16
2 HARDWARE OVERVIEW
VALUE Knob — The VALUE knob performs different functions on different menu pages. In the Home menu,
it selects presets. In Layout (grid) pages, it is used to add or modify blocks on the grid. In Edit menus, it
changes parameter values, selects from lists, and more. A hidden “push” function enters the Layout (grid) of
the current preset from other pages or menus.
a
NAV Buttons — The four NAV buttons perform different functions on different menu pages. On the preset
pages of the Home menu, they select and load Presets (Left/Right) and Scenes (Up/Down). In other menu
pages, they select between on-screen parameters or options, moving the “focus” of the VALUE knob, as
indicated by a blue highlight and brighter blue text.
s
ENTER and EXIT Buttons — The ENTER button executes commands, commits changes, accesses sub-menus,
and more. EXIT works for cancel, escape, and various other functions.
d
PAGE LEFT and PAGE RIGHT Buttons — These buttons step through menu pages, shown as “tabs” at the top
of the display.
f
Meter Bridge — Eight LED meters show the levels of every input and output on the Axe-Fx III.
For inputs, the red LED lights at -6dB. Set input levels so your loudest playing “tickles the red” if possible
). For outputs, the red LED indicates -1 dBFS and is therefore a more immediate indication of
clipping. You can also find meters on the Meters pages of the Home and Layout menus.
g
Status LEDs — Three LEDs indicate important information. The Tempo LED flashes to show the current
Tempo. The Edited LED lights whenever the current preset has been altered but not saved. The MIDI In LED
lights while MIDI data is being received at the MIDI Input or via USB.
h
Output Level Knobs 1–4 — These knobs independently control the volumes at the corresponding rear panel
outputs. The Output 1 knob simultaneously controls Output 1 XLR jacks and 1/4” jacks, and the headphones
level. Outputs 3 and 4 are at unity gain when set fully clockwise.
j
Headphones Output — 1/4" Stereo Jack — Connect headphones here to monitor Output 1 (see above).
k
Front Panel Instrument Input (mono) — (1) 1/4" Jack (unbalanced) — Plug your instrument into this jack
intended specifically for use with electric, acoustic, and bass guitars. See Notes below for details about both
front and rear instrument inputs.
NOTES ABOUT FRONT & REAR INSTRUMENT INPUTS
The front Instrument input always overrides the rear instrument input. This allows you to build
a rig using the rear input—with a wireless unit, for instance—and then change to the front input
simply by plugging in a cable. There are no settings for this. The input switches automatically.
Both front and rear Instrument inputs feature our “Secret Sauce IV” circuitry, which — among other
things — lowers the noise floor using a proprietary technique and special analog input circuitry.
The Input 1 block sets the impedance for Input 1 front automatically, or can be manually
overridden for “loading” effects on your pickups. See Input Blocks in the
You can also connect guitars and other instruments to Inputs 2, 3 or 4. These are designated as
LINE Level but accommodate high impedance sources so as not to load down guitar pickups.
You can use traditional effect pedals in a loop, or between your guitar and the Axe-Fx III. You may
need to trim the input when using a loud guitar or pedal. See
.