Fx will display "GOOD CHECKSUM". If not, it displays "BAD CHECKSUM". In that case switch the Axe-Fx off and on again, check everything and rerun the procedure
After a successful update the Axe-Fx will reboot

Updated firmware may cause changes in your presets. Read the firmware release notes and verify your presets.

Major firmware revisions may change the structure of presets. Use Preset Update (Utility > Preset) to update all presets to the new protocol. Usually the firmware release notes will explicitly instruct you to do this if necessary.

Note: if entering the Edit mode of the AMP block causes an audible change in the guitar tone, you probably have installed a major new firmware version without using Preset Update.

How to reset it

You can reset the Axe-Fx: Utility > Reset. This will reset all global settings, the MIDI configuration data and the settings of continuous controllers and pedals.

The reset procedure does NOT reset, delete or change presets.

Before resetting you may want to save the system configuration data. Go to Utility > Preset and select Dump system. This requires the use of a MIDI editor and a MIDI connection with the computer (separate topic).

How to prevent overloading the CPU

The processing tasks of the Axe-Fx require CPU time. Even bypassed effect blocks cost CPU time! The noise gate also needs some. Press Utility > Status to see the current CPU utilization percentage. In this thread you see how much CPU-cycles each block takes. The Ultra edition allows you to run more effects and more complex effects before maxing out the Axe-Fx capacity. The Axe-Fx intervenes before things go wrong (overloading message).

Above 95% or so you'll approach the limits of your unit. You may notice the GUI becoming very slow at that point. That's because the audio signal will always get top priority, more than the GUI refresh rate.

Cliff: "The audio processing is the highest priority thread. When there is time left the GUI thread is run. If CPU usage is high there simply isn't enough time to run the GUI at the normal refresh rate so the thread reduces the refresh rate."

Quote Cliff: "A way to reduce CPU usage is to minimize shunt blocks if possible. If you have parallel paths, instead of routing all the way to the end try to merge the paths earlier."

How to save and restore stuff

Presets on the Axe-Fx can be saved to a computer. This requires the use of a MIDI editor and a MIDI connection with the computer (see separate topic). Go to Utility > Preset and select one of the Dump commands.

Uploading presets (or banks of presets or user cabs) from a computer into the Axe-Fx has the same requirements. It’s not necessary to ready the Axe-Fx for this, the Axe-Fx is always ready to receive MIDI data. After receiving the preset you still have to save it on the Axe-Fx. The Axe-Fx editor makes it easy to organize and exchange stuff. Use its Preset Manager to send the required SysEx data to the Axe-Fx.

BE CAREFUL: LOADING A BANK WILL REPLACE ALL CORRESPONDING PRESETS ON THE AXE-FX!!!

You can load user cabs into the Axe-Fx the same way, see separate topic.

To save system data, other than presets you can use "Dump System to MIDI" (Utility menu). AFAIK this makes a backup of Global Amps, user cabs, Global EQ and other system settings.

How to replace the battery

The Axe-Fx uses a backup battery. Lifespan is better than 10 years. Use a standard CR2450 lithium battery as a replacement.

CREATING AND EDITING PRESETS

How to edit presets on your computer

Most of the How-Tos below are about editing on the Axe-Fx itself. You can also connect the Axe-Fx to your computer and use the software editor: Axe-Edit.

How to use other users' presets

Preset files have a .SYX extension. Load these into the Axe-Fx editor on your Mac or PC to view the settings or to upload them to the Axe-Fx. Don't forget to share your own creations with other users too.

You'll find presets here:

Axe-Fx forums.
in the Axe-Fx editor. You need to be online for this. Open the Preset Manager, in the right pane click on the Axe-Change tab, click Source and log in, then click Load and wait.

Note: presets from other users are finetuned for their personal equipment and ears. For example, a preset that has been designed for someone's power amp and guitar cabinet will not sound as well through a FR monitor or studio speakers, and vice versa. Some presets are specifically dialed in for single-coils or humbuckers. Some presets are tuned for recording, others for playing live. There's other stuff to check too:

The preset may employ a noise gate set to a threshold that may not work well with your guitar
The preset may contain the Stereo Enhancer effect (ENH). It can cause phase cancellation when used in mono. See the topic about stereo/mono operation
The volume levels may not match your guitar's output signal, resulting in output clipping
The CAB block may point to an user cab slot, resulting in no sound
The preset may contain a block with a parameter that is attached to an external controller. If that controller is "off", the signal may be muted.

How to create a new preset

G66 is the Axe-Fx and Atomic amplifier reseller for Europe. They publish a great Get Started tutorial. Required reading for starters!

The very last preset on the Axe-Fx is a “Bypass" preset and a good starting point to build your own from scratch. Just remember to save it to another location (you can’t write-protect presets).

Try to keep the grid layout in all your presets the same, whenever possible (see the topic about keeping your presets consistent and organized). It makes editing easier and switching between presets faster.

How to create your first preset

Here's how to build your first preset (for recording or FR amplification):

Start with a empty grid
Insert an AMP block. For example: Shiver Cln. If it's too dark, turn up Presence to "5". Leave the other settings at default for now
Insert a CAB block after the amp. Select the 4x12 German, mono Hires mode. Select the "57 DYN" mic
Make sure the grid's Input is connected to the grid's output
Make sure the I/O and Global settings are set correctly.

How to escape from the menus

Don’t know anymore where you are in the menu structure of the Axe-Fx? Press Recall > left Page and you're back in the preset select screen.

How to make editing easier

A couple of shortcuts that make editing easier:

Hold Enter to automatically add lines or remove them (Auto Routing)
Press Exit and Enter to turn a block into a shunt. Vice versa for a blank block
Use the Page buttons to scroll quickly between sets of characters when naming presets
Press Edit twice to go to the next effect within the preset, while staying in Edit mode

How to copy and paste effect settings between presets

You can copy the settings of a specific effect and apply them to the same effect in another preset. Press Recall > Effects, select the preset and the effect you want to copy from, press Enter and the values will be applied to the effect block in your current preset.

Tip: create one or two presets that contain your favorite effects. Use these “effects libraries” to copy your favorite effects settings from.

If you use the Axe-Fx Editor, it's much easier to store favorite effects settings and reuse them.

How to reset an effect to its default settings

Press Bypass (not Eff.Bypass!) twice or hold it to reset the current effect to its default settings. Always verify that you didn’t put the entire preset in bypass mode accidently.

This reset procedure also works with AMP blocks. To reset only the "advanced" parameters of the AMP block (everything on the Advanced page, plus the Bright switch and Depth, Sag and Damp), re-select the amp type.

How to adjust the global effects level or the master reverb level

The GLBL MIX parameter (Global > Mix) is a master effects level control. It allows you to make the entire signal more or less “wet” (you'll hear the effects louder or softer). This only works with effects that have the GLBL MIX parameter in their properties (and enabled).

There’s a separate master level control just for Reverb. If you need to adjust the overall reverb level, you can use this control instead of having to edit each preset.

How to insert more than 12 effects in a preset

The grid contains rows of 12 blocks. So you may think you can insert 12 effects at most. But no, you can use more by placing effect blocks in parallel rows. Or use the Feedback Send/Return blocks: put Send at the end of one row (not the last block!) and Return in another row (not the first block!) to continue the routing. Don't forget to turn up the level in the Return block.

How to add an effect block to a preset

Just use the dial to turn a block into an effect or to change effect types.

To insert an effect in the middle of the grid, enter a shunt at the end of the grid and use Layout > Move to move it to the right spot. First select the direction, then press Enter repeatedly to perform the move.

How to deal with effects in a parallel row

You can put effects in parallel paths. Use a row below or above the main routing. This makes it possible to have, for example, independent delay and reverb paths, and more than 12 effects per preset.

You don’t want to put 100% “wet” effects in a parallel path, such as tremolo or a compressor, because dry signal will still be going through the main path too and hide the effect. (Well, you can mute the direct signal in the main path by using a Volume block signal, a.k.a. “dry kill”)

When addng effects in parallel rows you need to avoid double direct signal paths, because these result in unwanted volume increases. So:

Make sure to set the Mix parameter of parallel effects to 100%. Then use the Level parameter to dial in the required amount of effect
Select a suitable Bypass mode: Mute Out or Mute In

How to put Axe-Fx effects before or after your own preamp

You can keep using your own preamp and put Axe-Fx effects before it, after it or at both positions. This way you'll be using the Axe-Fx instead of pedals and/or an effects processor. Read the topic about using a preamp with the Axe-Fx.

How to create a master bypass switch

The Global Bypass feature lets you activate all effects blocks which are initially bypassed in the preset. It’s like an universal "un-bypass" knob, an easy and quick method to switch between two types of tones. For example, a rhythm tone and a lead tone where pressing the Global Bypass switch activates Drive, Delay and Reverb effects that are saved in bypassed states. You have to assign the Global Bypass CC (I/O > Ctrl) to a switch or pedal, using “0” for off and “127” for on.

How to run an effect in stereo or mono

Cliff: "All the effects, except the drive and amp blocks, are fully stereo. Many of the blocks default to a dual-mono configuration to prevent phasing problems when running into a mono PA." Effects such as Phaser, Chorus and Flanger can be stereo, but are mono by default. This is because a stereo configuration may cause phasing problems when the effect is placed before the (mono) amp sim. Use the parameter LFO Phase (value 90) to switch the effect to stereo.

How to set the correct bypass mode for an effect

The Bypass parameter in the effect's properties instructs the Axe-Fx how to mute an effect when it’s bypassed (not active). This is especially important with effects in parallel rows, to prevent volume increases/decreases.

“Mix=0%”: the direct signal is unaltered, the effect is off, level is at unity gain (0dB). Actually this bypass mode is the same as a shunt (or in the real world: a true bypass pedal) when being bypassed. This is the default Bypass mode and useful for effects like chorus etc. in the main row
“Mute FX Out”: the direct signal is unaltered, the effect is off, but the volume can be adjusted using the Mix and Level parameters
“Mute FX In”: like Mute FX Out, with spillover of delay trails and reverb
“Mute In”: everything is muted, except spillover of delay trails and reverb. Useful for effects in parallel rows
“Mute Out”: completely muted, no spillover of delays and reverb. Useful for effects in parallel rows

How to set the volume level of an effect

To adjust the volume of a preset (not that of the Axe-Fx or of an individual effect), use the volume level control in the AMP block or the main preset level control in Layout > Mix.

Set the volume level at the position where the volume level is the same when the effect is bypassed and when it's active. Unless desired otherwise of course.

Read the topic about placing effects in parallel paths.

How to adjust the volume level (per preset) while playing

The Axe-Fx offers a very convenient way to adjust the volume level per preset on the fly (in other words: without editing): the Volume Increment and Volume Decrement commands (I/O > Ctrl). These commands make it possible to adjust the preset level (Layout > Mix) in small steps while playing. Adjustments are saved automatically!

To make this work assign both commands to switches on your MIDI foot controller (I/O > Ctrl) or to switches which are directly connected to the Axe (I/O > Pedals).

How to boost the signal for leads

There are several ways to boost the volume level for leads

Add a Filter block at the end of the grid, set to NullFilter with Level at 4, 5 or 6 dB. Assign the CC for the filter (I/O > Ctrl) to your MIDI foot controller or to a directly connected switch or pedal. You can program your MIDI foot controller to enable this “Filter boost” simultaneous with activating a Drive effect and maybe Delay. Just use the same CC for the filter and the other effects (I/O > Ctrl). Some users prefer this to turning up the Drive effect's level
Use a Mixer block and attach an external controller (pedal)
Use a PEQ or GEQ block with Level turned up, and maybe a Drive tied to the same foot controller switch
Use a pedal or switch to turn up the Drive and Master Volume of the Amp block
Create a global "Boost" without having to modify each preset. Matman's trick: set the CC of an IA SWITCH on the controller to that of OUT1 VOLUME. Set the OFF value to (for example) "111" (unboosted level) and set the ON value to "127" (boosted level). Don't forget to add a second CC for OUT2 VOLUME, or assign OUT2 to the same CC as OUT1. Source

How to avoid clipping

See this topic.

Note that it's possible to clip a preset's output level, without a flashing warning LED. It's noticeable by ear (digital distortion). See the topic mentioned above.

How to decide where to put the Cab block

In the real world it makes a difference whether you put effects before or after the speaker cabinet. It's a little different with the Axe-Fx. This is from a post by Javajunkie:

"You can place the effects loop anywhere in the chain (just add the fx loop block). Unless you are running a stereo cab or 2 mono cabs panned hard L/R, you may want to place stereo effects after the cab. The cab is a linear time invariant effect (unless you add drive) so effects like delay and reverb will sound the same before or after it. As Cliff and others have stated on numerous occasions LTI effects can be placed before and after each other and the will sound the same. Only when placed before or after non LTI effects (drive, amps, et. al) it really matters. The one caveat there is that some effects are mono, placing effects before and after that makes a difference."

Quote Cliff: "The difference in having the cabinet before or after the effects is usually subtle. It depends on how non-linear or time-variant the effect is. For effects like EQ, which are linear and time-invariant, it doesn't matter at all. For slightly time-variant effects like chorus and flanger the difference isn't very pronounced. For highly time-variant effects, like pitch shifting, the difference can be marked."

