Fractal Audio AX8 4 Cable Method Tutorial | Four Cable Method | NBN Guitar
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- Опубліковано 20 вер 2024
- The 4 Cable Method (4CM) for the Fractal AX8 can be a bit confusing - a physical setup plus a software setup blows minds sometimes. This tutorial will show you how to set it all up and get it running along with some tips to reduce hum and arrange your block's pre-preamp within the fx loop!
Fractal Audio AX8 Output Mixer Tutorial:
• Fractal Audio AX8: Out...
Fractal Audio Compression Tutorial:
• Fractal Audio AX8: Com... Gear:
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![Fractal Audio AX8: Scenes Explained [Setting Up, Tips n Tricks, Spillover, Customisation]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RZxD97hrcuI/mqdefault.jpg)
![Fractal Audio AX8: Output Mixer Tutorial [Grid, Rows, Parameters, Tips & Tricks, Examples]](/img/n.gif)
Really nice video ! But should we need buffers if I would use this 4CM with 20 meters cables length ? (3x20m total for routing all signals...!)
Thanks Sulivan. 20m...wow...you're definitely gonna need something! Sounds like quite an interesting setup.
I read that the AX8 have buffered outputs but YEAH 20m...! :D I should try it and plug the raw output on my tube amp into my audio interface and run it with an iR with my DAW and compare dB levels with 3m lengh and 20m lengh I guess
Correct. The outputs are buffered but 20m on every cable is going to push the limits I reckon. Best thing is to just try out your plan and see how it goes I guess. Keep me posted!
Sure I wiil :) Thank you for your answer !
Test done ! I need to test it again with DI signal in "reamp" mode but what I eared for now is pretty NO DIFFERENCES. I tested with 2 different lenghts and what I can say is 3m cables (Klotz in 115pF/m) are just a little bit less dynamic/loud than the 20m cables (Sommer in 88pF/m). SO ! The AX8 has well buffered inputs and line level outputs and NO NEED buffers in this case, with any lenght theoretically :)
Very helpful and informative, Joshua. Your attention to detail is much appreciated! I will be checking out your other tutorials on the AX8 as well.
Hi John. Thanks for taking the time to write a comment. I do try to be as detailed as possible without becoming overly pragmatic. There's a few good channels out there with content for the Fractal Audio products - in my mind the best is AxeFX tutorials.
Thanks so much for taking the time to make the tutorial. Very helpful, cheers!
You're welcome! Seemed like a few people were confused about it so I made this tutorial :D
Thanks Joshua. The video was a huge help. Subscribed
Glad it helped!
very informative concise and a real good explanation for those of us new to FAS AX8 world. Thank you
Thanks Ron. Even Jennifer Batten (Michael Jackson's guitarist of 10 years + band member with Jeff Beck for 3) used this video too! She tweeted about it late last year and it blew me away. I'm glad you enjoyed it too. How're you liking the AX8?
Great video, it works perfectly in my Axe Fx 2. Thanks !
Thanks for your comment Rene. I'm glad it could help you out and happy that it works for the Axe FXII. These fractal units are totally cool.
Thank you. This is simple and to the point. I appreciate it. :)
You're welcome. That's the way I like to roll - straight to the point.
Great vid josh. Very clear and helpful to me. Thanks again buddy.
Cheers Philip. Stoked that it was helpful to you. I tried to make it really clear so I'm glad that my method worked. You're welcome. More coming soon!
Thanks brother!!!
You're welcome Camilo!!!
Thank u Joshua,but I'm a fresh man in ax8 and I even don't understand how does those fx work clearly, but I really desire to know how to work with it so I sincerely hope u can give me some suggestions about how to learn guitar amp functionally! i'll be very appreciate if u reply me!
You're welcome. I don't really teach anything about amps and their functions. It's probably better to consult your amps' manual and watch YT videos that relate to your own specific amp. :)
Really helpful
Thanks Muhammad.
Perfect Video
Thanks buddy
So when you’re running the 4CM you’ve got the presets built but instead of an amp you’ve got the FX loop? Am I understanding that correctly?
