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

Difference between revisions of "Tempo"

From Fractal Audio Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
m (edited for readability)
 
(207 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
''The information on this page supplements the official manuals.''
+
__TOC__
 +
=Channels or X/Y=
 +
 
 +
*''' Axe-Fx III''', '''FM9''', '''MF3''': 4 channels
 +
* '''Axe-Fx II''', '''AX8''', '''FX8''': no
 +
 
 +
=Tempo button and menu=
 +
 
 +
When tapping the Tempo button on the device, the Tempo menu appears on the hardware display.
 +
 
 +
On the Axe-Fx III, FM9, and FM3, the Tempo button also is a shortcut to the [[Controllers_and_modifiers|Controllers menu]].
 +
 
 +
=Global tempo or per preset=
  
__TOC__
+
You can specify whether you want to the tempo to apply to all presets (global) or per preset.
 +
 
 +
=Tempo per channel or scene=
 +
 
 +
Tempo is part of the [[Controllers_and_modifiers|Controllers block]]. That block has 4 channels, so a preset can have 4 different tempos which allows setting separate tempos per scene.
 +
 
 +
=Tapping tempo=
 +
 
 +
The [[Global Settings menu]] lets you specify how tempo tapping works:
 +
 
 +
; '''Average''' : Averages the tempo to the last 10 taps. Average is usually a wise choice if you can't get the first taps right, and is the default setting.
 +
 
 +
; '''Last Two''' : Uses only the most recent two taps to determine the tempo. This acts faster but is also less precise.
  
[[image:Metronome.png|link=]]
+
Tap Tempo needs at least two taps to calculate.
  
=Tap Tempo modes in the Global menu=
+
See the <q>[https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/tap-tempo-issues.151565 Tap tempo issues]</q> discussion for more information.
The Global menu lets you set the Tap Tempo operating mode:
 
* Average: averages the tempo to the last ten taps.
 
* Last Two: uses only the most recent two taps to determine the tempo.
 
  
=Tempo menu=
+
=Syncing an effect to the tempo=
When tapping the Tempo button or switch, the Tempo menu appears. It will disappear after a few seconds. You can specify in the Global menu how long it should stay on-screen.
 
  
=Global and preset Tempo=
+
You can assign effect parameters such as Time or Rate to a specific tempo, as 1/4 or 1/8 Dotted, instead of specifying the number of milliseconds. That will make the effect depend on the global or preset tempo. Tapping a different tempo will change the rate of the effect.
You can specify in the Tempo menu whether you want tempo to be set globally (across all presets) or per preset.
 
  
=Tempo LED accuracy=
+
Important: After assigning a parameter to a tempo, you can no longer adjust the time in the effect manually!
  
<blockquote>"The tempo LED is handled by a low-priority thread so it isn't rock solid and the higher the CPU usage the less solid it will be. The metronome, however, is perfectly accurate." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii-discussion/51049-does-tempo-led-actually-flash-time.html#post658471 source] </blockquote>
+
=LED accuracy=
  
=Tempo is part of MIDI data=
+
<blockquote>
Tempo information is sent to other devices through MIDI syex. This can be disabled in the I/O menu (Send Realtime Sysex parameter).
+
'''PREVIOUS GENERATIONS'''
 +
<HR>
  
=Ticking tempo noise=
+
<blockquote>
Audible bleed-through of the tempo signal can occur when the MIDI cable is not properly shielded.
+
[https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/does-the-tempo-led-actually-flash-in-time.51049/#post-658471]
 +
The tempo LED is handled by a low-priority thread so it isn't rock solid and the higher the CPU usage the less solid it will be.  
 +
</blockquote>
 +
</blockquote>
  
 
=Metronome=
 
=Metronome=
Fractal Audio devices can emit a metronome signal. The metronome is located in the Tempo menu. You can start the metronome using a switch (assigned to the Metronome's MIDI CC) or through the Tempo menu.
 
