State of the Art Amp Models
The power of the Axe-Fx III provides the perfect platform for our state-of-the art Cygnus amp modeling, the most expressive, musical, and accurate we’ve ever created. In comparison to previous models, the amp block has been refined and improved, with features like a new streamlined interface built around the new 5-knob color display system, a new parametric pre-EQ, and four fully independent “Channels” with instant, seamless switching. As always, the preamp and power amp sections are independently modeled in painstaking detail. The results represent the next step forward in what has come to be known as “Fractal-Quality” amp modeling: a benchmark against which an entire industry measures itself.
Speaker Cabs Galore
The Axe-Fx III features our exclusive, proprietary UltraRes™ speaker simulations with over 2200 factory impulse responses (IRs) to choose from including all the IRs from the Axe-Fx II in a convenient “legacy bank” for easy migration. The redesigned Cabinet block features a 4-channel mixer based on our popular Cab-Lab™ software, providing the capability to mix and remix IRs on-the-fly as you would with real mics on a speaker cabinet. Factory content includes selections from the best of today’s IR producers and artists, including Fractal Audio, AustinBuddy, Celestion, ML Sound Lab, Ownhammer, Chris Broderick, John Petrucci, Chris Traynor & James Santiago, Valhallir, York Audio, Dr. Bonkers, and more. An additional 2,048 “User Cab” memories allow you to load Cab Packs (including any of those compatible with the Axe-Fx II) or 3rd party IRs, and a built-in utility allows you to capture and save your own speaker tones (now with 16 “Scratch Pad” locations!) Our celebrated Tone Matching block is also improved, now with the impressive ability to clone the tone of an amp or recording in UltraRes™.
Astounding Effects
The Axe-Fx III is an incredibly versatile multi-FX processor able to reproduce the sound of a huge array of industry-leading stomp boxes and studio effects. Or push into new territory with the ability to design effect sounds never heard before. Most effects can be dialed in with a single knob to make all required settings, or tweaked at the deepest level. We’ve expanded the number and types of effects available from our already impressive inventory. Each preset can contain, for example, four Drive blocks (each with four channels), four Delay blocks (again each with four channels), and so on.
Not content with just repackaging our algorithms, almost all our industry-leading effects have been updated to take advantage of the increased processing power. A dedicated Plex block features up to 8 delay lines in a feedback arrangement for ethereal “shimmer” effects. Our award-winning reverb algorithm has been updated and improved to provide even thicker, smoother reverbs. A new Pitch block with improved pitch detection provides whammy, double-tracking, harmony, detune and more with astounding tracking and fidelity. A new Real-Time Analyzer block provides detailed visual feedback of the audio spectrum. A stereo Looper provides over five minutes of recording time at full resolution with overdub and undo capabilities. And much, much more…
The routing grid has been expanded to six rows and 14 columns to take advantage of the increased power and effects inventory. Put up to six effects in parallel. Create four separate and independent effects chains. If you can dream it, the Axe-Fx III can do it.
Perform Perfectly with Presets,
Blocks, Scenes, and New “Channels”
The Power of Channels and Scenes
The Axe-Fx III Mark II stores a whopping 1024 presets, each one equivalent to an entire rig, whether as simple as just an amp, or as complex as a massive pedal-board and multi-amp rack system.
Our new “Channel” concept is a revolution in functionality. Each effect block has up to four channels with each channel containing a unique set of parameter values. Channel switching is instantaneous and seamless and can be done manually (via a foot controller, for example) or automatically when changing scenes. Channels can also be switched via MIDI for applications requiring automation.
Channels provide quick, easy parameter switching without the unwanted side-effects of preset changes (due to grid reordering). Set the Amp block so that Channel A is a “Deluxe Verb” model, Channel B is a “Plexi”, Channel C is a “Recto” and Channel D is “FAS Modern”. Then change channels instantly at the touch of a button.
Eight Scenes within each preset store the bypass state and channel for each block. Program each scene to be a different combination of channels and change the channel and state of multiple blocks rapidly at the touch of a button. Like channels, scenes can be switched via MIDI for automation applications.
By using channels and scenes a single preset can be used for an entire song, an entire set or even the entire show. No tap dancing required.
Built to Last… and Evolve
Rock-Solid Reliability
Fractal Audio is known for rock-solid reliability. The Axe-Fx III is housed in a rugged 3U steel chassis with a sleek anodized aluminum front panel. An illuminated “Axe-Fx III” logo proudly shows the audience your Fractal Audio colors. All knobs and buttons are backed by professional grade components with life expectancies in the millions. Redesigned buttons provide quiet, easy action and a look that matches the new, modern face. Internally, the unit features a DSP module that is made in the USA and mechanical design guided by years of experience designing dependable rackmount units for touring musicians.
Future-Proof Technology
Fractal Audio set a new precedent for the industry with the philosophy of free updates. Historically most companies have been content with one or two firmware updates over the life of a product (usually to fix bugs), or even charging a fee for updates. At Fractal Audio we believe a digital audio processor is a platform that grows as our knowledge and expertise grows. Just as personal computers receive frequent updates to improve performance and add features, we steadily release firmware updates to improve the capabilities of our products.
The Axe-Fx II series received no fewer than 29 major (and dozens of minor) firmware upgrades over its life cycle. The Axe-Fx III is designed with the same anti-obsolescence in mind. Our easy-to-use Fractal-Bot utility and robust update technology make firmware updates a breeze. A built-in backup firmware even allows recovery in the event of complications during update (power outage due to lightning storm, roadie tripping over power cord, electrician shutting off breaker, etc.).
World-Class Editor Software
Axe-Edit: Editor for Mac/PC
The Axe-Fx III would not be complete without Axe-Edit, our award-winning editor suite for Mac and PC. Axe-Edit is now presented in glorious hi-definition that scales cleanly to any size display. Veterans will find it very familiar, but more clean and comfortable. It includes a streamlined new interface with controls for all of the latest features of the Axe-Fx III, plus a convenient new “Quick Build” mode that allows you to build presets easily using drag-and-drop templates. Axe-Manage takes control of Presets and User Cabs, and a new Scene Manager takes charge of scene names and settings. Axe-Edit will be offered for Windows 7/8/10 and Mac OS X 10.7 or newer.
