Fractal Audio AX8 Owner's Manual
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Fractal Audio AX8 Owner's Manual

Amp modeler + multi fx
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AMP MODELER + MULTI FX
OWNER'S
MANUAL
Manual Version 1.00.2

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  • Page 1 AMP MODELER + MULTI FX OWNER’S MANUAL Manual Version 1.00.2...
  • Page 2 Inside Front Cover...

  • Page 3: Declaration Of Conformity

    Declaration of Conformity Manufacturer’s Name: Fractal Audio Systems, LLC Manufacturer’s Address: 4 Wilder Drive, Plaistow, NH 03865 USA Declares that the product: Product name: AX-8 Product option: None Conforms to the following Product Specifications: Safety: EN60065:2014 EMC: EN55013:2013 EN55020:2007+A11:2011 EN55024:2010...

  • Page 4: Important Safety Instructions

    4. Keep the power cord in good condition. Do not kink, bend, or pinch. 5. If the cord becomes damaged, discard and replace it. 6. If not using your AX8 for extended periods of time, disconnect from AC power. 7. Protect the unit from rain and excessive moisture.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 AX8-Edit ......36 EULA .
  • Page 6 If you are an experienced Axe-Fx user you will be right at home with the AX8. We’ve packed all our revolutionary technologies into this little box: Quantum amp modeling, UltraRes™ cabinet technology, Humbuster™ I/O, and more, along with our renowned effects and usability features.

  • Page 7: Introduction

    Like every Fractal Audio Systems product, the AX8 puts sound quality first. It uses high quality D/A and A/D converters for a pristine signal path and ultra-low noise levels. The on-board dual processors run the same high-quality effect algorithms made famous in the Axe-Fx II.

  • Page 8: If You Own An Axe-Fx

    IF YOU OWN AN AXE-FX... The AX8 is a dream come true for many Axe-Fx owners. Whether it is your backup rig or your new main unit, we hope you will be pleased with what many are already calling the “Axe-Fx Junior on the Floor. ” This convenient grab-and-go unit contains the very best features of the Axe-Fx II, including the latest Quantum...

  • Page 9: If You Own An Fx8

    7. There are no RELAYS. Instead, the AX8 has four jacks for external switches or pedals. 8. The AX8 Looper is not “global, ” meaning it needs to be inserted as a block on the grid for every preset where you want to use the Looper. Review “The Looper Block”...

  • Page 10: Quick Connect Guide

    1 IntroductIon QUICK CONNECT GUIDE The best and most flexible way to enjoy your AX8 is through a full range system. In comparison to traditional guitar speakers, the extended range of such a system is able to reproduce the very broad spectrum of frequencies produced by all of the different amp models, speaker sims, and effects.

  • Page 11: Checking And Setting Levels

    HUMBUSTER CABLES Standard 1/4” guitar cables are fine for all audio connections to and from the AX8, but there is a better option for connecting its outputs to your amp, modeler or other device. Humbuster™ technology on all AX8 outputs can significantly reduce unwanted noise due to the common problem of a ground loop.

  • Page 12: The Footswitches

    1 IntroductIon THE FOOTSWITCHES Once you have set up your AX8 with speakers/amps/monitors, you can begin to audition the factory preset sounds. The AX8 has eleven footswitches divided into two groups: “F-Switches” and numbered footswitches. Their default functions—detailed here—are perfect for how most players will use the AX8.

  • Page 13: The Footswitch Page

    THE FOOTSWITCH PAGE When you power on the AX8, it defaults to the Footswitch Page of the main menu (as indicated by “FS” in the menu tab). The current functions of footswitches 1-8 are displayed here. The diagram below provides a basic understanding of what you’re seeing on the Footswitch Page.

  • Page 14: The Grid Concept

    THE GRID CONCEPT Behind the scenes of every AX8 preset is the Layout grid. Learn it. Love it. Live it. Here’s the concept. In the world of traditional gear, most of us have very limited options, and building a rig requires making hard choices and commitments.

