Input block

Available on which products

• Axe-Fx III: 5 blocks (incl. Input USB)
• FM3: 2 blocks
• FM9: 4 blocks (incl. Input USB)
• Axe-Fx II: 1 block
• AX8: 1 block
• FX8: no

Channels or X/Y switching

• Axe-Fx III and FM9 and FM3: 4 channels
• Axe-Fx II: no
• AX8: no

What is the Input block

The Input block is the point where the signal enters the grid for processing by effect blocks.

The Input block also provides these functions:

• Noise gate
• Input impedance parameter on some processors

On the Axe-Fx III, FM9 and FM3, an Input block can also operate as Effects Return in an effects loop. The signal is sent to an external device through an Output block (= Effects Send) and then re-enters the grid through the Input block (= Effects Return). This is similar to the FX Loop block on the Axe-Fx II and AX8.

Position of the Input block on the grid

Axe-Fx II and AX8 — The Input block has a fixed position at the start of the grid.

Axe-Fx III, FM9 and FM3 — The Input blocks can be positioned anywhere on the grid.

Input sources

The Input blocks are by default linked to the hardware analog input ports.

On the Axe-Fx III, FM9 and FM3, inputs can be linked to digital input, through the I/O menu. For more information about the input sources on the Axe-Fx III and FM3, see: I/O menu.

The Axe-Fx III and FM9 have an extra Input block: Input USB. It gets its signal from USB Outputs 7+8 from a computer.

Setting and viewing levels

The Axe-Fx III, FM9 and FM3 provides block meters on a page in the Layout view, which indicate input and output signal level per block.

These meters are an extremely handy troubleshooting tool.

Running Input and Output blocks as an effects loop

Firmware Ares and later:

When running a pair of Input and Output blocks as an effects loop, the blocks don't have to be connected to each other.

Here are the scenarios when running an effects loop:

• If Output is not connected to Input and Input is bypassed: the signal from the loop is muted
• If Output is connected to Input and Input is bypassed: the signal is passed without going through the loop
• If Output is connected to Input and Input is engaged: the signal from the effect loop is passed

When using the Input block as the On/Off switch for the loop, it makes sure that no noise will enter the grid if the loop is off. However, this will also cut off tails from effects such as delay when turning off the loop.

Input impedance

Read this: Input impedance

Input blocks and Global Blocks

Only Input 1 can be configured as a Global Block (on processors which support Global Blocks).

Level in Input block

Firmware Ares 12.12 and later let you attach this parameter to a controller. This makes it possible to adjust presets for different guitars using a pedal or switch.

Input blocks and noise gates

Each Input block has its own noise gate settings. On the Axe-Fx III, FM9 and FM3 this includes EMI filtering.

Read this: Noise gate

Parameters

Parameter	Axe-Fx III / FM9 / FM3
Threshold	yes
Ratio	yes
Attack	yes
Release	yes
Output Level	yes
Gate Type	yes
Input 1/Instr Impedance	yes / no