Fractal Audio Axe-FX - this thing is a Monster

[Jay Mitchell]

Does anyone actually use this live?Yes.

It looks like it would be a pain for live use regardless of the flexibility and sound.It is not.

[Scott Peterson]

Does anyone actually use this live? It looks like it would be a pain for live use regardless of the flexibility and sound.

Yes, weekly gig and pickup gigs over the last 12 months. Done small rooms, medium rooms, large rooms and outdoor festivals.

It's the simplest and best rig I've ever used. Never a hiccup and always killer tone.

[electronpirate]

Does anyone actually use this live? It looks like it would be a pain for live use regardless of the flexibility and sound.

I do.

It's fire and forget outside of Global EQ for your room. Once you have your patches setup, nothing needs to be done.

[TonePowers]

What midi switcher do you use? I have to admit, given the sounds I've heard, rolling in a small two to three space portable rack and hooking up a midi floorboard and guitar sounds pretty sweet.

[Den]

What midi switcher do you use? I have to admit, given the sounds I've heard, rolling in a small two to three space portable rack and hooking up a midi floorboard and guitar sounds pretty sweet.

If you visit the Axe-FX forum, you'll find a section with lots of info dedicated to the many midi control options available. There are a number of popular options to consider as well as a dedicated unit from Fractal that should become available in the not too distant future.

http://www.setbb.com/axefx/index.php?mforum=axefx

[Blueser]

Wife called. It is waiting at home. This should be interesting!

[Den]

"Interesting" is an understatement! Hope you have a fun weekend with your new toy.

[mtmartin71]

Sorry...I'm lazy and don't want to read the whole thread!

-It seems there is less patch tweaking that has to be done on getting a live sound that cuts through vs. the POD XTL (which I had before). Is that true? Part of my issue with a couple of attempts on the POD to go live (once with the PODxt through an Atomic 18 and once with a PODxtl through an Atomic 40) was the trouble in having to work the patches and volumes. My sense in reading up is that you can get to a good sound pretty quickly and have to tweak less based on live vs. home compared to the PODxt/x3. Is that the case?

-I would use this to record as well as a live rig. I play in a mostly covers band that plays small stages with lower stage volume (on average) and the occasional outdoor gig. We have our own PA but lack inputs for me to run through that when we need it. So, I can only run through a PA when I'm playing a properly equipped venue (which is often when I do). What do you guys think about the Tech 21 Power Engine? I was thinking the 4x10 model. For instances where there's a PA, I could go to the PA with one feed and use the other feed for the PE as a monitor. Are there better methods? I've also seen folks running this as a preamp only and then using a traditional rack setup of preamp-power amp-cab

[Shark Diver]

Anybody here gig in a hard rock/metal band with the Axe-FX?

I know people have recorded some excellent clips, but I am interested in the club guy's experience.

Not sure what Hard rock/Metal is to you (everyone has a different opinion), but I play stuff as heavy as Saliva, Queensryche and Skid Row. Never a problem. I don't own my Diezels anymore. :cool:


Does anyone actually use this live? It looks like it would be a pain for live use regardless of the flexibility and sound.

And why does it look like a pain? I hook one xlr cord to my monitor and one to the PA. Turn on my wireless and I'm done. Easiest thing I've ever done. The unit sits in the PA rack. I don't even have to bring a separate rack. A sequencer changes my patches. How much easier could it get?

[Blueser]

So.....I first plugged it into my Mackie mixer, and into my HR824's, because that's all I have in the way of studio monitors at this point, and I have to say I was not all that impressed.

So after dinner, I went back down to the dungeon, and plugged it into the front end of my Komet 60 (using it as a clean platform) and into my 2x12 Tone Tubby H-Bomb cabinet, and THAT's when the fun began! I could not believe how much better it sounded. I picked a preset, and peeled off all of the effects except a bit of delay/reverb/eq, and also took off the cab sim. I then cycled through all of the amp models, as was getting some incredibly organic tones from this thing.

You know you're having fun when three hours pass by, and you have no idea where they went! I still have loads to learn, but once you get it down, the interface is pretty intuitive, and easy to get great sounds from the unit.

I'm not sure why I couldn't get it to sound all that great through the Mackie monitors, but I am trying out some QSC HPR122i's this weekend, so I will get a better idea as to whether I will be going the FRFR route, or through a power amp, and into a traditional speaker cabinet.

[joemesser]

So.....I first plugged it into my Mackie mixer, and into my HR824's, because that's all I have in the way of studio monitors at this point, and I have to say I was not all that impressed.

