Difference between revisions of "Axe-Fx II FAQ"
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Changing the input trim doesn't affect the amount of distortion. This the whole idea. You set the trim to optimize the signal level into the converters. Internally the unit applies the inverse of the trim so that the signal into the grid is constant. In other words, if you put 1V into the input the input to the grid is 1V regardless of the trim setting. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35997-axe-fx-ii-technical-questions-thread-34.html#post491611 Source] | Changing the input trim doesn't affect the amount of distortion. This the whole idea. You set the trim to optimize the signal level into the converters. Internally the unit applies the inverse of the trim so that the signal into the grid is constant. In other words, if you put 1V into the input the input to the grid is 1V regardless of the trim setting. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii/35997-axe-fx-ii-technical-questions-thread-34.html#post491611 Source] | ||
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Revision as of 07:05, 20 June 2011
NOTE: The contents of this FAQ are being migrated to a dedicated Axe-Fx II Wiki.
Contents
- 1 CONNECTING THE INPUT / INSTRUMENTS
- 2 CONNECTING THE OUTPUT / AMPLIFYING
- 2.1 How do I use it with FR amplification
- 2.2 How do I use it with my own preamp or amplifier (4CM)
- 2.3 How do I set up two separate output feeds
- 2.4 How do I set the output levels and avoid clipping
- 2.5 How do I adjust the overall tone and volume level
- 2.6 How to make my tone cut better through the mix
- 2.7 How does it obtain unity gain
- 2.8 How do the HumBuster outputs work
- 2.9 How do I adjust the headphones level
- 2.10 How do I mute the signal when using the Tuner
- 3 CREATING AND EDITING PRESETS
- 3.1 How many presets can I use
- 3.2 Can I load Standard and Ultra presets
- 3.3 How does the DSP load compare to the Ultra
- 3.4 How do I prevent overloading the DSPs
- 3.5 Can I print the settings of presets
- 3.6 How do I keep my presets organized
- 3.7 How do I use the presets of other users
- 3.8 Does it have a Compare function for presets or effect blocks
- 3.9 How do I use the Quick Control knobs
- 3.10 What's the DIR tab on the main preset screen for
- 3.11 What's the EFFECT tab on the main preset screen for
- 3.12 How does Input Impedance work
- 3.13 What are Global Blocks
- 3.14 How do I edit presets on the computer
- 3.15 How do I create a new preset
- 3.16 How do I make editing easier and faster
- 3.17 How do I use settings from other presets
- 3.18 How do I reset an effect to its defaults
- 3.19 How do I insert more than 12 effects in a preset
- 3.20 How do I add an effect to a preset
- 3.21 What's the advantage of putting an effect in a parallel row
- 3.22 How do I put effects before and after my own preamp or amplifier
- 3.23 What do I need to know about running an effect in mono or stereo
- 3.24 What's the correct Bypass Mode for an effect
- 3.25 How do I correcly set the level of an effect
- 3.26 How do I avoid output clipping
- 3.27 How do I globally control the Bypass Mode of an effect block
- 3.28 How do I insert an external pedal or effect device into my routing
- 4 USING PRESETS / PLAYING
- 4.1 How fast does it switch between presets
- 4.2 Does it support spillover of delay trails and reverb between presets
- 4.3 How do I use a Master Bypass switch
- 4.4 Can I adjust the levels of presets during play
- 4.5 How do I boost the signal for leads
- 4.6 How do I switch between amps in a preset
- 4.7 How do I adjust effect settings globally to the room
- 4.8 How do I crossfade between effects
- 4.9 How does the X/Y function work
- 5 AMP BLOCK
- 5.1 How many amp models can it hold
- 5.2 Can I rename the amp types
- 5.3 How much DSP-capacity does an amp block require
- 5.4 Does the amp modeling differ from Standard/Ultra
- 5.5 How do I know which cab type to use with an amp
- 5.6 Where is the 8-band EQ positioned in the Amp block
- 5.7 What are Global Amps
- 5.8 Do amps still have negative presence
- 5.9 Can I split the preamp and poweramp
- 5.10 Are all amp parameters assignable to MIDI controllers
- 5.11 How do I dial in an amp
- 5.12 How do I set the Drive and Master controls
- 5.13 How do I use the Tonestack
- 5.14 How do I use the Boost switch
- 5.15 How do I use the Bright switch
- 5.16 How do I use Presence
- 5.17 How does Input Trim work
CONNECTING THE INPUT / INSTRUMENTS
How do I connect my guitar
- The front panel input uses a proprietary circuit and dedicated A/D converter for low noise. Always use the front input for guitar, whether wired or wireless. Source
- The front input does not disable the rear input (different from Standard/Ultra). Use the menu to select either the front or the rear for Input 1. You can leave everything plugged in. Source
- The front input impedance is 1 Mohm, or less if Input Impdance is adjusted.
