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Difference between revisions of "Wah block"

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__TOC__
 
__TOC__
 
[[image:EV-1 rear.png|link=|150px]]
 
  
 
=Available on which products=
 
=Available on which products=
  
*''' Axe-Fx III''': 2 blocks
+
* ''' Axe-Fx III''', ''' FM9''', ''' FM3''': 2 blocks
*''' FM3''': yes
+
* ''' Axe-Fx II''': 2 blocks
*''' Axe-Fx II''': 2 blocks
 
 
* '''AX8''': 1 block
 
* '''AX8''': 1 block
 
* '''FX8''': 2 blocks
 
* '''FX8''': 2 blocks
  
=Channels or X/Y switching=
+
=Channels or X/Y=
  
*''' Axe-Fx III''': 4 channels
+
*''' Axe-Fx III''', '''FM9''', '''MF3''': 4 channels
*''' FM3''': 4 channels
+
* '''Axe-Fx II''', '''AX8''', '''FX8''': X/Y
* '''Axe-Fx II''': X/Y
 
* '''AX8''': X/Y
 
* '''FX8''': X/Y
 
  
=List of modeled Wah pedals=
+
=Wah types=
  
* '''FAS Standard''' – Equivalent to the “Bandpass” setting in earlier firmware
+
# '''Clyde''' – Original Vox Clyde McCoy wah
* '''Clyde''' – Based on an original Vox Clyde McCoy wah
+
# '''Color-Tone''' – Sola Colorsound wah
* '''Cry Babe''' – Based on a Dunlop Cry Baby
+
# '''Cry Babe''' – Dunlop Cry Baby
* '''VX846''' – Based on a Vox V846-HW handwired wah
+
# '''FAS Wah''' – Fractal Audio's wah model
* '''Color-Tone''' – Based on a Colorsound wah
+
# '''Funk Wah''' – Sound from the “Shaft” movie
* '''Funk''' – Modeled after the “Shaft” sound
+
# '''Mortal''' – Morley wah/volume pedal
* '''Mortal''' – Based on a Morley wah/volume pedal
+
# '''Paragon''' – Tycobrahe Parapedal
* '''VX485''' – Based on a Vox V845
+
# '''VX485''' – Vox V845
 +
# '''VX846''' – Vox V846-HW handwired wah (SRV!)
  
[http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/fas-amps-models-gallery-more-qu-8-02.105944 Pictures of the real pedals, by MDProd]
+
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>.
  
Recreate other wah pedals by copying frequency range settings from manufacturer's manuals. Like this: [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/petrucci-and-cantrell-wah.128421/#post-1525516 forum member Leon Todd clones Dunlop's Petrucci and Cantrell wah pedals]
+
=Wah block position on the grid=
  
=Position of the Wah block=
+
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.
  
The Wah block is usually placed ''before'' the Amp block. Unless you want to sound like Tom Morello, in which case it should be placed ''after'' the Amp block, or even after the Cab block.
+
=Set up an expression pedal=
  
=Setting up a Wah 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.
  
[[Remote control, pedals and switches | More information about expression pedals]]
+
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:
  
Make sure to calibrate 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=
 
=Auto-engage=
  
Similar to an optical Wah pedal, you can engage the Wah block automatically when moving the expression pedal. This is especially handy when using a spring-loaded pedal. To accomplish this, set Auto-Engage in the Wah Control's modifier menu to either a speed-controlled or position-controlled setting.
+
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%.
  
If you want the Wah to be bypassed automatically at toe-down position (simulating a virtual toe switch), instead of heel-down, select a position-controlled setting and set OFF VAL in the modifier menu to 95%.
+
In current firmware, the Wah engages and bypasses with a gentle fade instead of an abrupt on/off.
  
 
=Parameters=
 
=Parameters=
  
==Parameters table==
+
==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.
  
{| class="wikitable"
+
==Maximum Frequency==
|-
 
! '''Parameter'''
 
! '''Axe-Fx III / FM3'''
 
! '''Axe-Fx II'''
 
! '''AX8 / FX8'''
 
|-
 
| Type
 
! yes
 
! yes
 
! yes
 
|-
 
| Wah Control
 
! yes
 
! yes
 
! yes
 
|-
 
| Control Taper
 
! yes
 
! yes
 
! yes
 
|-
 
| Resonance Q
 
! yes
 
! yes
 
! yes
 
|-
 
| Q Tracking
 
! yes
 
! yes
 
! yes
 
|-
 
| Low Cut Frequency
 
! yes
 
! yes
 
! yes
 
|-
 
| Minimum/Maximum Frequency
 
! yes
 
! yes
 
! yes
 
|-
 
| Fat
 
! yes
 
! yes
 
! yes
 
|-
 
| Drive
 
! yes
 
! yes
 
! yes
 
|-
 
| Inductor Bias / Coil Bias
 
! yes
 
! yes
 
! yes
 
|-
 
| EQ
 
! yes
 
! no
 
! no
 
|}
 
  
==Tracking==
+
Lowering this allows a high gain Wah tone to cut better through the mix.
  
