FC Controllers menu

This lets you configure connected FC-6 and FC-12 controllers. Read this: FC-6 and FC-12 foot controllers.

Alternatively, use the Editor.

Pedals that are connected directly to the Axe-Fx III, FM9, or FM3 need to be configured in the I/O menu.

FC Setlists/Songs menu

Read this: Songs and setlists.

Global Settings menu

Update Pre-xx Presets Spkr Imp Upon Load

Prompt On Edited Preset Change

Indicate Edited on Scene Change

Value Knob Push Function

Oversampling Mode: Best Quality / Minimum Latency

The Oversampling Mode parameter (Axe-Fx III only) lets you choose between Best Quality and Minimum Latency. This applies to Amp and Drive blocks only (non-linear). Best Quality is equal to previous firmware. Best Quality is linear-phase oversampling, Minimum Latency is minimum-phase oversampling.

"It selects between two different interpolation/decimation kernels. Best Quality yields the least aliasing and best phase response at the expense of latency. This is the kernel used in prior firmwares. Min. Latency trades aliasing and phase response for reduced latency. The Amp and Drive block have about 0.5ms less latency each when using Min. Latency. You can achieve total latency of around 1.5ms or less when using Min. Latency." [1]

Technical background

I/O menu

This lets you configure all audio inputs and outputs, return levels of digital audio, and the pedal port(s) at the rear of the hardware.

A backup of the system settings, created with Fractal-Bot, contains all I/O menu settings.

A/D Sensitivity (prior: A/D Input Levels)

Axe-Fx II
Axe-Fx III
FM9

Input 1 Gain

Axe-Fx III

In firmware Ares 12.12 and later, this allows trimming Input 1's gain to adjust for variations in guitar output level, without having to adjust each preset, similar to the global Amp Gain parameter in the Axe-Fx II.

Word Clock

Axe-Fx II
Axe-Fx III
FM9

Digital Input Source

Axe-Fx III
FM9

SPDIF/AES Out Source

Axe-Fx II
Axe-Fx III: select an input or output as the source for AES/SPDIF output
FM9: select an input or output as the source for SPDIF output (AES not supported)
FM3: select an input or output as the source for SPDIF output (AES not supported)

USB Output 3,4 Record Source

FM3

Select the source for computer inputs 3 and 4.

USB Output 7.8 Source

Axe-Fx III
FM9

Select an input as the source for USB outputs 7 and 8.

USB 1/2 Playback Destination

FM3

Select Output 1 (default) or Output 2 as the destination for computer outputs 1 and 2. This allows for the easy separation of processed guitar to Out 1 and default computer system audio to Output 2. If you use only Output 2, you can now hear both processed guitar and USB audio by using the settings Output 2 Copy: OUTPUT 1 and USB 1/2 Playback Destination: OUTPUT 2.

USB 3,4 Playback Destination

FM3

Select Input 1, Output 1 or Output 2 as the destination for computer outputs 3 and 4.

USB Output Mapping

Axe-Fx III
FM9

This allows routing USB channels 1,2 to Output 1 or Output 2 and channels 3,4 to Output 2 or Output 1.

This provides a way to route the computer's system audio, entering the processor, to Output 2 instead of Output 1.

USB Buffer Size

Axe-Fx II
FM3

Input 1 Source (Main Input Source)

Axe-Fx II
Axe-Fx III: select the source of Input 1: ANALOG (default, instrument input), or DIGITAL (as selected in Digital Input Source)
FM9: select the source of Input 1: ANALOG (default, instrument input), or DIGITAL (as selected in Digital Input Source)
FM3: select the source of Input: ANALOG or USB channels 3+4

The "USB" setting is meant for reamping a DI signal through USB.

Input 2/3/4 Source

Axe-Fx III
FM9

Select the source of the input: ANALOG (default) or DIGITAL (as selected in Digital Input Source).

See the picture above.

Input 1/2 Pad

FX8
AX8
FM3

Input 1/2/3/4 Mode

Axe-Fx II
Axe-Fx III
AX8
FX8
FM9
FM3

Values: Stereo, Left Only, Right Only, Sum L+R.

When connecting a guitar to the front instrument input on the Axe-Fx II, set this parameter to LEFT ONLY (default). You'd only use SUM L+R or STEREO when connecting a stereo instrument to Input 1 (rear). Input 1 front on the Axe-Fx III is always mono.

IMPORTANT: do not select SUM L+R or STEREO when using only the Left input. This may introduce noise (from the disconnected Right input) and attenuates the signal level (6 dB).

Input 2 Mode controls the same thing for Input 2 on the FM3, Axe-Fx II, AX8, and FX8. And Input 3 Mode and Input 4 Mode control the same thing for inputs 3 and 4 on the Axe-Fx III.

There's no Mode parameter for Input 1 on the Axe-Fx III.

