18
2 HARDWARE OVERVIEW
2#
Output 2 L+R (Stereo) — (2) XLR-Male Jacks (balanced) — Use these XLR jacks to connect to balanced
inputs. Use the ground lift switch if necessary to reduce unwanted 60-cycle hum.
2$
Output 3 L+R – (Stereo) — (2) 1/4" Jacks (Humbuster) — Use these 1/4" unbalanced outputs to connect to
unbalanced inputs, such as those on guitar power amps or other devices.
2%
Output 4 L+R – (Stereo) — (2) 1/4" Jacks (Humbuster) — Use these 1/4" unbalanced outputs to connect to
unbalanced inputs, such as those on some guitar power amps or other devices.
Outputs 3 and 4 are designed for unity gain applications such as the popular “Four-Cable Method” and other
setups using traditional guitar amps. Set the OUT 3 and OUT 4 Level knobs fully clockwise for unity gain. See
the relevant rig diagrams in
for more information.
2^
Digital Inputs and Outputs — This includes both S/PDIF and AES/EBU format input and output jacks. Only
one or the other pair can be active at any time depending on the setting of the SPDIF/AES Select parameter
found in SETUP: I/O: Audio. These jacks transmit and receive at a fixed rate of 48k. The Axe-Fx III defaults to
using its internal clock but can also use Word Clock signals received at the digital input. Find descriptions of
related parameters under
2&
Expression Inputs — (2) 1/4" Jack — These are used to connect an external expression pedal or switch to
control various functions of the Axe-Fx III. See
“Connecting Pedals Directly” on p. 12
for more information.
2*
FASLINK II Connector — Connect Fractal Audio FC-6 or FC-12 foot controllers here. A standard XLR cable
powers the FC without an external “wall wart” adapter, and carries 2-way communications.
NOTE: The FASLINK II port on the Axe-Fx III is designed for our “FC” series of foot controllers and is NOT
compatible with the FASLINK port on our MFC-101 MIDI foot controller.
2(
USB — This provides the Axe-Fx III with 8×8 USB audio and 2-way MIDI capabilities when connected to a
compatible Mac or PC. Drivers are required for Windows. No driver is required for Mac OS X. See
for more.
3)
MIDI Ports — The MIDI IN port of the Axe-Fx III allows you to use a 3rd party MIDI controller or interface to
control various functions including preset and scene selection, effect bypass, channel changes, parameter
changes, and more. Messages received at the MIDI IN port are passed automatically to the MIDI THRU port.
The MIDI OUT port transmits MIDI data generated by the Axe-Fx III to connected devices.
“The MIDI/Remote Menu” on p. 77
for details on how to configure the MIDI Channel and other options.
MIDI messages can also be transmitted by presets or by the Scene MIDI block. See
3!
AC Power Receptacle — Insert the supplied power cable and connect the other end to a grounded AC power
receptacle. The Axe-Fx III has a universal power supply, which means it can be used around the world
without an adapter simply by changing the cable.
