Axe-Fx SysEx Documentation

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Axe-Fx System Exclusive Message Spec

This is a user-driven project to document the SysEx messages used by the Axe-Fx. For a list of controllers capable of sending (and possible receiving) SysEx information to your Axe-Fx please see SysEx Capable Controllers.

Disclaimer

Use of the SysEx messages to access your Axe-Fx is not supported by Fractal Audio. You use these messages at your own risk.

The SysEx messages are copyright Fractal Audio and are printed here with the permission of Fractal Audio.

When in doubt: ask questions in the forum before using this stuff.

General SysEx Message Overview

(Attempting to describe the general format of the SysEx messages used by the Axe-Fx here. Please expand this!)

A sample Axe-Fx SysEx message (10.3 firmware): 

Message: F0  00  01  74  01  02 0A 06 00 00 01 00 01  F7
Block:   1   2   3   4   5  (--------- data --------) 7
SysEx Message Blocks Described
Block Description
1 SysEx Start byte. From the GM spec. Indicates the start of a MIDI SysEx message.
2 Manufacturer sysex ID byte 0. As of firmware 8.02 this is always 00.
3 Manufacturer sysex ID byte 1. As of firmware 10.02, this is always 01 (in previous firmware versions this was 00).
4 Manufacture sysex ID byte 2. As of firmware 10.02, this is 74 (in previous firmware versions this was 7D). If you're sending messages this should be set to the SysEx ID of your Axe-Fx. Failing to set this to the SysEx ID of the target unit will see all your SysEx messages ignored by the unit. This is true for patch dumps as well.
5 Model number. Axe-Fx Standard = 0x00 (assumed), Ultra = 0x01.
data The data portion of the SysEx message. You construct this portion using the tables below.
7 SysEx End byte.

Axe-Fx Sysex Message Formats

reformatted from Axe-Fx MIDI Remote Programming, courtesy of Cliff Chase/Fractal Audio
warning: this document was from an early stage in the Axe's development, so some things may have changed
***REMINDER: THIS IS NOT SUPPORTED BY FRACTAL AUDIO - DO NOT ASK THEM FOR HELP, AND USE AT YOUR OWN RISK***

Introduction

The Axe-Fx allows remote programming via it's MIDI interface. To utilize this feature the remote programmer (PC) is connected to the Axe-Fx MIDI in and out jacks. Commands are sent to the MIDI in and replies are returned from MIDI out.

There are only two basic objects in the Axe-Fx: effects and modifiers. Effects include all effect objects and modifiers are the transform between an internal or external controller and an effect parameter. All effects have a unique effect ID and all modifiers have a unique ID.

All parameters in the Axe-Fx are stored as 8-bit values with a range of 0 to 254 (255 not used). Axe-Fx parameters fall into 3 different types: integer, linear and log. Integer parameters have a direct correspondence between the parameter value and the parameter itself. Linear parameters have a linear relationship between the parameter value and the parameter itself. Log parameters have an exponential relationship between the parameter value and the parameter itself. Integer parameters typically have a limited range of allowable values.


All MIDI functions have the same header as follows:

0xF0 sysex start
0x00 Manf. ID byte0
0x00 Manf. ID byte1
0x7d Manf. ID byte2 (this value is configurable within the Axe-Fx)
0xdd Model # (Axe-Fx Standard = 0x00, Axe-Fx Ultra = 0x01)
0xdd Function ID

Byte2 of the manufacturers ID is configurable in the Axe-Fx on the MIDI menu. This value should match or the Axe-Fx may reject the message. The function ID indicates the type of function and sets the formatting of the data to follow.

Note from iaresee: When they say "this value is configurable on the Axe-Fx" they're talking about the SysEx ID. This byte in the message is the SysEx ID of your unit. If it doesn't match with what you've set on your unit the message is ignored by it.

