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Fractal Audio axe-fx ultra - User Manual

Fractal Audio axe-fx ultra
101 pages
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Axe-Fx
Pre-Amp /
Effects Processor
User’s Manual
ULTRA
ULTRA
Firmware Rev 5.xx
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Summary

Important Safety Instructions

Certificate of Conformity

EMC; EMI

Details electromagnetic compatibility and interference regulations for the device.

Foreword

About the Ultra Model

Describes the Axe-Fx Ultra as an enhanced version of the original Axe-Fx, offering more features.

Introduction

What is the Axe-Fx?

Explains the Axe-Fx's functionality and design philosophy, distinguishing it from modeling processors.

Concept of Operation

Explains the Axe-Fx's operational concept based on effects inventory and routing grid.

Getting Set Up

Rear Panel Connections

Details the function and connectivity of each rear panel port, including inputs, outputs, and MIDI.

Front Panel Controls

Describes the status indicators, value/enter/exit buttons, navigation, and menu buttons on the front panel.

Example Connections

Provides configurations for using the Axe-Fx with separate preamps and guitar amps.

I;O Configuration

Guides the user through setting up audio, MIDI, and pedal configurations for the Axe-Fx.

Control Configuration

Explains how to assign external controllers to effect parameters and manage global bypass settings.

Pedal Configuration

Details how to configure expression pedals and footswitches for various control functions like bypass and preset switching.

Editing Effects

Placing and Routing Effects

Covers placing effects in the grid, creating and deleting routes, and using auto-routing functionality.

Moving and Editing Effects

Explains how to move effects within the grid and access/edit individual effect parameters.

Effect Mixer Controls

Describes the MIX, LEVEL, and PAN controls for individual effects, including bypass modes.

Attaching Controllers

Details the process of assigning external controllers to effect parameters using modifiers.

Saving and Recalling Presets

Explains how to save current settings to presets and recall previously saved presets using the STORE and RECALL functions.

The Effects

Noise Gate and Compressor

Describes the Noise Gate parameters (Threshold, Ratio, Release) and Compressor parameters (Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release, Level, Knee).

Gate;Expander and Multi-Band Compressor

Details parameters for Gate/Expander (Threshold, Attack, Hold, Release, Ratio) and Multi-Band Compressor (Freq1, Freq2, Threshold).

Filter and Graphic Equalizer

Explains Filter parameters (Type, Freq, Q, Gain) and Graphic EQ functionality for tone shaping and boosting.

Parametric Equalizer and Crossover

Covers Parametric EQ parameters (Freq, Q, Gain, Type) and Crossover filter settings (Xover Freq, Freq Multiplier, Freq).

Resonator and Chorus

Describes the Resonator effect parameters (Mode, In Gain, Master Freq) and Chorus basic parameters (Voices, Rate, Depth, Mix).

Quad Chorus and Flanger

Details Quad Chorus parameters (Master Time, Rate, Depth, FDBK) and Flanger basic parameters (Time, Rate, Depth, Feedback).

Phaser

Explains Phaser parameters (Order, Rate, Depth, Resonance, Frequency) and special 'Vibe Mode' for classic sounds.

Rotary Cabinet

Details Rotary Cabinet simulation parameters (Rate, LDepth, HDepth, HLevel, Tempo) for Leslie speaker emulation.

Wah-Wah and Formant Filter

Covers Wah-Wah parameters (Type, FMin, FMax, Res, Track) and Formant Filter vowel sound controls (Start, Mid, End, Res).

Vocoder

Explains Vocoder parameters (In Sel, Bands, FMin, FMax, Res, Shift) for speech synthesis and vocal effects.

Pan; Tremolo and Delay

Details Pan/Tremolo parameters (Eff Type, Rate, Depth, Width) and Delay common parameters (Type, In Gain, Time, Feedback).

Delay Modes and Parameters

Covers Mono, Stereo, Ping-Pong, Dual, Reverse delay types and their specific parameters like Time, Ratio, Spread, Drive.

Multi Delay Types

Introduces Multi-Delay algorithms like QuadTap, Plex, Band, Quad-Series, Ten Tap, and Rhythm Tap delays.

Diffusor and MegaTap Delay

Explains Diffusor parameters (Master Time, Feedback) and MegaTap Delay controls (Input Gain, Master Level, Coarse Time).

Reverb

Details the six reverb types (Room, Hall, Chamber, Plate, Spring, Vintage) and their parameters (Type, Time, Size, Color).

Amp Simulator

Describes Amp Simulator parameters (Type, GLBL, Drive, Boost, Tone Controls) for emulating various amplifier characteristics.

Cabinet Simulator

Lists available cabinet simulations (1x6 Oval to 4x12 Recto) and parameters (Type L/R, Mic L/R, Link, Level, Pan, Drive).