  • Page 15: Hardware Overview

    2 HARDWARE OVERVIEW THE TOP PANEL The AX8 is housed in a powder-coated steel chassis with an aircraft aluminum bezel and end-caps. The 160 × 80 pixel LCD is where all menu screens are displayed. METER and STATUS LEDs communicate important information: ƒ...
  • Page 16 (or fewer) knobs for easy 1:1 operation. Knob E is also used for NAV, which navigates on-screen menus.  The HANDLE also serves as a GUARD to protect the knobs of the AX8 from being kicked and broken.  There are eight main FOOTSWITCHES corresponding to the eight effect slots. Each has three LEDs.

  • Page 17: The Rear Panel

    OUT 1 [MAIN] L+R – (Two XLR-M and Two 1/4" Humbuster™ Jacks)  The main output of the AX8 appears at these jacks. Use the XLR jacks to connect to a mixer, studio monitors, PA, or other device with balanced inputs. Use the ground lift switch if necessary to reduce hum from ground loops.
  • Page 18 These jacks are used to connect up to four external expression pedals or switches to control various functions of the AX8. Use the PEDAL page in the I/O menu under SETUP to calibrate each connected pedal, and the CTRL page of the I/O menu under SETUP to assign pedals to various functions or modifier sources.

  • Page 19: Setup Guide

    This type of setup takes full advantage of the ability of the AX8 to simulate not only different amps, but power amps, speakers, microphones, and extended-frequency-range effects as well. It is the most versatile and popular setup. The pages which follow are provided for those who want to use the AX8 in a different type of setup.

  • Page 20: Setup: Power Amp & Guitar Speakers

    These amps (almost always solid-state) allow the power amp simulation in the AX8 to vary the tone and dynamics appropriately as you select from different virtual amp types. The second category contains tube amps specifically made for guitar. This type can also be used, but you’ll be “stuck”...

  • Page 21: Setup: Direct + Real Amp & Cabs

    How is this possible? Enter the FX Loop block. This powerful utility block is normally used for inserting outboard gear in the signal path of the AX8, but can also be used to turn OUT 2 into a “utility out”, allowing us to tap signal at any point in the chain to feed our onstage amps.

  • Page 22: Setup: Fx Processor Only

    You can use the AX8 in front of an amplifier by connecting your guitar to the Instrument input of the AX8 and Out 1 Main L of the AX8 to the amp’s input. For stereo, connect Out 1 Main R to a second amp. Set the AX8 OUT 1 level knob as high as possible to lower the noise floor.

  • Page 23: Checking And Setting Levels

    The easy way to correct this is to turn down the Amp block using the dedicated Level knob on the top panel of the AX8. If you’re not using an amp block, the level of any other block in your chain can be lowered instead.

  • Page 24: Connecting Pedals & Switches

    CONNECTING PEDALS & SWITCHES Each of the four on-board PEDAL jacks of the AX8 allows you to connect one expression pedal or one external footswitch. You can use a connected pedal or switch to change effect parameters or to operate any of a long list of global functions, and many factory presets are ready for one or even two pedals.
  • Page 25 ƒ When a latching (aka toggle) switch is connected, set TYPE to “LATCHING”. ƒ When a momentary switch (such as a sustain pedal) is connected, you have two options: Š Set TYPE to “MOMENTARY” and the AX8 will recognize alternate stomps as ON and OFF, creating a “virtual” latching footswitch.

  • Page 26: Connecting A Computer

    CONNECTING A COMPUTER Connecting the AX8 to a computer via USB is optional, but it does provide some great benefits. Our free utilities are a great way to take your experience to the next level. A USB connection is also required to install firmware updates and make or restore backups.

  • Page 27: Function Switches

    4 FUNCTION SWITCHES F-SWITCHES OVERVIEW The AX8 features three assignable Function Footswitches, also known as “F-Switches” because they are labeled F1, F2 and F3. Each F-Switch can be assigned TWO functions: one for when you TAP the switch and the other for when you press and hold it. Default settings are detailed below: F1 TAP F1 PRESS &...

