AXESS ELECTRONICS FX1 User manual

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Table of Contents
1. Warranty.................................................................................................................................... 5
2. Precautions............................................................................................................................... 5
3. Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 6
3.1 Features List .................................................................................................................................................6
4. Fundamentals ........................................................................................................................... 7
5. Quick Start................................................................................................................................ 8
6. Display....................................................................................................................................... 9
7. Switches & LED’s.................................................................................................................... 10
7.1 Primary Switch Functions............................................................................................................................10
7.1.1 EDIT/2nd ..............................................................................................................................................................10
7.1.2 UP & DOWN .......................................................................................................................................................10
7.1.3 P1 – P6 ...............................................................................................................................................................11
7.1.4 S1 – S12 .............................................................................................................................................................11
7.1.5 S13 – S24 ...........................................................................................................................................................11
7.2 Secondary Switch Functions.......................................................................................................................12
7.2.1 COPY..................................................................................................................................................................12
7.2.2 MIDI ....................................................................................................................................................................12
7.2.3 NAMES ...............................................................................................................................................................12
7.2.4 PRESET..............................................................................................................................................................12
7.2.5 SONGSET ..........................................................................................................................................................12
7.2.6 UTILITY...............................................................................................................................................................12
7.2.7 0 – 9 ....................................................................................................................................................................12
7.2.8 SELECT ..............................................................................................................................................................12
7.2.9 ENTER ¨ ...........................................................................................................................................................12
7.2.10 INC/NO & DEC/YES ...........................................................................................................................................12
7.2.11 EXIT/SAVE .........................................................................................................................................................13
8. Rear Panel............................................................................................................................... 14
8.1.1 XPDL:1................................................................................................................................................................14
8.1.2 XPDL:2................................................................................................................................................................14
8.1.3 XPDL:3................................................................................................................................................................14
8.1.4 XPDL:4................................................................................................................................................................14
8.1.5 S11:S12 ..............................................................................................................................................................14
8.1.6 9VAC:0.4A ..........................................................................................................................................................15
8.1.7 MIDI IN................................................................................................................................................................15
8.1.8 MIDI OUT............................................................................................................................................................15
8.1.9 TO RACK ............................................................................................................................................................15
8.1.10 EXPANDER ........................................................................................................................................................15
9. Power On................................................................................................................................. 16
10. Edit Mode ................................................................................................................................ 17
11. Copy Menu............................................................................................................................... 18
11.1 Preset Copy ................................................................................................................................................18
11.2 Bank Copy ..................................................................................................................................................19
11.3 Song Copy ..................................................................................................................................................20
11.4 Setlist Copy.................................................................................................................................................21
11.5 Instant Access Switch Copy........................................................................................................................22
12. MIDI Menu ............................................................................................................................... 23
12.1 Receive MIDI Channel ................................................................................................................................23
12.2 Program Change Starting Number..............................................................................................................24
12.3 S1 – S24 Control & Program Changes .......................................................................................................25
12.4 Internal Control Changes ............................................................................................................................27
12.5 XP1 – XP4 Global Settings .........................................................................................................................28
12.6 S1 – S12 Custom Hex/MIDI Message ........................................................................................................30
12.6.1 MIDI Messages For Guitar Players 101..............................................................................................................32

Table of Contents
13. Names Menu ........................................................................................................................... 35
13.1 Song Names ...............................................................................................................................................35
13.2 Setlist Names..............................................................................................................................................36
13.3 MIDI Channel Names..................................................................................................................................37