  
The metronome plays through Output 1 only.
+
The Tempo menu contains a metronome. Read this: [[Metronome]]
 +
 
 +
=Remote control=
 +
 
 +
==Footswitch==
 +
 
 +
Scroll to the Tempo CC in the I/O menu and hit Enter. Click the switch on the footswitch that you want to assign the Tuner to.
 +
 
 +
Or configure it manually by assigning the Tuner MIDI CC to a switch on a MIDI controller.
 +
 
 +
Read <q>[[Expression pedals and external switches]]</q> for more information.
 +
 
 +
==MIDI CC==
 +
 
 +
The default MIDI CC for the Tuner is 14 on the Axe-Fx II, AX8, and FX8. Keep it like this to avoid issues.
 +
 
 +
The Axe-Fx III, FM9, and FM3 let you set the Tuner CC manually in the I/O menu.
 +
 
 +
==MFC-101==
 +
 
 +
The [[MFC-101 MIDI foot controller]] has a dedicated Tempo command for the Axe-Fx II when it's running in Axe-Fx Mode.
 +
 
 +
==FC-6 and FC-12 foot controllers==
 +
 
 +
The [[FC-6 and FC-12 foot controllers]] have a dedicated Tempo action.
 +
 
 +
==MIDI Clock==
 +
 
 +
Read <q>[[MIDI#MIDI_Clock|MIDI Clock]]</q> for more information.
 +
 
 +
==DAW==
 +
 
 +
<blockquote>
 +
'''FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES'''
 +
<HR>
 +
 
 +
<blockquote>
 +
[https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/bug-audible-glitch-when-using-midi-tempo-linked-to-the-delay-time.161248/post-1931097]
 +
It all depends on the accuracy of your DAW. If I set the BPM to 130 and the accuracy is 5ms it will occasionally go to 131 BPM on my system here. If I lower the accuracy to 2ms then it doesn't do that. And this is as would be expected. 130 BPM is 2.167 beats per second. MIDI Clock is 24 messages per beat. So that's 52 messages per second or a message every 19.2 ms. 129 BPM translates to 19.38 messages per second. So your messages need to be accurate down to fractions of a ms.
 +
</blockquote>
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 
 +
=Tips, tricks and troubleshooting=
 +
 
 +
==Tempo and Beats Per Minute (BPM)==
 +
 
 +
The [http://wiki.fractalaudio.com/axefx2/index.php?title=Owners_Manuals Owner's Manuals] list the tempo values with the BPM equivalents.
 +
 
 +
==BPM on the Performance Page==
 +
 
 +
If you add Controllers > Tempo as the first control on a Performance Page on the Axe-Fx III, FM9, or FM3, you'll always see the preset's BPM value when switching presets from your foot controller.
 +
 
 +
==Auto-activate a delay by tapping Tempo==
 +
 
 +
Search the [[Delay block]] page for <q>auto delay</q>.
 +
 
 +
==SysEx commands for tempo==
  
=Auto-activate a Delay using Tap Tempo=
+
These are useful:
If the parameter Auto Delay in the Tempo menu is “ON,” any delay blocks that are bypassed will become active whenever a tempo is tapped in. This allows you to set the tempo and un-bypass your delay block(s) from a single footswitch.
+
* Fractal's <q>[[media:Axe-Fx-II-XL-Delay-Tempos.pdf|List of all SysEx commands for each tempo setting in the Delay block in the Axe-Fx II XL]]</q> .pdf page.
 +
* kamilkisiel.net's <q>[http://www.kamilkisiel.net/axefx_tempo.html Fractal Audio Tempo SysEx Generator]</q> page.
  
=MIDI CCs for Tempo and Metronome=
+
==Bleed-through tempo noise==
* Tempo: CC 14
 
* Metronome: CC 122
 
  
=Using Tempo in effects==
+
Audible bleed-through of the tempo signal can occur if the MIDI cable is not properly shielded. Use high-quality, properly shielded MIDI cables.
Some effects let you assign parameters such as Time or Rate to a specific tempo, like 1/4 or 1/8 Dotted, instead of number of milliseconds. That will make the effect depend on the global or preset tempo. Tapping a different tempo will change the rate of the effect.
 