How to enable delay and reverb spillover

Spillover means that delay and/or reverb trails in the current preset will continue after switching to another preset. The Multi-Delay, MegaTap Delay and Vintage reverb don’t support spillover.

It is enabled globally in Global > Config. Plus: the preset you’re switching to MUST contain a Delay and/or Reverb block. You can put them in the last row on their own for example, without an input, as long as they are connected to the output.

Note:

If you want spillover from the last preset and continue the same delay/reverb: don’t mute or bypass the delay and/or reverb in the second preset. These will inherit the parameters of the previous preset automatically
If you want spillover from the last preset and start a new delay/reverb: that’s a bitch, read about it here

Note: spillover carries over the delay/reverb signal from a previous preset. This can cause volume bumps. For example if the previous preset contains a hi-gain amp and the second preset is a clean one with a loud delay, the carried-over trails will be that of a distorted amp and will be amplified by the delay settings in the second preset.

How to save and recall favorite amp settings (Global amp)

You can save up to 10 amps with your favorite settings using the Global parameter in the AMP block. Select a Global slot in the Amp settings, select an amp and set its parameters. From now on you can select this amp including its settings in any preset using the Global parameter. If you change its parameters in any of these presets, they change accordingly in every preset that uses this global amp.

Note that you can’t configure an amp in a preset and then save it as a Global amp; you must always select a global slot first! And you can’t reset a Global amp type to its default settings; doing that will disable the Global Amp and reselect the default amp (Tube preamp).

If Global Amps were selectable through MIDI you could have just one preset and just switch amps (without switching presets). However, there's no "official" way to accomplish that (yet).

Global Amp settings are saved through: Dump System to MIDI (Utility menu).

How to minimize gaps in the signal when switching presets

Switching between presets isn’t 100% seamless. But the gaps are very short, like 20ms.

If you hold a note or chord while switching to another amp sim, you may hear a thump, pop or click. Cliff: "You're always going to get some pop or click if you hold the note since the Axe-Fx has to ramp the volume down and then back up. Since people want fast preset switching time this means I have to ramp the volume down in around 5 ms, same for back up. There is significant energy in a ramp of that speed. It was a trade-off between switching speed and transient noise."

How to print preset settings

The Axe-Fx editor Axe-Edit lets you export presets to a file format which you can import into an application (such as Excel) and print.

How to keep your presets organized

A checklist to verify the consistency of your presets:

Stick to the same grid layout/routing whenever possible, to simplify viewing and editing. Example
Use effects with preferred settings and levels ("effects library")
Assign external controllers (MIDI foot controller, pedals)
Make use of Global amps
Use the correct cabinet for the selected amp
Even if delay won't be used, insert a bypassed Delay block just for spillover
Check the settings for mono/stereo operation, prevent phase cancellation
Set CAB and Mixer (Layout > Mix) levels at unity gain
Set Mix, Level and Bypass parameters correctly for effects in parallel rows
Make sure that the preset level matches other presets and does not clip with things like Drive and gain/boost filters enabled
Set noise gate parameters

EFFECTS

How to know which effects the Axe-Fx provides

You’ll find all effect blocks and their parameters here.

Each row on the grid is a full stereo signal. And most effects are stereo. For example, you can use Balance, panning parameters or the LFO Phase parameter to place the effect in the stereo field.

AMPS:

How to know which real amps the Axe-Fx models

The amp descriptions and the names of the actual emulated amps can be found in the Wiki Amp List. And on the Fractal website.

The FAS models, Fusion, HellBeast, SuperTweed, Big Hair and some others are customized versions of other amps or Fractal's own unique designs and therefore have no real equivalents.

Cliff: "There were many design choices made in the Axe-Fx and for very good reasons. It is incorrect to assume that any of the models will sound exactly like the real amp. In many (perhaps most) cases they will if you get the EXACT same amp from the same year with the same circuit. Tube amp designers are constantly adjusting their designs, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse, in response to the market, trends, etc. Furthermore, the Axe-Fx was never intended to be an exact replica of any amp. In many cases I made digital modifications to the amps to remove what I considered undesirable traits. Some amps are too spitty so I adjust that out. Other amps are too flubby. I don't model ghost notes because I consider them a flaw in the design. Absolute authenticity was not a primary design goal. Tone, playability and the ability to sculpt the tone to your personal preference were the primary concerns."

How to dial in amps on the Axe-Fx

This walkthrough helps you to dial in amps and cabs on the Axe-Fx.

Preparation: First, make sure your Axe-Fx is configured correctly.
Amplification: Are you using a poweramp and guitar cabinet? If so, disable Cab simulation (Global menu) and, depending on the poweramp type, Poweramp simulation too. If not, make sure these are enabled. Amplification
Global EQ: Make sure the Global EQs are flat (Global menu), unless your setup requires otherwise.
Tonestack: Check the global Tonestack parameter (Global menu). Choose between using classic amp tonestacks or active EQ, or select the tonestack type per preset (see below). Tonestack
Pickups: It really matters which pickups are driving the Amp sim. When dialing in the preset, use the guitar and pickup(s) you’ll be using most with this preset. When using various guitars, dial in the preset for the "darker" one. Then when using a brighter guitar, use its tone knob to avoid harshness.
Input Level: Set it to “tickle” the red when hitting the strings hard (front panel). Input level
Goal: Are you using this preset to record? Then dial it in using your recording setup. Or are you mainly listening through headphones? Then don’t expect the preset to translate well to amplification, without modification. Or will you be using the preset when playing “live”, using your method of amplification? Then it’s very important to dial things in at the volume level it’s going to be used at! Preferably using a backing track as well. Tones that have been dialed in at bedroom level will NOT cut at all when used in a band context (Fletcher Munson curve).
Source: What's your reference material: a real amp in front of you, a recording on CD, a live recording? It's important to be aware of this to be able to accurately recreate the tone. For an "in the room" amp tone, you may not want to use a mic sim, for example. Note that nearly all tones coming from the Axe-Fx using stock cabs are close-mic'd tones, where a microphone was placed close to the speaker (near-field). Which is very different from listening to an amp from some distance (far-field).
Create an empty preset, or copy preset 383 (“Bypass”) on the Ultra to another location.
Verify that the Noise Gate is off and that the Mixer levels are neutral (Layout menu). Noise gate
Insert an Amp block, followed by a Cab block (unless you're using your own speaker cabinet). Insert shunts to create an uninterrupted chain from input to output. You should now hear a signal when playing.
Amp: The Amp block defaults to the Tube preamp. Now select the Amp Type you want. Verify that parameters are at their defaults. Detailed info about all stock amp types is here: Wiki Amp List.
Cab: The Cab block defaults to an EVM12L. Now select the Cab type you want to combine with the amp type. Verify that parameters are at their defaults. Skip this step if you're using your own speaker cabinet. Detailed info about all stock cabs is here: Wiki Cab List. Also check the amp info in the Wiki Amp List for suggestions about amp and cab combinations. If you want other cabs than the stock ones, take a look at 3rd party IRs or use your own. The Axe-Fx provides 10 slots to upload external cabs. 3rd Party IRs
Mic: What’s your purpose: recording or live sound? If you’re going to record you’ll probably want to use the Cab sim with a Mic sim. If not, it depends. Skip this step if you're using your own speaker cabinet. Don't underestimate the impact of the mic type on the tone. Adding a R121 for example will add lots of high and low end to the tone. The 57 DYN (Shure SM57) works with almost everything. You can also select "None", which doesn't mean that you're going to hear the speaker like you are used to (in front of the cabinet). Because all cab sims were created using a neutral reference mic without coloration, placed very close to the speaker (the "far-fields" are an exception, see the Wiki Cab List). Still, selecting "none" with stock cabs is a good way to remove tonal influence by the mic from the tone. If you want other mic sims, or the ability to choose the mic position, take a look at 3rd party IRs. Mic sim, 3rd Party IRs
Master Volume: Master Volume has a great impact on the tone, it's not just a level control! If the modeled amp type is a modern high-gain amp, it probably relies on preamp distortion instead of poweramp saturation. In this case, keep the Master Volume control low (for example 3.50 for Mesa and Friedman amp sims) to prevent the tone to become mushy or noisy. If the modeled amp type has no Master Volume control (Fender, Vox, HiWatt, Plexi types, check the Wiki Amp List), turn up Master Volume to about 9.4. This disables the Master Volume and effectively turns the Drive control into a volume control. High Drive settings will then cause poweramp saturation, depending on the amp. Now turn down Drive to 3.50, you can turn it up later. Master Volume and Drive
Tonestack: You can select a desired Tonestack type on the Advanced page. Choose between the one that is native to the selected amp type (classic), or a tonestack from another amp type. Or turn the tone controls into an active EQ (Global menu, see above). Important note: using the classic tonestack does NOT imply that you’ll be able to set the controls by the eye, mimicking settings on real amps. That’s because the virtual tapers can be different. Tonestack
Bright: If the corresponding real amp type has a Bright switch or a bright cap on its volume or gain control (check the Wiki Amp List), you can change its default setting. It can make a lot of difference. Also note that the effect of the Bright switch can vary according to the setting of the Amp block’s Drive and Master Volume parameters. Bright
Presence: If the corresponding real amp type has a Presence control (check the Wiki Amp List), turn it up or down to the desired level. Important: Presence at noon means zero presence! If the original amp has no Presence, this control acts as shelving filter. And on some amp types it acts as a Cut (Vox, Dr.Z and others). In any case you can use it make the preset less bright by setting it below noon. Presence]
Boost: The Amp block’s Boost control lets you add 12dB gain to the input signal. It’s a clean boost, adding gain across the full frequency spectrum. Nice to spice up single coils for example. There are alternative methods, for example adding a block before the Amp block such as a NullFilter or Tape Dist (Clip Type set to HV Tube) or FET Boost. Boost
Drive: Use the amp’s Drive control to set the desired amount of preamp overdrive (or to set the volume level as well on non-MV amp types, see above). If you turn it up beyond a certain level (depending on the specific amp sim and other controls such as Master Volume), the tone may get mushy, bass tones may fart and become flubby or high frequencies may get distorted in a bad way. In some cases you may get better results by keeping Drive low and adding a Drive block before the Amp block (or use Boost, see above) to boost gain. Try setting the Drive block to T808 or BB with its Drive control set low and its Level set high. It’s also possible to add gain stages to an amp sim by using a Tape Dist block before the Amp block with Clip Type set to HV Tube. Drive block Extra gain stage
Tone: Use the 3-band tone controls (Bass, Mid, Treble) to dial in the desired tone color. Again note that using the passive tonestack does NOT imply that you’ll be able to set the controls by the eye, mimicking settings on real amps. But before you go all wild with the tone controls, first try leaving them at noon and use only Presence to color the tone. You may find that this is all that's needed. Tonestack
Amp Level: Adjust the amp Level control to set the desired overall volume level. This applies to the Amp level as well as to the overall preset level. Use this control to prevent output clipping and to match the overall preset level with other presets. Note: this parameter has NO impact on the tone, don't worry if other parameter settings force you to set this parameter very low or very high. Check the link below for a method to set levels and prevent clipping. Be aware that distorted tones are compressed more than clean tones. When matching preset levels at home (soft volume level), you may perceive them to be at the same volume, but when playing loud they won't match at all anymore. Distorted tones need to be much louder, even if it doesn't sound right at home. Output levels
Damp: This controls the amount of negative feedback in the poweramp simulation. Higher values give a tighter and brighter sound but can sound harsh at very high master volume levels. Lower values give a loose and gritty sound and feel. Each amp type defaults to its own value. The amp's volume level may change when adjusting this parameter. This parameter has no effect if poweramp simulation is switched off. Adv. parameters
Sag: This parameter models the power supply impedance and therefore controls how dynamically the power amp simulation behaves. Higher settings result in a more compressed feel. At low Master Volume settings this control will have little effect as the power amp is not being pushed. Turning Sag to zero disables poweramp simulation for the preset alltogether. This parameter has no effect if poweramp simulation is switched off globally.
Speaker Resonance Frequency: This parameter can be used to further optimize the Amp block for combination with a specific cab, especially if it's a real cabinet. Click on the link below for more detailed information. Speaker resonance
Cab Drive: The Drive parameter in the Cab block's properties simulates speaker breakup. However, at higher values it can cause audible aliasing! So rather than use this parameter, add a drive block immediately following the cab and tweak to taste. Cab Drive and Air
Cab Air: This parameter in the Cab block's properties helps to remove a “boxy” edge of the tone through a cabinet sim. Cliff: "Air is nothing more than low-pass filtered direct signal mixed with the processed signal. Sometimes adding some Air can help remove the boxiness. You typically need to set the Air Freq above 3 kHz before the effect is noticeable. I like it around 3500 or so. It adds a little sizzle to high-gain tones and removes that boxy sound." It can be hard to notice the effect though. Cab Drive and Air
Farty of flubby bass notes: If notes on the low strings sound farty or flubby, it can be caused and solved by a number of things. Try turning down the Master Volume or Drive control. Try turning down Bass (you can always increase bass after the Amp block again using a PEQ or GEQ). Turn up Low Cut on the Advanced page (high-pass filter at the input stage of the preamp sim). Use the “tight bass” filter trick to improve palm muting when using high gain amp sims. Tight bass trick
Noise: If the selected amp type generates a lot of noise or crackle, it may be caused by using too much gain in combination with very bright amp settings. Noise
Advanced parameters: The Amp block offers access to a lot of advanced parameters to be tweaked by, euh, tweakers. The most popular (IMHO) are described above. Other advanced parameters are described in the manual and Wiki. Amp parameters
Reset: To reset all parameters on the Advanced page to their defaults, as well as the Boost and Bright switches and Depth, Sag and Damp, just reselect the Amp type.
Noise Gate: Adjust the Noise Gate if needed (Layout menu). And/Or use a Gate block after the Amp block if needed (Ultra only). Noise gate
Boomy bass, harsh treble: If there’s too much bass or treble in the signal, there are several ways to deal with that, apart from the regular tone controls. If it concerns the overall signal: turn down the level of the lowest band(s) and the highest one in the Global EQ. Or try another cab sim. Some stock cabinets, such as the 4x12 German cab, have a lot of bass. Or try another microphone sim. For example, the R121 adds a lot of bass and treble to the tone. Or use no mic sim at all. Or put a PEQ block after the Amp and Cab blocks to block or shelf frequencies below and above a certain range. Example: use the lowest band to block below 120Hz, and use the highest band to block above 6.1kHz or so. This gets rid of annoying highs and lows that the guitar tone doesn't need in the mix when playing live. Use the Q parameter to finetune if required. Or use another mic position on the cab which is only possible with 3rd party IRs. Or turn down the Depth parameter for less bass (same as Resonance, Fat, Whomp etc. on real amplifiers), it's like Presence but concerning low frequencies. Higher Depth values give a fuller, looser sound, while low values can be used to achieve a more focused sound. Depth is non-functional when Poweramp simulation is off. Or turn down HF Resonance (Advanced page) in high-gain presets makes the amp distortion less harsh. It mimics the way these high-gain sims were configured in firmware 9.x and earlier. Or turn down High Cut on the amp's Advanced page (low-pass filter at the output stage of the amp sim). And there are probably tone controls on your amplification device and on yur guitar that you can use to tame highs and lows.
Amp in the room: If you use FR amplification and you want Axe-Fx to sound and feel like a real amp "in the room" (not recorded or through a PA-system), use one of the stock far-field cabs (1x12 Open, 2x12 Gold, 2x12 G12H) without a mic sim.
Examples: Some users have created banks containing no-frills basic presets for amps with matching cabinets. Dutch & Timmy's amp bank: all amps at default settings with matching cabinets Organized preset collection by Steve "Guittartarzan" VirgilGuitar's Standard Amps

