Version 3.02 April 29 2016
AX8 Firmware 3.02 is based on the Quantum 2.04, 3.00, 3.01, and 3.02 firmware updates for the Axe-Fx II. This is a major release and may change the sound of existing presets (specifically, the AMP block) although RESET SYSTEM PARAMETERS should not be necessary. We always suggest that you backup your AX8 using
Fractal-Bot before a firmware update.
Quantum Updates:
· Re-matched Friedman BE and HBE amp models using a newer reference amp, as the original reference amp is an early model and has questionable QC.
· Added Friedman BE/HBE V2 models based on a Friedman BE/HBE with the “Voice” switch toggled left. The original models (based on the switch toggled right) have been renamed Friedman BE/HBE V1.
· Reduced popping when changing Amp block Preamp Bias.
· Fixed Drive block “Plus Dist” type defaulting to wrong clipping type.
· Improved Amp block output transformer modeling. New model more accurately simulates dynamic core losses and leakage inductance. The “Xfrmr Grind” knob controls the intensity of the effect. Higher values result in more high frequency response and a more “open” sound. Very high values can yield a raspy, spitty tone common in vintage and/or low wattage amps. Modern “big iron” amps tend to have low values. Note that the audibility is dependent upon how hard the virtual power amp is driven and is more noticeable as the MV is increased. Also note that the effect in real amps is highly dependent on the speaker. Some speaker/transformer combinations exhibit significant high frequency dynamic boost while other combinations yield almost none. As always use your ears as the final determinant.
Note: The Transformer Grind parameter will be set to a default value and the Dynamic Presence parameter will be reset to 0.0 for any presets created with previous firmware.
· Improved triode plate modeling for cases when plate load is complex.
· Improved Ruby Rocket models frequency response accuracy vs. Drive knob. Existing presets should be reset by both deselecting and reselecting the amp model or by turning the Low Cut Freq parameter to 10.0.
· Extended the range of the Amp block Hi Cut Freq parameter to 400 Hz to 40 kHz. As this changes the preset storage format, existing presets will be automatically updated to use default values.
· Added “Dweezil’s B-man” amp model based on a modified Fender Bassman as used by Dweezil Zappa.
· Fixed wrong default Tube Bias value in Recto1 and Recto2 amp models.
Additional Enhancements:
· Moved the “VU” page to the main menu, including a new CPU indicator. (To access this page quickly from the main footswitch screen, simply tap SHIFT followed by PAGE.)
· Greatly improved the performance/efficiency of modifiers.
· INPUT 1 PAD now defaults to “12dB” (when you perform RESET SYSTEM PARAMETERS).
· The AX8 now clears a CPU overload when you change scenes, so any disabled effects can be re-enabled if possible.
· Optimized MIDI input. (This change does not affect MIDI over USB.)
· Added Large Preset Display: The Global Parameter “DISPLAY LARGE PRESET” with the values “NO”, “1 SEC”, “2 SEC”, “3 SEC”, and “4 SEC” was added. When set to any value other than “NO” the Large Preset Name will display for the period of time specified every time the preset is changed by the user.
· Added the Preset Recall Display. Both SINGLE PRESET/BANK and STICKY PRESET/BANK now display a list of the 8 presets in the current selected bank. If the current selected bank contains the active preset, then the active preset is displayed in reverse video. When in STICKY PRESET/BANK mode, this screen is persistent.
·
AX8 Specific Fixes
· Fixed EMPHASIS on the Pedal Compressors so it behaves like the same parameter in the Axe-FX.
· FX BYPASS support (SHIFT->EDIT) now works on the “LAYOUT” page of the main menu, and from
within the edit menu of the LOOPER block.
· Previously un-configured MIDI PC SCENE no longer produces the wrong MIDI Channel Output.
· Fixed a bug preventing PROXIMITY from processing the RIGHT channel in a stereo CAB block.
· Removed the CAB block’s “MIC” parameter since it never worked (and microphones are now “baked in” to all pro-quality IRs anyway!)
· Added “PROXIMITY FX” (Enable/Disable) to the Advanced Menu in the CAB block to control whether the PROXIMITY parameter is active or not. When importing an Axe-Fx Cab block with “Mic” set to “NONE”, this parameter will be set to “disabled” and the PROXIMITY control will do nothing.
· Fixed a bug in INPUT DRIVE: Attaching a controller no longer causes crackling on some models (particularly the “JR BLUES” and “5153 50W BLUE”).
· Fixed a bug in INPUT DRIVE: Turning the INPUT DRIVE knob fully counterclockwise no longer causes oscillations in some models (particularly Angle Severe, Friedman BE/HBE models).
· CPU load no longer spikes 35% when placing a modifier on the REVERB TIME parameter.
· Fixed a crash bug, where a flood of incoming MIDI messages would crash the AX8
· Fixed a bug affecting the clipping algorithm of the “BRIT SILVER” amp model.
· Fixed a bug that allowed AMP models imported from the AxeFx to leave a controller attached to the OUTPUT LEVEL parameter modifier (not supported in the AX8). NOTE: the controller is now removed by the AMP block.
· Reduced audio dropouts when editing with AX8-Edit.
