Axe-Fx III Firmware Release Notes

12.09

Improved power tube modeling yields smoother overdrive especially for semi-clean and edge-of-
distortion tones.

Increased Amp block B+ monitor range as Variac settings can cause B+ voltage to fluctuate beyond
visible limits.

Added 6CA7 power tube type. While the 6CA7 is generally regarded as a substitute for the EL34 it is
actually a different tube with the 6CA7 being a beam tetrode. This particular tube type is modeled after
the original Sylvania “Fat Bottle” 6CA7.

Increased tuner sensitivity.

Fixed clicking when changing MUTE/SOLO switches in Cabinet block while playing.

Fixed click/pop in Pitch block when going from negative (or no) shift to positive shift.

Fixed Pitch block Custom Scale number not displaying correctly.

12.08

Improved Reverb algorithms.

Added ECONOMY mode to Reverb block. This can be used to reduce CPU usage when building elaborate
presets.

Decreased minimum Attack Time of Compressor block to 0.1 ms. Existing presets are automatically
updated.

Added JFET Compressor type.

Added three new Studio Compressor types. Studio FF Compressor 2 is similar to Studio FF Compressor 1
(formerly called Studio Compressor) except that it is an “upwards compressor” as opposed to a
downwards compressor. Studio FB Compressor 1 and 2 are feedback compressors with downwards and
upwards compression respectively. As these are feedback compressors, they yield a different sound
than a feedforward compressor commonly referred to as “fat” with smoother dynamics. Note that
nature of feedback compressors can result in distortion at extreme control settings (fast attack/release,
high ratio, etc.). It is therefore recommended to set Auto Att/Rel to ON in these instances.
Improved Intelligent Pitch Shifter algorithm. This applies to all Pitch types except Dual and Quad Detune
or when the Tracking Mode is set to OFF. The pitch detection algorithms have also been improved. The
Tracking Mode parameter has been renamed “Pitch Tracking” and is selectable between OFF, FAST and
SMOOTH.

Improved pitch detection for Synthesizer and Ring Modulator blocks.

Improved Crystal Echoes algorithm. The Crossfade Time and Crossfade Type parameters have been
removed as they are no longer applicable.

Added Diffusion to Crystals type in Pitch block. This can be used to “smear” transients for a softer
sound.

Improved Plex Shift and Plex Shimmer types in the Plex block. The Cross-fade parameter has been
removed. For the Plex Detune type the Cross-fade parameter has been renamed Granule Length as that
is a more accurate description.

Improved Envelope Followers in Megatap, Multitap and Plex Delay blocks.

Added PVH 6160+ Clean Bright and PVH 6160+ Crunch Bright amp models based on a Peavey 6505+
Rhythm channel with the Bright switch engaged. Note that the bright switch on this channel does not
engage a capacitor on the drive potentiometer as is typical but instead disengages a treble cut circuit.

Renamed PVH 6160+ Rhythm and PVH Rhythm B models PHV 6160+ Clean and PVH 6160+ Crunch
respectively for clarity.

Improved Downward Expander in Gate block when Detector Type is PEAK.

Removed the Frequency Range parameters from the Multiband Compression block and extended the
range of the Crossover Frequency parameters to cover the entire range previously available. Existing
presets are automatically updated. Note that when adjusting a Crossover Frequency that the unit will
automatically adjust the complementary frequency to ensure the mid band is at least one octave wide.

Fixed Tremolo block trigger turning off even when threshold is set to OFF.

Fixed wrong resistor value in Brit JVM models causing excessive blocking distortion.

Fixed using Astable LFO type in some effects causes noise.

Fixed switching between types in Chorus block can causes clicks.

Fixed wrong default Depth value for 5153 Red model (real amp has fixed depth resistor). Removed
Depth controls from all 5153 Authentic GUI pages (except 5153 50W Blue for which the real amp does
have a Depth control).

Fixed Drive block clicking when changing channels when bypassed.

FC: Views for Layout Link will now be restored properly after reboot.

FC: When entering the Master Layout menu via the switch-combo, the FC-6 will now always go to View
1.

FC: Per-Preset labels will no longer be displayed for unassigned switches.

12.07

Improved Compressor block. The RMS detector type has been improved resulting in smoother decay.
The Auto Attack/Release algorithm has been improved resulting in less “chatter” when using low attack
and/or release times. The Tube Compressor and Analog Compressor types now support RMS+Peak
detector mode. A new knee shape algorithm in the Studio Compressor has been implemented resulting
in a more musical tangential response like that of classic analog compressors.

Improved Downward Expander in Gate block. The RMS detector type has been improved resulting in
smoother decay. Added Detector Type parameter which allows selecting between RMS (default) and
Peak types.

Improved Multiband Compressor based on improvements to Compressor block. Added Auto

Attack/Release mode.

Improved Astable LFO type so that adjustments to Beta, which can occur when changing channels, do
not cause “baseline wander”.

FC: When navigating the editor or front panel, certain screens will no longer reset the value used by
external modifiers for FC Pedals.

12.06

Improved performance of noise gate in Input block. Both the Classic and Intelligent types have been
improved. The new Noise Reducer type reduces noise while preserving the attack of the note. It does
this by using intelligent filtering to remove line noise and high frequency hiss will leaving the rest of the
spectrum intact. Be sure to set the global Line Frequency to a value commensurate with the AC
frequency in your country. Note that the Classic and Intelligent types can achieve complete silence
while the Noise Reducer type can let some sound through as it is designed to be as transparent and
unobtrusive as possible.

Improved Downward Expander type in the Gate block.

Fixed zipper noise when using an FC pedal to control input volume.

Fixed Delay Time not sticking for Ten Tap Delay.

Removed Bass, Mid and Treble controls from Capt Hook 1B amp model as this mode models the channel
with the EQ Bypass engaged.

Fixed incorrect Dry Level in following Drive block models (was 100%, should be 0%):
Shred Distortion
M-Zone Distortion
Ruckus (all versions)

Fixed High Slope controls in Cabinet block non-functional.

Added graphs to Setup -> I/O -> Pedal menu for pre/post-calibration visualization.

FC: Fix Tap Tempo function setting incorrect tempo when assigned to a stand-in switch.

FC: Fix Tuner not exiting when tapping a Stand-In Switch whose Hold function is Tuner.

FC: Fix UI of Stand-In Switches page not showing text representations of settings.

FC: Fix View Inc/Dec when accessing MLM on an FC-6 via Master Layout "Switch-Combo".

FC: Fix View Inc/Dec mini-LCD display when set to "Destination #".

FC: The main LCD will now display the correct first preset in the bank if the Global Setting for "Display
Offset" is set to '1.'

FC: Stand-in switches will now perform their hold function based on the Hold Function Mode specified
on the Config page of FC Controllers.

12.05

Rolled back FC changes temporarily until bugs are fixed.

Added modifier capability to ADSR Sustain Level.

12.04

Updated the default value of P.A. Cathode Bias Resistor for some models. Existing presets are NOT
changed. The new default values are listed here if you want to apply them to your presets:

AC-20 DLX: 61%

Boutique 1,2: 48%
Blankenship Leeds: 58%
Car Roamer: 56%
Class-A 15W TB: 56%
 Class-A 30W: 46%
Citrus A30: 56%
Citrus Terrier: 60%
Deluxe Tweed: 49%
Div/13 CJ: 56%
Div/13 FT37: 56%
FAS Class-A: 56%
Gibtone Scout: 76%
Hot Kitty: 50%
Matchbox D30: 59%
Nuclear Tone: 78%
Wrecker Liverpool: 59%

Improved pedal calibration.