Function IDs
Function ID Function Name
0x01 (no response when sent)
0x02 MIDI_SET_PARAMETER, MIDI_PARAM_VALUE
0x03 MIDI_GET_PATCH
0x04 MIDI_PATCH_DUMP
0x05 MIDI_PLACE_EFFECT
0x06 MIDI_CONNECT_EFFECT
0x07 MIDI_SET_MODIFIER, MIDI_MODIFIER_VALUE
0x08 MIDI_GET_FIRMWARE_VERSION
0x09 MIDI_SET_PRESET_NAME
0x0a MIDI_SET_IMPULSE_RESPONSE
0x0b (no response when sent)
0x0c bad checksum message - firmware or other upload?
0x0d MIDI_TUNER_INFO
0x0e MIDI_GET_PRESET_EFFECT_BLOCKS_AND_CC_AND_BYPASS_STATE
0x0f MIDI_GET_PRESET_NAME
0x10 MIDI_TEMPO_BEAT

MIDI Send Messages

These messages are sent to the Axe-Fx to carry out an action.

The following functions are available:


MIDI_SET_PARAMETER

This function sets or queries an effect parameter.

Format:

0xF0 sysex start
0x00 Manf. ID byte0
0x00 Manf. ID byte1
0x7d Manf. ID byte2 (this value is configurable within the Axe-Fx)
0xdd Model #
0x02 Function ID
0xdd effect ID LS nibble
0xdd effect ID MS nibble
0xdd parameter ID LS nibble
0xdd parameter ID MS nibble
0xdd parameter value LS nibble
0xdd parameter value MS nibble
0xdd query(0) or set(1) value
0xF7 sysex end

The effect identified by the effect ID has its parameter identified by the parameter ID set to a value of between 0 and 254. You can query the current value by setting or clearing the set byte.

Rather than trying to keep track of the range of all parameters and their types this MIDI function operates as a virtual interface. After calling MIDI_SET_PARAM the Axe-Fx responds with the actual parameter value and a string representation of the parameter.

For example, if setting a rate parameter the Axe-Fx will respond with the parameter value (0 - 254) and a string representing the actual value of the rate, i.e. "1.234 Hz".

The value response allows querying a parameter and also does range checking on integer types. If one attempts to set an integer type outside of its range the Axe-Fx will set the value to the minimum or maximum value allowable and respond with the actual value set.

Values can be queried by simply setting the set/query byte to 0. The parameter value is irrelevant. The Axe-Fx will then respond with the current value and string representation.

When first editing an effect all the parameters should be queried to determine their current values. To then edit a parameter simply send the new parameter value and await the response.

MIDI_GET_PATCH

This function requests a dump of either a specific patch or the edit buffer.

Format to request a specific patch:

0xF0 sysex start
0x00 Manf. ID byte0
0x01 Manf. ID byte1
0x74 Manf. ID byte2 (this value is configurable within the Axe-Fx)
0xdd Model #
0x03 Function ID
0x00
0x?d preset LS nibble or'd with unknown value when requesting presets from bank 2
0xdd preset MS nibble
0xF7 sysex end

The Axe-Fx responds with Function ID 0x04 (F0 00 01 74 01 04 00 ..., see MIDI_PATCH_DUMP).


Format to request the edit buffer:

0xF0 sysex start
0x00 Manf. ID byte0
0x01 Manf. ID byte1
0x74 Manf. ID byte2 (this value is configurable within the Axe-Fx)
0xdd Model #
0x03 Function ID
0x01 Edit buffer query
0x00
0x00
0xF7 sysex end

The Axe-Fx responds with Function ID 0x04 (F0 00 01 74 01 04 01 ..., see MIDI_PATCH_DUMP).


Example requests by preset:

A000 F0 00 01 74 01 03 00 00 00 F7
A127 F0 00 01 74 01 03 00 0F 07 F7
B128 F0 00 01 74 01 03 00 00 08 F7
B255 F0 00 01 74 01 03 00 0F 0F F7
C256 F0 00 01 74 01 03 00 00 10 F7
C383 F0 00 01 74 01 03 00 7F 17 F7

MIDI_SET_MODIFIER

This function sets or queries a modifier parameter.

