October 2024: Fractal Audio's VP4 Virtual Pedalboard added to the wiki.
USB
Contents
Manual
Template:2.3 Computer Integration
Template:2.3.1 Minimum requirements
Template:2.3.2 Software Installation
Template:3.4.9 Computer Audio Interface
Diagram: USB features
User contributions
Drivers voor USB connectivity
- Drivers for Mac and PC which add USB connectivity are available for download here.
- It's not an driver in the conventional sense. It's a daemon that waits for the Axe-Fx USB port to appear and then downloads software to the port to make it USB class-compliant. The plist is /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.fractalaudio.axefx2load.plist
- The USB driver's control panel should not be used for configuration. Ignore error messages when clicking on the controls. Source1 Source3
- The names on the computer of the Axe-Fx channels are assigned by the computer, not by the Axe-Fx. Source
No MIDI interface or audio interface required
- When using the USB interface, there's no need for an additional audio interface. An audio interface is still required when connecting the analog Axe-Fx II outputs to a computer instead of using USB.
- A MIDI interface is also not required to connect the Axe-Fx II to a computer. USB suffices (MIDI-over-USB). The Axe-Fx II itself is an USB-to-MIDI adapter. MIDI interfaces can still be used though, and editing with the help of a MIDI interface is also still possible.
Using the Axe-Fx II to update the MFC-101 firmware
The Axe-Fx II can be used as a USB-to-MIDI interface to update the firmware on the MFC-101. Read this
USB connection increases CPU utilization
Creating an USB connection increases CPU utilization (by design). If a preset uses much CPU cycles, you may run into CPU overload problems when connecting the Axe-Fx II to a computer through USB. Source1 Source2
Latency
When monitoring audio via the Axe-Fx II, latency is none. When monitoring the audio signal via the computer's output, latency depends on computer. Source
Solving USB noise
High-pitched noise may be caused by a ground loop.
Cliff: "The USB spec calls for grounding the cable at both ends (mistake). This can create a ground loop. Make sure everything is plugged into the same outlet strip." Source
USB storage media
The Axe-Fx II cannot connect to a USB stick. Source