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Difference between revisions of "Wah block"
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− | + | =Available on which products= | |
− | + | * ''' Axe-Fx III''', ''' FM9''', ''' FM3''': 2 blocks | |
− | *''' Axe-Fx III''': | + | * ''' Axe-Fx II''': 2 blocks |
− | *''' Axe-Fx II''': | + | * '''AX8''': 1 block |
− | * '''AX8''': | + | * '''FX8''': 2 blocks |
− | * '''FX8''': | ||
− | =X/Y | + | =Channels or X/Y= |
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− | + | *''' Axe-Fx III''', '''FM9''', '''MF3''': 4 channels | |
+ | * '''Axe-Fx II''', '''AX8''', '''FX8''': X/Y | ||
− | + | =Wah types= | |
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− | + | # '''Clyde''' – Original Vox Clyde McCoy wah | |
+ | # '''Color-Tone''' – Sola Colorsound wah | ||
+ | # '''Cry Babe''' – Dunlop Cry Baby | ||
+ | # '''FAS Wah''' – Fractal Audio's wah model | ||
+ | # '''Funk Wah''' – Sound from the “Shaft” movie | ||
+ | # '''Mortal''' – Morley wah/volume pedal | ||
+ | # '''Paragon''' – Tycobrahe Parapedal | ||
+ | # '''VX485''' – Vox V845 | ||
+ | # '''VX846''' – Vox V846-HW handwired wah (SRV!) | ||
− | + | The sound of other Wah pedals can be reproduced by copying data from the manufacturer's data and entering these values in the appropriate Wah model. See these discussions in the forum for more information: | |
+ | * <q>[http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/petrucci-and-cantrell-wah.128421/#post-1525516 Petrucci and Cantrell Wah]</q>. | ||
+ | * <q>[http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/anyone-dialed-in-a-good-budda-bud-wah-block.152157/ Anyone dialed in a good Budda Bud Wah block?]</q>. | ||
− | + | =Wah block position on the grid= | |
− | + | Just like actual Wah pedals, the Wah block is usually placed ''before'' the amp, unless you want to sound like Tom Morello, in which case it should be placed ''after'' the Amp block. | |
− | + | =Set up an expression pedal= | |
− | + | You need an expression pedal. Always connect the expression pedal with a TRS to TRS <q>stereo jack</q> cable. Read <q>[[Expression pedals and external switches]]</q> for more information. The [[Owners Manuals]] also have a tutorial on setting up a Wah pedal in the Modifier section. | |
− | + | Always CALIBRATE the pedal on the hardware. This makes sure that the full sweep of the pedal is being used. To do this, make sure you're using the correct menu. This depends on the physical connection of the pedal: | |
− | + | * to the Axe-Fx, FM3, or FM9: use I/O menu > PEDAL. | |
+ | * to an FC controller: go to Setup > FC Controllers. | ||
+ | * to a MIDI controller: use the calibration function on that controller. | ||
− | = | + | =Auto-engage= |
− | [ | + | Similar to an optical Wah pedal, you can engage the Wah block automatically when moving the pedal. This is especially handy when using a spring-loaded pedal. To accomplish this, set [[Auto-Engage]] in the CONTROL parameter's modifier menu in the Wah block to either a speed or position-controlled setting. |
+ | |||
+ | To turn off the Wah at toe down position, instead of heel-down, set the OFF VALUE to 95%. | ||
+ | |||
+ | In current firmware, the Wah engages and bypasses with a gentle fade instead of an abrupt on/off. | ||
=Parameters= | =Parameters= | ||
− | == | + | ==Control and Taper== |
+ | |||
+ | The Control parameter controls the sweep. The Taper parameter selects the curve of the sweep. The taper number, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, is the percentage at the halfway point; Log 20A means that the resistance is 20% at the halfway point in the travel. So if you put the knob at noon, it would be 20% of maximum. | ||
− | + | ==Maximum Frequency== | |
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− | + | Lowering this allows a high gain Wah tone to cut better through the mix. | |
− | + | ==Inductor Bias (Coil Bias)== | |
− | + | Adjust the DC offset of the virtual inductor. | |
− | < | + | <BLOCKQUOTE> |
+ | '''FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES''' | ||
+ | <HR> | ||
− | + | <blockquote> | |
+ | [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/axe-fx-ii-quantum-rev-6-00-firmware-released.121149/page-12#post-1442627] | ||
+ | Over time the inductors build up some slight permanent magnetism due to finite DC current through them. This causes asymmetric distortion. | ||
+ | </blockquote> | ||
+ | </blockquote> | ||
− | + | ==Fat== | |
− | + | FAT is a mix control. It adds dry signal. You can't ever get 100% dry, at max FAT it's 50/50. | |
− | + | ==Q Tracking== | |
− | + | <BLOCKQUOTE> | |
+ | '''FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES''' | ||
+ | <HR> | ||
− | < | + | <BLOCKQUOTE> |
+ | [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/small-tip-for-the-wah-block-the-tracking-parameter.79738/#post-969579] | ||
+ | Tracking controls how much the Q changes with the Control knob. The Q in a wah is not constant. The amount of Q change varies from brand to brand and model to model. It even varies between identical models due to component tolerances. | ||
