Drive Block - Fractal Audio Wiki
Drive Block - Fractal Audio Wiki
Drive Block - Fractal Audio Wiki
Contents
1 The Drive block
1.1 Available on which products
1.2 Channels or X/Y switching
2 About drive modeling
2.1 Yek's Guide to the Fractal Audio Drive models
2.2 Pictures of the modeled pedals
2.3 Firmware Ares improvements
2.4 Drive block and CPU usage
2.5 Drive types as input boosts in the Amp block
2.6 Drive block controls
2.7 Fuzz, buffers and impedance
2.8 Tips and tricks
2.8.1 Tighten the tone with a Drive block or Input Boost
2.8.2 Turn an Amp block into a Drive
2.8.3 Add gain to high single notes with the Pitch Detector
2.8.4 Use a Drive type to warm up or soften a Synth sound
2.8.5 Use Tape Distortion to add vintage flavor
2.8.6 Emulating other drives and devices
3 Parameters
3.1 Parameters table
3.2 Mix
3.3 Sample Rate Deduction
3.4 Low Cut
3.5 Bit Reduction
3.6 Slew Rate / Slew Limit
3.7 Graphic EQ
3.8 Dry Level
4 Drive models
4.1 BB Pre (based on: Xotic BB preamp)
4.2 Bender Fuzz (based on: Sola Sound/Vox Tone Bender)
4.3 Bit Crusher (custom model)
4.4 Blackglass B7K (based on: Darkglass Microtubes B7K)
4.5 Blues OD (based on: Marshall Bluesbreaker (Mk1)
4.6 OD 250 (based on: DOD Overdrive 250 (gray))
4.7 Esoteric ACB (based on: Xotic AC Booster)
4.8 Esoteric RCB (based on: Xotic RC Booster v1)
4.9 Eternal Love (based on: Lovepedal Eternity)
4.10 FAS Boost (custom model)
4.11 FAS LED-Drive (custom model)
4.12 FET Boost (custom model)
4.13 FET Preamp (custom model)
4.14 Face Fuzz (based on: Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face)
4.15 Fat Rat (based on: modded Pro Co Rat)
4.16 Full OD (based on: Fulltone Full-Drive 2)
4.17 Hard Fuzz (custom model)
4.18 Heartpedal 11 (based on: Lovepedal OD11/Amp Eleven)
4.19 Jam Ray (based on: Vemuram Jan Ray)
4.20 M-Zone Distortion (based on: BOSS MT-2 Metal Zone)
4.21 Master Fuzz (based on: Gibson Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-1A)
4.22 Micro Boost (based on: MXR Micro Amp)
4.23 Mid Boost (custom model)
4.24 Octave Distortion (based on: Tycobrahe Octavia)
4.25 OD 250 (based on: Digitech DOD Overdrive Preamp 250)
4.26 Pi Fuzz (based on: Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi Triangle)
4.27 Plus Distortion (based on: MXR Distortion +)
4.28 Rat Distortion (based on: Pro Co RAT)
4.29 Ruckus Ge (based on: Suhr Riot)
4.30 Ruckus LED (based on: Suhr Riot)
4.31 Ruckus LED/Si (based on: Suhr Riot)
4.32 SDD Preamp (based on: preamp in Korg SDD-3000)
4.33 Shimmer Drive (custom model)
4.34 Shred Distortion (based on: Marshall Shred Master)
4.35 Super OD (based on: BOSS SD-1 Super OverDrive)
4.36 T808 Mod (based on: modded Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer)
4.37 T808 OD (based on: Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer)
4.38 Tape Distortion (custom model)
4.39 Timothy 1 (based on: Timmy overdrive by Paul Cochrane)
4.40 Timothy 2 (based on: Timmy overdrive by Paul Cochrane)
4.41 Tone of Kings (based on: King of Tone by Analog Man)
4.42 Treble Boost (based on: treble booster circuit)
4.43 Tube Drv 3-knob (based on: 3-knob Tube Driver)
4.44 Tube Drv 4-knob (based on: 4-knob Tube Driver)
4.45 Zen Master (based on: Hermida/Lovepedal Zendrive)
This firmware introduced major improvements to modeling of drive pedals. Drive models based on op-amp and
diode clipping topologies were been completely overhauled. This is referred to as: FASPICE. This includes all
types based on the Tube Screamer circuit.
