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__
 
__TOC__
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=About Fractal-Bot=
  
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[[image:Fractal-Bot.png|125px|link=http://www.fractalaudio.com/fractal-bot.php]]
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Fractal-Bot is a free software utility for Fractal Audio devices.
  
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=What is Fractal-Bot=
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Use Fractal-Bot to:
  
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Fractal-Bot is a simple and free utility, created by Fractal Audio, which lets you easily transfer data to and from your Fractal Audio hardware.
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* 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.
  
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You can use Fractal-Bot to:
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You can [http://www.fractalaudio.com/fractal-bot.php download] the latest standalone version of Fractal-Bot for Windows or macOS.
  
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* Upgrade the firmware of your Fractal Audio device
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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.
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* Send and retrieve single presets and entire preset banks
 
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* Send and retrieve impulse responses
 
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* Send and retrieve system data
 
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* Create and restore backups of the entire system data (and on the Axe-Fx III: just lobal Blocks data or just FC controllers data)
 
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* Fix a "bricked" device
 
  
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More information:
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For more information see:
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* [http://www.fractalaudio.com/fractal-bot.php Download the latest version of Fractal-Bot (Windows, OS X)] or [http://archive.axefx.fr an older version]
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* The [[Owners Manuals]].
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* [http://www.fractalaudio.com/downloads/fractal-bot/Fractal-Bot-Manual.pdf Read the manual]
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* The <q>[http://forum.fractalaudio.com/forums/fractal-bot.76/ Fractal-Bot]</q> forum.
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* [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/forums/fractal-bot.76/ Visit the discussion forum]
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* 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.
  
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=Connecting Fractal-Bot=
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[[image:Fractal-Bot.png|125px|link=http://www.fractalaudio.com/fractal-bot.php]]
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'''Axe-Fx III''': USB. When using a Windows computer, you need to install Fractal Audio's USB driver first. The Axe-Fx III doesn't require a driver for Mac computers. [http://www.fractalaudio.com/downloads/fractal-bot/Fractal-Bot-Manual.pdf Read the manual] and follow the instructions after launching Fractal-Bot.
 
  
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'''Axe-Fx II''': USB. You need to install Fractal Audio's USB drivers first. You can use the Axe-Fx II as a MIDI interface. Read the manual and follow the instructions after launching Fractal-Bot.
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=Read this first=
  
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'''FX8''': USB. No driver required.
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* 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]]'''.
  
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'''AX8''': USB. No driver required.
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=Working with Fractal-Bot=
  
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'''MFC-101''': MIDI. Use a MIDI interface or use the Axe-Fx II's USB Adapter Mode (read the manual).
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==Connect==
  
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'''FC controllers''': Keep the FC controllers connected to the Axe-Fx III through FASLINK.
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Fractal-Bot uses the same kind of connection as the editor does. Read this: [[Editors]]
  
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=Running Fractal-Bot and a software editor at the same time=
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==Launch from within the editor==
  
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Don't run Fractal-Bot and a software editor at the same time because this may cause conflicts.
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The embedded version of Fractal-Bot is located in the editors' Tools menu. It is the same as the standalone version.
  
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=Updating firmware with Fractal-Bot=
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==Auto-update==
  
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Read this: [[Firmware]].
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Fractal-Bot checks for updates itself and will notify you if an update is available.
  
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=Hardware-specific functionality=
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==Update firmware==
  
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==Axe-Fx III==
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Read this: [[Firmware]]
  
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Use Fractal-Bot to back up:
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==Install factory presets==
  
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* System Settings + Global Blocks + FC Controllers (filename: -system+gb+fc.syx), or:
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Read this: [[Factory presets]]
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* System Settings only (filename: -system.syx). This includes Setup:Global, Setup:I/O, Setup:MIDI/Remote, and Tuner settings
 
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* Global Blocks data only (filename: -gb.syx)
 
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* FC controllers settings only (filename: )
 
  
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Fractal-Bot and the Axe-Fx III use the contents of a .Syx file, not the name of the file, to determine the backup type.
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==Utility mode (hidden)==
  
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==Axe-Fx II==
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In some cases, the standalone version of Fractal-Bot is used to operate in a special mode:
  
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Use Fractal-Bot to back up system data, presets and user cabs.
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# 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.
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# Select the output port.
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# A MIDI Buffer Delay will appear, set this to 300 ms.
  
