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Difference between revisions of "Fractal-Bot"

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__TOC__
 
__TOC__
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[[image:Fractal-Bot.png|125px|link=http://www.fractalaudio.com/fractal-bot.php]]
 
 
=About Fractal-Bot=
 
=About Fractal-Bot=
  
−
Fractal-Bot is a simple and free utility from Fractal Audio that lets you easily transfer data to and from your Fractal Audio device. It's not an editor.
+
Fractal-Bot is a free software utility for Fractal Audio devices.
  
−
You can use Fractal-Bot to:
+
It lets you do the following:
  
−
* update the firmware of the device (processor or foot controller)
+
* Update the firmware of the device
−
* send and retrieve single presets or preset banks
+
* Update the USB firmware of the device
−
* send and retrieve a single IR or cab banks
+
* Import or export single presets, or entire preset banks
−
* send and retrieve system data
+
* Import or export a single IR, or entire cab banks
−
* create and restore a backup of the system data, including Global Blocks
+
* Backup and restore system data, including [[Global blocks]]
−
* fix a "bricked" device
+
* Backup and restore the FC controllers settings
  
−
[http://www.fractalaudio.com/fractal-bot.php Download the latest (standalone) version of Fractal-Bot for Windows or OS X)]
+
[http://www.fractalaudio.com/fractal-bot.php Download the latest standalone version of Fractal-Bot (Windows or macOS)]
  
−
[[Owners_Manuals|Read the manual]]
+
Fractal-Bot is also embedded in the editors. The embedded version is more convenient, whereas the standalone version has some additional capabilities.
  
−
[http://forum.fractalaudio.com/forums/fractal-bot.76/ Visit the discussion forum]
+
For more information see:
 +
* [[Owners Manuals]]
 +
* [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/forums/fractal-bot.76/ Fractal-Bot forum]
 +
* <q>[http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/wicked-wiki-5-no-excuse-for-no-backup.49204/ WICKED WIKI 5: No Excuse for No Backup]</q>
  
−
=Read First=
+
[[image:Fractal-Bot.png|125px|link=http://www.fractalaudio.com/fractal-bot.php]]
  
−
[https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/fractal-bot-read-this-first.168000/ This forum post] provides essential information about using Fractal-Bot.
+
=Read this first=
  
−
=Connect Fractal-Bot=
+
* Always create '''backups''' of your presets etc. on a regular basis! Fractal-Bot makes it fast and easy.
 +
* To connect Fractal-Bot to your Windows computer, you may need to install a '''driver''' for your operating system. read this: [[USB]].
 +
* Use the correct '''USB port'''.
 +
* Fractal-Bot is available as a '''standalone''' application, and as an '''embedded''' tool in the editors.
 +
* In case of issues, verify that you're running the '''latest version''' of Fractal-Bot. Fractal-Bot checks for updates itself and will notify you if an update is available.
 +
* In case of connection issues, try another '''USB cable''' first.
 +
* To prevent communications issues, '''don't run Fractal-Bot and the editor at the same time'''.
 +
* If Fractal-Bot '''hangs''' during transfers, check for a corrupted preset or cab.
 +
* When using '''[[Global blocks]]''' in your presets, make sure to back up the system data too.
 +
* After restoring system data to your device, always shut down your device and '''boot''' it again.
 +
* Fractal-Bot doesn't save your editor's '''[[Library]]''' (block library). The contents are stored on your computer.
 +
* If you've restored presets to your device with Fractal-Bot, and they don't seem to appear on your device, make sure that the device is running '''current firmware''' and '''refresh''' the list.
 +
* When using an Axe-Fx II, disable '''USB Adapter Mode'''.
 +
* If something goes wrong when installing new firmware, and your device won't boot, read this: '''[[Emergency boot recovery]]'''.
  
−
Fractal-Bot uses the same kind of connection as the editor does.
+
=Using Fractal-Bot=
  
−
Note: when using a USB-C to USB adapter on a newer Apple computer, plug the USB-C adapter into a the port on the Mac first, allow it several seconds to “wake up” and then connect a USB cable and Axe-Fx III into the adapter.
+
==Launch from editor==
  
−
=Launch Fractal-Bot from the editor=
+
The embedded version of Fractal-Bot is located in the editors' Tools menu. It is the same as the standalone version.
  
