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4 SETTING UP
This section provides an overview of popular Axe-Fx III setups. This is just the beginning. The number of inputs and
outputs, combined with the new modular Input/Output block approach, makes possible an incredible number of rig
designs, whether combining applications or creating totally new ones.
4 SETTING UP
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
POWER
When creating a new setup, begin with all level knobs turned down and all devices powered off.
The Axe-Fx III features pop suppression on startup, but speakers or
monitors should still be powered on last whenever possible.
Basic surge/spike protection is recommended.
AXE-FX III INPUTS
When connecting a guitar to the Axe-Fx III, the front or rear Input 1/Instrument jacks are preferable.
These feature “Secret Sauce IV” circuitry, which lowers the noise floor using a proprietary
technique and special analog input circuitry. The front jack overrides the rear one, so you can
connect without changing menu settings even when the rear jack is utilized in a rack system.
You can also connect guitars and other instruments to Inputs 2, 3 or 4 with no problems. These are
designated as “LINE” level but accommodate high impedance sources so as not to load down guitar pickups.
When connecting the outputs of other devices to inputs on the Axe-Fx III, use appropriate
cables and connectors, i.e. for balanced signals use XLR cables or balanced 1/4" connectors.
Regular guitar cables are fine for unbalanced connections to the inputs of the Axe-Fx III.
Setting Input Levels correctly is important. See
“Setting Levels” on p. 5
.
AXE-FX III OUTPUTS
If a connected device has balanced XLR inputs, it is best to use
the XLR outputs of the Axe-Fx III with XLR cables.
If a connected device has balanced 1/4" TRS inputs, it is best to use the
balanced XLR outputs of the Axe-Fx III with XLR-to-TRS cables.
If a connected device has unbalanced inputs, use the unbalanced 1/4" outputs of the Axe-Fx III. Humbuster
cables are not required, but can help prevent the noise associated with ground loops. Purchase Humbuster
cables at
shop.fractalaudio.com
or from your nearest Fractal Audio Systems dealer. (See
p. 6
.)
MONO/STEREO
Any setup can easily be adapted for mono or stereo with some simple changes to input and output settings.
See
“Mono vs. Stereo” on p. 6
for an introduction, and
“I/O: AUDIO Page” on p. 114
for more detail.
USING THE AMP BLOCK WITH TRADITIONAL GUITAR SPEAKERS
When using the Axe-Fx III amp block into traditional (not FRFR) guitar speakers, certain advanced
parameters warrant special consideration. On the “Speaker” page of the Amp block, set Speaker
Drive to zero. You may also wish to zero Speaker Compression. Also consider matching LF
Resonance Frequency to match the resonance of your connected cab — if you know it.