Important: these changes result in significant changes in sound, gain and level. Tips and tricks for Drive blocks
prior to firmware 3.02 may not apply anymore. Also, demos and tutorials may not represent the current tone
anymore.
"Drive models based on op-amp and diode clipping topologies have been completely overhauled in
firmware 3.02 and later.
For many types there is now a “Dry Gain” control. This parameter controls the amount of “dry”
signal mixed with the “wet” (distorted) signal. For a Tube Screamer-based model this will default
to 100% due to the topology. For other types this will default to 0. Values up to 200% are allowed.
Note that the dry data is added before any tone controls and therefore is not exactly equivalent to a
mix but rather replicates the behavior of analog circuits.
Drive types based on op-amp and diode clipping circuits now allow control over the type and
quantity of diodes in the positive and negative polarity. For example, the user can select (2) 1N34A
diodes for positive signal polarity and (1) red LED for negative. Experiment with the various diode
types and quantities to obtain new and unique sounds.
The Basic GUI page now reflects only the controls found on the actual pedal. In cases where the
actual pedal does not have any tone controls a simple Tone control is included for convenience."
The tone circuits of ALL drive types have been updated in firmware Ares 3.02 and later, and all models have
been rematched to the original pedals. source (http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/drive-block-status.147823/
) source (http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/axe-fx-iii-firmware-version-3-02-public-beta.147926/page-6#po
st-1749554)
The changes do not apply to the input boosts in the Amp block. source (http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/fa
ith-restored-in-my-axe.147281/page-3#post-1741111)
"New Drive block algorithm (FASPICE) implemented and working." source (http://forum.fractalau
dio.com/threads/drive-block-status.147823/)
"I've "cracked the code" on drive pedals and figured out a way to do a SPICE simulation in real
time without using gobs of CPU. It's so simple I can't believe no one ever thought of it before but
none of the papers even approach anything resembling the technique. This will bring "Ares" level
modeling to the Drive block." source (http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/faith-restored-in-my-a
xe.147281/#post-1740724)
"This algorithm applies to a particular set of circuits that incorporate diodes as a nonlinear
component. SPICE modeling is particularly slow when modeling diodes due to convergence issues.
However the diodes in drive pedals are used in such a way that there's a trick that can be employed
to dramatically decrease the amount of CPU needed to simulate the circuit." source (http://forum.fr
actalaudio.com/threads/faith-restored-in-my-axe.147281/page-3#post-1741111)
"It normally takes a lot of CPU power to do a real-time simulation. The amp block uses an entire
dedicated DSP. To do even a simple distortion pedal would normally require huge amounts of CPU.
But I stumbled upon a simple trick that reduces it dramatically." source (http://forum.fractalaudio.c
om/threads/faith-restored-in-my-axe.147281/page-2#post-1740777)
(picture (http://forum.fractalaudio.com/proxy.php?image=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.premierguitar.co
m%2FStream%2FStreamImage.aspx%3FImage_ID%3DCC1579BA-AEA2-4CDF-A273-6F22E13
16EB8%26Image_Type%3Dimage&hash=c5c3cdbec91441dc4bbca4abc08ac36e)) "See the two
diodes, D1 and D2? The type and quantity of these diodes (among other things that I can't reveal)
affect the tone. D1 is the "negative" diode. It conducts when the voltage is negative. D2 is the
"positive" diode. It conducts when the voltage is positive. In this schematic the diodes are listed as
1N34A but in the original Distortion+ they were actually 1N270. If you select the Plus Dist model
and go to the last page in the UI you'll see the type of diode is 1N270. You can change the type and
quantity which will change the distortion characteristics.
1N270 and 1N34A are Germanium diodes. They have a greater reverse saturation current (Is) and,
hence, a lower forward voltage for a given current. This means they clip sooner. Silicon diodes, i.e.
1N4148, 1N916, etc. have a lower Is and a greater forward voltage. LEDs have yet a greater
forward voltage (smaller Is).