−
Fractal-Bot is also an integral part of the current editors' Tools menu. It has the same functionality as the standalone version.
+
==Connect==
  
−
=Update Fractal-Bot=
+
Fractal-Bot uses the same kind of connection as the editor does. Read this: [[Editors]]
  
−
Fractal-Bot checks for updates itself and will notify you if an update is available.
+
To prevent communications issues, don't run Fractal-Bot and the editor at the same time.
  
−
=Update firmware with Fractal-Bot=
+
To connect Fractal-Bot to your Windows computer, you may need to install a '''driver''' for your operating system first. Read this: [[USB]].
  
−
[[image:Icon-firmware.png|link=]]
+
==Auto-update Fractal-Bot==
  
−
Read this: [[Firmware]]
+
Fractal-Bot checks for updates itself and will notify you if an update is available.
  
−
=Access the hidden Utility mode=
+
==Update device firmware==
  
−
In some cases, Fractal-Bot needs to operate in a special mode.
+
Read this: [[Firmware]]
  
−
# Hold CTRL (Windows) or COMMAND (Mac), and:
+
The "Auto-Update Firmware" feature in Fractal-Bot does not signal '''beta''' versions of firmware.
−
# Click "Select Device" to reveal and select the hidden “Utility” menu option
 
−
# Select the output port
 
−
# A MIDI Buffer Delay will appear, set this to 300 ms
 
  
−
This mode is used, for example, to update the low-level USB firmware of the Axe-Fx III (not the main DSP firmware) and the low-level firmware of the FC controllers.
+
==Install factory presets==
  
−
=Hardware-specific features=
+
Read this: [[Factory presets]]
  
−
==Axe-Fx III==
+
==Utility mode==
  
−
Save and restore presets and user cabs, and create a backup of the system data, including Global Blocks and FC Controllers configuration.
+
In some cases, the standalone version of Fractal-Bot is used to operate in a special (hidden) mode:
  
−
==FM9==
+
# Hold <kbd>CTRL</kbd> on Windows or <kbd>COMMAND</kbd> on macOS
 +
# Click <q>Select Device</q> to reveal and select the hidden <q>Utility</q> menu option
 +
# Select the output port
 +
# A MIDI Buffer Delay will appear, set this to 300 ms
  
−
Same as Axe-Fx III, except Global Blocks.
+
=Tips, tricks and troubleshooting=
  
−
==FM3==
+
==Check available firmware==
  
−
Same as Axe-Fx III, except Global Blocks.
+
Hold down the Control key on Windows or the Command key on Mac, and click on the device in the device drop down. Fractal-Bot will display the most recent official firmware that's available on Fractal Audio's server. [https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/incorrect-dyna-cab-version-after-update.207622/#post-2591245]
−
 
 
−
==Axe-Fx II==
 
−
 
 
−
Save and restore presets and user cabs, and create a backup of system data, including Global Blocks.
 
−
 
 
−
If you use Global Blocks in your presets, DO NOT FORGET to always backup the System data area as well. A backup of your presets alone does not contain the Global Block data.
 
−
 
 
−
'''Axe-Fx II Mk I or Mk II''' – You can also backup banks of presets and system data to onboard memory. You can restore a single preset from onboard memory or the onboard factory presets using “Fetch” in the Utility menu
 
−
 
 
−
'''XL and XL+''' – Saving presets to onboard memory is not possible, but a backup of system data can be stored in onboard memory
 
−
 
 
−
<blockquote>"The XL does not have a backup to FLASH function because the presets are all in FLASH. If the battery dies you don't lose your presets so there is no need to back them up. The system data IS battery-backed and the backup function saves system data to FLASH." [https://forum.fractalaudio.com/posts/1046313]</blockquote>
 
−
 
 
−
User cabs:
 
−
 
 
−
'''Axe-Fx II Mk I and Mk II''' – User cabs 0-49 are included in a system backup. Cabs 50 and up are saved in a different area of memory and are not saved or restored when doing a system dump/restore, use Fractal-Bot to save these separately
 
−
 
 
−
'''Axe-Fx II XL and XL+''' – User cabs are not included in a system backup. Use Fractal-Bot to back these up
 
−
 
 
−
Want to speed up the backup process? Scroll to an empty preset slot before performing the backup.
 
