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Difference between revisions of "Channels"

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''The information on this page supplements the official manuals.''
 
 
__TOC__
 
__TOC__
''Image to be added''
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[[image:Iii all-blocks-3x13.jpg|500px|link=]]
=Channels: supported by which Fractal Audio products=
+
=Available on which products=
* '''Axe-Fx III''': yes.
+
 
* '''Axe-Fx II''': no.
+
* '''Axe-Fx III''' and '''FM3''': yes
* '''MFC-101''': no.
+
* '''Axe-Fx II''': no
* '''AX8''': no.
+
* '''MFC-101''': no
* '''FX8''': no.
+
* '''AX8''': no
 +
* '''FX8''': no
  
 
=What are channels=
 
=What are channels=
Most effect blocks in the Axe-Fx III have up to 4 channels. Each channel provides a unique set of parameter values. Channel switching is instantaneous and pretty seamless and can be done manually (via a foot controller, for example) or automatically when changing scenes. Channels can also be switched via MIDI for applications requiring automation.
 
  
Channels provide quick, easy parameter switching without the unwanted side-effects of preset changes (due to grid reordering). For example, set the Amp block so that Channel A is a “Deluxe Verb” model, Channel B is a “Plexi”, Channel C is a “Recto” and Channel D is “FAS Modern”. Then change channels almost instantly at the touch of a button.
+
Most effect blocks in firmware Ares have multiple channels. Channels can be regarded as mini-presets in each block. Each channel provides a unique set of parameter values. Switching between channels is instantaneous and pretty seamless and can be done manually (on the hardware or with a foot controller) or automatically when changing scenes. Channels can also be switched via MIDI for applications requiring automation.
  
Channel-switching is the successor of [[X/Y switching]], featured in the Axe-Fx II, AX8 and FX8.
+
Channels provide quick and easy switching between sounds without the unwanted side-effects of preset changes (due to grid reordering). For example, set the Amp block so that Channel A is a “Deluxe Verb” model, Channel B is a “Plexi”, Channel C is a “Recto” and Channel D is “FAS Modern”. Then change channels almost instantly at the touch of a button.
  
Note that channels do NOT run simultaneously. Also, they do not crossfade. If you need crossfading, use the new Multiplexer block which can crossfade between input sources, or use a Scene Controller.
+
Channel-switching is the successor of [[X/Y switching]], a feature of the Axe-Fx II, AX8, FX8 (and MFC-101).
  
More explanation in the Axe-Fx III Owner's Manual.
+
[[Owners_Manuals|More explanation in the Owner's Manual]]
  
 
<blockquote>"Channels are the cat's sphincter. Many blocks, including the amp block, have four channels. Channels switch instantly." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/so-whats-new-on-the-iii-axe-fx-2-vs-3.134729/#post-1591896 source] </blockquote>
 
<blockquote>"Channels are the cat's sphincter. Many blocks, including the amp block, have four channels. Channels switch instantly." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/so-whats-new-on-the-iii-axe-fx-2-vs-3.134729/#post-1591896 source] </blockquote>
  
 
<blockquote>"Channels save all settings for a block. A channel is like a preset within a block." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/so-whats-new-on-the-iii-axe-fx-2-vs-3.134729/page-7#post-1592475 source] </blockquote>
 
<blockquote>"Channels save all settings for a block. A channel is like a preset within a block." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/so-whats-new-on-the-iii-axe-fx-2-vs-3.134729/page-7#post-1592475 source] </blockquote>
 +
 +
<blockquote>"Channels can be thought of as a preset for an individual block. For example, you can think of the Delay block as being a stand-alone delay pedal (or rackmount processor) with four presets. Scenes store the bypass state and channel for each block. By using scenes and channels you can use a single preset for an entire song, an entire set or even the entire show. Since the routing doesn't need to change things switch fast and smooth. When switching presets the processor has to assume the routing might have changed and therefore has to clear all the buffers, mute the audio, etc. which takes time and interrupts the audio." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/axe-fx-iii-scenes-channels-demo.137003/#post-1624185 source] </blockquote>
 +
 +
<blockquote>The Axe-Fx III was designed so that single preset can be thought of as an entire rack full of processors. Each virtual processor has up to four presets. So if you were trying to do spillover in a rack you would use two reverb processors. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/spill-over.136766/#post-1624006 source] </blockquote>
  
