Fractal Audio Axe Edit 3 Getting Started Guide User Manual

2017-08-31

User Manual: Manual Fractal Audio Axe-Edit-3-Getting-Started-Guide Fractal_Audio_Axe-Edit-3-Getting-Started-Guide manuals AxeFx

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Welcome to Axe-Edit 3.0, the official software editor for the Fractal Audio Systems Axe-Fx II. Re-written from the
ground up, Version 3.0 is stable, reliable, and ready to keep pace with future updates. The aim of this Getting
Started guide is to help you install the program and get started quickly, with tips and tricks on how to use Axe-Edit.

Minimum Requirements
Axe-Edit requires an Axe-Fx II1 running firmware 11.0 or newer. Your Axe-Fx must be connected via USB at all
times for the program to operate. Your computer must have the Axe-Fx II drivers installed. Find drivers at
www.fractalaudio.com/support.

Mac Minimum Requirements

Windows Minimum Requirements

•
•
•

OS X 10.5.7 or later.
Intel Processor.
512MB minimum RAM.

•
•

XP SP3, Vista SP2, Win 7 SP1, Win 8
(x86 or x64 support for all)
Intel Core 2 @1.6 GHz, or AMD equivalent.

•

USB 2.0 Support.

•

1GB minimum RAM.

•

USB 2.0 support.

Installation & Release Notes
Since you’re reading this file typically packaged with installer, you’ve probably done this already... but you can
always download the latest version of Axe-Edit from www.fractalaudio.com/axe-edit. The installer is packaged in a
zip archive containing various documents in addition to the actual program. Double-click the installer and follow
any on-screen instructions.

Please read the “Release Notes” included with the installer download. They include information about what’s
new, what’s changed, and what you should be aware of before updating and using the new version.

Find unsupported Legacy Versions” of Axe-Edit for the Axe-Fx II, Ultra and Standard at www.fractalaudio.com/axe-edit

1 | Axe-Edit 3.0 Getting Started Axe-Edit 3.0 Getting Started

Running Axe-Edit for the First Time
Once Axe-Edit is installed to your computer, you will find it in your Applications (OS X) or Start Menu (Windows).
Launch the program. Axe-Edit connects automatically to your Axe-Fx II upon startup.

Connected!
To confirm that Axe-Edit is communicating with your Axe-Fx II, look for a
green “checkbox” with the word “Connected” in the program’s topmost title
bar. If the “Connected” message does not appear, don’t panic; consult the
Troubleshooting section at the end of this guide.

Block Definitions
When you update Axe-Edit or your Axe-Fx II firmware, Axe-Edit may need to “Read and Save Block Definitions”
before it can be used. A dialog will alert you when this needs to happen. The process will run for several minutes
after you click OK. Once it completes, you may continue using Axe-Edit.

Selecting a Preset to Edit
Three easy sets of controls
allow you to select a preset in
your Axe-Fx II for editing in
Axe-Edit.

The Preset Picker

You can also navigate the preset picker using Keyboard shortcuts. See the table at the end of this guide.

2 | Axe-Edit 3.0 Getting Started Axe-Edit 3.0 Getting Started

The Grid
Once a Preset is loaded in Axe-Edit, its contents will be displayed on the grid. As you likely know from working with
the Axe-Fx II front panel, the grid is a 4⨯12 structure where blocks are placed and interconnected to create presets.

Working with Blocks
Action

How To

Notes

Insert a Block

Right click (or control-click) any grid slot
to bring up the Grid context Menu.
Choose Insert, select the block type you
want, and it will appear on the grid.
Blocks already on the grid will be
disabled in the menu.

The Insert fly-out also appears in the Block
menu at the top of Axe-Edit.
Tip: A keyboard shortcut may be used to
place shunts. (Mac ⌘+U, Win Ctrl+U)
Tip: Use the insert menu to replace any
block with one of a different type.

Delete a Block

Select a block and press the Delete key
on your keyboard.

Delete is also offered in the Grid | Edit and
Block menus.

Bypass or Engage a Block

Double-click any block to toggle its
bypass state, or select it and press
SPACEBAR.

Engage/Bypass is also offered in the Grid
and Block menus.

Swap two Blocks

Drag and drop one block onto another
to swap their grid positions.

All connections to and from each block will
be preserved when you perform a swap.

Move a Block

Drag a block to an empty grid space to
move it.

Hold Command (Mac) or Control (Win) while
dropping on any existing block to force a
move instead of a swap.

