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

Difference between revisions of "Firmware"

From Fractal Audio Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
m (edited for readability)
 
(188 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
__TOC__
 
__TOC__
[[image:Icon-firmware.png|link=]]
+
=Firmware and drivers for Fractal Audio's processors=
=About firmware numbering=
 
  
<blockquote>"Major revisions occur when there's a substantive change to the modeling algorithms." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/axe-fx-iii-firmware-version-3-00-beta.146986/page-2#post-1736774]</blockquote>
+
==Processor firmware==
  
=Firmware and drivers=
+
<q>Firmware</q> is the internal operating system for the processor. Fractal Audio releases updates to the firmware frequently, adding new features and bug fixes. The current official version for the processor can be downloaded for the respective modeler from Fractal Audio Support's [https://www.fractalaudio.com/support/ download] page.
  
Firmware is the operating system for the processors. It can be updated. Official versions can be found on [https://www.fractalaudio.com Fractal Audio's website]. Beta versions are released on the [https://forum.fractalaudio.com user forum].
+
Firmware that supports [[DynaCabs]] cab models consists of two files: the firmware data and the DynaCab data. ''<u>Both</u> files have to be installed.''
  
Drivers are the software that allows the firmware and editors to communicate with other hardware through USB. Depending on the processor, an USB driver for Windows computers or a driver for Apple computers may be required. These can be found on [https://www.fractalaudio.com Fractal Audio's website].
+
==USB firmware==
  
Some processors rely on specific firmware for hardware USB communications, which also be updated (seldom). These specific firmware updates can also be found on [https://www.fractalaudio.com Fractal Audio's website].
+
The Axe-Fx III and FM9 rely on separate firmware for [[USB|USB communications]]. The current official version for the unit can be downloaded from Fractal Audio Support's [https://www.fractalaudio.com/support/ downloads] page.
  
=Checking the firmware version=
+
==Operating system driver==
  
Go to the Utility menu to see the version of the installed firmware. Some devices display the version on the Home page.
+
Windows computers require installing a software driver for [[USB|USB Audio and MIDI-over-USB]] with the Axe-Fx III and FM9. The current official driver for the processor and operating system can be downloaded from Fractal Audio Support's [https://www.fractalaudio.com/support/ downloads] page.
  
[[Fractal-Bot]] displays the current version upon connecting.
+
macOS computers do not require a driver because they're class compliant.
  
=Download firmware=
+
Firmware is coded in C/C++ and assembly. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/posts/490641]
  
[[image:Icon-firmware.png|link=]]
+
<blockquote>
 +
'''FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES'''
 +
<HR>
 +
<blockquote>
 +
[http://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/technical-question-about-modelers.1660147/#post-21221724]
 +
Most DSP compilers include library functions for common signal processing functions. However every library I've seen makes the same mistakes in several important and oft-used functions. I can't disclose what functions and what those mistakes are but because of this we use our own hand-coded assembly functions for our own libraries. The results are measurable and audible especially when dealing with the special requirements of amp modeling.
  
[https://www.fractalaudio.com/support Download current firmware for all products]
+
I should add that these libraries are low-level functions like FFT() and such. You're not going to find a library that implements a Tube Screamer or even something more granular like a diode clipping circuit. That all has to be developed in-house.
 +
</blockquote>
  
[http://archive.axefx.fr Download older firmware versions and older versions of the software editors]
+
<q>Is it true that you hand-code the firmware in assembly?</q>:
 +
<blockquote>
 +
[https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/8-9-mb.180316/post-2203682]
 +
Not much on the Axe-Fx III compared to the other products. The Axe-Fx I and II had a lot of hand-coded assembly as do the FM3/9. The DSP used in the Axe-Fx III is very difficult to write assembly for. It's a VLIW processor so it's best to use the optimizing compiler and let it do the work. There are a bunch of intrinsics that we use that are essentially assembly instructions but you can call them from C/C++.
 +
</blockquote>
 +
</blockquote>
  
=Install new firmware=
+
==FC controllers firmware==
  
[[image:Fractal-Bot.png|125px|link=http://www.fractalaudio.com/fractal-bot.php]]
+
The [[FC-6 and FC-12 foot controllers|FC controllers]] also rely on firmware for basic functionality. The firmware can be updated; The current official version can be downloaded from Fractal Audio Support's [https://www.fractalaudio.com/support/ download] page.
 
