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Difference between revisions of "Comparing the Axe-Fx III to the Axe-Fx II"

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__TOC__
 
__TOC__
 +
[[image:Iii-front-transparent-1024x271.png|375px|link=]]
  
[[image:Iii-front-transparent-1024x271.png|400px|link=]]
+
[[image:Axe-Fx XL Plus front.png|375px|link=]]  
 
+
=What's new or changed=
[[image:Axe-Fx XL Plus front.png|400px|link=]]  
 
  
=What's new or changed=
+
The firmware of the Axe-Fx III keeps evolving, introducing more and more features which set the Axe-Fx III apart from the previous generation(s). This page will not be updated with new firmware features for the Axe-Fx III.
  
For more information, read the [[Owners Manuals]]. Both manuals contain a summary of features.
+
For more information, read the [[Owners Manuals]].
  
 
'''Dimensions:'''
 
'''Dimensions:'''
* The III is taller, at 3U instead of 2U, but shallower, at 11.5” deep instead of 12.9”.
+
* The III is taller, at 3U instead of 2U, but shallower, at 11.5” deep instead of 12.9”
  
 
'''I/O:'''
 
'''I/O:'''
* The III has 4 independent stereo outputs, instead of 2, plus auto-switching front/rear instrument inputs with "Secret Sauce IV" and 3 stereo inputs. INs and OUTs can be used in the usual ways, or paired to insert outboard gear in up to 3 stereo loops.
+
* The III has 4 independent stereo outputs, instead of 2, plus auto-switching front/rear instrument inputs with "Secret Sauce IV" and 3 stereo inputs. INs and OUTs can be used in the usual ways, or paired to insert outboard gear in up to 3 stereo loops
* The red Output LEDs in the front panel meter bridge now light at -1 dBFS.
+
* The red Output LEDs in the front panel meter bridge now light at -1 dBFS
* Inputs 2, 3 and 4 support guitar impedance.
+
* Inputs 2, 3 and 4 support guitar impedance
* The nominal level of Outputs 1 and 2 can be switched between -10 and +4 dB.
+
* The nominal level of Outputs 1 and 2 can be switched between -10 and +4 dB
<font color=red>IMPORTANT: The III's output level defaults to -10 dB (lower than the II)</font>
+
* Input levels for USB, AES and SPDIF
 +
 
 +
<font color=red>IMPORTANT: the Axe-Fx III's default output level is -10 dB (lower than the II: +4 dB)</font>
  
 
'''User interface:'''
 
'''User interface:'''
* Instead of a RECALL screen, the III has a HOME button. The new Home menu provides access to Presets, Meters, with soft-button access to the Tuner, layout grid, controllers, and Setup menu.
+
* Instead of a RECALL screen, the III has a HOME button. The new Home menu provides access to Presets, Meters, with soft-button access to the Tuner, layout grid, controllers, and Setup menu
* Instead of a LAYOUT button, the layout grid is accessed from a soft-button in the Home menu, or by pressing ENTER, or pressing VALUE while on the Home page. The grid has new features like Zoom, CPU meter, and a "mini" tuner.
+
* The III also has Performance Pages, allowing fast access to often-used and critical controls
* You can use old familiar workflows with the NAV buttons and VALUE wheel, but you’ll move much faster through editing if you use the five Push-knobs under the display.
+
* Instead of a LAYOUT button, the layout grid is accessed from a soft-button in the Home menu, or by pressing ENTER, or pressing VALUE while on the Home page. The grid has new features like Zoom, CPU meter, and a "mini" tuner
* The hardware and editor now optionally prompt before changing presets if the current preset has been edited. This prevents users from losing edits.
+
* You can use old familiar workflows with the NAV buttons and VALUE wheel, but you’ll move much faster through editing if you use the five Push-knobs under the display
 +
* The hardware and editor now optionally prompt before changing presets if the current preset has been edited. This prevents users from losing edits
  
 
'''Sound'''
 
'''Sound'''
* "The Axe-Fx III has slightly more high end extension than the previous products. It's more accurate." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/why-is-ares-darker-sounding-than-q10-01.145919/#post-1725472 source]
+
<blockquote>"The Axe-Fx III has slightly more high end extension than the previous products. It's more accurate." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/why-is-ares-darker-sounding-than-q10-01.145919/#post-1725472 source] </blockquote>
  
 
'''Effects:'''
 
