Fractal Audio FX8 User manual

OWNER’S
MANUAL
MULTI-EFFECTS PEDALBOARD
VERSION 1.02

Inside Front Cover

i
Certificate of Conformity
Fractal Audio Systems, USA, hereby declares on its own responsibility that the following product:
FX8 Digital Multi-eects Pedalboard Processor
covered by this certicate and marked with CE label, conforms to following standards:
EN60065
(IEC 60065)
Safety requirement for mains operated electronic and related apparatus for
household and similar use.
EN 55103-1 Product family standard for audio, video, audio-visual, and entertainment
lighting control apparatus for professional use. Part 1: Emission.
EN 55103-2 Product family standard for audio, video, audio-visual, and entertainment
lighting control apparatus for professional use. Part 2: Immunity.
with reference to regulations in following directives: 73/23/EEC, 89/336/EEC.
December 2014
Cliord Chase, President
Fractal Audio Systems
EMC/EMI
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B Digital device, pursuant to
part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful inter-
ference in residential installations. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. There is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment o and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more
of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit dierent from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

ii
Legal Notices
Fractal Audio Systems FX8 Owner’s Manual. Contents Copyright © 2014. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the express permission of
Fractal Audio Systems.
Fractal Audio Systems, FX8, Humbuster, are trademarks of Fractal Audio Systems. Manufactur-
er names and product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective owners, which are in no way associated with or aliated with Fractal Audio
Systems. The names are used only to illustrate sonic and performance characteristics.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of re or electric shock, do not expose this
appliance to rain or moisture.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of re or electric shock, do not remove screws.
There are no user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualied service
personnel.
Important Safety Instructions
1. Obey all warnings on the FX8 and in this User Guide.
2. Keep away from sources of heat such as ducts, registers or appliances that produce heat.
3. Connect only to a standard grounded AC outlet of 100–240V, 47–63 Hz.
4. Keep the power cord in good condition. Do not kink, bend, or pinch.
5. If the cord becomes damaged, discard and replace it.
6. If not using your FX8 for extended periods of time, disconnect from AC power.
7. Protect the unit from rain and excessive moisture.
8. Refer servicing to qualied personnel only.
9. Stop operation of the unit and obtain service if:
10. Liquids or excessive moisture enter the unit.
11. The unit operates incorrectly or performance is inconsistent or erratic.
12. The unit has been dropped and/or the enclosure damaged.
13. Prolonged exposure to high volume levels can cause hearing damage and/or loss. The
use of hearing protection in high volume situations is recommended.

iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 : INTRODUCTION .................1
Quick Overview .....................1
Pre/Post: The Old Way... ..............2
Pre/Post: The FX8 Way... ..............2
Quick Connect Guide ................3
Stompbox Mode ....................4
A Note On Mono & Stereo ...........4
Humbuster Cables...................4
2 : HARDWARE OVERVIEW ..........5
The Top Panel .......................5
The Rear Panel ......................9
3 : SETUP GUIDE...................11
Setup For Both PRE And POST Eects12
Setup For PRE Eects Only ..........13
Setup For POST Eects Only ........14
Checking Levels ....................15
Connecting Pedals & Switches ......16
Connecting a Computer ............18
4 : THE RELAYS ....................19
5 : CREATING PRESETS.............21
What Is a Preset? ...................21
What Is a Block? ....................21
Preset Examples ....................22
Stompbox Mode ...................23
Loading Presets ....................23
Working With Blocks................24
Block Inventory ....................25
Editing Eect Blocks ................26
Saving Changes ....................27
X/Y Switching ......................28
Preset CPU Limits...................29
FX8-Edit............................30
6 : PRESET CONFIGURATION .......31
Overview ..........................31
Congure PRE And POST ...........31
Congure Series & Parallel ..........32
Intelligent Parallel Fx ...............33
Congure True Bypass ..............34
Per Scene Relay States ..............34
7 : SCENES ........................35
Overview ..........................35
Selecting Scenes ...................36
Setting Up Scenes ..................36
Sticky Scene Select .................38
Scene Revert .......................38
8 : TRUE BYPASS...................39
Overview ..........................39
Preset Bypass Conguration ........39
Automatic True Bypass .............40
9 : BLOCKS GUIDE .................41
The MIDI Block .....................42
The Relay Block.....................43
Mix Page Common Parameters .....44
The Noise Gate .....................45
The Output Section.................45
10 : MODIFIERS ...................47
Overview ..........................47
Creating a Modier .................47
Modier Example: Wah Pedal .......48
Modier Sources Overview .........49
Modier Tips And Tricks. . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Advanced Modier Parameters .....50
Internal Controllers .................53
External Controllers ................54
11 : TEMPO........................55
Preset Tempo.......................56
Auto Delay .........................56
The Metronome ....................56
12 : THE LOOPER ..................57
Looper Parameters .................58
Global Looper Location.............59
Looper MIDI Control................60
13 : THE TUNER....................61
Advanced Tuner Functions..........61
14 : SETUP MENUS ................62
The Global Menu ...................62
The I/O Menu ......................64
The Utility Menu ...................69
The Controllers Menu...............71
15 : ADDITIONAL TOPICS ..........72
Global Volume Pedal Setup .........72
Advanced Level Parameters.........73
Spillover ...........................74
Frequently Asked Questions ........75
Unity Gain FAQ .....................77
16 : SPECIFICATIONS & DEFAULTS ..78
MIDI Implementation...............79
Factory Default MIDI CC Settings....80
MIDI Program Change Numbers ....81
WARRANTY .......................83
EULA .............................84