How to set the Drive and Master controls

Vintage amps don't have separate gain (drive) and master volume controls. To emulate this, crank the Master. This way Drive will become the main volume control. For Fender amps Drive at around 3.5 seems to be the magic spot. Try this method with Fenders, Vox, Plexi, Wrecker, Hiwatt, 1987X.

Modern hi-gain tube amps don't require a cranked the Master. They rely on preamp distortion primarily. In fact you may want to keep the master pretty low (3.50) to avoid power amp saturation. Examples: USA Lead, SLO.

Cliff's quotes:

"I think the major source of "farty" is people set the Master too high. With a real high-gain amp people don't crank the master volume because the amp is then insanely loud. On an Axe-Fx you can crank the master but keep the actual volume to talking levels. For the high-gain models I find the sweet spot on the Master to be less than halfway".
"Master at 7.02 on the Recto model is WAY too high and will sound muddy. You should be around 3-4, maybe less. The reason the highs sound rolled off is because the Master is too high. As you increase the Master the highs get muffled. 7.02 for the Recto Master is ridiculous and will sound like crap."
"For old, non-MV amps like Fenders and Plexis you typically want to run the Master at 9 or higher. For modern, high-gain, MV amps you typically want the Master below 5."
"For clean tones the Drive control should be set fairly low and the Master set very high. On a real "Blackface", for instance, the Master is essentially maxed since that amp has no master volume. A Blackface typically achieves full power at around 10-11 o'clock on the volume (Drive). It's also insanely loud. Beyond that the everything starts to saturate and clip. If you set the Master low and the drive high, for clean tones, the low end will tend to get muddy. Good cleans are obtained with little, if any, preamp distortion and a nice amount of power amp distortion. Power amp distortion has a much different character and tends to be glassy and bouncy. Preamp distortion is rougher and more compressed."
"The master volume is such that near maximum (4:00 or so) is equivalent if the modeled amp had no master volume. As always use your ears to fine-tune."

With all amps models the relationship between the Drive and Master settings is important. Start at modest settings, then experiment. Example: with some amp sims high values for Master and Drive will make low notes on humbuckers 'fart', like if the speaker is blown up. A lot of gain in combination with very bright settings can also result in crackle and noise.

How to use the amp tone controls (tonestack)

The tonestack is the set of tone controls for an amplifier (bass, mid, treble). For each amp the Axe-Fx lets you select between:

classic passive tone controls, appropriate for the specific amp type
passive tonestack from another amp type
active EQ

Use Global > Config to set the default for all amps: active or passive. Use the Advanced page of the AMP block to select a different tonestack for an amp.

The manual states: "Those who prefer the classic passive tone controls that are found on most tube amps, the Axe- Fx has the option of using this style of tone control as well. Not just a crude shelving filter approximation, the Axe-Fx passive tone stack simulation exactly replicates the frequency and phase response of the classic passive tone stack. When using the passive tone controls the display will read out in traditional 0-10 style as opposed to decibel readings."

Use the classic tonestack to keep the amp sims authentic. But note this: don't expect to be able to set the controls by the eye, mimicking settings on real amps! This is because the Axe-Fx doesn't always model the tapers used on the real amps.

Quote Cliff: "This is the case with several of the amp models. In these cases the taper used on the real amp is what I would call "a less than optimum" choice. I think in many cases the designer simply doesn't realize the affect the taper has on the locus. So, if I deemed the choice of taper to be "incorrect" the model uses the correct taper. The Bogner models fall into this category. The choice of a Log10 pot for the treble pot doesn't make sense so the model uses a linear taper which gives a smooth locus".

Old quote Cliff: "There are only 15 or so unique passive tone-stacks because the same tone-stack is used on different models, i.e. the Plexi, JCM800, JCM900, etc. use the same tone-stack (just like their real-life counterparts)."

How to set the Bright switch

The Bright switch has a default setting for each amp. If you don’t remember the default setting, just reselect the amp type (this resets some other parameters back to their defaults too). To switch the Bright switch on or off, scroll to Treble and press Enter.

The Bright parameter doesn't always correspond to a dedicated Bright switch on the original amp. Some amps do not have a Bright switch but have a treble peaker on the volume control. The Bright control also mimics that.

Turning up the amp's gain (Drive) will decrease the impact of the Bright switch. With the gain maxed, the bright cap is effectively gone.

Note: the default setting of the Bright switch on some amps (Plexi, JCM800) makes the tone very harsh. Try switching it off and compensate by adjusting Presence (and Treble).

On the Plexi-type amp sims the Bright switch also has a large impact on the amount of gain.

How to set the Boost switch

There's a Boost control in each AMP block. This adds 12dB to the input stage of the preamp (before the amp's Drive). It's off by default. Sometimes enabling the boost works better than turning up preamp gain. it's a clean boost so it'll increase the gain of all frequencies.

To enable the Boost, scroll to Type in the AMP block's properties and press Enter.

You cannot assign an external switch to the Boost parameter. But there are other ways to get exactly the same result: add a Filter block before the Amp block, set to Null, with Level at 12dB. You can even assign its Level to an expression pedal and control the gain gradually.

Alternatively, use a Tape Drive block before the Amp block.

How to use the Presence control

Presence controls the high frequencies in the power amp stage. You probably can't imagine that there are entire threads discussing just this control, but there are ... (thread, thread).

The thing to remember here is that Presence at noon (12 o' clock) means ZERO presence, not "5"! Just look at the display: "0". So if you select an amp that in reality has a Presence knob and you like it at noon (5), turn up Presence in th amp sim to "5" to simulate the regular noon setting. Note: this applies to the "passive" Presence setting.

Not all real amps have a presence control though, so Presence at its default setting (noon) with those sims keeps it "vintage".

Quote Cliff: "The difficulty is that I allow people to adjust the damping so I needed a way to allow for a hi-cut when the damping was set to zero and a presence control when not. So I came up with the dual-function presence control. When an amp has no negative feedback (i.e. AC-30), the speaker impedance has a much greater effect on the tone and causes the tone to be much brighter. Additionally, there is no way to adjust the tone by modifying the negative feedback (because there isn't any). So a non-negative feedback amp classically employs a hi-cut filter in the power amp. The Axe-Fx allows you to turn on negative feedback, even for amp models that don't normally have any. In that case the high-frequency emphasis due to the speaker impedance will decrease and you then may want to increase the highs to compensate so you need a presence control. Thus was born the presence/cut control. At settings less than zero it acts as a simple hi-cut. At settings greater than zero it acts as a presence control if the amp model has negative feedback by manipulating the feedback or by boosting the treble if there is no feedback."

Quote Cliff: "The presence "circuit" in the Axe-Fx does the same thing as the presence circuit in an actual tube amp. It decreases the negative feedback in the power amp at high frequencies. The net result is a boost in high frequencies. The gain of an amp with negative feedback is A/(1 + A*B) where A is the open-loop gain and B is the feedback. The presence circuit makes B a function of frequency (i.e. B -> B(s), actually B(z) in digital land) so there is less feedback at high frequencies. Therefore the gain is greater at those frequencies and approaches the open-loop gain. You can hear this as you increase the Damping since that increases the overall negative feedback. The presence control will have more effect as the Damping is increased. The Depth control does the same thing but on low frequencies."

How to set the advanced parameters

You find these parameters on the Advanced page of the AMP block. Some users never touch them, some dig in deep to (re)create “their” tones. You'll find descriptions of most parameters on this Wiki page.

No restrictions here, do what you like. But common opinion is that the need to adjust these parameters to find good tones decreases with every major firmware update, with some exceptions.

One parameter in particular is important to fight 'flubby' of 'farty' bass notes: Low Cut. Turn this up, for example to 100 or much higher, to get a tighter low end and less "farting" or "flubby" tones on the low strings. You can compensate for loss of bass by adjusting the Bass control, or by using a PEQ after the amp
Warmth and Thump default to zero in firmware 9.01 and higher, more information. If you want to bypass Thump alltogether, set the Power Amp sim (Global menu) to "On-no thump"
SAG: it models the power supply impedance and therefore controls how dynamically the power amp simulation behaves. Higher settings simulate higher power supply impedance which leads to a more compressed feel. At low Master Volume settings this control will have little effect as the power amp is not being pushed. Turning Sag to zero disables poweramp simulation for the preset. And this parameter has no effect if Poweramp simulation is switched off in the Global menu
Read what Jay Mitchell has to say about some of the advanced parameters
The Damp parameter controls the amount of negative feedback. Wiki

Adjusting the Damp parameter influcences the amp volume level. If the poweramp is saturated, both damp and level must be increased to maintain level the same. Quote Cliff: "The Axe-Fx attempts to normalize the volume as you change the damping. (...) However, if you are driving the "power amp" hard the equation falls apart because it assumes linear operation. Therefore there may be some volume change. This is done since otherwise you would constantly have to adjust your output volume as you change the damping. Unfortunately it is impossible to predict how saturated the power amp is since that depends on input level. The compensation isn't perfect, the idea is to minimize the volume fluctuations since without compensation the volume would fluctuate wildly."

Depth: here's what Cliff says about it: "The presence "circuit" in the Axe-Fx does the same thing as the presence circuit in an actual tube amp. It decreases the negative feedback in the power amp at high frequencies. The net result is a boost in high frequencies. The gain of an amp with negative feedback is A/(1 + A*B) where A is the open-loop gain and B is the feedback. The presence circuit makes B a function of frequency (i.e. B -> B(s), actually B(z) in digital land) so there is less feedback at high frequencies. Therefore the gain is greater at those frequencies and approaches the open-loop gain. You can hear this as you increase the Damping since that increases the overall negative feedback. The presence control will have more effect as the Damping is increased. The Depth control does the same thing but on low frequencies."
Speaker Resonance Frequency: this one is important to match the amp sim to the speaker type. Quote Cliff: "Furthermore there are certain aspects that simply can't be modeled and require user intervention. For example, a speaker has a low-frequency resonance. A tube amp will create a higher output at that resonant frequency. The Axe-Fx has no way of knowing what that resonant frequency is and defaults to a value that is common for the speakers that are typically used with that amp. However, if you drive that speaker through a solid-state amp you won't excite the resonance unless you adjust the Speaker Resonant Frequency to match it. This is the one of the few advanced parameters I ever adjust and I tweak it until I hear the bottom end "sympathize". For example, my favorite Mesa cab resonates around 110 Hz but most of the models default to 95 Hz so I usually adjust the Speaker Resonance to 110 Hz when using that cab. After I do that the Axe-Fx is indistinguishable from the real thing, IMHO."

To reset all parameters on the Advanced page, plus the Bright setting and the Depth, Sag and Damp parameters, just reselect the amp type.

How to split the preamp and poweramp sections of the amp sim

Nope, you can't.

