Latest revision as of 12:39, 1 November 2024

Available on which products

Axe-Fx III, FM9, FM3: 1 block
VP4: not yet
Axe-Fx II, AX8, FX8: 1 instance

Channels or X/Y

The Looper doesn't support X/Y switching or channels.

About the Looper block

On the FM3, AX8 and Axe-Fx series, the Looper is a dedicated effect block, providing minutes of stereo or mono loop time. The FM3, FM9 or FC-6/FC-12 provide dedicated Looper controls.

On the Axe-Fx III, the Looper provides more than 5 minutes of stereo looping time.

The Looper block on the FM3 and FM9 is the same as on the Axe-Fx III, with 120 seconds of looping time.

On the FX8, the Looper is a global feature, which position is customizable.

Wikipedia's Loop (music) article has more information.

FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES

[1] We completely rewrote the Looper. Over five minutes of stereo recording with undo.

[2] Loopers have unique hardware requirements, i.e. lots of memory. General-purpose guitar processors like the Axe-Fx don't need the amounts of memory that loopers require and adding that memory for a single effect would increase costs, probably considerably. Furthermore the processors used in products like the Axe-Fx are limited in the amount of memory they can address. The DSP used in the Axe-Fx III is the most powerful commercial DSP available but it's still limited in its memory address space.
Also, most loopers trade off bit-depth and sample rate for loop time.
Therefore you're unlikely to ever find a multi-effect that has the loop time and features as a dedicated looper.
If I were to make a dedicated looper I probably wouldn't use a DSP but something like an ARM with a lot of external address space. There isn't really much audio processing required, it's mostly memory access.

Position of the Looper block on the grid

If the Looper block is placed before the Amp block, changing amp models will change the sound while the loop is running.

If the Looper block is placed after the Amp block, changing amp models will NOT change the sound while the loop is running.

Legacy devices

Axe-Fx II

Mono — 60 seconds

Stereo — 30 seconds

Mono with Undo — 30 seconds

Stereo with Undo — 15 seconds

AX8

Mono — 4 minutes

Stereo — 2 minutes

Mono with Undo — 2 minutes

Stereo with Undo — 1 minutes

Looper Control Mode is accessed using a F-switch.

FX8

The Looper in the FX8 has additional features. It's a global looper so it's always present, in every preset. It can be positioned in different locations. It can be disabled, which decreases CPU usage.

Mono— 8 minutes

Stereo — 4 minutes

Mono with Undo — 4 minutes

Stereo with Undo — 2 minutes

Locations:

IN PRE
IN POST
OUT PRE
OUT POST

The location can be set in the Setup menu and can be overridden per preset.

If you can't hear the Looper, check the LOOPER LOCATION. It must not be set to NO LOOPER. If it is set to GLOBAL, check the GLOBAL LOOPER LOCATION in the Setup menu to ensure that it is not set to NO LOOPER. This may also be due to PRE/POST settings. If your rig uses only the PRE chain or only the POST chain, set LOOPER LOCATION accordingly.

Parameters

Max Loop Time

This sets the maximum recording time. It allows a loop to be automatically created once the loop time exceeds this value.

If recording and time reaches the maximum recording time the mode changes to that specified by Record 2nd Press, only on the first pass of a new recording.

(Record) Threshold

If enabled, recording will not start until the input level passes the specified threshold, set by the Threshold parameter. If you press Record, you will see the indicator come on and then turn off. This means it is waiting for input to start recording. Once you start playing you'll see the indicator come on and you are recording.

Axe-Fx III, FM9 and FM3 – Use the soft knob or main Value knob to adjust the threshold value, or use the Record Threshold parameter on the Config page. When set to a value greater than -80 dB recording will not start until the input signal exceeds the set value. The Record icon will blink when the Looper is armed for recording and will turn solid when recording starts. The meter at the bottom of the page can be used to help set the Threshold. Use the soft knob or main Value knob to adjust the threshold value or use the Record Threshold parameter on the Config page.