So after dinner, I went back down to the dungeon, and plugged it into the front end of my Komet 60 (using it as a clean platform) and into my 2x12 Tone Tubby H-Bomb cabinet, and THAT's when the fun began! I could not believe how much better it sounded. I picked a preset, and peeled off all of the effects except a bit of delay/reverb/eq, and also took off the cab sim. I then cycled through all of the amp models, as was getting some incredibly organic tones from this thing.

You know you're having fun when three hours pass by, and you have no idea where they went! I still have loads to learn, but once you get it down, the interface is pretty intuitive, and easy to get great sounds from the unit.

I'm not sure why I couldn't get it to sound all that great through the Mackie monitors, but I am trying out some QSC HPR122i's this weekend, so I will get a better idea as to whether I will be going the FRFR route, or through a power amp, and into a traditional speaker cabinet.

Wow, so you can go into the front end of a regular combo/head amp too? You don't have to have an effects loop? Do you set it differently then, like changing it from line level output to instrument level?

I really want to hear your impressions of the QSC's when that happens too...

[Blueser]

Wow, so you can go into the front end of a regular combo/head amp too? You don't have to have an effects loop? Do you set it differently then, like changing it from line level output to instrument level?

I really want to hear your impressions of the QSC's when that happens too...


Yes.... Not sure if I was supposed to set it any differently, but I loved the sounds I was getting straight into the Komet set to clean. I removed the cab sims, and disabled the global power amp settings. I was using amp sims and some light effects (delay/EQ/reverb) and had a smile from ear to ear!

I also want to try a SS power amp into a my guitar cabs as well.

[Billy Blooze]

Anyone using their Axe-FX for home/bedroom playing ? (of course there are) other than recording .

What results are you getting and what system are you using it through ?

Thanks !

[AndrewSimon]

Anyone using their Axe-FX for home/bedroom playing ? (of course there are) other than recording .

What results are you getting and what system are you using it through ?

Thanks !

The AXE-FX is very flexible, I never mentioned this because it will be flames everywhere but sometimes I really enjoy playing it hooked up to my stereo system..... :munch

But most of the time it's in my home studio hooked up to studio monitors.
I also play a lot with just headphones (Sennheiser HD600 is my favorite right now) not as fun as with the studio monitors but when you have kids and wife sleeping you do what you have to.... and it's still a lot of fun....
I own it for 9 months and even now I "forget myself"... nightly... looking at the clock.... going.... ohh no it's 2AM (I get up at 7 for my dayjob)

:rolleyes:

[dk_ace]

Well, I've had a couple more days with it now, and I'm loving it. I was able to duplicate all the sounds I've been using with relative ease. I've also added some that I didn't have before (rotary and reverb for instance). The Crystals things is really cool, but I won't be able to use that until I get an expression pedal working.

The only frustration I have right now is expression pedals. The EB does volume fine, but I haven't got anything for wah or the like. I'm going shopping tomorrow to try and take care of that.

I was really concerned about trying to set up a MIDI controller, but all I had to do was read the manual and spend a couple of hours with it. That wasn't nearly as painful as I thought it would be.

D

[Gasp100]

The AXE-FX is very flexible, I never mentioned this because it will be flames everywhere but sometimes I really enjoy playing it hooked up to my stereo system..... :munch

But most of the time it's in my home studio hooked up to studio monitors.
I also play a lot with just headphones (Sennheiser HD600 is my favorite right now) not as fun as with the studio monitors but when you have kids and wife sleeping you do what you have to.... and it's still a lot of fun....
I own it for 9 months and even now I "forget myself"... nightly... looking at the clock.... going.... ohh no it's 2AM (I get up at 7 for my dayjob)

:rolleyes:

I've been using mine in a home situation as well. I'm really, really, really on the fence about buying a QSC 122i and going FRFR all the way. It would basically mean selling my last (brand new, kick ass) tube amp and traditional guitar cab. But, if I'm honest with myself I was able to come very close to duplicating the amp's clean sound within about 30 minutes of tweaking -- and that was running the Axe -> ss power amp -> same guitar cab OR bouncing between the Axe -> nearfield monitors vs. Tube amp -> guitar cab... seriously, the only difference was probably attributable to the 12" speakers in the guitar cab.
This "possible" Fractal Audio FRFR system (so far it's a rumor or vaporware I guess) keeps me sitting on the fence, but I might not be able to hold off based on just rumors of "something down the pike".
Anyone else in my situation?

