Read the Owners Manual first!
Difference between revisions of "Wah block"
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=Wah types= | =Wah types= | ||
| − | + | ;<code>Clyde</code> : Based on original Vox Clyde McCoy wah pedal. | |
| − | + | ;<code>Color-Tone</code> : Based on Sola Colorsound wah pedal. | |
| − | + | ;<code>Cry Babe</code> : Based on Dunlop Cry Baby. | |
| − | + | ;<code>FAS Wah</code> : Fractal Audio's custom model. | |
| − | + | ;<code>Funk Wah</code> : Wah sound from the “Shaft” movie. | |
| − | + | ;<code>Mortal</code> : Based on Morley wah/volume pedal. | |
| − | + | ;<code>Paragon</code> : Based on Tycobrahe Parapedal. | |
| − | + | ;<code>VX485</code> : Based on Vox V845 wah pedal. | |
| − | + | ;<code>VX846</code> : Based on Vox V846-HW handwired wah pedal (Stevie Ray Vaughan). | |
The sound of other Wah pedals can be reproduced by copying data from the manufacturer's data and entering these values in the appropriate Wah model. See these discussions in the forum for more information: | The sound of other Wah pedals can be reproduced by copying data from the manufacturer's data and entering these values in the appropriate Wah model. See these discussions in the forum for more information: | ||
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And look up values on [https://www.sweetwater.com/feature/dunlop/wah-pedals/index.php Sweetwater's website]. | And look up values on [https://www.sweetwater.com/feature/dunlop/wah-pedals/index.php Sweetwater's website]. | ||
| − | = | + | =Wah position on the grid= |
Just like actual Wah pedals, the Wah block is usually placed ''before'' the amp, unless you want to sound like Tom Morello, in which case it should be placed ''after'' the Amp block. | Just like actual Wah pedals, the Wah block is usually placed ''before'' the amp, unless you want to sound like Tom Morello, in which case it should be placed ''after'' the Amp block. | ||
| − | = | + | =Setting up the pedal= |
| − | You need an expression pedal. Always connect the expression pedal with a TRS to TRS <q>stereo jack</q> cable. Read <q>[[Expression pedals and external switches]]</q> for more information. The [[Owners Manuals]] have a tutorial on setting up a Wah pedal in the Modifier section. | + | You need an expression pedal to control the Wah. Always connect the expression pedal with a TRS to TRS <q>stereo jack</q> cable. Read <q>[[Expression pedals and external switches]]</q> for more information. The [[Owners Manuals]] have a tutorial on setting up a Wah pedal in the Modifier section. |
Always CALIBRATE the pedal on the hardware. This makes sure that the full sweep of the pedal is being used. To do this, make sure you're using the correct menu. This depends on the physical connection of the pedal: | Always CALIBRATE the pedal on the hardware. This makes sure that the full sweep of the pedal is being used. To do this, make sure you're using the correct menu. This depends on the physical connection of the pedal: | ||
| − | * Axe-Fx, FM3, FM9 and VP4: <code> | + | * Axe-Fx, FM3, FM9 and VP4: <code>Setup</code> > <code>PEDAL</code> |
| − | * FC controller: <code> | + | * FC controller: <code>Setup</code> > <code>FC Controllers</code> |
| − | * MIDI controller: use the calibration function on that controller | + | * MIDI controller: use the calibration function on that controller |
If you want the expression pedal to perform more tasks than a Wah only, read <q>[[Expression pedals and external switches]]</q> to learn more. | If you want the expression pedal to perform more tasks than a Wah only, read <q>[[Expression pedals and external switches]]</q> to learn more. | ||
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=Auto-engage the Wah= | =Auto-engage the Wah= | ||
| − | Similar to an optical Wah pedal, you can engage the Wah block automatically when moving the pedal. This is especially handy when using a spring-loaded pedal. To accomplish this, set [[Auto-Engage]] in the CONTROL parameter's modifier menu in the Wah block to either a SPEED or POSITION-controlled setting. | + | Similar to an optical Wah pedal, you can engage the Wah block automatically when moving the pedal. This is especially handy when using a spring-loaded pedal. To accomplish this, set [[Auto-Engage]] in the CONTROL parameter's modifier menu in the Wah block to either a <code>SPEED</code> or <code>POSITION</code>-controlled setting. |
