Axe-Edit
Preface
The Axe-FX Editor is the result of countless hours of work by Lars Barstad (LarsB on the forum) in conjunction with Cliff Chase and with contributions by Brian Hickey.
Disclaimer: Of considerable importance is the fact that the Editor is officially in it's beta stage for the Standard version of the Axe. The Ultra specific version will be completed at a future date. The Standard Version does however function rather well with the Ultra. It is also important to match Editor version with firmware version to insure function compatibility. Further understanding that since the Axe itself is in constant refinement and development stage therefore so is the Editor. As would be expected you use this product at your own risk preferrably with proper backup strategy.
Concept
You will sometimes hear this editor referred to as The Editor for good reason. Each user will find their own favorite use for the Editor and it will fill a variety of useful purposes. Here are just a few:
1. Transfer firmware to the Axe.
2. Upload/Download Banks to/from the Axe.
3. Upload/Download Presets to/from the Axe.
4. Upload/Download Custom Presets to AxeChange website.
5. Deep drill down editing of Axe presets.
6. Bank preset rearrangement, clearing, deleting, copying.
7. Education: Learning the concepts of the Axe structure.
This Editor is literally the Swiss Army Knife of Axe Tools.
Installation
The editor may be downloaded for free by visiting AxeChange.net and is cross platform (Mac & PC) friendly. The axefx-win-install.jar file you will be downloading has a .jar extension. It is necessary that you have Java installed on your computer for the .jar file to install and for the Editor to function. You may download the most recent Java software. If you double-click the .jar file and it does not auto-install chances are good that you do not have the proper Java installed. Please read the current Notes on AxeChange website for up to the minute tech notes and links for both Mac & PC use.
By default the editor will install in a path as follows:
C:\Program Files\Fractal Audio\Axe-Fx Editor\
It will place an icon on the desktop and a submenu in startup (if checkboxed). The option is also given to install to a custom location as shown in these examples of an installation to:
D:\Fractal Audio\Axe-Fx Editor\
Tip: All photos enlarge when clicked if so desired. Then use browser back button to return to article.
Consider deleting any .sysx files you find in the editor root directory as it sometimes downloads with test files. Creating a folder right away to hold your banks and presets, as indicated by mouse pointer, is a good way to start off organized and safe. This also makes your working data easy to find by separating it from the program data.
Inside your work folder you can create additional subfolders. This is particularly useful to store your original banks for backup, or individual presets, custom presets or banks. It can be organized to the degree you wish. For safety sake don't ever edit the only copies you have. Always make backups and these folder examples are just suggestions for keeping organized.
If at this point you are not able to load the Axe-FX Editor it is suggested you head to the forums Editor Software Thread and ask for assistance.
Hookup
Once The Editor is initialized it is necessary to let it communicate with multiple devices. It will chain in the following manner: From Computer to MIDI Interface to Axe-FX via a MIDI out cable. Please familiarize yourself with MIDI Interface devices and hook it up accordingly. Traditionally you would be installing a MIDI driver (included with your device or available for download) onto your PC and making connections exampled as follows:
1. MIDI Interface to PC via USB.
2. MIDI Out from Interface to MIDI In on Axe-FX.(Out to In)
3. MIDI In from Interface to MIDI Out on Axe-FX.(In to Out)
After completing these connections it is not unusual to have to reboot computer to initialize MIDI driver.
At this point your MIDI throughput should be complete and it's time to set specific configurations. First select the firmware version and model of your Axe.
(version numbers in this photo may be outdated).
MIDI offers 16 channels to communicate on. This allows a multitude of power and devices to communicate via one path. You should now select the channel that your software and Axe will communicate on.
Now select your MIDI In and Out Device. Your computer usually offers some type of MIDI offerings. You do not want these you want your interface. Many interfaces have more than one set of sockets. This device is offering two. Here is shown a Port 1 selection on both In/Out.
You are now installed and connected and ready to experience the features of The Editor.
Define
Since we are dealing with MIDI traveling in both directions to the Axe, to the Editor, to the Web it will become very easy to get lost in the terms. For the purpose of this article only it would be good to establish some guides to allow us all to be on the same page.
Since this article is about The Editor then it is our primary focal point.
Generally:
Upload meaning From: Editor.
Download meaning To: Editor.
Further:
Upload: meaning from Editor to Web.
Download: meaning from Web to Editor.
Send: meaning from Editor to Axe (aka upload to Axe)
Receive: meaning from Axe to Editor (aka download from Axe)
Important: There is another concept that requires understanding and definition.
