TWENTY BIG UPDATES
Where will this all end? Actually, we don’t want to try and answer this question here, but rather provide a quick overview of all the changes that have meanwhile been made to the Axe-Fx’s firmware. After all, the difference between Version 7.0 and the current Version 8.02 is a full 20 updates.
AMP SIMULATIONS
Four new amp simulations have joined the ranks. The famous Soldano X99 rack preamp plays a big role, as all three of its channels have been modelled.
Fans of the American guitarist Richie Kotzen will be especially pleased with the new ‘Corncob R100’ model, which is based on the ‘Cornford RK100 Ritchie Kotzen Signature’.
Many of the amp models have been revised and brought a little closer to the originals, for example the Solo 100, both Rectifiers and the Class A amps.
And the amps’ power gain stage simulations have been improved once again, with yet more parameters. The modelling of the transformer has been improved. The ‘Presence’ and ‘Depth’ algorithms have been rewritten and can now, if desired, behave exactly like the relative controls on a real amp. This function can be selected with the new ‘Pres/Depth Type’ parameter. Of course, you still have the option of selecting the hitherto available idealised behaviour.
LOUDSPEAKER CABINETS
Scores of cab models have been revised and their sound quality improved. The modelling of hard-driven speakers (‘Drive’) has been made yet more authentic.
MORE AIR
And there is a new parameter called ‘Air’, which provides a more present and biting sound, especially with high gain tones.
MORE EFFECTIVE EFFECTS
There are lots of features and changes on the effects front, too.
STOMP BOXES
A new stomp box has been added. It is based on a 1967 Vox Tonebender pedal.
And with ‘Clip Type’ you now have the option of selecting ‘4558/DIODE’, which provides the distortion characteristics of a JRC4558 op-amp.
In hi-fi terms the JRC4558 provides awful sound quality, but its characteristic sound is very popular with guitarists and thus it was used, for example, in the famous Maxon Overdrive.
Each Drive Block now has a three-band equalizer with semi-parametric mids. That doesn’t sound like much, but provides very effective and extensive control over the sound of the Drive model in use.
In fact the entire Drive module has been revised from the ground up. As far as gain, frequency response and output volume go, all of the models are now extremely close to the originals. However, this does mean that after installing the firmware update you may find that some of your patches sound slightly different.
DELAY AY AY & REVERRRRBBB
The spillover functions (which allow delays to keep repeating after a patch change) have been enhanced. They now work with the looper and reverbs can also spill over into the next patch. There are a few new parameters and some sound improvements, which lead to a more natural sound. 
COMPRESSORS
The compressors have also received some attention. Both the Studio and Pedal compressors, as well as the Ultra’s Multi-Band compressor now have extra control parameters. All three compressors sound even better now and are very organic.
NOISE GATE
The noise gate has been completely rewritten. The control range has been increased and the noise gate is now capable of operating very, very quickly, but nevertheless with less flutter. This pushes it up into the premier league of available noise gates and it really is a pleasure to use now.
SO, ANYTHING ELSE?
The Chorus and Flanger modules now have an adjustable hi-cut frequency, to enable the simulation of older analogue pedals.
The tuner is now both more exact and more stable.
The Volume module now has four selectable tapers.
On top of all this a number of small bugs have been fixed and numerous details improved. The CPU usage of some modules has been reduced. Control via MIDI pedals has been made more comfortable. The user interface has been made easier to use in some places.
A FINAL PLEA
As always, after installing the update you need to listen carefully to all your old patches, as every improvement is also a change. With this in mind we are looking forward to the upcoming firmware versions, because one thing is for sure – they will be coming up. Of course, the best bit about it all is that every improvement we’ve mentioned so far is, as always, completely free for every Axe-Fx user..
Firmware 3 till 5.7..