Crossfade

When set to ON, the loop fades out/in at the end/start of the loop.

Record

Start recording or enables overdubbing. There's no separate Overdub control on the Axe-Fx III, FM3 and FM9.

What happens when you press Record a second time is user-definable, see below.

Record 2nd Press

Axe-Fx III, FM9 and FM3 only.

The choices are:

Overdub: The second press ends the loop and enters Overdub mode.
Play: The second press ends the loop and enters Play mode.
Stop: The second press ends the loop.

Trim Start, Trim End

These are available on the Axe-Fx III, FM9, FM3 and AX8 only.

Use these to adjust the start and end points of the loop. The graph on the Control page provides visualization of the loop and the start/end points.

Quantize

Quantize will automatically trim your recording to the nearest beat and is recommended to be used in conjunction with Threshold.

To use: Press Record, then start playing on a downbeat click. Press Record again to stop.

If you stop slightly too soon or too late it will automatically trim the recording to the length. Also, it will automatically start playback on the downbeat, so if you stop playback and start it up again later, it should always come back in on the beat.

Undo/Erase

When recording, this operates as Undo, removing the last recorded stack layer.
When playing the loop, this enables or disables the last Undo operation. Subsequent presses toggle the layer on and off.
When looping is stopped this changes into Erase, completely erasing the recorded loop.

Undo/Erase requires CPU cycles briefly. When used with presets with high CPU utilization this can result in warnings or audible pops.

(Half) Speed

When Speed is set to HALF, the virtual tape runs at half the normal speed. The speed can be also be toggled via a MIDI CC message.

Remote control

FM3

The FM3 and FM9 allow the onboard switches to be assigned to Looper functionality, or you can assign these to a connected FC controller.

FC-6 and FC-12 controllers

The FC controllers let you operate the Looper.

Foot switches

Assign the Looper controls, such as Play and Record, to external switches for remote control. Some functionality requires a latching switch, for other stuff a momentary switch is required.

You can also assign Looper Record/Play to an external switch, for easy access at all times.

If you use a controller with Tap and Hold functions, be aware that the function triggers on the upstroke of the switch, not the down. To avoid this, don't assign a HOLD function to the RECORD and PLAY switches. Alternately, set Looper Record second Tap to PLAY and use that to end your recordings.

MIDI CCs

The Axe-Fx II uses these MIDI CCs for remote control.

Record: 28
Play: 29
Once: 30
Dub: 31
Rev: 32
Bypass: 33
Half: 120
Undo: 121

The Axe-Fx III, FM9 and FM3 let you map MIDI commands to the Looper in the Setup menu.

MFC-101 Looper Control Mode

The MFC-101 MIDI foot controller has a Looper Control Mode. This mode is enabled by pressing and holding the Reveal switch. The MFC-101 will display "LOOPER CONTROL MODE" for two seconds and the red LED will be lit on the Reveal switch. This mode is disabled by selecting the Reveal switch. In Edit > Setup you can select if this requires short or long pressing-and-holding. You can also disable Looper Control Mode altogether.

MFC-101 Looper Control Mode Mini Manual

FX8 and AX8

The AX and FX8 allow the onboard switches to be assigned to Looper functionality.

Tips, tricks and troubleshooting

No Global blocks

The Looper block doesn't support Global blocks.

No delay when pressing Record

Switches on the FM3, FM9 and FC controllers that have a secondary HOLD function, typically engage on the "release" action, instead of on the "press" action. This can cause an undesired delay when operating the looper, especially when pressing the Record switch. Solve this by disabling the HOLD function of the switch.

Use the Looper for sound tweaking

The Looper is an excellent tool for tweaking sounds. Place it before before the Amp block, and record a loop. Now keep playing it back while you adjust amp settings, change the cab, adjust effects etc. You'll hear the differences in real time.

Or use it to compare two sounds. Place it after the Amp block and record. Start tweaking. When you want to hear the original tone, play back the sample.

No gap when switching presets

The loop buffer will be erased when switching presets, unless Spillover is enabled in the Setup menu. To survive preset switching, both presets must contain the Looper, set to the same mode.