| − | To turn off the Wah at toe down position, instead of heel-down, set OFF VALUE to 95%. | + | To turn off the Wah at toe down position, instead of heel-down, set <code>OFF VALUE</code> to 95%. |
In current firmware, the Wah engages and bypasses with a gentle fade instead of an abrupt on/off. | In current firmware, the Wah engages and bypasses with a gentle fade instead of an abrupt on/off. | ||
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==Control and Taper== | ==Control and Taper== | ||
| − | CONTROL controls the sweep. | + | <code>CONTROL</code> controls the sweep. |
| − | TAPER selects the curve of the sweep. The taper number | + | <code>TAPER</code> selects the curve of the sweep. The taper number is the percentage at the halfway point; <code>LOG 20A</code> means that the resistance is 20% at the halfway point in the travel. So if you put the knob at noon, it would be 20% of maximum. |
==Maximum Frequency== | ==Maximum Frequency== | ||
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==Fat== | ==Fat== | ||
| − | FAT is a mix control. It adds dry signal. You can't ever get 100% dry, at max FAT it's 50/50. | + | <code>FAT</code> is a mix control. It adds dry signal. You can't ever get 100% dry, at max FAT it's 50/50. |
<BLOCKQUOTE> | <BLOCKQUOTE> | ||
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==Seek Wah== | ==Seek Wah== | ||
| − | The Seek Wah | + | The Seek Wah by ZVEX uses a sequenced filter pattern. For an equivalent effect, assign the <code>Sequencer</code> controller to the Wah block's <code>CONTROL</code> parameter. For a more pronounced effect, add a [[Formant block]], attached to the same controller. |
Try this factory preset: <q>S/HIP AHOY</q>. | Try this factory preset: <q>S/HIP AHOY</q>. | ||
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==Fixed Wah== | ==Fixed Wah== | ||
| − | To create the sound of a fixed Wah position, such as in <q>Money For Nothing</q> by Dire Straits, set the CONTROL parameter to a fixed value. | + | To create the sound of a fixed Wah position, such as in <q>Money For Nothing</q> by Dire Straits, set the <code>CONTROL</code> parameter to a fixed value. |
Try the <q>MONEY FOR SOMETHING</q> factory preset. | Try the <q>MONEY FOR SOMETHING</q> factory preset. | ||
| − | ==Slow | + | ==Slow sweep== |
| − | Attach the LFO internal controller to the CONTROL parameter in the Wah block to create a slow evolving filter effect. | + | Attach the <code>LFO</code> internal controller to the <code>CONTROL</code> parameter in the Wah block to create a slow evolving filter effect. |
Try the <q>VELVET SUN</q> factory preset. | Try the <q>VELVET SUN</q> factory preset. | ||
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==Alternative to Auto-Engage== | ==Alternative to Auto-Engage== | ||
| − | For an alternative approach to [[Auto-Engage]], load Devin Townsend's preset from the Fractal Audio <q>[https://www.fractalaudio.com/gift-of-tone/ Gift of Tone | + | For an alternative approach to [[Auto-Engage]], load Devin Townsend's preset from the Fractal Audio <q>[https://www.fractalaudio.com/gift-of-tone/ Gift of Tone]</q> series or try the <q>HEVY DEVY</q> factory preset. |
=Videos= | =Videos= | ||
Latest revision as of 19:12, 20 February 2025
Contents
Wah block
Axe-Fx III: 2 blocks, 4 channels
FM3: 2 blocks, 4 channels
FM9: 2 blocks, 4 channels
VP4: 4 blocks, 4 channels
Axe-Fx II: 2 blocks, X/Y
AX8: 1 block, X/Y
FX8: 2 blocks, X/Y
Wah types
Clyde- Based on original Vox Clyde McCoy wah pedal.
Color-Tone- Based on Sola Colorsound wah pedal.
Cry Babe- Based on Dunlop Cry Baby.
FAS Wah- Fractal Audio's custom model.
Funk Wah- Wah sound from the “Shaft” movie.
Mortal- Based on Morley wah/volume pedal.
Paragon- Based on Tycobrahe Parapedal.
VX485- Based on Vox V845 wah pedal.
VX846- Based on Vox V846-HW handwired wah pedal (Stevie Ray Vaughan).
The sound of other Wah pedals can be reproduced by copying data from the manufacturer's data and entering these values in the appropriate Wah model. See these discussions in the forum for more information:
And look up values on Sweetwater's website.
