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[[image:H_amps.png|link=]]
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__TOC__
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=Preamps and power amps=
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[[image:Amp block.PNG|400px]]
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 +
Most traditional guitar amplifiers consist of a preamp and a power amp. The preamp is responsible for tone and gain, the power amp makes things loud and may add some distortion and character of its own to the sound.
 +
 
 +
Fractal Audio's amp modelers model both: they provide "virtual" guitar preamps and power amps, combined in Amplifier models. [[Amplifier models list|Many heads, combos and racked preamps have been modeled]]
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 +
The processors also provide [[Effects list|many other effects]]. And depending on the processor, they can "[[Computer audio and reamping|reamp]]" a recorded dry signal, create [[Tone_Match_block|Tone Matches]] of real amps and recordings, [[IR_Capture|capture Impulse Responses]], and more.
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[[Amp_block|More about the Amp block...]]
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 +
=Traditional guitar speaker or Full Range Flat Response (FRFR)=
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 +
[[image:h_cabs.png|link=]]
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 +
An amp, whether real or virtual, needs a speaker to sound good. And amplification is required to make modeling loud. Usually this means using either a traditional guitar cab with a power amp, or a so-called FRFR monitor.
 +
 
 +
* '''Traditional guitar cab and power amp'''
 +
 
 +
A traditional guitar speaker will give you the familiar and fairly easy to set up "amp/cab in the room tone". This does limit possibilities, because any sound you will create will be colored by the character of the guitar speaker. When using a traditional cabinet, the preset doesn't need to contain a Cabinet model. If it does, disable it or disable [[Cab_block|Cabinet Modeling]] in the processor's setup menu.
 +
 
 +
To feed the guitar speaker, a hardware power amp is required.
 +
 
 +
This can be a guitar-oriented power amp, head or combo, which will add it own coloring to the sound and decreases the possible tonal variations. This usually sounds best with Power Amp Modeling disabled in the processor's setup menus.
 +
 
 +
More popular is a so-called "neutral" power amp, which neutrally amplifies the incoming signal into the guitar cabinet. This relies on the virtual power amp, so keep Power Amp Modeling enabled in the setup menu.
 +
 
 +
[[Connections and levels|More information...]]
 +
 
 +
* '''FRFR'''
  
__TOC__
+
Alternatively, you can opt for FRFR sound reproduction and amplification: Full Range Flat Response. This requires a FRFR speaker and an external or built-in neutral power amp. Studio monitors are FRFR by nature, as well as some monitor wedges and cabs, high-quality PA-systems, and headphones.
=Virtual preamps and power amps=
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 +
FRFR systems and direct recording require [[Cab_block|Cabinet Modeling]] because the signal doesn't go through a traditional guitar cab. Fractal Audio's amp modelers have [[Cabinet models list|many built-in cabinet models]]. They also allow loading additional cabs from disk, known as [[Impulse_responses_(IR)|Impulse Responses (IRs)]].
 +
 
 +
Important: when using an FRFR sound system with cabinet modeling, you're listening to the sound of a miked speaker. That's a different tone than that of a guitar speaker cabinet. A virtual cab (almost always) represents the sound of a speaker that was captured using one or more microphones placed very close to the speaker (referred to as "nearfield" or "close-miking"). The sound of a guitar speaker at a certain distance is referred to as "far-field". Because of the close proximity of the recording mic to the speaker, the FRFR sound has more highs and lows, and has the characteristics of the microphone baked in. It can take a while to get accustomed to the FRFR sound, but realize it's the same tone you hear at a concert or when listening to recorded music.
 +
 
 +
[[Connections and levels|More information...]]
  
Most traditional guitar amplifiers consist of a preamp and a power amp. The preamp usually is responsible for tone and gain, the power amp takes care of amplification and also adds some character of its own to the tone.
+
=Cutting through the mix=
  
The Axe-Fx series and AX8 model both; they are "virtual" guitar preamps and power amps. [[Amplifier models list|More than hundred heads, combos and racked preamps have been modeled]].  
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Lots of players who start using a modeler and take it to rehearsals and gigs, using FRFR amplification, find it difficult to make the sound of the guitar cut through the mix. Even turning up volume doesn't always help. This is caused by two things:
  
The processors also provide [[Effects list|many other effects]], they can "reamp" a recorded dry signal, create [[Tone_Match_block|Tone Matches]] of real amps and recordings (Axe-Fx only), [[IR_Capture|capture impulse responses]] (Axe-Fx only), and more.
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* [[Connections_and_levels#Close-miking|close-miked sound]]
 +
* [[Connections_and_levels#Fletcher-Munson|Fletcher-Munson curve]]
  
[[Amp_block|Read more about the Amp block.]]
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=Input and output clipping=
  
=Using a traditional guitar speaker or full-range amplification (FRFR)=
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[[image:Iii-meter-bridge.jpg|link=|300px]]
  
There are many ways to enjoy the sounds from Fractal Audio's Axe-Fx and AX8 processors: headphones, studio monitors, IEM, FRFR monitors, power amps and guitar cabs, etc.
+
Clipping means that a signal exceeds the limits. While analog clipping may sometimes be desirable, digital clipping is always nasty and something that you'll want to avoid.
  