How to get tight bass control

To keep the low end under control (including palm-muted metal tones!), add a Filter block before the Amp block. Select Highpass. Go to Frequency and hit Enter (modifier menu). Select Envelope and use the default settings except for setting Scale at 40% and Offset at 22%. You have now added a dynamic filter that adjusts itself according to how hard you're hitting the strings. The harder you pick, the more low frequencies are removed from the signal hitting the amp. No need to set a frequency range. This is great for palm muting and also takes care of those flubby low notes with certain amp sims such as the Vox. You can finetune the filter by adjusting the Envelope settings, example. Source

How to use a Drive block to add or control gain

Each amp has a Drive parameter which controls the amount of preamp gain. You can assign an external controller (expression pedal) to vary the gain. this method may not work out satisfactory. You may get better results by inserting a Drive block before the amp:

Set it to FET Boost or Tape Drive (clean boost) and attach a pedal to its Drive parameter
"Old school" hard rock trick: add a TS808 or Tube Drive block before the amp, set its Drive all the way down and max its Level. This will help tighten up the low end

Alternatively use a NullFilter block before the amp instead of a Drive block, with lots of dBs to boost the amp's input.

How to add another (tube) gain stage

Jay Mitchell supplied these tips:

"Cascade one amp block into another. Turn off "Sag" in the first one. Now you've got an extra preamp feeding your amp, which opens up an incredible spectrum of gain staging. For example, think Twin Reverb preamp, with Plexi tonestack set to "post," feeding a Plexi 2 with default settings. The possibilities exceed anything one person could hope to explore in a lifetime. You can get it awfully close. You want to minimize the effect of the preamp in Amp 2. To do this, set the Amp 2 Bright to off, MV to a high value, and find a neutral setting for the tone controls in Amp 2. Then use Drive in Amp 2 for your MV. The amp types you choose for this arrangement will make a huge difference, as will quite a few parameter settings. There's easily enough flexibility to allow you to create any sound the Mesa can make, and a lot more that it can't."
"Start with Tape drive, set the clipping mode to "HV tube", Drive moderate, Level as appropriate for the amp block it's driving, and you'll have another tube gain stage, complete with EQ."

How to use multiple amps in a single preset

You can use two amps in a preset. They can share one cabinet or each have their own cabinet. Simultaneous use of two amps can thicken the tone (like two high gain amps), or make it more transparent (combination of a high gain amp with a clean type) etc.

You can also use this method to morph between two amps without having to change presets, using an expression pedal. Insert a mixer block and input both signal chains into it. Use the modifier menu to go from 0-100% on one amp and 100-0% on the other. You can adjust the curve responses for a smooth crossfade. (source: Javajunkie)

Of course, inserting multiple amps and cabinets costs CPU cycles. It'll take an Axe-Fx Standard pretty much to its limits.

How to solve the "my tone changes when I start editing the Amp block" issue

If entering the Edit mode of the AMP block causes an audible change in the guitar tone, you probably have installed a major new firmware version without updating all presets. Major firmware revisions may change the structure of presets. Use Preset Update (Utility > Preset) to update all presets to the new protocol. Usually the release notes that accompany the firmware will instruct you to do this if necessary.

How to get your guitar to feedback

It's as easy to get your guitar to feedback with the Axe-Fx as it is with a regular amp and cabinet. To make it even easier you can switch the global Phase parameter in the I/O menu, under Audio.

CABINETS

How to select a stock cabinet

The Axe-Fx has many cabinet models. These model the influence that speaker cabinets have on the tone. A cab sim is an IR (Impulse Response), see below.

Descriptions and the real names of the modelled cabinets can be found in the Wiki and on the Fractal website.

It’s a matter of personal preference which cab sim to use with an amp. You can go with "historically correct" amp/cab combinations or go wild. The differences can be enormous. For example the 4x12 20w (very vintage, low power) has very little bass, the 4x12 German has loads of low end, the 4x12 Brit is very bright. Note that differences between cabs may also originate from the way the IR was captured. F.e., the 4x12 German sounds as if the mic was very close to the speaker, generating a lot of proximity effect (bass). The 4x12 Brit sounds as if the mic was at some distance (thin bright tone).

When comparing cabs, don't judge too quickly. Each time you select a cab, you may need to adjust the amp settings to recover a good tone.

Tips:

4x12 V30, 4x12 German, 4x12 Cali (Mesa), 4x12 Metal (Engl), 4x12 Recto	high gain amps
4x12 20w / 25w / 30w	vintage Marshall (Plexi, 1987X, Brown)
1x6 Oval	Lo-fi
1x10 Gold, 1x12 Black	Fender
1x12 Brit, 2x12 Brit	Vox
1x12 Open, 2x12 Gold, 2x12 G12h	"far-field" tones

Most stock cabinets with mic sims recreate the tone of a speaker which has been recorded with the microphone close to the speaker ("near-field"). This is how amps are recorded and mic’d live in general. It's very different from the tone of an amp and cabinet that you're listening directly. A couple of cabs are “far-field” ones, meaning that the mic was placed further away from the speaker during the capturing of the IR, resulting in a tone that’s more like hearing the amp and the speaker cabinet “in the room”.

Axe-Fx cabs (stocks as well as 3rd party IRs) are max. 21.3ms long (HiRes mode, 1024 points). This is too short to contain any "room ambience". To create "room ambience" reverb must be used.

If you want to hear differences between various speakers, check this video.

How to select a microphone

You can select a microphone model in the Cabinet properties. The microphone sims are described here, here and here. Or go to these websites for information on mics:

All mics are close-mic'd, which means that they simulate the tone of a microphone placed very close to the speaker. That's different from listening to a speaker cabinet "in the room". It's how guitars amps are recorded in the studio and amplified live. Close-micing can add a lot of extra low and high frequencies to the tone.

Don't underestimate the impact of the mic type on the tone. E.g., adding a R121 (Royer 121, front at 6") for example will add lots of high and low end to the tone. The 57 DYN (Shure SM57) works with almost everything.

You can also select "None". That doesn't mean that you'll hear the speaker like you are used to (in front of the cabinet). All cab sims were created using a neutral Earthworks mic (using a PreSonus channel strip and the Axe-Fx itself as A/D converter), placed close to the speaker (the "far-fields" are an exception, see above). Still, selecting "none" with stock cabs is the best way to remove tonal influence from the tone. Also, not using a mic sim will remove a lot of those pesky low and high frequencies from the signal.

If you use 3rd party IRs, it may not be necessary to select a mic at all (select "none"). The Red Wirez and Ownhammer IRs for example already include the microphone as part of the IR.

Review of Red Wirez mic and mic positions (Joost Assink, source):

SM7: same cutting power as the SM57 but without the harsh high end. It's also quite flat and meat & potatoes mic. It's a dynamic mic and works good from 0" without too much proximity effect. Dynamic mics need to be closer to really get them working, at least according to my experience. As a general rule of thumb, get the dynamic mics up to the grill (0 inches in RedWirez land) and condenser mics, especially the large diaphragm need a bit of distance or they'll get too boomy.
RE20: also honest and to my ears the most flat, yet more detailed than the SM7. Most transparent. No proximity issues, and this gives me a condenser-like sound up close to the grill, even though it's a dynamic mic. So cap edge 0".
U67: nice tube warmth and detail and richness. Really adds something to the sound. However, that mic alone lacks cutting power and adds the risk of muddying up the mix. That's where you need the two dynamic mics. Also, the U67 has some real proximity issues, so needs to be at least 3 inches off the grill. Again, cap edge gives best compromise between detail (high-end) and low-end/body.
R121: my favorite mic of the bunch. Incredibly rich and detailed. Adds some magic. Needs to be on the cap instead of the cap edge or it gets too muddy. Because of proximity effect it needs to be at least 1" off the grill, but 2" sounds great as well. Just use the distance between 1 and 3 inches to get low end to taste. At greater distances you lose some of that magic detail though. Again, just like the U67, it needs a dash of RE20 and SM7 for some honest transparency and detail or the mix gets too thick and slightly muddy. Also, this mix gives you dynamic mics, tube mics, condenser mics and a ribbon mic.

The following mics I also liked but didn't add anything to the four I had already selected:

C414: nice detail and fatness. Needed to be on the cap edge and 3" off the grill because of proximity effect. Liked the U67 better.
U47: slight harshness, but nice condenser mic. Cap Edge 1 inch.
SM57: most common mic ever. Great cutting power but harsh high end and upper mids. Needs to be off-axis because of it. 0 inches at the cap edge off axis it is.

How to choose between a stereo or mono cabinet

The cabinet sim operates in one of three modes:

“Mono HiRes”: mono, 1024 samples
“Mono LoRes”: mono, 512 samples (first half of 1024, requires 50% of the processing load of Mono HiRes)
“Stereo”: stereo, 512 samples (idem)

While the mono HiRes setting offers the best quality (not everybody hears the difference with the LowRes/Stereo setting), the stereo setting has its own thing going. It lets you combine two cab sims in one block with either one or two amps. Two amps: pan AMP1 fully left and AMP2 fully right, sum their outputs into the cabinet block, adjust the left and right cabinet settings. One amp: hard pan L and R in the cabinet block. Many factory presets employ a stereo cab, set to two different cab sims. Instead of using a stereo cab you can also put a Mixer after two mono cabs (in parallel) to set their levels.

Alternatively you can use two separate HiRes CAB blocks in parallel rows for the best sound quality. This will increase the CPU load. Having two cabs in parallel rows will also increase the signal level. You can restore the level by setting the cabs' levels to -4 dB.

How to use the Air and Drive parameters

The Drive parameter in the Cab properties simulates speaker breakup. When set to something other than zero, the hotter the signal to the cab block, the more speaker breakup you get. Beware: at higher values it can cause audible aliasing (source). So rather than use this parameter, add a drive block immediately following the cab and tweak to taste.

The Air parameter helps to remove a “boxy” edge of the tone through a cabinet sim. Here is a demonstration. Quote Cliff: "Air is nothing more than low-pass filtered direct signal mixed with the processed signal. Sometimes adding some Air can help remove the boxiness. You typically need to set the Air Freq above 3 kHz before the effect is noticeable. I like it around 3500 or so. It adds a little sizzle to high-gain tones and removes that boxy sound."

How to use a 3rd-party Impulse Reponse (IR or user cab)

Speaker cabinets are emulated in the Axe-Fx using IRs: Impulse Responses. An IR is the recorded output of a device (speaker cabinet, effect, etc.) when an impulse (short sound) is played into the input of the device. The Axe-Fx comes with a lot of stock cabs.

If you are looking for something different, take a look at 3rd-party IRs. The Axe-Fx has 10 slots for user cabs (IRs). You need a sysex librarian or the Axe-Fx editor to upload user cabs to the Axe-Fx. The process is described on this Wiki page. There’s no visual confirmation, except for a small MIDI IN light blink at the end of the process. You can also listen to a change in the tone for confirmation of a successful load. The Axe-Fx doesn’t display any information about loaded user cabs alas, so you need to write it down. You can download a large collecton of IRs here (collected by Fractal Audio).

The IRs from Red Wirez (www.redwirez.com) and Ownhammer (www.ownhammer.com) get good reviews. They offer sets of close-mic’d IRs for several speakers and cabinet/microphone combinations. You can upload these to the user cab slots of the Axe-Fx. Note that since the microphone is already part of these IRs, so you shouldn't select a microphone sim in the cabinet’s properties when using these.

You can load external cabs (.SYX files) into a User Cab slot using Axe-Edit.

Click on Settings (upper left hand corner) and select Preset Manager.
Select the Cabs tab in the left column and hit the Source button.
In the new window navigate to the folder that your cabinet Impulse responses, select Choose.
In the right column select the Axe-Fx tab, then select Cabs.
Now drag and drop the Impulse response in the left column to the Cab user slot in the right column.
Now hit the Save button in the upper right column."

You can also mix several Red Wirez IRs into one mono Hires IR. Their IRs are time-aligned to prevent phase issues. This “dB-Percentage”-calculator may be of use. You can find popular "mix recipes" on the Fractal forums.

How to optimize the speaker resonance

There's a parameter Speaker Resonance on the Amp's Advanced page. You can use it to optimize the amp sim for a specific cab, whether it's a real cabinet or a cab sim.

Here's what Cliff says about it: "Furthermore there are certain aspects that simply can't be modeled and require user intervention. For example, a speaker has a low-frequency resonance. A tube amp will create a higher output at that resonant frequency. The Axe-Fx has no way of knowing what that resonant frequency is and defaults to a value that is common for the speakers that are typically used with that amp. However, if you drive that speaker through a solid-state amp you won't excite the resonance unless you adjust the Speaker Resonant Frequency to match it. This is the one of the few advanced parameters I ever adjust and I tweak it until I hear the bottom end "sympathize". For example, my favorite Mesa cab resonates around 110 Hz but most of the models default to 95 Hz so I usually adjust the Speaker Resonance to 110 Hz when using that cab. After I do that the Axe-Fx is indistinguishable from the real thing, IMHO."