 
Firmware is installed using [[Fractal-Bot]], through USB.
 
 
 
In some case Fractal-Bot needs to operate in a special mode. Press CTRL (Windows) or Command (Mac), and click the dropdown menu to reveal and select the hidden “Utility” option. Then select the output port.
 
  
Updating firmware does not erase the presets.
+
=Check the version of the installed firmware=
  
Firmware installation on an Axe-Fx III takes about 5-7 minutes.
+
On the processor, go to the [[Setup menu]] to see the installed firmware version.
  
=Forcing reinstallation=
+
The editors show the version in the top left corner of the main screen.
  
If you already have the latest firmware installed but want to re-install it for any reason, hold Cmd (Mac) or Ctrl (Win) while selecting the device in Fractal-Bot.
+
<blockquote>
 +
'''FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES'''
 +
<HR>
 +
<blockquote>
 +
[http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/axe-fx-iii-firmware-version-3-00-beta.146986/page-2#post-1736774]
 +
Major revisions occur when there's a substantive change to the modeling algorithms.
 +
</blockquote>
 +
</blockquote>
  
 
=Firmware release notes=
 
=Firmware release notes=
 
[[image:Doc.png|link=|40px]]
 
 
Read the release notes for present and previous firmware versions:
 
  
 
* [[Firmware release notes - Axe-Fx III|Axe-Fx III]]
 
* [[Firmware release notes - Axe-Fx III|Axe-Fx III]]
 
* [[Firmware release notes - FM3|FM3]]
 
* [[Firmware release notes - FM3|FM3]]
 
* [[Firmware release notes - FM9|FM9]]
 
* [[Firmware release notes - FM9|FM9]]
* [[Firmware release notes - Axe-Fx II|Axe-Fx II]]
+
* [[Firmware release notes - VP4|VP4]]
* [[Firmware release notes - FX8|FX8]]
 
* [[Firmware release notes - AX8|AX8]]
 
* [[Firmware release notes - MFC-101|MFC-101]]
 
  
=Update the editor=
+
=Firmware Q&A=
  
After updating the firmware, the editor's definitions needs to be refreshed. If the editor doesn't recognize the updated firmware automatically, do it manually.
+
; Can I skip versions to go from a very old firmware version to a much newer one? : Yes. It can be important to read the Release Notes for versions that you skipped (always included).
 +
; Can I downgrade from a newer firmware to an older one? : Yes, but newer presets are not compatible with older firmware. You’ll need to restore a backup of presets compatible with the older firmware version you’re installing, or find the older factory preset files.
  
Sometimes a new version of the editor has to be released and installed to support the new firmware feature. Software editor updates are provided once a new, non-beta, firmware has been released. Editor updates usually lag by no more than a couple of business days.
+
; Will updating my Axe-Fx firmware erase my custom presets or user cabs? : No, updating firmware never erases your presets or cabs but we still recommend making a backup before you update. Also, updates may alter the sound of existing presets. ''Always read the Release Notes when updating.''
  
=Upgrading presets=
+
; The firmware update failed mysteriously. What should I do? : If the Axe-Fx still boots normally, just try the update again. If successive failures occur, please delete and re-download the update file before trying again. Trying a different USB port or cable can also solve issues.
  
Use this function in the Utility menu to upgrade all presets on the device to the currently installed firmware version. This process takes up considerable time but will speed up preset changes.
+
; After updating, my Axe-Fx will no longer boot normally. : Mishaps during firmware updates are rare but can occur. In the event that your Axe-Fx will not boot normally after an update, the Axe-Fx has a built-in recovery system known as the <q>Emergency Boot Loader</q> which you can use to get back up and running again:
 +
# Power down the unit and wait five seconds.
 +
# Power on holding both PAGE LEFT and PAGE RIGHT buttons down until the Emergency Utility appears.
 +
# Update as you normally would using Fractal-Bot.
  
