Firmware 14.00 for the Axe-Fx II is now available for download.
http://www.fractalaudio.com/download...efx2_14p00.zip An updated version of Axe-Edit is now available at
http://www.fractalaudio.com/p-axe-edit-software.php This firmware is bundled with free samples from the recent "Cab Legends" pack by TheAmpFactory. We think they sound great.
Also included is a small teaser selection from "Cab Pack 4 - Universal Noise Storage" - watch for more on this.
Version 14.00 Release Notes
NOTE: This is a major firmware release which normally indicates the potential to alter the sounds of presets. However, in this case it will likely not alter the sounds of your presets EXCEPT if a preset uses any of the Recto models as the tone stacks have been reworked for these models (see below).
Improved Looper as follows:
Improved handling of quantization. If recording is stopped early, the Looper will automatically continue recording until the next down beat rather than extend the length of the loop by adding silence. If recording is stopped late, the Looper will automatically start playback that far into the loop rather than waiting for the next downbeat. When play is stopped and re-started the Looper no longer waits for the Axe-FX II"s internal tempo downbeat. This makes it easier to resync up with an external tempo source when starting and stopping playback.
Improved handling of modifiers on Loop Start and Loop End parameters. Changing one of these values no longer alters the min/max of the other. So for example an external controller could be assigned to both Start and End simultaneously to allow sweeping over a playback region.
Added the ability to pre-select Reverse before recording. When recording is finished the loop will automatically start playing back in Reverse.
Changed Quantize parameter to have 4 values: OFF, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16 to support quantizing to subdivisions of the quarter note.
Added new parameter "Record Beats". If set to a value > 0 and Quantize is turned it then the Looper will automatically record for the specified number of beats (unless stopped earlier by user).
Fixed a bug where using Undo and 1/2 speed could cause the unit to exceed maximum CPU.
Various internal efficiency improvements.
Added Global Noisegate Offset parameter. This parameter allows offsetting the Noisegate threshold for all presets. This can be used to increase or decrease the threshold to compensate for varying interference levels. Note that if the Threshold parameter in the preset is set to “Off” the Global Offset will have no effect. NOTE: This parameter will default to -40 dB after installation of the firmware. Be sure to set to the desired value. The default value is 0 dB and is set to that upon System Reset.
Improved Amp block triode model. New model more accurately replicates behavior when triode enters saturation. This results in a warmer and punchier tone with smoother distortion characteristics.
Improved tone stack accuracy at extreme knob settings (i.e. when Treble is near maximum) by accounting for impedance loading. In most cases this is barely audible but for certain tone stacks that are heavily loaded there may be a small change in tone, especially as the tone controls are set near their minimum or maximum values.
Improved power tube grid conduction modeling. This more accurate modeling improves dynamic response resulting in a more powerful tone and feel. This also improves post-PI Master Volume behavior.
Removed “Dynamics” control from Amp block. This control is no longer deemed necessary due to the improvements in the underlying modeling.
Renamed Amp block “Comp” knob “CF Comp” since this knob controls the amount of compression in the Cathode Follower (CF) modeling.
Added “Brit 800” tone stack type. This type is identical to a Plexi tone stack except for the load resistance. The default tone stack for the Brit 800 and Brit 800 Mod amp models is now set to this type.
Improved Recto models tone stack accuracy. The Recto models now use an exact digital replica of the unique tone control network used in those amps. Furthermore the Presence control now operates like the actual amp in all models (i.e. for those models where there is no negative feedback the Presence control is actually part of the tone stack). NOTE 1: The model may need to be reset by deselecting and reselecting the type in order to load the updated parameters. NOTE 2: If the power amp modeling is defeated the Presence control usually operates as a shelving filter with noon being neutral. For the Recto models where the Presence control is part of the tone stack this will not be the case. The Presence control will continue to act as it does when the power amp modeling is active since it is part of the preamp.
Due to the above, all Recto1 and Recto2 models have been re-MIMIC’d.
Added “Recto1 Org Mdrn” amp model based on the Orange channel of an original Dual Rectifier with the “Channel Cloning” switch set to “Org to Modern”. NOTE: Unlike the actual amp the Presence knob is effective in this model (in the actual amp the Presence knob has very little effect). When set to zero the Presence matches the actual amp at zero. When set to about 1.0 it matches the actual amp at full.
Added “FAS Brootalz” amp model. This model brings teh brootalz.
Added “Angle Severe” amp models based on the Rough channel of an Engl Savage. Angle Severe 2 models the contour switch depressed.
Added “USA Pre Ld1 Red” amp model based on the Lead 1 Red mode of a Mesa Triaxis preamp with the TX-4 board.
Added “USA Pre Ld2 Red” amp model based on the Lead 2 Red mode of a Mesa Triaxis preamp.
Improved Spring Reverb models. To utilize the new models the Type must be reselected in order to load the new default parameters.
Fixed UltraRes indication bit not being set for Axe-Edit.
Fixed unit pushing MIDI data to USB even after USB has been disconnected resulting in hang.
Fixed Metronome silent when switched on via MIDI CC until Tempo menu entered.
Fixed wrong capacitor value in Dirty Shirley model.
Fixed wrong phase inverter gain in Double Verb model.
Fixed Boost/Pad only working for Output 2 if using FX Loop (was not working properly if using Output 2 Echo feature).
Various addition/fixes to support the Axe-Fx II XL.