And:

"The SRF parameter makes a difference in certain circumstances: medium-gain with lots of power amp breakup and high-gain into a traditional guitar cab. For example, a Deluxe Reverb easily gets into power amp breakup with a Drive of 5.0. Play a G chord and listen to the low notes breaking up. Adjust the SRF and you'll hear the character change pretty dramatically. This applies to both FRFR and traditional speaker applications. For high-gain amps into a traditional cab the SRF has a definite effect for palm-mutes and diad chugging. As you excite the resonant frequency the speaker excursion increases and you get much more punch. This even applies a bit to low and medium gain amps if you rely on that punch as part of your tone. Note, however, that the punch is rarely audible to the audience or captured during recording. One way to find the SRF is to put a Filter block after the amp block. Set the type to Peaking, Q to 5 or so and Gain to 10 dB. Start with a Freq. of 50 Hz. Play some chugga-chugga and slowly adjust the Freq. until you hear and feel the cabinet resonate. Make a note of the frequency. Remove the filter block and set the amp block SRF to match. 4x12s typically have an SRF of between 80 and 120. Open back cabs are typically a bit lower."

Jay Mitchell: "There is a definite benefit to setting the value to the resonant frequency of the cab being modeled. If you're not using cab sims and playing through a guitar speaker, you could make the amp sim behave more like a physical amp driving that particular cab by adjusting the resonant frequency appropriately. One significant caveat: the resonant frequency of a speaker/cab combination is not the resonant frequency that is published in the speaker's data sheet. It is, without exception, somewhat higher. Open back and ported cabs can generate multiple resonant peaks in the impedance vs. frequency curve."

And his answer to the question "What is the effect on the emulation if this value is set "incorrectly"?": "You'll get the response of the amp driving a speaker with a resonant frequency other than that of the speaker that is represented by the IR you're playing through. Whether that difference is even audible depends on the resonant frequency itself (much below 80 Hz has relatively little effect on guitar frequencies) and the virtual design of the amp sim (e.g., higher values for Damp will reduce the effect). The justification for getting this "right" is getting the closest possible match to the physical cab you're simulating. There's nothing to say it won't sound better set to some other frequency."

You'll find the frequency response curves of the stocks cabs in this thread.

How add body to the tone

Some users report that adding the 1x6 Oval cab as a second cab, or the 2x12 Gold cab (far-field), is an easy way to thicken the tone and emphasize mids in a FR setup. Use a stereo cab or add a 2nd cab block. Turn up its level as desired. Sources: Aussiejoe

How to deal with the EFFECTS

How to deal with: Chorus and Quad-Chorus

Ultra: 2, Standard: 2

Website: "Exceptionally smooth chorus/ensemble and vibrato effects with up to 8 voices. Recreates the warm tone of vintage analog chorus pedals or the pristine clarity of the best rackmount chorus effects. Auto-depth allows for "golden" chorus sounds. Mono or stereo operation with full control of width, LFO, and signal phase"

Tips:

Try the chorus presets in the categorized list of presets (bottom of this page) to see if there’s one you like
The Quad-Stereo Chorus is an Ultra-only. It's like switching on 4 chorus effects simultaneously but utilizes a lot of CPU cycles
Chorus is a stereo effect, but it defaults to mono to prevent phase problems when used before an AMP block. To make it stereo: set LFO Phase to 90
The difference between chorus and flanger is the delay time and feedback. The Quad-Stereo Chorus has those parameters so it can be used as a flanger as well
Roland Dimension D settings
Chorus tips in the Wiki
Wide chorus settings
Tri-Chorus
Retrosonic chorus settings

How to deal with: Compressor

Ultra: 2, Standard: 2

Website: "An unglamorous but VERY powerful effect - evens dynamics and adds sustain/punch. Each compressor block may be set to either Pedal or Studio type. Pedal Type - Simple controls go from a little extra sustain to super-squishy. Studio Type - A fully featured stereo compressor with every control you'd expect to find on top hardware or software models. (Sidechain and input filter too!)"

How to deal with: Crossover

Ultra only: 2

Website: "Typically used in bi-amp guitar rigs where hi/lo frequencies are split to different amps. Features variable frequency and dual independent Level/Pan controls. Can be used to isolate effects on high or low frequency signals."

The Crossover lets you split high and low frequencies. There’s a Crossover factory preset that sends the high freqs to one side and the low freqs to the other

How to deal with: Delay

Ultra: 2, Standard: 2 (without Looper)

Website: "Each delay block may be set to one of Six Types: Mono Delay, Stereo Delay, Dual Delay, Ping-Pong-Delay, Reverse Delay, or Looper. Up to 8000ms full stereo delay time can be set in ms or rhythmic values. Ducking is available on every delay type. Ultra also offers a Stereo Diffusor. 16 second Looper (Ultra Only) with Play / Record / Once / Overdub / Reverse controls. Many players use the Axe-Fx to achieve what they feel are superb emulations of classic products like EchoPlex, Memory Man, 2290 and others"

The Axe-Fx has two different types of Delay blocks. The regular Delay is a basic delay with enhancements. The second is a complex Multi-Delay (separate How-to). The regular Delay has 5 modes:

“Mono”: both inputs are summed and only the left delay line is used
“Stereo”: independent left and right delay times and feedback
“Ping-Pong”: criss-crosses the signal so that the echoes ping-pong left and right
“Dual”: allows full control over the delay block providing controls for all parameters
"Reverse”: mono reverse playback

The Ultra's Delay block has an additional mode: Looper (separate How-to).

The Delay provides a low-cut and high-cut filter to simulate old analog delays. Use the Filter Slope parameter to increase the speed of the roll-offs
There are also two delay time modulators for modulated delay trails (there’s no dedicated modulated delay mode). Alternatively, place the delay in a parallel path (mix at 100% of course) and add a chorus or flanger behind it to modulate the trails
Delay trails can be carried over to the next preset. Read the topic about Spillover
Inserting effects in a "delay loop"
Great oscillating delay
Slapback delay
Deluxe Memory Man
Tape delay emulation settings
Factory 356 ("Vintage Digital Delay"): analog-style delay.
To add an effect to the delay trails only, not the direct tone, place the delay in a parallel row and add the effect after it
If you can't change the delay time, chances are that you've selected a tempo factor (such as 1/4)

How to deal with: Detune

See the topic about the Pitch Shifter.

How to deal with: Drive

Ultra: 2, Standard: 2

Website: "Featuring 22 types, each with Drive, Tone, 2-band pre-EQ, and 3-band post-EQ. Advanced controls like Slew, Bias, and Clip type allow custom mod"

The Drive block covers a lot of ground: clean boosts, overdrives, distortion, treble boosters, fuzzes, octavia, etc.

Pi Fuzz: Based on Big Muff® Pi Fuzz
Tube Drive: A neutral distortion with mild low rolloff
Treb Boost: Based on a classic Treble Booster
Mid Boost: A custom drive effect with steep mid boost
Super OD: Based on the Boss Super Overdrive
T808 OD: Based on Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer
Rat Dist: Based the ProCo Rat Distortion
Fat Rat: Thicker distortion with a low-mid boost
T808 Mod: Captures the most popular 808 mods
Octv Dist: An octave distortion (think Jimi...)
Plus Dist: Based on the MXR Distortion Plus
Hard Fuzz: A hard-clipping 60’s-style fuzz
FET Boost: A clean boost with tone controls
Tape Dist: Simulates studio reel-to-reel tape distortion. Quote Cliff: "One thing I often use is the Tape Drive (after the Amp block) to get a punchier sound. Same basic effect as the speaker drive but different tuning".
Full OD: Based on the Fulltone Fulldrive OD
Blues OD: Based on the Marshall Bluesbreaker
Shred Dist: Based on the Marshall Shredmaster
M-Zone: Simulates the Boss Metalzone
Bender Fuzz: Based on Sola Tone Bender
BB Pre: Based on the Xotic Pedals BB Preamp
Face Fuzz: Based on Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face
Master Fuzz: Based on the Maestro Fuzztone

More information:

The position of the virtual knobs does not correspond to the real thing! In other words: use your ears, not your eyes
Some people like turning down the effects’s Mix level to 80% or lower to increase transparancy and decrease buzziness. You can also attach an expression pedal to the Drive parameter
For hard rock and metal often a DRIVE block (like the TS808 or Tube Drive) is inserted before the AMP block, with minimal Gain and maximum Level. This lets you turn down the Drive in the Amp block, making the tone tighter
Try the Tape Dist (Drive and Tone below 5) with clean sounds, to add bite to the tone
Try the Tape Dist after the Amp block, instead of before. Quote Cliff: "The tape drive is meant to be used anywhere in the chain. I've been using it after the amp to fatten things up and it work really well for that. Be careful though, the drive block is mono so you can get phase issues if you put it after a stereo effect." And: "it's just a generic tape distortion simulator. I used an old Ampex EQ curve basically."
Maximizing the Drive’s Level doesn’t satisfy some users. They prefer to boost the volume using a Null Filter boost (using the same CC for the Drive block and the Filter)
Xotic EP Booster settings
Lovepedal Eternity settings: TS808Mod, Drive 5.51, Tone 4.02, Level 5.98, Low Cut 150, High Cut 2230, Clip Type: Soft, Slew 5.98, Bias 0, Bass -1, Mid Freq 1523, Mid +1.0, Treble flat (Source)
Fuzz Factory settings
Pi Fuzz and Tonebender
Xotic AC Booster settings
The Tonebender is an ancient treble booster. It won't work well with modern amps. Try it with the Vox AC30 or JTM45
FuzzFace settings
Demonstration how to emulate some pedals: T-Rex Dr Swamp, Fulltone OCD, Mesa Boogie V-Twin, Ibanez WH10, Marshall Guv'nor, Vox Satchurator, Xotic RC Booster, Menatone Red Snapper, Voodoo Lab Sparkle Drive

How to deal with: Effects Loop (FXL)

Ultra: 1, Standard: 1

Website: "Allows external 3rd party hardware to be inserted anywhere in an Axe-Fx preset. 4-channel input mixer determines exactly what is sent to the outboard gear. Like all blocks, can be bypassed via the front panel or remotely with midi.

This topic is covered already.

How to deal with: Stereo Enhancer

Ultra: 1, Standard: 1

Website: "Spatializer effect widens stereo image by delaying one channel from 0-20ms. Independent pan controls for each output channel double as a channel converter. Also allows phase inversion of one or both output channels"

As explained already phase cancellation can occur when using this effect in a mono setup with the left and right channels summed. See the topic about stereo/mono operation.

How to deal with: Feedback Send/Return

Ultra: 1 pair, Standard: 1 pair

Website: "The SEND block taps the signal anywhere in an Axe-Fx preset. The RETURN block may be placed anywhere and includes a mixer to adjust mix, level, balance, and bypass mode. Users can use these to create series of more than 12 blocks, set up loops with other effects in the path, and more"

Several applications for this effect are explained in the Wiki. Also, see the topic about putting more than 12 effect blocks in the grid.

If don't have sound after adding these blocks, turn up the level in the Return block.

Filter

Ultra: 4, Standard: 1

Website: "High quality resonant stereo multimode filter block with Low Pass, Band Pass, High Pass, Low Shelf, High Shelf, Peaking, and Notch types. Gain, Frequency, Resonance, Level, and Balance can also be remote assigned for envelope follower and dynamic effects based on Mu-Tron or Moog classics"

The Filter is a versatile effect. For example, it's can also be used:

as an one-band equalizer
to boost the input of an amp block (NullFiter, turn up Level)
to boost the signal level for leads (NullFilter, turn up level
to make the low end tighter (see the amo How-Tos)

How to deal with: Flanger

Ultra: 2, Standard: 2

Website: "High quality flanger effects with superb controls for classic and experimental tones. Mono or stereo operation with full control of width, LFO phase, and signal phase. "Zero crossing" effects are possible with both positive and negative regeneration. Manual sweeps can be executed at the front panel, via midi or expression pedal"

Try the “flanger” presets in the categorized list of presets bottom of this page) to see if there’s one you like
Flanger is a stereo effect but defaults to mono to prevent phase problems when used before an AMP block. To make it stereo set LFO Phase to 90
The difference between chorus and flanger is the delay time and feedback. The Quad-Stereo Chorus has those parameters so it can be used as a flanger as well

How to deal with: Formant

Ultra: 1, Standard: 1

Website: "Similar to a wah, the Formant Filter creates human vowel sounds for "talk-box" tones. Vowels can be morphed with the CONTROL knob, which can be assigned remotely. Set START, MIDDLE and END vowels for custom sweeps".

Check the “Man In The Box” and “Poltergeist” factory presets.

How to deal with: Envelope filter

Adjust the Wah block settings to get the envelope filter (auto wah) effect.

For vintage envelope filter settings (think Mu-Tron), check the Wiki. Or use the great preset in the funk preset in this thread.
Or check the categorized list of presets at the bottom of this page.
If you’re looking for a synth sound such as in “Relax Don’t Do It”, read this.

How to deal with: Graphic Equalizer

The Standard has two, the Ultra has four.

Cliff: "The Q of each band is 1.414 since it's an octave EQ."

How to deal with: Looper

This is an Ultra-only mode of the Delay block. It has 16 seconds of delay (recording) time. Go to I/O > Ctrl to assign the looper controls (such as Play and Record) to switches on your MIDI foot controller. Use a latching switch for Play/Stop and momentary switches for Record, Stack and Play Once. The loop buffer will be erased upon presets switches, unless Spillover is enabled. If the preset you're switching to also has a Delay in loop mode, you can continue to control the looper.

It's a simple looper. No quantization, no half speed etc.

Tip: use the Looper when dialing in sounds. Place it before before the Amp block, and record a "unamped" guitar tone. Now keep playing it back while adjusting amp settings. You'll hear the differences in real time. Alternatively, use it to compare two sounds. Place it after the Amp block and record. Start tweaking. When you want to hear the original tone, play back the sample.