13.4 Instant Access Switch Names.....................................................................................................................38
13.5 Internal Control Change Names..................................................................................................................39
14. Preset Menu ............................................................................................................................ 40
14.1 Preset Select...............................................................................................................................................40
14.2 Preset Name ...............................................................................................................................................41
14.3 Program Change Messages .......................................................................................................................42
14.4 Instant Access Switch On/Off Status ..........................................................................................................43
14.5 Internal Control Change On/Off Status .......................................................................................................44
14.6 XP1 – XP4 Preset Settings .........................................................................................................................45
14.7 Preset Custom Hex/MIDI Message.............................................................................................................47
14.7.1 MIDI Messages For Guitar Players 101..............................................................................................................48
15. SongSet Menu ......................................................................................................................... 51
15.1 Song Create/Edit.........................................................................................................................................51
15.2 Setlist Create/Edit .......................................................................................................................................52
16. Utility Menu............................................................................................................................. 53
16.1 Operating Mode ..........................................................................................................................................53
16.2 S1 – S12 Switch Link ..................................................................................................................................54
16.3 Instant Access Switch Type ........................................................................................................................56
16.4 XP1 – XP4 Port Type..................................................................................................................................57
16.5 XP1 – XP4 Port Calibration.........................................................................................................................58
16.5.1 Calibrating An Expression Pedal Port.................................................................................................................58
16.6 Global Preset Availability ............................................................................................................................60
16.7 Data Dump/Load.........................................................................................................................................61
16.7.1 Remote Data Dump/Load ...................................................................................................................................61
16.8 Delete/Restore ............................................................................................................................................62
16.9 Firmware Version & Update ........................................................................................................................64
16.9.1 Updating The FX1 Firmware...............................................................................................................................64
17. Cables ..................................................................................................................................... 66
17.1.1 XPDL & External Switch .....................................................................................................................................66
17.1.2 XPDL & External Volume Pedal..........................................................................................................................66
17.1.3 XPDL & External Expression Pedal ....................................................................................................................66
17.1.4 S11:S12 & External Dual Footswitch ..................................................................................................................67
17.1.5 S11:S12 & Two External Footswitches...............................................................................................................67
17.1.6 S11:S12 & Single External Footswitch (S11)......................................................................................................68
17.1.7 S11:S12 & Single External Footswitch (S12)......................................................................................................68
18. Remote Control....................................................................................................................... 69
18.1.1 PRST Operating Mode........................................................................................................................................69
18.1.2 SETn Operating Mode ........................................................................................................................................69
18.1.3 SONG Operating Mode.......................................................................................................................................69
19. Master/Slave Loop .................................................................................................................. 70
19.1.1 Master/Slave Connections ..................................................................................................................................70
19.1.2 Master/Slave Cable Details.................................................................................................................................71
19.1.3 Power Supply/Adapter Details ............................................................................................................................71
19.1.4 A Few Things To Remember ..............................................................................................................................71
20. Factory Default Settings......................................................................................................... 72
21. MIDI Implementation Chart .................................................................................................... 73
22. Controlling Multiple GCX’s......................................................................................................74
23. User Manual Revision History ................................................................................................ 75

Axess Electronics : FX1 MIDI Footcontroller User Manual 5
1. Warranty
This product is warranted against failures due to defective parts or faulty workmanship for a period of one year after
delivery to the original owner. During this one year period, Axess Electronics will make any necessary repairs without
charge for parts and labor. However, shipping charges to and from the repair location must be paid by the owner.
This warranty applies only to the original owner and is not transferable.
This warranty does not cover damage to the product as a result from accident or misuse.
This warranty will be canceled at the sole discretion of Axess Electronics if the product has:
•Any signs of tampering, unauthorized service, or modifications.
•Any damage resulting from physical abuse or failure to follow the operating instructions.
Axess Electronics reserves the right to make any changes and/or improvements to the design of this product without
any obligation to include those changes in any previously manufactured units.
Axess Electronics’ liability to the owner and under this warranty is limited only to the repair or replacement of the
defective product. Call or write to Axess Electronics prior to shipping the product for repair.
How To Reach Us
Mail: Axess Electronics Tel. No.: 416-410-9688
251 Queen Street South #278
Mississauga, Ontario L5M1L7
Canada Website: http://www.axess-electronics.com
2. Precautions
It is VERY important to read this section carefully to ensure years of reliable operation from this device. Failure to
follow these precautions WILL void the warranty and may result in Axess Electronics’ refusal to service/support the
device in the future.
Do NOT remove the cover from this device at any time.
Do NOT tamper with, make any internal adjustments or additions to this device at any time.