[Jason_86_951]

I've been using mine in a home situation as well. I'm really, really, really on the fence about buying a QSC 122i and going FRFR all the way. It would basically mean selling my last (brand new, kick ass) tube amp and traditional guitar cab. But, if I'm honest with myself I was able to come very close to duplicating the amp's clean sound within about 30 minutes of tweaking -- and that was running the Axe -> ss power amp -> same guitar cab OR bouncing between the Axe -> nearfield monitors vs. Tube amp -> guitar cab... seriously, the only difference was probably attributable to the 12" speakers in the guitar cab.
This "possible" Fractal Audio FRFR system (so far it's a rumor or vaporware I guess) keeps me sitting on the fence, but I might not be able to hold off based on just rumors of "something down the pike".
Anyone else in my situation?

I was in the exact same spot until I had a chance to play with some studio monitors for a few days. I've got one killer tube amp left and on the fence about letting it go, but I have no reservations about going FRFR with the AxeFX. It's the way nature intended....lol

It takes a different aproach with your global EQ to tame the high end, but once you dial it in, even the stock presets sound killer.

[TimH]

I was in the exact same spot until I had a chance to play with some studio monitors for a few days. I've got one killer tube amp left and on the fence about letting it go, but I have no reservations about going FRFR with the AxeFX. It's the way nature intended....lol

It takes a different aproach with your global EQ to tame the high end, but once you dial it in, even the stock presets sound killer.


What did you do to the global high end to achieve this?

[Gasp100]

I was in the exact same spot until I had a chance to play with some studio monitors for a few days. I've got one killer tube amp left and on the fence about letting it go, but I have no reservations about going FRFR with the AxeFX. It's the way nature intended....lol

It takes a different aproach with your global EQ to tame the high end, but once you dial it in, even the stock presets sound killer.

It's cool that you mentioned that - in all of my comparison's and testing I have shy'd away from touching the global EQ to match my nearfield monitoring situation. I believe the AxeFX is actually exposing the weak links in my signal chain - less than flat/perfect nearfield monitors and a pretty brittle power amp. Even so, I spent more time between tube amp and nearfields and I kept coming back to the studio rig and spending much more time there... and that was with this ONE Top Boost patch, just playing. Then it happened; I turned the dial and went into a completely different direction and it was all there (I dig a "tamed" down "toned" down Rat dropped in front of the Plexi 2 through a couple of 4x12's with 25 watters :)
:banana
My bright-assed Tele with steel saddles sounded like Godzilla!
My tube amp was lonely the rest of the night :(

[Jason_86_951]

What did you do to the global high end to achieve this?

To make my setup (which may or may not be flat, who knows) my EQ looks like a downhill slope.

My setup (at the moment...lol) is a pair of Event 20/20 passives powered by a small low powered tube hifi power amp.

Bass up a hair, mids pretty flat, highs trimmed down a ways.

I bounced between 3 or 4 stock presets and played with the global eq until it sounded good. I wanted to hear what Cliff was hearing with the presets he developed. They always sounded bad to me until I adjusted the EQ to match my system.

They sound great now. In fact I can even grab just about any preset and scroll between different amps within the preset and they all sound pretty good without any drastic tweaks.

Now I get it.

[Jason_86_951]

in all of my comparison's and testing I have shy'd away from touching the global EQ to match my nearfield monitoring situation.

I think this is the MAIN PROBLEM most people (including myself) are having.

I always thought that the global should be flat and the presets should be shaped to fit.

I have seen the light!

Adjust the global EQ to match YOUR SYSTEM. Use a few of Cliff's stock presets to start with, make them sound good with your system and then all the presets you build from then on are easy as cake to make sound good.

It would be cool if Cliff could put in a couple of memory locations for global EQ settings. So you could save one for each application.

[RvChevron]

How much is the Ultra??

Thanks

[TimH]

If you have to sell all your guitars to buy one Tyler, then do it.

If you have to sell all your tube amps, all your pedals, your cabs, everything you own, to buy an AXE-FX, then do it.

:hide


If I keep the Axe this is exactly my plan. If it delivers on the hype I've heard then it will be worth it.

[Billy Blooze]

Home/bedroom players using the Axe-FX appear to be using it through different systems ie tube power amp/cab -- ss power amp/cab -- studio monitors -- headphones - effects return of an amp/cab - Hi Fi stereo amp etc etc which all probably add some coloration to the overall sound .

What would be considered the most transparent - neutral - dynamic system to use with the Axe- FX for low volume level playing at home ? (very subjective I know) .