<blockquote>"When a preset is saved to flash it contains blocks at that firmware version. When new firmware is installed and the "old" preset is loaded into memory all blocks which have changed in the new firmware must be updated to the new version. This includes new parameters and existing parameters which have changes (such as range limits). As the preset stored in flash becomes older and older relative to the installed firmware this update process takes longer and longer which slows the preset change process. This Upgrade Preset functionality under Utilities will upgrade the preset to the currently installed firmware version then store to flash so the update process doesn't need to run every time a preset is loaded into memory.
+
=How to update the firmware=
  
# Always backup your presets prior to running this process.
+
Firmware must be installed using [[Fractal-Bot]], Fractal Audio's updating utility, over an [[USB]] connection.
# It runs on all 512 presets. You cannot select specific presets.
 
# You do not need to run this process for every new version of firmware if preset changes are running fast enough for you.
 
# Running this process multiple times for a given firmware version will not cause harm. Subsequent runs simply do nothing." [https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/fm3-firmware-version-4-01.175659/post-2131160]</blockquote>
 
  
=Audition presets after updating=
+
[[Fractal-Bot]] will indicate when an official firmware update has been made available.
  
Updated firmware may cause changes in your presets. Read the firmware release notes and verify your presets.
+
Updating firmware does ''NOT'' erase the factory or user presets. Factory presets need only to be updated when the release notes say so.
  
About changes in amp modeling:
+
If you already have the latest firmware installed but want to re-install it for any reason, hold the Command (<kbd>&#x2318;</kbd>) key on macOS or the <kbd>Ctrl</kbd> key on Windows while selecting the device in Fractal-Bot.
  
* if new firmware includes changes in amp modeling, these are often implemented under the hood. As a user you DO NOT need to do anything, UNLESS the firmware release notes instruct otherwise.
+
[[image:Fractal-Bot.png|125px|link=http://www.fractalaudio.com/fractal-bot.php]]
* sometimes the firmware itself can't (or won't) enforce fixes or improvements and leaves it to the user to implement these. In such cases the release notes will tell you to "deselect-and-reselect" a specific amp type in existing presets (aka a "soft reset").
 
* if the new firmware includes major changes to the modeling, re-selecting every amp type in your presets is recommended, as will be stated in the release notes. It's a chore, but necessary to take advantage of improvements.
 
  
[[Amp_block#Resetting_amp_models|About resetting the Amp block]]
+
=Keep the editor in sync with firmware=
  
=Troubleshooting=
+
==Refresh the effect definitions==
  
==Emergency boot recovery==
+
Usually, after installing new firmware, the editor's effect definitions need to be refreshed. This means that the editor must retrieve the lists of all values for all parameters again from the device. If the editor doesn't do it automatically, force the editor to do this through the editor's <code>Settings > Refresh After New Firmware</code> menu command.
  
Built-in backup firmware in the Axe-Fx III, FM9, FM3, Axe-Fx II XL and XL+, FX8 and AX8 allows quick recovery in case of complications during or after updating.
+
Read <q>[[Editors#Refresh_definitions|Refresh after new firmware]]</q> for more information.
  
'''Axe-Fx III''' — hold down PAGE LEFT and PAGE RIGHT while cycling power until the Emergency Utility menu appears. Update the firmware using Fractal-Bot. [https://support.fractalaudio.com/article/28-axe-fx-iii-recovery-steps?fbclid=IwAR1nkYoiiF9ZIsWIZ1cMhuvzSzySp5FuiL6MwvVriXRaXPK71tytj1sEGhE Read this too]
+
[[image:RANF.png|link=|400px]]
  
'''FM9''' — hold down PAGE LEFT and PAGE RIGHT while cycling power until the Emergency Utility menu appears. Update the firmware using Fractal-Bot.
+
==Update the editor application==
  
'''FM3''' — hold down PAGE LEFT and PAGE RIGHT while cycling power until the Emergency Utility menu appears. Update the firmware using Fractal-Bot.
+
Refreshing the effect definitions doesn't always suffice, and, when that's the case, the editor itself needs to be updated. If so, the firmware release notes will provide the link.
  