Route the Looper output

The Output blocks and effects loops on the Axe-Fx III, FM9 and FM3 make it easy to send the signal coming from the Looper to a specific output for further processing and routing.

Use the Looper for a soundcheck

Record a loop and press Play. Now get off the stage, walk around the venue and listen.

Videos

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-[[file:Looper.png]]
+__TOC__
+=Available on which products=
-=Manual=
+* '''Axe-Fx III''', '''FM9''', '''FM3''': 1 block
+* '''VP4''': not yet
+* '''Axe-Fx II''', '''AX8''', '''FX8''': 1 instance
-{{5.16 Looper (LPR)}}
+=Channels or X/Y=
-=User contributions=
+The Looper doesn't support X/Y switching or channels.
-==Features==
+=About the Looper block=
-* The Axe-Fx II Looper is a dedicated effect block (in the Ultra it's a mode within the Delay block). Through firmware updates its features have been expanded considerably. It's possible to select Half Time, Undo, Threshold, Quantize, and choose between Mono / Stereo. Note that you can record with Half Time switched on, and then turn it off during playback for very fast riffing.
-* The Axe-Fx II XL has the same looper time as the regular Axe-Fx II.
-==Tutorial==
+On the FM3, AX8 and Axe-Fx series, the Looper is a dedicated effect block, providing minutes of stereo or mono loop time. The FM3, FM9 or FC-6/FC-12 provide dedicated Looper controls.
-* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyUdOP91GkE&list=PLA2CD645339DDC664&index=2 Tutorial]
-==Modes==
+On the Axe-Fx III, the Looper provides more than 5 minutes of stereo looping time.
-* You can decide how to put the available looper memory to best use. Possible modes:
-** Mono - 60 seconds
-** Stereo - 30 seconds
-** Mono with Undo - 30 seconds
-** Stereo with Undo - 15 seconds
-==Threshold==
+The Looper block on the  FM3 and FM9 is the same as on the Axe-Fx III, with 120 seconds of looping time.
-* With Threshold switched on, recording will not start until the input level passes the specified threshold, set by the Threshold Level parameter. If you press record, you will see the indicator come on and then turn off. This means it is waiting for input to start recording. Once you start playing you'll see the indicator come on and you are recording.
+On the FX8, the Looper is a global feature, which position is customizable.
+Wikipedia's [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loop_(music) Loop (music)] article has more information.
+<blockquote>
+'''FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES'''
+<HR>
+<blockquote>
+[https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/so-whats-new-on-the-iii-axe-fx-ii-vs-iii.134729/post-1592607]
+We completely rewrote the Looper. Over five minutes of stereo recording with undo.
+</blockquote>
+<blockquote>
+[https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/more-looper-block-memory-slots.163688/post-2006402]
+Loopers have unique hardware requirements, i.e. lots of memory. General-purpose guitar processors like the Axe-Fx don't need the amounts of memory that loopers require and adding that memory for a single effect would increase costs, probably considerably. Furthermore the processors used in products like the Axe-Fx are limited in the amount of memory they can address. The DSP used in the Axe-Fx III is the most powerful commercial DSP available but it's still limited in its memory address space.
+Also, most loopers trade off bit-depth and sample rate for loop time.
+Therefore you're unlikely to ever find a multi-effect that has the loop time and features as a dedicated looper.
+If I were to make a dedicated looper I probably wouldn't use a DSP but something like an ARM with a lot of external address space. There isn't really much audio processing required, it's mostly memory access.
+</blockquote>
+</blockquote>
+=Position of the Looper block on the grid=
+If the Looper block is placed ''before'' the Amp block, changing amp models will change the sound while the loop is running.
+If the Looper block is placed ''after'' the Amp block, changing amp models will NOT change the sound while the loop is running.
+=Legacy devices=
+==Axe-Fx II==
+Mono — 60 seconds
+Stereo — 30 seconds
+Mono with Undo — 30 seconds
+Stereo with Undo — 15 seconds
+==AX8==
+Mono — 4 minutes