Thanks !

[Den]

... What would be considered the most transparent - neutral - dynamic system to use with the Axe- FX for low volume level playing at home ? (very subjective I know) .

Thanks !

Studio monitors are designed to offer a neutral response over a wide frequency range. For lower volume use (even very small gigs), some of the quality powered studio monitors will deliver some great tone at workable volume.

In my small home studio, I run my Axe into an A&H mixer which then feeds a pair of powered studio monitors, as well as a Yorkeville NX550P PA speaker. I blend in the Yorkville when I'm looking for the extra punch that comes with greater volume and a larger speaker. For most home use purposes, however, the studio monitors are excellent.

[Jason_86_951]

In my small home studio, I run my Axe into an A&H mixer which then feeds a pair of powered studio monitors, as well as a Yorkeville NX550P PA speaker. I blend in the Yorkville when I'm looking for the extra punch that comes with greater volume and a larger speaker. For most home use purposes, however, the studio monitors are excellent.

Ever set that rig up to be a wet/dry/wet?

Take a dry signal to out 1 to the york, and then use out 2 for a 100% wet stereo signal to the monitors?

That's the route I'm thinking of doing.

[Den]

Ever set that rig up to be a wet/dry/wet?

Take a dry signal to out 1 to the york, and then use out 2 for a 100% wet stereo signal to the monitors?

That's the route I'm thinking of doing.
No ... never tried it, but that would be cool. I don't think I'd get a lot of benefit from that in a small space, but setting up like that onstage with the wet signal to the board and a dry signal to another speaker behind me would be very cool. The routing on the Axe is very flexible, so this would be easy to set up.

Just running some of the effects in stereo sounds awesome, but for gigging, I tend to try to keep things as simple as possible.

[Billy Blooze]

Studio monitors are designed to offer a neutral response over a wide frequency range. For lower volume use (even very small gigs), some of the quality powered studio monitors will deliver some great tone at workable volume.

In my small home studio, I run my Axe into an A&H mixer which then feeds a pair of powered studio monitors, as well as a Yorkeville NX550P PA speaker. I blend in the Yorkville when I'm looking for the extra punch that comes with greater volume and a larger speaker. For most home use purposes, however, the studio monitors are excellent.

How does the Axe-Fx sound at low volume levels through your powered studio monitors compared to gigging levels ? Den , what powered studio monitors are you using ?

Thanks !

[Den]

How does the Axe-Fx sound at low volume levels through your powered studio monitors compared to gigging levels ? Den , what powered studio monitors are you using ?

Thanks !
Like almost any other situation, the more volume you're using, the more punch and dynamics. That said, I can get some great tones at very reasonable volume levels ... much more so than the majority of amps I've owned. With all the tweakability in the Axe, you can easily create patches with slight EQ mods that you use specifically for low volume playing if you like ... or you can tweak the Global EQ as well. Lots of flexibility.

The monitors I'm using are Behringer Truth B2031's ... the only "B" product I own, but have proven to be an excellent value for the $$$'s. Not only easy on the ears, but my mixes translate very well to other sound systems. Friends hearing our recordings through the monitors have often commented that it sounds like it's live in the room. Of course, there are quite a few options in the powered monitor category.

[Roodboy]

Home/bedroom players using the Axe-FX appear to be using it through different systems ie tube power amp/cab -- ss power amp/cab -- studio monitors -- headphones - effects return of an amp/cab - Hi Fi stereo amp etc etc which all probably add some coloration to the overall sound .

What would be considered the most transparent - neutral - dynamic system to use with the Axe- FX for low volume level playing at home ? (very subjective I know) .

Thanks !
It sounds great at sleeping family volumes w/QSCHPR122i's. You can adjust a parameter called drive under cabinet for speaker breakup.

[electronpirate]

One point:

Don't EVER think that bedroom volume and tweaking translates to band volume work. It just doesn't. Playing dynamics, the subtleties you hear at volume aren't there.

[AndrewSimon]

... seriously, the only difference was probably attributable to the 12" speakers in the guitar cab.


Yeah... having a 12" speaker is definitely a plus.
One of the coolest tones I got so far was from a pair of old Klipsch stereo speakers from the 70's.... hooked up to Fisher tube stereo receiver. (also from the 70's)
Big heavy cabinet, 12" woofers and a horn..... they sure don't build them like they used to.

:)

[TimH]

just to add my .02 in here officially...the Axe rocks! There is no hype here...just truth. Try one for yourself. More to come after tomorrow's gig.

