USB

Manual

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Diagram: USB features

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User contributions

Driver for 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 file is located here: /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 of the Axe-Fx channels on the computer are assigned by the computer, not by the Axe-Fx. Source
• If using AxeEdit, you will still need to go to Settings > MIDI Settings and select the Midi In and Out ports for it to use. They should be named something like "AXE-FX II MIDI In" and "AXE-FX II MIDI Out".

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