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Difference between revisions of "Fractal-Bot"

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Fractal-Bot is a free software utility for Fractal Audio devices.
 
Fractal-Bot is a free software utility for Fractal Audio devices.
  
−
Use Fractal-Bot to:
+
It lets you do the following:
  
−
* Update the firmware of the device.
+
* Update the firmware of the device
−
* Update the USB firmware of the device.
+
* Update the USB firmware of the device
−
* Send and retrieve single presets or preset banks.
+
* Import or export single presets, or entire preset banks
−
* Send and retrieve a single IR or cab banks.
+
* Import or export a single IR, or entire cab banks
−
* Backup and restore system data, including [[Global blocks]].
+
* Backup and restore system data, including [[Global blocks]]
−
* Backup and restore the configuration of FC controllers.
+
* Backup and restore the FC controllers settings
  
−
You can [http://www.fractalaudio.com/fractal-bot.php download] the latest standalone version of Fractal-Bot for Windows or macOS.
+
[http://www.fractalaudio.com/fractal-bot.php Download the latest standalone version of Fractal-Bot (Windows or macOS)]
  
−
Fractal-Bot is also available embedded inside the editors in <code>Tools > Fractal-Bot…</code>. The embedded version is more convenient, whereas the standalone version has some additional capabilities.
+
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:
 
For more information see:
−
* The [[Owners Manuals]]
+
* [[Owners Manuals]]
−
* The <q>[http://forum.fractalaudio.com/forums/fractal-bot.76/ Fractal-Bot]</q> forum.
+
* [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/forums/fractal-bot.76/ Fractal-Bot forum]
−
* The <q>[http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/wicked-wiki-5-no-excuse-for-no-backup.49204/ WICKED WIKI 5: No Excuse for No Backup]</q> discussion.
+
* <q>[http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/wicked-wiki-5-no-excuse-for-no-backup.49204/ WICKED WIKI 5: No Excuse for No Backup]</q>
  
 
[[image:Fractal-Bot.png|125px|link=http://www.fractalaudio.com/fractal-bot.php]]
 
[[image:Fractal-Bot.png|125px|link=http://www.fractalaudio.com/fractal-bot.php]]
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* Always create '''backups''' of your presets etc. on a regular basis! Fractal-Bot makes it fast and easy.
 
* Always create '''backups''' of your presets etc. on a regular basis! Fractal-Bot makes it fast and easy.
−
* To connect Fractal-Bot to your computer, you may need to install a '''driver''' for your operating system. read this: [[USB]].
+
* 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 (USB-B)'''.
+
* Use the correct '''USB port'''.
 
* Fractal-Bot is available as a '''standalone''' application, and as an '''embedded''' tool in the editors.
 
* 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.
+
* 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.
 
* 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'''.
 
* To prevent communications issues, '''don't run Fractal-Bot and the editor at the same time'''.
−
* If Fractal-Bot '''hangs''' during transfers, check for corrupted presets or cabs.
+
* 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.
 
* When using '''[[Global blocks]]''' in your presets, make sure to back up the system data too.
−
* After restoring system data to your device, shut down your device and '''boot''' it again.
+
* After restoring system data to your device, always shut down your device and '''boot''' it again.
−
* The "Auto-Update Firmware" feature in Fractal-Bot doesn't signal beta versions of firmware.
+
* Fractal-Bot doesn't save your editor's '''[[Library]]''' (block library). The contents are stored on your computer.
−
* Fractal-Bot doesn't save your editor's '''[[Library]]'''. The contents are already 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.
−
* 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'''.
 
 
* When using an Axe-Fx II, disable '''USB Adapter Mode'''.
 
* 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]]'''.
 
* If something goes wrong when installing new firmware, and your device won't boot, read this: '''[[Emergency boot recovery]]'''.
  
−
=Working with Fractal-Bot=
+
=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==
 
==Connect==
Line 48: Line 51:
 
Fractal-Bot uses the same kind of connection as the editor does. Read this: [[Editors]]
 
Fractal-Bot uses the same kind of connection as the editor does. Read this: [[Editors]]
  
−
==Launch from within the editor==
+
To prevent communications issues, don't run Fractal-Bot and the editor at the same time.
  
−
The embedded version of Fractal-Bot is located in the editors' Tools menu. It is the same as the standalone version.
+
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==
+
==Auto-update Fractal-Bot==
  
 
Fractal-Bot checks for updates itself and will notify you if an update is available.
 
Fractal-Bot checks for updates itself and will notify you if an update is available.
  
−
==Update firmware==
+
==Update device firmware==
  
 
Read this: [[Firmware]]
 
Read this: [[Firmware]]
 +
 +
The "Auto-Update Firmware" feature in Fractal-Bot does not signal '''beta''' versions of firmware.
  
 
==Install factory presets==
 
==Install factory presets==
Line 64: Line 69:
 
Read this: [[Factory presets]]
 
Read this: [[Factory presets]]
  
−
==Utility mode (hidden)==
+
==Utility mode==
  
−
In some cases, Fractal-Bot needs to operate in a special mode.
+
In some cases, the standalone version of Fractal-Bot is used to operate in a special (hidden) mode:
  
−
# Hold CTRL (Windows) or COMMAND (Mac)
+
# Hold <kbd>CTRL</kbd> on Windows or <kbd>COMMAND</kbd> on macOS
−
# Click "Select Device" to reveal and select the hidden “Utility” menu option
+
# Click <q>Select Device</q> to reveal and select the hidden <q>Utility</q> menu option
 
# Select the output port
 
# Select the output port
 
# A MIDI Buffer Delay will appear, set this to 300 ms
 
# A MIDI Buffer Delay will appear, set this to 300 ms
  
 
=Tips, tricks and troubleshooting=
 
=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. [https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/incorrect-dyna-cab-version-after-update.207622/#post-2591245]
  
 
==Snapshots==
 
==Snapshots==
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==Don't run Fractal-Bot and the editor at the same time==
 
==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.
+
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.
 +
 
 +
[[Image:Fractalbotconnecterror.png|350px]] [[Image:Editconnecterror.png|350px]]
  
 
==If the Browse button doesn't work==
 
==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.
+
If the Browse button doesn't work, exit Fractal-Bot, delete the file <q>Fractal-Bot.settings</q> and restart.
  
 
==Emergency Boot Recovery==
 
==Emergency Boot Recovery==
  
−
In the event of issues during or after upgrading firmware, try this: [[Emergency boot recovery]]
+
In the event of issues during or after upgrading firmware, try the <q>[[Emergency boot recovery]]</q> process.
  
 
=Videos=
 
=Videos=
Line 104: 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

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