Cut/Copy/Paste a Block

Select a block and press the appropriate
keyboard shortcut:

Cut/Copy/Paste options also appear in the
Grid | Edit and Block | Edit menus.
Tip: You can copy/paste blocks from one
preset to another.
Tip: Copy a block, then select another block
of the same type before choosing paste. All
settings of the first block will be transferred
to the second (Ex: Amp1 and Amp2)

Copy
Paste
Cut

Mac
⌘+C
⌘+V
⌘+X

Win
Ctrl+C
Ctrl+V
Ctrl+X

Initialize a Block

Select the block and press ⌘+I (Mac) or
Ctrl+I (Win) or choose Initialize from the
Grid | Edit or Block menu.

Like double-tapping BYPASS on the Axe-Fx,
initializing returns all of a block’s
parameters to a set of default values.

Disconnect all

Select a block and press ⌘+D (Mac) or
Ctrl+D (Win) to remove all connector
cables from its input and output.

You can also drag a block to any empty grid
slot in another column with the same
effect.

3 | Axe-Edit 3.0 Getting Started Axe-Edit 3.0 Getting Started

Connecting and Disconnecting Blocks
Using Axe-Edit to make or remove block connections is easy, but it is a bit different than doing so on the Axe-Fx II. If
you worked with previous versions of Axe-Edit, you may find yourself trying to “drag” cables for a while, but in time,
we think you’ll appreciate the precision and intuitiveness of the new “jacks-based” method of Axe-Edit 3.0.
1

When you select a block, notice that it
displays Input and Output “Jacks” — small
circular objects labeled “I” and “O”.
These are used to create or remove
connections to or from the selected block.

When you click a jack, it becomes selected,
as all “legal” destination jacks are
highlighted with a green “plus” sign.

Click the desired jack, and the connection
appears!

Naturally, you can make connections in
either direction, even spanning multiple
columns as desired in a single click.
Note that as on the Axe-Fx itself, if you
make a connection to the jack of an empty
grid slot, a shunt will be inserted
automatically at that location.

4 | Axe-Edit 3.0 Getting Started Axe-Edit 3.0 Getting Started

If the jack you select already has
connections to or from it, the destination
jacks will be shown with a red X indicating
connections that can be removed.

Click the red “X” and the connection will be
removed.
Tip: You can also double-click any existing
connection to remove it instantly!

A final note: as on the Axe-Fx, the INPUT and OUTPUT grid objects are not involved in block connection. Whenever a
block is inserted in the first or last column, it will automatically be connected to the input or the output.
Tip: To connect the input to the output, just connect a block in the first column to a block in the last column and the
complete bridge will be made.

5 | Axe-Edit 3.0 Getting Started Axe-Edit 3.0 Getting Started

Editing Block Parameters
When an editable grid block is selected, its parameters are shown below the grid in the Editor. In the example below,
the AMP1 block is selected, so the parameters shown below the grid are those for AMP1. The editor section will have
a different number of “pages,” each represented by a button, highlighted in green in the illustration below:

Parameter Operations
The knobs, sliders, dropdowns, and switches in the editor are used to control sound parameters in the Axe-Fx II.
Changes are heard in real-time while you work. Please consider the following notes, tips and tricks.
Notes, Tips and Tricks
Knobs

Click on the knob and drag upward/right to increase, or downward/left to decrease. Maximum
response is obtained with 45º Northeast/Southwest motion.
Hold SHIFT at any time for finer resolution.
Double-click the knob or its label to set a generic default value (Generic knob values will not
necessarily be the same as those obtained when you Initialize an entire block, change its type, etc.
Use the Mousewheel/Scroll with the pointer over a knob to increment2 or decrement parameter
values. Hold CMD (Mac) or CTRL (Win) for faster action.
The UP and DOWN arrow keys can also be used to increment/decrement parameter values.
The default knob mode is LINEAR, as described at left. You can invoke CIRCULAR knob mode
momentarily by holding CMD (Mac) or CTRL (Win). You can change the default knob mode in AxeEdit’s PREFERENCES.
Click the field above any knob or fader to enter the desired value directly with your keyboard.

Fader

Click and drag the fader handle.
Double-click, wheel and arrow keys as per knob.

Switches

Click the switch. Double-click the label to set it to a generic default value.
Some switches may disengage automatically (e.g. Tone Match “Match”)

Dropdowns

Click the text area of the dropdown to display a list of all options. Double-click the label to set a
generic default. Click the UP/DOWN arrows to select the previous or next value.

increment/decrement changes a parameter with the same precise resolution of a single “tick” of the main front
panel encoder of the Axe-Fx II.

6 | Axe-Edit 3.0 Getting Started Axe-Edit 3.0 Getting Started

Working with XY
The Axe-Fx II “XY” feature equips certain block types3 with two fully independent sets of
parameter values that can be selected at will—like channels on an amp or a two-way
drive pedal. Click the X or Y button in the Editor to select the desired state. Remember
that the X/Y switch can be set differently for each SCENE within a preset. Right-click (or
Control+click) the X or Y button for Copy, Paste, and Swap options. You can copy/paste
X/Y states between blocks of the same type (even across presets).

Effect Type
Amp, Cab, and many other blocks have a “TYPE” dropdown (on the left side of the editor
panel. As on the Axe-Fx, this acts as a kind of “super parameter,” and changing the TYPE
can cause other parameters to appear, disappear or change their values.
Blocks Library and Global Blocks will be added to a future version of Axe-Edit.

Working with Scenes
The Scenes feature gives every Axe-Fx II preset eight sets of saved settings for the
Bypass State of every block, the XY states of those blocks which support XY, FX
LOOP block Main Level, and the overall Preset Main Level (in the OUTPUT block).
Remember that every other preset setting NOT mentioned above is shared across all
scenes, including parameter values, preset name, modifiers, etc.
To select a Scene in Axe-Edit, simply press one of the eight scene buttons to the
right of the preset name display. You can also hold Option (Mac) or Alt (Win) and
press any scene’s number on your keyboard for direct selection.
A hidden menu, displayed when you right-click (or control-click) the scene control, provides handy copy and paste
options for scenes. Note: The SCENES clipboard is cleared when you change presets (or REVERT the current preset).
Note: Axe-Edit uses a SysEx message to change scenes. Therefore, the SCENE REVERT setting on the Axe-Fx is
ignored. In other words, scenes in Axe-Edit remain as you set them until you save changes or revert the entire preset.

Saving Changes
To save the preset you are currently editing, press the red “Save” button in Axe-Edit. The
menu option Preset | Save Preset (Mac ⌘+S, Win Ctrl+S) performs the same function.
Presets are stored in the Axe-Fx at the same preset number they were loaded from.
As on the Axe-Fx II, you will be notified of any unsaved changes by the “Edited” LED located above the Save button.

Snapshots
Snapshots provide one-click export to disk. When you press the Snapshot button, a copy of your
current preset (including unsaved changes) is saved as a file to the snapshots folder on your computer:
~/Documents/Fractal Audio/Axe-Edit/Presets/Snapshots
An on-screen indicator confirms that the snapshot has been saved. Previous snapshots can be brought in to Axe-Edit
using the File | Import feature.

Amp, Cab, Chorus, Delay, Drive, Flanger, Phaser, Pitch, Reverb, Wah

7 | Axe-Edit 3.0 Getting Started Axe-Edit 3.0 Getting Started

Import Preset
In addition to loading presets from the onboard memory of the Axe-Fx II, you can also IMPORT
individual preset files from your computer. This allows you to load files you’ve backed up,
downloaded, or saved as Snapshots.
Press the “Import” button (or choose the File | Import Preset menu option) to display the “Import Preset” file
browser dialog. Navigate to and select any valid Axe-Fx II preset SysEx (.syx) file and choose “Open.” The preset is
instantly imported to both the Axe-Fx II and Axe-Edit, so you can audition and edit as desired. Imported presets are
not stored to the Axe-Fx until you manually press the Save button.
New to Axe-Edit 3.0 is the ability to import individual presets from within a saved Bank file. When you select a bank
file in the Import Preset file browser dialog, a “Preset Picker” will be displayed automatically. Simply click the desired
individual preset and it will be imported.

Export Preset
To Export the current Axe-Edit preset as a SysEx (.syx) file on your computer, choose File | Export Preset. When the
Export Preset browser dialog is shown, simply navigate to the desired location and press “Save.” Exporting presets
allows you to post them on Axe-Change, our preset sharing site.

Other Preset and Block Options
There are several other useful tools provided in the Preset menu.
PRESET MENU

Notes, Tips and Tricks

Clear Preset

Removes all blocks, clears the preset name.

Initialize Preset

Initializes every block to default values, sets the preset name to “INIT”.

Copy Preset

Copies the entire preset to the clipboard.

Paste Preset

Pastes the entire preset from the clipboard.

Revert Preset

Discards all changes and reverts to the last saved version of the preset.

Refresh Preset

Updates Axe-Edit from the Axe-Fx. (This option is provided for use in the unlikely event that
values shown in Axe-Edit get out of sync with those on your Axe-Fx.)

Save Preset

Saves the preset. This option performs the same action as pressing the red “Save” button.

Preferences
Axe-Edit’s preferences page is currently in a preliminary state. Once fully developed, it will be covered in this manual.

8 | Axe-Edit 3.0 Getting Started Axe-Edit 3.0 Getting Started

Keyboard Shortcuts Summary
SECTION ACTION
FILE
Save Snapshot
Import Preset
Export Preset
PRESET
Clear Preset
Initialize Preset
Copy Preset
Paste Preset
Refresh
Revert
Save
Save to New Location
BLOCK
Cut Selected Block
Copy Selected Block
Paste Selected Block
Delete Selected Block
Initialize
Disconnect All
Bypass/Engage
SCENE
Select Scene
MISC
Tuner
Axe-‐Manage
Preferences
GRID
Insert Shunt
Navigation
EDITOR
Fine Increment Knob/Fader
Fine Decrement Knob/Fader
Coarse Increment Knob/Fader
Coarse Decrement Knob/Fader
Adjust Knob/Fader
Coarse Adjust Knob/Fader
Default Param Value
Show modifier dialog of
selected parameter
PICKER
Display Preset Picker
Navigate Banks
Navigate Preset Picker
Load current selection

MAC
⌃ + ⇧ + ⌘ + S
⌃ + ⇧ + ⌘ + I
⌃ + ⇧ + ⌘ + X
⇧ + ⌘ + DEL
⇧ + ⌘ + I
⇧ + ⌘ + C
⇧ + ⌘ + V
⇧ + ⌘ + F5
⇧ + ⌘ + F12
⌘ + S
⇧ + ⌘ + S
⌘ + X
⌘ + C
⌘ + V
delete
⌘ + I
⌘ + D
SPACE
OPTION + 1,2,3... etc.
⌘ + T
⌘ + M
⌘ + P
⌘ + U
Arrow Keys
UP
DOWN
⌘ + UP
⌘ + DOWN
Mouse Wheel
⌘ + Mouse Wheel
Double-‐Click the Knob/Slider
M

WINDOWS
CTRL + SHIFT + ALT + S
CTRL + SHIFT + ALT + I
CTRL + SHIFT + ALT + X
CTRL + SHIFT + DEL
CTRL + SHIFT + I
CTRL + SHIFT + C
CTRL + SHIFT + V
CTRL + SHIFT + F5
CTRL + SHIFT + F12
CTRL + S
CTRL + SHIFT + S
CTRL + X
CTRL + C
CTRL + V
DEL
CTRL + I
CTRL + D
SPACE
ALT + 1,2,3… etc.
CTRL + T
CTRL + M
CTRL + P
CTRL + U
Arrow Keys
UP
DOWN
CTRL + UP
CTRL + DOWN
Mouse Wheel
CTRL + Mouse Wheel
Double Click-‐the Knob/Slider
M

P
⌘ + LEFT/RIGHT
Arrow Keys
Return/Enter

P
CTRL + LEFT/RIGHT
Arrow Keys
Return/Enter

9 | Axe-Edit 3.0 Getting Started Axe-Edit 3.0 Getting Started

Troubleshooting Connectivity
Axe-Edit should generally detect your Axe-Fx II and connect automatically. When a
problem occurs, you will see a “Disconnected” indicator (above the program logo) or a
warning indicating “Communication failure: Axe-Edit was unable to complete the
communication request due to time-out.” Here are some steps to resolve possible
connection issues:



Ensure that your Axe-Fx II is connected via USB, and that you’ve installed the latest drivers from
http://support.fractalaudio.com. To confirm driver installations and versions:
o Under Windows, find Add Remove Programs or Uninstall a Program in the Control Panel for the following
entries. Note: Entries may appear in different order, depending on how you sort. Please check carefully.
 Axe-Fx II driver v1.67.0 (or newer)
 Axe-Fx USB driver 1.68 (or newer)
 Windows Driver Package – Fractal Audio Systems (axefx2load) USB (05/15/2011) 1.0.0.9 or newer.

Windows Add Remove Programs Entries

Under OS X, check Audio MIDI Setup|Audio Devices (find it using Spotlight) for a device called “Axe-Fx II”.
You can also check the Audio MIDI Setup|MIDI Studio window for the Axe-Fx II device. It should not be
dimmed/disabled.



Check the UTILITY:FIRMWARE page of your Axe-Fx to ensure that it is running
firmware 11.0 (Aug 27, 2013) or newer. Firmware updates can be downloaded
from http://support.fractalaudio.com and installed using Fractal-Bot, our free
Utility. http://www.fractalaudio.com/



Reboot! Shut down Axe-Edit, shut down your Axe-Fx, and shut down your
computer. Re-start your computer, power on your Axe-Fx, and re-start AxeEdit.



Please ensure that your Axe-Fx is connected directly to your computer, rather
than through a USB hub. A REAR panel USB port is sometimes preferable as front
panel ports may utilize an integrated hub. Also, try a different USB port or
different USB cable.



If using Win 7 or Win 8, try right-clicking the Axe-Edit shortcut icon and
choosing “Run as Administrator.”



Try the following steps to reset your port selections:
1. Power on your Axe-Fx II.
2. Start Axe-Edit and go to Settings|Preferences.
3. Set both ports to "<< none >>"
4. Close the Preferences dialog and then quit Axe-Edit.
5. Re-launch Axe-Edit.
6. Open Settings|Preferences and select the Axe-Fx II in and out MIDI ports. You should see a green
“check” next to each port selection.
7. Close the preferences dialog. Axe-Edit should now communicating with the Axe-Fx II.



Try clearing USER CABS 1-50 from your Axe-Fx using a “Clean” System file.
1. Download the Clean System file here:
http://www.fractalaudio.com/downloads/firmware-presets/axe-fx-2/11.0/clean-system-v11.syx
2. Use Fractal-Bot to transmit the file to your Axe-Fx.
WARNING: The Clean System File will erase user cabs 1-50 and reset all system parameters to default
values. Please consider backing up or making notes on your user Cab selections and system settings
before proceeding (See your Axe-Fx II manual on using the internal backup ROM). The Clean System file
It will NOT affect your presets or cabs 51-100.
3. Remember, you must cycle power on the Axe-Fx II immediately after it receives a SYSTEM file.

OS X Audio MIDI Setup showing
the Axe-Fx II

If these suggestions don’t resolve your connection issues, please contact us at http://support.fractalaudio.com.

10 | Axe-Edit 3.0 Getting Started Axe-Edit 3.0 Getting Started

Frequently Asked Questions
Q:

Sometimes, I have problems when
disconnecting the USB cable before
quitting Axe-Edit.

Please quit Axe-Edit before connecting or disconnecting the
Axe-Fx II USB Cable. If the USB Cable becomes disconnected,
please re-start Axe-Edit.

I have problems when I try to edit my
Axe-Fx front panel while Axe-Edit is
running. The screen keeps changing!

Axe-Edit can cause the screen of the Axe-Fx to change menus or
pages. This is normal. We recommend that you avoid using the
Axe-Fx front panel for editing while Axe-Edit is running.

Axe-Edit 3.0 won’t work with my
Standard/Ultra/Older Axe-Fx II firmware

Axe-Edit requires an Axe-Fx II with firmware 11.0 or newer.

Axe-Edit won’t change presets, or
changes presets erratically.

Please check for the following settings on the I/O:MIDI page of
your Axe-Fx II:
• PROG CHANGE: ON
• MAPPING MODE: NONE

The tuner won’t work.

Please check for the following settings on the I/O:MIDI page of
your Axe-Fx II:
• SEND REALTIME SYSEX: ALL

Tap Tempo won’t work.

Please ensure that TEMPO TAP is set to “14” on the I/O:CTRL
page of your Axe-Fx II:

My LOOPER controls don’t work.

The Looper currently requires default CC# assignments in the
I/O|MIDI page of your Axe-Fx II.

How do I manage User Cabs?

At present, please use Fractal-Bot to manage User Cabs.

How do I back up or restore my Banks?

At present, please use Fractal-Bot to work with bank files.

How do I update my Axe-Fx firmware?

Please use Fractal-Bot to update Axe-Fx firmware.

Typing values doesn’t work for modifier
MIN and MAX.

This is a limitation of how Axe-Edit works with the Axe-Fx.
It only affects MIN and MAX on the modifier screen.

Some changes in Axe-Edit are not shown
on my MFC-101 (or vice versa)

This is normal. Some changes in one system will not be shown in
real-time in the other.

Where can I turn for additional help?

Our forum at http://forum.fractalaudio.com has two entire
sections dedicated to Axe-Edit.
You may also contact us via http://support.fractalaudio.com

When will (insert feature name here) be
added?

At present, we have not published any timelines, but
development of Axe-Edit will be an ongoing effort.
Axe-Manage WILL be back in due time.

If you have further questions, please visit http://forum.fractalaudio.com for member-to-member support,
or contact Fractal Support via http://support.fractalaudio.com.

11 | Axe-Edit 3.0 Getting Started Axe-Edit 3.0 Getting Started

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