<blockquote>"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." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/small-tip-for-the-wah-block-the-tracking-parameter.79738/#post-969579 source] </blockquote>
+
==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==
  
<blockquote>"FAT is actually a mix control. It adds dry signal so you can't ever get 100% dry. At max FAT it's 50/50."  [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/dry-signal-mix-in-wah-block.106203/#post-1271517 source] </blockquote>
+
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>
  
==Max Freq==
+
<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>
  
Decreasing Max Freq helps to make a high gain wah tone cut better through the mix.
+
==Graphic EQ==
  
==Coil Bias==
+
8-band Graphic EQ.
  
Named "Inductor Bias" in firmware Ares.
+
==Output Level==
  
This allows the user to adjust the DC offset of the virtual inductor.
+
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>"Over time the inductors build up some slight permanent magnetism due to finite DC current through them. This causes asymmetric distortion." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/axe-fx-ii-quantum-rev-6-00-firmware-released.121149/page-12#post-1442627 source] </blockquote>
+
<BLOCKQUOTE>
 +
'''FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES'''
 +
<HR>
  
==EQ==
+
<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>
  
The 8-band EQ was added in firmware Ares 1.16.
+
<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>
  
==Output Level==
+
<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>
  
When changing the Wah type, Level is also adjusted automatically because the output of the models has been matched to the original pedals (firmware Quantum 6 and later). [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/axe-fx-ii-quantum-rev-6-00-firmware-released.121149/page-11#post-1442565 source]
+
=Tips, tricks and troubleshooting=
  
<blockquote>"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." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/wah-clipping-on-cleans.122027/#post-1452980 source] </blockquote>
+
==Factory presets==
  
=Special effects=
+
Many [[Factory presets]] have a Wah block.
  
 
==Seek Wah==
 
==Seek Wah==
  
The Seek Wah is a pedal by ZVEX based on a sequenced filter pattern. For an equivalent effect, assign the Sequencer internal controller to the Control parameter. For a more pronounced effect, add a Formant filter, attached to the same controller.
+
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==
  
Read this: [[Filter block]].
+
See <q>[[Filter block]]</q> for more information.
  
 
==Fixed Wah==
 
==Fixed Wah==
  
Simulate a fixed Wah position (i.e. Money For Nothing by Dire Straits) by setting the Control parameter to a specific fixed value.
+
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==
  
==Slow filter==
+
Auto Input Impedance can can cause a low-frequency thump when engaging the Wah. Read <q>[[Input impedance]]</q> for more information.
  
Attach the LFO internal controller to the Control parameter in the Wah block to create a slow evolving filter effect.
+
==Alternative to Auto-Engage==
  
=Troubleshooting=
+
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.
  
==Engaging the Wah causes a thump==
+
==Using an pedal for multiple tasks==
  
<blockquote>"The thump isn't the wah, it's the Input Impedance changing. If your preset is set to Auto for the Input Z, when you engage the wah the impedance switches. This causes a slight thump if you are playing since the load on your guitar changes. If you want to avoid this, turn Input Impedance to 1M OHM." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/wah-smooth-crossover-for-autoeng.46390/#post-671237 source] </blockquote>
+
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.
  
<blockquote>"Set the Input-Z on the preset to 1M rather than Auto. The reason the Wah engages abruptly is because it switches the input impedance. Setting Input-Z to 1M overrides the impedance switch (and, frankly, sounds better IMO)." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/auto-engage-smoothness.55585/#post-701047 source] </blockquote>
+
=Videos=
  
This doesn't apply to the AX8 (and FM3?) because its input impedance is fixed at 1 MOhm (not adjustable).
+
[[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: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

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

  1. Clyde – Original Vox Clyde McCoy wah
  2. Color-Tone – Sola Colorsound wah
  3. Cry Babe – Dunlop Cry Baby
  4. FAS Wah – Fractal Audio's wah model
  5. Funk Wah – Sound from the “Shaft” movie
  6. Mortal – Morley wah/volume pedal
  7. Paragon – Tycobrahe Parapedal
  8. VX485 – Vox V845
  9. 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.

Videos