  • Page 28: Customizing F-Switches

    4 FunctIon SwItcHeS CUSTOMIZING F-SWITCHES Over a dozen custom functions are available for the F-Switches. They’re easy to change so you can put the perfect set of switchable modes at your feet. If you never use Tap Tempo, get rid of it! If you’ve got boots so big you keep accidentally pressing when you only meant to tap, disable HOLD functions.
  • Page 29 à Switches between Scene 1 and Scene 2. à The F-switch LED is off for Scene 1 and on for Scene 2. TEMPO TAP à Allows you to tap a tempo into the AX8. (See Section 9 Tempo.) à Also briefly displays the Tempo Menu where you can set various options.

  • Page 30: Sample F-Switch Layouts

    SAMPLE F-SWITCH LAYOUTS Rather than leave this page blank, we thought it might be interesting to include a few different example layouts for the F-Switches based on what the AX8 development team members set up for themselves. HOLD Single Preset NONE No “Sticky Modes”...

  • Page 31: Creating Presets

    To open the grid when you are in the main Footswitch Page, press the PAGE RIGHT button. At any moment, the AX8 display can show only a 5 × 4 section of the 12 × 4 grid. Navigate to off-screen areas using the D or E knobs, or the NAV buttons (SHIFT + ENTER, SHIFT + EXIT).

  • Page 32: Working With Blocks

    As explained in "The Grid Concept" on p. 8, the AX8 grid must be populated with blocks—components pulled from a large inventory of amps, cabs, stompboxes, studio effects, mixers, and more. To interact with the grid you must move its cursor, a solid rectangle controlled by the D or E/NAV knobs, or the NAV buttons.

  • Page 33: Shunts

     Press ENTER to confirm or EXIT to cancel changes. CONNECTOR CABLES Just like physical gear, the blocks in the AX8 need to be connected together for signal to flow. This is done using connectors, or cables. With even one connector missing, your preset may be totally silent! Like shunts, connectors are totally transparent.

  • Page 34: Moving Blocks

    5 creAtInG PreSetS THE RULES OF AX8 CABLES…  No cables = No sound. Even one missing link will break the chain.  Signal flows from LEFT to RIGHT.  A cable MUST originate from a BLOCK or a SHUNT. Empty locations are not viable origins.

  • Page 35: Block Inventory

    Formant Create dynamic vowel sounds with this multi-mode formant filter. FX Loop This block connects directly to IN 2 and OUT 2 on the rear of the AX8. Gate/Expander Useful for everything from subtle control to extreme effects. Graphic EQ A variety of modes allow easy, flexible tone sculpting.

  • Page 36: Example Preset Grids

    5 creAtInG PreSetS EXAMPLE PRESET GRIDS Ex 1: Sweet and Simple. Wah. Drive pedal. Amp and Cab. Delay and Reverb post. Ex 2: Here some more effects are added, and the reverb is run in parallel to the delay for a different sound. Ex 3: An entire parallel chain for a shimmery, filtered effect with a VOLUME block for its own "Send"...

  • Page 37: Editing Effect Blocks

    USING VIRTUAL KNOBS  Most Edit Menu pages show five virtual knobs. To make changes, use the five physical knobs of the AX8.  Above each on-screen knob is an indicator showing which of the five knobs to use: A, B, C, D, or E.

  • Page 38: Saving Changes

    TO CHANGE THE PRESET NAME OR LOCATION… The AX8 has 512 preset memory locations grouped in 64 numbered banks. Each bank contains 8 presets. You can save any preset to any location at any time. You can edit the name of any preset while storing.

  • Page 39: Setting Up Footswitches 1-8

    5 creAtInG PreSetS SETTING UP FOOTSWITCHES 1-8 The eight numbered footswitches of the AX8 offer tremendous flexibility. As you learned in Chapter 1, the display shows what each of the footswitches is currently programmed to do, but that's just the beginning...

  • Page 40: X/Y Switching

    X/Y SWITCHING In the same way that many amplifiers have two fully independent channels, so do many effects on the AX8. Each block with X/Y switching stores two complete sets of settings—an “X” set and a “Y” set. This makes it possible to switch between two different effect sounds while using only one block.