Buffer: In both the Axe and Editor there is a buffer. It could be known as a scratch pad or work area. Imagine you type a letter in your email and don't hit send. You just close it and it's gone. Or you type a letter with NotePad or Word and then just close it without saving. It's gone.
The Axe and Editor are the same way.
On the Axe: You recall a preset and it is loaded into the buffer. Once you edit it the edit light blinks but it is not yet saved. You could roll the spin wheel 1 step off then back on to the preset and it cancels your edit and you are back to where you were.
On the Editor: When you download a Bank or modify a preset it is not yet saved. Unless you choose File: Save: (choice) then your changes will be lost when the Editor is closed.
It is imperative that the Buffer Process is understood else risk losing your work.
Banks
Receive
The receive sub-section is placed first because that is probably the first thing you need to do. Receive (download) from the Axe your Bank A/B/C presets. Further it is probably best to make a copy of them to work on and save these originals for backup purposes. You might have been provided originals from Fractal Audio. A Back folder inside your Bank folder is a good thing to have.
After establishing MIDI connections and Opening Editor:
1. On Axe: Utility: Page Right: Nav Down to Bank of Choice: (and wait).
2. On Editor: File: Download Bank from Axe: Choose Bank.
3. On Axe: Press Enter.
4. On Editor: After file has loaded into editor then File: Save As: (name and locate it).
5. On Axe: Press Exit to return to Preset.
Note: You have two devices waiting on each other to make a move. The Editor may time-out if you take too long. You can always switch steps 2 and 3 if it is easier for you.
Arrange
When we engage the Preset Tab screen and start right clicking on presets we are presented with a new menu and many choices. We should cover the different terminology and functions of each choice prior to bank rearrangement:
- Copy Preset: Right click/copy loads preset into computer clipboard.
- Paste Preset: Right click/paste dumps preset from computer clipboard.
- Clear Preset: Clears preset slot and leaves slot blank.
- Insert Empty: Inserts a blank preset slot in between presets and shifts presets. If Bank was full then then preset 128 will dissapear.
- Remove Preset: Removes a preset and shifts presets up with no blank slot. If Bank was full then you will now have a blank slot at 128.
- Upload Preset: Uploads preset to Axechange.net.
- Download Preset: Downloads preset from Axechange.net
- Download Temp Buffer: Press Recall on Axe. Download Temp Buffer will import what is in the Axe buffer.
- Import Preset: Will load any single preset file from computer into current Editor Bank.
- Export Preset: Will take any preset in Editor and save it as a single preset to computer.
- Compare Preset: ? (unknown function)
With these definitions in mind here is a simple bank rearrangment on the Editor. If you have manually created a custom preset on the Axe that doesn't exist in the current Editor Bank and you upload from the Editor to the Axe... that preset will be gone. It is important to keep your Axe and Editor syncronized.
1. Right Click on the Preset you wish to move and choose Copy.
2. Choose new locations for Preset, Right Click and Paste.
3. Highlight original preset and choose Clear Preset.
4. File: Save or Save As to save new Bank layout.
5. Upload to Axe if desired.
Send
1. On Editor: File: Upload Bank to Axe-FX: Choose Bank.sysx file to upload.
2. Choose the Bank you want to upload to A/B/C and press OK.
3. (checking on functionality before proceeding)
Presets
Read
(cover both ways to receive presets here which would be download temp buffer and read preset) Note: this actually seems to write the preset currently loaded on the editor to the current location on the Axe ??? (checking on functionality before proceeding)
Editing
The depth of drill down editing is far beyond the scope of this short section.
We are possibly better served by opening a separate section covering this topic in detail.
A blank slate portraying the power of the Editing Maxtrix Layout.
A small sampling of the Editing Maxtrix in use.
Write
At this point Caution (checking on functionality before proceeding) When Editor is on 4 for example no matter where the Axe is (for example 20) when pressing write it will overwrite preset 4.
This is a Caution until I can get further understanding. I do not want to explain this wrong.
Upload
(checking on functionality before proceeding)...cover uploading to Axechange.net
Download
(checking on functionality before proceeding)... cover searching Axechange.net and download presets and cabs?
Firmware
The Home page always has the most up to date firmware for both the Axe Standard and Ultra. You can either click the link or right click/save target as and choose a location on your computer to save file. The file will be downloaded in a zip format and will require un-zipping prior to use. Once this is accomplished:
1. Hook MIDI cable from Interface MIDI Out to Axe-FX MIDI In.
2. Hook MIDI Interface to computer via USB or Firewire as applicable.
3. Power On MIDI Interface.
4. Reboot computer (some MIDI drivers require this).
5. Turn On Axe-FX.
6. Load Editor.
7. On Editor: File: Upload Firmware to Axe-FX.
8. On Editor: Browse to correct .sysx file and open: Pause
9. On Axe: Utility: Page Right 4X to Firmware page and Press Enter.
10. On Editor: Press OK
Note: You can reverse the sequence and Press Enter on Axe first and then Editor. The Axe will say Awaiting File when done this way. Either way one waits for the other.
