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.).
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.
World-Class Editor Software
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.
Perform Perfectly with Presets,
Blocks, Scenes, and New “Channels”
512 Presets
6x14 Preset Grid
95 Blocks in the Inventory
42 Block Types
212+ Effect Sub-Types
Up to 4 Channels per Block
8 Scenes per Preset
UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES
ENDLESS INSPIRATION
INFINITE TONE
The Power of Channels and Scenes
The Axe-Fx III stores a whopping 512 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 switch 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.
