Realtime Analyzer block

Available on which products

• Axe-Fx III: 1 block
• FM3: yes
• Axe-Fx II: no
• AX8: no
• FX8: no

Channels or X/Y switching

• Axe-Fx III and FM3: no

Purpose

The RTA provides detailed visual feedback of the audio spectrum. Possible uses are described below.

To view the display, scroll to the RTA block and press Edit. It makes for a great display during performances. Many users just use it because it looks pretty and dynamic.

It can point out frequencies where undesired feedback occurs. You can then use a PEQ to cut those frequencies.

“Use it to identify problem frequencies or as a spiffy screen saver.” source

It can used to test the hardware I/O. For example, to test the Instrument input: (source)

1. Go to a blank preset
2. Create a chain that connects Input 1 to the RTA block. On a separate row create a chain where the Synth block feeds Output 3
3. Set the Synth Type = Sine, Tracking = Off, Frequency = 1000 Hz
4. Connect an instrument cable from Output 3 (left or right) to the Instrument Input
5. Set the Input 1 / Instrument A/D Input Level (Home->Setup->I/O) to 50%
6. Turn the Out 3 Level knob all the way up
7. The Input 1 yellow LED should be lit. Red should not be lit. Go to the RTA block Config tab. Set Bands to 128, Window to Blackman. Go to the RTA tab. There should be a narrow spike at 1 kHz (three bands). There should be no other bands showing power except maybe a little noise at the highest bands. The spike at 1 kHz should be about 2 1/4 divisions below full-scale

It can be used to measure the output of other equipment, in conjunction with the Synth block. For example, to measure the frequency response of an external EQ or distortion pedal, set the Synth block to Pink Noise, send the Synth's signal through the pedal and back again, and use the RTA to measure and see the response.

Position of the RTA on the grid

The RTA block requires an input signal and doesn't send a signal out, so its output doesn't need to be connected.

Parameters

Parameter	Axe-Fx III / FM3
Decay Time	yes
Input Select	yes
Bands	yes
Window Type	yes