[Josh O]

Well, I drank the Kool-Aid, I'm in love. The Axe-FX is working out perfect for me, now I just need MIDI control. It's doing everything I hoped for me. First and foremost, I recorded direct with it last night with the band and I was blown away to say the least. I came with a handful of presets I downloaded from the Axe Exchange tweaked a little to my taste and man awesome. Once I get my MIDI controller so I can start swapping presets in a song and stomping certain effects off/on I'm gonna be dangerous!

What I'm really pleased with is how well it works with my Bogner Duende in the 4 cable setup. I've got presets built around the Duende as the main tonal driver, some of which are presets I got from the Axe-Exchange that I like the effects setup so much, I changed them around to bypass the cabinet and amp modules, throw my Duende in the Axe FX-Loop and use those effects. I also like how some of the presets as a whole, minus the cabinet model, sound through the Duende. Hey I want that Petrucci tone, bring up one of my four different Petrucci presets and bypass the Duende preamp. The versatility of this unit is just sick plain and simple. And I focus on the word simple, I haven't really delved into the complete tweakers dream with it, I've kept it simple and I like what I'm getting out of it just on that level. Haven't gone crazy with impulse response models, although I've downloaded some to see if I get my Petrucci presets to sound even chunkier/tighter, messing around the sag and dynamic controls of the different amp models etc.

What I'm seeing that is really cool about the Axe-FX and others have brought up is that wether you keep it simple or go abosolutely nuts with tweaking it, you can always get a real useable sound out of it. Is it going to replace my amp, time will tell but right now I say no. I say my amp and the Axe-FX together make a real powerhouse.

[Blueser]

I posted this over at the Axe-FX forum, but it doesn't seem to get much traffic there, so I am posting here as well.....

So I know this may sound dumb, but here it goes. I have two Tone Tubby speaker cabinets that I want to run with my Axe-FX. They are both 80 watt cabs (2x40watt speakers). If I want buy a stereo power amp so that each side would feed one cabinet (stereo), what is the maximum wattage power amp I should buy. It seems that all of the high quality amp makers only put out premium stuff at 300 watts and up, and I don't want to blow up my speaker cabinets.

Any ideas what the ideal power amp size/capacity should be for this setup. I am really leaning towards either a QSC or Crown power amp.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
B

[TimH]

I posted this over at the Axe-FX forum, but it doesn't seem to get much traffic there, so I am posting here as well.....

So I know this may sound dumb, but here it goes. I have two Tone Tubby speaker cabinets that I want to run with my Axe-FX. They are both 80 watt cabs (2x40watt speakers). If I want buy a stereo power amp so that each side would feed one cabinet (stereo), what is the maximum wattage power amp I should buy. It seems that all of the high quality amp makers only put out premium stuff at 300 watts and up, and I don't want to blow up my speaker cabinets.

Any ideas what the ideal power amp size/capacity should be for this setup. I am really leaning towards either a QSC or Crown power amp.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

B

80 watts per side max. So 160 watts total. Crate powerblock?

[mwc2112]

A MosValve MV962 would work well too. 80W/side, good dynamics, and you can get them for cheap.

[Shark Diver]

Get a Mesa 2/90 or VHT 2/90/2. You'll be fine, and if you want the tube deal it's all there for you.

[Ed DeGenaro]

A MosValve MV962 would work well too. 80W/side, good dynamics, and you can get them for cheap.
Big fan of it myself...especially at 100 bucks used.

[ogleh]

Ok, I’m sold (188 pages later, maybe brainwashed it more appropriate).

Looking at ways to get a control and sound mechanism together on the cheap while my savings recovers from purchase of an Ultra. Has anyone tried using the back end (power amp section and speakers) and midi out of a Line 6 combo or POD, as a life support system to an AXE FX?

I have an old AX212, which isn’t a hot resale commodity, but I figure it has to have a relatively neutral power section, and as I recall the speakers were supposed to be specially designed to be neutral also.

I’m completely midi ignorant so I don’t know if this is what MIDI out is supposed to be used for.

Down the road, I’ll be in better financial condition to work in a MIDI controller with expression pedal.

By the way, are the expression pedal inputs independent of the MIDI controls. Meaning, do they need to talk or be electronically linked?

[stratzrus]

You know you're having fun when three hours pass by, and you have no idea where they went!The exact same thing happened to me. When I saw online that my unit had been delivered I immediately left work and had a blissful long weekend.
Anyone using their Axe-FX for home/bedroom playing ? What results are you getting and what system are you using it through ? Great results. When practicing late at night I'm running it into the effects returns of a pair of Fender Stage 185s and it sounds fine but lacks bass (which is desirable for late night playing).