Changed parameter value display to update if control is attached to modifier.

Added Triple Crest amp models based on a Mesa Triple Crown TC-100. Note that the actual amp’s
“Tight” switch engages a built-in Tube Screamer circuit which can be replicated using a Drive block or
the Amp block’s internal Boost feature.

Fixed a couple mistakes in Citrus Terrier amp model.

Fixed clicking when engaging/bypassing effects which change input impedance.

Fixed some parameters that should be modifiable (i.e. Chorus Rate, Rotary Rate, etc.) are not displayed
as such.

FC: Add FC Views to allow access to all 12 switches from the FC-6.

FC: Add 'Current' display options for the toggle functions.

FC: Mini-LCD text for Per-Preset Placeholders with no functions assigned to them.

FC: Exit Tuner when a switch is tapped if that switch has Tuner as a Hold function.

12.03

Improved Amp modeling.

Added Low Cut to Dual Chorus type.

Improved Delay block Stack/Hold operation when using short delay times.
Added DynamiComp type to Compressor block. This is a pedal-style compressor with a faster attack
behavior.

Fixed Input block UI.

Fixed Modifier graph when changing scenes remotely.

Fixed audio glitch when switching between two presets using Spring reverb.

Fixed fuzzy tone from some amp models if Sat Switch is engaged.

12.02

Fixed UI unresponsive if modifier attached to Filter block Frequency control.

Fixed Filter block graph does not update if type changed from Axe-Edit.

12.01

Added Stack/Hold to Reverse, Dual and Sweep Delay types. All delay types now support Stack/Hold.

Added ALLPASS type to Filter block. This is a multi-stage “Phase Rotator” with feedback. With feedback
set to zero it can be used to change the shape of transients. Using feedback causes constructive and
destructive interference and can be used to create interesting tonalities. The Order can be set from 1 to
12 with progressively more phase rotation occurring. Attaching a modifier to the Frequency parameter
can result in interesting chorus or wah effects. The red trace in the GUI is the phase response.

Improved preset/scene switching.

Fixed artifacts in Wah block when Control knob is attached to a high-speed source, i.e. LFO with high
rate.

Fixed some values not displaying correctly (i.e. High Crossover Freq. in Multiband Compressor).

Fixed some parameters being unintentionally reset when editing a block.

12.00

Added “2x12 Godzilla” Speaker Impedance Curve based on a Zilla Fatboy.

Complete overhaul of the Flanger block. See the included flanger.pdf document for details.

Complete overhaul of the Phaser block. See the included phaser.pdf document for details.
Added separate Filter Slope controls for the Cabinet block. The range of the slopes has been extended
to include 18 and 24 dB/octave. Existing presets will be automatically updated to the correct values
based on the previous Filter Slope value.

Added separate Low Cut Slope control for Delay block. Updated models accordingly.

Added “FAS Express” amp model based on hypothetical modifications to a Trainwreck Express.

Improved messaging system so that changing presets while Axe-Edit is running does not cause audio
dropout (requires Axe-Edit version 1.4.00 or later).

Improved Scene switching speed.

Added LFO Quantize to Filter, Flanger and Phaser blocks.

Added Triggering to Tremolo block. When the Tremolo is triggered the Tremolo will engage and the LFO
phase will start at the Start Phase value. This allows easily synchronizing the Tremolo to your playing.
Set to “OFF” to defeat the trigger.

Added Optical Tremolo type to Tremolo block.

Addded “Astable” type to LFOs. This simulates an astable Op-amp Multivibrator as is commonly found
in effect pedals. “Beta” controls the shape of the LFO. High values approach a square wave while low
values approach a triangle wave.

Added Stack/Hold parameter to Plex Delay and Plex Verb types in the Plex block. When set to STACK
incoming audio is stacked on existing audio and held. When set to HOLD existing audio is held.

Changed Hold parameter in Delay block to Stack/Hold (see above).

Changed Hold parameter in Reverb block to Stack/Hold (see above).

Added “OD 250” Drive model based on a DOD Overdrive 250 (gray version).

Added adjustable slope to Parametric EQ block for outer bands when type is set to BLOCKING.

Added LFO monitors to Control block.

Drive block EQ now supports placement pre- or post-distortion.

Added “Stereo Mind Guy” delay type.

Added ULTRA-HIGH quality mode to Reverb block. This mode increases the modulation at the expense
of a slight increase in CPU usage.

Improved Gate block. New algorithm has less chatter and tighter gating. This is now called the
Downward Expander type.
Added Classic Gate type to Gate block. This type is based on the classic noise gate where the gate opens
when the Threshold value is exceeded and decays to the Attenuation value when below the Threshold
value and the Hold timer has expired. This type offers harder gating and is useful for aggressive styles.

Improved Spring Reverb algorithm. Also added “Boiiinnng!” parameter which controls the “springiness”
of the reverb.

Fixed loss of precision in certain amp models (i.e. Plexi 50W Normal) when Input Drive is set very low.

Fixed Align tab in Cabinet block not displaying traces properly after changing channels/scenes from Axe-
Edit.

11.01

Updated Speaker Impedance Curves for 2x12 Jazz 120, 4x10 Brit JM45 and 4x12 Hipower. Also added
the following new curves:
2x12 Bassbuster (based on a Fender Bass Breaker)
1x12 Tweed Alnico Blue (based on a Fender Deluxe with Celestion Blue)
4x12 PVH 6160 (based on a Peavey 5150 w/ Sheffields)
4x12 Euro (based on a Bogner standard)
2x12 Recto (based on a Mesa Rectifier)

Added “Matchbox D-30 EF86” amp model. While the real amp has a six-position Tone switch, the model
has a continuously variable tone control. Note that the Tone control is mapped to the Bass control in
Ideal mode as the Tone switch is essentially a bass cut control.

11.00

Amp block now uses new high-order speaker impedance modeling. 52 speaker impedance models (and
two LB-2 models) are included and can be selected using the Speaker Impedance Curve parameter (on
the Advanced page). Selecting an amp model will load an appropriate default Speaker Impedance Curve
for that amp model. The Cabinet Resonance parameter can be used to adjust the amount of cabinet
resonance in the impedance curve. NOTE: The 2x12 Bassguy, 2x12 Jazz 120, 4x10 Brit JM45 and 4x12
Hipower data is incomplete and will be updated in a future release.

Setting Global “Update Pre-11.x Presets Spkr Imp Upon Load" parameter to YES will automatically
update the Speaker Impedance Curve for the Amp blocks upon preset recall to use an appropriate
Speaker Impedance Curve for that amp model. Setting the parameter to NO will leave existing presets
unaffected. NOTE: Setting this to YES will also cause the EDITED LED to light indicating the preset has
been modified.

Fixed Recto1/2 models default Negative Feedback and Power Tube Bias values slightly too low.
Fixed loss of precision in Drive block Tone control for some models (Rat, Timothy, et. al.) causing low
frequency build-up over time.

10.02

Fixed popping noise can occur when switching between certain amp models. This also results in faster,
smoother preset, scene and channel changes.

Fixed wrong Basic tab of Drive block when Ruckus LED/Si type selected.

Added Wrecker Liverpool Bright amp model. This models the amp with the three-position Bright switch
in the brightest position.

10.01

Fixed divide-by-zero can happen in Drive block when using certain combinations of different diode types
and a very strong input signal or when switching between different types.