How to deal with: MegaTap Delay

This is an Ultra-only effect. It lets you enter custom delay rhythm patterns with a lenght of 2,5 sec max.

How to deal with: Mixer

The Layout menu contains a Mixer for the four rows of the grid. It also contains the volume level control for the entire preset. See the topic about adjusting levels. You can also insert a separate MIXER block anywhere in the grid.

How to deal with: Multi-Delay

Multi-Delay is a special rhythmic Delay effect. Its Plex-modes are especially nice to create sounds such as "shimmer". The Ultra has more modes: Quad-series, Ten-Tap, Rhythm Tap and Diffusor. Multi-Delay doesn't support delay spillover between presets.

How to deal with: Multiband Compressor

This is an Ultra-only effect. The Multiband compressor (MBC) is a valuable asset if you want single notes to stand out and keep note definition in distorted chords, or as an alternative to using a PEQ. There's an great tutorial on this Wiki page.

How to deal with: Noise Gate

Every preset has a noise gate. It's not a block, it's sort of hidden on a page in the Layout menu. Hold Bypass to reset to default (which is: switched on). Or turn Threshold to zero to switch it off. The Noise Gate needs quite a bit of CPU power, so switch it off if you have no need for it in a preset.

The Ultra allows you to add additional noise gates (Gate/expander block) to the grid, for example behind the AMP block.
This thread contains a different approach to keeping the noise low. It's a Vol block with the volume parameter tied to the Envelope controller. As long as you don't hit the strings, the (input) signal is off. Yet another approach is to put an envelope-controlled lowpass filter at the start of the chain, tied to the Frequency parameter.

How to deal with: Panner

Use the Pan/Tremolo effect to pan a signal left/right in the stereo field. You can make the sound appear “fuller” and “wider” by adding the Stereo Enhancer effect.

How to deal with: Parametric Equalizer

The Ultra has four PEQ blocks, the Standard has two. This thread explains how to use a EQ to contour your tone and to get rid of excessive highs and lows.

How to deal with: Phaser

Phaser is a stereo effect, but defaults to mono to prevent phase problems when used before an AMP block. To make it stereo set LFO Phase to 90
MXR Phase 90 settings

How to deal with: Pitch Shifter

The Pitch Shifter has a lot of modes. Classic Whammy, Detune, Fixed Harmony, Intelligent Harmony, Octave Divider, Crystals. A couple of remarks:

Whammy: the Whammy is a 100% wet (no dry signal) signal, going up and/or down 1 or 2 octaves. Of course you need an expression pedal to make use of it. Enable Auto-engage in the modifier menu to automatically switch the Whammy on when moving the pedal. If the tone is too harsh, turn down the HiCut frequency. If you have an Ultra, then use the additional tracking option Local Mono for better control.
Detune: check the Modern Eddie factory preset as an example. Or use the Multi-Delay effect for very thick detune tones. In general: detune up and down the same amount, between +/-5 and +/-10, delay the voices for more width (7 ms), set mix at 25% or lower, turn down HiCut Freq to 8k or lower, place the block after the amp block, pan the voices hard left and right. Check for phase cancellation when running in mono.
Pitch shifting may work better after distortion (pedals and amp) and even better using individual paths for each voice.
When the Pitch is in the main path, the Mix parameter controls the balance between the dry voice and the shifted voice. But turning the mix up, will lower the output of the block. A way around this is to put the Pitch block in a parallel path, and add that to the dry signal.

The Ultra can do a bit more:

It has a Custom Shifter mode. This makes use of up to 32 "custom scales" (Global menu). These scales are used to convert played notes into other notes.
Advanced Whammy, Arpeggiator and Auto Pitch ("Cher" effect) modes.
Better pitch detecting capabilities (choice between mono and poly).

If you need an Octaver effect (1 octave down voice), set the pitch shifter to Fixed Harmony, 1 octave down. Alternatively use the Ring Modulator with these settings: Track On, Fmult 0.5, LoCut low.

Note: pitch tracking does not work on the right rear input or the effects loop, just the front input and rear left input. So don't use the right rear input if you need to use the Pitch Shifter. Unless you have an Ultra: you can select Local Mono or Local Poly as Pitch Source.

Quote Cliff: "When going direct, pitch shifting often sounds best when placed BEFORE the cab block. The factory presets may have the block doing the shifting (pitch or multidelay) after the cabinet block. Try moving the pitch before the cabinet block for smoother results."

How to deal with: Resonator

This is an Ultra-only effect. Check the categorized list of presets at the bottom of this page for an example.

How to deal with: Reverb

This page explains how to get microphone ambience/air ("in the room") as well as rich reverb using just one Reverb block. For more information read this.
Settings for the famous PCM70 Concert Hall reverb: here. A regular "Hall" preset is among the factory presets.
Try the “reverb” presets in the categorized list of presets at the bottom of this page for different examples of reverb.

How to deal with: Reversed delay

The “reversed delay” preset in the categorized list of presets at the bottom of this page has great settings.

How to deal with: Ring Modulator

This is an Ultra-only effect. Mostly known for its metallic sound. The categorized list of presets at the bottom of this page contains a couple of Ring Modulator presets. The Ring Modulator can also be used to obtain a perfectly tracked monophonic low octave, in fact it may even perform better (low notes) than the Pitch Shifter in Fixed Harmony mode.

How to deal with: Rotary Cabinet (Leslie)

You'll find suggested settings here. The default Mix setting is 100%, decreasing it helps to define notes better. In firmware 9.0 the Rotary Cabinet effect (a.k.a. Leslie) has been improved a lot. Switching between speeds automatically ramps (firmware 9.0 and later). To switch between two fixed speeds using one switch: assign the Rate parameter to an external controller (instant access switch), set Start and End (under Rate) to the desired values (for example 0.5% and 64%), and program the MIDI controller to send “127” (using the CC of the switch) for fast and “0” for slow.

How to deal with: Seek wah

The random wah effect is also known as a seek wah (Z.VEX pedal). There are a couple of of presets, check the categorized list of presets at the bottom of this page.

How to deal with: Synth

This is an Ultra-only effect. Check the categorized list at the bottom of this page for some examples of the 2-voice Synth effect in the Axe-Fx. If it sounds too sterile, add an amp, a cab or a Drive block after it.

How to deal with: Tremolo

There are lots of tremolo presets among the factory presets. Check the categorized list of presets at the bottom of this page. To get different tremolo patterns, attach the Sequencer controller to a parameter, enter the Controller menu and adjust the Sequencer settings. For a nice vintage variation on the standard Sine or Square waveform, try the Trapezoid waveform.

How to deal with: (Uni)Vibe

Univibe is a special mode of the Phaser effect, there's no dedicated vibe effect block. Turn Order fully clockwise to active the Vibe mode. You can connect a pedal to control speed (rate). The Vibe has been improved in firmware 9.0, try the default settings and increase Depth.

How to deal with: Vocoder

This is an Ultra-only effect. This page explains how to set it up for us with a guitar guitar resp. for a guitar plus vocals.

How to deal with: Wah

The Axe-Fx doesn't model specific wah types. It provides the required parameters to dial it in yourself. Suggested settings:

Clyde: Bandpass, Fmin 369, Fmax 2369, Res 4.17, Track 5.08. More info
Morley Bad Horsie: Bandpass, Fmin 301, Fmax 1434, Res 4.37, Track 8.27. More info
Ibanez WH-10: Look here
Dunlop CryBaby GCB-95: Bandpass, Fmin 437, Fmax 2135, Res 5.75, Track 7.99.
Budda: Bandpass, Fmin 350, Fmax 1800, Res 5.75, Track 7.99.

Turn on Auto-engage in the Wah settings to activate the wah automatically when moving the pedal. Use the Off Value parameter to instruct the Axe-Fx when to switch it off. Use a low percentage (5% and up) for the heel-down position and a high percentage (95% and lower) for the toe-down position. The Slow / Medium / Fast setting instructs the Axe-Fx how fast to switch off the wah in that region. Use the Damping parameter in the modifier menu to slow down the response of the expression pedal a little (like 12 ms).

How to create special sounds and routings

How to use it with two guitars at the same time

You can use the Axe-Fx with two guitars (or other mono instruments) simultaneously, each in its own path, basically by keeping the left and right channels separate.

Create 2 rows of blocks/shunts. Put the FXL block first in one of them, make sure there's at least one shunt before the FXL block (with FXL in the very first column, Input1 will be sent through that path when there's no cable to Input2). In the output mixer (or another block in both rows) set one row's balance to L, the other's to R. You can add parallel effects for either instrument etc. Set Input2 select to L only in the I/O menu, use Left Input2 (rear) for the second instrument.

Alternatively: use the front input for one instrument and the rear right input for the other second instrument. Put a Mixer block on one row (1st column), set it to Mono and turn Balance to the left. This is for the front input. You can add effect blocks after the Mixer. Put another Mixer block on another row (1st column), set it to Mono and turn Balance to the right. This is for the rear input. You can add effect blocks after the Mixer.

How to create an automated "dive bomb"

This will work with any MIDI controller that supports momentary switches and 2 or more CCs per switch.

Axe-Fx:

Create a preset. Insert a Pitch block after the amp.
Set Pitch mode to Classic Whammy, Down 1 oct. Pitch Track off. 100% mix of course, Level to taste.
Pitch > Control parameter: enter modifier menu. Set source to External 8. Set Damping to 1000ms.
In I/O > Ctrl: Ext 8 should be set to CC 23.
Bypass the Pitch block and save the preset.

MIDI controller:

Program a momentary switch.
For "ON": program a command to activate the pitch block, use CC 77 for Pitch 1, or CC 78 for Pitch2, value "on" or "127". Then program a command to activate the actual dive, set this to CC 23 (External 8), value "on" or "127".
For "OFF": use commands to bypass the Pitch block and to return the pitch to normal (set the above CCs to "off" or "0").

Operation:

Select the preset.
Press and hold the momentary switch for the effect to kick in. Release to stop and bypass the Pitch block.

You can adjust the length of the dive (Damping), change the pitch to go up instead of down, make it even more dramatic by adding a flanger, etc

How to integrate your talk box

It's explained here.

How to create the Vibrato effect

There's no dedicated Vibrato effect in the Axe-Fx. A pity? No, because Vibrato is just a chorus with Mix set to 100% (no dry signal).

How to create a violin tone

Amazingly, the Axe-Fx can be a violin. Listen here. It’s explained here. Don’t forget to install an user cab for acoustic instruments.

How to crossfade effects

You can crossfade sounds using the sequencer. Set it to something like 16 steps, rate just over 1 Hz, values increasing in steps of 10% and have it sit at 100% for the last 6 steps. Place a volume block in each signal chain and assign seq to turn chain B up and chain A down; use 1000 ms damping. Assign one switch to sequencer run control and a second switch to bypass both volume blocks. You'll want them engaged before/during the crossfade. Use mute bypass mode for the vol. block in chain A, thru bypass mode for the one in chain B. Now you can be playing sound A, hit switch 1 and get the 8-9 second crossfade, then hit switch 2 within the next 4-5 seconds before the sequencer restarts. If you wait too long you'll hear it fade back quickly to A (then B gradually again) but whenever you hit it you'll hear sound B regardless of what the sequencer's doing. After that you can always stop the sequencer and switch back to sound A; it will just be instant instead of a crossfade. (source: Bakerman)

How to automate volume swells

To make the volume swell automatically (like the Boss Slow Gear pedal), use a Volume block with an envelope modifier. Copy the Vol block and Envelope settings from factory preset 257 or 206. Or try this. Alternatively, for example for Van Halen's Cathedral effect, set the noise gate to a low threshold, ratio to around 4 and turn down the volume on your guitar.

How to get / handle acoustic tones

You want to make your electric guitar to sound like an acoustic? Read this.

How to simulate a 12-string guitar

To simulate a 12-string guitar: use a Jazz amp, a Bassman cab sim (or the Acoustic user cab) and a compressor. Let the amp feed a pitch shifter (12 semitones up). Use a filter to remove the lows and route the output to the cab. Use a little chorus and reverb. (source: Javajunkie)

How to create U2’s Mysterious Ways sound

This thread and this YouTube clip will get you close to this Korg A3 effect.

How to create space(ship) and lasergun sounds

Javajunkie provides info in this thread.

How to create a flute sound

The Synth effect (Ultra-only) makes it possible to create flute tones. Listen to the "Zamfir?" preset (categorized list at the bottom of this page). Also try the Andy's Whistle preset in Axe Change.

How to create an organ sound

You can get a great organ sound using the Pitch Shifter and the Rotary Cabinet. The Organ Grinder factory preset is a good start.

How to get the "shimmer" effect

The shimmer effect is an effect where notes are pitchshifted higher and higher and reverberated in a parallel path. Used a lot by U2’s The Edge. You can use the Plexi Shift mode of the Multidelay or the Pitch Shifter's Crystals mode (reverse feedback). A low pass Filter on the shifted notes helps to keep the signal clear. There are some nice examples in the factory presets, check the categorized list at the bottom of this page.

How to emulate an E-Bow (infinite sustain)

Javajunkie made a great preset. You'll find it here.

How to simulate the sound of the wind

There's one in Axe-Change.

How to emulate a sitar

There's one in Axe-Change.

