Plex Delay block

Available on which products

• Axe-Fx III: 2 blocks
• FM3: 1 block
• FM9: 1 block
• Axe-Fx II: no
• AX8: no
• FX8: no

Channels or X/Y switching

• Axe-Fx III and FM9 and FM3: 4 channels

What is the Plex Delay

The Plex Delay is a dedicated effect block on the Axe-Fx III, FM9 and FM3. The Plex Delay block provides up to 8 delay lines in a feedback arrangement for ethereal “shimmer” effects.

On the Axe-Fx II, AX8 and FX8, its functionality is part of the Multi Delay block.

More information in the Owner's Manual

Types

Plex Delay provides these types:

• Plex Delay — multiple delays
• Plex Detune — detuned delays, or pitch detune
• Plex Shift — pitch-shifted delays
• Plex Verb — large, ethereal reverb sounds. Simple to use with no time, tempo, level or pan parameters required. For best results turn the Diffusion Mix up when using this type
• Shimmer Verb — shimmer effect, see below

More information in the Owner's Manual

Camilo Velandia's demonstrates the Plex Delay

Factory presets

The Plex Delay block is showcased in many factory presets. Search the Factory presets page for "Plex".

Shimmer

The Plex Shift type and Shimmer Verb type both produce the shimmer effect. The Shimmer Verb type is a little easier to dial in (increase Shimmer Intensity), but don't overlook the power of the Plex Shift type. The Plex Shift is even a little less CPU-hungry. Check out the Undulator factory preset.

Parameters

Parameters table

Parameter	Axe-Fx III / FM3 / FM9
Input Select	yes
Shimmer Intensity	yes
Type	yes
Config - Number of Delays	yes
Config - Decay Time	yes
Config - Diffusion	yes
Config - Low Cut, High Cut	yes
Masters - Input Gain	yes
Masters - Master Time	yes
Masters - Master Level	yes
Masters - Master Pan	yes
Delay Time 1-8	yes
Tempo 1-8	yes
Level 1-8	yes
Pan 1-8	yes
Envelope - Threshold, Attack, Release	yes
Plex Detune - Granule Length (prev. named Crossfade)	yes
Plex Detune - Detune 1-8	yes
Plex Detune - Master Detune	yes
Plex Shift - Direction	yes
Plex Shift - Shift 1-8	yes
Plex Verb - Reverb Size	yes
Plex Verb - Decay time	yes
Ducker Attenuation	yes
Ducker Threshold	yes
Ducker Release Time	yes
Input Diffusion, Diffusion Time	yes
LFO Depth, LFO Rate	yes
LFO Tempo	yes
Spread	yes
Pre Delay	yes
Filter	yes
Stack/Hold (firmware Ares 12 and later)	yes

Filter

There's an adjustable filter in the block's wet signal. Filter can be any of the standard types (all types except comb filter types). Frequency, Q and Gain are modifiable.

Crossfade / Granule Length

The Cross-fade parameter has been removed in firmware 12.xx and later. For the Plex Detune type the Cross-fade parameter has been renamed Granule Length.

Shimmer Intensity

This parameter is available for the Shimmer Verb only. It defaults to 4. You may get better results when increased.

Envelope follower

The Plex Delay has its own envelope follower, allowing volume swells.

The Owner's Manual recommends these settings: Threshold -70, Attack 400, Release 15.

Stack/Hold

Available in firmware Ares 12 and later.

When HOLD is activated, the wet input to the block is muted and feedback is set to infinity. This can be used to achieve pad sounds and drone notes/chords.

When set to STACK incoming audio is stacked on existing audio and held.

Hold/Stack can be controlled with an external controller. When attaching a pedal to Off/Stack/Hold, Heel is Off, Stack is middle and Toe is Hold.

Decay Time

This is similar to the Feedback parameter in the regular Delay block.

Spread

Values beyond +/-100% increase the apparent image beyond the stereo field.

Low Cut, High Cut

"When using the Plex Verb the Low Cut and High Cut are very powerful controls. For pad-like sounds try Low Cut around 250 and High Cut around 2K. Experiment with different values to create different textures." [1]