Glossary

The framework of slots a preset is built on. Blocks go in the slots and cables connect them.

Every grid space and cable is stereo, so you never build separate left and right paths.

One processor in the chain — an amp, a cab, a drive, a delay, an input, an output.

A saved position of the whole preset: what is bypassed, and which channel each block is on. Eight per preset, always there.

Scenes switch with no gap because nothing loads. This is where song sections belong.

A variation inside a single block. Up to four — A, B, C, D — each with completely independent settings.

The concept Helix has no equivalent of. Four drives in one block cost a fraction of four blocks.

An empty grid slot that simply passes signal through, used to route around gaps.

A chain that looks broken on the grid is usually missing a shunt.

Fractal's quarter-inch output wiring, which cancels ground-loop hum when used with a Humbuster cable — TRS at the Fractal end, TS at the amp.

The first thing to try when a real-amp rig hums, before a ground lift or a DI box.

Fractal's instrument-input front end, on Input 1 only.

The other inputs are line level. Plug the guitar into Input 1.

Fractal's single-cable connection for FC-6 and FC-12 foot controllers, over a standard XLR cable.

One XLR carries control and power, so adding footswitches costs one cable.

Fractal's external foot controllers, with six or twelve switches.

How an Axe-Fx III gets footswitches at all, and how an FM3 or FM9 gets more.

A complete set of footswitch functions. Devices hold several and you step between them.

The reason a switch does something different from yesterday is almost always a different layout.

Fractal's current amp modelling generation, on the Axe-Fx III, FM9 and FM3.

The amp modelling generation before Cygnus, and the last firmware line for the Axe-Fx II.

An Axe-Fx II runs Ares and cannot run Cygnus. Presets do not move between the generations.

The Axe-Fx II's way of holding two settings per block, replaced by four channels on the current generation.

If a guide mentions channels A to D and your unit has X and Y, you are reading about a newer device.

Fractal's documented constraint — you build what fits and the meter tells you when it does not.

Unlike Line 6's fixed caps on block types, this is a genuine budget you can watch and manage.