Question 1: 4CM doesn't have anything to do with presets and you'll still need an amp. Question 2: No
No I meant when you're running the AX8 as FX processor only (so using your amps clean/dirty channels, which involves the 4CM to my knowledge), the presets you build around it on AX8 Edit need to have the FX loop in it, not an amplifier to model? That was my question. I worded it poorly.
They need to add an AMP CHANNEL SWITCH BLOCK for the AX8 to change your tube amps channels
Hopefully they will. I'm not sure if the AX8 will be able to do that with a firmware upgrade but fingers xd bro. The FX8 has the channel switch feature and is probably a much better choice than the AX8 for those that want to continue using a real tube amp head. What's your setup bro?
I have a mesa Express and just ordered my AX8 2 days ago. Normally I have had the Mesa with the TC G-system effects processor and also used the G-sys to loop in pedals and also change my amp channels. I thought about getting the FX, but then it didn't have the modeling for silent recording so I thought this would suit my needs best. I tried many things up to this point to get a silent recording set up like a KOCH load box and putting the amp in a closet so I got the AX8 to make my recording go silent and hopefully better. I will just get my sounds in the AX and then for live gigs I will just MAYBE run the AX8 into my amps power side only and just manage my presets for both situations. I have been enjoying your vids man good stuff it's giving me some ideas already. Have YOU pipped the AX8 through a tube amp yet????? how?
Oh I also have a Fender Strat Ultra from 1993.
Seems like you've got a lot of cool gear. The AX8 is definitely an awesome unit for live shows. Unfortunately, when I'm on tour (which is often for months at a time) I have to use whatever system is provided by the hotel or resort I'm gigging in. A few years ago the hotel gigs I was doing always had a dedicated guitar amp - sometimes solid state and sometimes tube but I didn't have an AX8 back then. My current contract doesn't have an amp of any kind so I run direct to the mixer and out to FOH. My stage monitor shares 2 vox, the signal from my guitar(s), and a couple of iPads that feed our backing tracks into the mixer. It's not ideal but it gets a sound out. So, amazingly enough I've never heard my AX8 through any kind of amp be it tube or otherwise. But that is the exact reason for which I bought it. I needed an awesome unit that could give me a stunning array of amp models, cabs, + an awesome effects selection.
How do you set MIDI to control the amp channels, or switch channels on the real amp?
To my knowledge the AX8 still doesn't have a channel switch feature. If you need that particular function you may be better off with an FX8.
Hey, thanks for the tutorial it really helped! I was wondering, is there a way of bypassing the amps eq/drive altogether & just using it as a speaker essentially? At the moment, my amps eq & drive etc are all changing the tone. Also, on the effects chain on the ax8 edit, I'm having to put the fx loop right at the end otherwise it doesn't register the effects (e.g. if there's a delay/reverb after the effects chain, as shown in your video, it just bypasses them for some reason). I'd appreciate any help you could give! :)
Hey I did everything in the video but I'm not able to adjust my amp what am I missing
Hi. Which amp are you talking about? Your amp head or the virtual amps within the AX8? Not too sure what you mean.
Hey Joshua, great video. One question: I am trying to use my AX8 as a stomp box for pedals that would normally go in in front of the amp (overdrive, wah, volume, but not reverb/chorus/delay etc). Do I need to use the 4CM in order to do this?
Yes & no. Using the 4CM will place everything after the preamp which isn't exactly the same as putting wah, dist etc in front of it and your time-based fx after it. 4CM will reduce your overall noise though. You could still run your wah, dist etc through the front and leave the AX8 in the loop for just the time-based fx. Depends on what you're trying to achieve I guess.
Thank you for the great video! Is it possible to use the amp as a power supply for the AX8 but use the AX8's amp models?
You're welcome Robert. You can but you'll be better off with a neutral power amp/speaker setup.
@@nbnguitar Hi Joshua, i had the same question. I have a Marshall dsl40 amp and bought an ax8. I am trying to utilize both the ax amps/cab sim & effects soley, only power of amp. You mentioned that might aswell get a power amp. Can you elaborate on that. Is it possible to do this without a PA. This is for stage performance. Also do you think if I bought a single stand alone powered speaker that would give me the max performance capability of the Ax. Thanks so much for your feedback
I would like to know how do you set I/O levels to use 4cm
Awesome video man, thanks!
So, did you ever tried to use the 4CM with a amp sim in parallel, so you could in theory achieve "2 amps" sounds where one amp is a sim and the other is a real one?
Thanks Bernardo. I haven't tried that. I can't figure out how you'd 'remove' the sound of the real amp/cab. Do you know how it's done?
+joshua rogers Well, in theory when you do the 4CM, the "FX loop" works like your real amp (like a "real amp block"). There is no "cab" block necessary since you are going to a real power amp and cabinet. Therefore you need to probably turn "off" power amp simulation on the global setting (but I would try with on or off to test the best sound). Then, if you add one amp block in parallel with the fx loop block, that should work as a "2 amp config"...
In case the direct signal volume is higher than the ax8 signal on the 4cm, can I increase the volume of the fx loop block?
HI Joshua , thanks for the tutorial . Can the preset use normal set up instead of the 4 cable method ? Is there any big different ?
Hi Yang. You're welcome. You can but you'd need to set up your configuration normally.
why not use an f8 instead of the ax8?
+Crypt Because I wanted amp modeling
Can I use AX8 with the real amp and also record with amp simulations into pc at the same time? Thanks!
Thanks for this, very helpful!!! Just one question.
I want to use some of the clean presets using the OD channel in my Marshall JVM. I have followed your tutorial to hook it up and i have noticed a lost of sound quality when i use the OD channel, something to do with the FX loop order or does not matter? Thanks in advance.
You're welcome Alf. I would think it shouldn't matter. The primary difference is that you're introducing OD into presets that you've setup for their clean sound - that's not always going to work as nicely as you might hope for.
Thanks man
There is something in the Axe FX Standard and Ultra systems with the nickname for tech that is on the input of the Axe FX units called "special sauce", that has a way of doing something to the sound of the signal to make them sound or react more tube-like. I recall hearing a difference on that system, maybe it is that way as well on version 2.
Hi Josh, I've some questions. I would be very grateful if you can help me with them. I've followed your 4 cables method and have all my cables plugged in. I also plugged the USB cable directly from the AX8 to my Mac. E.G, I'm on Preset 1 Scene 1 and have my dirty channel with a Brit JVM(effect type) on S1, on Scene 2 If I were to change the (effect type) to lets say USA Clean S1 (effect type will change to USA Clean and does not remain as (Brit JVM) even after I have saved teh preset. However on the Presets that come with the AX8 i am able to change the (effect type) on all scenes. Also after I have saved everything on S1 and if I try to change S2 (Effect type) the memory on S1 disappears altogether. I also do not see the Blocks on my AX8 LCD screen. Not sure if this is normal. I tried for 6 hours just to get the right tone but it sounds horrible.
Hi Vince. First, I'd suggest making sure you have your presets & scenes setup correctly and sounding just how you want them to sound. Second, make sure you have your FX loop block inserted at the correct place in your fx chain (placement is entirely up to you). Third, unplug the USB from the Mac. Fourth, for best signal-to-noise performance, set the AX8 OUT 1 and Out 2 level knobs as high as possible , and adjust the OUT 2 (FX SEND) BOOST PAD as high as possible without clipping out 2. See how that goes. If it's all good try plugging your USB back in again.
joshua rogers thanks alot for your prompt advice. Will try it out. If it still doesn't work I'll pay you for technical advice!
Josh apologies if this is an old question . I would like to use the Ax8 to switch my Marshall Jvm via midi and also integrate the real amp pre amp into patches on Ax8. Any suggestions how I would do this ?
No worries. I don't think it's possible. As far as I know only the FX8 can control channels on amp heads. I'm not really an expert on that area though. Could be a good idea to hit the fractal forums Scott.
Thanks brother ;-)
You're welcome Davey. Hope it helps you out in some way buddy.
Good afternoon. What is the best way to get the AX8 sound reference? I've seen that we can link it straight online or loop and turn on the Amp return. But how do you know what his sound really is? It has no headphone output. The best way would be to connect it to an audio interface and listen for the headset interface? Would this be the pure sound of the AX8?
Is that a Boss Gt10 mate
It sure is mate - well spotted!
When using the 4CM with an axe fx 2, is it necessary to use the FX LOOP block? And is it also necessary to turn up OUTPUT 1 and OUTPUT 2? Thank you
What is the gadget below AX 8 where ur connecting the cables ?
I think I mention it in the video. It's a GT10 that was acting as a 'substitute' for an amp with an FX loop.
I think i missed that , anyway do share ur email , will like to talk to u ,
shitalchandr@gmail.com
Thanks
hi on 4cm with a marshall jvm (fx level -10db), should I set the OUT 1 [MAIN] of ax8 on -10 or 4 db?
in marshall jvm is correct to set on -10 or should i set 4db?
thanks
hi, joshua,In this method, turn off the amps simulation in global settings or not?
Do you detect any tone loss at any point in the signal chain? If you AB'ed the 4cm vs non 4cm is there any noticeable difference?
Dino I have to be honest - I haven't set my AX8 up this way to test it. This video just shows you how to set it up if required. I'm out on tour and I only ever run direct to the mixer when I'm on tour (which is exactly why I bought it actually) so I've never actually had a chance to run my AX8 through an amp.
Sorry I can't answer your question. Just try it and see how it sounds to you Dino :D
how would you do this for an axe fx standard?
I'm unsure. I've never owned one of those.
alright, Thanks anyways man
I don't believe it should be any different. wiki.fractalaudio.com/gen1/index.php?title=File:Connections2.jpg
I am considering an AX8 both to use with my Mesa amp with 4 cable method as well as direct in gigs where having my amp is not feasible... Would you say the AX8 can excel in both scenarios?
Hi. Yes I would say the AX8 excels in both of these situations although the FX8 is the better choice for use with the 4CM as that is what it was primarily designed for. If you have enough money get both! Let me know how you get on with your setups if you have time.
I need your help in using my AX8 as an midi controller too, for example, I have a mark V amp and want to configurate with this amp, so I dont loose it distortion, thanks in advance
Ola Javier. Do you mean you want to use your own tube amp? If so I'd suggest running the AX8 using the 4 cable method and disabling the power amp by setting the Supply Sag parameter in the amp block's Power Amp page to 0. That way you'll get minimal noise and the beauty of your own amp's tone.
+joshua rogers thanks, I will try that, however I also need to be able to set my ax8 as the midi controler of the amp, in example, ser up one channel of the ax8 with the clean channel of the mark v with an ax8 chorus and other channel of the ax8 with the mark v lead channel and a ax8 flanger. That is an example, my idea is to have different settings in the ax8 to play different song using both systems
Got it. First things first - do you know the amp's MIDI channels? For example - amp channel 1 is MIDI channel 1; amp channel 2 is MIDI channel 2 etc.
+joshua rogers actually not much 😁, I received it yersterday
sorry maybe I didn't understand before, yes I know them. I'm looking forward for your answer.
sully pruk
Hmmm translation?
@@nbnguitar 4:07 I mucked around with the thrishold and waited for the huss to disappear - but it wouldnt puss off?
Hiss can be attributed to a number of things. Check your guitar and cables too :)
Sorry I bother again Roger just want to know if you are going to be able to help me please
Hey amigo. Yeah of course. You need to give me the MIDI channels for your amp bro.
+joshua rogers sorry my ignorance how can I get that? I know first channel is clean, channel 2 crunch, channel 3 lead, it has a solo(boost) channel, and the eq channel
No worries bro. What are the MIDI settings for your amp?
+joshua rogers sorry do you have other way to contact you? Since I guess this is not the best way for doing this. I'm not so good for this and I do not know which are the settings more than I told you before
javier macias I sent you a PM bro!
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