Controllers and Modifiers
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Controllers and Modifiers
The Axe-Fx allows control over many of the various effect parameters. In essence a controller is
like a robot that turns a knob for you. There are two basic types of controllers: internal and external.
Internal controllers are automatic controllers that are generated by the Axe-Fx based on various
parameters and conditions. External controllers are those generated by a MIDI device or a pedal for
example. A modifier is a transform from the value generated by the controller to a value given to
the parameter. Modifiers allow you to change the direction a parameter moves, smooth the response
and select which controller is attached to the parameter. A modifier tells the robot how to move the
knob.
Controllers
The Axe-Fx controllers are internal and external sources that generate control information. This
information can then be used to vary a parameter in real-time. Internal controllers automatically
generate control information, external controllers generate control information based on input from
the user, typically from the movement of an expression pedal. The control information is given to
a modifier which in turn varies the desired parameter.
Tempo
The most fundamental internal controller is the tempo controller. The tempo controller is special in
that it cannot be directly connected to a parameter but many "rate" or "time" parameters can be set
to depend on it. To use the tempo controller simply set the
TEMPO
parameter of the effect to the
desired note duration. To set the Tempo either turn the knob or tap the desired tempo in using the
TEMPO
button. Tempo can also be tapped in using a pedal or MIDI CC message.
There are two tempo constructs in the Axe-Fx. The System Tempo is the tempo currently being
used. The Global Tempo is the last entered tempo. Entering a new tempo automatically updates the
System Tempo and sets the Global Tempo to equal the System Tempo. The current System Tempo
is saved with a preset during a preset save operation.
Presets can either set the System Tempo to the tempo value stored in the preset, which is the tempo
at the time the preset was saved, or the Global Tempo. This is done using the
TEMPO TO USE
parameter described below.
TEMPO -
Sets the current System Tempo. Whenever a tempo is entered, whether via this control
or by tapping or by MIDI clock, the System and Global Tempos are set to this value. The Global
Tempo is not affected by the tempo stored with a preset when the preset is recalled and remains in
effect.
TEMPO TO USE -
Selects what tempo to use when recalling the preset. Selecting
PRESET
tells the
Axe-Fx to set the System Tempo to the tempo stored with the preset. Selecting
GLOBAL
tells the
unit to use the last entered tempo. If the value is
PRESET
the current tempo will change to the tempo
stored with the preset, but the Global Tempo will remain at the last entered tempo. Recalling a
preset with this value set to
GLOBAL
will load the Global Tempo into the System Tempo.