When I want to get happy I run it into the effects return of my Rivera KHR 100 and a 4x12 with two EV SROs. Ooh-wee we're having fun now!
80 watts per side max. So 160 watts total. Crate powerblock?That would be like putting a pair of retreads on a Ferarri. :D

I'd consider a Carvin rack unit.

[monkjunior]

got the standard on wednesday after it sat in australia customs for a week and half for them to tell me it was gonna cost me nearly $400 for it to be released and well since then i think have played about 8 hours each day.... that combned with watching the mayer where the light is DVD has me all inspired at te moment...i think ive been playing the same preset for hours and hours and hours..... i am not all that good with deep editing on anything i have the worlds supply of magicstomps which i have been using as well as pedals.....but this thing is really really simple to get around.......... this thing is insane....
i wish i had bought the ultra for the extra cpu, as i have been stacking everything with everything and cross feeding and blah blah..... and quickly get to use all of the cpu memory, but i doubt i wil ever need that much running at one time...now to find a shimmer patch then just get me a foot controller then "the tardis" (pedal board)as my band calls it looks like it will be retired except for maybe the bb preamp........... awesome...

[cliffc8488]

$400 sounds awfully steep. The U.S. has a free trade agreement with Australia so there shouldn't be any tariffs on the product since it's made in the US and is clearly labeled as such.

CC

[Den]

$400 sounds awfully steep. The U.S. has a free trade agreement with Australia so there shouldn't be any tariffs on the product since it's made in the US and is clearly labeled as such.

CC
Agreed. I sold an amp to a TGP member in Australia and per his request, put labels on the box saying "Made in USA" and also indicated the same on the sales receipt. He had no issues or tariff's to pay as far as I know.

That's a lot of coin.

[TimH]

That would be like putting a pair of retreads on a Ferarri. :D

.

You've obviously never played a powerblock. They're awesome and sound great. Don't let price or size fool you.

[Gasp100]

Well, I drank the Kool-Aid, I'm in love. The Axe-FX is working out perfect for me, now I just need MIDI control. It's doing everything I hoped for me. First and foremost, I recorded direct with it last night with the band and I was blown away to say the least. I came with a handful of presets I downloaded from the Axe Exchange tweaked a little to my taste and man awesome. Once I get my MIDI controller so I can start swapping presets in a song and stomping certain effects off/on I'm gonna be dangerous!

What I'm really pleased with is how well it works with my Bogner Duende in the 4 cable setup. I've got presets built around the Duende as the main tonal driver, some of which are presets I got from the Axe-Exchange that I like the effects setup so much, I changed them around to bypass the cabinet and amp modules, throw my Duende in the Axe FX-Loop and use those effects. I also like how some of the presets as a whole, minus the cabinet model, sound through the Duende. Hey I want that Petrucci tone, bring up one of my four different Petrucci presets and bypass the Duende preamp. The versatility of this unit is just sick plain and simple. And I focus on the word simple, I haven't really delved into the complete tweakers dream with it, I've kept it simple and I like what I'm getting out of it just on that level. Haven't gone crazy with impulse response models, although I've downloaded some to see if I get my Petrucci presets to sound even chunkier/tighter, messing around the sag and dynamic controls of the different amp models etc.

What I'm seeing that is really cool about the Axe-FX and others have brought up is that wether you keep it simple or go abosolutely nuts with tweaking it, you can always get a real useable sound out of it. Is it going to replace my amp, time will tell but right now I say no. I say my amp and the Axe-FX together make a real powerhouse.

Hey Josh, seeing you are a relative noob to the Axe (as am I) was the 4 cable concept hard to setup/get used to? I'm in the exact opposite situation I was in a day ago - I just bought a used Valvetech VAC25 (which I got to have a kick ass grab n' go, no frills versatile tube tone monster) and I realized this is built with a LINE LEVEL FX loop, which should be perfect for using the AXE in the loop or maybe even trying the 4 cable method. I guess I'll have to research but I figured I'd just throw this one out there for the group.

[monkjunior]

well i got slugged...apparently anything imported over $1000 gets mauled ie 5% duty 10% Goods and services taxz, customs clearin fees... importer registration...
breakdown was like
$70 - duty
$166 - GST
$95 - brokerage fee
$40 - customs fee
$11 - GSt on customs fee..
just a load of bollocks if you ask me...

