Firmware

Firmware downloads

Download current firmware for all hardware products.

Download older firmware.

Firmware release notes

Read ALL release notes for present and previous firmware versions:

• Axe-Fx III.
• Axe-Fx II.
• FX8.
• AX8.
• MFC-101.

Update the firmware

• Axe-Fx III: read the Firmware Update Guide. You can actually keep playing while the firmware is loading!
• Axe-Fx II: Here's a firmware update guide for the Axe-Fx II, including troubleshooting tips. Always disconnect the MFC-101 when updating the firmware on the Axe-Fx II!
• AX8 and FX8: The firmware includes an update guide.
• MFC-101: MFC-101 foot controller.

Guides

The firmware file contains a guide. The Owner's Manuals also explain the update process.

Here's a tutorial.

Check the firmware version

Go to the Utility menu to see the installed firmware version. The Axe-Fx III also displays it on the Home page.

Fractal-Bot displays the current version upon connecting.

Audition presets after updating

Updated firmware may cause changes in your presets. Read the firmware release notes and verify your presets.

More information

The Axe-Fx firmware is coded in C and assembly. source

"The Axe-Fx II can be reprogrammed at least 100,000 times." source

"Most DSP compilers include library functions for common signal processing functions. However every library I've seen makes the same mistakes in several important and oft-used functions. I can't disclose what functions and what those mistakes are but because of this we use our own hand-coded assembly functions for our own libraries. The results are measurable and audible especially when dealing with the special requirements of amp modeling. I should add that these libraries are low-level functions like FFT() and such. You're not going to find a library that implements a Tube Screamer or even something more granular like a diode clipping circuit. That all has to be developed in-house." source

Troubleshooting

Boot recovery

Built-in backup firmware in the Axe-Fx III, Axe-Fx II XL and XL+, FX8 and AX8 allows recovery in the event of complications during update.

• Axe-Fx III: hold down PAGE LEFT and PAGE RIGHT while cycling power.
• Axe-Fx II XL/XL+: hold down Page Left and Page Right while cycling power.
• FX8: hold down SETUP and power the unit on. Hold the button for about 1 second beyond the power up, then release. The unit will now allow you to install firmware using Fractal-Bot.
• AX8: hold down SHIFT and power the unit on. Hold the button for about 1 second beyond the power up, then release. The unit will now allow you to install firmware using Fractal-Bot.

If the Axe-Fx or AX8 sounds bad after an update, try reinstalling the firmware, or perform a system reset.