'''Effects:'''
* New blocks: Plex Delay, Ten-Tap Delay, Multitap Delay, Multiplexer, Realtime Analyzer, Scene MIDI block, IR Player.
+
* New blocks include: Plex Delay, Ten-Tap Delay, Multitap Delay, Multiplexer, Realtime Analyzer, Scene MIDI block, IR Player
* Authentic Tri-Chorus type in the Chorus block.
+
* Authentic Tri-Chorus type in the Chorus block
* 4 instances of Drive.
+
* 4 instances of Drive
* 4 instances of Delay.
+
* 4 instances of Delay
* 2 instances of Feedback Send/Return.
+
* 2 instances of Feedback Send/Return
* Pitch block: 4 voices. Pitch block has its own (faster) pitch detector. Latency and stability has been improved. New Virtual Capo mode.
+
* Pitch block: 4 voices. Pitch block has its own (faster) pitch detector. Latency and stability has been improved. New Virtual Capo mode
* Much improved reverbs.
+
* Much improved Reverbs
* Looper: more looping time, better control.
+
* Looper: more looping time, better control
* Tone Matching in UltraRes, no difference between Offline and Live modes.
+
* Tone Matching in UltraRes, no difference between Offline and Live modes
* Tuner: improved tracking, works on any input.
+
* Tuner: improved tracking, works on any (or: all 4) input
* Compressor: "RMS" is the same as "Fast RMS" in the AX8 and Axe-Fx II. "E-L Panel" mode added. Filter parameter has been replaced with EQ-ing tools.
+
* Compressor: "RMS" is the same as "Fast RMS" in the AX8 and Axe-Fx II. "E-L Panel" mode added. Filter parameter has been replaced with EQ-ing tools
* Drive blocks: much improved. Higher oversampling ratio and double-precision filters in some places. GEQ added.
+
* Drive blocks: much improved. Higher oversampling ratio and double-precision filters in some places. GEQ added. Authentic controls. FASPICE technology
* The output level of some effects / effects types has been changed, such as Resonator and Studio Compressor.
+
* The output level of some effects / effects types has been changed, such as Resonator and Studio Compressor
* Vocoder now has 24 bands.
+
* Vocoder now has 24 bands
* Some effects have their own envelope follower, such as Plex Delay.
+
* Some effects have their own envelope follower, such as Plex Delay
* Improved noise gate in the Input block, now also includes EMI filtering.
+
* Improved noise gate in the Input block, now also includes EMI filtering
* Stereoizer mode in Enhancer block.
+
* Stereoizer mode in Enhancer block
* Improved Multiband Compressor.
+
* Improved Multiband Compressor
* Wah has an GEQ.
+
* Wah has an GEQ
* Multi Delay expansion.
+
* Multi Delay expansion
 +
* Auto Swell mode in Volume block
 +
* Bias and Harmonic Tremolo types
 +
* More Compressor types
 +
* Plex Reverb
  
 
'''Modifiers and controllers:'''
 
'''Modifiers and controllers:'''
* The Controllers block now has 4 channels, so the Envelope Controller can have 4 different settings per preset, for example.
+
* The Controllers block now has 4 channels, so the Envelope Controller can have 4 different settings per preset, for example
* 4 Scene Controllers instead of 2.
+
* 4 Scene Controllers instead of 2
* Damping (modifier menu) is replaced with Attack/Release parameters.
+
* Damping (modifier menu) is replaced with Attack/Release parameters
* To control the bypass state of a block using a modifier, you no longer modify the Bypass Mode parameter, but a dedicated Bypass parameter.
+
* To control the bypass state of a block using a modifier, you no longer modify the Bypass Mode parameter, but a dedicated Bypass parameter
* A modifier can now be attached to either a single channel of an effect block, or to all its channels. You can't use a different modifier on a single parameter per channel.
+
* A modifier can now be attached to either a single channel of an effect block, or to all its channels. You can't use a different modifier on a single parameter per channel
  
 
'''Presets, scenes, blocks and channels:'''
 