[Josh O]

Hey Josh, seeing you are a relative noob to the Axe (as am I) was the 4 cable concept hard to setup/get used to? I'm in the exact opposite situation I was in a day ago - I just bought a used Valvetech VAC25 (which I got to have a kick ass grab n' go, no frills versatile tube tone monster) and I realized this is built with a LINE LEVEL FX loop, which should be perfect for using the AXE in the loop or maybe even trying the 4 cable method. I guess I'll have to research but I figured I'd just throw this one out there for the group.

Hey gasp,

Take a wander over the Axe-FX forum and search for 4 cable method, all types of pros/cons, tips, excitement, disappointments etc!

For me, it's working out great although it's tricky getting all four volume levels equaled out with your particular amp. I'm still fiddling a little with that but I'm just about there. Some people at the Axe forum have complained about noise, some are having 60Hz noise, ground loop hum and some are just getting loud hiss. It really seems to be amp dependant, how you have your levels tweaked, the design of the amp's FX loop, if you have a bad ground in your home wiring, etc etc. Don't let alot of what you read scare you before trying it. I find the only noise I get is when my Bogner is really humming gain wise and the 4-cable method raises the typical tube amp hum you get at high gain a little, nothing that bugs me and man, being able to keep your amp as the main tone generator and having the quality Axe-FX effects both before and after your amp is just awesome.

[Gasp100]

Schweet! Just one more combination to try with the AxeFX. It will be cool to experiment - I'm stoked to be picking up the Valvetech again.

[bluesmostly]

well i got slugged...apparently anything imported over $1000 gets mauled ie 5% duty 10% Goods and services taxz, customs clearin fees... importer registration...
breakdown was like
$70 - duty
$166 - GST
$95 - brokerage fee
$40 - customs fee
$11 - GSt on customs fee..
just a load of bollocks if you ask me...

Same here, I didn't have to pay duty on the Axe to get it in Canada, but with fees and taxes it still cost over $300 to get it,... but it was worth it - :)

[Josh O]

Schweet! Just one more combination to try with the AxeFX. It will be cool to experiment - I'm stoked to be picking up the Valvetech again.

Definetely worth the price of admission! I honestly can say that my love affair for the Axe-FX is not attributed to a honeymoon state or the fact that its the liqour talking! :) It really is a dream come true for me for what I use it for which is very powerful and versatile effects processor with my Bogner, an all in one does it well direct record device with my band and a great silent amp for use with my headphone out of my mixer. I'm a tube amp snob but I tell ya, this thing really is the real deal no $hit. It's not hype, Cliff really hit the mark with the Axe-FX.

[iaresee]

Alright, I want in the club. I'm not playing live much these days and I find I want more amp selection than I do just one solid gigging amp. So how do I get all this done? I'm going to have to sell some gear...the question is: how much?

The short list of things I need, I think, would be:

1 x AxeFx Ultra - $2000 USD
1 x Power amp (lets say the MosValve) - ~$100
1 x 4u rack - ~$100 (room for a power amp at some point)
1 x midi controller - here's where I start to get clueless - what's good? what's the going price?
2 x expression pedals - $150
2 x 1x12 cabinets - ??? another clueless one here -- what's a good full frequency cab to use?

Am I missing anything from that list? We're talking like about $2500 all in to join the club and try this thing out?

[GITTarzann]

Where are you located, maybe you could give a users Axe a spin before you buy ?

[Londoncalling]

Alright, I want in the club. I'm not playing live much these days and I find I want more amp selection than I do just one solid gigging amp. So how do I get all this done? I'm going to have to sell some gear...the question is: how much?

The short list of things I need, I think, would be:

1 x AxeFx Ultra - $2000 USD
1 x Power amp (lets say the MosValve) - ~$100
1 x 4u rack - ~$100 (room for a power amp at some point)
1 x midi controller - here's where I start to get clueless - what's good? what's the going price?
2 x expression pedals - $150
2 x 1x12 cabinets - ??? another clueless one here -- what's a good full frequency cab to use?

Am I missing anything from that list? We're talking like about $2500 all in to join the club and try this thing out?

Thank you for summing up! Please keep us informed as you flesh this out. Christmas is coming!

[iaresee]

Where are you located, maybe you could give a users Axe a spin before you buy ?

I'm in Ottawa, ON and if there are an AxeFx owners near by that want to have a little party that'd be super cool. I'm willing to take the plunge based solely on the clips I've heard and the opinions of people I hold in high regard though.