+Stereo — 2 minutes
+Mono with Undo — 2 minutes
+Stereo with Undo — 1 minutes
+Looper Control Mode is accessed using a F-switch.
+==FX8==
+The Looper in the FX8 has additional features. It's a global looper so it's always present, in every preset. It can be positioned in different locations. It can be disabled, which decreases CPU usage.
+Mono— 8 minutes
+Stereo — 4 minutes
+Mono with Undo — 4 minutes
+Stereo with Undo — 2 minutes
+Locations:
+* IN PRE
+* IN POST
+* OUT PRE
+* OUT POST
+The location can be set in the [[Setup menu]] and can be overridden per preset.
+If you can't hear the Looper, check the LOOPER LOCATION. It must not be set to NO LOOPER. If it is set to GLOBAL, check the GLOBAL LOOPER LOCATION in the [[Setup menu]] to ensure that it is not set to NO LOOPER. This may also be due to PRE/POST settings. If your rig uses only the PRE chain or only the POST chain, set LOOPER LOCATION accordingly.
+=Parameters=
+==Max Loop Time==
+This sets the maximum recording time. It allows a loop to be automatically created once the loop time exceeds this value.
+If recording and time reaches the maximum recording time the mode changes to that specified by Record 2nd Press, only on the first pass of a new recording.
+==(Record) Threshold==
+If enabled, recording will not start until the input level passes the specified threshold, set by the Threshold parameter. If you press Record, you will see the indicator come on and then turn off. This means it is waiting for input to start recording. Once you start playing you'll see the indicator come on and you are recording.
+'''Axe-Fx III, FM9 and FM3''' – Use the soft knob or main Value knob to adjust the threshold value, or use the Record Threshold parameter on the Config page. When set to a value greater than -80 dB recording will not start until the input signal exceeds the set value. The Record icon will blink when the Looper is armed for recording and will turn solid when recording starts. The meter at the bottom of the page can be used to help set the Threshold. Use the soft knob or main Value knob to adjust the threshold value or use the Record Threshold parameter on the Config page.
+==Crossfade==
+When set to ON, the loop fades out/in at the end/start of the loop.
+==Record==
+Start recording or enables overdubbing. There's no separate Overdub control on the Axe-Fx III, FM3 and FM9.
+What happens when you press Record a second time is user-definable, see below.
+==Record 2nd Press==
+Axe-Fx III, FM9 and FM3 only.
+The choices are:
+; Overdub : The second press ends the loop and enters Overdub mode.
+; Play    : The second press ends the loop and enters Play mode.
+; Stop    : The second press ends the loop.
+==Trim Start, Trim End==
+These are available on the Axe-Fx III, FM9, FM3 and AX8 only.
+Use these to adjust the start and end points of the loop. The graph on the Control page provides visualization of the loop and the start/end points.
 ==Quantize==
-* Quantize will automatically chop your recording to the nearest 1/4 note tempo click. Recommended to use in conjunction with Threshold. Press Record, then start playing on a downbeat click. Press Record again to stop. If you stop slightly too soon or late it will automatically trim the recording to the length. Also, it will automatically start playback on the downbeat. So if you stop playback and start it up again later, it should always come back in on the beat.
-==Undo==
+Quantize will automatically trim your recording to the nearest beat and is recommended to be used in conjunction with Threshold.
-* Undo will remove the most recently recorded stack layer. If you're not in a mode with Undo, it doesn't do anything.
-* Note that Undo requires CPU cycles during a brief moment. When used with presets with high CPU utilization, this can result in warnings or audible pops.
+To use: Press Record, then start playing on a downbeat click. Press Record again to stop.
+If you stop slightly too soon or too late it will automatically trim the recording to the length. Also, it will automatically start playback on the downbeat, so if you stop playback and start it up again later, it should always come back in on the beat.
+==Undo/Erase==
+* When recording, this operates as Undo, removing the last recorded stack layer.