  • Page 41: Preset Cpu Limits

    DISABLED (upper left) in the Edit Menu. Be warned that "living on the edge" is not recommended. The AX8 uses slightly more CPU when it is processing audio, so give yourself a margin to prevent unwanted block bypass at inopportune moments. A recommended safe target is about 80%.

  • Page 42: Ax8-Edit

    Every function and parameter of the AX8 can be conveniently operated from the front panel of the unit. Another way to edit presets and parameters is to use AX8-Edit. If you are at all accustomed to working with audio software or plug-ins, you will enjoy AX8-Edit.

  • Page 43: Scenes

    6 SCENES OVERVIEW Every AX8 preset contains eight scenes. You don’t need to add or create scenes—they’re already there, ready and waiting to be used. Think of a Scene like a “mini-preset within a preset”. Scenes can control which blocks are on, which blocks are off, which blocks are set to X or Y, overall preset level, and other settings too.

  • Page 44: Selecting Scenes

    6 SceneS SELECTING SCENES There are three ways to select a Scene on the AX8: 1. USE THE FOOTSWITCHES – By default, F2 enters Single Scene Select Mode. (The LED will remain lit.) The next press of any footswitch 1–8 will select a Scene within the current preset.
  • Page 45 TO SET THE MIDI PROGRAM CHANGE MESSAGE FOR A SCENE... Every AX8 Scene can send one MIDI Program Change Message (“PC”) on any channel. You can use this feature to change presets on a connected Axe-FX, FX8, or any other MIDI device.

  • Page 46: Scene Revert

    6 SceneS SCENE REVERT Scene changes are normally retained until you change the preset. With SCENE REVERT turned on, Scene changes are discarded as soon as you change to a new Scene. Here are two examples so you can compare how Scene changes work in both modes: Ex 1: SCENE REVERT OFF (default) Ex 2: SCENE REVERT ON 1.

  • Page 47: Blocks Guide

    UNDER CONSTRUCTION The AX8 has over 25 different effect blocks with many different types. We’re currently working on a universal Effect Parameters Guide for all Fractal Audio Systems products which will detail every parameter of every type for every block.

  • Page 48: The Amp Block

    You can get great tone from the AX8 using only the basic amp controls on its top panel. Should you desire to dig deeper, you’ll find many exciting parameters that allow you to tweak and adjust the deepest aspects of your amp’s sound.
  • Page 49 Some AX8 models have tone controls NOT offered on the original amp. For example, many amps have no “Mid” control. To faithfully simulate such amps, set controls they are missing to “noon” (or “0.00” if you are using the “ACTIVE”...
  • Page 50 7 BLocKS GuIde THE POWER AMP PAGE PRESENCE/HI-CUT – Boosts (or cuts) the upper frequencies from the power amp by varying the negative feedback frequency response. Increased presence can help a sound cut through. Settings for don’t necessarily correspond to knob positions on the amp being modeled. PRESENCE Amps with no negative feedback circuits in their design cannot utilize the presence control.
  • Page 51 7 BLocKS GuIde parameter for setting the output level of a preset. AMP SPEAKER PAGE These parameters shape the virtual speaker impedance curve and the resulting resonances in the virtual power amp. Amp/Speaker interaction affects tone by causing an increase in power amplifier response at certain frequencies.
  • Page 52 7 BLocKS GuIde POWER AMP DYNAMICS PAGE ( “PWR DYN” ) SUPPLY SAG – This controls power amp dynamics. Higher settings simulate higher power supply impedance, and thus greater tube plate voltage “droop, ” for a more compressed feel. This control interacts with the and will have little effect if the power amp is not being “pushed hard”.
  • Page 53 7 BLocKS GuIde DYNAMIC EQ PAGE ( “DYNEQ” ) DYNAMIC PRESENCE – This models output transformer leakage inductance that results in a brightening of the tone when the power amp is pushed. This control is set to a default value when the model is selected corresponding to the real amp, if applicable.
  • Page 54 7 BLocKS GuIde BRIGHT CAP – Sets the value of a virtual capacitor to determine the sonic effect of the BRIGHT switch (above). Increasing this will make the preamp brighter and vice versa. SAT SWITCH – The Saturation Switch engages a popular mod between the preamp and the tonestack for a thicker, more aggressive distortion character.
  • Page 55 7 BLocKS GuIde PRESENCE FREQ – This multiplier alters the center frequency of the amp’s PRESENCE control. This setting changes as you select an amp TYPE but can be altered at any time. DEPTH FREQ – Alters the center frequency of the amp’s DEPTH and DYN DEPTH controls. This parameter defaults to an appropriate value whenever you change the amp TYPE, but can then be changed as desired.
  • Page 56 7 BLocKS GuIde POWER AMP HARDNESS – controls the hardness of the virtual power tube grid clipping. The lower the value the softer the distortion, but this often is not noticeable because negative feedback around the power amp makes the distortion harder. Another factor which controls power amp hardness is TRANSFORMER : turn it up, and turn down for softer power amp distortion.