Drive Effects

Explains the Drive block parameters (Type, Drive, Tone, Level, Bypass Mode) for simulating classic stompbox distortion effects.

Pitch Shifter

Covers Pitch Shifter modes (Detune, Harmony, Whammy) and common parameters (Type, In Gain, Pitch Source).

Pitch Shifter Modes: Detune & Fixed Harmony

Details Detune parameters (Voice Detune, Level) and Fixed Harmony parameters (Master Pitch, Delay, Feedback, Pan, Level).

Pitch Shifter Modes: Intelligent Harmony

Explains Intelligent Harmony parameters (Master Delay, Pan, Level, Voice Detune, Key, Scale, Track Mode).

Pitch Shifter Modes: Classic Whammy & Octave Divider

Covers Classic Whammy (Mode, Control, Pitch Track) and Octave Divider (Level, Pan, Mix) parameters.

Pitch Shifter Modes: Arpeggiator & Custom Shifter

Details Arpeggiator parameters (Scale, Key, Stages, Repeats) and Custom Shifter functionality.

Synth Parameters

Describes the Synth parameters (Type, Track, Freq, Shift, Tune, Duty, Level, Pan, Filter, Q, Attack) for dual-voice monophonic synthesizers.

Ring Modulator and Stereo Enhancer

Explains Ring Modulator (Freq, FMULT, Track) and Stereo Enhancer (Width, Invert, Pan) parameters.

Effects Loop; Aux. Out

Details using the effects loop for outboard processors or as an auxiliary output for stage monitoring.

Mixer

Covers the Mixer block parameters (Gain, Pan) for fine-tuning levels and cross-fading between rows in the routing matrix.

Volume; Pan and Feedback Send;Return

Explains Volume/Pan controls and the Feedback Send/Return blocks for creating feedback loops in the routing matrix.

Controllers and Modifiers

Controllers Overview

Introduces internal and external controllers and how modifiers are used to link them to effect parameters.

Tempo Controller

Details the tempo controller, System Tempo, Global Tempo, and how to set tempo for presets.

LFOs and ADSRs

Describes Low Frequency Oscillators (LFOs) and Attack-Decay-Sustain-Release (ADSR) generators for parameter modulation and sequencing.

Sequencer and Envelope Follower

Explains the Sequencer for generating value sequences and the Envelope Follower for dynamic parameter control based on input signal.

Pitch Detection and External Controllers

Covers the built-in Pitch detector and the support for up to eight external controllers via pedals or MIDI.

Modifiers for Parameter Control

Details how modifiers link controllers to parameters, allowing manipulation of response curves and damping.

Global Parameters

Output and Mix Controls

Explains global tone controls (Bass, Mid, Treble, Phase) and overall mix control for reverb and effects across all presets.

Configuration Settings

Covers global settings for Amp/Cabinet simulation (Power Amp, Cabinet, Tone Stack) and delay spillover.

Global Scales

Describes the ability to define up to 32 custom scales for use with pitch shifting effects like Custom Shifter.

Tuner

Utilities

LCD and Preset Management

Covers LCD contrast adjustment, preset dumping to MIDI, and preset updating functions.

Status, Reset, and Firmware

Details monitoring CPU usage (Status), factory reset procedures, and firmware update instructions.

Tips and Tricks

Achieving Ultimate Tone

Provides guidelines on choosing amp types, experimenting with drive, cabinets, mics, and EQ for optimal sound.

Using Your Axe-Fx with a Guitar Amp

Explains how to connect the Axe-Fx to standard guitar amps, including when to defeat simulations to avoid muddy sound.

Live Performance and Interference

Covers live setup recommendations and advice on minimizing interference from external electronic sources.

Maintenance and Servicing

Provides guidance on cleaning the unit, notes on the cooling fan, and instructions for handling malfunctions and servicing.

Warranty Information

Disclaimer and Limitation of Warranty

Outlines the product warranty terms, limitations, and disclaimers of liability for damages.

Specifications

Front Panel, Rear Inputs, and Conversions

Lists technical specifications for front panel input, rear inputs, and A/D conversion details like bit depth and sample rate.

Analog and Digital Outputs

Details specifications for analog outputs (impedance, level, frequency response) and digital I/O (connectors, format, sample rate).

MIDI and Pedal Interfaces

Specifies technical details for the MIDI interface (DIN connectors) and pedal interface (TRS jacks, compatibility).

General and Environmental Specifications

Provides general specifications like finish, dimensions, weight, power consumption, and environmental operating conditions.

Fractal Audio axe-fx ultra Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandFractal Audio
Modelaxe-fx ultra
CategoryRecording Equipment
LanguageEnglish

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