Do NOT use this device near water and/or allow any liquid to spill into it through any of its openings.
Do NOT drill any part of the chassis to secure this device to a pedalboard, use 3M Dual-Lock instead.
Do NOT drill the bottom of the chassis to attach rubber-feet, use the supplied self-adhesive 3M rubber-feet instead.
Do NOT use any solvents (such as Benzene etc.) to clean the exterior. ONLY use a dry soft cloth to remove dust/dirt.
Do NOT attempt to service this device and/or have anyone else attempt to service this device other than Axess
Electronics.
Do NOT expose this device to excessive heat. It has been designed and tested to operate between 0 oC and 45 oC
(32 oF and 113 oF). This device may shut down under extreme temperature conditions.

Axess Electronics : FX1 MIDI Footcontroller User Manual 6
3. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Axess Electronics FX1 MIDI Footcontroller.
After reviewing the introduction section of some other user manuals for inspiration, I noticed they usually start with the
word “congratulations” and include words such as “finest”, “most powerful” and “ultimate” when describing the
product. I was going to use similar words, as I probably have in other user manuals, but instead I decided not to and
will leave that up to you and others.
I designed the FX1 to be rugged, reliable, full featured, yet simple to program and operate, whether on stage in front
of tens of thousands or just tens of tens etc. Hopefully I have succeeded and you think it’s worthy of being described
as one of the “finest”, “most powerful” and “ultimate” MIDI footcontrollers around.
I would also like to thank the following people without whom the FX1 would not have been possible for one reason or
another. My wife, daughter and dog – for hesitantly allowing me to work crazy hours and sacrificing a whole lot of
quality family time, Daryl Speers – the unbelievably talented software engineer who made my FX1 dream/design a
reality, Mike Marino – thanks for you know what bro, Gil Elgez, Kevin Young, Lonnie Totman, Dave Friedman, the
loyal Axess followers who placed advance orders, sight unseen, and the handful of other’s who gave me ideas.
Mario Marino, President
AXESS ELECTRONICS
3.1 Features List
•6 preset switches (blue LED's).
•12 instant access switches (green LED's).
•Edit/2nd (red LED), Bank Up & Down switches with
yellow LED's.
•127 preset memory locations.
•21 banks of 6 presets, plus a Global Preset.
•Four (global and per preset) expression pedal ports.
•Large 1-line x 16-character LCD display w/backlight.
•Song & setlist modes.
•Create up to 99 songs.
•Organize the 99 songs into 10 setlists of 50 songs.
•Heavy-duty Carling stomp switches (the real ones).
•Switches are spaced 3.00” apart in every direction.
•Master/Slave functionality for multiple footcontroller rigs.
•Expression pedal port calibration.
•Bulk data dump and load capabilities.
•Software upgrades via its MIDI IN jack.
•Scroll through banks/songs without activating a preset.
•Easily copy presets, banks, songs, setlists and instant
access switches.
•Easily name presets, songs, setlists, MIDI channels,
instant access switches and more.
•Individually configure instant access switches to operate
as latching type or hold type switches.
•Each instant access switch can transmit two control
change messages and two program change messages
(one when the switch is on and the other when it’s off).
•Multiple instant access switches can be linked together
to allow for quick/easy selection and indication of which
channel is on, on multi-channel guitar amps, all with the
press of one switch.
•Instant access switches and presets are capable of
sending custom 16 byte hex/MIDI messages.
•Presets can simultaneously transmit program change
messages (starting at 000 or 001 - user selectable for
each MIDI channel) on all 16 MIDI channels.
•Standard (5-pin) MIDI IN and MIDI OUT jacks.
•Heavy-duty TO RACK (5-pin) XLR MIDI OUT jack.
•Powered by a 9VAC adapter (which is included) with a
5.5mm/2.1mm barrel connector or phantom powered via
the TO RACK or MIDI OUT jacks.
•Rugged 0.118" (3mm) thick aluminum enclosure.
•Dimensions - 18.00"W x 12.00"D x 1.25"FH x 3.50"RH
•Brush finish with black anodize coating & laser-engraved
printing.