Fixed can’t access Drive block Advanced GUI page for Ruckus LED/Si type.

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).

Added Wrecker Express Bright amp model. This models the amp with the three-position Bright switch in
the brightest position.

10.00

Added Downtune control to Tuner. The Downtune control allows for simplified tuning when tuning
down one to four semitones. The Tuner display will read the “natural” name of the note, i.e. if tuning
down one semitone an Eb will read E. In addition any blocks that utilize pitch information will also be
transposed accordingly.

Added Display Mode control to Tuner. This control allows selecting between all flats, all sharps or a
mixture of sharps/flats for the displayed note name.

New power amp modeling algorithm. This algorithm improves the plate impedance accuracy
substantially. This yields tighter bass, crunchier midrange and “chimier” highs.
Due to the changes in the power amp modeling algorithm the Power Tube Hardness parameter now
behaves differently. Selecting a Power Tube Type loads the “knee voltage” for the power tubes and this
voltage can be adjusted up or down using Power Tube Hardness. Higher values yield a lower knee
voltage and more abrupt clipping and vice-versa. Existing presets will have Power Tube Hardness reset
to 5.0 upon recall.

The range of the Transformer Match control has been reduced to 0.5 to 2.0. Existing presets will have
this value reset to 1.0.

The Ideal Tetrode and Ideal Pentode power tube models are no longer applicable and have been
replaced with 5881 and 6L6GB models, respectively.

The PI Bias Excursion values have been updated for some amp models. Existing presets will
automatically be updated to the new default values. If you typically alter this parameter you should
audition your presets.

The Amp block Dynamic Impedance parameter is no longer applicable and has been removed.

Added KT77 power tube type.

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.

Added “5 Band Mark” type to Graphic EQ block.

Fixed exported Tone Matches may, in rare cases, not sound the same as the Tone Match.

Fixed long delay times (over 1.5 seconds) in Plex Shift can cause artifacts.

9.01

Fixed Amp block input drive network instability in rare cases when switching between certain presets.

Fixed some amp models can become unstable for certain combinations of Negative Feedback and high
values of Speaker Impedance and/or Transformer Match.

Added “Gain Enhancer” mode to Amp block Output Compressor. This mode can be used to simulate the
acoustic reinforcement of a loud amp coupling into the guitar and enhancing the output signal.
9.00

New power amp modeling algorithm. This new algorithm now also separates the transformer matching
from the speaker impedance. A new parameter, Speaker Impedance, allows adjusting the relative
impedance of the virtual speaker. For example, to simulate connecting a 16-ohm speaker to an 8-ohm
output set Speaker Impedance to 2.0. Transformer Matching, on the other hand, changes the
impedance ratio of the virtual output transformer.

To support the new power amp algorithm the internal transformer matching values and negative
feedback values have been updated. The new negative feedback values will load when selecting an
existing preset. If you typically adjust Negative Feedback when creating a preset be sure to audition
your presets as the parameter value will be reset to the default value upon preset load.

Fixed Amp block Output EQ wrong frequencies if EQ Location set to “Input”.

Fixed Amp block “Hi-Cut” calculation for amps without negative feedback. This affects the following
models:
All AC-20 models
All Class-A 15W and 30W models
Citrus Terrier
Boutique 1 and 2
FAS Class A
Hot Kitty
Matchbox D-30
Mr. Z MZ-8 and MZ-38
Ruby Rocket and Ruby Rocket Bright
Supremo Trem
Wrecker Rocket

Fixed incorrect default P.A. Cathode Resistance value for Citrus Terrier model (correct value is 96%) and
Class-A 15W model (correct value is 83%).

8.00

Improved amp modeling.

Added Swap Scene function to Layout->Tools.

Fixed Plex block Shimmer Verb causing NaN if Reverb Size set to 0%.

Fixed Tone Match block erroneous results on preset recall due to uninitialized data.

Fixed sluggish Axe-Edit behavior after boot on high CPU presets.

Fixed Rotary block Input Select not working correctly.

Fixed Compressor block sidechain filter not working if gain set to 0.0 dB.

7.01

Firmware image now uses compressed initialization. This results in a smaller file size and faster
firmware updates.

Added Input Select to Megatap Delay, Multitap Delay, Plex Delay, Reverb and Rotary blocks.

Fixed Input Impedance not set correctly if an active effect is in a different row and prior column than the
effect that should be controlling the impedance.

FC: Fixed stand-in switches not activating the down half of their assigned function.

7.00

Improved power amp modeling. New algorithm accounts for variation in load voltage as a function of
transformer turns ratio. I.e. reducing the Transformer Matching will reduce the output level and vice-
versa.

Fixed low output level for Shred Distortion Drive model.

FC: Fixed tap function executing on hold when "Hold Execute" is set to "Switch Up".

FC: Fixed switch executing from wrong layout after a stand-in switch is used.

FC: Fixed MLM functionality when cloning mixed units (FC-12's and FC-6's).

FC: Added FC-6/FC-12 compatibility mode. When enabled, FC-6(s) will use buttons 1, 2, 3 for the bottom
row and buttons 7, 8, 9 for the top row. Accessible from HOME->SETUP->FC Controllers->Config Page,
FC-6/FC-12 Compatibility Mode. It is disabled by default.

FC: When "Reveal Holds" is active the hold function states will be displayed (with default ring colors
only) and button presses will execute the hold functions.

FC: Fixed hold functions firing on the MLM hold switch (switch 3 on FC-6 and switch 6 on FC-12)
preventing MLM mode from executing.

6.04

Reduced background task priority on high CPU presets to improve client (i.e. Axe-Edit) performance.
Added “CC Boost” type to Amp block.

Improved CPU usage.

Optimized LCD graphics for better response.

Changed FC tuner note names to match main tuner (i.e. Eb instead of D#).

Added Solo feature to Parametric EQ block. When a band is soloed the frequency range for that band is
isolated allowing the user to fine-tune the band.

Fixed output level of PI Fuzz model too low.

Fixed Modifier auto-engage not working when Auto-Engage is set to SLOW POSITION and the Update
Rate is set to FAST.

Fixed Supremo Trem model missing Tone control in Authentic mode. Note: the Tone control is mapped
to High Cut in Ideal mode.

Fixed FC and Axe-Edit not displaying tempo correctly if preset using global tempo.

FC: Fixed Layout Link not executing if no function is assigned to the switch.

FC: Added Mode parameter to Utility/Reveal Hold for Momentary/Toggle.

FC: Added Hold Function Execute Mode: TIMEOUT or SWITCH UP. "TIMEOUT" is same as the previous
behavior. When set to "SWITCH UP", the hold function executes when you release the held footswitch,
allowing precise musical timing.

FC: Fixed Per-Preset/Placeholder #24 not working.

6.03

Fixed long preset load time if preset using Filter block with Frequency parameter connected to modifier.

6.02

Added LFO to Filter block. When enabled, the LFO will modulate the frequency of the filter between the
Frequency and the Mod. Frequency. The local LFO simplifies modulated filtering and frees up the global
LFOs for other tasks.

Added adjustable filter to Plex block wet signal. Filter can be any of the standard types (all types except
comb filter types). Frequency, Q and Gain are modifiable.

Added Shimmer Verb type to Plex block.

The Mode parameter in the IR Player block has been replaced by a Length parameter.

Changed Home page behavior so that menu stays on selected tab when returning. Pressing HOME while
on the Home page resets to first tab.