−
 
 
−
[https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/wicked-wiki-5-no-excuse-for-no-backup.49204/ Wicked Wiki thread]
 
−
 
 
−
==AX8==
 
−
 
 
−
Save and restore presets and user cabs.
 
−
 
 
−
==FX8==
 
−
 
 
−
Save and restore presets.
 
−
 
 
−
==FC controllers==
 
−
 
 
−
Save the FC configuration data by saving the system data of Axe-Fx III.
 
−
 
 
−
==MFC-101==
 
−
 
 
−
Save and restore the MFC-101 configuration. This requires the use of a USB-to-MIDI-interface.
 
−
 
 
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The Axe-Fx II in USB Adapter Mode can be used as an interface, MIDI cables and a power supply are still required. Follow the instructions in Fractal-Bot.
 
−
 
 
−
The Axe-Fx III, FM9 and FM3 do not support USB Adapter Mode.
 
−
 
 
−
=Tips and Troubleshooting=
 
  
 
==Snapshots==
 
==Snapshots==
  
−
Making Snapshots in the editor is another way to quickly create backups of a preset. [[Editors#To_make_Snapshots#Snapshots|Read more about Snapshots]]
+
Saving Snapshots in the editor is another way to quickly create backups of presets. Read this: [[Editors]]
  
 
==Speed up transfers==
 
==Speed up transfers==
  
−
Switching to an empty preset before launching Fractal-Bot can speed up transfers.
+
Switching to an empty preset before launching Fractal-Bot may speed up data transfers.
  
−
==Don't run Fractal-Bot and the editor simultaneously==
+
==Don't run Fractal-Bot and the editor at the same time==
  
−
Don't run the standalone version of Fractal-Bot and a software editor at the same time because this may cause conflicts.
+
The standalone version of Fractal-Bot and a software editor cannot run at the same time. This is to avoid confusing the hardware.
  
−
==Browse button doesn't work==
+
Trying to do so will result in an error message from Fractal-Bot if the editor was already running.
  
−
If the Browse button doesn't work, exit Fractal-Bot, delete the file "Fractal-Bot.settings" and restart.
+
[[Image:Fractalbotconnecterror.png|350px]] [[Image:Editconnecterror.png|350px]]
  
−
==Communication issues==
+
==If the Browse button doesn't work==
  
−
* Try another USB cable
+
If the Browse button doesn't work, exit Fractal-Bot, delete the file <q>Fractal-Bot.settings</q> and restart.
−
* Do not use cable extenders or USB hubs
 
−
* Try another USB port on the computer
 
−
* Check for corrupt IRs or presets. Even empty slots may be corrupt (clear them using the software editor)
 
−
* Adjust the MIDI Buffer Delay
 
  
 
==Emergency Boot Recovery==
 
==Emergency Boot Recovery==
  
−
In the event of issues during or after upgrading firmware, try this: [[Firmware#Emergency_boot_recovery|Emergency Boot Recovery]].
+
In the event of issues during or after upgrading firmware, try the <q>[[Emergency boot recovery]]</q> process.
  
 
=Videos=
 
=Videos=
 +
 +
[[video:FAS-FB]]
 +
[[video:G66-Firmware]]
  
 
[[category:Axe-Fx2]]
 
[[category:Axe-Fx2]]
Line 147: Line 117:
 
[[category:FM3]]
 
[[category:FM3]]
 
[[category:FM9]]
 
[[category:FM9]]
 +
[[category:VP4]]
 +
[[category:Remote]]
 
[[category:FX8]]
 
[[category:FX8]]
 
[[category:AX8]]
 
[[category:AX8]]
−
[[category:Remote]]
 
 
[[category:All]]
 
[[category:All]]

Latest revision as of 07:17, 17 August 2025

About Fractal-Bot

Fractal-Bot is a free software utility for Fractal Audio devices.