+ | </blockquote> | ||
+ | </blockquote> | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Graphic EQ== | ||
+ | |||
+ | 8-band Graphic EQ. | ||
==Output Level== | ==Output Level== | ||
− | When changing the Wah type, the level is | + | When changing the Wah type, the output level is adjusted automatically because the output of the models has been matched to the original pedals. |
+ | |||
+ | <BLOCKQUOTE> | ||
+ | '''FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES''' | ||
+ | <HR> | ||
+ | |||
+ | <BLOCKQUOTE> | ||
+ | [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/axe-fx-ii-quantum-rev-6-00-firmware-released.121149/page-11#post-1442565] | ||
+ | The levels were matched to the actual pedals. | ||
+ | </BLOCKQUOTE> | ||
+ | |||
+ | <BLOCKQUOTE> | ||
+ | [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/wah-clipping-on-cleans.122027/#post-1452980] | ||
+ | A typical wah has a gain of around 16 dB but it's a bandpass (sort of) response. If your amp is set clean then the output of the amp block will increase by 16 dB when the wah is engaged. Most amps have a response that rises with frequency response. So if the output of the amp block without the wah engaged was, say, 12 dB below full-scale at the high frequencies, it will be 4 dB over full-scale when the wah is engaged. | ||
+ | </blockquote> | ||
+ | |||
+ | <blockquote> | ||
+ | [https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/dumble-ods-100-cln-wah-block-volume-issue.79761/#post-970159] | ||
+ | A Wah boosts the volume at the center frequency. The cleaner the amp the less compression. A real amp would do the same thing. The easiest solution is to simply turn the level down in the wah block. | ||
+ | </blockquote> | ||
+ | </blockquote> | ||
+ | |||
+ | =Tips, tricks and troubleshooting= | ||
− | + | ==Factory presets== | |
− | + | Many [[Factory presets]] have a Wah block. | |
==Seek Wah== | ==Seek Wah== | ||
− | The Seek Wah is a pedal by ZVEX | + | The Seek Wah is a pedal by ZVEX, which uses a sequenced filter pattern. For an equivalent effect, assign the Sequencer controller to the Wah's CONTROL parameter. For a more pronounced effect, add a [[Formant block]], attached to the same controller. |
+ | |||
+ | Try this factory preset: [[Factory_presets|S/HIP AHOY]]. | ||
==Auto Wah== | ==Auto Wah== | ||
− | + | See <q>[[Filter block]]</q> for more information. | |
+ | |||
+ | ==Fixed Wah== | ||
+ | |||
+ | To create the sound of a fixed Wah position, such as in <q>Money For Nothing</q> by Dire Straits, set the CONTROL parameter to a fixed value. Look at the "[[Factory_presets|MONEY FOR SOMETHING]]" factory preset. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Slow sweep== | ||
− | + | Attach the LFO internal controller to the Control parameter in the Wah block to create a slow evolving filter effect. Try the "[[Factory_presets|VELVET SUN]]" factory preset on for size. | |
− | + | ==Prevent the thump== | |
− | + | Auto Input Impedance can can cause a low-frequency thump when engaging the Wah. Read <q>[[Input impedance]]</q> for more information. | |
− | + | ==Alternative to Auto-Engage== | |
− | + | For an alternative approach to [[Auto-Engage]], load Devin Townsend's preset from the Fractal Audio <q>[https://www.fractalaudio.com/gift-of-tone/Gift Gift of Tone series]</q> or the <q>[[Factory_presets|HEVY DEVY]]</q> factory preset. | |
− | == | + | ==Using an pedal for multiple tasks== |
− | + | If you want the expression pedal to perform more tasks than a Wah only, read <q>[[Expression pedals and external switches]]</q> to learn more. | |
− | + | =Videos= | |
− | + | [[video:Lon-Wah-Epic]] | |
+ | [[video:Leon-Wah-Backwards]] | ||
+ | [[video:Leon-Wah-Petrucci]] | ||
+ | [[video:Leon-AutoWah]] | ||
+ | [[video:Leon-Wah-Devin]] | ||
+ | [[video:Leon-Wah-Deep]] | ||
+ | [[video:Leon-ExpPedal-Functions]] | ||
+ | [[video:Lance-Wah]] | ||
+ | [[video:Burgs-Paragon]] | ||
+ | [[video:Leon-Paragon]] | ||
+ | [[video:PaulDavids-Wah]] | ||
+ | [[video:Cooper-Wah-Volume]] | ||
+ | [[video:Cooper-AutoManualWah]] | ||
[[category:Axe-Fx2]] | [[category:Axe-Fx2]] | ||
+ | [[category:FM3]] | ||
+ | [[category:FM9]] | ||
[[category:Axe-Fx3]] | [[category:Axe-Fx3]] | ||
[[category:FX8]] | [[category:FX8]] | ||
[[category:AX8]] | [[category:AX8]] | ||
[[category:Sounds]] | [[category:Sounds]] | ||
+ | [[category:All]] |
Revision as of 16:06, 16 April 2024
Contents
Available on which products
- Axe-Fx III, FM9, FM3: 2 blocks
- Axe-Fx II: 2 blocks
- AX8: 1 block
- FX8: 2 blocks
Channels or X/Y
- Axe-Fx III, FM9, MF3: 4 channels
- Axe-Fx II, AX8, FX8: X/Y
Wah types
- Clyde – Original Vox Clyde McCoy wah
- Color-Tone – Sola Colorsound wah
- Cry Babe – Dunlop Cry Baby
- FAS Wah – Fractal Audio's wah model
- Funk Wah – Sound from the “Shaft” movie
- Mortal – Morley wah/volume pedal
- Paragon – Tycobrahe Parapedal
- VX485 – Vox V845
- VX846 – Vox V846-HW handwired wah (SRV!)
