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1 INTRODUCTION
The Axe-Fx III is the latest product in our long line of industry-leading guitar processors, and the world’s most
powerful unit of its kind. Axe-Fx III runs our latest “Ares” amp models, plus UltraRes™ speaker cab simulations
and legendary effect algorithms, all with significantly more raw power than any previous Fractal Audio Systems
product. Our vision for the new platform was to exceed anything done previously — to create a product that
sounds better, does more, and is easier to use than ever before.
Fractal Audio Systems is known for accurate amp modeling with the sound and feel of real tube amps. The
Axe-Fx III carries this torch high, with all of our current models and room for many new ones to come, all running
on a new platform designed for the future. “Ares” picks up where “Quantum” left off, with improvements and
upgrades coming all the time. Some may ask: “how can it still be getting better after all these years?” In the Axe-
Fx III, we discover that there is always room for improvement and evolution when the commitment to excellency is
real.
The hardware has been completely re-designed around a streamlined new workflow. The centerpiece is a dazzling
new high-contrast full-color display with 30x the resolution of previous products. This display works alongside
five new endless-rotary push encoders. These “Push-knobs” do different things on different pages, with labels to
show dynamic functions. The end result is a user experience that’s immediately more intuitive. The display also
excels at animation for meters, modifiers, and more.
Power and resources are vastly expanded. Two 1-GHz “Keystone” DSPs benchmark at 2.8x the power of the Axe-
Fx II, and there are two additional processors dedicated to graphics and USB. Peripherals include 4Gb of blazing
fast PC1600 DDR3 memory, hundreds of Mb of FLASH memory, a proprietary FPGA and more. The number of
inputs and outputs has more than doubled in comparison to previous products. Routing flexibility has also been
upgraded with dedicated Input and Output blocks for highly flexible preset and rig design. All 1/4" outputs feature
our Humbuster™ technology to help reduce the noise caused by ground loops.
Better sound quality has been achieved through an audiophile-grade signal path. The difference shines through
in lower noise floor, pristine clarity, and better USB audio performance than most dedicated audio interfaces.
Computer audio integration now includes a professional-quality 24-bit/48k 8×8 interface. Record multiple tracks
of processed audio at the same time, plus a DI. The re-amping workflow is improved with independent monitoring
of backing tracks and re-processed guitar tones while you dial in a sound.
Physically, the Axe-Fx III continues our tradition of combining extraordinary design with manufacturing quality
rugged enough to withstand the rigors of life on the road. The unit is housed in a steel enclosure with a one-piece
anodized aluminum faceplate/bezel featuring a glowing Axe-Fx III logo.
Axe-Edit™ III, a fully re-tooled version of our editor for Mac or PC, is packed with great new features including
Quickbuild mode, a Scene Manager, and window scaling on monitors up to 5k and beyond.
Of course the unit features upgradeable firmware, meaning the best is very likely yet to come via our free updates.
We hope you will enjoy using the Axe-Fx III as much as we’ve enjoyed creating (and playing) it.
WELCOME TO THE AXE-FX III
1 INTRODUCTION