- All rear analog inputs are balanced like the onboard XLR outputs. The inputs detect whether the incoming signal is balanced or not.
- Do not use speaker cable to connect to the 1/4" inputs.
How do I connect a wireless receiver
The same way as with your guitar: to the front input, to take advantage of the front input's "special sauce" for noise reduction. The rear inputs (both 1 and 2) operate at line level, the front input operates at instrument level.
How do I set the input level(s)
Instead of knobs on the front panel, there are soft Input knobs in the I/O menu. The input levels are controlled via digitally-controlled potentiometer. These work globally, not per preset. The setting doesn't affect the input gain of the Amp and Drive blocks. Source1 Source2
Can I connect a music player
Yes, connect the player to the USB slot. The signal will be mixed into the output signal. Adjust the volume on the player. Source
CONNECTING THE OUTPUT / AMPLIFYING
How do I use it with FR amplification
(tube / ss poweramp)
How do I use it with my own preamp or amplifier (4CM)
The AFXII supports unity gain when settings things up for 4CM: Four Cable Method. To obtain unity gain turn both Output knobs on the front panel fully up. Source
How do I set up two separate output feeds
- FOH
- FR
- speaker cabinet
How do I set the output levels and avoid clipping
- The XLR outputs are line-level. Source
How do I adjust the overall tone and volume level
How to make my tone cut better through the mix
How does it obtain unity gain
The AFXII has digitally controlled potentiometers before and after the A/D and D/A converters. Therefore it knows what the input and output gains are. It compensates for these gains in the digital path. This allows "unity gain processing". If you set the Output Level knob to maximum you will get out what you put in (assuming the blocks have no gain). So if you were to make a preset with shunts from input to output and you put a 1V signal into the unit you would get 1V out. Source
How do the HumBuster outputs work
- The 1/4" outputs have a "remote ground sense" feature. You take a TRS cable and on one end you put a TRS plug and on the other end you put a regular TS plug. On the TS end you tie the ring conductor to ground. Plug the TRS end into the Axe-Fx II. The ground noise of the attached equipment is sensed and added to the output signal thereby cancelling the common-mode noise (hum). This is especially useful when doing the 4CM since that's when you usually get the worst ground loops. Source
- Manual page ...
How do I adjust the headphones level
Use the Output 1 knob. Source
How do I mute the signal when using the Tuner
See Noise Gate.
CREATING AND EDITING PRESETS
How many presets can I use
384.
Can I load Standard and Ultra presets
How does the DSP load compare to the Ultra
A patch that uses 94% of the DSP on an Ultra will use around 70% on the AFXII. Source
How do I prevent overloading the DSPs
- Manual page ...
Can I print the settings of presets
How do I keep my presets organized
How do I use the presets of other users
- Manual page ...
Does it have a Compare function for presets or effect blocks
No(t) yet. Source Alternatively you can set up two presets, use the X/Y function or use Axe-Edit's Snapshot to compare.
How do I use the Quick Control knobs
- You can use them to quickly scroll through presets instead of using the Value Wheel. Source
- They can be assigned to any modifiable parameter per patch. Source
- Or configure them to function as controllers. Source1 Source2
What's the DIR tab on the main preset screen for
It lists preset names and numbers for quick recall. Source
What's the EFFECT tab on the main preset screen for
How does Input Impedance work
It is a parameter in the layout menu that affects a hardware switch. It can be set to automatic (detects the appropriate setting based on your first effect) or you can set it manually. Source Its range is 70k - 1Meg. Source The input impedance is selectable from a dozen or so values. It is done right at the instrument input using analog switches. Source It changes based on the amp model, however amps are always 1 Meg. If the first active effect is a Drive, for example, the impedance will change based on the Drive model. Source It can be saved per preset. Source The impedance feature will only have an audible effect if you are plugging your guitar directly in. It operates by loading down the guitar's pickups. If you have anything buffering the guitar then you won't be loading the pickups. Source
The amps are all 1Meg but if there's an active effect before the amp and it's default impedance is lower the input impedance will switch to that (if configured to "auto"). __________________
What are Global Blocks
- An effect block can be saved as a Global Block. It then can be linked to from other presets, just like Global Amps. A change to the "master" will affect all linked blocks.
- Manual page ...
How do I edit presets on the computer
Use Axe-Edit.
How do I create a new preset
How do I make editing easier and faster
- Manual page ...
How do I use settings from other presets
- Manual page ...
How do I reset an effect to its defaults
- Manual page ...
How do I insert more than 12 effects in a preset
- Manual page ...
How do I add an effect to a preset
- Manual page ...
What's the advantage of putting an effect in a parallel row
How do I put effects before and after my own preamp or amplifier
What do I need to know about running an effect in mono or stereo
- Manual page ...
What's the correct Bypass Mode for an effect
- Manual page ...