FC: Improved communication reliability when using very long cables (requires FC firmware version 1.08).

FC: Fix preset tempo being used when global is selected .

FC: Add Layout Inc/Dec function.

6.01

Fixed memory allocation error causing boot irregularities.

6.00

Firmware 6.00 introduces the PERFORM tabs found on the HOME screen of the Axe-Fx III. There are two
PERFORM tabs: Per-Preset and Global. The PERFORM tabs can be configured with up to 10 user-
selected controls from any of the blocks found in the current preset (including CONTROLLERS and
GLOBAL). Configuration of the PERFORM tabs is done via Axe-Edit III. Allowable controls include rotary
knobs, push-buttons, drop-downs, and toggle controls (e.g., on/off controls).

The "Perform-PP" controls are stored per-preset. Adding or removing a control from "Perform-
PP" will change the EDIT state of the preset.

The "Perform-Gbl" controls are stored in the Global Settings. Adding or removing a control from
"Perform-Gbl" is automatically saved to the Global Settings.

Performance controls are added via the editor from a block's parameter view. The editor's
selected parameter control is assigned to the desired Performance tab through a popup menu or
a hot-key combination. [Please note the "Edit Modifier..." popup menu item for modifiable
parameters. Modifiable parameters can quickly jump to the "Edit Modifier" dialog by pressing
the hotkey 'M'.]

Hotkey assignments for Perform controls:

* Per-Preset Add: SHIFT + '1' through '0', where '0' is the tenth control on the tab.
* Per-Preset Remove: SHIFT + ALT + '1' through '0', where '0' is the tenth control on the tab.
* Global Add:
* Mac: COMMAND + F1 through F10.
* Windows: CTRL + F1 through F10.
* Global Remove:
* Mac: COMMAND + SHFIT + F1 through F10.
* Windows: CTRL + SHIFT + F1 through F10.
 The editor's Perform view is accessed via the "Perform" button or the Tools / Performance menu.
From this view, Per-Preset Performance controls can be imported and/or exported using the
"Block Library" control. Additionally, the view's "Per-Preset" and "Global" tabs allow label editing
for controls already assigned to the "Perfrom-PP" and "Perform-Gbl" tabs.

Changed Cabinet, IR Player and Tone Match block IR windowing so that window length is proportional to
IR length (rather than a constant window length).

Doubled length of IR Capture Utility sweep. This improves SNR in challenging environments, i.e. a large,
noisy room when capturing “far-field” IRs. The time between sweeps has also been increased to allow
the room reverberation to decay sufficiently before starting the next sweep.

Improved Amp block power amp modeling.

Added five “Manual” controllers to Controllers menu. These can be used as modifiers for real-time
manipulation of parameters from the front panel.

Combined LFO 1 and LFO 2 menus into a single menu.

Fixed Ring Mod block left/right slightly unbalanced.

Fixed Looper allows playback even if no loop exists causing noise.

FC: Further fixes for startup timing issues.

FC: Fixed Inc/Dec functions' upper limits defaulting to zero.

FC: Fixed learning of FC external pedals and switches in MIDI/Remote.

FC: Fixed external switch polarity not showing correctly on the FC Controllers Remote page.

5.08

Added Low Cut and High Cut to individual IRs in Cabinet block. Filter slopes are also selectable from 6 to
24 dB/oct.

Added IR Length parameter to individual IRs in Cabinet block. Shorter lengths can be used to remove
room reflections and/or decrease CPU usage.

Changed Pitch block so that pitch detection is performed even when block is bypassed. This allows using
the Learn function while the block is in bypass.

Fixed sometimes unit will hang at boot if an FC-12 running firmware version 1.06 or later is connected.

Fixed pop when switching from Hipower amp models to certain other amp models.
FC: Fix Layout Link not working when in MLM mode.

FC: Fix EZ Page changing values of Switch 1 even if no switch has been selected .

FC: Fix inc/dec wrap operation.

5.07

Improved Preset/Scene/Channel switching time.

Fixed wrong default Cathode Follower Compression values for Brit JVM and JS410 amp models.

Fixed AES/SPDIF input shifted by one bit causing clipping at -6 dBFS.

FC: Added support for stand-in switches (assign external switches to perform a function assigned to an
FC switch).

FC: Support for FC firmware 1.06 (switch behavior and polarity)

FC: Added shortcut keys to/from Per-Preset and Global

FC: Added warning on switch page if the switch is overridden in the current preset

FC: Fix per-preset overrides not working on MLM page 2 for the FC-6

FC: Fix layout link and MLM interaction (switch 3 for the FC-6 and switch 6 for the FC-12)

FC: Fix layout link for per-preset switches

5.06

Added USA JP IIC+ Green amp model (channel 1).

Fixed wrong internal transformer matching value for Friedman Small Box model.

Fixed popping when switching between channels/scenes/patches with very different block levels.

Fixed incorrect error message when updating USB firmware via Fractal-Bot.

Fixed Upper Limit on functions in the Bank category reverting to '51' on restart (regardless of bank size).

Fixed FC layout names getting clobbered if knob A is used to Nav while editing.

Fixed loading defaults squashing the version (and other dummy params) on the devices page.

Display Effect name for Effect functions on the Overrides page of Per-Preset FC Settings.
Configurable timeout for the notifications on the FC main LCD.

Updated FC function Effect->Channel Select to turn off the LED ring if the effect is bypased and Smart
Bypass is enabled.

Added TEST ON and TEST OFF to CS MIDI for the FC.

5.05

Fixed missing menu for USA JP IIC+ Yellow amp model when using authentic controls.

5.04

Added USA JP IIC+ Yellow amp model (channel 2). . NOTE: To emulate the “Shred” mode turn the High
Treble control to approximately 3-4 dB (or adjust to taste, you are not limited by a single switch).

Fixed corruption in FC Remote menu.

5.03

Added USA JP IIC+ Red amp model (channel 3). NOTE: To emulate the “Shred” mode turn the High
Treble control to approximately 3-4 dB (or adjust to taste, you are not limited by a single switch).

Fixed hold functions on page two of the Master Layout Menu for the FC-6.

Fixed FC Bank -> Inc/Dec function's upper limit from resetting to the maximum bank number on reboot
or bank size change.

Fixed copy/paste of FC Layouts not setting Layout Link.

Fixed FC Layout Link for hold functions not surviving a reboot.

Fixed wet data muting during channel change in Multitap block.

5.02

Fixed presets created with firmware prior to 3.00 defaulting Amp block EQ Off/On parameter to Off
instead of On.
5.01

Fixed presets created with firmware prior to 3.00 not loading various parameters correctly. These
parameters are primarily the Spread parameters in the Chorus, Flanger, Rotary and Reverb blocks,
among others.

5.00

Completely new Amp block cathode follower algorithm yielding more accurate results. The “Ideal”
cathode follower type is no longer supported as it is incompatible and has been removed from the GUI.
The Cathode Follower Time and Ratio parameters have also been removed as they are no longer
applicable. A “Grid Clipping” parameter has been added which allows the user to adjust the grid clipping
in the cathode follower. Lower values reflect the softer response of classic British and American tubes
like Mullard, Sylvania and RCA. Higher values simulate the response of modern Chinese and Russian
tubes with more abrupt clipping.

Updated various Amp block parameters related to new cathode follower algorithm. Existing presets are
automatically updated to the new values.