Additional amplification is required to get loud on stage. Usually this means using either a traditional guitar cab with a power amp, or a so-called FRFR monitor.
+
Clipping can occur at various stages.
  
A traditional guitar speaker will give you the familiar and fairly easy to set up "amp-in-the-room tone". It does limit possibilities, because any sound you will create will be colored by the guitar speaker, instead of using flexible cabinet modeling with its unlimited possibilities. When using a traditional cabinet, Cabinet Modeling needs to be disabled in the processor's setup menus.
+
* '''Input clipping'''
  
To feed the guitar speaker, a separate hardware power amp is required. This can be a guitar-oriented power amp, head or combo (this requires disabling Power Amp Modeling in the processor's setup menus), which add its own coloring to the sound (and decreases the possible tonal variations). More popular: a so-called "neutral" power amp (keep Power Amp Modeling enabled), which neutrally amplifies the incoming signal into the guitar cabinet.
+
Input clipping means that the incoming signal is too hot.
  
Alternatively, you can opt for FRFR sound reproduction: Full Range Flat Response. This requires a FRFR speaker and an external or built-in "neutral" power amp. Studio monitors are FRFR by nature, as well as some monitor wedges and cabs, and high-quality PA-systems. FRFR systems and direct recording require [[Cab_block|Cabinet Modeling]] because there's no real cabinet to put the sound through. The Axe-Fx and AX8 have many built-in [[Cabinet models list|cabinet models]]. They also allow loading additional cabs from disk, known as Impulse Responses (IRs) or user cabs. Note that when you're using an FRFR sound system with cabinet modeling, you'll be listening to the sound of a miked speaker, as opposed to a traditional guitar speaker. An IR / cab model almost always represents the tone of a speaker that was captured using one or more microphones placed very close to the speaker (referred to as "nearfield" or "close-miking"). That's a different sound than that of a guitar speaker at a distance ("far-field"). Because of the proximity of the mic to the speaker, the sound of FRFR produces more highs and lows, and has the characteristics of the microphone baked in. It can take a while to get accustomed to FRFR tone, but realize it's the same tone the audience hears through a venue's sound system and when listening to recorded music.
+
It's okay for the Input LED to "tickle" the red. If it happens all the time, adjust Input Level / Input Pad in the setup menu. This control is NOT a gain control! It controls the signal-to-noise ratio and does NOT affect signal level, amp gain or tone.
  
=Make the guitar cut through the mix=
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* '''Output clipping'''
  
Important in general, but especially when playing through FRFR amplification: [[Connecting_and_setting_levels#Fletcher-Munson|Fletcher-Munson curve]]. This is the scientific name for the fact that human ears perceive sound at low volume levels differently than at higher levels. At low volume levels people often turn up treble and bass. The Loudness switch on older home stereo systems does just that. At higher levels those controls need to be turned down to prevent harsh and boomy tones and to prevent the guitar from getting lost in the mix (a guitar that competes with cymbals and bass guitar will always loose that battle), turning up the volume won't help. So always dial in your live guitar tones at gig levels, and remember that the guitar is a "mid frequency" instrument.
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The Output LED indicates that the signal level in the effects chain is too hot for the digital-to-analog converter at the end. Adjusting the Input Level will not solve this. Decrease the digital level somewhere in the chain, preferably using Level in the Amp block, or in the Output block.
  
=Solve clipping=
+
[[Connections and levels|More about levels...]]
  
Input clipping is not the same as output clipping.
+
=Parameter paralysis=
  
It's okay for the Input LED to "tickle" the red. If it happens all the time, adjust Input Level/Pad in the I/O menu. Be aware that this control is NOT a gain control, it controls the signal-to-noise ratio only and does NOT affect signal level, amp gain or tone.
+
The sheer number of parameters and possibilities with amplifier and cabinet modeling can easily dazzle and confuse. It's handy to fall back on a reference tone.
  
The Output LED indicates that the signal level in the effects chain is too hot for the digital-to-analog converter. Adjusting the Input Level will NOT solve this. Decrease the level somewhere in the chain, preferably using Level in the Amp block, or in the Output block.
+
The Band-Commander (clean tone) and Friedman BE (dirty tone) amp models, both at completely default settings, provide great baseline tones. Combine with cab model Legacy 103 at default settings. Listen with headphones or through studio monitors.
  