+* When playing the loop, this enables or disables the last Undo operation. Subsequent presses toggle the layer on and off.
+* When looping is stopped this changes into Erase, completely erasing the recorded loop.
+Undo/Erase requires CPU cycles briefly. When used with presets with high CPU utilization this can result in warnings or audible pops.
+==(Half) Speed==
+When Speed is set to HALF, the virtual tape runs at half the normal speed. The speed can be also be toggled via a MIDI CC message.
+=Remote control=
-==New firmware features==
+==FM3==
-* Firmware 10:
-** "Trim" allows the user to trim the start and end points of the loop. Use Nav keys to select either Start or End and then turn the value wheel to adjust the trim. Modifiers can be attached to Start or End by hitting Enter when either one is selected. Also, this new page will show a playback indicator and drawing of the loop waveform.
-** New Looper parameter "Play Immediate" (on Page 2) determines if playback starts immediately after user presses "Record" to finish a recording. This allows flexibility to allow a user to record a loop and save it for later as opposed to always starting playback immediately (note that even if this parameter is set to OFF, the user could still press "Play" to finish a recording and have it start playing immediately).
-** User can now press "Overdub" to finish a recording and it will immediately go into Play w/Overdub mode.
-** Modifiers can now be attached to Looper Play, Reverse, and Half parameters. These can be attached on Page 2. The state of the parameters is indicated but cannot be changed from this page, only from Page 1. NOTE: Modifiers are IGNORED if Record mode is ON. This prevents the user from having to de-attach and re-attach modifiers when recording new loops.
-* Firmware 14:
-** 1. Improved handling of quantization. If recording is stopped early, the Looper will automatically continue recording until the next down beat rather than extend the length of the loop by adding silence. If recording is stopped late, the Looper will automatically start playback that far into the loop rather than waiting for the next downbeat. When play is stopped and re-started the Looper no longer waits for the Axe-FX II"s internal tempo downbeat. This makes it easier to resync up with an external tempo source when starting and stopping playback.
-** Improved handling of modifiers on Loop Start and Loop End parameters. Changing one of these values no longer alters the min/max of the other. So for example an external controller could be assigned to both Start and End simultaneously to allow sweeping over a playback region.
-** Added the ability to pre-select Reverse before recording. When recording is finished the loop will automatically start playing back in Reverse.
-** Changed Quantize parameter to have 4 values: OFF, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16 to support quantizing to subdivisions of the quarter note.
-** Added new parameter "Record Beats". If set to a value > 0 and Quantize is turned it then the Looper will automatically record for the specified number of beats (unless stopped earlier by user).
-** Fixed a bug where using Undo and 1/2 speed could cause the unit to exceed maximum CPU.
-** Various internal efficiency improvements.
-==Using switches==
+The FM3 and FM9 allow the onboard switches to be assigned to Looper functionality, or you can assign these to a connected FC controller.
-* Go to I/O > Ctrl to assign the looper controls (such as Play and Record) to floorcontroller switches. Some functionality requires a latching switch, for other stuff a momentary switch is required. A walkthrough for the MFC-101 is [http://wiki.fractalaudio.com/index.php?title=Yeks_MFC-101_How-Tos_page here].
-==Surviving preset switching==
+==FC-6 and FC-12 controllers==
-* The loop buffer will be erased when switching presets, unless Spillover is enabled. To survive preset switching, both presets must contain the Looper block, set to the same mode.
-==Handy when dialing in tones==
+The FC controllers let you operate the Looper.
-* Use the Looper to dialing in amp tones. Place it before before the Amp block, and record a "unamped" guitar tone. Now keep playing it back while adjusting amp settings. You'll hear the differences in real time. Alternatively, use it to compare two sounds. Place it after the Amp block and record. Start tweaking. When you want to hear the original tone, play back the sample.