Added AES/SPDIF Input Level control. This is located in the I/O->USB/AES menu. NOTE: this parameter
will default to -40 dB after installation of the firmware. Be sure to adjust to the desired level if using the
AES or SPDIF inputs.

Added Treble Booster and Mid Booster boost types to Amp block.

Improved Scene/Channel change logic. Only the wet data is muted when changing scenes and channels
now leaving the dry data intact which results in smoother transitions.

Changed Control block Envelope Follower behavior so that when the signal exceeds the threshold the
control value starts at zero rather than jumping to the threshold value.

Fixed wrong bass pot taper in Friedman Small Box model.

Fix FC per-preset corruption with some presets.

NOTE: Due to the new algorithms several amp block parameters are reset to default values when
loading old presets. Included in these parameters is Preamp Bias Excursion. If you had altered this
parameter in a preset note that it will be reset and you may want to readjust it.

4.03

Fixed Div/13 CJ 11 amp model muted when two Amp blocks used.
4.02

Fixed issue with certain amp models, i.e. Legato 100, exhibiting excessive blocking distortion.

Fixed loss of communications with FC-X foot controllers after being left on for very long periods of time,
i.e. overnight.

Various fixes and improvement for FC-X controllers.

4.01

Fixed triode modeling algorithm for amp models with “cold clipping” stages, i.e. Recto, SLO, etc.

4.00

Improved Amp block preamp tube modeling.

Improved Amp block cathode follower grid modeling.

Improved power amp modeling for “Class-A” type amp models.

Added modifier capability to Decay Time, Level 1-8 and Pan 1-8 controls in Plex Delay block.

Added Presence Shift control to Amp block Tone page for the appropriate models when using Authentic
controls.

Added SV Bass 1 amp model. This is the original SV Bass model prior to the change in 2.05. The new SV
Bass model added at 2.05 has been renamed SV Bass 2.

Added FAS Skull Crusher amp model. The nastiest, most brutal amp model to ever escape from the
seventh circle.

Reworked PI Fuzz model based on older “Triangle” version reference. A soft-reset of the model is
required to load the new parameter values. Note that 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.

Added “Unlink All Blocks From Global” function to Layout->Tools menu. This unlinks all blocks from any
global blocks to which they may be linked.

Expanded the names of the “USA” models to more clearly indicate the switch settings.

Fixed Tone page for Plexi 100W 1970 not showing Normal Drive control.
Fixed incorrect capacitor value and wrong default Low Cut value in BB Pre Drive model.

Fixed wrong default Low Cut value in Eternal Love and Esoteric ACB Drive models.

Fixed Output EQ in Amp block not being redrawn when changing channels and number of bands is
different.

Fixed wrong triode plate frequency in Herbie CH3 model.

Fixed wrong mid and treble tapers in all Herbie models. Existing presets should be auditioned.

3.02

Improved Drive block. WARNING!!! The sound of some of the drive models may have changed
significantly.

• Drive models based on op-amp and diode clipping topologies have been completely overhauled.
• 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.
• Added several new types.

Added “All” to Tuner Input Source selection. This sums all inputs.

Added Global "Tone Control Display" parameter. When set to Authentic (default) only those controls
present on the actual amp are displayed. When set to Ideal all tone controls are displayed. Also, when
set to Authentic the Bass, Mid and Treble controls are reset to default values when changing models to
ensure accuracy for models that may not have these controls.

Fixed Tone Match block not updating correctly between preset changes if different Mode used.

Fixed loss of low frequency resolution for Tone Match block when set to Off-Line mode.

3.01
Fixed Graphic EQ pages not responding to navigation buttons.

Fixed FC load defaults correctly sets bank size before configuring switches.

Fixed FC use "Scene X" on main LCD if scene name is blank.

Fixed load FC-12 defaults won't switch first FC to layout 7.

Fixed FC scene name not updating if character(s) removed from end.

3.00

Improved amp modeling.

Improved speaker compliance algorithm.

Improved algorithms for modulation effects.

Improved Tone Match block graphs.

Improved Reverb block.

Added “EQ Off / On” control to Amp block. This modifiable parameter turns the graphic EQ on and off.

Added Plex Verb type to Plex block. While the Reverb block is designed for authentic, natural-sounding
reverbs, the Plex Verb type is designed for large, ethereal reverb sounds. This type is also simple to use
with no time, tempo, level or pan parameters required. For best results turn the Diffusion Mix up when
using this type.

Added Spread and Pre-Delay controls to Plex block.

Increased the range of the Low Freq Time and High Freq Time in the Reverb block. This allows for
creative reverb sounds. Several new reverb types have been added to illustrate these effects.

The Chorus, Flanger, Plex, Reverb and Rotary blocks now supports Spread values from -200% to 200%.
Values beyond +/-100% increase the apparent image beyond the stereo field. The action of the spread
control has also been improved so that the apparent volume remains constant vs. spread value.

Fixed IR Capture utility sometimes not working in Cab+DI mode.

Fixed slow response in IR Capture configuration menu when changing bank/slot.

Fixed Cabinet block graphs not showing traces for non-UltraRes IRs.

Fixed Input Source for Pitch Follower not exposed.

Fixed FC-X custom Mini-Display Label for Effect, Chan Select.

2.05

Added Threshold parameter for all types in Compressor block.

Change Drive block behavior so that when changing the Drive Type the graphic EQ is reset.

Reworked SV Bass amp model. Model is now based on a 1970 Ampeg SVT with 6550 power tubes and
the midrange switch in position 3.

Cabinet block now automatically corrects the polarity of IRs that are inverted, i.e. captured from the
back of a cabinet.

Added floor reflection modeling to Cabinet block. The intensity of the floor reflections can be adjusted
with the new “Floor Reflections” parameter. Floor reflections play a large role in “amp in the room”
sound. If the amp is on a carpet the floor reflections are minimal. If the amp is on a wood or other hard
surface the floor reflections are significant. Existing presets will initialize this value to 0% so as to not
change the sound. The default value is 50%. Note that negative values, while not realistic, are
supported which inverts the reflection.

Added Diffusion to the Cabinet block room modeling.

Improved IR Capture Utility. User can now select between conventional deconvolution and reverse filter
processing. In a high-noise environment the reverse filter technique can provide better results. In low-
noise environments the conventional technique can provide slightly better bandwidth and magnitude
accuracy. Note that the prior firmware used the reverse filter technique.

Added Processing parameter to IR Capture Utility. This selects between “Minimum-Phase” which
transforms the IR into a minimum-phase version, “Auto-Trim” which removes the leading silence, and
“None” which applies no processing at all. Note: prior firmware always used minimum-phase
processing.

Added Delay Compensation to IR Capture Utility. This allows compensating for time-of-flight delay
when capturing IRs. For example when capturing far-field IRs there may be significant time delay due to
the distance of the mic from the speaker. This can reduce the precision of the measurement if the delay
is excessive. To use the compensation configure the graph to the Time display. Do a test sweep and
note the waveform delay. Dial in the desired amount of compensation delay and repeat as necessary.
Note that the speed of sound is roughly 1 ft/ms so a mic that is 10 ft from the speaker would incur
roughly 10 ms of delay. Note that IR Capture Utility will automatically compensate for delays up to
approximately 20 ms (1K samples). Correction is only required for delays greater than 20 ms.

Added alignment graph to Cabinet block showing a zoomed time series of the IRs allowing visual
adjustment of the mic distance. When using IRs that have not been minimum-phase processed this
facilitates aligning the IRs.
Added Volume Increment/Decrement CCs for Output 2.