  • Page 57: The Cab Block

    Manufacturer and product names above are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Fractal Audio Systems. The names are used only to illustrate sonic and performance characteristics of the MIC TYPES.
  • Page 58 7 BLocKS GuIde PAGE 2 PARAMETERS INPUT SELECT – Selects the input mode of the Cab block. Options include inputting only LEFT or RIGHT channels, STEREO or SUM L+R. MODE – Selects the output mode of the Cab block. If both (see above) is set for MODE INPUT SELECT...
  • Page 59 Cab Packs.  Using the Fractal-Bot or AX8 Edit, transmit the file to your AX8, noting which numbered Cab Slot you are sending it to (Example: “USER 1”). ƒ Fractal-Bot: Lightweight and definitely the easiest to use.

  • Page 60: The Looper Block

    THE LOOPER BLOCK The AX8 Looper Block has a maximum loop time of four minutes in mono and two minutes in stereo (half that if optional UNDO is enabled). The Looper is placed on the grid like any other block, but when you enter its Edit Menu, the main functions are executed using footswitches 1–8 instead of the knobs that most...
  • Page 61 “OFF”, loop length is forced to some number of beats QUANTIZE (or subdivisions): 1/4 notes, 1/8th notes, or 1/16th notes—with respect to the tempo of the AX8. If you stop recording early or late, loop length is adjusted automatically to the nearest quantize “tick” mark.
  • Page 62 7 BLocKS GuIde LOOPER MIX PAGE PARAMETERS The Looper has a page with , and parameters. LEVEL BALANCE BYPASS MODE “Mix Page Common Parameters” on p. – Determines how existing layers fade when you DUB new layers. If you want old layers to NOT DUB MIX decay, set this to 100%, but be aware that adding additional layers in this way might cause clipping.

  • Page 63: The Fx Loop

    7 BLocKS GuIde THE FX LOOP The FX Loop block works with the FX SEND and FX RETURN inputs and outputs to provide a full-stereo insert that can be used to place outboard hardware anywhere in the signal chain of any preset. Because it can be switched on and off with a footswitch or by a Scene, the Effects Loop block is a great way to insert outboard effects.
  • Page 64 BALANCE control that determines how the LEFT and RIGHT channels are passed to Output 2. A master MAIN slider offers +/-20 dB control over the final mixed output. Its setting is memorized per-Scene. Here’s an illustration taken from AX8-Edit showing a portion of the grid, and the output mixer parameters. Four rows of grid blocks Four channels in the FX Loop block feeding the FX Loop block.
  • Page 65 7 BLocKS GuIde ALTERNATE USE AS AN AUXILIARY OUTPUT OR INPUT The FX Loop Block doubles as a means to provide an auxiliary output or input. Signal at the INPUT of the [FXL] block is routed directly to the OUTPUT 2 jacks. This is useful for the type of rig described in “Setup: Power Amp &...

  • Page 66: The Noise Gate

    7 BLocKS GuIde THE NOISE GATE Every AX8 preset includes a Noise Gate connected directly to INPUT 1 [INSTRUMENT]. To edit these parameters, open the layout grid, NAV all the way to “INPUT” at the far left, and press EDIT.