This new firmware has 16 diode SPICE models that I collected from various sources that you can
play with. 1N914 are often substituted for 1N4148 and vice-versa but they are slightly different so I
included both. The original Tube Screamer had 1S1588 which, to my ears, are much different
(better) sounding than 1N914 which are used in the newer Tube Screamers." source (http://forum.fr
actalaudio.com/threads/axe-fx-iii-firmware-version-3-02-public-beta.147926/#post-1749202)
Firmware Ares 10
Improved Drive block. New diode modeling algorithm improves clipping accuracy especially for diodes
with higher saturation currents, i.e. 1N270 and other germanium types.
Added D9E and D18 diode models to Drive block. These are Soviet germanium diodes valued for their
smooth distortion characteristics.
Added “Ruckus LED/Si” type to Drive block. This model is based on a Suhr Riot with the toggle switch
set to select the hybrid LED/Silicon Diode position.
"Firmware 10 uses new "FASPICE XD" modeling in the amp and drive block. It requires a bit more
CPU but the accuracy is far better. I figured out a way to ensure that transcendental equations are
always stiffly stable and converge in a fixed amount of time. Significantly faster and at least as
accurate as trapezoidal, modified trap, gear, etc. algorithms. It dampens numerical ringing without
the side-effect of damping actual circuit ringing. Once you see how it works it seems hard to
believe that no one has thought of it before but I can't find a single paper or article that uses the
technique. The only drawback is that frequency response is limited to about 1/2 Nyquist but since
we oversample that's irrelevant. So that's why you get the "amp feels like it's going to explode" but
without the noise and artifacts." source (https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/axe-fx-iii-firmware-
version-10-00.154850/post-1842387)
Firmware Ares 12
CPU usage is amplitude dependent on the Axe-Fx II, AX8 and FX8. This means that CPU usage will change
when you hit the strings (even with the Drive block in bypassed state). This does not apply to the Axe-Fx III.
and FM3? @@
Drive models in firmware Ares 3.02 and later require somewhat less CPU (1-2%) than before.
if the original pedal has a single Tone knob, use the Tone control in the model for authentic results
if the original pedal has active EQ controls (Bass / Mid / Treble), use the Bass / Mid / Treble controls in
the model for authentic results
if the original pedal has a Volume or Level knob, it is mapped to the Level control
if the original pedal has a Drive or Gain knob, it is mapped to the Drive control
"The Tone control works the same as the modeled pedal. The Bass, Mid and Treble controls are a
generic EQ that can be used in addition to the Tone control to further shape the sound." source (http
://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/axe-fx-ii-quantum-rev-4-01-public-beta.119924/page-45#post-14
31060)
In firmware Ares 3.02 and later, the basic GUI page reflects only the controls found on the actual pedal. In cases
where the actual pedal does not have any tone controls, a simple Tone control is included for convenience.
"The Fuzz in the Axe-Fx reacts as though there is a buffer in front of it (because there is). It's a
limitation inherent to all modeling products. I modeled it using a nominal source resistance. I forget
what I used for the source resistance but it was probably around 100K ohms. To really simulate it
you would need a controller to simulate the changing output impedance of the guitar." source (http:/
/forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/fuzz-face-authenticity.105704/page-2#post-1265497)
"You can simulate the effect of a guitar into a Fuzz-Face using the Input-Z feature." source (http://f
orum.fractalaudio.com/threads/fuzz-fx-blocks-and-virtual-buffering.133200/#post-1575278)
"The problem is that the signal is buffered and there is no way to model the interaction of the
pickups with the circuit." source (http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/drive-block-status.147823/
page-2#post-1747807)
(firmware 4.00 for the Axe-Fx III) "Duplicating the behavior of a fuzz pedal requires that the pedal
be the first non-bypassed block following the Input 1 block and the input block impedance must be
set to Auto since fuzz pedals load down the guitar’s pickups."
Forum member AustinBuddy recommends setting Input Impedance to 90K in presets which have a fuzz model
as the very first (non-bypassed) block. This doesn't apply to processors with a fixed input impedance.
Firmware Ares also provides Input Boost types in the Amp block itself, see above.
More information:
Attach Pitch (internal controller) to the Drive parameter and use Slope in the modifier menu to fine-tune. This
will add gain to single notes when played high on the neck. source (http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/quick-
first-impressions-of-the-axe-fx-iii.136585/#post-1618726)
The Tape Distortion, either before or after the Amp block, can add a vintage flavor to the sound.