How to create infinite reverb / freeze / hold reverb / chord-drone

Set a delay block to Dual. Use these values: Time L 1000ms; Time R 1500ms; Feedback L->L 50%; Feedback R->R 60%; Feedback L->R 45%; Feedback R->L 45%; Diffusion at 100%; Diff Time at 100%; Master feedback 100%. Attach a controller to Master Feedback to toggle it between 0 and 100. Turn Ingain to 0 after having frozen the chord. Use a controller for this. Source

How to make the Axe-Fx drop the tuning of your guitar

Factory preset 23 offers a nice example of fully dropped tuning. Don’t expect it to work for complex chords and such. If you're shifting all strings by small amounts, turn off Pitch Tracking. The Ultra offers improved support for pitchshifted chords.

How to create a siren

Check this thread.

How to create automatic double-tracking (ADT)

ADT: you play something and it sounds like there are two guitars. ARead this.

How to use Buzz Feiten tuning

It’s in the Wiki.

How to use internal controllers and modifiers

It gets difficult here.

A controller is a source that generates control data. An expression pedal for example is a controller because it outputs control data. And it’s an external controller, because the data is generated from outside the Axe-Fx. The same goes for an on/off switch and a MIDI foot controller, when connected to the Axe-Fx. External controllers often operate on the basis of user input (by moving the pedal for example). The Axe-Fx supports 8 external controllers. These can be connected to the Axe-Fx directly using the two inputs at the rear, or via MIDI IN. Go to I/O > Ctrl to tell the Axe-Fx which external controllers you’ll be using.

The Axe-Fx also has internal controllers, which output control data as well. These are: Tempo, LFO, ADSR, Sequencer, Envelope and Pitch. Read the manual (pages 87 etc.) for more information. Push the Control button at the front to change their settings. Adjusting these settings change the current preset, not all presets.

And then there are modifiers. These sit between the controllers and the parameters that the controller controls. Still with me? The controller sends control data, which is being modified by a modifier, and then gets used to change a parameter.

Actually, it’s far easier to work with than it is to explain.

It’s important though to realize that there are internal controllers and modifiers. Often, when something peculiar is going in a preset and you can’t discover exactly why it is behaving like that, it’s because a parameter is being controlled by an internal controller. And it’s not always easy to see that a controller is attached to a parameter!

Example: the Wah-Wah effect. Go into Edit mode and you’ll see a block under the FREQ parameter. This means that the frequency parameter can be controlled by a controller. If it is, the block is filled. Go to FREQ and press Enter. You’re now in the Modifier menu. Under Source you can select the internal or external controller you wish to attach, or select “None” to detach a controller. Start, End, Slope etc. are other modifier parameters. If you’d choose an internal controller like Envelope, you need to go to the Control menu (use the front panel button) to configure it.

More information about controllers and modifiers

PEDALS, SWITCHES, FOOT CONTROLLERS, MIDI

How to get familiar with MIDI

How to configure the MIDI settings

You can adjust the Axe-Fx's MIDI settings in Layout > MIDI. Things like MIDI channel, use of Program Changes, MIDI mapping, and defaults for external controllers.

Set Ignore Redundant PC to ON if you want the Axe-Fx to ignore a Program Change message that changes to the preset that's already active. This prevents that the active preset will be loaded again, and prevents the coresponding small audio gap.

If you're a MIDI expert, you can use SysEx messages to control of the Axe-Fx. Required informaton is in the Wiki.

How to handle problems with MIDI

The Axe-Fx uses MIDI to communicate with computers. It doesn't support USB directly but you can use a USB-to-MIDI interface.

If you think there's something wrong with the MIDI ports on the Axe-Fx, try this (tip by Matman):

Connect the unit's MIDI out to its MIDI in
Press UTILITY
Page to the PRESET tab
DUMP the CURRENT PRESET
The "EDITED" LED should come on.

If this does not work, one of the above three components is not working correctly (usually the cable).

How to choose a MIDI foot controller

Controllers with specific support for the Axe-Fx:

Fractal Audio MFC-101
Gordius Little Giant and Big Little Giant
Liquid-Foot
RJM

Other popular controllers:

DMC Ground Control Pro
Axess FX1
Rocktron Midimate and All Access
Behringer FCB1010 with UNO chip

MIDI-Omni and Feature comparison charts

How to make your MIDI foot controller work with the Axe-Fx

Guides for specific controllers:

Controllers by Fractal, Gordius, Liquid-Foot and RJM can communicate with the Axe-Fx to sync preset names, display the tuner, etc. Support for the Gordius Little Giant is offered here and the Gordius site contains handy video clips.

There is useful setup information on this page.

How to power your MIDI foot controller through MIDI (phantom power)

The Axe-Fx can transfer power to your MIDI foot controller using pins 6 and 7 of a 7-pin MIDI cable, connected to MIDI IN on the Axe-Fx. The Axe-Fx doesn’t supply the power; you need to connect the power supply of the controller to the power input above MIDI IN on the Axe-Fx.

How to access presets 128 and higher with your MIDI foot controller

The 384 presets in the Axe-Fx are divided into 3 banks. To access banks 2 and 3 via MIDI the controller must be able to issue a MIDI Bank Select Coarse controller message (CC#0) with value “1” or “2”. Subsequent PC messages will then be routed to the selected bank. To get back to Bank A, send CC#0, value “0”, or restart the Axe-Fx.

Or: keep your footswitchable presets below 127 and stop worrying about it.

How to switch effects on and off using your MIDI foot controller

In I/O > Ctrl go to the effect and press Enter to activate Learn mode. Now press an instant access switch on your MIDI foot controller.

Alternatively write down the CC of the effect you want to be able to switch. Program your foot controller by assigning the CC to an instant access switch. Use “0” for off and “127” for on.

Of course, Fractal's own controller automates all of this.

List of all controllable parameters

How to activate the tuner using your MIDI foot controller

Scroll to the tuner CC (I/O > Ctrl) and hit Enter. Click the (instant access) switch on your MIDI foot controller that you want to assign the tuner to. Or configure it manually by assigning the tuner CC to a (instant access) switch on your MIDI foot controller.

How to display the tuner on your MIDI foot controller's display

Fractal's own MFC-101 and controllers by Gordius, Liquid-Foot and RJM are able to graphically display the Axe-Fx tuner information on their displays. Enable real-time MIDI SysEx communication on the Axe-Fx (I/O > MIDI) by setting it to “Tuner”. Don’t select “All” with Gordius and Liquid-Foot controllers as this can cause serious data overflow problems in some cases.

You also need to connect the Axe-Fx's MIDI OUT Fx to MIDI IN on the foot controller. Unless you have a MFC-101, 2^nd generation Gordius or Liquid-Foot controller, because these allow full bi-directional MIDI communication with the Axe-Fx using one 7-pin MIDI-cable.

How to choose an expression pedal

A couple of suggestions:

Quote Clff: "The pedal should be an expression pedal. Expression pedals are inherently "mono" for lack of a better term. The impedance of the pedal should be less than 100K for best results. You *can* use a volume pedal but the taper will be wrong. Best results are obtained using a linear taper pot which is what an expression pedal has."

How to connect an expression pedal or switch

You can use expression pedals and footswitches to control parameters, switch presets etc. The Axe-Fx has two dedicated rear inputs for this purpose. Switches can be momentary or latching. Use the I/O > Pedals menu to configure it all including calibration. Don’t forget to use the handy Learn feature: press Enter and move the device, for example a pedal, to have the Axe-Fx recognize the device.

It’s particularly handy to use two expression pedals: one dedicated to volume control or a wah, and one that controls specific effects parameters like rate, pitch, volume.

Expression pedals need to be connected through a STEREO cable (stereo jack at each side).

Of course you can also connect expression pedal to a MIDI foot controller. See pages 19 etc. and 87 of the manual.

How to solve a stuttering expression pedal

If moving the expression pedal results in choppy or zipper noise, try setting the Damping parameter in the Modifier menu to 4 or 8 ms. This slows down the response rate a little.

By entering high Damping values you can also enable gradual changes. For example, if the pedal controls the speed of a tremolo, then entering a damp value of “1000” will make the speed ramp up or down slowly.

How to turn an expression pedal into a wah

First, have the Axe-Fx recognize the expression pedal: go to I/O > Ctrl, and assign External1 to the expression pedal (use the Learn mode by pressing Enter). Select a preset and insert a WAH block. Enter Edit and go to to the Freq parameter. The block under Freq indicates that this is a parameter that can be attached to a controller. Press Enter and under Source select EXTRN1. The pedal has now become a wah. Adjust the Wah settings to your liking.

How to activate an effect automatically when moving the pedal

This is controlled by the Auto-Engage parameter in the Modifier menu of an effect parameter. Enter the Edit mode of the effect and go to the parameter that is controlled by the expression pedal. Press Enter and switch on Auto-engage. Experiment with the 3 settings (Slow / Medium / Fast) to see what works best for you. This is especially useful when configuring an expression pedal to behave like an optical wah or whammy pedal. Use the Off Value parameter (currently not described in the manual) to set the automatic “switch off” area; around 5% means that the effect will switch off if the pedal is within 5% at the heel-down position; around 95% does the same for the toe-down position.

How to use a single pedal to control different effects without switching presets (dual function pedal)

It's possible to use your expression pedal for multiple purposes in the same preset (apart from buying a dual-function pedal from Mission Engineering or using the Gordius MIDI foot controller). Here's an example.

Suppose you have one expression pedal and you want it to use as a wah as well as a Whammy, without switching presets. Here's a walk-through:

Insert a Wah block.
Insert a Pitch block, directly above or below the Wah in a parallel row. Connect it back to to the main row.
Adjust the Wah and Whammy settings to your liking.
In the Modifier menu of BOTH effects (Wah: Frequency parameter; Pitch: Control parameter): set Source to Ext1 (or the other external controller that's attached to your expression pedal), enable Auto-engage, set Off Val to 95% (this means they will activate at toe-down position), enable PC RST.
Add a Mixer block to the main row, just after Wah and Pitch.
Editing the Mixer: enter the Modifier menu of the Gain parameter for the row that connects to the Wah. Set Source to the external controller that is or will be attached to an IA-switch (which switches between Wah and Whammy). Set Start Value to 100% and End Value to 0. Set PC Rst to off.
Now do the same for the row that connects to the Pitch block. But: set Start Value to 0% and End Value to 100%.
Program an IA-switch on your MIDI controller to switch between Wah and Whammy, using the Mixer rows. Use the CC of the external controller that you specified while editing the Mixer block, and send "127" for the Wah, and "0" for the Whammy.
This is it. Moving the pedal should activate both the Wah and the Pitch block. But thanks to the Mixer block you'll only hear one of these effects. To bypass the effect hold the pedal in toe-down position. If you're hearing the Wah and the Whammy effects simultaneously, you need to press the IA-switch to get the Mixer block to work.

How to reset your pedal

If you use an expression pedal and wish to reset its state when switching to another preset, use PC RST in the Modifier menu of the parameter.

Quote Cliff: "The new value must be 5% different than the previous value otherwise whatever value the pedal is at will immediately override the "PC RST" value. The idea is that the parameter is set to a value when you recall the patch. You then have to move your pedal a bit (5%) to regain control of the parameter. This is done for two reasons: 1. Many MIDI controllers send the state of their expression pedals along with the PC message. If the behavior weren't as described the stored parameter value wouldn't "stick". 2. Many MIDI controllers have "noisy" expression pedals where the value tends to bounce around a little. This, again, prevents the stored value from being lost. The O.P. simply needs to turn off PC RST for those modifiers."

How to mute the delay using an expression pedal or switch

By attaching an external controller (connected to the pedal) to Input Gain in the Delay properties, you're controlling the delay level at the input stage. This will make delay trails fade out nicely while muting the delay.

How to switch between different effect settings using one switch

In the effect’s Edit menu assign an external controller to the parameter you want to control, for example Level or Rate. Then set the Start and End parameters to the two desired settings. Assign the external controller (I/O > Ctrl) to an external switch or to a switch on your MIDI foot controller (use the correct CC, plus “127” for one setting and “0” for the other).

How to use a pedal for volume boosts

Insert a VOL block. In the Modifier menu of the Vol parameter, set Source to the pedal input. Set Start, Mid and End to the desired values.

VIDEOS

Below is a selection of Axe-Fx videos on YouTube, including demos and tutorials. The Fractal Audio website also contains videos and audio clips.

CATEGORIZED FACTORY PRESETS

I categorized all factory presets on the Ultra. It serves as a look-up list. The categories are arbitrary, but hey, it’s my list. Also, the newer amps are missing because there aren't factory presets (yet) with those.

P.S. The numbers behind some of the preset names are for personal use.