  • Page 67: The Output Mixer

    +/-20 dB control over the final mixed output. Its setting is memorized per-Scene. MAIN Here’s an illustration taken from AX8-Edit showing a portion of the grid, and the output mixer parameters. Grid Row 1 goes to Output Mixer Channel 1 .

  • Page 68: Mix Page Common Parameters

    MIX PAGE COMMON PARAMETERS Almost every block in the AX8 has a MIX page with parameters that determine how that block contributes to the preset. All mix pages use one or more of the following standard parameters. Different blocks have different mix page parameters because they require different approaches.

  • Page 69: Modifiers

    8 ModIFIerS 8 MODIFIERS OVERVIEW Modifiers allow sound parameters to be remote-controlled or automated in real time. For example, you might use an expression pedal to operate a wah, whammy or volume, or use an LFO controller (Low Frequency Oscillator) to sweep a filter. MIDI can also control sound changes, as in the example of using a Control Change message (CC#) to toggle the HOLD switch of a delay.

  • Page 70: Modifier Example: Wah Pedal

    8 ModIFIerS MODIFIER EXAMPLE: WAH PEDAL Below you will find a basic step-by-step tutorial on setting up the modifier for a wah pedal. For this example, we assume: ƒ A Wahwah block is in your preset (see p. 26 for details on how to insert blocks). ƒ...

  • Page 71: Modifier Sources Overview

    We refer to these as CONTROLLERS because they are used to control a parameter. Some, like the built-in LFOs and Envelope Follower, are internal to the AX8, while others, like a connected expression pedal or MIDI message from some other device, are referred to as external controllers.

  • Page 72: Advanced Modifier Parameters

    8 ModIFIerS ADVANCED MODIFIER PARAMETERS The default modifier is perfectly linear and direct. You change the source, and the parameter follows precisely. But you can also tweak the relationship between source and target. Maybe you want to tune the taper of a wah. Maybe you want a volume pedal which gets quieter instead of louder as you rock it forward. Maybe you want an external footswitch to glide the rate of your chorus between slow and fast.
  • Page 73 8 ModIFIerS UNDERSTANDING MODIFIER MIN AND MAX set the range of a modifier. This lets you fine-tune modifiers in musical way. In the example below, we’re imagining a volume pedal whose range goes from zero to ten. Here is your basic default vanilla volume pedal. Our pedal’s start (heel down position) has the volume at 0.00 or silent, and the pedal stop (toe down position) has the volume at 10.0 or all the...
  • Page 74 8 ModIFIerS ADVANCED MODIFIER CURVES AND SHAPES You can also adjust , and (which introduces an “S” or “backwards S” shape). The numbers START SLOPE below each example show the settings for START, MID, END and SLOPE. With a bit of practice, you will learn to achieve desired modifier effects quickly.

  • Page 75: Internal Controllers

    “stepped” effect. SEQUENCER PITCH DETECTOR The AX8 step-sequencer generates The pitch detector analyzes the pitch of control patterns by looping through your playing and outputs a low value for 2–32 “stages. ” You set the...

  • Page 76: External Controllers

    (aka “Help! My volume pedal is missing and my presets are all silent!!” ) When the AX8 is powered on, it checks all connected pedals to set the value for any assigned external controllers. But what if a pedal is missing? The default for each controller is zero, so the missing pedal is assumed to be in the heel down position.

  • Page 77: Tempo

    TO SYNCHRONIZE A DELAY TO THE TEMPO... The time of every delay in the AX8 can synchronize to the tempo. The most typical setting is that where the echo matches the tempo 1:1. Use the musical value of “1/4” (one quarter-note) for this.

  • Page 78: Preset Tempo

    This allows you to set the tempo and engage your delay block(s) from a single footswitch. THE METRONOME The AX8 features a built-in metronome whose signal is mixed in at Output 1. Turn it on or off in the TEMPO menu.