Message format:

0xF0 sysex start
0x00 Manf. ID byte0
0x00 Manf. ID byte1
0x7d Manf. ID byte2 (this value is configurable within the Axe-Fx)
0xdd Model #
0x07 Function ID
0xdd effect ID LS nibble
0xdd effect ID MS nibble
0xdd parameter ID LS nibble
0xdd parameter ID MS nibble
0xdd modifier parameter ID LS nibble
0xdd modifier parameter ID MS nibble
0xdd modifier value LS nibble
0xdd modifier value MS nibble
0xdd query(0) or set(1) value
0xF7 sysex end


This function sets the value of a modifier parameter. The modifier parameter identified by its ID has its value set to the modifier value. The effect being controlled and the parameter being controlled are indicated by the effect and parameter ID's. Note that the effect parameter ID will be different than the basic parameter ID. For example, a rate control may have a parameter ID = 3. To control it in real-time via a modifier the corresponding parameter ID will be different. Modifiable parameters have a corresponding parameter with an ID greater than or equal to 100.

There are 16 modifiers available in the Axe-Fx, meaning that up to 16 parameters can be controlled at one time. A modifier is connected to a parameter when the modifier control ID is nonzero. To connect a modifier to a parameter call this function with the desired effect ID and parameter ID with the modifier parameter equal to MOD_CTRTLID and a modifier value equal to the desired controller. A non-zero value will automatically connect the modifier. A value of zero will disconnect the modifier.

Once a modifier is connected the other parameters can be set or queried accordingly. Like the MIDI_SET_PARAMETER function this function responds with the value set and a text string representation of the actual value.

MIDI_PLACE_EFFECT

Places an effect at a position in the effects grid.

Message format:

0xF0 sysex start
0x00 Manf. ID byte0
0x00 Manf. ID byte1
0x7d Manf. ID byte2 (this value is configurable within the Axe-Fx)
0xdd Model #
0x05 Function ID
0xdd effect ID LS nibble
0xdd effect ID MS nibble
0xdd grid position
0xdd query(0) or set(1) value
0xF7 sysex end


The effect identified by its ID is placed at a position in the grid. The grid is 4 rows by 12 columns. A grid position is given by position = 4 * column_number + row_number. Rows and columns are enumerated starting with zero.

If another effect is at the position it is removed.

MIDI_CONNECT_EFFECT

Connects two effects.

Message format:

0xF0 sysex start
0x00 Manf. ID byte0
0x00 Manf. ID byte1
0x7d Manf. ID byte2 (this value is configurable within the Axe-Fx)
0xdd Model #
0x06 Function ID
0xdd source position
0xdd destination position
0xdd connect (1) | disconnect (0)

The effect at the source position is connected or disconnected to/from the effect at the destination position. The position is as described above. A null block cannot be one of the two effects being connected and will result in the function failing.

MIDI_GET_FIRMWARE_VERSION

Query installed version of firmware.

Message format:

0xF0 sysex start
0x00 Manf. ID byte0
0x01 Manf. ID byte1
0x74 Manf. ID byte2 (this value is configurable within the Axe-Fx)
0xdd Model #
0x08 Function ID
0x00
0x00
0xF7 sysex end

The device will respond with the firmware version. For example, 10.3 is reported as: F0 00 01 74 01 08 0A 03 F7

The Ultra will respond with the correct model number even if incorrect model number is sent in the request (so this message can be used to properly form subsequent messages).

MIDI_SET_PRESET_NAME

Sets the name of the active preset.

Message format:

0xF0 sysex start
0x00 Manf. ID byte0
0x01 Manf. ID byte1
0x74 Manf. ID byte2 (this value is configurable within the Axe-Fx)
0xdd Model #
0x09 Function ID
0xdd byte 0 of 20 byte name string
0xdd byte 1
...
0xdd byte 19
0x00 null character
0x00
0x00
0xF7 sysex end

MIDI_SET_IMPULSE_RESPONSE

Sends an impulse response to the currently selected impulse response slot.