Note: While updating firmware probably a good idea plug in to AC if you are using a laptop for updates. Not a good time to hibernate, screen save or multi-task if possible.
The Axe Display Reads: File Transfer In Progress. This is a fairly slow process taking 20 to 30 minutes. When done the display will read:
Good Checksum
Erasing...
Programming Flash
Then it will return to the Firmware Screen and still show old version of Firmware.
Turn unit off/on.
On Axe: Utility: Page Right 4x to Firmware Page and view new version.
On Axe: Exit
On Axe: Jam
Glossary
Function by function definition of each aspect and choice on the editor starting with top toolbar.
File: Open: Opens a window to select a bank or preset stored on your computer.
File: Save: Saves the current file you are working on without option to rename or relocate.
File: Save As: Saves a copy of the current file with options to rename and/or relocate.
File: Save Single Preset As: Although you may have a bank of presets loaded this will save the current preset you are working on (aka: export).
File: Download Bank from Axe-FX: Exports Bank A/B or C from Axe to Computer for backup or further processing purposes.
File: Upload Bank to Axe-FX: Imports a complete bank of presets into Axe after modifications or upon release of new Factory Banks.
File: Upload User Cabinet to Axe-FX: Upload custom user cabinets to User Locations on Axe.
File: Download System Settings From Axe-FX: Downloads custom settings you have made to the Axe (hidden Bank D).
File: Upload Firmware to Axe-FX: Uploads new versions of firmware released by Fractal Audio.
File: Exit: Closes and quits The Editor application.
Options: Select Firmware Configuration: Chooses the firmware version and Axe model you are using.
Options: Select Editor MIDI Channel: Selects the Channel of signal communication.
Options: Select MIDI Devices: Selects the In/Out Ports on the MIDI Interface you are using.
Options: Select Sysx ID: ID number for two MIDI entities to communicate. Much like channels.
Options: Configure Axechange Account: Test for connectivity to Axechange.net.
Help: About: Tells about the contributors to the Editor Project.
Preset Routing Tab: Master page for drill down editing.
List of Presets Tab: Shows the preset layout, and allows selection and manipulation, of the currently loaded bank.
- Copy Preset: Right click/copy loads preset into computer clipboard.
- Paste Preset: Right click/paste dumps preset from computer clipboard.
- Clear Preset: Clears preset slot and leaves slot blank.
- Insert Empty: Inserts a blank preset slot in between presets and shifts presets. If Bank was full then then preset 128 will dissapear.
- Remove Preset: Removes a preset and shifts presets up with no blank slot. If Bank was full then you will now have a blank slot at 128.
- Upload Preset: Uploads preset to Axechange.net.
- Download Preset: Downloads preset from Axechange.net
- Download Temp Buffer: Press Recall on Axe. Download Temp Buffer will import what is in the Axe buffer.
- Import Preset: Will load any single preset file from computer into current Editor Bank.
- Export Preset: Will take any preset in Editor and save it as a single preset to computer.
- Compare Preset: ? (unknown function)
Preset No. Window: Allows tick up/down or enter preset number from Main Editor screen.
Name Window: Shows current preset name.
Edited Box: Shows check when currently loaded preset has been edited.
CPU Window: Calculates an estimated CPU% usage of current preset based on parameter selections.
Write Preset Button: Writes currently buffered Editor preset to current preset slot buffer on Axe.
Read Preset Button: Editor reads currently buffered preset from Axe and loads into Editor buffer.
Controllers Button: ??? Haven't a clue....
Import Preset Button: Imports a preset from your computer to current preset.
Export Preset Button: Exports current preset to a location on your computer.
Upload to Axechange Button: Will send your current preset to Axechange.net
Search Axechange Button: Providing you are internet connected will load Axechange.net for preset search.
Editor Grid: This is the matrix where drill down editing, effect selection and preset design takes place.
Tips
- If you just want to level out your presets use: Output Tab: Main Mix. This will change your volume without changing your tone.
- Roll the Spin wheel 1 step left or right and then back to cancel a blinking Edit Light on the Axe and leave your preset unchanged.
- A grayed out device in the Editor means it's bypassed. Alt + left click toggles it.
- Many MIDI problems come from cables. Check the cables and the routing and make sure to select your MIDI device in your application.
