Always consult the official Owners Manuals first!
March 2024: all pages have been checked and are up-to-date

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=Preamp and power amp=
  
[[image:H_amps.png|link=]]
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Most traditional guitar amplifiers have a preamp and a power amp section, sometimes combined, sometimes separated. The preamp is responsible for tone and gain, the power amp makes things loud (real amplification) and may add some distortion and character of its own to the sound.
  
=Virtual preamps=
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Fractal Audio's amp modelers provide <q>virtual</q> equivalents of these preamps and power amps, combined in Amp models. Many [[Amplifier models list|traditional heads, combos and racked preamps]] have been modeled by Fractal Audio.
  
The Axe-Fx series and AX8 are "virtual" guitar preamps. [[Amplifier models list|More than hundred heads, combos and racked preamps have been modeled]].
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The devices also provide many other [[Effects list|effects]], and, depending on the unit, they can <q>[[Digital I/O and computer audio#Reamping|reamp]]</q> a recorded dry signal, create a [[Tone_Match_block|Tone Match]] of a real amp or recording, [[IR_Capture|capture Impulse Responses]], and more.
  
These processors also provide many other effects ([[Effects list]]), [[Re-amping|reamp a recorded dry signal]], [[Tone_Match_block|create tone matches]] of real amps and recordings (Axe-Fx only), [[IR_Capture|capture impulse responses (Axe-Fx only)]], and more.
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See <q>[[Amp_block|Amp block]]</q> for more information.
  
=Virtual power amps=
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=Amplification through traditional guitar speaker or Full Range Flat Response (FRFR)=
  
The Axe-Fx and AX8 have built-in power amp simulation. This means that you can listen to the sounds of the modeled amps through headphones, DAW, PA system, studio monitors etc.
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An amplifier, either real or virtual, needs a speaker, which can also be real or virtual, to sound good. Amplification is required to make things loud. Usually this means using either a traditional guitar cab with a power amp, or a so-called FRFR monitor/cab.
  
To produce amplified tones through guitar speakers (FRFR or traditional speakers), a hardware power amp (solid-state or tube) or powered monitor is required.
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'''Traditional guitar cab and power amp'''
  
[[image:H_cabs.png|link=]]
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A traditional guitar speaker will give you the familiar, fairly easy to set up, <q>amp/cab in the room tone</q>. This does limit possibilities however, because any sound you create will be colored by that particular guitar speaker.
  
=Playing through a guitar speaker=
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When using a traditional cabinet, the preset shouldn't use a Cabinet model. If it does, disable it or disable [[Cab_block|Cabinet Modeling]] in the processor's Setup menu.
  
You can use the Axe-Fx and AX8 with a traditional guitar speaker, combined with a power amp. This will give you the familiar "amp-in-the-room tone". It does limit the possibilities, because any sound you will create will go be colored by guitar speaker, instead of using flexible cabinet modeling with its unlimited possibilities.
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A hardware power amp is required to provide a strong signal to the speaker. This can be a guitar-oriented power amp, head or combo, which will add its own coloring to the sound and also decrease the possible tonal variations. This usually sounds best with Power Amp Modeling disabled in the processor's setup menus.
  
To amplify the Axe-Fx or AX8 through a guitar speaker, you need a power amp. Either a guitar-oriented power amp, head or combo (this requires disabling power amp modeling), or a so-called "neutral" power amp (with power amp modeling).
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More popular is a so-called <q>neutral</q> power amp which relies on the virtual power amp of the modeler, so keep Power Amp Modeling enabled in the Setup menu.
  
=FRFR amplification=
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See <q>[[I/O_connectivity_and_levels#Power_amp_and_guitar_speaker|Power amp and guitar speaker]]</q> for more information.
  
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, as well as some monitor wedges and cabs, and high-quality PA-systems.
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'''FRFR'''
  
An FRFR system and direct recording require [[Cab_block_and_IRs|speaker cabinet modeling]]. This means that the sound of a virtual speaker cabinet is added. The Axe-Fx and AX8 have many built-in [[Cabinet models list|cabinet models]]. They also allow loading additional cabs, known as impulse responses (IRs) or user cabs.
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Alternatively, you can use Full Range Flat Response (<q>FRFR</q>) sound reproduction and amplification. This requires a FRFR speaker and a neutral power amp, either external or built-in. Studio monitors are FRFR by nature, as are some monitor wedges and cabs, high-quality PA-systems, and headphones.
  