Output Mode

Axe-Fx II
Axe-Fx III
FM9
FM3
AX8
FX8

This determines if the output signal is stereo, or one of the two mono modes: Sum L+R or Copy L>R.

The MUTE option (firmware 18 for the Axe-Fx III and later) allows muting the analog outputs while still passing data via USB. This can be used in conjunction with computer plug-ins.

Incoming computer audio such as YouTube is NOT muted when using the new MUTE OUT1 option in I/O > Audio. When recording or playing back in a DAW, with the DAW track set to USB channels 1-2, incoming audio from the DAW is also NOT muted when using the new MUTE OUT1 option in I/O > Audio, so you'll hear software monitoring only.

Read this:

Output Level (Nominal Out Level, Post Level)

Axe-Fx III
FM9
FM3
AX8
FX8

Set to -10dB when connecting the input to a pedal, a guitar amplifier input, or when the output is clipping the input section of another device. Use +4dB when connecting to the output of a pro-level device or to a louder output signal.

Note: the III and FM3 default to a -10 dB nominal output level, so their output level is lower than that of the II and the AX8.

(Axe-Fx III) "The default Output Level for Output 1 and 2 is -10 dBv. This was done to reduce the number of support cases due to people overloading the inputs on consumer-grade interfaces, mixers, etc. (IOW cheap stuff). Most professional gear runs at +4 dBu so if using a pro-grade interface, mixer, etc. you may want to go into the Global menu and change the level to +4 dBu." [2]

FX8 — The POST LEVEL parameter switches the FX8 between +4dB (default) and -10dB. Use +4dB if the unit connects to a line-level port on another device. Use -10dB if the unit connects to a guitar amplifier's instrument input or a pedal. If you're using the FX8 in a Four Cable Method (4CM) setup, and you're experiencing hiss, try switching to another Post Level value.

Output Boost/Pad

Axe-Fx II
AX8
Axe-Fx III: output 3 and 4
FM9: output 3
FM3: output 2

The Boost/Pad parameter optimizes the signal level to reduce noise in certain scenarios, such as a 4CM setup (Four Cable Method), when placing the device in front of a traditional amp, or when integrating an external pedal.

The Output Boost/Pad is supported for unity gain outputs.

"Boost/pad only applies to the outputs, that's why it's under the Output header." [3]

When putting the Axe-Fx II or III in front of a real amp using Output 3 or 4 (FM9: output 3, FM3: output 2), maximize Boost/Pad to make sure the full range of the D/A converter is used.

When using a 4CM setup: increase Boost/Pad and prevent clipping. Turn OUT on the front panel fully open for unity gain. Use Input Level IN to finetune the signal level.

Boost/Pad is not intended for boosting USB output (although it does have that effect).

"Usually you will use this when you send the effect loop out before the amp block. The signal will be weak going to the D/A converters. This allows you to boost the signal to the D/A converters w/ maintaining the same output level." [4]

Output Phase

Axe-Fx II
Axe-Fx III
FM9
FM3
AX8

This lets you invert the phase of the signal, if necessary.

Copy Output 1 (Output 2 Echo/Copy)

Axe-Fx II
Axe-Fx III
FM9
FM3
AX8

This determines the signal that is sent from Output 2.

Axe-Fx III:

ON: a copy of the Output 1 signal (excluding incoming USB audio) is sent to Output 2.
OFF: the Output 2 block controls the output.

FM3:

Input 1: sends an exact copy of the direct input signal (unprocessed DI signal) through Output 2.
Output 1: a copy of the Output 1 signal (excluding incoming USB audio) is sent to Output 2.
None.

If the Axe-Fx III or FM3 preset contains an Output 2 block, this parameter is ignored.

Axe-Fx II:

None.
Output 1: Output 2 sends an exact copy of the Output 1 signal (excluding incoming USB audio), UNLESS the preset contains an FX Loop block.
Input 1: Output 2 sends an exact copy of the direct input signal (unprocessed). This sends a DI signal through Output 2, UNLESS the preset contains an FX Loop block.

Copy Input 1

Axe-Fx III
FM9

This determines whether a copy of Output 1 is sent through Output 3 or 4, for example for reamping. It's the same as connecting the Input 1 block to the Output 3/4 block.

If the preset contains an Output 3 block or Output 4 block, this parameter is ignored.

Output Type

FM3

This lets you choose between line level or unity gain output for Output 2.