[[Connecting_and_setting_levels#Connecting_instruments_and_other_devices|More about setting levels.]]
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=Tutorials=
  
=Avoiding parameter paralysis and option anxiety=
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[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlFyLhwRJj0 Cooper Carter's Introduction to the Axe-Fx III, part 1]
  
The sheer number of parameters and possibilities within the Amp and Cab blocks can dazzle the beginner. Therefore it's handy to have a reference tone. The Band-Commander (clean tone) and Friedman HBE (dirty tone) amp models at defauklt settings can serve as such, combined with stock cabinet #103 (Cab block at default settings).
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[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpwxNiOt6pQ Cooper Carter's Introduction to the Axe-Fx III, part 2]
  
 
[[category:Axe-Fx2]]
 
[[category:Axe-Fx2]]
 +
[[category:FM3]]
 
[[category:Axe-Fx3]]
 
[[category:Axe-Fx3]]
 
[[category:AX8]]
 
[[category:AX8]]
 
[[category:Sounds]]
 
[[category:Sounds]]

Revision as of 09:21, 20 November 2019

Preamps and power amps

Amp block.PNG

Most traditional guitar amplifiers consist of a preamp and a power amp. The preamp is responsible for tone and gain, the power amp makes things loud and may add some distortion and character of its own to the sound.

Fractal Audio's amp modelers model both: they provide "virtual" guitar preamps and power amps, combined in Amplifier models. Many heads, combos and racked preamps have been modeled

The processors also provide many other effects. And depending on the processor, they can "reamp" a recorded dry signal, create Tone Matches of real amps and recordings, capture Impulse Responses, and more.

More about the Amp block...

Traditional guitar speaker or Full Range Flat Response (FRFR)

H cabs.png

An amp, whether real or virtual, needs a speaker to sound good. And amplification is required to make modeling loud. Usually this means using either a traditional guitar cab with a power amp, or a so-called FRFR monitor.

  • Traditional guitar cab and power amp

A traditional guitar speaker will give you the familiar and fairly easy to set up "amp/cab in the room tone". This does limit possibilities, because any sound you will create will be colored by the character of the guitar speaker. When using a traditional cabinet, the preset doesn't need to contain a Cabinet model. If it does, disable it or disable Cabinet Modeling in the processor's setup menu.

To feed the guitar speaker, a hardware power amp is required.

This can be a guitar-oriented power amp, head or combo, which will add it own coloring to the sound and decreases the possible tonal variations. This usually sounds best with Power Amp Modeling disabled in the processor's setup menus.

More popular is a so-called "neutral" power amp, which neutrally amplifies the incoming signal into the guitar cabinet. This relies on the virtual power amp, so keep Power Amp Modeling enabled in the setup menu.

More information...

  • FRFR

Alternatively, you can opt for FRFR sound reproduction and amplification: Full Range Flat Response. This requires a FRFR speaker and an external or built-in neutral power amp. Studio monitors are FRFR by nature, as well as some monitor wedges and cabs, high-quality PA-systems, and headphones.

FRFR systems and direct recording require Cabinet Modeling because the signal doesn't go through a traditional guitar cab. Fractal Audio's amp modelers have many built-in cabinet models. They also allow loading additional cabs from disk, known as Impulse Responses (IRs).

Important: when using an FRFR sound system with cabinet modeling, you're listening to the sound of a miked speaker. That's a different tone than that of a guitar speaker cabinet. A virtual cab (almost always) represents the sound of a speaker that was captured using one or more microphones placed very close to the speaker (referred to as "nearfield" or "close-miking"). The sound of a guitar speaker at a certain distance is referred to as "far-field". Because of the close proximity of the recording mic to the speaker, the FRFR sound has more highs and lows, and has the characteristics of the microphone baked in. It can take a while to get accustomed to the FRFR sound, but realize it's the same tone you hear at a concert or when listening to recorded music.

More information...

Cutting through the mix

Lots of players who start using a modeler and take it to rehearsals and gigs, using FRFR amplification, find it difficult to make the sound of the guitar cut through the mix. Even turning up volume doesn't always help. This is caused by two things:

Input and output clipping

Iii-meter-bridge.jpg

Clipping means that a signal exceeds the limits. While analog clipping may sometimes be desirable, digital clipping is always nasty and something that you'll want to avoid.

Clipping can occur at various stages.

  • Input clipping

Input clipping means that the incoming signal is too hot.

It's okay for the Input LED to "tickle" the red. If it happens all the time, adjust Input Level / Input Pad in the setup menu. This control is NOT a gain control! It controls the signal-to-noise ratio and does NOT affect signal level, amp gain or tone.

  • Output clipping

The Output LED indicates that the signal level in the effects chain is too hot for the digital-to-analog converter at the end. Adjusting the Input Level will not solve this. Decrease the digital level somewhere in the chain, preferably using Level in the Amp block, or in the Output block.

More about levels...

Parameter paralysis

The sheer number of parameters and possibilities with amplifier and cabinet modeling can easily dazzle and confuse. It's handy to fall back on a reference tone.

The Band-Commander (clean tone) and Friedman BE (dirty tone) amp models, both at completely default settings, provide great baseline tones. Combine with cab model Legacy 103 at default settings. Listen with headphones or through studio monitors.

Tutorials

Cooper Carter's Introduction to the Axe-Fx III, part 1

Cooper Carter's Introduction to the Axe-Fx III, part 2