Note: The AX2 and Axsys amplifiers are discontinued and now listed as a Legacy Product.
Application
Q: Where can I get the presets for the AxSys amplifier?
A: The Axsys presets are available in .JPG format and can be downloaded from the attached document at the botton of this document.
Q: Which Line 6 controllers are compatable with the Axsys/AX2?
A: The Line 6 Floorboard and the FB4. See the following link for more information:
Line 6 Floorboard and FB4 F.A.Q.
Q: Can the stomp box modelers be used with the AX2? Is there much duplication between the stomp boxes and the AX2 (ie, if they can be used together, am I opening up a whole new range of possibilities or just doubling up on functions I already have?
A: Line 6 Stomp Boxes will work great with the AX2. The effects in the AX2 are completely different than the effects in the Stomp Boxes. The effects in the AX2 are for the most part just generic effects, where the effects in the Modelers are modeled after classic effect devices used by everyone from Hendrix to Van Halen.
Q: How do I adjust my tuner reference frequency back to 440Hz?
A: While in tuner mode, turn the MIDDLE knob on your amp or POD. This will allow you to select a tuning reference frequency anywhere from 436-445Hz.
Q: How can I change the volume level of the tuner on my AX2/Axsys?
A: While in tuner mode, simply turn the CHANNEL VOLUME knob to the desired level. This will set your tuner level without effecting the other channels of your AX2/Axsys.
Q: It is possible to control the reverb level of the AX2 with the wah pedal of the Line6 floorboard?
A: It is possible to control the reverb level of the AX2 with the wah pedal of the Line6 floorboard. There are several parameters of the AX2 User preset that must be adjusted properly for this to be implemented. Here are the settings:
Reverb row / reverb level set to 0
Main row / Delay/reverb knob set to 90.
Wah row / wah type set to 5.18.
Wah row / wah depth set to 99.
Increasing the Reverb row / reverb level setting will adjust the wah pedal minimum reverb level.
Decreasing the Wah row / wah depth setting will adjust the wah pedal maximum reverb level.
Q: How can I make my own personal patches?
A: To make a custom set up of factory patches, simply call up the patch you want, hit "save" (the display will flash), then use the "Bank up/Down" and "Channel select" buttons to choose the location you want that patch to be in. (See pages 4*3, 5*10 and 9*1 in the AX2 manual)
Q: What MIDI control functions can I access using the AX2?
A: The AX2 Manual on Page 6.6 details the functions of the AX2 that may be assigned for continuous control by the Wah pedal. There is also an AX2 MIDI sysex document that details all of the functions that can be controlled using external MIDI controllers.
Q: How can I get a good direct output from my AX2/Axsys?
A: Unlike the Flextone, where the speaker compensation is done in the analog world, the AX2/Axsys cabinet emulation is done in the digital world. Because of this, when the speaker emualtion is on, it is going to be present in the direct outs as well as the speaker outs. For AX2/Axsys users, one solution can be to use a pair of analog boxes (like a Hughes & Kettner Red Box or a Digital Music Cab Tone Dual) to feed the PA in live situations and then use the AX2/Axsys compensated direct out for recording purposes only. There is another inexpensive and simple solution to the line out/speaker compensation issue. Many users find that when the speaker compensation is activated, the sound of the AX2/Axsys speaker is not objectionable but simply too dark (there needs to be more treble in the sound) while the amps direct out sounds great through the PA. It is possible to simply feed a little of the direct sound through your vocal monitor and then have some of the low end rolled off. You can achieve this by "Y'ing" the AX2/Axsys direct output into two mixer channel line inputs and using the second channel to EQ your personal monitor feed. This allows you to use the first mixer channel to send the full range AX2/Axsys direct sound through the main house sound system. Then, send the separately EQ'ed sound from the second mixer channel to your vocal monitor. The sound that comes through your vocal monitor is "tinny", but when it gets mixed in with the "bassy" sound of the AX2/Axsys speakers, the resulting sound is pretty well balanced. You may also find that there is also an added depth to the sound similar to running a bi-amped bass guitar rig. You can also apply this concept of Y'ing the direct out to connect to another amplifier other than your vocal monitor. You can use another combo amp or a "Hot Spot" type monitor. You may also find that adding external effects to the "monitor" feed gives you some extra sound processing possibilities.
Q: It is possible to control the delay level of the AX2 with the wah pedal of the Line6 floorboard?
A: There are several parameters of the AX2 User preset that must be adjusted properly for this to be implemented. Here are the settings:
- Delay row / delay level set to 0
- Main row / Delay/reverb knob set to 90.
- Wah row / wah type set to 5.12.
- Wah row / wah depth set to 99.
- Increasing the Delay row / delay level setting will adjust the wah pedal minimum delay level.
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Decreasing the Wah row / wah depth setting will adjust the wah pedal maximum delay level.
Set up
Q: If I only run one speaker on the amp (AX2 212 upgrade) Will I still get the full stereo signal (i.e. the rhythm of the delay will be the same)? If I DI the AX with a mono cable into the PA will I also get stereo delay in a mono?
