Fractal Audio Axe-Fx II Mark II Preamplifier Firmware 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.

Other Changes:

- 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.