Output block

Available on which products

• Axe-Fx III: 4 blocks
• FM3: 2 blocks
• Axe-Fx II: 1 block
• AX8: 1 block
• FX8: no

X/Y and channels

• Axe-Fx III: 4 channels
• FM3: 4 channels
• Axe-Fx II: no
• AX8: no
• FX8: n/a

What's the Output block for

The Output block is the spot where the signal exits the grid. It contains a mixer.

Together with an Input block it can also establish an effects loop.

Position of the Output block

Axe-Fx II and AX8: The Output block has a fixed position at the end of the grid.

Axe-Fx III and FM3: The Output blocks can be positioned freely on the grid.

(Axe-Fx III product information) "Routing flexibility is enhanced by unconstrained placement of input and output blocks anywhere in the routing grid. Want to insert different outboard devices at different parts of the signal path? No problem. Simultaneously process discrete stereo output for acoustic and electric guitars? Easy. Send stereo to front-of-house, plus a true “Wet-Dry-Wet” on stage while recording a DI for re-amping later? No problem! Each output pair also has its own dedicated front panel LEVEL knob for convenient control."

Output blocks in the Axe-Fx III

Each Output block has 4 channels, and contains a mixer with Level and Balance controls for each grid row, plus master Output Level, Balance and Bypass controls.

Output 1 — transmits signal to the physical Output 1 jacks and to USB Inputs 1+2 on a connected computer

Output 2 — transmits signal to the physical Output 2 jacks and to USB Inputs 3+4 on a connected computer

Output 3 — transmits signal to the physical Output 3 jacks

Output 4 — transmits signal to the physical Output 4 jacks

The Output 1 block signal may also be transmitted:

• through the digital outputs, if SPDIF/AES Out Source is set to Output 1
• through Output 2, if Output 2 Copy Output 1 is turned on and there's no Output 2 block on the grid.

The Output 2 block signal may also be transmitted through the digital outputs if SPDIF/AES Out Source is set to Output 2.

The Output blocks can be muted. The signal is muted at the corresponding output AND on the grid.

Regarding the Output 3 and 4 blocks:

• If you don't connect Output to Input, muting the Input block will mute the signal path from this loop.
• If you connect them, bypassing the Input block will not mute the signal. Signal is passed without going through the loop.
• If you connect them, with Input engaged, it will output the signal from the effect loop.

Output blocks in the FM3

Each Output block has 4 channels, and contains a mixer with Level and Balance controls for each grid row, plus master Output Level, Balance and Bypass controls.

Output 1 — transmits signal to the physical Output 1 jacks

Output 2 — transmits signal to the physical Output 2 jacks

The FM3 also transmits signal to USB.

(FM3) "The USB outputs (IN Endpoints) are Output 1 L/R, Instrument In and Input 2 Left." source

More info to be added ...

Creating an effects loop on the Axe-Fx III

Read this

Setting and viewing levels

The Output block level is stored per scene in the AX8, Axe-Fx II and III.

"It's impossible to clip internally. The output block level meters are intended for use in leveling presets. When routing a signal from Input 1 to Ouput 3 or 4 it's entirely possible for the meters to enter the red zone. This is not an issue. The only place clipping can occur is at the final D/A stage which is indicated by the front panel meter bridge. If the red LEDs light then the D/A is clipping." source

The Output block meters are BEFORE the Level controls (pre-fader) on the front panel, and are therefore unaffected by the Level controls. The meters indicate the internal signal level relative to full-scale (dBFS).

Output block overrides "Copy Output ..." in I/O menu (Axe-Fx III)

When the preset contains an Output block, it overrides the corresponding Copy Output setting in I/O > Audio.

This is similar to the FX Loop block in the Axe-Fx II.