'''Axe-Fx II XL/XL+''' — hold down Page Left and Page Right while cycling power until the Emergency Utility menu appears. Update the firmware using Fractal-Bot.
+
=Audition presets after updating the firmware=
  
'''FX8''' — hold down SETUP and power the unit on. Hold the button for about 1 second beyond the power up, then release. The unit will now allow you to install firmware using Fractal-Bot
+
Updated firmware may cause changes in your presets. Read the firmware release notes and verify your presets.
  
'''AX8''' — hold down SHIFT and power the unit on. Hold the button for about 1 second beyond the power up, then release. The unit will now allow you to install firmware using Fractal-Bot
+
About changes in amp modeling:
  
If the unit sounds bad after an update, try this: [[Reset system parameters]]
+
* Firmware changes in the amp modeling are often implemented under the hood. As a user you DO NOT need to do anything, UNLESS the firmware release notes instruct otherwise.
 +
* Sometimes the firmware itself can't, or won't, enforce fixes or improvements and leaves it to the user to implement these. In such cases the release notes will tell you to <q>deselect-and-reselect</q> a specific amp type in existing presets, AKA a <q>soft reset</q>.
 +
* If the new firmware includes major changes to the modeling, re-selecting every amp type in your presets is recommended, as will be stated in the release notes. It's a chore, but necessary to take advantage of improvements.
  
<blockquote>"There's multiple levels of error checking. First the USB endpoint is a bulk endpoint so it has guaranteed transmission. Then each packet has a checksum. Then the entire image has a checksum. Finally the image written to the FLASH is compared to the downloaded image byte-by-byte. It's virtually impossible to have corrupted firmware image." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/firmware-3-0-beta-output-volume-drop.147052/#post-1737574]</blockquote>
+
=Tips, tricks and troubleshooting=
  
<blockquote>"It's virtually impossible to brick a Fractal product. All our products feature an "emergency bootloader" that allows booting the unit in the event of a failed firmware update." [https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/fm3-firmware-version-5-00.181256/post-2221317]</blockquote>
+
==Beta releases of firmware==
  
Emergency Boot Recovery is different from the procedure to bypass a corrupt preset at startup. To do the latter, read this: [[Presets#Corrupt_preset_at_startup|Corrupt preset at startup]]
+
Fractal Audio regularly posts beta versions of new firmware and drivers on the [https://forum.fractalaudio.com user forum]. This allows forum members to test these, report issues and contribute to the quality and stability of the final versions.
  
==Empty preset / No presets==
+
Important: install beta versions always at your own risk. You may encounter bugs or loose data, so always back up your presets, user cabs and configuration before installing beta firmware and drivers.
  
[[Presets#Preset_is_empty|Read this]]
+
Beta versions of firmware and drivers may require installing new (beta) versions of [[Fractal-Bot]] or the editor. Usually, links will be provided in the forum post with the beta firmware or drivers.
  
==Will repeating the installation of firmware fix issues?==
+
As always, after installing new firmware, the editor's effect definitions need to be refreshed. The editor doesn't refresh the definitions automatically after installing beta firmware, so force the editor to do this through the menu command. See above.
  
The official response to this is that reinstalling the same firmware will not fix an issue resulting from installing new firmware.
+
==Emergency boot recovery==
  
==FAQ==
+
A built-in backup tool in the installed firmware of the device allows quick recovery in case of complications during or after updating the firmware.
  
[[image:Doc.png|link=|40px]]
+
; Axe-Fx III, FM3, FM9 : Hold down PAGE LEFT and PAGE RIGHT while cycling power until the Emergency Utility menu appears. Update the firmware using Fractal-Bot. Read this: <q>[https://support.fractalaudio.com/en-US/recovery-routines-286533 Recovery Routines]</q>. Or, on the front-panel, hold <kbd>EDIT</kbd> on startup to bypass non-default system settings and reset them, or press-and-hold both <kbd>EDIT</kbd>+<kbd>HOME</kbd> at startup to bypass and reset the system settings AND load a clean preset.
  
