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1 INTRODUCTION
The AX8 is an advanced amp modeler and multi-eects pedalboard processor, perfect for guitar, bass,
and other instruments. The unit is “built like a tank” with a steel chassis and aircraft aluminum end panels,
featuring eleven quiet, durable, solid-state footswitches with no mechanical contacts to fail, 27 LEDs in
three colors, a brilliant LCD display, six buttons including SHIFT for extra functions, ve soft knobs, and eight
dedicated LED-indicator knobs for essential amp functions. It has an instrument input, XLR, Humbuster
and S/PDIF main outputs, a stereo eects loop (which also doubles as a auxilliary input/output for special
applications) and four jacks for external switches or expression pedals.
Like every Fractal Audio Systems product, the AX8 puts sound quality rst. 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 eect algorithms made famous in the Axe-Fx II.
We hope you nd the unit easy to use and this manual easy to read. The most important sections are
those which introduce the basics of how the unit works. If nothing else, be sure to review this section, plus
“Hardware Overview” and “Setup Guide” on p. 13.
The AX8 contains 512 dierent presets
arranged in 64 numbered banks.
Each preset is like an entire rig, with its
own amp, speaker cab, and eects.
The AX8 features over 222 “Quantum”
amp models utilizing the same
technology as our agship Axe-Fx II.
Ultra-Res™ Speaker Cab simulation provides
a level of accuracy that only Fractal Audio
Systems can oer. AX8 is also compatible
with our entire library of Cab-Packs.
Presets are extremely exible with the
familiar “Layout Grid” from the Axe-Fx II.
Most blocks oer X/Y switching for twice as
many sounds from the same number of blocks.
Each preset contains eight scenes. Think
of a Scene as a preset within a preset.
Scenes eliminate “tap dancing” by turning
multiple eects on or o with a single
tap, switching X/Y states, and more.
Every preset can have its own custom
footswitch 1-8 assignments.
There are over 16 dierent useful
“Footswitch Blocks” such as “Scene 1/2
Toggle” or “Looper Control Mode”.
Footswitches can also be designated as
“GLOBAL”, which gives them the same
assignment across ALL presets in the AX8.
3 assignable Function Footswitches oer over
a dozen options so you can create the perfect
layout of “modes” for your musical performances.
On-board jacks for four external footswitches
or expression pedals make it easy to
remote-control sound functions.
MIDI and USB also provide powerful
options for control, editing, and more.
AX8-Edit, a free software editor, makes
it possible to edit presets, eects, and
more when connected to a Mac or PC.
And much more! Please take the time to
familiarize yourself with this manual.
Should you need any assistance with the AX8,
please visit http://www.fractalaudio.com
QUICK OVERVIEW
WELCOME TO THE AX8
1 INTRODUCTION
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