•Optional 12 instant access switch expander.
•The FX1 will automatically sense the expander
is connected, no $oftware upgrade is necessary.
•Powered by the FX1 via the included XLR cable.
•Same physical / mechanical attributes of the FX1.
•Dimensions - 9.00"W x 12.00"D x 1.25"FH x 3.50"RH

Axess Electronics : FX1 MIDI Footcontroller User Manual 7
4. Fundamentals
The FX1 MIDI Footcontroller has four different operating modes, plus the Edit Mode (see Section 10). The operating
modes are;
Slave (SLAV)
Preset (PRST)
Songs (SONG)
Setlist (SET0 – SET9)
The PRST Operating Mode (factory default) allows the FX1 to behave like a standard footcontroller with banks (21) of
presets (6) plus a Global Preset.
The SONG Operating Mode allows access to the FX1’s 99 songs. Songs are basically a custom bank of the FX1’s
regular (banked) presets, arranged so that all the presets necessary during the performance of a song are available
in one bank (conveniently called a song).
The SET0 – SET9 Operating Mode(s) allow up to 50 of the FX1’s 99 songs to be arranged in any order to create a
setlist. The FX1 can support 10 different setlists.
The SLAV Operating Mode allows multiple FX1’s (setup in a Master/Slave Loop) to control the same guitar rig from
remote onstage and offstage locations. When connecting multiple FX1’s in a Master/Slave Loop, one FX1 must be
set to a master operating mode (PRST, SONG or SET0 – SET9) and all the other FX1’s must be set to the SLAV
Operating Mode. When in this operating mode, the FX1 will mimic the master FX1’s operating mode.
While in one of the above operating modes, the display is used to provide three different pieces of information.
The first two characters on the left-hand side of the display indicate the bank or song number, depending on the
operating mode selected.
The third character (from the left) will always be blank except when it periodically flashes a small character to indicate
the current operating mode.
The final 13 characters on the display are used to show the user assigned name for the preset or song, depending on
the operating mode selected.
Preset switches P1 to P6 are used to select a preset, instant access switches S1 to S12 (to S24 if the expander is
connected) are used to turn a specific loop or function in the guitar rig ON or OFF, and the UP and DOWN switches
are used to select a bank or song, depending on the operating mode selected.
When a preset is selected, the MIDI data programmed for the preset, as well as the ON or OFF state MIDI messages
of all the instant access switches, will be transmitted via the MIDI OUT and TO RACK jacks. Preset switches allow
every piece of gear in a guitar rig to be switched at the same time with the press of one switch.
Instant access switches can be pressed at any time to turn a turn the specific loop or function in a guitar rig ON and
OFF in real-time, without affecting anything else in the rig. When an instant access switch is pressed, its ON or OFF
state (indicated by its LED) MIDI messages will be transmitted via the MIDI OUT and TO RACK jacks. The LED
above the EDIT/2nd switch will begin to flash after an instant access switch has been pressed indicating that the
preset has been changed. Pressing the EDIT/2nd switch when its LED is flashing will update/save the preset with
the new ON/OFF settings of the instant access switches. Alternatively, pressing the active preset switch or selecting
another preset will recall and transmit its stored MIDI data/settings or the instant access switch(es) can be pressed to
return the preset to its stored state, both of which cause the EDIT/2nd switch LED to stop flashing.
Pressing the UP and DOWN switches will select a new bank or song number depending on the operating mode
selected. After pressing either of these switches, the bank or song number will begin to flash, indicating the number
shown is not current. Pressing a preset switch will select the appropriate preset in the new bank or song, otherwise
pressing the UP or DOWN switch to return back to the current bank or song will cause the number to stop flashing.

Axess Electronics : FX1 MIDI Footcontroller User Manual 8
5. Quick Start
1. If using the optional expander, be sure to connect it to the FX1 using ONLY the supplied cable and ONLY when
the power is off (see Section 8.1.10 for details).
2. See Section 4 : Fundamentals to get a basic understanding of the FX1 user interface, and for avid readers see
Section 6 to Section 9 for a detailed description of the user interface.