'''Presets, scenes, blocks and channels:'''
* 14x6 grid instead of 12x4.
+
* 14x6 grid instead of 12x4
* 512 preset slots instead of 768.
+
* 512 preset slots instead of 768
* More CPU available per preset.
+
* More CPU available per preset
* Inputs and Outputs must be placed on the grid as blocks.
+
* Inputs and Outputs must be placed on the grid as blocks
* Each Scene has its own customizable name.
+
* Each Scene has its own customizable name
* Up to 4 Channels per block (Multiplexer: 6).
+
* Up to 4 Channels per block (Multiplexer: 6)
* Presets either default to a specified scene upon loading, or to the scene that was active when the preset was saved (global option).
+
* Presets either default to a specified scene upon loading, or to the scene that was active when the preset was saved (global option)
* 8 Global Blocks per effect block instance. Some blocks (like Multiplexer) do not support Global Blocks.
+
* 8 Global Blocks per effect block instance. Some blocks (like Multiplexer) do not support Global Blocks
* Switching scenes is much faster.
+
* Switching scenes is much faster
  
 
'''Amp modeling:'''
 
'''Amp modeling:'''
* "Ares" amp modeling.
+
* Additional amp models
* “Character” and "Pick Attack" parameters are gone.
+
* "Ares" amp modeling
* Pre-EQ controls have been added.
+
* “Character” and "Pick Attack" parameters are gone
* "Boost types" have been integrated into the Amp block. These act as clean boosts replicating the oft-used “Drive on 0, adjust Level as desired” boost technique. This allows boosting the Amp block without requiring a separate Drive block. The "Boost Level" parameter controls the amount of boost.
+
* Pre-EQ controls have been added
* Output Mode lets you switch between FRFR and SS Power Amp + Cab.
+
* "Boost types" have been integrated into the Amp block. These act as clean boosts replicating the oft-used “Drive on 0, adjust Level as desired” boost technique. This allows boosting the Amp block without requiring a separate Drive block. The "Boost Level" parameter controls the amount of boost
* New Speaker Compliance parameter controls nonlinear behavior of the virtual speaker.
+
* Output Mode lets you switch between FRFR and SS Power Amp + Cab
 +
* New Speaker Compliance parameter controls nonlinear behavior of the virtual speaker
 +
* New impedance modeling
 +
* FASPICE technology
 +
* Authentic controls
  
 
'''Cab modeling:'''
 
'''Cab modeling:'''
* Mixes up to 4 different IRs at once.
+
* Mixes up to 4 different IRs at once
* Output level is automatically normalized.
+
* Output level is automatically normalized
* Mic Modeling has been removed, "Proximity" remains.
+
* Mic Modeling has been removed, "Proximity" remains
* Speaker Size parameter is gone.
+
* Speaker Size parameter is gone
* There are now Factory 1, Factory 2, User 1 and User 2 banks, each with 1,024 IRs, and a Legacy bank containing all 189 IRs from the Axe-Fx II, and 16 Scratchpads.
+
* There are now Factory 1, Factory 2, User 1 and User 2 banks, each with 1,024 IRs, and a Legacy bank containing all 189 IRs from the Axe-Fx II, and 16 Scratchpads
* Two "IR Player" blocks.
+
* Two "IR Player" blocks
* Different Slope settings for Hi Cut and Low Cut.
+
* Different Slope settings for Hi Cut and Low Cut
* Improved room ambience.
+
* Improved room ambience, with floor reflections
* IR alignment.
+
* IR alignment
  
 
'''Editors, foot controllers:'''
 
'''Editors, foot controllers:'''
* Editor software and foot controllers share control, updating each other seamlessly without re-sync issues or paused communications.
+
* FC foot controllers. Configuration on hardware or editor.
* FASLINK II (XLR-to-XLR) connects the Axe-Fx III to the new FC controller(s).
+
* Editor software and foot controllers share control, updating each other seamlessly without re-sync issues or paused communications
* Axe-Edit III supports hi-res displays.
+
* FASLINK II (XLR-to-XLR) connects the Axe-Fx III to the new FC controller(s)
 +
* Axe-Edit III supports hi-res displays
  
 
'''MIDI:'''
 
'''MIDI:'''
* Up to 8 MIDI PCs or CCs can be transmitted upon scene changes.
+
* Up to 8 MIDI PCs or CCs can be transmitted upon scene changes
* A MIDI PC can be transmitted upon preset changes.
+
* A MIDI PC can be transmitted upon preset changes
* A MIDI PC can be sent through the MIDI OUT port upon preset changes.
+
* A MIDI PC can be sent through the MIDI OUT port upon preset changes
* The FC can send additional MIDI commands through Control Switches (similar to those on the FX8 and AX8).
+
* The FC can send additional MIDI commands through Control Switches (similar to those on the FX8 and AX8)
* The Bypass state of an effect can simply be toggled (no need to specify "0" or "128" when sending a MIDI CC), which is useful with MIDI controllers that don't send values along with MIDI CCs.
+
* The Bypass state of an effect can simply be toggled (no need to specify "0" or "128" when sending a MIDI CC), which is useful with MIDI controllers that don't send values along with MIDI CCs
  
