Volume/Panner block

The information on this page supplements the official manuals.

Vol/Pan: supported by which Fractal Audio products?

• Axe-Fx II: yes.
• AX8: yes.
• FX8: yes.

X/Y switching in the Volume block

The Volume block doesn't support X/Y switching.

Audio tapers

The Volume block offers various audio tapers.

FractalAudio: "The number is the percentage at the halfway point. I.e. Log 20A means that the resistance is 20% at the halfway point in the travel. So if you put the knob at noon, the volume would be 20% of maximum (about -14 dB)." source

To simulate a Log taper in a modifier menu, set "Mid" in the modifier menu to 20%. Adjust Slope to avoid the dead zone.

Processing one side of the signal in the Volume block

Just like the Amp block and Drive blocks, Vol/Pan is able to operate on the left, right or both (stereo) sides of the input signal (Input Select parameter). It can send the processed signal to either side (Balance parameter) or keep it stereo.

Automating volume swells with the Volume block

To automate volume swells (like a Boss Slow Gear pedal), use a Volume block and attach the Envelope internal controller to the Volume parameter. You can also copy the block and Envelope settings from a factory preset (such as Auto Swell Pongverb, Ganymede or Atmosphere on the Axe-Fx II). The Envelope's Attack parameter and the Volume block's Taper parameter determine the swell rate.

Alternatively, for example to achieve Van Halen's Cathedral effect, set the Input Noise Gate to a low Threshold (i.e. -49), set Ratio between 3.3 and 4, and Attack and Release to 31 ms.

Using the Volume block as a noise gate

The Volume block can operate as a noise gate. Attach the Volume parameter to the Envelope controller. As long as you don't hit the strings, the input signal will be muted.

Using the Volume block for routing

The Volume block doesn't require much CPU. This makes it a good tool for routing. By setting its Bypass parameter to mute and placing it at the start of a branch, you can enable or disable a certain routing within a preset, depending on the state of the Volume block. You can engage or bypass the block per preset scene.