  • Page 79: The Tuner

    F3 footswitch. You can change this or remove it from the footswitches altogether, but it can always be accessed through the CONFIG page of the main menu, or in AX8-Edit. ADVANCED TUNER FUNCTIONS The actual tuner is on the first page of the tuner menu.
  • Page 80 10 tHe tuner This page intentionally left blank.

  • Page 81: Setup Menus

    The CAB block will not physically appear to be bypassed, but act exactly as if it had been replaced a shunt. Use this when you are using the AX8 with an amp powering real guitar speaker cabinets or the sound will be muffled, muddy, and boomy.
  • Page 82 The Global Footswitch 1-8 (GBL FS) page allows you to set footswitches 1–8 each to GLOBAL or PRESET. Global Footswitches will have the same function across every preset of the AX8. Preset Footswitches may be assigned a different function in every preset.
  • Page 83 11 SetuP MenuS GLOBAL: OUT 1/OUT 2 PAGES Two separate pages each provide a 10-band global graphic EQ, plus a master GAIN adjustment control for OUT 1 and OUT 2. Use these to make global adjustments to the tone or level of ALL presets. This is convenient when you need to compensate for using a different amp or speakers, or if a particular performance space seems overly bright or boomy.

  • Page 84: The I/O Menu

    This is useful if the device in your FX Loop is a tube amp or an amp modeler. Be careful with this setting, however, as you will be driving the AX8’s FX SEND D/A converter at +12 dB, making it easier to clip. Watch the front panel FX SEND CLIP indicator and if clipping occurs, reduce...
  • Page 85 STEREO - This is the setting to use when using stereo or ƒ dual mono equipment in the FX Loop of the AX8. OUT 2 (FX SEND) MODE Determines whether signal at OUT 2 [FX SEND] is stereo or mono.
  • Page 86 “EXTERNAL 1”. Now imagine that EXT1 is used to control a VOLUME block. Without the pedal connected, the AX8 assumes it is at 0%, so all of your presets will be silent! Setting EXT 1...
  • Page 87 The CTRL page of the I/O menu allows you to map PEDALS or MIDI CC# messages to various AX8 functions. CC# messages can be sent by a MIDI controller or computer connected to the AX8 MIDI In jack, or via the USB connection of the AX8.
  • Page 88 Do not use an expression pedal or you may change levels +/-20 dB with a single sweep! CHORUS BYP The BYPASS switch for every block in the AX8 can be remote controlled. The list of MIDI CC# defaults can be found on 95. Some blocks may not through have a default assignment but you can change any block at any time.

  • Page 89: The Utility Menu

    -20 to +10 dB with a line to mark 0 dB. You can adjust amp levels as desired using the dedicated LEVEL knob on the top panel of the AX8. A second pair of indicators show MAIN and FX SEND levels.
  • Page 90 11 SetuP MenuS This page intentionally left blank.

  • Page 91: Additional Topics

    12 ADDITIONAL TOPICS GLOBAL VOLUME PEDAL SETUP The AX8 makes it easy to set up a global volume pedal WITHOUT inserting a VOLUME block in your presets. Connect and calibrate an expression pedal (such as the Fractal EV-1) . Using a TRS cable, connect to either the PEDAL1 or PEDAL 2 jack of the AX8.

  • Page 92: Spillover

    For a simple spillover preset experiment, create a preset, then save an exact copy to a new location and test spillover. Then begin making changes as needed to settings outside of the blocks you want to spill over. AX8-Edit also makes it easy to copy and paste a block from one preset to another.

  • Page 93: Up- Vs. Down-Stroke Fx Switching

    OPTION TWO: ASSIGN ANY X/Y MODE TO ANY F-SWITCH When you assign either Single X/Y or Sticky X/Y to one of the F-Switches, the AX8 assumes that you don’t want Press-and-Hold X/Y action. Changing F-Switch functions is easy. Here’s a review:...

