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4 SETTING UP
POWER AMP & CAB & FRFR/DIRECT
Global Settings: Default, check I/O Mono/Stereo settings
Presets: Custom
In this setup, custom presets simultaneously send two different signals—WITH speaker sims sent to a full-range
front-of-house/monitors P.A. mix, and one WITHOUT speaker sims, sent to a “backline” rig consisting of a power
amp and traditional guitar cab. For this example, we are assuming that the backline system uses a neutral power
amp.
Output 1 connects to a full-range system—typically the house PA—sending a complete virtual rig tone, including
simulated speakers. This provides all the benefits of going direct: versatile, consistent tone without “bleed” at very
controllable volume levels for a better overall mix.
Output 2 sends a separate signal, almost identical to the first, but without speaker simulation—because it will be
going to a power amp and traditional guitar speaker. This approach provides a very familiar “backline” experience—
great natural sustain and feedback, “moving air,” and familiar stage volume and presence.
CONNECTIONS
Connect your guitar to Input 1 (Instrument).
Connect Output 1 to the Front-of-House PA.
Inform the sound technician that the Axe-Fx
III outputs a direct LINE level signal which
should initially not require any EQ or settings
typically used on a mic’d guitar cabinet.
Connect Output 2 to the input of your power
amp. Again, we are assuming a neutral
power amp is in use (see note,
).
If using the 1/4" outputs, Humbuster cables are
recommended to reduce hum from ground loops.
Be sure to avoid using a microphone
preamp or channel settings that
might undesirably color the sound.
FRONT-OF-HOUSE
MIXER/PA
Front
or Rear
OUTPUT
1L
LINE
INPUT
OUTPUT
1R
Optional
for Stereo
OUTPUT
2R
Optional
for Stereo
INSTR
IN
OUTPUT
2L
SPKR
IN
SPKR
OUT
GUITAR
SPEAKER
CABINET
GUITAR
SPEAKER
CABINET
POWER
AMP
INPUT
IN1
WAH DRV
AMP CHO
DLY
REV
CAB OUT1
OUT2
This setup requires custom presets with both Output 1 and Output 2 blocks on the grid. Output 1 is at the end of the
chain (where it appears in factory presets) and Output 2 taps the signal just before the cab block as shown below.
Note that the cab block has been moved to after the effects, which may collapse them to mono at Output 1. If a
stereo signal is required at Output 1, the cab block must be modified for stereo use. Another solution would be to
split the signal after the amp into separate chains of [Cab—Effects—Out 1] and [No-Cab—Duplicate Effects—Out 2].