Wah position on the grid
Just like actual Wah pedals, the Wah block is usually placed before the amp, unless you want to sound like Tom Morello, in which case it should be placed after the Amp block.
Setting up the pedal
You need an expression pedal to control the Wah. Always connect the expression pedal with a TRS to TRS stereo jack
cable. Read Expression pedals and external switches
for more information. The Owners Manuals have a tutorial on setting up a Wah pedal in the Modifier section.
Always CALIBRATE the pedal on the hardware. This makes sure that the full sweep of the pedal is being used. To do this, make sure you're using the correct menu. This depends on the physical connection of the pedal:
- Axe-Fx, FM3, FM9 and VP4:
Setup>PEDAL - FC controller:
Setup>FC Controllers - MIDI controller: use the calibration function on that controller
If you want the expression pedal to perform more tasks than a Wah only, read Expression pedals and external switches
to learn more.
Auto-engage the Wah
Similar to an optical Wah pedal, you can engage the Wah block automatically when moving the pedal. This is especially handy when using a spring-loaded pedal. To accomplish this, set Auto-Engage in the CONTROL parameter's modifier menu in the Wah block to either a SPEED or POSITION-controlled setting.
To turn off the Wah at toe down position, instead of heel-down, set OFF VALUE to 95%.
In current firmware, the Wah engages and bypasses with a gentle fade instead of an abrupt on/off.
Parameters
Control and Taper
CONTROL controls the sweep.
TAPER selects the curve of the sweep. The taper number is the percentage at the halfway point; LOG 20A means that the resistance is 20% at the halfway point in the travel. So if you put the knob at noon, it would be 20% of maximum.
Maximum Frequency
Lowering this allows a high gain Wah tone to cut through the mix better.
Inductor Bias (Coil Bias)
Adjust the DC offset of the virtual inductor.
FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES
[1] Over time the inductors build up some slight permanent magnetism due to finite DC current through them. This causes asymmetric distortion.
Fat
FAT is a mix control. It adds dry signal. You can't ever get 100% dry, at max FAT it's 50/50.
FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES
[2] If you like Wah with a Mix, just use the FILTER block. You have the option of LPF or BPF, adjustable Q, plus a ready-to-use Mix control. You'll need to set MIN and MAX in the Modifier rather than with knobs, but that's not hard.
Q Tracking
FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES
[3] Tracking controls how much the Q changes with the Control knob. The Q in a wah is not constant. The amount of Q change varies from brand to brand and model to model. It even varies between identical models due to component tolerances.
Graphic EQ
8-band Graphic EQ.
Output Level
When changing the Wah type, the output level is adjusted automatically because the output of the models has been matched to the original pedals.
FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES
[4] The levels were matched to the actual pedals.
[5] A typical wah has a gain of around 16 dB but it's a bandpass (sort of) response. If your amp is set clean then the output of the amp block will increase by 16 dB when the wah is engaged. Most amps have a response that rises with frequency response. So if the output of the amp block without the wah engaged was, say, 12 dB below full-scale at the high frequencies, it will be 4 dB over full-scale when the wah is engaged.
[6] A Wah boosts the volume at the center frequency. The cleaner the amp the less compression. A real amp would do the same thing. The easiest solution is to simply turn the level down in the wah block.
Tips, tricks and troubleshooting
Factory presets
Many Factory presets have a Wah block.
Auto Wah
See "Filter block".
Touch Wah
See "Filter block".
Seek Wah
The Seek Wah by ZVEX uses a sequenced filter pattern. For an equivalent effect, assign the Sequencer controller to the Wah block's CONTROL parameter. For a more pronounced effect, add a Formant block, attached to the same controller.
Try this factory preset: S/HIP AHOY
.
Fixed Wah
To create the sound of a fixed Wah position, such as in Money For Nothing
by Dire Straits, set the CONTROL parameter to a fixed value.
Try the MONEY FOR SOMETHING
factory preset.
Slow sweep
Attach the LFO internal controller to the CONTROL parameter in the Wah block to create a slow evolving filter effect.
Try the VELVET SUN
factory preset.
Input impedance
Variable Input Impedance in the Input block can cause a low-frequency thump when engaging the Wah. Read Input impedance
for more information.
Alternative to Auto-Engage
For an alternative approach to Auto-Engage, load Devin Townsend's preset from the Fractal Audio Gift of Tone
series or try the HEVY DEVY
factory preset.