I live dangerously. Sometimes. :)

Thank you for summing up! Please keep us informed as you flesh this out. Christmas is coming!

You bet. I'll keep a running tab of all the stuff you need to acquire to get on board completely. It's never just the unit, right?

[Brian G]

Alright, I want in the club. I'm not playing live much these days and I find I want more amp selection than I do just one solid gigging amp. So how do I get all this done? I'm going to have to sell some gear...the question is: how much?

The short list of things I need, I think, would be:

1 x AxeFx Ultra - $2000 USD
1 x Power amp (lets say the MosValve) - ~$100
1 x 4u rack - ~$100 (room for a power amp at some point)
1 x midi controller - here's where I start to get clueless - what's good? what's the going price?
2 x expression pedals - $150
2 x 1x12 cabinets - ??? another clueless one here -- what's a good full frequency cab to use?

Am I missing anything from that list? We're talking like about $2500 all in to join the club and try this thing out?

I've had my Standard since last October, so I'm well past the Honeymoon phase. I prefer the FRFR approach, myself, just my personal opinion. Just don't see why you'd want to be limited to the sound "character" of one type of guitar cab, since it colors everything that comes before it.

My thoughts on your list are:

1. Forget the 1x12 guitar cabs, unless you're a hopeless traditionalist. Get either one QSC HPR122i (mono) or two, if you absolutely have to have stereo. DO NOT think most other powered PA monitors are reasonable substitutes, they're not. This will also eliminate the need for an outboard amp, so you can use a smaller rack case.

Alternatively, Fractal may be no more than a few weeks (?) away from announcing their speaker/amp/solution, but Cliff's keeping very hush-hush about it, so no idea what it will be.

There is no such thing as a "full-range" cab designed for guitar. The closest thing would be a keyboard amp.

2. Fractal is getting closer to releasing their own floor controller, which will display the tuner at your feet, as well as accurate patch name. There's quite a bit of info on the Axe FX forum on this topic, and others.

By the way, the most recent firmware update just took the "reality" of the total sound to a whole new dimension, IMO.

I'm in Toronto, by the way.

Brian

[Impulse 101]

I agree, 5.18 and some of the user IR's that are available really take the Axe into a whole new realm of modeling realism. I was sure I would never use my Ultras amp models for more than practicing and demos, but now? It sounds better than I'm able to mic and process my amps and cabinets at my project studio and the owner of the professional studio where I do my real work is going to buy one.

JT

[iaresee]

I prefer the FRFR approach, myself, just my personal opinion.
I was assuming FRFR as well. Is the MosValve not a PA type SS amp? I thought it was. My bad if it isn't (I have to admit I haven't read the entire thread). But yea, I was thinking light weight SS PA amp and 1x12 PA speakers.

Those QSC powered speakers look...big. And heavy. Are they?
Alternatively, Fractal may be no more than a few weeks (?) away from announcing their speaker/amp/solution, but Cliff's keeping very hush-hush about it, so no idea what it will be.
That sounds cool. Lets say until I see it priced I'm doubtful he'll be able to offer something that's cost effective. He's just not doing the volume of say QSC or Mackie or the other PA system players. But I'll reserve judgement until I see it.

There is no such thing as a "full-range" cab designed for guitar. The closest thing would be a keyboard amp.
Yea, I was thinking small, non-powered PA speakers when I said cabs. Should have been more explicit.

2. Fractal is getting closer to releasing their own floor controller, which will display the tuner at your feet, as well as accurate patch name. There's quite a bit of info on the Axe FX forum on this topic, and others.
Now that's a cool add on I'd pay for. I always thought the Lexicon MPX G2 + R1 combination was an awesomely powerful duo. You're always working around things when you combine two different manufacturers in this space.

By the way, the most recent firmware update just took the "reality" of the total sound to a whole new dimension, IMO.
Just whetting the desire further! :)

I'm in Toronto, by the way.
Cool. I was in Toronto up until last summer. Relocated back closer to the family when we found out we were having a kid. Ottawa is...quiet. Lets leave it at that. :)

[FPFL]

I agree, 5.18 and some of the user IR's that are available really take the Axe into a whole new realm of modeling realism. I was sure I would never use my Ultras amp models for more than practicing and demos, but now? It sounds better than I'm able to mic and process my amps and cabinets at my project studio and the owner of the professional studio where I do my real work is going to buy one.

JT

JT,

I'm most curious, which impulses are you especially fond of?

I'm a noob to the Axe-Fx, got mine a couple weeks ago but love it already. