Axe-Fx II Firmware 16.02 Released

16.02

Improved Amp block output transformer modeling. New algorithm more accurately simulates effects of inter-winding capacitance and the resulting load on the virtual power tubes. This results in improved high frequency response. Tones have more “chime” without being harsh. This is especially noticeable for amps with low negative feedback or when the Presence is turned up high.

Added Slope parameter to SPKR page in Amp block. This parameter allows fine adjustment of the high-frequency impedance of the virtual voice coil (which affects the slope of the impedance curve). A speaker voice coil is “semi-inductive” due to eddy current losses in the motor. This presents an impedance to the power amp that isn’t fully inductive nor fully resistive. The amount of resistive loss varies by brand and type. Reducing the Slope simulates a speaker that is less inductive, increasing Slope simulates a speaker that is more inductive. Typical speakers range from 3.0 to 4.5 with the median being about 3.7. Lower values yield greater midrange while higher values are more scooped and sizzly.

Improved Compressor block by adding a new dynamics processing algorithm. The block has been renamed Comp/Dynmc in light of this. There are now four types of dynamics algorithms: Studio Compressor, Pedal Compressor 1, Pedal Compressor 2, and Dynamics. The Dynamics algorithm allows compression or expansion with a single control. When the Dynamics parameter is set to negative values the block compresses the signal, when set to positive values the block expands the signal.

Added “Fast RMS” Detector type to Studio Comp type in Compressor block. This detector type mimics the fast detectors in classic rack-mount compressors.

Added “Dynamics” control to amp block. This parameter controls a dynamics processor that can be used to alter the dynamic response of the amp algorithms. When set below zero the amp compresses resulting in a smoother, less dynamic sound. When set greater than zero the amp expands resulting in a punchier, crunchier and more dynamic sound. Note that extreme values can have undesirable side-effects such as pumping and clipping.

Added AC voltage control to Amp block. This parameter, called “AC Voltage (Variac)” in the Advanced menu sets the relative AC line voltage into the amp simulation implementing a virtual “Variac”. Note that normally the volume would vary with the Variac setting in a real amp but the simulation compensates for the volume change by applying the inverse. This mitigates having to manually compensate using the Output Level.

Improved Noise Gate. The noise gate now features two types: “Classic” and “Intelligent”. The Classic type is unchanged from previous firmwares and is a basic downward expander. The Intelligent type features faster and more stable gating along with a proprietary noise reduction algorithm.

Added ducking to Reverb block. The ducking works analogously to the ducking in the Delay block.

Added “Class-A 30W Hot” amp model based on a Vox AC30HW with the Hot/Cool switch in the Hot position.

Moved Spkr Drive parameter in Amp block to Advanced menu page.

Fixed Angle Severe models oscillating if Presence turned way down.

Fixed wrong Low Cut Freq in AC-20 Dlx Treb model.

Fixed several errors in the Citrus Terrier amp model.

Fixed Global menu Reverb Mix value display being overwritten.
 
16.02

Improved Amp block output transformer modeling. New algorithm more accurately simulates effects of inter-winding capacitance and the resulting load on the virtual power tubes. This results in improved high frequency response. Tones have more “chime” without being harsh. This is especially noticeable for amps with low negative feedback or when the Presence is turned up high.

Added Slope parameter to SPKR page in Amp block. This parameter allows fine adjustment of the high-frequency impedance of the virtual voice coil (which affects the slope of the impedance curve). A speaker voice coil is “semi-inductive” due to eddy current losses in the motor. This presents an impedance to the power amp that isn’t fully inductive nor fully resistive. The amount of resistive loss varies by brand and type. Reducing the Slope simulates a speaker that is less inductive, increasing Slope simulates a speaker that is more inductive. Typical speakers range from 3.0 to 4.5 with the median being about 3.7. Lower values yield greater midrange while higher values are more scooped and sizzly.

Improved Compressor block by adding a new dynamics processing algorithm. The block has been renamed Comp/Dynmc in light of this. There are now four types of dynamics algorithms: Studio Compressor, Pedal Compressor 1, Pedal Compressor 2, and Dynamics. The Dynamics algorithm allows compression or expansion with a single control. When the Dynamics parameter is set to negative values the block compresses the signal, when set to positive values the block expands the signal.

Added “Fast RMS” Detector type to Studio Comp type in Compressor block. This detector type mimics the fast detectors in classic rack-mount compressors.

Added “Dynamics” control to amp block. This parameter controls a dynamics processor that can be used to alter the dynamic response of the amp algorithms. When set below zero the amp compresses resulting in a smoother, less dynamic sound. When set greater than zero the amp expands resulting in a punchier, crunchier and more dynamic sound. Note that extreme values can have undesirable side-effects such as pumping and clipping.

Added AC voltage control to Amp block. This parameter, called “AC Voltage (Variac)” in the Advanced menu sets the relative AC line voltage into the amp simulation implementing a virtual “Variac”. Note that normally the volume would vary with the Variac setting in a real amp but the simulation compensates for the volume change by applying the inverse. This mitigates having to manually compensate using the Output Level.

Improved Noise Gate. The noise gate now features two types: “Classic” and “Intelligent”. The Classic type is unchanged from previous firmwares and is a basic downward expander. The Intelligent type features faster and more stable gating along with a proprietary noise reduction algorithm.

Added ducking to Reverb block. The ducking works analogously to the ducking in the Delay block.

Added “Class-A 30W Hot” amp model based on a Vox AC30HW with the Hot/Cool switch in the Hot position.

Moved Spkr Drive parameter in Amp block to Advanced menu page.

Fixed Angle Severe models oscillating if Presence turned way down.

Fixed wrong Low Cut Freq in AC-20 Dlx Treb model.

Fixed several errors in the Citrus Terrier amp model.

Fixed Global menu Reverb Mix value display being overwritten.

Man, you're so slow! :mrgreen
 
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HA HA! I was just literally playing with a plexi setting about 5 minutes ago and was really wishing I could control the ac voltage level. I went to the forum to post in the wish section but found this instead..."Added AC voltage control to Amp block. This parameter, called “AC Voltage (Variac)” in the Advanced menu sets the relative AC line voltage into the amp simulation implementing a virtual “Variac”." looks like ill be sleeping at work tomorrow :D
 
Added “Fast RMS” Detector type to Studio Comp type in Compressor block. This detector type mimics the fast detectors in classic rack-mount compressors.
Would that include a dbx160 ...?

Never played it, but always wanted one anyway. Thanks!!! :)
 
This is a REAL good one. It's the hyper real 'tunable' firmware. It's like having a whole new slew of tools for your race car; all top notch pro level and easy to understand, easy to figure out to boot. This is can't miss pro-level stuff.

Check the Variac and have FUN with that beastie. I think that'll be a crowd favorite.

Pay attention to the power of the Dynamics control in the amp block; a touch of that (Positive so it's expansion) to offset the Output Compression in the amp block makes for MASSIVE tones for days; just dripping with power and authority. Check a Marshall type amp with .26 or so (about -1.5db RMS) on the Output compression with a like number on the plus side (expansion) of the Dynamics knob... Whoa. Stand back.

The intelligent gate is slamming. I truly believe this is a leap forward from what was already a state of the art noise gate on the input.

The new compression scheme in the compression block is really special. If you like a touch of compression... whoa.

Ducking the reverb is EXCELLENT. It's like realism just got on steroids.

The slope in the speaker tab can (like the low resonance frequency) *tune* in a good IR in a most incredible way - you can make one good IR sound different across a whole range of amps.

The Vox amp included is WAY sweet - the entire range of amps with low-cut in them are MORE stellar and were damn killer to start with.

Nothing in this firmware is less than excellent.
 
Didn't we have the dynamics up to about FW10 and then it was decided it was redundant?
 
Excellent!

However, I would ask for updated presets based off of new FW. I would like to see Fractal's take on these new developments.

R
 
This is why this company is so great. I had reported a minor issue with the Global Reverb Mix being displayed inaccurately. Matt emailed me today (he was off for the Columbus day holiday) and after not being able to describe it well via email, he offered to call me. We talked this morning (remember still his day off) recreated the issue and by this evening it is fixed and incorporated in the latest firmware along with these enhancements. Amazing.

Thanks guys!
 
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