 
'''Computer:'''
 
'''Computer:'''
* No driver required for Mac computers.
+
* No driver required for Mac computers
* 8x8 USB Audio interface.
+
* 8x8 USB Audio interface
* Faster MIDI-over-USB.
+
* Faster MIDI-over-USB
* USB communications do not increase CPU load anymore.
+
* USB communications do not increase CPU load anymore
  
 
'''Powering on:'''
 
'''Powering on:'''
* When powering on, the unit reads all user cabs. This happens in the background.
+
* When powering on, the unit reads all user cabs. This happens in the background
* The III shows diagnostics.
+
* The III shows diagnostics
  
 
=What's gone=
 
=What's gone=
  
* The MFC-101's "Axe-Fx Mode" is no longer supported.
+
* The MFC-101's "Axe-Fx Mode" is no longer supported
* X/Y switching (replaced with Channels).
+
* X/Y switching (replaced with Channels)
* X/Y Quick Jump (soft knob on the Home page lets you jump to the Amp block).
+
* X/Y Quick Jump (soft knob on the Home page lets you jump to the Amp block)
* Swapping presets on hardware (requires editor).
+
* Swapping presets on hardware (requires editor)
* Certain hardware buttons like Effect Bypass (replaced with soft knobs).
+
* Certain hardware buttons like Effect Bypass (replaced with soft knobs)
* Recall Effect function.
+
* Recall Effect function
* Quad Chorus block (now available in the Multitap Delay block).
+
* Quad Chorus block (now available in the Multitap Delay block)
* FX Loop block (replaced with Output blocks).
+
* FX Loop block (replaced with Output blocks)
* Cab block parameters: Mic modeling, Motor Drive, Speaker Size.
+
* Cab block parameters: Mic modeling, Motor Drive, Speaker Size
* Amp block parameters: Character, Pick Attack.
+
* Amp block parameters: Character, Pick Attack
* MIDI phantom power.
+
* MIDI phantom power
* USB Adapter Mode.
+
* USB Adapter Mode
  
=Comparing the blocks=
+
=Comparing the effect blocks=
  
[[Effects_list#Effects_comparison_table|Compare the available effects in each device.]]
+
[[Effects_list|Compare the effects in each device]]
  
The Axe-Fx II and Axe-Fx III cannot share presets electronically. Use [[FracTool]] to convert presets.
+
The Axe-Fx II and Axe-Fx III cannot share presets electronically. Use [[FracTool]] to import Axe-Fx II presets into the Axe-Fx III.
  
=Comparing sound=
+
=Comparing the sound=
  
 
<blockquote>"III is a little punchier. I really notice it when I A/B between the III and II (or the AX-8). If you plug into one and then plug into the other it's not as noticeable but if you use an A/B switch it's a more marked difference." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/output-level.136991/#post-1624021 source] </blockquote>
 
<blockquote>"III is a little punchier. I really notice it when I A/B between the III and II (or the AX-8). If you plug into one and then plug into the other it's not as noticeable but if you use an A/B switch it's a more marked difference." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/output-level.136991/#post-1624021 source] </blockquote>
Line 138: Line 150:
 
<blockquote>"It actually does sound a little better. The extra DSP horsepower means that we didn't have to make compromises in some of the algorithms. The amp modeling algorithm is very similar but there's a few places on the II where we had to make compromises to get the algorithm to run within the allotted time. Also the III has a higher internal oversampling rate and a higher bit depth on some calculations (64-bit vs. 40-bit)." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/xl-becoming-obsolete.134736/#post-1592389 source]</blockquote>
 
<blockquote>"It actually does sound a little better. The extra DSP horsepower means that we didn't have to make compromises in some of the algorithms. The amp modeling algorithm is very similar but there's a few places on the II where we had to make compromises to get the algorithm to run within the allotted time. Also the III has a higher internal oversampling rate and a higher bit depth on some calculations (64-bit vs. 40-bit)." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/xl-becoming-obsolete.134736/#post-1592389 source]</blockquote>
  