 
<blockquote>"The Control block has four channels." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/so-whats-new-on-the-iii-axe-fx-2-vs-3.134729/page-5#post-1592247 source] </blockquote>
 
<blockquote>"The Control block has four channels." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/so-whats-new-on-the-iii-axe-fx-2-vs-3.134729/page-5#post-1592247 source] </blockquote>
  
=Which effect blocks support channels=
+
=Which effect blocks have channels=
 +
 
 +
The list below applies to the Axe-Fx III.
 +
 
 +
The effect blocks on the FM3 have the same number of channels as on the Axe-Fx III.
 +
 
 +
Note: the Multiplexer actually has 6 channels.
  
 
[[image:Iii-effect-types-table-364x1024.gif|300px]]
 
[[image:Iii-effect-types-table-364x1024.gif|300px]]
 +
 +
And read this:
 +
* [[IR Player block]]
 +
* [[Modifiers, Controllers and Control Switches]]
  
 
=How to switch between channels=
 
=How to switch between channels=
To switch between the channels of an effect block:
 
* Use the hardware GUI.
 
* Use the editor.
 
* Use presets.
 
* Use scenes.
 
* Use the foot controller.
 
* Use MIDI: assign a MIDI CC to a block's channel, and specify a value to select a specific channel:
 
** 0 = A.
 
** 1 = B.
 
** 2 = C.
 
** 3 = D.
 
  
=Switching channels and audio gaps=
+
To switch between the channels of an effect block, use:
Switching an effect between channels, via scenes to otherwise, may cause a short gap in the sound, which is as short as possible. The gap is caused by the necessity to briefly mute and unmute the sound.
+
 
 +
* the hardware GUI
 +
* the software editor
 +
* presets
 +
* scenes
 +
* FC-6 or FC-12 controller
 +
* MIDI: assign a MIDI CC in Setup > MIDI/Remote > Channel (Axe-Fx III and FM3 only, and specify a value to select a specific channel:
 +
:0 = A
 +
:1 = B
 +
:2 = C
 +
:3 = D
  
<blockquote>"The "gap" is arbitrary and is simply the time to fade down the old amp and fade up the new amp. You HAVE to do some ramp-down and ramp-up or you'll get artifacts as the gain can be completely different. If you just instantly switch from a clean amp to a distorted amp or vice-versa you'll get a pop. That's just basic signal processing. About the shortest you can make ramp-down/ramp-up without introducing clicks and pops is 15 ms so the total time is 30 ms (plus 5ms as a safety margin)." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/presenting-the-axe-fx-iii.134717/page-26#post-1593840 source] </blockquote>
+
=Switching channels can cause an audio gap=
  
<blockquote>[http://www.fractalaudio.com/tmp/amp_chan_switch.mp3 Demo] "Feels seamless to me (and faster than any of my channel switching amps) but everyone has different definitions." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/presenting-the-axe-fx-iii.134717/page-27#post-1593846 source] </blockquote>
+
When switching channels on an Amp block, there will be a short gap in the sound. Channels do NOT run simultaneously. They do not crossfade. If you need crossfading, use the [[Mixer block]] which can crossfade between input sources, or use a Scene Controller.
  