(from the Owner's Manuals for the Axe-Fx III and FM3)
+
; VP4 : n/a
 +
; Axe-Fx II XL/XL+ : Hold down <kbd>Page Left</kbd>+<kbd>Page Right</kbd> while cycling power until the Emergency Utility menu appears. Update the firmware using Fractal-Bot.
  
'''Q''': How do I know the upgrade worked?
+
; FX8 : Hold down <kbd>SETUP</kbd> and power the unit on. Hold the button for about one second beyond the power up, then release. The unit will now allow you to install firmware using Fractal-Bot. If a problematic system parameter prevents the device from booting, press <kbd>ENTER</kbd> when the splash screen is displayed.
  
'''A''': Check your firmware version anytime by pressing the SETUP button (Push-knob E) on the Home page. The version is displayed at the top of the SETUP menu.
+
; AX8 : Hold down <kbd>SHIFT</kbd> and power the unit on. Hold the button for about one second beyond the power up, then release. The unit will now allow you to install firmware using Fractal-Bot. If a problematic system parameter prevents the device from booting, press <kbd>ENTER</kbd> when the splash screen is displayed.
  
'''Q''': Can I skip versions to go from a very old firmware version to a much newer one?
+
If the unit sounds bad after an update, try the steps in <q>[[Reset system parameters]]</q>.
  
'''A''': You can upgrade from any version to any other version. When you skip versions it is recommended that you also read the Release Notes for all interim versions, all of which are included with every firmware release.
+
<blockquote>
 +
'''FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES'''
 +
<HR>
 +
<blockquote>
 +
[http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/firmware-3-0-beta-output-volume-drop.147052/#post-1737574]
 +
There's multiple levels of error checking. First the USB endpoint is a bulk endpoint so it has guaranteed transmission. Then each packet has a checksum. Then the entire image has a checksum. Finally the image written to the FLASH is compared to the downloaded image byte-by-byte. It's virtually impossible to have corrupted firmware image.
 +
</blockquote>
  
'''Q''': Will updating my firmware erase, modify or “upgrade” my factory presets?
+
<blockquote>
 +
[https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/fm3-firmware-version-5-00.181256/post-2221317]
 +
It's virtually impossible to brick a Fractal product. All our products feature an "emergency bootloader" that allows booting the unit in the event of a failed firmware update.
 +
</blockquote>
 +
</blockquote>
  
'''A''': Firmware updates do not erase customized presets. However, firmware updates may alter the sound of existing presets. Always read Release Notes before updating. Saving presets after a firmware update can render them incompatible with previous versions. It is always wise to create a full back up using Fractal-Bot before a major update. Firmware updates do not upgrade Factory Presets. Updated Factory Presets, when offered, are released as a separate update on our web site support page. Fractal-Bot can be used to transmit this update in the same way it is used to update firmware.
+
Emergency Boot Recovery is different from the procedure to bypass a corrupt preset at startup. To do the latter, read <q>[[Presets#Troubleshooting|Presets]]</q>.
  
'''Q''': The firmware update failed mysteriously. What should I do?
+
==Editor is not in sync with the hardware==
  
'''A''': If the unit still boots normally, just try the update again. If successive failures occur, please delete and re-download the update file before trying again. Trying a different USB port or cable can also solve issues.
+
When control settings seem to be missing in the editor, this usually means that the editor's effect definitions need to be refreshed or that the editor itself needs to be updated. See above.
  
'''Q''': After updating, the unit will no longer boot normally.
+
==Presets appear empty==
  
'''A''': See “Recovery” on the next page.
+
Read <q>[[Presets#Troubleshooting|Troubleshooting presets]]</q> for more information.
  
=Rolling back to older firmware=
+
==Does re-installating firmware fix issues?==
  
You can roll back to a previous firmware. To do so, you need to take a complete backup of your system settings and presets <u><i>before</i></u> updating to newer firmware. For instructions on how to take a backup please see [[Backup_and_restore]].
+
The official response to this is that reinstalling the same firmware will not fix an issue resulting from installing new firmware.
 