Ambient, extreme pitch shifting, sound effects
2	Crystal Echos
4	Melancholia
8	Emerald Ocean
10	Fifths In Space
16	Night Creatures
24	Music Box
30	Serenity Now!
34	Glass Castles
41	Wood Nymphs
45	Soundtrack
51	A Clockwork Orange
57	Stratosphere
63	Arpeggiator Madness
68	Bouncing Balls
71	Wind Chimes
74	Tumbleweeds
83	Bad (U2)
90	The Planets
113	Haunted
116	Atmosphere
124	B-Movie Horror
130	Electro-Sweep
133	Detuned Wahs
134	Crystal Reverb (shimmer)
135	Pentalizer
137	Horror Movie
139	Detuned Descent
141	Inspection
143	Meet the Cytherians
145	Postive Feedback
146	Intrigue (C-Minor)
152	Velvet Sun
156	Asian Documentary
157	Delay Octoplex
158	Wind Chimes 2
159	Valentine Massacre
162	Poltergeist Pig
163	Organic
165	Pitchmodtrem
170	Avant Garde Delay
179	Vertigo
181	Dream Sequence
185	Frenetica
186	Heavenly Echo
188	The Abyss
194	Watercolors
198	Rainbow Splash
200	The Jupiter 2
203	Undulation
207	Ambient Swirl
209	Echoes From God
215	Flippin’ The Switch
216	Ascension
233	Velvet Sun 2
252	Desert Breeze
253	Flashback
267	Scintillating
268	Phenomena
269	Traffic Jam
294	Shifted Delay Thingy
328	Ambient Guitar
334	Solar Eclipse
337	Capricorn
338	Underwater
341	The Final Frontier
345	Diffuse Phaser 2
346	Corbomite Maneuver
375	Diamonique Rain
378	Ganymede
381	Sea Of Tranquillity
382	Lunar Eclipse
amp: Soldano SLO 100
86	Touch Wah Boogie
247	Track Wah
290	Scooped MIds
363	SLO Lead
amp: Vox Class A, AC30 Top Boost
12	B-May Lead (Queen)
73	Whole Lotta Love (Led Zeppelin)
77	Streets Have No Name (U2)
153	Top Boost
265	Class-A Crunch
318	Euro Top Boost
347	The Infield
amp: EVH 5150
36	Fat Solo Lead
67	Modern Eddie (with detune effect)
amp: Marshall Plexi
17	Cliff’s Of Dover (Eric Johnson)
44	Hell’s Bells (AC/DC)
52	Machine Gun (Jimi Hendrix)
95	Voodoo Chile (Jimi Hendrix)
174	Multicomp Plexi (with multiband compressor)
175	Crossover L:Lo R:Hi
229	Screaming Plexi
259	Lounge Lizards (with chorus)
271	Detune Plexi
275	Simple Plexi Rig
280	Full Plexi
286	Yngwie (Yngwie Malmsteen)
319	So Many Roads
321	Stone in love
355	80’s Clean
359	High Landrons
amp: Marshall JCM800
46	JCM Crunch
58	Still Got The Blues (Gary Moore)
81	Basic Brit 800
230	Smokin’ (Deep Purple)
301	Evil 800
315	Spandex & Hairspray
321	Stone in love
amp: Brown (EVH)
7	The Brown Sound
50	Unchained (EVH, with flanger)
263	EVH Circa 1982
270	Round Lead
298	Stratified
amp: Mesa Boogie
00	Studio Lead
5	Recto 1
28	Early Carlos (Carlos Santana)
29	Smooth (Carlos Santana)
56	Mark IV Lead
72	Thick Cali Lead
80	Super Chunk
102	USA Lead 2
106	Recto 2
121	In Your Face
131	Jet Flanger (with flanger)
256	Squashed
277	Comp Clean
282	Uber Chugga
284	Recto Lead
295	Studio Lead 2
326	Squeaky Clean
327	Cranked Recto
53 / 329	Petrucci Rhythm
336	Cranked Recto
364	Guitar Hero
amp: Fenders
47	Texas Flood (SRV)
60	EJ Clean (Eric Johnson)
1	Albert’s Lead
75	SRV Lead
101,195	Tremolo Tweed (with tremolo)
103	Stevie’s Rotary (SRV, with rotary effect)
111	Riders (with tremolo)
125	Tiny Tweed
129	Liquid Chorus (with chorus)
155	Screaming Meanie
172	Bond….James Bond (with tremolo)
214	Surf’s Up (with tremolo)
273	Chicago Blues
303	Freeway Jam
297	Mr. Gilmour Lead (Pink Floyd)
353	Brownface Blues
369	Damage Nexus
380	Blackface Lead
381	Sea of Tranquility
amp: Bogner Ecstasy, Uberschall
82	Dirty Capstan
115	Uber, Shall We? (Uberschall)
225	Rock Concert
232	Euro Crunch
318	Euro Top Boost
342	Ex-ta-see
amp: VHT / Fryette
312	Ned Beatty
amp: Trainwreck
236	Trainwreck
240	Wrecked
266	Beefy Rhythm
amp: Budda
66	Pushed
amp: Matchless
262	Brittle Comp Rhythm
278	New Country
amp: Metal, Das Metal, Engl
92	L.A. metal
22	Crazy Train (Ozzy Osbourne)
283	Uber Chugga
288	Liquid Molton Lead
304	Beef Supreme
308	Thor's Hammer + Saw
340	Blitzkrieg
372	Farvergnugen (Diezel)
amp: FAS models
222	Fat Solo Lead 2
333	FAS Lead
357	Cheezy Metal
amp: Dr. Z
206	Chicken Pickin’
amp: Dumble
248	That’s MISTER Dumble
319	So Many Roads
366	Cork Sniffers
amp: HiWatt
70	Run Like Heck (David Gilmour)
144	Time (David Gilmour)
331	Mr. Floyd (David Gilmour)
amp: Marshall JTM45
297	Mr. Gilmour Lead
300	Juicy Lead
314	Brit Blues
354	JM45 Blues Lead
367	High-Powered Lead
Organ
?	Organ Grinder
Vocoder, Formant
55	Man In The Box (talk box)
162	Poltergeist Pig
Flanger
50	Unchained (EVH)
131	Jet Flanger
282	In A Fixx
324	Triangle Flange
309	Flanged Delays
351	Flange-Chorus-Verb
Pitch shifting
23	Down Full Step (dropped tuning)
24	Music Box
37	Gamelan Nights (Indonesian gamelan orchestra sounds)
54	Lonely Heart Solo (Yes)
108	Rush Hour
151	Ballet Slippers
184	Lazy Man’s Arpeggio
208	6^th Stone From Sun
244	Orient Express
249	Diatonic 3^rd + Oct.
269	Traffic Jam
294	Shifted Delay Thingy
317	Modern Jazz
323	Four Detuners
341	The Final Frontier
343	C Major Shifter
348	China Syndrome
350	Stereo Shift + Verb
376	Happy Place
Delays
19	Band delays
70	Run Like Heck (David Gilmour)
77	Streets Have No Name (U2)
79	Circular Delays (Steve Lukather)
136	Pong Chorus
142	Flanged Echos
160	Chimey Echos
179	Vertigo
191	Rubber Biscuit
197	Sweep Band Delay 2
202	Walking On The Moon
205	Haunting Echos
207	Ambient Swirl
209	Echoes From God
217	Wandering Delays
231	Choral Canyon
245	Echoplex
250	S/H Band Delay
251	Sweep Band Delay
260	Sweep Echo
269	Traffic Jam
272	Bouncing Echoes
279	Panning Delays (Steve Lukather)
281	Dirty Tape Echo
287	Syncopated
291	Rotary Band Delay
293	Bandtaps
294	Shifted Delay Thingy
302	Forty Miles
306	2290 Delay (TC Electronic 2290)
309	Flanged Delays
320	Pulse Delay
330	TremDelay
332	Multi-Chorus
335	Comb Delays
339	Circular Delays 2
344	Analog Delays
349	Clock Tower
356	Vintage DigitalDelay
358	Filter Pong Verb
361	2290 Delay 2 (TC Electronic 2290)
365	Expanding Delay
371	Rotary Comb Delays
374	Fazed Delayz
380	Comb Delays 2
Uni-vibe
52	Machine Gun (Jimi Hendrix)
359	High Landrons
Shimmer
83	Bad (U2)
134	Crystal Reverb
186	Heavenly Echo
375	Diamonique Rain
Chorus
107	Lush Chorus
129	Liquid Chorus
177	Quad Chorus
199	Thick Chorus
259	Lounge Lizards
302	Forty Miles
311	Multi-Chorus
332	Multi-Chorus (with delay)
322	Analog Chorus
351	Flange-Chorus-Verb
370	Diffuse Chorus
Clean tones
21	Funk #49 (The James Gang)
60	EJ Clean (Eric Johnson)
104	Thick Clean
172	Clean Pop Rhythm
274	Dripping Wet
256	Squashed
326	Squeaky Clean
355	80’s Clean
Rotary Cabinet (Leslie)
103	Stevie’s Rotary (SRV)
264	Slow Rotary
Synth
91	Synth Lead
118	Analog Synth
228	Zamfir
246, 360	Funky Synth
Octave Divider
119	Wah Octave
Tremolo
101, 195	Tremolo Tweed
111	Riders (The Doors)
179	Vertigo
187	Tremverb
214	Surf’s Up
215	Flippin’ The Switch
227	Bond… James Bond
310	Bayou Country
330	TremDelay
Wah effects/Filter
86	Touch Wah Boogie
87	Envelope Phaser
95	Voodoo Chile (Jimi Hendrix)
98	Randomized
114	Seek Wah
119	Wah Octave
185	Frenetica
247	Track Wah
258	Random Wah
260	Sweep Echo
276	Get Down Syndrome
316	Opposed Notches
Reverbs
85	DreamVerb
123	Subway Verb
148	Ultraverb
157	Delay Octoplex
196	Perceptual Reverb
274	Dripping Wet
292/285	Cavernous
296	PCM70 Hall
299	Bright Plate
305	Vintage Spring
313	Long Verb
325	Dreamverb
352	Echo Room
358	Filter Pong Verb
362	Chorused Reverb
373	Jump Gate
377	Echo Room 2
Crossover
175	Crossover L:Lo R:Hi
Reverse delay
178	Reverse Flanger
289	Bass Ackwards
Resonator
176	Sweep Resonator
Phaser
108	Rush Hour
171	Phaser + Rotary
307	Diffuse Phaser
345	Diffuse Phaser 2
368	Modulation Mayhem
374	Fazed Delayz
Detune
67	Modern Eddie (EVH detuned signature tune)
255	Detune Slap
271	Detune Plexi
Auto swell ('slow gear')
157	Delay Octoplex
206	Stringlike
257	Auto Swell Pongverb
378	Ganymede
Ring Modulator
201	Tracking Ringmod
261	By Your Command
Lo-fi
237	On The Phone (lo-fi)

@@ Line 737: / Line 737: @@
 The FAS models, Fusion, HellBeast, SuperTweed, Big Hair and some others are customized versions of other amps or Fractal's own unique designs and therefore have no real equivalents.
+Cliff: "There were many design choices made in the Axe-Fx and for very good reasons. It is incorrect to assume that any of the models will sound exactly like the real amp. In many (perhaps most) cases they will if you get the EXACT same amp from the same year with the same circuit. Tube amp designers are constantly adjusting their designs, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse, in response to the market, trends, etc.
+Furthermore, the Axe-Fx was never intended to be an exact replica of any amp. In many cases I made digital modifications to the amps to remove what I considered undesirable traits. Some amps are too spitty so I adjust that out. Other amps are too flubby. I don't model ghost notes because I consider them a flaw in the design. Absolute authenticity was not a primary design goal. Tone, playability and the ability to sculpt the tone to your personal preference were the primary concerns."
 ===How to dial in amps on the Axe-Fx===

Difference between revisions of "Yeks How Tos"

Revision as of 23:04, 11 February 2011

Contents

INTRODUCTION

READ THIS FIRST!

GENERAL

How to choose between the Standard and Ultra

How to keep your knowledge up-to-date

How to get started quickly (new users)

How to make sure the Axe-Fx is set up correctly (gig checklist)

How to listen to the factory presets

How to find a suitable factory preset for your needs

How to view and hear the Axe-Fx in action

How to mount or secure it in a rack or bag

AMPLIFICATION AND I/O

How to switch it on and off

How to get sound from it

How to use it with a FR monitor

How to connect it directly to a mixing table

How to integrate your own (pre)amp

How to use it with your own power amp and speaker cabinet

How to use it with your own 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 (effects processor)

How to connect your guitar

How to use its effects loop

How to set the input levels

How to set the output levels and avoid clipping

How to use it with headphones

How to make a digital connection (Spdif)

How to use it for reamping

How to mute the signal in tuning mode

How to adjust the overall tone and volume level

How to deal with noise

FIRMWARE, SYSTEM, SOFTWARE

How to connect it to a computer

How to update the firmware

How to reset it

How to prevent overloading the CPU

How to save and restore stuff

How to replace the battery

CREATING AND EDITING PRESETS

How to edit presets on your computer

How to use other users' presets

How to create a new preset

How to create your first preset

How to escape from the menus

How to make editing easier

How to copy and paste effect settings between presets

How to reset an effect to its default settings

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 block to a preset

How to deal with effects in a parallel row

How to put Axe-Fx 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 (per preset) while playing

How to boost the signal for leads

How to avoid clipping

How to decide where to put the Cab block

How to enable delay and reverb spillover

How to save and recall favorite amp settings (Global amp)

How to minimize gaps in the signal when switching presets

How to print preset settings

How to keep your presets organized

EFFECTS

How to know which effects the Axe-Fx provides

AMPS:

How to know which real amps the Axe-Fx models

How to dial in amps on the Axe-Fx

How to set the Drive and Master controls

How to use the amp tone controls (tonestack)

How to set the Bright switch

How to set the Boost switch

How to use the Presence control

How to set the advanced parameters