Added “Analog Compressor” to Compressor block. This compressor has a natural soft-knee response
and captures the vibe of the classic compressors of the 70’s and 80’s.

Added Mix control to Multiband Compressor block.

Added Knee Type control to Multiband Compressor block.

Corrected the VU meters in the Output block to compensate for the “unity gain” nature of Outputs 3
and 4. Note that the Output block meters are BEFORE the Level controls (pre-fader) on the front panel
and are therefore unaffected by the Level controls. The meters indicate the internal signal level relative
to full-scale (dBFS).

Renamed Dumble-style amp models with PAB on accordingly.

Changed Volume Inc/Dec behavior so that muting is not performed.

Various changes and fixes for FC-6/12 foot controllers. Note: this firmware, or a later version, should be
installed for proper operation of the foot controllers.

Fixed clicking noise in Pitch block at certain values of shift and tracking.

Fixed Cabinet block LF Damping and HF Damping parameters sometimes not working.

Fixed output gain of Compressor block when using either of the Pedal types dependent upon the Ratio
control of the Studio type.

Fixed crash when adjusting Amp block Screen Q rapidly.

2.04

Added “Tube Compressor” type to Compressor block. This type is based on classic tube compressors
like the Altec Lansing 436C. Since this type uses “variable mu” processing it may add subtle, and
possibly desirable, distortion to the audio.

Added “FF Comb” and “FB Comb” types to Filter block. FF Comb is a feed-forward comb filter and FB
Comb is a feedback comb filter. Delay Time controls the order of the comb filters, higher values result in
more closely spaced notches and vice-versa. Depth controls the intensity of the filter, higher values
result in deeper notches/peaks and vice-versa.

Added Comb Filter Type parameter to Multidelay block. The names of the parameters in the block have
been changed from “Resonator” to “Comb Filter”.

Added clock sync checking in I/O menu. If the user selects one of the digital input sources (SPDIF or AES)
as the clock source and there is no valid input the menu will indicate no clock source.
Changed Cabinet block Room Size display to meters for clarity.

Fixed Cabinet block does not update if a newly captured IR is saved to an IR location in use.

Fixed Cabinet block “AIR” mixing is done before level normalization.

Fixed USB 5/6 Input Level affects SPDIF/AES input level.

Fixed setting size very low on room types in Reverb block can cause crash.

2.03

Changed Looper behavior so that Play indicator only lights during recording when overdubbing.

Added Looper Crossfade parameter. When set to ON the loop fades out/in at the end/start of the loop.

Improved Cabinet block room emulation. New algorithm provides denser and more immersive
reflections.

Added Room Shape parameter to Cabinet block which selects between and hall and room shape.

Added “Bias Trem” type to Tremolo block. This uses a tube emulation algorithm to replicate the bias
tremolo used in vintage tube amps.

Added “Harmonic Trem” type to Tremolo block. This recreates the famous sound of the tremolo circuit
in the old “Brownface” amplifiers. This effect splits the spectrum and applies modulation to the two
frequency bands. The Crossover Slope parameter selects the filter order for the crossover. The original
circuit used a 6 dB/octave crossover. Higher slopes can give a more intense effect. The crossover
frequency can be changed with the Crossover Frequency parameter. Note: unlike most
implementations the Axe-Fx III version is full stereo and can be used before or after the Amp block
without losing stereo separation. Additionally the effect supports LFO phase for the left/right which can
be used to achieve unique sounds. Furthermore the effect supports LFO types other than Sine for even
more unique sounds.

Note: both the Bias Trem and Harmonic Trem use nonlinear processing techniques and, as such, may
add distortion to the audio signal just as their tube-based counterparts would.

Added “Grinder” boost type based on a Fortin Grind to the Amp block.

Added USB Input Level controls. These are located in Setup->I/O->USB. Note that these values will
default to -40 dB after the firmware upgrade.

Changed background tasks to run dynamically based on available processing time. This prevents
sluggish behavior of Axe-Edit and MIDI controllers immediately after startup.

Fixed IR capture export not working consistently causing issues with Cab-Lab 3.
Fixed incompatibility with Live mode in Cab-Lab 3 when using Axe-Fx III as the audio interface.

Fixed Reverb block NaN if setting size extremely low and turning modulation depth way up.

2.02

Fixed issue in phase inverter modeling causing excessive bias excursion in some amp models.

Fixed Reverb block causing crash if setting size to less than 6.0 for certain types.

Fixed FC GUI corruption when changing presets via foot controller.

Various other fixes and enhancements for FC-X controllers.

2.01

Added “Filter Type” to Compressor Side-chain.

Added “Auto-Swell” type to Volume block. This simulates “pinky swells” using the guitar volume knob.
Threshold sets the input power to start the volume swell. When the input power drops below the
threshold the swell circuit is reset and the volume drops to zero. Attack sets the rate at which the
volume increases.

Increased size of VU meters and added gain readout in Layout GUI.

Added ability to select the source of USB Outputs 7,8 (to computer). Inputs 2-4 can be assigned to USB
7,8.

Improved Amp block phase inverter modeling.

Fixed minor error in Amp block voltage to speaker displacement transfer function causing more
parameter shift than expected for a given Speaker Compliance setting.

2.00

Improved Amp block speaker dynamic parameter modeling. The new Speaker Compliance parameter
controls the nonlinear behavior of the virtual speaker. Existing presets will load with this parameter at
0.0 and will be unchanged tonally from the previous firmware (IOW your presets will not be altered).
Selecting a new amp model or resetting the block will set the value to 50% which is a typical value for
guitar speakers.

Improved Amp block cathode follower modeling.

Improved Looper cross-fade at start/end of loop.

Improved stability and latency of Pitch block.

Improved anti-aliasing performance of Pitch block.

Added Temperament parameter to Pitch block. When set to “Just”, pitch shifting uses just
temperament with ratios defined by the harmonic overtone series. When set to the default value of
“Equal”, equal temperament tuning is used. Just temperament can be used to give a “sweeter”
harmony, especially when followed by distortion.

Added “Virtual Capo” type to Pitch block. This is a simple one-voice pitch shift that is intended for drop-
tuning and virtual capo use and is easy to configure and use.

Changed Pitch block behavior so that when selecting Whammy or Virtual Capo types the Mix is
automatically set to 100%, otherwise 50%.

Improved algorithms in Multitap block.

Added two options to the Filter Order in the Cabinet block. “L: 6, H: 12” sets the filter slope to 6
dB/octave for the low cut and 12 dB/octave for the high cut. “L: 12, H: 6” sets the filter slope to 12
dB/octave for the low cut and 6 dB/octave for the high cut.

Changed Looper meter, CPU meter and Layout VU meter colors to cyan so that thresholds are visible to
those with red-green colorblindness.

Fixed Looper not playing when pressing Once if Trim Start is nonzero.

Fixed MIDI running status ignored if active sense messages received between status messages.

Fixed Master Resonator Time not working in Multitap Delay.

Fixed diffusion not working on delay lines 2-4 in certain types in Multitap Delay.

Various changes and fixes for FC-X controllers.

Minor tweaks and improvements to the GUI.

1.18

Fixed meters on Home->Meters sometimes getting stuck.

Fixed MIDI-Over-USB hanging when receiving certain SysEx messages intended for other products. This
occurs with some DAW software (i.e. Logic) at startup causing subsequent SysEx commands to be
ignored rendering Axe-Edit non-responsive.
Fixed certain 3rd-party MIDI SysEx messages not processed properly when SysEx messages are also being
received via USB (i.e. changing a block bypass state or channel via a MIDI foot controller while also using
Axe-Edit).

