2
Doc Q7.0
Easier-to-Use Front Panel Features
A new, custom-designed 160x80 backlit LCD provides improved readability and more spacious screen layouts. In
addition to the main VALUE knob, new QUICK CONTROL knobs provide hands-on access to four additional on-
screen parameters. Many block types including Amp, Cab, Chorus, Drive, Delay, Flanger, Phaser, Pitch, Reverb, and
Wahwah—are now equipped with two fully independent parameter sets called “X” and “Y.” The X/Y switching
feature allows one block to have all of its settings switched at the touch of a button (during editing) or via MIDI
remote control (during a performance). The X and Y buttons also double as user-definable “quick jump” keys that
can be set up to open the EDIT menus of any two blocks without going through the grid.
Axe-Fx II/Computer Integration with Onboard USB
The new onboard Audio Class 2.0 compliant USB interface provides great capabilities for recording and computer
integration. You can record high quality 48k/24-bit audio from the Axe-Fx II directly to the computer, play or
process audio tracks from the computer through the Axe-Fx II, and use two-way high-speed MIDI without a 3
rd
-
party interface. On USB 2.0 or better systems, you can simultaneously record both the main processed stereo outs
and a pair of dry channels for easy re-amping.
New I/O Capabilities and Less Noise
All rear analog inputs are now balanced, as are the onboard XLR outputs. The ¼" unbalanced outputs feature our
Humbuster
™ technology, which senses and subtracts the ground noise of equipment connected when you use a
special Humbuster™ cable. This can provide up to 20 dB reduction in ground noise without resorting to dangerous
"cheater plugs" or expensive isolation transformers.
We designed the Axe-Fx II with the “Four-Cable Method” in mind. Special analog processing keeps the noise floor
even lower on outputs designed to be connected to the front of an amplifier.
The front panel input uses a proprietary circuit and dedicated A/D converter for astonishingly low noise. The
original Axe-Fx was hailed for its low-noise performance; the Axe-Fx II provides an almost 10 dB SNR improvement
with the same pristine quality. The XL+ has the lowest noise levels yet. A high-quality headphone jack is also
provided.
Designed for Unity Gain
The Axe-Fx II uses digitally controlled potentiometers to operate as a unity-gain device irrespective of the input
trim controls. Simply set the input trims with the LED input meters and you are done. Another benefit of this
technique is that Amp and Drive blocks are unaffected by trim settings.
Improved Digital I/O
In addition to its USB interface, the Axe-Fx II sports SPDIF and AES input and output connectors. 7-pin MIDI In and a
selectable MIDI Out/Thru jack are provided for interconnection with other MIDI-controllable equipment.
Built for MFC-101 and FASLINK™
Both the XL and the
Axe-Fx II Mark II
feature an EtherCON port for connecting an MFC-101 MIDI Foot Controller
via network cables (the original Axe-Fx II has an Ethernet port only). The Axe-Fx II XL and XL+ also feature an
onboard
FASLINK
™ port for connecting an MFC-101 Mark III over a standard XLR cable. FASLINK™ carries power
(without the need for a wall-wart) and bi-directional communication between the two units. Don’t worry if you
own an MFC-101 original or Mark II—an optional FASLINK™ adapter allows you to use this new connection
standard. A MIDI port for use with 7-pin phantom power or 5-pin MIDI cables (for connecting 3
rd
party MIDI
interfaces or pedalboards, for example) is also provided.