<blockquote>"Better algorithms, higher upsampling, better analog I/O design."</blockquote>
+
<blockquote>"Better algorithms, higher upsampling, better analog I/O design." [https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/it-sounds-so-good.135893/post-1608683 source]</blockquote>
  
 
[[category:Axe-Fx2]]
 
[[category:Axe-Fx2]]
 
[[category:Axe-Fx3]]
 
[[category:Axe-Fx3]]

Revision as of 08:27, 4 May 2020

Iii-front-transparent-1024x271.png

Axe-Fx XL Plus front.png

What's new or changed

The firmware of the Axe-Fx III keeps evolving, introducing more and more features which set the Axe-Fx III apart from the previous generation(s). This page will not be updated with new firmware features for the Axe-Fx III.

For more information, read the Owners Manuals.

Dimensions:

  • The III is taller, at 3U instead of 2U, but shallower, at 11.5” deep instead of 12.9”

I/O:

  • The III has 4 independent stereo outputs, instead of 2, plus auto-switching front/rear instrument inputs with "Secret Sauce IV" and 3 stereo inputs. INs and OUTs can be used in the usual ways, or paired to insert outboard gear in up to 3 stereo loops
  • The red Output LEDs in the front panel meter bridge now light at -1 dBFS
  • Inputs 2, 3 and 4 support guitar impedance
  • The nominal level of Outputs 1 and 2 can be switched between -10 and +4 dB
  • Input levels for USB, AES and SPDIF

IMPORTANT: the Axe-Fx III's default output level is -10 dB (lower than the II: +4 dB)

User interface:

  • Instead of a RECALL screen, the III has a HOME button. The new Home menu provides access to Presets, Meters, with soft-button access to the Tuner, layout grid, controllers, and Setup menu
  • The III also has Performance Pages, allowing fast access to often-used and critical controls
  • Instead of a LAYOUT button, the layout grid is accessed from a soft-button in the Home menu, or by pressing ENTER, or pressing VALUE while on the Home page. The grid has new features like Zoom, CPU meter, and a "mini" tuner
  • You can use old familiar workflows with the NAV buttons and VALUE wheel, but you’ll move much faster through editing if you use the five Push-knobs under the display
  • The hardware and editor now optionally prompt before changing presets if the current preset has been edited. This prevents users from losing edits

Sound

"The Axe-Fx III has slightly more high end extension than the previous products. It's more accurate." source

Effects:

  • New blocks include: Plex Delay, Ten-Tap Delay, Multitap Delay, Multiplexer, Realtime Analyzer, Scene MIDI block, IR Player
  • Authentic Tri-Chorus type in the Chorus block
  • 4 instances of Drive
  • 4 instances of Delay
  • 2 instances of Feedback Send/Return
  • Pitch block: 4 voices. Pitch block has its own (faster) pitch detector. Latency and stability has been improved. New Virtual Capo mode
  • Much improved Reverbs
  • Looper: more looping time, better control
  • Tone Matching in UltraRes, no difference between Offline and Live modes
  • Tuner: improved tracking, works on any (or: all 4) input
  • Compressor: "RMS" is the same as "Fast RMS" in the AX8 and Axe-Fx II. "E-L Panel" mode added. Filter parameter has been replaced with EQ-ing tools
  • Drive blocks: much improved. Higher oversampling ratio and double-precision filters in some places. GEQ added. Authentic controls. FASPICE technology
  • The output level of some effects / effects types has been changed, such as Resonator and Studio Compressor
  • Vocoder now has 24 bands
  • Some effects have their own envelope follower, such as Plex Delay
  • Improved noise gate in the Input block, now also includes EMI filtering
  • Stereoizer mode in Enhancer block
  • Improved Multiband Compressor
  • Wah has an GEQ
  • Multi Delay expansion
  • Auto Swell mode in Volume block
  • Bias and Harmonic Tremolo types
  • More Compressor types
  • Plex Reverb

Modifiers and controllers:

  • The Controllers block now has 4 channels, so the Envelope Controller can have 4 different settings per preset, for example
  • 4 Scene Controllers instead of 2
  • Damping (modifier menu) is replaced with Attack/Release parameters
  • To control the bypass state of a block using a modifier, you no longer modify the Bypass Mode parameter, but a dedicated Bypass parameter
  • A modifier can now be attached to either a single channel of an effect block, or to all its channels. You can't use a different modifier on a single parameter per channel

Presets, scenes, blocks and channels:

  • 14x6 grid instead of 12x4
  • 512 preset slots instead of 768
  • More CPU available per preset
  • Inputs and Outputs must be placed on the grid as blocks
  • Each Scene has its own customizable name
  • Up to 4 Channels per block (Multiplexer: 6)
  • Presets either default to a specified scene upon loading, or to the scene that was active when the preset was saved (global option)
  • 8 Global Blocks per effect block instance. Some blocks (like Multiplexer) do not support Global Blocks
  • Switching scenes is much faster

Amp modeling:

  • Additional amp models
  • "Ares" amp modeling
  • “Character” and "Pick Attack" parameters are gone
  • Pre-EQ controls have been added
  • "Boost types" have been integrated into the Amp block. These act as clean boosts replicating the oft-used “Drive on 0, adjust Level as desired” boost technique. This allows boosting the Amp block without requiring a separate Drive block. The "Boost Level" parameter controls the amount of boost
  • Output Mode lets you switch between FRFR and SS Power Amp + Cab
  • New Speaker Compliance parameter controls nonlinear behavior of the virtual speaker
  • New impedance modeling
  • FASPICE technology
  • Authentic controls

Cab modeling:

  • Mixes up to 4 different IRs at once
  • Output level is automatically normalized
  • Mic Modeling has been removed, "Proximity" remains
  • Speaker Size parameter is gone
  • There are now Factory 1, Factory 2, User 1 and User 2 banks, each with 1,024 IRs, and a Legacy bank containing all 189 IRs from the Axe-Fx II, and 16 Scratchpads
  • Two "IR Player" blocks
  • Different Slope settings for Hi Cut and Low Cut
  • Improved room ambience, with floor reflections
  • IR alignment

Editors, foot controllers:

  • FC foot controllers. Configuration on hardware or editor.
  • Editor software and foot controllers share control, updating each other seamlessly without re-sync issues or paused communications
  • FASLINK II (XLR-to-XLR) connects the Axe-Fx III to the new FC controller(s)
  • Axe-Edit III supports hi-res displays

MIDI:

  • Up to 8 MIDI PCs or CCs can be transmitted upon scene changes
  • A MIDI PC can be transmitted upon preset changes
  • A MIDI PC can be sent through the MIDI OUT port upon preset changes
  • The FC can send additional MIDI commands through Control Switches (similar to those on the FX8 and AX8)
  • The Bypass state of an effect can simply be toggled (no need to specify "0" or "128" when sending a MIDI CC), which is useful with MIDI controllers that don't send values along with MIDI CCs

Computer:

  • No driver required for Mac computers
  • 8x8 USB Audio interface
  • Faster MIDI-over-USB
  • USB communications do not increase CPU load anymore

Powering on:

  • When powering on, the unit reads all user cabs. This happens in the background
  • The III shows diagnostics

What's gone

  • The MFC-101's "Axe-Fx Mode" is no longer supported
  • X/Y switching (replaced with Channels)
  • X/Y Quick Jump (soft knob on the Home page lets you jump to the Amp block)
  • Swapping presets on hardware (requires editor)
  • Certain hardware buttons like Effect Bypass (replaced with soft knobs)
  • Recall Effect function
  • Quad Chorus block (now available in the Multitap Delay block)
  • FX Loop block (replaced with Output blocks)
  • Cab block parameters: Mic modeling, Motor Drive, Speaker Size
  • Amp block parameters: Character, Pick Attack
  • MIDI phantom power
  • USB Adapter Mode

Comparing the effect blocks

Compare the effects in each device

The Axe-Fx II and Axe-Fx III cannot share presets electronically. Use FracTool to import Axe-Fx II presets into the Axe-Fx III.

Comparing the sound

"III is a little punchier. I really notice it when I A/B between the III and II (or the AX-8). If you plug into one and then plug into the other it's not as noticeable but if you use an A/B switch it's a more marked difference." source

”Everything sounds better. I think a big part of it is the quality of the I/O. The I/O measures flatter and less distortion than my $2000 interface.” source

"It actually does sound a little better. The extra DSP horsepower means that we didn't have to make compromises in some of the algorithms. The amp modeling algorithm is very similar but there's a few places on the II where we had to make compromises to get the algorithm to run within the allotted time. Also the III has a higher internal oversampling rate and a higher bit depth on some calculations (64-bit vs. 40-bit)." source

"Better algorithms, higher upsampling, better analog I/O design." source