Fixed adjustments to global Noisegate Offset do not take effect until editing Input block.

Fixed booting to preset with two amp blocks does not correctly initialize.

Fixed block channel change so that muting does not occur if block is bypassed.

Fixed IR Player block allows linking to Global Blocks.

Changed range of Attack and Release parameters in Input block gate to more suitable values.

1.17

Fixed NaN when selecting “USA” amp types.

1.16

Improved Multiband Compressor block so that mid-band gain is automatically compensated for
crossover response.

Added Frequency Range parameters to Multiband Compressor block. This selects between Low and High
frequency ranges yielding more flexible crossover frequencies.

Added Crossover Slope parameter to Multiband Compressor block. Choices are 12 and 24 dB/octave.

Added FAS Boost to Amp block input boost types.

Added Output Mode to Amp block. The default value, FRFR, is the classic mode and designed for use
with monitors or recording. The SS PA + Cab mode is intended for use with a solid-state power amp and
conventional guitar cab. In this mode speaker compression modeling behaves differently relying on the
speaker for compression while still simulating the interaction with the power amp. NOTE: this mode is
not intended for use with current drive power amps, i.e. tube power amps, Class-D current feedback
amps (Quilter Tone Block), etc. NOTE: this mode CAN be used with FRFR monitors in high volume
applications where the monitor’s speakers are compressing thereby achieving a more dynamic
response.

Added 10-band, 2/3 octave types to Graphic EQ block. These types center the filter frequencies on a
narrower range best suited to finely sculpting guitar tones.

Added 10-band, 2/3 octave graphic equalizer to Drive block. The EQ can be enabled/disabled via the
Graphic EQ parameter which is also modifiable.
Added 8-band, 2/3 octave graphic equalizer to Wah block. The EQ can be enabled/disabled via the EQ
parameter which is also modifiable.

Fixed moving cabs with Axe-Edit causes corrupted empty slots.

Fixed Looper status not reported correctly via MIDI.

Fixed Looper doesn’t always start if threshold is off.

Fixed metronome turning on when executing Reset System Parameters.

Various fixes and changes for FC series foot controllers.

1.15

Added (2) IR Player blocks. These are simple versions of the Cabinet block that can be used to process
IRs for various purposes such as applying Tone Matches separate from the Tone Match block. For
example, an IR Player block can be used to apply a Tone Match of a guitar at the beginning of a chain
leaving the Tone Match block available for amp matching.

Added Output 1 Volume Increment and Output 1 Volume Decrement CC assignments. When the CC
assigned to Volume Increment/Decrement is received the scene volume for Output 1 is incremented or
decremented by 1 dB and the preset automatically saved.

Added Metronome function. To enable the metronome press the Tempo button and adjust the level for
the desired output(s). Note: the metronome levels persist across presets and are reset to OFF at power
on.

Improved Looper block:

1. Added Record Threshold parameter. When set to a value greater than -80 dB recording will not
start until the input signal exceeds the set value. The Record icon will blink when the Looper is
armed for recording and will turn solid when recording starts. The meter at the bottom of the
page can be used to help set the Threshold. Use the soft knob or main Value knob to adjust the
threshold value (or use the Record Threshold parameter on the Config page).
2. Added Trim Start and Trim End parameters to the Looper block. These parameters can be used
to adjust the start and end points of the loop. The graph on the Control page provides
visualization of the loop and the start/end points.
3. Added Quantize parameter. When set to ON the loop length is quantized to the nearest beat.
4. Added Record 2nd Press parameter. Choices are Overdub – existing behavior, second press of
Record ends loop and enters overdub; Play – second press of Record ends loop and enters play;
Stop – second press of Record ends loop.
5. Added Speed parameter. When Speed is set to HALF the virtual tape runs at half the normal
speed. The speed can be also be toggled via a MIDI CC message.
6. Improved cross-fading at the start and end of the loop.
Added Mode parameter to Tone Match block. When set to OFF-LINE the processing is adjusted to
better suit matching recorded sources such as guitar stems. When set to LIVE the processing is as
before and better suited to matching a real-time source such as the output of a guitar amp.

Added Damping Time to Sequencer. This controls the time it takes to slew from the one value to the
next.

Improved CPU usage for Synthesizer block when oscillator type is white or pink noise.

Improved Tuner.

Various GUI tweaks and improvements.

Changes/improvements to 3rd-Party MIDI device support (see AXE-FX III MIDI FOR THIRD-PARTY DEVICES
document for details).

Fixed ADSR graphs not initializing properly on preset recall.

Fixed some parameter displays dependent on Tempo, i.e. Delay Time, not updating when new Tempo is
entered.

Fixed Mixer and Multiplexer blocks shouldn’t be bypassable.

Fixed Tremolo block bug when LFO Type set to SAW DOWN.

1.14

Added MIDI CC for Looper Stop. This allows stopping recording or playback of the Looper via MIDI
automation.

Added Friedman HBE 2018 C45 amp model.

Added gain monitoring for Input Dynamics control in Amp block.

Fixed MIDI status dump not working correctly.

Fixed divide-by-zero fault if turning Master Volume to zero on JS410 amp models.

1.13

Added “Dual Chorus” type to Chorus block. This type has independent LFOs for the left and right delay
lines. Delay lines are BBD emulations.

Added “SSB Upper” and “SSB Lower” types to Ring Modulator block. These select the upper and lower
sidebands of the modulation, respectively.
Added single-sideband ring modulators to Multidelay block. These can be used to create strange and
interesting echo sounds. To defeat the modulators turn Master Ring Mod Mix to 0.

Added chorusing to individual delay lines in Multidelay block. There are four LFOs, one for each delay
line. The rate and depth of each LFO is individually adjustable. These add to the main LFOs which
modulate each delay line at the same frequency but different phases. By using short delay times the
Multidelay block can now act as four parallel choruses, each with independent rate and depth.

Added Quad-Tap Band Delay type to Multidelay block. This type has the same configuration as the
Quad-Tap delay except the filters are outside the feedback paths.

Added band highlighting to RTA block. Turn Value knob to select desired band. The frequency of the
selected band is displayed in the upper left corner.

Increased number of channels in Multiplexer block to six, one for each row.

Changed preset recall behavior if Ignore Redundant PC is on. If Ignore Redundant PC is on and the
desired scene (set via PC mapping) is different than the current scene the preset is not loaded but the
scene IS changed.

Added MIDI support for 3rd-party devices to set/get scene, channel, bypass, scene names and preset
names, control the Looper, tap tempo, etc. via System Exclusive messages. See the Axe-Fx III MIDI for
Third-Party Devices document for implementation details.

Added Preset Increment/Decrement controllers. These can be used to increment/decrement the

current preset. The Preset Start and Preset End parameters control the range of presets selected and
selection wraps at the limits. Preset mapping and offsets are ignored.

Improved Tempo accuracy for MIDI clock.

Fixed Barberpole type in Phaser block broken.

Fixed no preset loading on startup if Ignore Redundant PC is on.

Fixed Scratchpad Cab #1 not loading automatically when doing an IR capture.

Various changes and fixes for FC controllers.

1.12

Added Global Block support for Input 1 block.

Added Scene Volumes to Output block.