Parameters
Parameters table
Parameter Axe-Fx III / FM3 Axe-Fx II AX8 / FX8
Type yes
BASIC / TONE
Drive yes
Tone yes
Graphic EQ yes
EQ
EQ yes
ADVANCED
Bias yes
MIX
"The models let clean through even with the mix at 100%. It depends on the diodes though as to
how much clean is mixed. Our models are based on the most common versions." source (http://foru
m.fractalaudio.com/threads/trouble-with-the-bb-preamp-drive-block.85418/#post-1035753)
"The mix control in the Drive block controls the ratio of clean to dirty in the distortion stage. It's
not the same as the standard mix control in the other effects." source (http://forum.fractalaudio.com
/threads/bug-drive-models-in-axefx-iii.140737/#post-1667868)
The Mix control operates prior to any tone control. This lets you mix some dry in with the distorted signal but
still maintain overall tone control.
Some players like to turn down the effects’s Mix level (80% or lower) to increase transparancy and decrease
buzziness.
Note that Mix is different from the Dry Level parameter in diode/opamp-based drive types (see below).
Low Cut
"That control is not in Hz because it doesn't set a frequency directly. It impedance scales the
capacitors in the input network. Some networks have multiple break frequencies." source (https://fo
rum.fractalaudio.com/threads/drive-block-low-cut-tone-control.160202/post-1918110)
Bit Reduction
Use Bit Reduction to intentionally lower the resolution of the signal, for creative effects.
The Pro Co RAT is known for its poor slew rate, because of the LM308 op-amp being used. Read this (http://w
ww.electrosmash.com/proco-rat-analysis/pedals/distortion/pro-co-rat-distortion.html)
"In electronic musical instruments, slew circuitry or software-generated slew functions are used
deliberately to provide a portamento (also called glide or lag) feature, where an initial digital value or
analog control voltage is slowly transitioned to a new value over a period of time (see interpolation)"
"Slew-induced distortion (SID or slew-rate induced distortion) is caused when an amplifier or transducer
is required to change output (or displacement), i.e. slew rate, faster than it is able to do so without error.
At such times any other signals may suffer considerable gain distortion, leading to intermodulation
distortion. Transient intermodulation distortion may involve some degree of SID and/or distortion due to
peak compression"
"Slew-induced distortion (SID or slew-rate induced distortion) is caused when an amplifier or transducer
is required to change output (or displacement), i.e. slew rate, faster than it is able to do so without error.
At such times any other signals may suffer considerable gain distortion, leading to intermodulation
distortion.[1] Transient intermodulation distortion may involve some degree of SID and/or distortion due
to peak compression"
"Changed Drive block Slew Limit to Slew Rate and updated default value of the models. Existing
presets will be updated to the new default value upon recall. Note that the parameter now controls
the slew rate and lower values equal less high frequency response at high amplitudes and vice-versa
(the action is reversed from the previous firmware versions)."
Graphic EQ
The 10-band Graphic EQ was added in firmware Ares.
Dry Level
Even with Mix at 100%, clean level can pass through diodes. The Dry Level parameter in diode/opamp-based
drive types (in firmware Ares 3.02 and later for the Axe-Fx III) determines the amount of clean level that passes
through the diodes.
"This parameter controls the amount of “dry” signal mixed with the “wet” (distorted) signal. For a
Tube Screamer-based model this will default to 100% due to the topology. For other types this will
default to 0. Values up to 200% are allowed. Note that the dry data is added before any tone
controls and therefore is not exactly equivalent to a mix but rather replicates the behavior of analog
circuits."
"If the Dry defaults to 100 then it's a Tube Screamer derivative. Tube Screamers use a non-
inverting op-amp configuration with diodes in the feedback loop. This results in a transfer function
that is Y = X + f(X) where f(X) is the distortion response. IOW they mix the dry signal with a
distorted signal."
Drive models
BB Pre (based on: Xotic BB preamp)
The fuzz that Jimmy Page used to record Whole Lotta Love
Fuller and smoother sound than the standard Rat (see Rat Distortion)
Custom model that simulates the clipping of an overdriven reel-to-reel Ampex tape deck