How do I correcly set the level of an effect
How do I avoid output clipping
- Manual page ...
How do I globally control the Bypass Mode of an effect block
- Manual page ...
How do I insert an external pedal or effect device into my routing
USING PRESETS / PLAYING
How fast does it switch between presets
About 20ms.
Does it support spillover of delay trails and reverb between presets
- Yes, in the same way as the 1st-generation units.
- Manual page ...
How do I use a Master Bypass switch
Can I adjust the levels of presets during play
- Manual page ...
How do I boost the signal for leads
How do I switch between amps in a preset
How do I adjust effect settings globally to the room
- Manual page ...
How do I crossfade between effects
How does the X/Y function work
- You can set up certain effect blocks to switch between two sets of parameters. For example, with Amp blocks you can have 4 configured amps per preset, of which two can be active. Then use the X/Y knob on the front panel, or an IA switch (toggle) on a MIDI foot controller, to switch between the sets. This essentially doubles the number of those blocks within a preset. X and Y can be the same type of effect, say a RAT drive, but with different parameters. There's no transition between the two. Switching occurs at block level using a MID CC, not on preset level. Source1 Source2 Source3 Source4 Source5 Source6
- Cliff: "The idea behind X/Y is that people often have multiple distortion/chorus/delay/etc. pedals on their board but they rarely have more than one on at a time. So rather than creating more instances of effects, which sucks up CPU, have each instance capable of more than one sound." Source
- X/Y switching is nearly instantaneous. Source
- X/Y doesn't support spillover. Source
- On the MFC-101 X is green, Y is Red. Source
- The X and Y buttons also double as user-definable Quick-Jump keys, which can be set to open the EDIT menus of any 2 blocks without going through the grid.
- Values 0-63 for the CC select Y, and 64-128 select X. Source
- Manual page ...
AMP BLOCK
How many amp models can it hold
Lots. Source Each preset can have two Amp blocks. There's no impact on the DSP capacity because one of the two AFXII DSPs is devoted entirely to amp modeling. Each Amp block can also use the X/Y feature to switch between sets of parameters. The current state is indicated on the front panel display.
Can I rename the amp types
No. Source
How much DSP-capacity does an amp block require
One Amp block uses about 40%. One of the two DSPs is dedicated to Amp blocks. So you can run 2 of those. The other DSP is for other effects. Source
Does the amp modeling differ from Standard/Ultra
- Yes. It's called G2 and Virtual Vaccuum Modeling modeling. See Fractal Audio website.
- A part of it has been ported to Standard/Ultra firmware (firmware 11).
- Cliff: "As you listen to clips from modelers what you start to recognize is a certain "stationary" aspect to the tone compared to the every-changing tonality of a tube amp. Another thing is finger response. With a good tube amp you can vary the tone quite a bit just by how you fret the note and attack it. Modelers tend to make every note sound the same. So I tested some hypotheses and came to the conclusion that it's because a real vacuum tube has a transfer function that is not static. The transfer function is dependent on time, frequency and amplitude. Where you really hear it is in the in-between regions where the tube is just starting to distort. At first I tried some dynamic transfer functions but that was a lesson in futility. So then I created the VVT stuff. In VVT there is an actual vacuum-tube replica in software. You enter the values of the resistors and capacitors on the grid, cathode, etc. and it behaves just like a tube complete with Miller effect, cathode memory, etc. The problem is that it requires an obscene amount of horsepower so the only solution was a dedicated DSP. The other big part of the G2 sound is the output transformer modeling. The OT distorts and as it distorts its inductance decreases which changes the bandwidth and loop characteristics." Source
How do I know which cab type to use with an amp
- Wiki
Where is the 8-band EQ positioned in the Amp block
It's fixed in position at the very output. Source
What are Global Amps
Global Amps do not exist anymore. There are Global Blocks now.
Do amps still have negative presence
No. However for amps with no negative feedback (damp at 0) it turns into a Hicut parameter. Source
Can I split the preamp and poweramp
No.
Are all amp parameters assignable to MIDI controllers
No. Cliff stated it now has the ability to do that for all parameters so maybe down the road. Source1 Source2
How do I dial in an amp
How do I set the Drive and Master controls
How do I use the Tonestack
How do I use the Boost switch
How do I use the Bright switch
How do I use Presence
- The way Presence works is changed. It's now a traditional Presence control (0-10) for amps that have a Presence control. There's no default, so keep this in mind when changing amp types. Source For amps without Presence, it's changes into a Hi-Cut control.
How does Input Trim work
Changing the input trim doesn't affect the amount of distortion. This the whole idea. You set the trim to optimize the signal level into the converters. Internally the unit applies the inverse of the trim so that the signal into the grid is constant. In other words, if you put 1V into the input the input to the grid is 1V regardless of the trim setting. Source