Message format:

0xF0 sysex start
0x00 Manf. ID byte0
0x01 Manf. ID byte1
0x74 Manf. ID byte2 (this value is configurable within the Axe-Fx)
0xdd Model #
0x0a Function ID (low nibble)
0x00 Function ID (high nibble)
0x00 Unused in current firmware
0x00 Unused in current firmware
0xdd First of 1024 8 byte samples, each a 32 bit little endian signed integer converted to nibbles
0xdd (high nibble of first byte)
0xdd (low nibble of second byte)
0xdd (high nibble of second byte)
0xdd ...etc....
0xdd
0xdd
0xdd
--- more samples ---
0xcc Checksum byte (low nibble)
0xcc Checksum byte (high nibble)
0xF7 sysex end


MIDI Return Messages

Upon sending a message to the Axe-Fx it will return a message. The following return messages are implemented:


MIDI_PARAM_VALUE

Message format:

0xF0 sysex start
0x00 Manf. ID byte0
0x00 Manf. ID byte1
0x7d Manf. ID byte2 (this value is configurable within the Axe-Fx)
0xdd Model #
0x02 Function ID (2)
0xdd effect ID LS nibble
0xdd effect ID MS nibble
0xdd parameter ID LS nibble
0xdd parameter ID MS nibble
0xdd parameter value LS nibble
0xdd parameter value MS nibble
0xdd null-terminated string byte0
0xdd byte1
...
0x00 null character
0xF7 sysex end


This message is returned after sending the MIDI_SET_PARAMETER message.

MIDI_PATCH_DUMP

Message format:

0xF0 sysex start
0x00 Manf. ID byte0
0x00 Manf. ID byte1
0x7d Manf. ID byte2 (this value is configurable within the Axe-Fx)
0xdd Model #
0x04 Function ID (4)
0xdd 0x01 indicates this is a dump of the edit buffer, otherwise value is 0x00
... patch data described below
0xF7 sysex end


This message is returned after sending the MIDI_GET_PATCH message.

Patch dumps appear to be 2060 bytes laid out as:

- Patch dump header, 7 bytes (F0 00 01 74 dd 04 dd)
- Undetermined 6 bytes (patch number?)
- 20 character patch name in ls/ms nibble pairs - 42 bytes total including null termination
- Undetermined 22 bytes
- Effect Ids / layout info - 4 bytes per block (2 bytes for effect id, 2 bytes for undetermined state) in 4 x 12 grid starting at offset 77 for a total of 192 bytes in ls/ms nibble pairs.
- Undetermined (assume parameter and modifier state)
- EOX (F7)

MIDI_MODIFIER_VALUE

Message format:

0xF0 sysex start
0x00 Manf. ID byte0
0x00 Manf. ID byte1
0x7d Manf. ID byte2 (this value is configurable within the Axe-Fx)
0xdd Model #
0x07 Function ID (7)
0xdd effect ID LS nibble
0xdd effect ID MS nibble
0xdd parameter ID LS nibble
0xdd parameter ID MS nibble
0xdd modifier parameter ID LS nibble
0xdd modifier parameter ID MS nibble
0xdd modifier value LS nibble
0xdd modifier value MS nibble
0xdd null-terminated string byte0
0xdd byte1
...
0x00 null character
0xF7 sysex end


This message is returned after sending the MIDI_SET_MODIFIER message.

MIDI_STATUS

Reports success or failure.

Message format:

0xF0 sysex start
0x00 Manf. ID byte0
0x00 Manf. ID byte1
0x7d Manf. ID byte2 (this value is configurable within the Axe-Fx)
0xdd Model #
0xdd Calling Function ID
0xdd status
0xF7 sysex end

All other function calls respond with this message. The calling function ID is indicated and success (1) or failure (0) indicated in the status byte.

MIDI_GET_PRESET_NAME

Gets the current preset name.

Message format:

0xF0 sysex start
0x00 Manf. ID byte0
0x01 Manf. ID byte1
0x74 Manf. ID byte2
0x01 Model #
0x0f Get Preset Name ID
0xF7 sysex end

The response back from the axefx will be in the form of:

0xF0 sysex start
0x00 Manf. ID byte0
0x01 Manf. ID byte1
0x74 Manf. ID byte2
0x01 Model #
0x0f Get Preset Name ID
0xaa First byte of name
0xaa Second byte of name
....more characters......
0x00 NULL terminator
0xF7 sysex end

MIDI Realtime Sysex Messages

Realtime sysex messages for tempo and tuner info are sent by default. They can be disabled in the IO / MIDI / SEND REALTIME SYSEX menu.