  
[[category:Axe-Fx]]
+
[[category:Axe-Fx2]]
 +
[[category:FM3]]
 +
[[category:FM9]]
 +
[[category:Axe-Fx3]]
 
[[category:FX8]]
 
[[category:FX8]]
 
[[category:AX8]]
 
[[category:AX8]]
[[category:Effect]]
+
[[category:Sounds]]
 +
[[category:Remote]]
 +
[[category:All]]

Latest revision as of 23:38, 5 March 2024

Channels or X/Y

  • Axe-Fx III, FM9, MF3: 4 channels
  • Axe-Fx II, AX8, FX8: no

Tempo button and menu

When tapping the Tempo button on the device, the Tempo menu appears on the hardware display.

On the Axe-Fx III, FM9, and FM3, the Tempo button also is a shortcut to the Controllers menu.

Global tempo or per preset

You can specify whether you want to the tempo to apply to all presets (global) or per preset.

Tempo per channel or scene

Tempo is part of the Controllers block. That block has 4 channels, so a preset can have 4 different tempos which allows setting separate tempos per scene.

Tapping tempo

The Global Settings menu lets you specify how tempo tapping works:

Average 
Averages the tempo to the last 10 taps. Average is usually a wise choice if you can't get the first taps right, and is the default setting.
Last Two 
Uses only the most recent two taps to determine the tempo. This acts faster but is also less precise.

Tap Tempo needs at least two taps to calculate.

See the Tap tempo issues discussion for more information.

Syncing an effect to the tempo

You can assign effect parameters such as Time or Rate to a specific tempo, as 1/4 or 1/8 Dotted, instead of specifying the number of milliseconds. That will make the effect depend on the global or preset tempo. Tapping a different tempo will change the rate of the effect.

Important: After assigning a parameter to a tempo, you can no longer adjust the time in the effect manually!

LED accuracy

PREVIOUS GENERATIONS


[1] The tempo LED is handled by a low-priority thread so it isn't rock solid and the higher the CPU usage the less solid it will be.

Metronome

The Tempo menu contains a metronome. Read this: Metronome

Remote control

Footswitch

Scroll to the Tempo CC in the I/O menu and hit Enter. Click the switch on the footswitch that you want to assign the Tuner to.

Or configure it manually by assigning the Tuner MIDI CC to a switch on a MIDI controller.

Read Expression pedals and external switches for more information.

MIDI CC

The default MIDI CC for the Tuner is 14 on the Axe-Fx II, AX8, and FX8. Keep it like this to avoid issues.

The Axe-Fx III, FM9, and FM3 let you set the Tuner CC manually in the I/O menu.

MFC-101

The MFC-101 MIDI foot controller has a dedicated Tempo command for the Axe-Fx II when it's running in Axe-Fx Mode.

FC-6 and FC-12 foot controllers

The FC-6 and FC-12 foot controllers have a dedicated Tempo action.

MIDI Clock

Read MIDI Clock for more information.

DAW

FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES


[2] It all depends on the accuracy of your DAW. If I set the BPM to 130 and the accuracy is 5ms it will occasionally go to 131 BPM on my system here. If I lower the accuracy to 2ms then it doesn't do that. And this is as would be expected. 130 BPM is 2.167 beats per second. MIDI Clock is 24 messages per beat. So that's 52 messages per second or a message every 19.2 ms. 129 BPM translates to 19.38 messages per second. So your messages need to be accurate down to fractions of a ms.

Tips, tricks and troubleshooting

Tempo and Beats Per Minute (BPM)

The Owner's Manuals list the tempo values with the BPM equivalents.

BPM on the Performance Page

If you add Controllers > Tempo as the first control on a Performance Page on the Axe-Fx III, FM9, or FM3, you'll always see the preset's BPM value when switching presets from your foot controller.

Auto-activate a delay by tapping Tempo

Search the Delay block page for auto delay.

SysEx commands for tempo

These are useful:

Bleed-through tempo noise

Audible bleed-through of the tempo signal can occur if the MIDI cable is not properly shielded. Use high-quality, properly shielded MIDI cables.