Fotukito
Inspired
As a new AF3 owner, after some overly complicated false starts, below is what I’ve settled on for simplifying guitar swaps during a gig, posted to get critiques from veteran users and in case it is useful for others with similar objectives.
I play in a small cover band using backing tracks with synchronized MIDI for controlling preset/scene/fx selections (so no need for pedals beyond expression and volume), managed by the BandHelper app on iPads. With a wide range of styles to cover, I swap between a Strat and Les Paul depending on the song. In integrating the Axe, some objectives included:
So far, very happy with this direction, but always open to better ideas!
I play in a small cover band using backing tracks with synchronized MIDI for controlling preset/scene/fx selections (so no need for pedals beyond expression and volume), managed by the BandHelper app on iPads. With a wide range of styles to cover, I swap between a Strat and Les Paul depending on the song. In integrating the Axe, some objectives included:
- One-button push on the iPad to indicate to the Axe via MIDI that I’m now playing the Strat vs Les Paul. Needs to persist across preset/scene changes; i.e. only needs to be pressed once per guitar change.
- No need to change cabling when swapping guitars (both continuously plugged in).
- No need to view or access the Axe panel.
- Though presets/scenes used for a given song are optimized for whichever guitar I usually use for that song, if I need to use the other guitar the same presets still work ‘well enough’ even with the PUP signal strength differences.
- Direct connection from the guitars to the Axe, eliminating intermediate switches, pedals, etc.
- Can still use my tuner on the pedal board.
- The Strat stays connected to Input 1; the Les Paul to Input 2.
- Input 1 Gain (newly added global in FW 12.12) set to +3.5 dB to roughly account for Strat vs Les Paul PUP signal strength.
- The M-Plex selects (by row) between blocks In 1 and In 2 using a Modifier sourced by an External Controller linked to a MIDI CC. CC value 0 selects the Les Paul; 127 selects the Strat. Critically, instances of this M-Plex will persist the most recent source selection when changing presets. (PC Reset = Off)
- The VolPan block is only needed for scenes that are built for single-coil / Strat input. It simply reduces gain by -3.5 dB. If the Strat is in use, this nets to 0 gain by counteracting the pre-boost added by Input 1 Gain. If the Les Paul is in use, it reduces the signal by -3.5 dB from the hotter pickups..
- For scenes built for the Les Paul, VolPan is bypassed or omitted and the Input 1 Gain boost gives the Strat a fighting chance to use the preset.
- The Output 3 block sends the raw guitar signal to physical Output 3 which is cabled to my tuner on my pedal board.
So far, very happy with this direction, but always open to better ideas!