October 2024: Fractal Audio's VP4 Virtual Pedalboard has been added to the wiki.

Difference between revisions of "Fractal-Bot"

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 +
__TOC__
 +
=About Fractal-Bot=
 +
 +
Fractal-Bot is a free software utility for Fractal Audio devices.
 +
 +
Use Fractal-Bot to:
 +
 +
* Update the firmware of the device.
 +
* Update the USB firmware of the device.
 +
* Send and retrieve single presets or preset banks.
 +
* Send and retrieve a single IR or cab banks.
 +
* Backup and restore system data, including [[Global blocks]].
 +
* Backup and restore the configuration of FC controllers.
 +
 +
You can [http://www.fractalaudio.com/fractal-bot.php download] the latest standalone version of Fractal-Bot for 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.
 +
 +
For more information see:
 +
* The [[Owners Manuals]].
 +
* The <q>[http://forum.fractalaudio.com/forums/fractal-bot.76/ Fractal-Bot]</q> 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.
 +
 
[[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]]
−
__TOC__
 
−
=What is Fractal-Bot?=
 
−
* Fractal-Bot is a lightweight, free utility that lets you easily transfer data to and from your Axe-Fx II, MFC-101 and FX8.
 
−
* You can use Fractal-Bot to:
 
−
** upgrade the firmware of your Fractal Adio device
 
−
** send or retrieve single presets and preset banks
 
−
** retrieve user cabs
 
−
** send or retrieve system data
 
−
** create and restore backups
 
−
** fix a "bricked" device.
 
−
* Fractal-Bot does not support the first generation Axe-Fx models.
 
  
−
=Download Fractal-Bot=
+
=Read this first=
−
* [http://www.fractalaudio.com/fractal-bot.php Download Fractal-Bot (Windows, OS X).]
+
 
−
* [http://www.fractalaudio.com/downloads/fractal-bot/Fractal-Bot-Manual.pdf Download its manual.]
+
* Always create '''backups''' of your presets etc. on a regular basis! Fractal-Bot makes it fast and easy.
−
* [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/fractal-software/fractal-bot Visit the forum.]
+
* To connect Fractal-Bot to your computer, you may need to install a '''driver''' for your operating system. read this: [[USB]].
 +
* Use the correct '''USB port (USB-B, or USB-C on VP4)'''.
 +
* 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 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 corrupted presets or cabs.
 +
* 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.
 +
* The "Auto-Update Firmware" feature in Fractal-Bot doesn't signal beta versions of firmware.
 +
* 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'''.
 +
* 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]]'''.
 +
 
 +
=Working with Fractal-Bot=
 +
 
 +
==Connect==
 +
 
 +
Fractal-Bot uses the same kind of connection as the editor does. Read this: [[Editors]]
 +
 
 +
==Launch from within the editor==
 +
 
 +
The embedded version of Fractal-Bot is located in the editors' Tools menu. It is the same as the standalone version.
 +
 
 +
==Auto-update==
 +
 
 +
Fractal-Bot checks for updates itself and will notify you if an update is available.
 +
 
 +
==Update firmware==
 +
 
 +
Read this: [[Firmware]]
 +
 
 +
==Install factory presets==
 +
 
 +
Read this: [[Factory presets]]
 +
 
 +
==Utility mode (hidden)==
 +
 
 +
In some cases, the standalone version of Fractal-Bot is used to operate in a special mode:
 +
 
 +
# 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.
 +
 
 +
=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 firmware available on the server. [https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/incorrect-dyna-cab-version-after-update.207622/#post-2591245]
 +
 
 +
==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…
 +
 
 +
[[Image:Fractalbotconnecterror.png|350px]]
 +
 
 +
or similar to this from Edit if Fractal-Bot was already running…
 +
 
 +
[[Image:Editconnecterror.png|350px]]
 +
 
 +
==If the Browse button doesn't work==
 +
 
 +
If the Browse button doesn't work, exit Fractal-Bot, delete the file <q>Fractal-Bot.settings</q> and restart.
 +
 
 +
==Emergency Boot Recovery==
 +
 
 +
In the event of issues during or after upgrading firmware, try the <q>[[Emergency boot recovery]]</q> process.
  
−
=Connecting Fractal-Bot=
+
=Videos=
−
* Axe-Fx II: you need to install Fractal Audio's USB drivers first, see [[Axe-Fx II and USB]]. You can use the Axe-Fx II as a MIDI interface. [http://www.fractalaudio.com/downloads/fractal-bot/Fractal-Bot-Manual.pdf Read the manual] or follow the instructions after launching Fractal-Bot.
 
−
* FX8 and AX8: there's no need to install an USB driver first.
 
−
* MFC-101: use a MIDI interface or use the Axe-Fx II's USB Adapter Mode (read the manual).
 
  
−
=Troubleshooting Fractal-Bot=
+
[[video:FAS-FB]]
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* If the Browse button doesn't work, exit Fractal-Bot, delete the file "Fractal-Bot.settings" and restart.
+
[[video:G66-Firmware]]
−
* If the factory preset banks on the Axe-Fx II show up empty after updating with Fractal-Bot, install the latest firmware first. Old firmware (even minor versions) may not always be able to read newer preset revisions.
 
−
* Communication issues:
 
−
** Try another USB cable.
 
−
** 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.
 
  
−
[[category:Axe-Fx]]
+
[[category:Axe-Fx2]]
 +
[[Category:Axe-Fx3]]
 +
[[category:FM3]]
 +
[[category:FM9]]
 +
[[category:VP4]]
 +
[[category:Remote]]
 
[[category:FX8]]
 
[[category:FX8]]
 
[[category:AX8]]
 
[[category:AX8]]
−
[[category:MIDI]]
+
[[category:All]]
−
[[category:Various]]
 
−
[[category:IRs]]
 
−
[[category:Connecting]]
 

Latest revision as of 17:41, 20 October 2024

About Fractal-Bot

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

Use Fractal-Bot to:

  • Update the firmware of the device.
  • Update the USB firmware of the device.
  • Send and retrieve single presets or preset banks.
  • Send and retrieve a single IR or cab banks.
  • Backup and restore system data, including Global blocks.
  • Backup and restore the configuration of FC controllers.

You can download the latest standalone version of Fractal-Bot for Windows or macOS.

Fractal-Bot is also available embedded inside the editors in Tools > Fractal-Bot…. 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 computer, you may need to install a driver for your operating system. read this: USB.
  • Use the correct USB port (USB-B, or USB-C on VP4).
  • 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 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 corrupted presets or cabs.
  • 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.
  • The "Auto-Update Firmware" feature in Fractal-Bot doesn't signal beta versions of firmware.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Working with Fractal-Bot

Connect

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

Launch from within the editor

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

Auto-update

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

Update firmware

Read this: Firmware

Install factory presets

Read this: Factory presets

Utility mode (hidden)

In some cases, the standalone version of Fractal-Bot is used to operate in a special 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 firmware available on the 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

or similar to this from Edit if Fractal-Bot was already running…

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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