More Update Goodness: Axe-FX II - Fw 12.02

Handsome_Chris

http://www.fractalaudio.com/downloads/firmware-presets/axe-fx-2/12.0/axefx2_12p02.zip

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12.02

Fixed a bug in system dumps.

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Fixed Presence control not working for certain amp types.

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http://www.fractalaudio.com/downloads/firmware-presets/axe-fx-2/12.00/axefx2_12p00.zip

Added two “Scene Controllers”. These controllers have a constant value that is programmable per scene. The controllers are accessed via the Control->Scene menu. These controllers can be used to control a parameter such that it has a different value in each scene. For example, Scene Controller 1 might have a Scene 1 value of 10% and a Scene 2 value of 20%. This controller can be attached to Reverb Mix, for example, which would give a higher Reverb mix in the second scene compared to the first scene.

Improved diode models in Drive block. This affects Drive types that use the GE Diode, SI Diode and new LED Clip Types.

Added LED Clip Type to Drive block (see above).

Added “FAS LED-Drive” Drive model.

Added “Tube Drv 4-Knob” Drive model based on a “4-knob” Butler Tube Driver. The existing “Tube Driver” model has been renamed “Tube Drv 3-Knob”.

Improved Amp block power supply current draw modeling which improves “feel”.

Improved Amp block phase-inverter-to-power-tube-grid interaction modeling which improves transient response resulting in faster attack. This also improves the clarity of notes especially when using heavily overdriven power amp settings.

Added Global “Modeling Version” parameter to select between Version 11.xx or Version 12.xx power amp modeling.

The Amp block “Grid Modeling” parameter has been renamed and repurposed. The new name is “Modeling Mode” and offers the following choices:
1. Authentic – Replicates a tube amplifier with the utmost accuracy.
2. Grid Cond Off – Turns off grid conduction modeling in the power amp simulation. This reduces blocking distortion.
3. Smooth – Sets Triode Hardness to the minimum value essentially creating an ideal preamp and turns off grid conduction modeling in the power amp. This removes most of the “nasty” distortion that tube amps create.
4. Ideal – Removes most of the “warts” from the modeling which includes grid conduction, output transformer distortion, bias shifting and AC power supply modeling. Supply sag, screen voltage effects and crossover distortion are still modeled.
5. Ideal/Smooth – Same as #3 but also sets Triode Hardness to its lowest value. This is in essence an ideal preamp plus an ideal power amp.

The audibility of these settings is dependent upon the particular amp model and various parameters. The use of these modes in conjunction with other parameters can yield idealized tones not achievable with real tube amps.

The first two choices duplicate the previous behavior of the deprecated “Grid Modeling” parameter so no changes are required to existing presets.

Note that when “Ideal” is chosen the global Modeling Version parameter is irrelevant.

Added “5F1 Tweed” amp model based on a Fender Champ. This particular amp exhibits a unique breakup characteristic due to its single-ended design and simple circuit.

Added “Wrecker 2” amp model based on a Trainwreck Express.

Added “Two Stone J35 2” amp model based on a Two Rock Jet 35 with the Preamp Bypass switch off. The existing “Two Stone J-35” model has been renamed “Two Stone J35 1”.

Added “Wrecker 2” and “Skyline Deep” tone-stack types to Amp block. Skyline Deep is the Skyline tone-stack with the Deep switch engaged.

Added “ODS-100 Lead 3” amp model based off a non-HRM Dumble with the Preamp Bypass switch off.

Changed the Amp block Overdrive knob now defaults to 7.5 when selecting an amp model that uses this knob as this is a more typical value.

Added Level control to Enhancer block Classic mode.

Tremolo block now resets LFO when bypassed so that LFO starts at 90 degrees when effect is engaged.

Added Scene indication to main Layout page.

Fixed Delay block Ping-Pong type mix level twice what it should be.

Fixed activating Hold in Delay block causes swelling in echos.

Fixed Reverb clicking for Room, Catherdral and Studio types when size is greater than 85.

Fixed Pitch block Arpeggiator where certain scale degrees would sound the root instead of the desired harmony.

Fixed corrupted user cabinet data can cause erratic behavior.

Fixed corrupted MIDI streams can cause crash.

ToneControl

as usual I'll wait for the 12.02 version

Si_

Quite pleased I'm no longer on the constant upgrade path  I still think they release updates far too often..

Handsome_Chris

Why is it a constant upgrade path?

Si_

I appreciate Cliff is always wanting to improve the product, I just think they need to slow down the releases and let people get used to things rather that releasing major updates all the time. 

I know you don't have to update.. and a lot of people don't, but as stated above, i'd be SHOCKED if this isn't buggy and a new update comes out very soon.. they should take their time, get it right first time, maybe do a release once a quater.

paulmapp8306

Ive got to the point where I only update if theres something I want - which is getting less frequent.  It used to be "new amp models" but theres so many now that Im not even that bothered about amps - unless its one I really want (a Carr would be nice).

These days its only for improvements in amp response, which FW12 does have, so Im trying it - but Im less interested than I once was.

Its testament to how much cliff has improved/pushed modelling technology that Improvements are now so slight that Im not that concerned.

octatonic

Si_ said:

I appreciate Cliff is always wanting to improve the product, I just think they need to slow down the releases and let people get used to things rather that releasing major updates all the time. 

I know you don't have to update.. and a lot of people don't, but as stated above, i'd be SHOCKED if this isn't buggy and a new update comes out very soon.. they should take their time, get it right first time, maybe do a release once a quater.

I'm still on 11.02- it does what I need it to.

I get what you are saying but upgrading is optional- I'm not in any hurry to upgrade.

ToneControl

I am always baffled when people go on the Fractal forum and complain because their patches now are all sounding different and they have a gig tonight. I used to tell them - just upgrade when you have the time to rework your patches, there's nothing compelling everyone to upgrade every single tweak, but I'd rather have this informal and regular release cycle than a corporate once a year thing, there's much more chances for user feedback and lots of incremental improvements this way

octatonic

ToneControl said:

I am always baffled when people go on the Fractal forum and complain because their patches now are all sounding different and they have a gig tonight. I used to tell them - just upgrade when you have the time to rework your patches, there's nothing compelling everyone to upgrade every single tweak, but I'd rather have this informal and regular release cycle than a corporate once a year thing, there's much more chances for user feedback and lots of incremental improvements this way

Agreed, it is one of the reasons why I no longer post on the Fractal forum.

Handsome_Chris

New firmware 12 update. Link and detail in initial post.

Nerine

I think they all still sound like modellers.

Handsome_Chris

Nerine said:

I think they all still sound like modellers.

A lot of old guys say that.

Clarky

the new scene controllers in fw12 are amazing….

ToneControl

Handsome_Chris said:

Nerine said:

I think they all still sound like modellers.

A lot of old guys say that.

I think us older guys need modellers, our backs have gone ;-)

 

 

Handsome_Chris

New update came out one Friday.  Pardon my lackadaisical attitude to maintaining this thread for people who find the FAS Forum a bit itchy.

I had a MAJOR problem cloning an AF2 (for a reserve) the other night when tech'ing at a tv studio (not much pressure).  Ideally I should should have been able to dump from one to another. Unfortunately that wasn't to be, and I had to do it manually, like a fool.  I reported this on the FAS forum on Thursday Afternoon: Less than 24 hours later the head honcho replied with the linky to FW 12.02 .

I know there have been comments about the rapid turnaround of updates; however, this has proved to me the value of the FAS way of doing things.

Handsome_Chris

Pardon me, I should have said that FW 12.02 fixes buggy dumps.