MIDI_TUNER_INFO

When the tuner is active this message is streamed to the MIDI out port.

Message format:

0xF0 sysex start
0x00 Manf. ID byte0
0x00 Manf. ID byte1
0x7d Manf. ID byte2 (this value is configurable within the Axe-Fx)
0xdd Model #
0x0d Calling Function ID
0x?? Note value (0 = A, 1 = A#, 2 = B, 3 = C etc)
0x?? Note octave
0x?? Fine tune (0 = very flat, 0x7f - very sharp, 0x3f/0x40? - in tune)
0xF7 sysex end

MIDI_TEMPO_BEAT

Tempo beats (corresponding to the blinking tempo LED) are streamed to the MIDI out port.

Message format:

0xF0 sysex start
0x00 Manf. ID byte0
0x01 Manf. ID byte1
0x74 Manf. ID byte2 (this value is configurable within the Axe-Fx)
0xdd Model #
0x10 Tempo function ID
0xF7 sysex end

Parameter Numbers

IDs listed below are as of firmware revision 8.02
For firmware 10.3, see the default.axeml file included with Axe-Edit for a complete list of Effect Block and Parameter IDs as described in this forum post.

Effect Block IDs

Common

00 06 =
01 06 =
02 06 =
03 06 =
04 06 = Comp1
05 06 = Comp2
06 06 = GEQ1
07 06 = GEQ2
08 06 = PEQ1
09 06 = PEQ2
0A 06 = Amp1
0B 06 = Amp2
0C 06 = Cab1
0D 06 = Cab2
0E 06 = Reverb1
0F 06 = Reverb2
00 07 = Delay1
01 07 = Delay2
02 07 = Multi-Delay1
03 07 = Multi-Delay2
04 07 = Chorus1
05 07 = Chorus2
06 07 = Flanger1
07 07 = Flanger2
08 07 = Rotary1
09 07 = Rotary2
0A 07 = Phaser1
0B 07 = Phaser2
0C 07 = Wah1
0D 07 = Wah2
0E 07 = Formant
0F 07 = Volume/Pan
00 08 = Tremolo/Pan1
01 08 = Tremolo/Pan2
02 08 = Pitch
03 08 = Filter1
04 08 = Filter2
05 08 = Drive1
06 08 = Drive2
07 08 = Enhancer
08 08 = FX Loop
09 08 = Mixer1
0A 08 = Mixer2
0B 08 =
0C 08 =
0D 08 =
0E 08 = Feedback Send
0F 08 = Feedback Return

Ultra-Only

00 09 = Synth1
01 09 = Synth2
02 09 = Vocoder
03 09 = MegaTap Delay
04 09 = Crossover1
05 09 = Crossover2
06 09 = Gate/Exp1
07 09 = Gate/Exp2
08 09 = Ring Mod
09 09 = Pitch2
0A 09 = MBC1
0B 09 = MBC2
0C 09 = QuadCho1
0D 09 = QuadCho2
0E 09 = Resonator1
0F 09 = Resonator2
00 0A = GEQ3
01 0A = GEQ4
02 0A = PEQ3
03 0A = PEQ4
04 0A = Filter3
05 0A = Filter4
06 0A = Vol/Pan2
07 0A = Vol/Pan3
08 0A = Vol/Pan4

Amp Block Parameters

00 00 = Type
01 00 = Drive
02 00 = Bass
03 00 = Mids
04 00 = Treble
05 00 = Master Volume
06 00 = Low Cut
07 00 = Hi Cut
08 00 = Tonestack Frequency
09 00 =
0A 00 = Bright Cap
0B 00 =
0C 00 = Xformer LF
0D 00 = Xformer HF
0E 00 = Tonestack Location
0F 00 = Input Select
00 01 = Deep
01 01 =
02 01 =
03 01 = Sag
04 01 = Presence
05 01 = Level
06 01 = Balance
07 01 = Bypass Mode
08 01 = Damping
09 01 = Presence Frequency
0A 01 = Speaker Resonance Freq
0B 01 = Transformer Match (Depth)
0C 01 = Bright Switch & Boost Switch
0D 01 = Warmth
0E 01 = Thump
0F 01 = Global Amp
00 02 =
01 02 = Stabilizer
02 02 = Tonestack Type
03 02 = B+ Capacitance
04 02 = Bias

Cab Block Parameters

00 00 = Cab (L)
01 00 = Mic (L)
02 00 = Cab R
03 00 = Mic R
04 00 = Link off/on
05 00 = Level L
06 00 = Level R
07 00 = Pan L
08 00 = Pan R
09 00 = Level
0A 00 = Balance
0B 00 = Bypass Mode
0C 00 = Type
00 00 = Mono HiRes
01 00 = Mono LoRes
02 00 = Stereo
0D 00 =
0E 00 = Drive (L)
0F 00 = Drive R

Chorus Block Parameters

04 07 = Chorus1
05 07 = Chorus2
00 00 = Voices
01 00 = Rate
02 00 = Tempo
03 00 = Depth
04 00 = Bass
05 00 = Treble
06 00 = Bass Freq
07 00 = Treble Freq
08 00 = Delay Time
09 00 = LFO Phase
0A 00 = LFO Type
0B 00 = Auto Depth off/on
0C 00 = Mix
0D 00 = Level
0E 00 = Balance
0F 00 = Bypass Mode
00 01 = Global Mix
01 01 = Phase Reverse
02 01 =
03 01 = Width
04 01 = LFO2 Rate
05 01 = LFO2 Depth

Comp Block Parameters

04 06 = Comp1
05 06 = Comp2
00 00 = Threshold
01 00 = Compression
02 00 = Attack
03 00 = Release
04 00 = Level
05 00 = Knee
06 00 = Makeup Switch
07 00 = Detect
08 00 = Filter
09 00 =
0A 00 = SCSEL
0B 00 = Mix
0C 00 = Type (Studio/Pedal)

Delay Block Parameters

00 07 = Delay1
01 07 = Delay2
00 00 = Type
01 00 = Time MSB?
02 00 = Time LSB?
03 00 = Ratio (Stereo)
04 00 = Feedback (Mono)
05 00 = Feedback L
06 00 = Feedback R
07 00 = Echo Pan
08 00 = Spread
09 00 = Tempo
0A 00 = Lowcut
0B 00 = High cut
0C 00 = LFO1 Rate
0D 00 = LFO2 Rate
0E 00 = LFO1 Depth
0F 00 = LFO2 Depth
00 01 = Drive
01 01 = Mix
02 01 = Level
03 01 = Pan
04 01 = Bypass Mode
05 01 = Global Mix
06 01 =
07 01 = In Gain
08 01 = LFO1 Type
09 01 = LFO2 Type
0A 01 = Time R (Dual) MSB?
0B 01 = Time R (Dual) LSB?
0C 01 = Master Feedback
0D 01 = Tempo R (Dual)
0E 01 = Feedback LR (Dual)
0F 01 = Feedback RL (Dual)
00 02 = Level L (Dual)
01 02 = Level R (Dual)
02 02 = Pan L (Dual)
03 02 = Pan R (Dual)
04 02 = LFO1 Phase
05 02 = LFO2 Phase
06 02 = XFade Time (Rev)
07 02 = Run (Reverse)
08 02 = Trig Restart (Reverse)
09 02 = Filter Slope
0A 02 = Ducker Att
0B 02 = Threshold
0C 02 = Release Rate
0D 02 = Depth Range
0E 02 = Diffusion
0F 02 = Diff Time
00 03 = Phase Rev
01 03 = LFO1 Target
02 03 = LFO2 Target
03 03 = LFO1 Tempo
04 03 = LFO2 Tempo

Drive Block Parameters

Please note: this does not match with firmware 8.02 and all of this section needs updating.

05 08 = Drive1
06 08 = Drive2
00 00 = Type?
01 00 = Drive
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