<blockquote>"Any faster than that and you risk pops or clicks if the levels and/or gains are markedly different. You can't change the laws of nature." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/presenting-the-axe-fx-iii.134717/page-31#post-1594370 source] </blockquote>
+
<blockquote>"Crossfading channels would require that two instances of an effect be running at all times. This would cut the useable CPU in half. Most people wouldn't like that. [https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/silence-between-scene-switching-channel-switching.139604/#post-1655468 source]</blockquote>
  
=CPU usage=
+
Also read this:
Calculation of CPU usage is based on the current channel of effects. When switching channels, CPU usage can change.
+
* [[Amp_block#Switching_between_amp_sounds|Switching between amp sounds]]
 +
* [[Presets#Preset_switching_can_cause_an_audio_gap|Preset switching can cause an audio gap]]
 +
* [[Scenes#Switching_scenes_can_cause_an_audio_gap|Switching scenes can cause an audio gap]]
 +
* [[X/Y_switching#X.2FY_switching_can_cause_an_audio_gap|X/Y switching can cause an audio gap]]
  
=Copy and paste channel settings=
+
=Channels and CPU usage=
Channel settings can be copied and pasted using the hardware GUI or software editor (more possibilities).
 
  
Hardware: go to Tools and turn the Value wheel all the way to the right.
+
[[CPU usage]] is calculated based on the currently selected channel of an effect. When switching channels, CPU usage may change.
  
=What happens to channels when resetting a block=
+
=Channels and modifiers=
Defaulting the parameters of an effect block resets the channel parameters to their default values. This applies to the current channel only.
 
  
To reset the entire block, switch to the other channels and repeat the process, or use the software editor to reset the entire block (all channels) in one go.
+
If a controller is assigned as a source to a parameter in a modifier menu, you can choose between applying it to all channels of that block, or to just a single channel.  
  
=Channels and modifiers=
+
Note: a parameter allows only one modifier, not multiple.
When a controller is assigned as a source to a parameter in a modifier menu, it applies to all channels. It's not possible to have different modifier settings per channel.
+
 
 +
Read this: [[Modifiers, Controllers and Control Switches]]
 +
 
 +
=Managing channels=
 +
 
 +
On the hardware, channel settings can be copied-and-pasted within the same block (Layout > Tools), or swapped.
 +
 
 +
To copy channels between blocks and to/from other presets, use the software editor.
 +
 
 +
=Resetting a channel or an entire block=
 +
 
 +
Resetting a block defaults the parameters of the current channel. It does not change the settings of other channels.
 +
 
 +
To reset all channels of the block, switch to the other channels and repeat the process, or use the software editor to reset the entire block in one go.
  
=Channels and Recall Effect=
+
Read this: [[Presets#Reset_a_block|Resetting blocks]]
Recall Effect (copy block settings from another preset) always imports all channels. Use the software editor to copy settings from a specific channel.
 
  
The Axe-Fx III does not support Recall Effect.
+
=Using channels to compare sounds and parameters=
  
=Using channels to compare sounds and settings=
+
Channels offer an easy way to compare sounds when tweaking. They also allow you to quickly detect non-default settings by resetting one channel to default settings and then comparing the channels.
Channels offer an easy way to compare sounds when tweaking, as well as an easy method to quickly see non-default settings by resetting one channel to default settings.
 
  
An alternative approach to comparing sounds: save a preset as a Snapshot in the editor. Select Revert to get the original sound back. Then drag and drop the snapshot file into the editor.
+
An alternative approach to comparing sounds is saving a preset as a Snapshot in the editor. Select Revert to get the original sound back. Then drag and drop the Snapshot file into the [[Editors|editor]].
  
 
[[category:Axe-Fx3]]
 
[[category:Axe-Fx3]]
 +
[[category:FM3]]
 
[[category:Sounds]]
 
[[category:Sounds]]
 +
[[category:Remote]]

Revision as of 12:18, 6 September 2020

Iii all-blocks-3x13.jpg

Available on which products

  • Axe-Fx III and FM3: yes
  • Axe-Fx II: no
  • MFC-101: no
  • AX8: no
  • FX8: no

What are channels

Most effect blocks in firmware Ares have multiple channels. Channels can be regarded as mini-presets in each block. Each channel provides a unique set of parameter values. Switching between channels is instantaneous and pretty seamless and can be done manually (on the hardware or with a foot controller) or automatically when changing scenes. Channels can also be switched via MIDI for applications requiring automation.