It lets you do the following:

  • Update the firmware of the device
  • Update the USB firmware of the device
  • Import or export single presets, or entire preset banks
  • Import or export a single IR, or entire cab banks
  • Backup and restore system data, including Global blocks
  • Backup and restore the FC controllers settings

Download the latest standalone version of Fractal-Bot (Windows or macOS)

Fractal-Bot is also embedded in the editors. The embedded version is more convenient, whereas the standalone version has some additional capabilities.

For more information see:

Fractal-Bot.png

Read this first

  • Always create backups of your presets etc. on a regular basis! Fractal-Bot makes it fast and easy.
  • To connect Fractal-Bot to your Windows computer, you may need to install a driver for your operating system. read this: USB.
  • Use the correct USB port.
  • Fractal-Bot is available as a standalone application, and as an embedded tool in the editors.
  • In case of issues, verify that you're running the latest version of Fractal-Bot. Fractal-Bot checks for updates itself and will notify you if an update is available.
  • In case of connection issues, try another USB cable first.
  • To prevent communications issues, don't run Fractal-Bot and the editor at the same time.
  • If Fractal-Bot hangs during transfers, check for a corrupted preset or cab.
  • When using Global blocks in your presets, make sure to back up the system data too.
  • After restoring system data to your device, always shut down your device and boot it again.
  • Fractal-Bot doesn't save your editor's Library (block library). The contents are stored on your computer.
  • If you've restored presets to your device with Fractal-Bot, and they don't seem to appear on your device, make sure that the device is running current firmware and refresh the list.
  • When using an Axe-Fx II, disable USB Adapter Mode.
  • If something goes wrong when installing new firmware, and your device won't boot, read this: Emergency boot recovery.

Using Fractal-Bot

Launch from editor

The embedded version of Fractal-Bot is located in the editors' Tools menu. It is the same as the standalone version.

Connect

Fractal-Bot uses the same kind of connection as the editor does. Read this: Editors

To prevent communications issues, don't run Fractal-Bot and the editor at the same time.

To connect Fractal-Bot to your Windows computer, you may need to install a driver for your operating system first. Read this: USB.

Auto-update Fractal-Bot

Fractal-Bot checks for updates itself and will notify you if an update is available.

Update device firmware

Read this: Firmware

The "Auto-Update Firmware" feature in Fractal-Bot does not signal beta versions of firmware.

Install factory presets

Read this: Factory presets

Utility mode

In some cases, the standalone version of Fractal-Bot is used to operate in a special (hidden) mode:

  1. Hold CTRL on Windows or COMMAND on macOS
  2. Click Select Device to reveal and select the hidden Utility menu option
  3. Select the output port
  4. A MIDI Buffer Delay will appear, set this to 300 ms

Tips, tricks and troubleshooting

Check available firmware

Hold down the Control key on Windows or the Command key on Mac, and click on the device in the device drop down. Fractal-Bot will display the most recent official firmware that's available on Fractal Audio's server. [1]

Snapshots

Saving Snapshots in the editor is another way to quickly create backups of presets. Read this: Editors

Speed up transfers

Switching to an empty preset before launching Fractal-Bot may speed up data transfers.

Don't run Fractal-Bot and the editor at the same time

The standalone version of Fractal-Bot and a software editor cannot run at the same time. This is to avoid confusing the hardware.

Trying to do so will result in an error message from Fractal-Bot if the editor was already running.

Fractalbotconnecterror.png Editconnecterror.png

If the Browse button doesn't work

If the Browse button doesn't work, exit Fractal-Bot, delete the file Fractal-Bot.settings and restart.

Emergency Boot Recovery

In the event of issues during or after upgrading firmware, try the Emergency boot recovery process.

Videos

Retrieved from "https://wiki.fractalaudio.com/wiki/index.php?title=Fractal-Bot&oldid=93777"