A: You will get only 1/2 of the signal from the amp if you run one speaker. You will still get stereo out of the direct output. You will get mono out of the amp if you use a mono cable.
It can be a complicated matter to run a direct output from an amplifier to a live sound system and simultaneously monitor that amplifier's internal speakers on stage. The issue of the cabinet emulation on the AX2 is somewhat more complex than it looks at first glance, since unlike the Flextone, where the speaker compensation is actually done in the analog world, on the AX2 it's done in the digital world and, because of hardware limitations, can't be both present (at the direct out) and not present (at the speakers) at the same time. To do so would require adding additional A/D conversion and a divergent data path, neither of which is a software solution, or an inexpensive, ungradable hardware change. The AX2 design was never intended to have both in simultaneous use. Was it a bad design decision? Maybe, but hindsight is always 20/20, and all of our products are being used in ways that transcend their original design, for good or ill. For AX2 users, one solution can be to use a pair of analog boxes (For example, I have a H&K Red Box and a Digital Music CabTone Dual-lok'd to the inside of my AX2 cabinet) to feed the PA in live situations and use the compensated direct out only for recording purposes. Not the most elegant solution, but a very usable and portable one.
There is another cheap and simple solution to the line out/speaker compensation issue. Many users find that the sound of the AX2 speakers, when speaker compensation is activated, is not objectionable, but is simply too dark. There needs to be much more treble in the sound. The direct out sounds great through the PA. You can simply feed a little of the direct sound through your vocal monitor. Have the low end rolled off my personal monitor sound. (you can achieve this EQ setting by "Y'ing" the AX2 direct output into two mixer channel line inputs and using this second channel only to EQ your personal monitor feed). This allows you to use the first mixer channel to send the full range AX2 direct sound through the main house sound system and to other players' vocal monitors. Then, send the separately EQ'ed sound from the second mixer channel to your vocal monitor. The sound that comes through your vocal monitor is "tinny", but when it gets mixed in with the "bassy" sound of the AX2 speakers, the resulting sound is pretty well balanced. There is an added depth to the sound, similar to running a bi-amped bass guitar rig. We realize that this solution is not superior to having separate control of all AX2 amp outputs, but it works without having to spend the extra money on external speaker emulation devices. We hope this solution gives you one more option that may help you get a better monitor sound, in some situations. You may also be able to apply this concept of Y'ing the direct out to others amplifiers than your vocal monitor. You might be able to use another combo amp or a "Hot Spot" type monitor. You may also find that adding external effects to "monitor" feed gives some extra sound processing possibilities.
Q: Can the AX2/Axsys power an external speaker cabinet?
A: Yes, an external cabinet can be connected to the AX2/Axsys by disconnecting the existing Axsys speakers and connecting the extension cabinet.
The speaker outputs of the AX2/Axsys must be connected to an 8ohm or 16ohm load. Do not use a 4ohm load, as it will cause the amp to overheat.
Q: How do I record with the AX2/Axsys line out?
A: The LINE OUT/HEADPHONE jack of the AX2/Axsys is a stereo output so we suggest that you use a "Stereo TRS" (Tip/Ring/Sleeve) jack to take advantage of the stereo output. A TRS jack is basically a stereo jack much like the jack on the end of your stereo headphones. You can use a mono or guitar cable in the LINE OUT/HEADPHONE output but you will only get one side of the stereo field.
Set the Master Volume at 2-1/2 or lower to get a line level output that won't overdrive your mixer input. Remember that you can unplug the AX2 speakers when recording so that you don't have to have the amp playing in the room. If you need to have the amp playing in the room at a higher volume than 2-1/2, you may need to use an external 20 dB pad to bring the level of the signal going to the mixer back down to a usable level.
See page 5*15 in the AX2 manual for more details
Q: Can I adjust the STEREO LINE OUT/HEADPHONE level of my AX2/Axsys?
A: In order to have the desired AX2/Axsys stage volume but not overdrive the input of the mixer, an external 20dB pad can be placed between the LINEOUT of the AX2/Axsys and the input of the mixer. Most mixing consoles already have a 20dB pad built in, but if necessary, an inexpensive outboard unit can be purchased. Rolls manufactures one called the DB25 Matchbox. It doubles as a direct box and a pad and should work great in this situation.
Specifications
Q: Is the Aux input on the AX2 unbalanced mono or stereo?
A: The Aux input of the AX2 is unbalanced mono. The mono sound will be sent to both sides of the stereo output.
Troubleshooting
Q: How do I reset the Axsys/AX2?
A: The factory reset for the Axsys 212 or AX2 is to hold down the USER PRESET and the SAVE (or STORE SOUND) buttons.
Q: I have been getting a loud noise when switching from preset 01 on channel "A"?
A: Please try a hard reset of your AX2/Axsys.
Q: I am receiving a "lo batt" error message. What should I do?
A: This message is an indication that the battery is not going to be with us much longer. We use lithium batteries in the AX2/Axsys in order to store the user presets, a common replacement is the Panasonic BR2325-1HG. The current battery will need to be de-soldered and replaced with a new battery. If you are not confident in doing this replacement, it should be performed by an authorized Line 6 Service Center.