It's important to realize that if 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. A cab model almost always represents the tone of a speaker that was captured using one or more microphones placed very close to the speaker. That's an entirely different sound than listening to a guitar speaker from a distance. FRFR has more lows, more highs and has the coloring of the used microphone baked in. It takes a while to get accustomed to FRFR tone, but it's the tone the audience hears through the venue's sound system or when listening to recorded music.
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FRFR systems, including direct recording require [[Cab_block|Cabinet Modeling]] because the signal doesn't go through a traditional guitar cab. Fractal Audio's amp modelers provide many [[Cabinet models list|built-in cabinet models]]. They also allow loading external cabs, known as [[Impulse_responses_(IR)|Impulse Responses]] (<q>IRs</q>).
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Important: When using an FRFR sound system with cabinet modeling, you're listening to the sound of a miked speaker, which is a different sound 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 <q>nearfield</q> or <q>close-miking</q>). The sound of a guitar speaker at a certain distance is referred to as <q>far-field</q> or <q>in-the-room</q>. 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 into the captured sound. It can take a while to get accustomed to the FRFR sound, but just realize it's the same tone you hear at a concert or when listening to recorded music.
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See <q>[[I/O_connectivity_and_levels#Full_Range_Flat_Response_.28FRFR.29|Full Range Flat Response (FRFR)]]</q> more information.
  
 
=Cutting through the mix=
 
=Cutting through the mix=
  
Important in general, but especially when playing through FRFR amplification: [[Connecting and setting levels|Fletcher-Munson curves]]. 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 level people often turn up treble and bass. The Loudness switch on older home stereo systems does just that. At higher volume those controls need to be turned down again 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 loose). Even turning up the volume level won't help. Remember that the guitar is a "mid frequency" instrument. Always dial in your live guitar tones at gig levels!
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Many players who start using a digital modeler and take it to rehearsals and gigs, using FRFR amplification, find it difficult to cut through the mix. Turning up the volume doesn't solve this. This can be caused by many things but the primary two are:
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* [[I/O_connectivity_and_levels#Close-miking|Close-miked sound]]
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* [[I/O_connectivity_and_levels#Fletcher-Munson|Fletcher-Munson curve]]
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 +
=Input and output clipping=
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Clipping means that a signal exceeds the limits. While analog clipping can sound pleasing, digital clipping sounds horrible, something that you'll want to avoid.
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Clipping can occur at various stages in the device.
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; Input clipping : Input clipping means that the incoming signal from the guitar to the processor is too hot or strong. To fix it, turn down Input Sensitivity or Input Pad in the modeler's Setup > I/O menu until the warning disappears.  
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; Output clipping : The Output LED indicates that the signal level in the effects chain is too hot for the digital-to-analog (<q>DAC</q>) converter at the end. Adjusting the Input Level will not solve this. Instead, decrease the digital level somewhere in the chain, preferably using Level in the Amp block, or in the Output block. The Preset Leveling Tool in Edit is convenient when working with those two settings.
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See these links for more information:
  
=Solve clipping=
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* [[I/O_connectivity_and_levels|I/O connectivity and levels]]
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* Wikipedia's <q>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clipping_(audio) Clipping]</q> page.
  
Be aware that input clipping is something totally different than output clipping.
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=Parameter paralysis=
  
It's okay for the Input LED to "tickle" the red. If it happens all the time, adjust Input Level/Pad in I/O. Be aware that this is not a real input level control, the control controls the signal-to-noise ratio only and does NOT affect signal level, amp gain or tone.
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The sheer number of parameters and possibilities in Fractal Audio's processors can easily dazzle and confuse users. Sometimes it's handy to be able to fall back on a reference tone.
  
The Output LED light indicates that the signal level in the effects chain is too hot. Adjusting the input level does NOT solve this. Decrease the level somewhere in the chain, preferably using Level in the Amp block.
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The Band-Commander (clean tone) and Friedman BE (dirty tone) amp models, both at default settings, provide great baseline tones. Combine them with the factory cab model Legacy 103 at default settings. Listen to the sound with good quality headphones or through studio monitors that provide a flat response.
  
=Fractal Audio software=
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See <q>[https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/soundclips-for-reference-purpose.174944 Soundclips for reference purpose]</q> to hear the sound of various guitars through the modelers.
  
* [http://www.fractalaudio.com/support Fractal Audio's editors] — load and save presets from/to disk, edit sounds, rearrange presets and user cabs.
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=Tutorials=
* [http://www.fractalaudio.com/fractal-bot.php Fractal-Bot] — backup or restore your device, load and save presets and user cabs, upgrade the firmware.
 
* [http://www.fractalaudio.com/cab-lab-packs.php Cab-Lab] — mix IRs, convert IRs, create an IR of your guitar cabinet (IR Capture).
 
Note: you may need to install a driver first before you can connect the Axe-Fx to a computer. [http://www.fractalaudio.com/drivers.php Download it here.]
 