Channels provide quick and easy switching between sounds without the unwanted side-effects of preset changes (due to grid reordering). For example, set the Amp block so that Channel A is a “Deluxe Verb” model, Channel B is a “Plexi”, Channel C is a “Recto” and Channel D is “FAS Modern”. Then change channels almost instantly at the touch of a button.

Channel-switching is the successor of X/Y switching, a feature of the Axe-Fx II, AX8, FX8 (and MFC-101).

More explanation in the Owner's Manual

"Channels are the cat's sphincter. Many blocks, including the amp block, have four channels. Channels switch instantly." source

"Channels save all settings for a block. A channel is like a preset within a block." source

"Channels can be thought of as a preset for an individual block. For example, you can think of the Delay block as being a stand-alone delay pedal (or rackmount processor) with four presets. Scenes store the bypass state and channel for each block. By using scenes and channels you can use a single preset for an entire song, an entire set or even the entire show. Since the routing doesn't need to change things switch fast and smooth. When switching presets the processor has to assume the routing might have changed and therefore has to clear all the buffers, mute the audio, etc. which takes time and interrupts the audio." source

The Axe-Fx III was designed so that single preset can be thought of as an entire rack full of processors. Each virtual processor has up to four presets. So if you were trying to do spillover in a rack you would use two reverb processors. source

"The Control block has four channels." source

Which effect blocks have channels

The list below applies to the Axe-Fx III.

The effect blocks on the FM3 have the same number of channels as on the Axe-Fx III.

Note: the Multiplexer actually has 6 channels.

Iii-effect-types-table-364x1024.gif

And read this:

How to switch between channels

To switch between the channels of an effect block, use:

  • the hardware GUI
  • the software editor
  • presets
  • scenes
  • FC-6 or FC-12 controller
  • MIDI: assign a MIDI CC in Setup > MIDI/Remote > Channel (Axe-Fx III and FM3 only, and specify a value to select a specific channel:
0 = A
1 = B
2 = C
3 = D

Switching channels can cause an audio gap

When switching channels on an Amp block, there will be a short gap in the sound. Channels do NOT run simultaneously. They do not crossfade. If you need crossfading, use the Mixer block which can crossfade between input sources, or use a Scene Controller.

"Crossfading channels would require that two instances of an effect be running at all times. This would cut the useable CPU in half. Most people wouldn't like that. source

Also read this:

Channels and CPU usage

CPU usage is calculated based on the currently selected channel of an effect. When switching channels, CPU usage may change.

Channels and modifiers

If a controller is assigned as a source to a parameter in a modifier menu, you can choose between applying it to all channels of that block, or to just a single channel.

Note: a parameter allows only one modifier, not multiple.

Read this: Modifiers, Controllers and Control Switches

Managing channels

On the hardware, channel settings can be copied-and-pasted within the same block (Layout > Tools), or swapped.

To copy channels between blocks and to/from other presets, use the software editor.

Resetting a channel or an entire block

Resetting a block defaults the parameters of the current channel. It does not change the settings of other channels.

To reset all channels of the block, switch to the other channels and repeat the process, or use the software editor to reset the entire block in one go.

Read this: Resetting blocks

Using channels to compare sounds and parameters

Channels offer an easy way to compare sounds when tweaking. They also allow you to quickly detect non-default settings by resetting one channel to default settings and then comparing the channels.

An alternative approach to comparing sounds is saving a preset as a Snapshot in the editor. Select Revert to get the original sound back. Then drag and drop the Snapshot file into the editor.