+==Foot switches==
+Assign the Looper controls, such as Play and Record, to external switches for remote control. Some functionality requires a latching switch, for other stuff a momentary switch is required.
+You can also assign Looper Record/Play to an external switch, for easy access at all times.
+If you use a controller with Tap and Hold functions, be aware that the function triggers on the upstroke of the switch, not the down. To avoid this, don't assign a HOLD function to the RECORD and PLAY switches. Alternately, set Looper Record second Tap to PLAY and use that to end your recordings.
+==MIDI CCs==
+The Axe-Fx II uses these MIDI CCs for remote control.
+* Record: <samp>28</samp>
+* Play:   <samp>29</samp>
+* Once:   <samp>30</samp>
+* Dub:    <samp>31</samp>
+* Rev:    <samp>32</samp>
+* Bypass: <samp>33</samp>
+* Half:   <samp>120</samp>
+* Undo:   <samp>121</samp>
+The Axe-Fx III, FM9 and FM3 let you map MIDI commands to the Looper in the Setup menu.
 ==MFC-101 Looper Control Mode==
-* The MFC-101 (firmware 2.11 and later) has a Looper Control Mode. This mode is enabled by pressing and holding the Reveal switch on the MFC-101. In Edit > Setup you can select if this requires short or long pressing-and-holding. You can also disable Looper Control Mode altogether. More information: [http://www.fractalaudio.com/downloads/manuals/mfc-101/MFC-101-Looper-Control-Mode.pdf MFC-101 Looper Control Mode Mini Manual].
-==Panning the Looper==
+The MFC-101 MIDI foot controller has a Looper Control Mode. This mode is enabled by pressing and holding the Reveal switch. The MFC-101 will display "LOOPER CONTROL MODE" for two seconds and the red LED will be lit on the Reveal switch. This mode is disabled by selecting the Reveal switch. In Edit > Setup you can select if this requires short or long pressing-and-holding. You can also disable Looper Control Mode altogether.
-* See [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii-discussion/79655-panning-looper.html this thread] for an idea how to pan the Looper to one side when starting playback.
+[[Owners_Manuals| MFC-101 Looper Control Mode Mini Manual]]
+[[image:LooperControlMode.png|250px|link=]]
+==FX8 and AX8==
+The AX and FX8 allow the onboard switches to be assigned to Looper functionality.
+=Tips, tricks and troubleshooting=
+==No Global blocks==
+The Looper block doesn't support [[Global blocks]].
+==No delay when pressing Record==
+Switches on the FM3, FM9 and FC controllers that have a secondary HOLD function, typically engage on the "release" action, instead of on the "press" action. This can cause an undesired delay when operating the looper, especially when pressing the Record switch. Solve this by disabling the HOLD function of the switch.
+==Use the Looper for sound tweaking==
+The Looper is an excellent tool for tweaking sounds. Place it before before the Amp block, and record a loop. Now keep playing it back while you adjust amp settings, change the cab, adjust effects etc. You'll hear the differences in real time.
+Or use it to compare two sounds. Place it after the Amp block and record. Start tweaking. When you want to hear the original tone, play back the sample.
+==No gap when switching presets==
+The loop buffer will be erased when switching presets, unless Spillover is enabled in the [[Setup menu]].
+To survive preset switching, both presets must contain the Looper, set to the same mode.
+==Route the Looper output==
+The Output blocks and effects loops on the Axe-Fx III, FM9 and FM3 make it easy to send the signal coming from the Looper to a specific output for further processing and routing.
+==Use the Looper for a soundcheck==
+Record a loop and press Play. Now get off the stage, walk around the venue and listen.
+=Videos=
-[[image:looperControl.png|link=]]
+[[video:Bernt-Looper]]
+[[video:Rosh-Looper]]
+[[video:FSM-Looper]]
+[[video::Leon-Looper]]
+[[video:Leon-LooperAX8]]
-[[category:Presets and effects]]
+[[category:Axe-Fx2]]
+[[category:Axe-Fx3]]
+[[category:FM3]]
+[[category:FM9]]
+[[category:AX8]]
+[[category:FX8]]
+[[category:Sounds]]
+[[category:All]]

Difference between revisions of "Looper block"