iv
Thank You!
Thank you for purchasing the FX8. Like every Fractal Audio product, it was created to be what we would want
and expect as guitar players ourselves.
While even extremely critical musicians agree that our amp modeling technology stands shoulder-to-
shoulder with the almighty tube amp, we still love that tube amps are ubiquitous. We rely on innovation and
tradition. The legacy of tube amps is completely intertwined with music history. And the simple fact remains
that digital amp modeling may not be for everyone (yet).
In eects processing, however, digital technology has a greater foothold, having been in widespread use
for decades. Our own eects have been vetted and championed for years by some of the world’s most
demanding and discriminating players—celebrities and unsung heroes alike. Now, with the FX8, we’ve taken
this technology out of the rack and onto the oor with a unit specically designed to work with traditional
guitar amps.
The FX8 oers over 130 dierent “Fractal-Quality” eects. You can build a virtual pedalboard with up to
eight simultaneous eects from an inventory of classic and cutting-edge stompboxes and studio processors
arranged in virtually any conguration. “Dial in” with basic controls, or go deeper with optional advanced
parameters. Use the onboard relays to control your amp’s switchable functions, and attach expression pedals
or footswitches. You can control the FX8 with traditional “tap dance” foot switching or via Fractal’s widely
acclaimed “Scene” technology. Save the result to any of the 128 built-in pedalboard memory locations, each
of which can be completely dierent. And that’s only the beginning…
Most importantly, we want to stress that the FX8 was designed from the beginning with uncompromising
quality and performance as the end goal. The signal path produces pristine quality audio so there’s no “tone
suck” when you connect it between your cherished guitar and amp. And why should there be? The entire
point is that when you take a “no compromises” approach, high-powered digital equipment delivers exactly
what musicians want and expect.
So thank you again for choosing the FX8. We can’t wait to hear what you will do with it.
Fractal Audio Systems
January 2015

1
1 : INTRODUCTION
The FX8 is an advanced multi-eects pedalboard processor, perfect for guitar, bass, and other instruments.
It is built “like a tank” with a steel chassis and aircraft aluminum end panels. The unit features eleven quiet,
durable, solid-state footswitches with no mechanical contacts to fail, plus 27 LEDs in three colors. The easy-
to-use interface includes a bright display, six buttons, and ve knobs.
The FX8 was designed rst and foremost for the best possible sound quality, with converters that deliver
pristine audio, ultra-low noise levels, and no “tone suck.” It uses a powerful processor to run the same high-
quality eect algorithms that have made our Axe-Fx processor so successful. Its Humbuster™ outputs help
defeat ground hum (when used with Humbuster™ Cables). It also features upgradeable rmware so we can
deliver updates with exciting new features.
We hope you nd the FX8 easy to use and this manual easy to read. The most important sections are those
which introduce the concepts behind how the unit works. If nothing else, be sure to review this section, plus
Section 2 : Hardware Overview, Section 3 : Setup Guide, Section 4 : The Relays and Section
5 : Creating Presets
The FX8 contains 128 dierent presets
arranged in 16 lettered banks.
Each preset is like a whole new pedalboard,
with up to eight eect blocks (Wah,
Drive, or Phaser, for instance).
Most blocks oer X/Y switching for twice as
many sounds from the same eight blocks.
Each preset also contains eight scenes.
Think of a scene as a preset within a
preset. Scenes eliminate “tap dancing”
by turning multiple eects on or o
at a single tap. . . and much more!
Two TRS relays can switch your amplier
and can be controlled by the onboard
footswitches or programmed per-scene.
The FX8 features buered truebypass
with analog relays to switch all processing
completely out of the signal path.
Setting levels is easy, with soft switches to
increase headroom and automatic unity gain.
Onboard jacks for two external
footswitches or expression pedals make
it easy to control sound functions.
The FX8 has built in looper, a tuner, and
a dedicated tap tempo footswitch.
MIDI and USB also provide powerful
options for control, editing, and more.
FX8-EDIT, a free software editor, makes
it possible to edit presets, eects, and
more when connected to a Mac or PC.
And much more! Please take the time to
familiarize yourself with this manual.
Should you need any assistance with the FX8,
please visit http://www.fractalaudio.com
QUICK OVERVIEW
1 : INTRODUCTION