The sound of other Wah pedals can be reproduced by copying data from the manufacturer's data and entering these values in the appropriate Wah model. See these discussions in the forum for more information:
Wah block position on the grid
Just like actual Wah pedals, the Wah block is usually placed before the amp, unless you want to sound like Tom Morello, in which case it should be placed after the Amp block.
Set up an expression pedal
You need an expression pedal. Always connect the expression pedal with a TRS to TRS stereo jack
cable. Read Expression pedals and external switches
for more information. The Owners Manuals also have a tutorial on setting up a Wah pedal in the Modifier section.
Always CALIBRATE the pedal on the hardware. This makes sure that the full sweep of the pedal is being used. To do this, make sure you're using the correct menu. This depends on the physical connection of the pedal:
- to the Axe-Fx, FM3, or FM9: use I/O menu > PEDAL.
- to an FC controller: go to Setup > FC Controllers.
- to a MIDI controller: use the calibration function on that controller.
Auto-engage
Similar to an optical Wah pedal, you can engage the Wah block automatically when moving the pedal. This is especially handy when using a spring-loaded pedal. To accomplish this, set Auto-Engage in the CONTROL parameter's modifier menu in the Wah block to either a speed or position-controlled setting.
To turn off the Wah at toe down position, instead of heel-down, set the OFF VALUE to 95%.
In current firmware, the Wah engages and bypasses with a gentle fade instead of an abrupt on/off.
Parameters
Control and Taper
The Control parameter controls the sweep. The Taper parameter selects the curve of the sweep. The taper number, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, is the percentage at the halfway point; Log 20A means that the resistance is 20% at the halfway point in the travel. So if you put the knob at noon, it would be 20% of maximum.
Maximum Frequency
Lowering this allows a high gain Wah tone to cut better through the mix.
Inductor Bias (Coil Bias)
Adjust the DC offset of the virtual inductor.
FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES
[1] Over time the inductors build up some slight permanent magnetism due to finite DC current through them. This causes asymmetric distortion.
Fat
FAT is a mix control. It adds dry signal. You can't ever get 100% dry, at max FAT it's 50/50.
Q Tracking
FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES
[2] Tracking controls how much the Q changes with the Control knob. The Q in a wah is not constant. The amount of Q change varies from brand to brand and model to model. It even varies between identical models due to component tolerances.
Graphic EQ
8-band Graphic EQ.
Output Level
When changing the Wah type, the output level is adjusted automatically because the output of the models has been matched to the original pedals.
FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES
[3] The levels were matched to the actual pedals.
[4] A typical wah has a gain of around 16 dB but it's a bandpass (sort of) response. If your amp is set clean then the output of the amp block will increase by 16 dB when the wah is engaged. Most amps have a response that rises with frequency response. So if the output of the amp block without the wah engaged was, say, 12 dB below full-scale at the high frequencies, it will be 4 dB over full-scale when the wah is engaged.
[5] A Wah boosts the volume at the center frequency. The cleaner the amp the less compression. A real amp would do the same thing. The easiest solution is to simply turn the level down in the wah block.
Tips, tricks and troubleshooting
Factory presets
Many Factory presets have a Wah block.
Seek Wah
The Seek Wah is a pedal by ZVEX, which uses a sequenced filter pattern. For an equivalent effect, assign the Sequencer controller to the Wah's CONTROL parameter. For a more pronounced effect, add a Formant block, attached to the same controller.
Try this factory preset: S/HIP AHOY.
Auto Wah
See Filter block
for more information.
Fixed Wah
To create the sound of a fixed Wah position, such as in Money For Nothing
by Dire Straits, set the CONTROL parameter to a fixed value. Look at the "MONEY FOR SOMETHING" factory preset.
Slow sweep
Attach the LFO internal controller to the Control parameter in the Wah block to create a slow evolving filter effect. Try the "VELVET SUN" factory preset on for size.
Prevent the thump
Auto Input Impedance can can cause a low-frequency thump when engaging the Wah. Read Input impedance
for more information.
Alternative to Auto-Engage
For an alternative approach to Auto-Engage, load Devin Townsend's preset from the Fractal Audio Gift of Tone series
or the HEVY DEVY
factory preset.
Using an pedal for multiple tasks
If you want the expression pedal to perform more tasks than a Wah only, read Expression pedals and external switches
to learn more.