4 SETTING UP

INSERTING OUTBOARD GEAR

Global Settings: As per your usual setup, check I/O Mono/Stereo Settings
Presets: Custom
With the typical “direct” setup using only Input 1 and Output 1, the Axe-Fx III has enough I/O blocks left over
for multiple “send-and-return” inserts of outboard gear. The simple example below imagines a 3rd-party device
inserted using Output 3 (used as a “send”) and Input 3 (used as a “return”). This setup can also be used with
stereo inserts, or expanded with multiple I/O pairs for multiple outboard devices. Insert devices can even be
added to other types of setups using these same techniques.
Custom presets are required for this type of setup, with output and input blocks added for the send and return
points (see example below). The Axe-Fx III has no “FX LOOP” blocks, so inputs and outputs are placed individually
on the grid. In a send/return pair, the Output block is connected to the Input block (as shown below), allowing the
Input block (return) to serve as a master bypass control for the send/return loop.

IN1 WAH DRV etc. OUT3 IN 3 DLY REV etc. OUT1

Serves as a SEND Serves as a RETURN

CONNECTIONS
 Connect your guitar to
Input 1 (Instrument).
 This example assumes Output 1
Front
is connected to FRFR monitors. INSTR IN or Rear

 Connect Output 3 L as a “send” to the

input of your outboard device. Adjust
output levels using the front panel OUT 3
knob with the following considerations:
Outputs 1 and 2 have options for –10
dbV and +4 dBu in SETUP: I/O: Audio.
Outputs 3 and 4 provide unity gain Main OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT
Out 1L 3L 3L 3R 3R
when the knob is fully clockwise.
Optional
You can also adjust the levels of an Optional OUTPUT
for Stereo
for Stereo 1R
individual Output block. OUTPUT INPUT

 Connect the output of your outboard CORDS78 GAIN VOLUME

CORDS78 GAIN VOLUME

device to Input 3 L as a “return”. Adjust

VOL
B M M B M M

DYN

levels on your device or use the trim

GAIN GAIN
BRIT MORE
VOLUME VOLUME

controls under SETUP: I/O: Input. OUTBOARD GEAR SUCH AS PREAMPS, PROCESSORS, PEDALS, ETC.
 Optionally connect the right
channel inputs and outputs
for stereo insert devices.

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