Q: I'm having a hard time getting my clean sounds really clean on my AxSys/AX2. Is there something that I can try?
A: Always remember that there are many different places where you can increase or decrease gain on the AX2/AxSys. If you've chosen to increase it in all (or even most) of these places, you could be causing clipping after the TubeTone modeling. One of the most likely places for this to happen is in the Graphic EQ. A quick test is to turn the EQ off and see if your sound cleans up. If it does, move your whole EQ curve down so that your highest frequency boosts are no higher than +6. A general troubleshooting procedure to find where you might be getting unwanted clipping is to turn off all the effects, make sure that the sound is clean, then turn the effects back on, one at a time, checking for clipping after turning on each one.
Q: I just upgraded to AX2 and my presets are changing radically every time I touch a knob. What's going on?
A: The AX2 defaults to an 'immediate' editing mode in which the sound will instantly reflect the knob settings (i.e. when you change a knob, the sound changes immediately). You're used to the older 'capture' mode editing of the AxSys 212, where you had to move a knob to the position of its stored setting before you could change the setting. You can put the AX2 into the older editing mode by holding down the Main Row Edit Select button while powering up the amp. This setting is stored with the other Global settings, and you'll never have to think about it again unless you do a reset of the amp. (See page 2-2 of the manual)
Q: I turned up the Delay/Reverb level in the Main Row, but I don't hear any reverb or delay?
A: Make sure that the Delay and/or Reverb is turned on in the FX On/Off Edit Row or at the Floor Board. Still nothing? Remember that the individual Delay and Reverb Level controls in their respective Edit Rows have to be turned up as well.
Q: The Axsys amplifier may make a crashing noise when switching between two presets that have Reverb or Delay on them?
A: The Axsys amplifier may make a crashing noise when switching between two presets that have Reverb or Delay on them. The Axsys may also make a crashing noise when switching from a preset that uses the Acoustic Simulator to a preset that uses a non-Acoustic Simulator amp model with Reverb or Delay. There are several things that can be done to eliminate or minimize this noise.
If the presets that are selected do not have any Reverb or Delay on them, the noise will be eliminated. It is possible to have Reverb or Delay pre-programmed into a preset but have the effects turned off. Then, after the preset has been selected using the EFFECTS ON/OFF foot switch function to activate the Reverb or Delay. This will eliminate switching noises at the time of the preset change. It is also possible to program the presets to minimize any noises that may occur during switching. The "SPRING" reverb model is the most likely to cause noises. Using another reverb model such as "DARK HALL" will lower the level of the noise. Maintaining a similar "reverb level" on the presets that are selected will also help to minimize this switching noise. There are three parameters that adjust the "reverb level" on the Axsys. The REVERB ON/OFF setting in the FX ON/OFF row, the REVERB LEVEL setting in the REVERB row and the REVERB/DELAY setting in the MAIN row.
Q: Why is it that when the Axsys receives "MIDI program change messages", it will remain in the PRESET BANK or USER BANK it is set to at the time that the message is received?
A: The Axsys will receive "MIDI program changes" via its MIDI IN jack and then follow with the preset changes outlined on page 10.4 of the Axsys owners manual.
When the Axsys receives a "MIDI program change message" it will remain in the PRESET BANK or USER BANK it is set to at the time that the message is received.
The Axsys will need to receive a "MIDI bank change message" in order to scroll to a different BANK.
To toggle between the USER and PRESET BANKs, the user must press the USER/PRESET button on the front panel of the Axsys.
Many MIDI foot controllers proceed their program change commands with bank change information. This is especially common in Roland controllers. This function will need to be defeated for these controllers to work properly with a Line6 product.
Q: My amp seems to be malfunctioning and I have done the factory reset and checked the amp trouble shooting document. What can I do as an end user?
Line 6 Amp Trouble Shooting
Q: When I change to my acoustic simulator sound from a distortion I get a loud sound?
A: That noise that you're hearing is the sound of the Reverb and/or Delay trailing off from the electric guitar amp model and being amplified by the acoustic model at the time you're making the switch. The acoustic models have a lot more gain applied to them than the electric models. This is done so that the level between the acoustic modeler and the electric modeler are more closely matched. To avoid that frying pan sound, you may need to compromise the Reverb and/or Delay on the electric sound; basically turn it off. You can either program the electric sound with no Reverb or Delay, or you can turn the Reverb and/or Delay off via the Floor Board a few seconds before you switch to the acoustic sound. You may have to experiment to see how long it takes for the Reverb/Delay to "finish" before it's safe to switch to acoustic. The "discharging" time will be different for different lengths of Reverbs and Delays.
Q: Can I still get the AXSys/AX2 EPROM upgrade?
A: No, as the AXsys/AX2 EPROM is no longer readily available on the commercial market.
Q: Can I still get the AXSys/AX2 Line 6 cover?
A: The offical Line 6 AXsys/AX2 cover is longer being produced, but you can get a cover from a third party at the following link:
Cases And Covers
Q: Where can I get replacement knobs/speakers/logos for my AxSys/AX2 amp?
A: Please check the Line 6 Store.
Q: Where can I download an AxSys/AX2 manual?
A: Line 6 Manuals.