 
You can find older firmware and versions of software editors at: http://archive.axefx.fr, which is an unofficial archive but is well maintained.
 
  
To roll back to older firmware:
+
==Roll back to older firmware==
  
* Use [[Fractal-Bot]], either the standalone or the version embedded in the editor to install the old firmware.
+
You can roll back to a previous firmware.  
* Reboot your hardware.
 
* Use [[Fractal-Bot]] to install the old system settings backup file.
 
* Reboot your hardware.
 
* Use [[Fractal-Bot]] to install the old preset bank files and IR bank files.
 
* Reboot your hardware.
 
  
After the final reboot, you'll want to switch back to the older editor software as editor software requires minimum firmware versions to work correctly.
+
You can find older firmware and versions of software editors at the well maintained [http://archive.axefx.fr unofficial archive].
  
=More information=
+
'''To roll back:'''
  
Firmware is coded in C / C++ and assembly. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/posts/490641]
+
# Make a complete backup of your system settings and presets before updating to newer firmware. Read <q>[[Backup and restore]]</q> for more information.
 +
# Use [[Fractal-Bot]], either the standalone or the version embedded in the editors to install the old firmware.
 +
# Reboot your hardware when prompted by Fractal-Bot. Read the instructions on the front panel of the hardware and ''wait the specified amount of time'' before powering it back on.
 +
# Use Fractal-Bot to install the old system settings backup file.
 +
# Reboot your hardware a second time.
 +
# Use Fractal-Bot to install the old preset bank files and IR bank files.
 +
# Reboot your hardware a final time.
  
<blockquote>"Most DSP compilers include library functions for common signal processing functions. However every library I've seen makes the same mistakes in several important and oft-used functions. I can't disclose what functions and what those mistakes are but because of this we use our own hand-coded assembly functions for our own libraries. The results are measurable and audible especially when dealing with the special requirements of amp modeling. I should add that these libraries are low-level functions like FFT() and such. You're not going to find a library that implements a Tube Screamer or even something more granular like a diode clipping circuit. That all has to be developed in-house." [http://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/technical-question-about-modelers.1660147/#post-21221724] </blockquote>
+
=Videos=
  
<blockquote> (Is it true that you hand-code the firmware in assembly?<BR>"Not much on the Axe-Fx III compared to the other products. The Axe-Fx I and II had a lot of hand-coded assembly as do the FM3/9. The DSP used in the Axe-Fx III is very difficult to write assembly for. It's a VLIW processor so it's best to use the optimizing compiler and let it do the work. There are a bunch of intrinsics that we use that are essentially assembly instructions but you can call them from C/C++." [https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/8-9-mb.180316/post-2203682]</blockquote>
+
[[video:FAS-FB]]
 +
[[video:G66-Firmware]]
  
 
[[Category:Axe-Fx2]]
 
[[Category:Axe-Fx2]]
Line 175: Line 193:
 
[[category:FM3]]
 
[[category:FM3]]
 
[[category:FM9]]
 
[[category:FM9]]
 +
[[category:VP4]]
 
[[Category:FX8]]
 
[[Category:FX8]]
 
[[Category:AX8]]
 
[[Category:AX8]]
 
[[category:All]]
 
[[category:All]]

Latest revision as of 11:11, 1 November 2024

Firmware and drivers for Fractal Audio's processors

Processor firmware

Firmware is the internal operating system for the processor. Fractal Audio releases updates to the firmware frequently, adding new features and bug fixes. The current official version for the processor can be downloaded for the respective modeler from Fractal Audio Support's download page.

Firmware that supports DynaCabs cab models consists of two files: the firmware data and the DynaCab data. Both files have to be installed.

USB firmware

The Axe-Fx III and FM9 rely on separate firmware for USB communications. The current official version for the unit can be downloaded from Fractal Audio Support's downloads page.

Operating system driver

Windows computers require installing a software driver for USB Audio and MIDI-over-USB with the Axe-Fx III and FM9. The current official driver for the processor and operating system can be downloaded from Fractal Audio Support's downloads page.

macOS computers do not require a driver because they're class compliant.