UNITY GAIN
To use FM3 Out 2 in unity gain applications, such as when connecting to a tube amp or certain pedals, confirm the following settings in the "Output 2 Configuration" section under SETUP: I/O: Audio

Output Type: Unity Gain
Boost/Pad: This optional setting may be increased to lower the noise floor. This can be useful, for example, when connecting to a "gainy" tube amp. Be careful however, as higher settings can cause clipping in the FM3. Watch the Status LEDs and reduce preset levels or turn this setting down if needed.
Output 2 Copy: Typically, "None", but there are also applications for copying "IN 1" to OUT 2, such as when recording an analog DI at unity gain via Out 2 while also recording the processed signal via Out 1. Remember though that placing an OUT2 block on the grid will override any Output 2 Copy setting, passing instead whatever audio is sent to the block. Other settings such as Level, Boost/Pad, etc. are not affected by the presence of the OUT2 grid block.
Set Out 2 Mode and Phase as desired.

For Unity Gain applications, set the Out 2 top panel knob fully clockwise to the highest setting.

LINE LEVEL
To use FM3 Out 2 for Line Level applications — such as when connecting to FRFR guitar speakers, studio monitors, mixers, etc., confirm the following settings in the "Output 2 Configuration" section under SETUP: I/O: Audio

Output Type: Line Level
Output Level: -10dBV or +4dBu (most pro devices operate at +4)
Output 2 Copy: As desired: "None”, or "Out 1" if you want Out 2 to reproduce the signal at Out 1 without needing an OUT2 grid block. You could use this, for example, when connecting to personal monitors via Out 2 while Out 1 is connected to a house PA. Remember though that placing an OUT 2 block on the grid will override the COPY OUT 2 setting, passing instead whatever audio is sent to the grid block. Other settings such as Output 2 Level (+4/-10) are not affected by the presence of the Out 2 block.
Set Out 2 Mode and Phase as desired.

For Line Level applications, set the Out 2 top panel knob as desired, starting fully counterclockwise and then increasing gradually until the desired output level is achieved.

USB (Input) Level

Axe-Fx III
FM9
FM3
Axe-Fx II

Adjusts USB playback level. Normally you would set computer audio playback levels in the computer, but these controls are handy when you need a boost or cut.

Adjust if necessary when using USB Audio.

AES/SPDIF (Input) Level

Axe-Fx III
Axe-Fx II
FM9

Adjust if necessary when using the AES or SPDIF ports.

Pedal

This menu lets you configure and calibrate expression pedals or switches that are connected directly to the pedal port(s) at the rear of the device.

Legacy I/O parameters

Input 1 Left Select

Axe-Fx II

Input 1 is split: it appears at the front (mono) as well as on the rear (mono or stereo). This parameter tells the Axe-Fx II if the front input or the rear input is used to connect the instrument, and defaults to front.

The rear port has the same impedance as the front input (1 Mohm, for guitars) but it operates at LINE level instead of instrument level.

The front input does not disable Input 1 left at the rear. Use the menu to select either the front input or rear input. You can leave everything plugged in.

"Input 1 on the rear is a very high impedance input (1 Mohm). It is compatible with low impedance outputs. Most people don't understand the real meaning of impedance and think you need to connect low impedance to low impedance but that's only with passive devices and is a relic of the old days when transformers were used to get the best power transfer. Nowadays we have active inputs with very high impedance which are compatible with a broad range of source impedances." [5]

Output 1 (PRE) Headroom

FX8

This parameter supplies more headroom if the signal from Output 1 PRE is too hot. The downside is that the noise floor is increased. The default is 6 dB, for the least headroom and lowest noise floor. The increased headroom is offset by a corresponding but opposite adjustment internally, so “what you hear” remains the same at all settings. The maximum headroom is 18 dB.

USB/Digi Out Source

Axe-Fx II

This lets you determine the signal sent out through USB Audio, AES or SPDIF. Select Output 1, Output 2, or Input (which is the unprocessed DI signal).

IR Capture

MIDI/Remote parameters

Utilities menu

This menu lets you:

set the brightness of the display
adjust the logo color and brightness
see the digital levels of pedals and outputs
see the version of the device firmware
see the version of the USB firmware
reset the system parameters
delete all presets and all user cabs

Backup and restore settings

A backup of the system settings, created with Fractal-Bot, contains all I/O menu settings.

If I/O menu parameters won’t stick

If adjusted parameters in the I/O menu are restored to their default values after powering off and on, there’s probably an issue with the internal battery. It’s exhausted or has come loose.

Axe-Fx III:

"The Axe-Fx III uses a battery for system data backup. Whenever the user changes any global data that data is flushed to battery-backed storage. We use battery-backed SRAM instead of EEPROM or FLASH because it's very fast and unlimited endurance. EEPROM is very slow and there's a risk that the user turns the power off before the flush is finished. FLASH has limited endurance (as well as being slower the SRAM) and there's a risk of wear-out. The battery should last 10 years under normal conditions and is user replaceable." [6]

FM3:

"The FM-3 doesn't have a battery. It uses EEPROM for system data." [7]

AX8:

Read "Why does the AX8 automatically reset its system parameters" if your AX8 seems to lose its system settings.

Setup menu

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