3. Connect a MIDI cable from either the TO RACK jack or the MIDI OUT jack on the FX1 to the main MIDI input
point/jack of the guitar rig/switcher being controlled by the FX1 (see Sections 8.1.8 and 8.1.9).
4. If the FX1 is not receiving 9Vac phantom power from the guitar rig/switcher it’s controlling, connect the supplied
adapter to the FX1 power jack (see Section 8.1.6).
5. Enter the Edit Mode (see Section 10).
6. Verify that the (factory default) PRST Operating Mode is selected (see Section 16.1).
7. Decide what will be connected to each expression pedal port (see Sections 16.4 and 17.1.1 to 17.1.3) and then
calibrate each pedal/switch (see Section 16.5).
8. Setup the global MIDI control change message that each expression pedal port will transmit (see Section 12.5).
9. Decide what loops and switching functions in the guitar rig the instant access switches will control and setup the
MIDI control change and/or program change messages that each instant access switch will transmit when
pressed and as part of a preset (see Section 12.3).
10. Assign a name for each instant access switch being used (see Section 13.4).
FYI - When labeling the instant access switches with self-adhesive labels, align the top edge of the label with the
bottom edge of the “boxed” instant access switch number (S1 – S12 or S24 with the expander) so that all the
labels are aligned perfectly... There is enough room under each instant access switch (except S13 – S15 on the
expander) to accommodate two 1/2” labels or three 3/8” labels.
11. Assign the name of each MIDI device in the guitar rig to its corresponding MIDI channel (see Section 13.3).
12. Select a preset to be programmed (see Section 14.1) and name it (see Section 14.2).
13. Setup any MIDI program change messages that the preset should transmit when selected (see Section 14.3).
14. Turn the loops and/or switching functions controlled by the instant access switches ON or OFF for the preset
being programmed (see Section 14.4). This step can also be performed while in the PRST Operating Mode as
outlined in Section 4 and detailed in Section 7.2.11).
15. If it’s necessary to have the expression pedal ports control something different/specific for the preset being
programmed than what was entered in Step #8, see Section 14.6.
The FX1 is ready to go !!! Repeat Step #12 to Step #15 for other presets.
Please note that the FX1 can transmit a LOT of MIDI data when a preset switch is selected. In fact, if every possible
MIDI message that the FX1 is capable of transmitting per preset is enabled and used, the total number of bytes
transmitted would be 516. The MIDI specification stipulates that a single MIDI event (such as when a preset switch is
pressed) should be kept to 255 bytes or less. The FX1 will not place a restriction on how many or which of its MIDI
messages can be enabled and used, so this is one of the reasons that the FX1 is shipped with all its MIDI messages
and features turned off. Therefore the only MIDI messages transmitted by the FX1 will be what have been turned on
and/or programmed into it. It’s very unlikely that anyone will ever need to use all of the features that have been put
into the FX1, but they are there to provide options, so just use some restraint...

Axess Electronics : FX1 MIDI Footcontroller User Manual 9
6. Display
The display is a 1-line by 16-character dot-matrix LCD with a backlight.
When in the Edit Mode, the display will show the parameter(s) being edited.
When in the Slave (SLAV) Operating Mode the display will show the exact same information as the display on the
master FX1 (see Section 19 : Master/Slave Loop for more information).
In the Preset (PRST) Operating Mode the display will show the bank number (01 to 21) at display locations a and b,
and at display locations d to p the 13-character user defined preset name.
In the Songs (SONG) Operating Mode the display will show song number 01 to 99 at display locations a and b, and
when in one of the ten Setlist (SET0 – SET9) Operating Modes the display will show song number 01 to 50.
For the SONG and SET0 – SET9 Operating Modes, display locations d to p will show either the 13-character user
defined song name (when the UP / DOWN switches are pressed to select a new song) or the 13-character user
defined preset name (when a preset is selected via preset switches P1 - P6). To have the display always show the
song name, apply power to the FX1 while pressing the P3 switch. To revert back to displaying the song and preset
names as described above, apply power to the FX1 while pressing the P4 switch. This “display setting” is stored in
the FX1’s memory, so applying power with one of these switches pressed only needs to be done once to select it.