2
1 : INTRODUCTION
Look over this diagram of a traditional rig,
showing how some eects are PRE (between
the guitar and the amp) and some eects are
POST (in the amp’s FX loop).
AMPLIFIER
FX8
SPE
AKER CAB
PRE EFFECTS POST EFFECTS
Preamp
Secon
Send Return
Power
Secon
Here’s the same type of setup on the FX8,
which plays the role of both
PRE and POST eects.
Notice that (aside from the
speaker cable) this setup uses
four dierent patch cables?
That’s why we call it . . .
“The Four Cable Method.”
Creative right? Whatever you
call it, we think this is the best
and most exible way to set up
the FX8.
PRE/POST: THE OLD WAY...
PRE/POST: THE FX8 WAY...
Preamp
Secon
Send Return
AMPLIFIER
SPE
AKER CAB
POST EFFECTS
PRE EFFECTS
Power
Secon
KEY CONCEPTS
Musicians are not exactly famous for RTFM (“Reading Their Fancy Manuals”) but in the name of instant
gratication, here are a few key concepts so that you“play now, read later” types can jump right in.

3
1 : INTRODUCTION
Here is a simple overview of what cables you’ll need to connect your FX8 in three dierent scenarios.
You can nd fully detailed diagrams and descriptions for this subject in Section 3 : Setup Guide.
Humbuster™ cables should ideally be used between FX8 OUTPUTS and your amplier (see page 4)
Important: Do NOT connect anything to the FX8 relays until you read Section 4.
TO USE THE FX8 LIKE TRADITIONAL PEDALS BETWEEN GUITAR AND AMP…
Connect as follows:
Guitar Output Jack FX8 IN [PRE] LEFT
FX8 OUT [PRE] LEFT (Humbuster™) -> Front input of your amp/modeler
Presets A1 through B8 with eight PRE eects are perfect for this type of setup.
TO USE THE FX8 IN YOUR AMP’S SEND/RETURN LOOP…
Connect as follows:
Guitar Output Jack Amp’s main Guitar Input
Amp’s FX Loop SEND FX8 IN [POST] LEFT
FX8 OUT [POST] LEFT (Humbuster™) -> Amp’s FX Loop RETURN
Presets C1 through D8 with eight POST eects are perfect for this type of setup.
TO USE BOTH PRE AND POST IN ONE RIG…
This is also known as the FOUR CABLE METHOD or “4CM.” Connect as follows:
Guitar Output Jack FX8 IN [PRE] LEFT
FX8 OUT [PRE] LEFT (Humbuster™) -> Front input of your amp/modeler
Amp’s FX Loop SEND FX8 IN [POST] LEFT
FX8 OUT [POST] LEFT (Humbuster™) -> Amp’s FX Loop RETURN.
Presets E1 through G8 with eight POST eects are perfect for this type of setup.
QUICK CONNECT GUIDE
TO INSERT, CHANGE, or EDIT AN EFFECT, and STORE the preset…
Press the desired FOOTSWITCH or turn NAV to select the desired slot (1–8)
Turn VALUE until the desired eect is shown.
Press ENTER to insert the eect. Press EDIT to access its parameters.
To save any and all changes, press STORE, ENTER, ENTER.

4
1 : INTRODUCTION
If you are NOT planning on connecting the FX8 in stereo, there are a few things you should know. The FX8
comes pre-congured for stereo rigs but you can connect it to any mono rig with no issues.
If you are NOT running in stereo, you may nd that certain settings produce slightly unexpected
sounds. For example, panners become tremolos when one channel is missing. Stereo enhancers or
certain types of modulation may not be apparent at all. Later you’ll learn to dial in mono or stereo
eects as desired. For now, just keep in mind the possibility that if something doesn’t sound as
expected, you may be playing a stereo eect into a mono rig.
You might be tempted to poke around on the SETUP: I/O: AUDIO menu and start changing things.
We would suggest you read up on these parameters rst (The I/O Menu, p. 64).
Meanwhile, please don’t be surprised or think that something is wrong if your stereo ping-pong
delay sounds more like a ping (with no pong) delay when connected to a mono rig!
A NOTE ON MONO & STEREO
Throughout this manual, we will refer to the main operating
mode of the FX8 as “Stompbox Mode,” so called because
you typically use this mode to turn eects on or o with the
footswitches during a performance.
The FX8 powers up into Stompbox Mode, and returns to it
when you press EXIT. Other modes allow you to edit eects,
tune your guitar, or set up system parameters.
STOMPBOX MODE
Standard 1/4”guitar cables are ne for all audio connections to and from the FX8, but there is a better
option for connecting its outputs to your amp, modeler or other device. Humbuster™ technology on all
FX8 outputs can signicantly reduce unwanted noise due to the common problem of a ground loop. For
this to work, you need to use a special Humbuster™ cable you can buy or make yourself.
A Humbuster™ cable has one TRS end (like a balanced cable) and one TS end (like a guitar cable). The TRS
end connects to the FX8. The TS end connects to your amp.
Humbuster™ cables are available from http:/www.fractalaudio.com/cables or you can make your own by
following the diagram below. Be sure to use high-quality connectors and shielded cable.
HUMBUSTER CABLES