  • Page 94: Frequently Asked Questions

    : Q My AX8 won’t start up correctly. : A One problem that may cause this is a bad preset. To get around this issue, reboot the AX8, but as soon as the “Splash Screen” is displayed, tap ENTER to load an empty, initialized preset. If this solves your trouble, you’ll need to find and overwrite the problem preset, which may be...
  • Page 95 AX8. If you’d like to brush up on Hertz, PicoFarads, milliseconds, etc., you can easily find a good glossary of pro audio terms online, or refer to the appendix of the Axe-Fx II manual.
  • Page 96 : Q My AX8 stopped working during or after a firmware update. How can I recover it? : A The AX8 has a built in recovery routine. Power the unit off. Hold down the SHIFT button, and then power the unit on. Hold the button for about 1 second beyond the power up, and then release.

  • Page 97: Transferring Blocks Between Products

    Library that make it possible to transfer blocks from one unit to another. EXAMPLE: BLOCK TRANSFER FROM AN AXE-FX TO AN AX8 In this example we’ll transfer an Amp block from Axe-Edit to AX8-Edit by copying a block .syx file from the Axe-Edit Block Library to the AX8-Edit Block Library.

  • Page 98: Main Menu Soft Knobs Guide

    MAIN MENU SOFT KNOBS GUIDE The A, B, C, D and E knobs change their functions across the different pages of the main menu that displays when you power on the AX8. Here is a table showing what each of them does. Footswitch (“FS”)

  • Page 99: Specifications & Defaults

    13 SPecIFIcAtIonS & deFAuLtS 13 SPECIFICATIONS & DEFAULTS INPUT 1 [INSTRUMENT]: Connector: 1/4” phone jack, unbalanced. Impedance: 1 Megohm Max. Input Level: +16 dBu (conditioned for guitar use) INPUT 2 [FX RTN]: Connector: 2 x 1/4” phone jack, balanced. Impedance: 1 Megohm Max.

  • Page 100: Midi Implementation

    13 SPecIFIcAtIonS & deFAuLtS MIDI IMPLEMENTATION The AX8 features a robust MIDI implementation detailed below. Function Remarks Basic Channel Default Changed 1-16 1-16 Note Number True Voice Velocity Note ON Note OFF After Touch Keys Channels Pitch Bend Control Change Receivable CCs are globally soft-assigned to functions via the I/O: CTRL menu.

  • Page 101: Factory Default Midi Cc Settings

    FACTORY DEFAULT MIDI CC SETTINGS The following text table lists the default MIDI CC# assignments for each of the available functions in the AX8. In addition to a MIDI CC, any item can be set to NONE, or PEDAL 1–4. All such assignments are global.

  • Page 102: Midi Program Change Numbers

    13 SPecIFIcAtIonS & deFAuLtS MIDI PROGRAM CHANGE NUMBERS The following table lists the MIDI Bank and Program Change message required to select AX8 Banks/Presets. MIdI Bank Select (cc#0) value , Midi Program change = AX8 Bank:Preset 0, 0 = 01:1...
  • Page 103 13 SPecIFIcAtIonS & deFAuLtS 1, 102 = 29:7 2, 26 = 36:3 2, 78 = 42:7 3, 2 = 49:3 3, 54 = 55:7 3, 106 = 62:3 1, 103 = 29:8 2, 27 = 36:4 2, 79 = 42:8 3, 3 = 49:4 3, 55...
  • Page 104 13 SPecIFIcAtIonS & deFAuLtS CC#34 TO SCENE By default, MIDI CC# 34 selects SCENES. The value sent determines the Scene: 0 ----------1 16 --------1 32 --------1 48 --------1 64 --------1 80 --------1 96 --------1 112-------1 1 ----------2 17 --------2 33 --------2 49 --------2 65 --------2 81 --------2...

  • Page 105: Warranty

    This warranty only applies to products sold and used in the USA and Canada. Fractal Audio Systems shall not be liable for damages or loss resulting from the negligent or intentional acts of the shipper or its contracted affiliates.

  • Page 106: Eula

    1) GRANT OF LICENSE FOR PRE INSTALLED OR USER UPGRADED FIRMWARE (“THE SOFTWARE”) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, Fractal Audio Systems, (“FAS”) grants you an individual, personal, non-sub licensable, nonexclusive license to use this product in accordance with the applicable end user documentation, if any (the “License”).

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