When in one of the above “Operating Modes”, the 3rd display character (location c – a blank character between the
bank/song number and the preset/song name) will be used to indicate the operating mode by periodically flashing a
small operating mode indicator/character. The letter “P” will flash to indicate the Preset (PRST) Operating Mode, the
letter “G” will flash to indicate the Songs (SONG) Operating Mode, a number between “0” and “9” will flash to indicate
the Setlist (SET0 – SET9) Operating Mode and the letter “V” will flash to indicate the Slave (SLAV) Operating Mode.
a ec db pf g h i j k l m n o

Axess Electronics : FX1 MIDI Footcontroller User Manual 10
7. Switches & LED’s
The FX1 top panel is fitted with 21 heavy-duty Carling stomp switches. Each switch has dual functions, the primary
function is listed underneath the switch and the secondary function is listed between the switch and its LED. The
primary function is used when the FX1 is in one of the above mentioned “Operating Modes” and the secondary
function is used when the FX1 is in the Edit Mode.
When not in the Edit Mode (i.e. one of the above “Operating Modes”), the LED above the EDIT/2nd switch will be
OFF, indicating that the primary switch functions are available.
When in the Edit Mode, the LED above the EDIT/2nd switch will always be ON and one or all of the P1 to P6 switch
LED’s will flash, indicating that the Edit Mode or one of its sub-menu’s has been selected. Only the LED for switches
that have a purpose or function when in the Edit Mode or one of its sub-menu’s will be ON, all others will be OFF.
7.1 Primary Switch Functions
7.1.1 EDIT/2nd
This switch allows entry to the Edit Mode. To avoid entering the Edit Mode when accidentally pressing this switch, it is
equipped with a delay. So to enter the Edit Mode, press and hold this switch down for 1 second, all the LED’s will turn
OFF except the LED above this switch which will turn ON, and the P1 to P6 switch LED’s which will start flashing.
7.1.2 UP & DOWN
When in one of the “Operating Modes”, the LED above these switches will always be ON making it a little easier to
see where the switches are on a darkened stage.
When in the PRST Operating Mode, pressing and releasing these switches will move up and down through a bank of
presets, one bank at a time. Holding down these switches will scroll up and down through banks of presets, they are
repetitive accelerating and the bank number will rollover (upwards) from 21 to 01 and (downwards) from 01 to 21.
As soon as one of these switches has been pressed, the bank number will start to flash indicating the bank has been
changed. No preset will be selected in the new bank until a preset switch has physically been pressed. While the
bank number is flashing, the operating mode indicator will remain off and the preset name and ON/OFF status of the
instant access switch LED’s will remain unchanged.
Pressing either of these switches to return to the original bank will cause the bank number to stop flashing. Selecting
a preset in the new bank will also cause the bank number to stop flashing and it will update the display with the new
preset name and the ON/OFF status of the instant access switch LED’s will also be updated as per the new preset.
When in the SONG or one of the SET0 – SET9 Operating Modes, pressing and releasing these switches will move
up and down through a song, one song at a time. Holding down these switches will scroll up and down through
songs, they are repetitive accelerating and the song number will rollover (upwards) from 99 to 01 and (downwards)
from 01 to 99 when in the SONG Operating Mode and (upwards) from 50 to 01 and (downwards) from 01 to 50 when
in one of the SET0 – SET9 Operating Modes.
As soon as one of these switches has been pressed, the song number will start to flash indicating the song has been
changed. No preset will be selected in the new song until a preset switch has physically been pressed. While the
song number is flashing, the operating mode indicator will remain off and ON/OFF status of the instant access switch
LED’s will remain unchanged, but the song name will change to reflect the new (flashing) song number, allowing for
verification of the next/queued song.
Pressing either of these switches to return to the original song will cause the song number to stop flashing. Selecting
a preset in the new song will also cause the song number to stop flashing and the ON/OFF status of the instant
access switch LED’s will be updated as per the new preset.