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If you use Global Blocks in your presets, DO NOT FORGET to always backup the System data area. A backup of your presets alone does not contain the global block data.
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=Tips, tricks and troubleshooting=
  
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* '''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.
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==Check available firmware==
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* '''XL and XL+''' – Saving presets to onboard memory is not possible, but a backup of system data can be stored in onboard memory.
 
  
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<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/ source]</blockquote>
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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]
  
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User cabs:
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==Snapshots==
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* '''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.
 
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* '''Axe-Fx II XL and XL+''' – User cabs are not included in a system backup. Use Fractal-Bot to back these up.
 
  
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Want to speed up the backup process? Scroll to an empty preset slot before performing the backup.
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Saving Snapshots in the editor is another way to quickly create backups of presets. Read this: [[Editors]]
  
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[http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii-discussion/49204-wicked-wiki-5-no-excuse-no-backup.html Wicked Wiki thread]
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==Speed up transfers==
  
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You can export a preset to CSV in the software editor, to document every parameter's setting. [[Software_editors#Exporting_to_CSV|More information]]
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Switching to an empty preset before launching Fractal-Bot may speed up data transfers.
  
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==AX8==
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==Don't run Fractal-Bot and the editor at the same time==
  
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Use Fractal-Bot to save and restore presets and user cabs.
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The standalone version of Fractal-Bot and a software editor cannot run at the same time. This is to avoid confusing the hardware.
  
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==FX8==
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Trying to do so will result in an error message from Fractal-Bot if the editor was already running…
  
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Use Fractal-Bot to save and restore presets.
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[[Image:Fractalbotconnecterror.png|350px]]
  
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==MFC-101==
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or similar to this from Edit if Fractal-Bot was already running…
  
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Use Fractal-Bot or MFC-Edit to save and restore the MFC-101 configuration. This requires the use of a USB-to-MIDI-interface. 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.
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[[Image:Editconnecterror.png|350px]]
  
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The Axe-Fx III does not support USB Adapter Mode.
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==If the Browse button doesn't work==
  
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=Troubleshooting=
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If the Browse button doesn't work, exit Fractal-Bot, delete the file <q>Fractal-Bot.settings</q> and restart.
  
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==Browse button doesn't work==
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==Emergency Boot Recovery==
  
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If the Browse button doesn't work, exit Fractal-Bot, delete the file "Fractal-Bot.settings" and restart.
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In the event of issues during or after upgrading firmware, try the <q>[[Emergency boot recovery]]</q> process.
  
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==Empty presets after updating==
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=Videos=
  
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If the preset banks 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.
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[[video:FAS-FB]]
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[[video:G66-Firmware]]
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==Solving communication issues==
 
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* Try another USB cable.
 
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* Do not use cable extenders or USB hubs.
 
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* Try another USB port on the computer.
 
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* Check for corrupt IRs or presets. Even empty slots may be corrupt (clear them using the software editor).
 
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* Adjust the MIDI Buffer Delay.
 
  
 
[[category:Axe-Fx2]]
 
[[category:Axe-Fx2]]
 
[[Category:Axe-Fx3]]
 
[[Category:Axe-Fx3]]
 +
[[category:FM3]]
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[[category:FM9]]
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[[category:VP4]]
 +
[[category:Remote]]
 
[[category:FX8]]
 
[[category:FX8]]
 
[[category:AX8]]
 
[[category:AX8]]
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[[category:Software]]
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[[category:All]]
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[[category:Remote]]
 

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

Retrieved from "https://wiki.fractalaudio.com/wiki/index.php?title=Fractal-Bot&oldid=89231"