Firmware is coded in C/C++ and assembly. [1]

FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES


[2] Most DSP compilers include library functions for common signal processing functions. However every library I've seen makes the same mistakes in several important and oft-used functions. I can't disclose what functions and what those mistakes are but because of this we use our own hand-coded assembly functions for our own libraries. The results are measurable and audible especially when dealing with the special requirements of amp modeling.

I should add that these libraries are low-level functions like FFT() and such. You're not going to find a library that implements a Tube Screamer or even something more granular like a diode clipping circuit. That all has to be developed in-house.

Is it true that you hand-code the firmware in assembly?:

[3] Not much on the Axe-Fx III compared to the other products. The Axe-Fx I and II had a lot of hand-coded assembly as do the FM3/9. The DSP used in the Axe-Fx III is very difficult to write assembly for. It's a VLIW processor so it's best to use the optimizing compiler and let it do the work. There are a bunch of intrinsics that we use that are essentially assembly instructions but you can call them from C/C++.

FC controllers firmware

The FC controllers also rely on firmware for basic functionality. The firmware can be updated; The current official version can be downloaded from Fractal Audio Support's download page.

Check the version of the installed firmware

On the processor, go to the Setup menu to see the installed firmware version.

The editors show the version in the top left corner of the main screen.

FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES


[4] Major revisions occur when there's a substantive change to the modeling algorithms.

Firmware release notes

Firmware Q&A

Can I skip versions to go from a very old firmware version to a much newer one? 
Yes. It can be important to read the Release Notes for versions that you skipped (always included).
Can I downgrade from a newer firmware to an older one? 
Yes, but newer presets are not compatible with older firmware. You’ll need to restore a backup of presets compatible with the older firmware version you’re installing, or find the older factory preset files.
Will updating my Axe-Fx firmware erase my custom presets or user cabs? 
No, updating firmware never erases your presets or cabs but we still recommend making a backup before you update. Also, updates may alter the sound of existing presets. Always read the Release Notes when updating.
The firmware update failed mysteriously. What should I do? 
If the Axe-Fx still boots normally, just try the update again. If successive failures occur, please delete and re-download the update file before trying again. Trying a different USB port or cable can also solve issues.
After updating, my Axe-Fx will no longer boot normally. 
Mishaps during firmware updates are rare but can occur. In the event that your Axe-Fx will not boot normally after an update, the Axe-Fx has a built-in recovery system known as the Emergency Boot Loader which you can use to get back up and running again:
  1. Power down the unit and wait five seconds.
  2. Power on holding both PAGE LEFT and PAGE RIGHT buttons down until the Emergency Utility appears.
  3. Update as you normally would using Fractal-Bot.

How to update the firmware

Firmware must be installed using Fractal-Bot, Fractal Audio's updating utility, over an USB connection.

Fractal-Bot will indicate when an official firmware update has been made available.

Updating firmware does NOT erase the factory or user presets. Factory presets need only to be updated when the release notes say so.

If you already have the latest firmware installed but want to re-install it for any reason, hold the Command () key on macOS or the Ctrl key on Windows while selecting the device in Fractal-Bot.

Fractal-Bot.png

Keep the editor in sync with firmware

Refresh the effect definitions

Usually, after installing new firmware, the editor's effect definitions need to be refreshed. This means that the editor must retrieve the lists of all values for all parameters again from the device. If the editor doesn't do it automatically, force the editor to do this through the editor's Settings > Refresh After New Firmware menu command.

Read Refresh after new firmware for more information.

RANF.png

Update the editor application

Refreshing the effect definitions doesn't always suffice, and, when that's the case, the editor itself needs to be updated. If so, the firmware release notes will provide the link.

Audition presets after updating the firmware

Updated firmware may cause changes in your presets. Read the firmware release notes and verify your presets.

