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15 ADDITIONAL TOPICS
SENDING MIDI
MIDI Messages are transmitted at the MIDI OUT/THRU port of the Axe-Fx III. Connect a 5-pin MIDI cable from the
MIDI Out to the MIDI In of your other device.
SEND MIDI PC
The simplest MIDI capability of the Axe-Fx III is transmitting a single MIDI program change message (“PC”) each
time a new Preset is loaded—whether via the front panel, using an FC Footswitch, or in any other way. To enable
this, open the
SETUP
| MIDI/Remote menu and page to the “General” tab. Set Send MIDI PC to the desired MIDI
channel.
THE SCENE MIDI BLOCK
A more sophisticated MIDI tool is the Scene MIDI Block. Once you place this block on the grid, it transmits MIDI
messages automatically whenever a new scene is loaded—whether via the front panel, with a footswitch, or by
any other means. The Scene MIDI block can transmit up to eight total custom PC or CC messages. Remember
that a “default scene” loads automatically when you select a new preset, so any footswitch that selects a new
Preset or a new Scene can also cause the Axe-Fx III to send a burst of MIDI messages. See the
for more on the Scene MIDI Block.
CONTROL SWITCH MIDI
Another way the Axe-Fx III can transmit MIDI messages is using Control Switches set up on an external Fractal
Audio FC-6 or FC-12 Controller. The primary function of a Control Switch is to operate as a Modifier source to
control sound parameters. Beyond this, however, each of the six Control Switches has the capability to transmit
a custom “payload” of MIDI data every time the switch is turned on ON or OFF. Because this isn’t tied to another
event such as a Preset or Scene change, Control Switch MIDI is more flexible and dynamic.
Because Control Switches can be momentary or latching (and even mutually exclusive), the CS MIDI system
is very versatile. You might change a connected MIDI-controlled amp, manually operate a remote processor,
sequencer, lighting system, and more.
Here is a summary of the MIDI Capabilities of a Control Switch:
Control Switches are placed into an FC Layouts as functions.
Control Switches 1–6 appear in the list of Modifier sources on the Axe-Fx. The role of a switch
as a modifier source is not compromised if you also use it to transmit MIDI. The same switch can
simultaneously control the Axe-Fx and a connected device. See
to learn more.
Each Control Switch has its own global MIDI Payload containing up to four Program
Change (“PC”) or Control Change (“CC) messages on any MIDI Channels, with custom
values from 0–127, or disabled (“--”) for both the ON and OFF states of the switch.
Each MIDI Payload also has a “master switch” allowing it to be enabled or disabled.
