Setup menu

The Setup menu on the Axe-Fx III, FM9 and FM3 gives access to important system parameters. It has the following submenus:

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, not the FC Controllers menu.

FC Setlists/Songs menu

Read this: Songs and setlists

Global Settings menu

These settings can be adjusted on the hardware and in the current generation editors.

Value Knob Push Function

• Axe-Fx III only.

Assigns a function to the push function of the Value knob.

Startup Preset

Available on the FM9 only. This lets you specify the preset that will be recalled after powering up.

Input 1 Gain

• FM3

This allows trimming Input 1's gain to adjust for variations in guitar output level, without having to adjust each preset.

On the Axe-Fx III and FM9, this parameter is located in the I/O menu.

Gapless Changes

• Axe-Fx III
• FM9
• FM3

As of firmware 23, preset, scene and channel changes are gapless, if desired. This global parameter allows turning this feature on or off. OFF is the behavior prior to this firmware. The default is ON. This increases CPU usage by about 1.5%. [1]

FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES

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[2] There are caveats:

1. If presets are using a lot of CPU then the gapless switching may not work as there is not enough CPU available.
2. If presets are "stale" (saved under an older revision) then gapless switching may not work until the presets are saved. This is because the preset is being updated during the switchover.
3. If you switch presets rapidly you may get a gap because a lot of stuff goes on in the background after switching presets to get ready for the next preset change. If you switch before these background tasks are completed then you'll get a gap. It can take a few seconds for the tasks to complete.

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. These settings can be adjusted on the hardware and in the current generation editors.

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

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

• Axe-Fx II
• Axe-Fx III
• FM9

Input 1 Gain

• Axe-Fx III
• FM9

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. On the FM3, this parameter is located in the Global menu.

Word Clock

• Axe-Fx II
• Axe-Fx III
• FM9

Digital Input Source

• Axe-Fx III
• FM9

Default: AES.

SPDIF/AES Out Source

• Axe-Fx II
• Axe-Fx III: select an input or output as the source for AES/SPDIF output. Default: Output 2.
• 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. Default: Input 2.

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.

Default: 1/2 -> OUT1, 3/4 -> OUT2.

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.

From the Axe-Fx III Owner's Manual:

• Stereo – No special settings required.
• Half-Stereo – Leaving the Axe‐Fx III in its default stereo conguration but connecting only one (Left) output results in a “half‐stereo” setup. This works fine, aside from the exceptions such as ping-pong, panning, etc). No special settings required.
• Dual Mono – Sonically, this is identical to half-stereo, with the same limitations, except that mono signal is produced at both the left and right jacks so you can connect to two monitors. To switch to dual mono, go to I/O > Audio and set Mode for the desired output to “COPY L->R”.
• Summed Mono – Left and right channels are added together resulting in an identical mono signal at both left and right outputs. This has the advantage of not discarding half of the sound, but summing has its own issues. For example, short delays or phase differences between channels can result in strange artifacts or even total cancellation. To switch to summed mono, I/O > Audio and set Output Mode for the desired output to “SUM 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:

• Mono and stereo signal
• I/O connectivity and levels

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.

FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES

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Axe-Fx III:

[3] 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.

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.

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).

FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES

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

PREVIOUS GENERATIONS

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[5] 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.

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 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.

MIDI/Remote menu

These settings can be adjusted on the hardware only.

Read this: MIDI/Remote menu

Utilities menu

These settings can be adjusted on the hardware only.

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 installed device firmware
• see the version of the installed USB firmware
• Reset 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 settings in the Setup menu and submenus.

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.

FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES

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Axe-Fx III:

[6] 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.

FM3:

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

If your AX8 seems to lose its system setting, read this: Reset system parameters

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." [8]

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).