About changes in amp modeling:

  • Firmware changes in the amp modeling are often implemented under the hood. As a user you DO NOT need to do anything, UNLESS the firmware release notes instruct otherwise.
  • Sometimes the firmware itself can't, or won't, enforce fixes or improvements and leaves it to the user to implement these. In such cases the release notes will tell you to deselect-and-reselect a specific amp type in existing presets, AKA a soft reset.
  • If the new firmware includes major changes to the modeling, re-selecting every amp type in your presets is recommended, as will be stated in the release notes. It's a chore, but necessary to take advantage of improvements.

Tips, tricks and troubleshooting

Beta releases of firmware

Fractal Audio regularly posts beta versions of new firmware and drivers on the user forum. This allows forum members to test these, report issues and contribute to the quality and stability of the final versions.

Important: install beta versions always at your own risk. You may encounter bugs or loose data, so always back up your presets, user cabs and configuration before installing beta firmware and drivers.

Beta versions of firmware and drivers may require installing new (beta) versions of Fractal-Bot or the editor. Usually, links will be provided in the forum post with the beta firmware or drivers.

As always, after installing new firmware, the editor's effect definitions need to be refreshed. The editor doesn't refresh the definitions automatically after installing beta firmware, so force the editor to do this through the menu command. See above.

Emergency boot recovery

A built-in backup tool in the installed firmware of the device allows quick recovery in case of complications during or after updating the firmware.

Axe-Fx III, FM3, FM9 
Hold down PAGE LEFT and PAGE RIGHT while cycling power until the Emergency Utility menu appears. Update the firmware using Fractal-Bot. Read this: Recovery Routines. Or, on the front-panel, hold EDIT on startup to bypass non-default system settings and reset them, or press-and-hold both EDIT+HOME at startup to bypass and reset the system settings AND load a clean preset.
VP4 
n/a
Axe-Fx II XL/XL+ 
Hold down Page Left+Page Right while cycling power until the Emergency Utility menu appears. Update the firmware using Fractal-Bot.
FX8 
Hold down SETUP and power the unit on. Hold the button for about one second beyond the power up, then release. The unit will now allow you to install firmware using Fractal-Bot. If a problematic system parameter prevents the device from booting, press ENTER when the splash screen is displayed.
AX8 
Hold down SHIFT and power the unit on. Hold the button for about one second beyond the power up, then release. The unit will now allow you to install firmware using Fractal-Bot. If a problematic system parameter prevents the device from booting, press ENTER when the splash screen is displayed.

If the unit sounds bad after an update, try the steps in Reset system parameters.

FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES


[5] There's multiple levels of error checking. First the USB endpoint is a bulk endpoint so it has guaranteed transmission. Then each packet has a checksum. Then the entire image has a checksum. Finally the image written to the FLASH is compared to the downloaded image byte-by-byte. It's virtually impossible to have corrupted firmware image.

[6] It's virtually impossible to brick a Fractal product. All our products feature an "emergency bootloader" that allows booting the unit in the event of a failed firmware update.

Emergency Boot Recovery is different from the procedure to bypass a corrupt preset at startup. To do the latter, read Presets.

Editor is not in sync with the hardware

When control settings seem to be missing in the editor, this usually means that the editor's effect definitions need to be refreshed or that the editor itself needs to be updated. See above.

Presets appear empty

Read Troubleshooting presets for more information.

Does re-installating firmware fix issues?

The official response to this is that reinstalling the same firmware will not fix an issue resulting from installing new firmware.

Roll back to older firmware

You can roll back to a previous firmware.

You can find older firmware and versions of software editors at the well maintained unofficial archive.

To roll back:

  1. Make a complete backup of your system settings and presets before updating to newer firmware. Read Backup and restore for more information.
  2. Use Fractal-Bot, either the standalone or the version embedded in the editors to install the old firmware.
  3. Reboot your hardware when prompted by Fractal-Bot. Read the instructions on the front panel of the hardware and wait the specified amount of time before powering it back on.
  4. Use Fractal-Bot to install the old system settings backup file.
  5. Reboot your hardware a second time.
  6. Use Fractal-Bot to install the old preset bank files and IR bank files.
  7. Reboot your hardware a final time.

Videos