  
=Questions or issues=
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''Always'' read the [[Owners_Manuals | Owner's Manual]].
  
* [http://www.fractalaudio.com/manuals-and-docs.php Read the Owner's Manuals.]
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G66, the European distributor of Fractal Audio products, encloses a great quick start guide with the delivery of each new Axe-Fx III, FM3 and FM9: [https://www.g66.eu/images/Manuals/Axe-Fx_III_Beginners_Guide_EN.pdf G66 Beginner's Guide]
* [http://forum.fractalaudio.com Visit the discussion forums.]
 
* Explore this wiki further.
 
  
 
[[category:Axe-Fx2]]
 
[[category:Axe-Fx2]]
 +
[[category:FM3]]
 +
[[category:FM9]]
 
[[category:Axe-Fx3]]
 
[[category:Axe-Fx3]]
 
[[category:AX8]]
 
[[category:AX8]]
 
[[category:Sounds]]
 
[[category:Sounds]]
 +
[[category:All]]

Latest revision as of 22:21, 9 March 2024

Preamp and power amp

Most traditional guitar amplifiers have a preamp and a power amp section, sometimes combined, sometimes separated. The preamp is responsible for tone and gain, the power amp makes things loud (real amplification) and may add some distortion and character of its own to the sound.

Fractal Audio's amp modelers provide virtual equivalents of these preamps and power amps, combined in Amp models. Many traditional heads, combos and racked preamps have been modeled by Fractal Audio.

The devices also provide many other effects, and, depending on the unit, they can reamp a recorded dry signal, create a Tone Match of a real amp or recording, capture Impulse Responses, and more.

See Amp block for more information.

Amplification through traditional guitar speaker or Full Range Flat Response (FRFR)

An amplifier, either real or virtual, needs a speaker, which can also be real or virtual, to sound good. Amplification is required to make things loud. Usually this means using either a traditional guitar cab with a power amp, or a so-called FRFR monitor/cab.

Traditional guitar cab and power amp

A traditional guitar speaker will give you the familiar, fairly easy to set up, amp/cab in the room tone. This does limit possibilities however, because any sound you create will be colored by that particular guitar speaker.

When using a traditional cabinet, the preset shouldn't use a Cabinet model. If it does, disable it or disable Cabinet Modeling in the processor's Setup menu.

A hardware power amp is required to provide a strong signal to the speaker. This can be a guitar-oriented power amp, head or combo, which will add its own coloring to the sound and also decrease 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 relies on the virtual power amp of the modeler, so keep Power Amp Modeling enabled in the Setup menu.

See Power amp and guitar speaker for more information.

FRFR

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

FRFR systems, including direct recording require Cabinet Modeling because the signal doesn't go through a traditional guitar cab. Fractal Audio's amp modelers provide many built-in cabinet models. They also allow loading external cabs, 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, which is a different sound 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 or in-the-room. 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 into the captured sound. It can take a while to get accustomed to the FRFR sound, but just realize it's the same tone you hear at a concert or when listening to recorded music.

See Full Range Flat Response (FRFR) more information.

Cutting through the mix

Many players who start using a digital modeler and take it to rehearsals and gigs, using FRFR amplification, find it difficult to cut through the mix. Turning up the volume doesn't solve this. This can be caused by many things but the primary two are:

Input and output clipping

Clipping means that a signal exceeds the limits. While analog clipping can sound pleasing, digital clipping sounds horrible, something that you'll want to avoid.

Clipping can occur at various stages in the device.

Input clipping 
Input clipping means that the incoming signal from the guitar to the processor is too hot or strong. To fix it, turn down Input Sensitivity or Input Pad in the modeler's Setup > I/O menu until the warning disappears.
Output clipping 
The Output LED indicates that the signal level in the effects chain is too hot for the digital-to-analog (DAC) converter at the end. Adjusting the Input Level will not solve this. Instead, decrease the digital level somewhere in the chain, preferably using Level in the Amp block, or in the Output block. The Preset Leveling Tool in Edit is convenient when working with those two settings.

See these links for more information:

Parameter paralysis

The sheer number of parameters and possibilities in Fractal Audio's processors can easily dazzle and confuse users. Sometimes it's handy to be able to fall back on a reference tone.

The Band-Commander (clean tone) and Friedman BE (dirty tone) amp models, both at default settings, provide great baseline tones. Combine them with the factory cab model Legacy 103 at default settings. Listen to the sound with good quality headphones or through studio monitors that provide a flat response.

See Soundclips for reference purpose to hear the sound of various guitars through the modelers.

Tutorials

Always read the Owner's Manual.

G66, the European distributor of Fractal Audio products, encloses a great quick start guide with the delivery of each new Axe-Fx III, FM3 and FM9: G66 Beginner's Guide