Improved Multidelay block. The Band Delay type has been replaced by a more flexible Quad Parallel
Delay. The Quad Parallel Delay and the Quad Series Delay now feature four delay lines in a parallel or
series configuration, respectively, as before, with the output of each delay line feeding a series
combination of a bandpass filter and a resonator. Added drive, low-cut and hi-cut filters allow further
tone sculpting. To defeat the bandpass filters set Master Q to minimum. To defeat the resonators set
Master Resonator Feedback to 0.

Improved Spring Reverb algorithm. New algorithm features improved dispersion modeling and
adjustable low and high frequency decay time ratios.

Improved knob response for fine adjustments.

Fixed Reverb GUI so that only valid parameters show on All page for selected type.

Fixed system backup hanging if on preset containing certain types of foot controller data.

Fixed engaging Tuner causes reset of External Controller values.

Fixed Ignore Redundant PC not working.

Fixed Tremolo block not updating rate when entering tempo.

1.11

Fixed Multiband Compressor and Output GUI.

Fixed Looper block Dry Level not working.

1.10

Improved Scene/Channel switching.

Added “Stereoizer” type to Enhancer block. While the Classic and Modern types rely on micro-delays
and inversions to create artificial stereo, the new Stereoizer uses multiple high-order filters to create a
realistic stereo image.

Fixed Phaser block level dropping 3 dB when effect is engaged.

1.09

Added “Effect Bypass Mode” to MIDI menu. When set to “Value” the bypass state of an effect assigned
to a CC is controlled by the CC value. When set to “Toggle” the bypass state toggles whenever the CC
message is received, regardless of the value.
Added “Default Scene” parameter to Global menu. When set to “As Saved” the scene selected when
recalling a preset is the scene that was active when the preset was saved. When set to a particular
scene value that scene will always be selected when a preset is recalled.

Added Channel parameter to modifiers. This allows applying the modifier to all channels or only a
selected channel of an effect block.

Added Tilt EQ to Amp block Input EQ types.

Added Boost Type and Boost Level to Amp block. There are seven boost types: Neutral, T808, T808
Mod, Super OD, Full OD, AC Boost and Shimmer. All boosts act as “clean boosts” replicating the oft-
used “Drive on 0, adjust Level as desired” boost technique. The boost allows boosting the amp block
without requiring a separate Drive block. The Boost Level parameter controls the amount of boost.

Added Modifier ability to Formant block Resonance parameter.

Added “Prompt on Edited Preset Change” parameter to Global Settings. When set to ON the unit will
prompt before changing presets if the current preset has been edited (and prevent you from losing your
edits). NOTE: Be sure to change this value to OFF before performing!

Added Global Blocks. There are 8 Global Blocks per effect instance. Not all effects support Global Blocks
(i.e. Mixer, RTA, etc.). There are four operations associated with a Global Block:
1. Link To Global Block: This operation links the selected effect with a Global Block. The Global
Block data is NOT loaded. Upon saving the preset the Global Block is saved. Any other presets
linked to this Global Block will load the Global Block data upon recall.
2. Load From Global Block: This operation loads data from a selected Global Block but does NOT
link the block.
3. Link To and Load From Global Block: This operation links an effect to a Global Block AND loads
data from the Global Block. Upon saving the preset the Global Block is saved. Any other presets
linked to this Global Block will load the Global Block data upon recall.
4. Unlink From Global Block. This operation disassociates the effect from any Global Blocks.

Global Block operations are accessible from the Tools page in the Layout menu.

Improved scene switching algorithm resulting in much faster, smoother scene changes.

Improved Reverb algorithms.

Changed Looper behavior:

1. Pressing Undo while recording undoes the last recorded layer, as before. Pressing Undo when
the loop is stopped now erases the loop data. Pressing Undo during playback undoes the last
recorded layer. Pressing Undo again (during playback) restores the undone layer. Subsequent
presses toggle the layer on and off.
2. Pressing Record now always starts a new layer (previously pressing Record during the first layer
stopped recording and entered playback).
3. Pressing Once while recording stops the loop.
Added Dry Level parameter to Looper Block.

Improved Input block noise gate. When the Type is set to Intelligent (default) the noise gate now
provides smart EMI filtering which reduces hum and buzz. NOTE: For best results the AC Line Frequency
parameter in the Global Settings menu should be set to match the power line frequency of your country
(i.e. 60 Hz for North America, 50 Hz for EU, etc.).

Improved Amp block output transformer modeling.

Various changes to support Axe-Edit.

Various changes to support FC-6/12 controllers.

Changed default value for Setup -> MIDI -> Program Change to ON.

Fixed Scene MIDI block not sending correct data on preset change.

Fixed cabinet names not showing up in cab picker until background tasks are finished.

Fixed wrong Preamp Bias value in Plexi 2204 model.

Fixed Pitch block LFO Tempo not being updated on tempo changes.

Fixed RTA block not updating on preset change.

Fixed noise in Looper block when pressing Undo.

Fixed Modifier Auto-Engage working erratically if Update Rate set to Slow or Medium.

Fixed MIDI PC Offset not being applied.

Fixed crash if flooding unit with MIDI data during boot.

Fixed hang if MIDI Send PC is set to OMNI.

1.08

Various changes to support Axe-Edit.

Fixed Channels not copying correctly when using Scene copy utility function.

Fixed Global data not being saved after import (restore).

Fixed Reverb hold not working for Spring types.

1.07
Fixed Pitch block not setting number of voices correctly, i.e. Whammy modes should have one voice but
two voices were audible.

Fixed Input 1 Level Meters not scaled properly when input source is USB.

Fixed minor bug in Rotary GUI.

Fixed wrong default Output Level value in Return block.

Fixed garbage data in SPDIF output buffer if no Output 1 block in layout.

Added “Update Rate” parameter to Modifiers. Values are Slow | Medium | Fast. The Update Rate
selects the rate at which the modifier updates the target parameter. For most applications a slow rate is
sufficient. Under some circumstances a slow rate may cause “zipper noise”. Increasing the rate will
reduce the noise at the expense of increased CPU usage.

1.06

Added “Solo” ability to Cab block.

Added “Plexi 2204” Amp model based on a 1981 JMP 50W Master Volume head.

Added modifier capability to Resonator block Chord and Frequency parameters.

Fixed Output block buffer stuck when bypassed causing high pitched tone.

Fixed Pitch block not initializing correctly on patch change.

Fixed Pitch block sometimes getting “stuck” on negative harmony shifts.

Fixed distortion on Crystal Echoes pitch type if Direction is set to Reverse and Shift is set to +4.

Fixed MIDI message(s) immediately following a PC message being ignored, i.e. Scene Select CC.

Fixed some minor GUI bugs.

1.05

Added ability to route block when Layout is zoomed out.

Added Input Source select to ADSR and Envelope in Control block.

Fixed MIDI bank select.

Fixed Scene Copy function not copying Amp block bypass states.
Fixed can’t select Amp type when creating a new preset if the previous preset had the Amp block
channel as anything other than ‘A’.

Fixed External Controller initial values not being applied and garbage values in any of these controllers
that are not assigned.

1.04

Fixed low-cut and high-cut filters not working in Multitap Delay block.

Fixed Amp blocks bypass states not being preserved across preset changes.

Fixed Tone Match block Smoothing parameter not working.

Fixed Quad Tape Delay missing modifier for Motor Speed (formerly labeled Tape Speed).

Fixed MIDI CC Channel changes not responding above values of 3.

Various GUI enhancements and improvements.

1.03

First public firmware release.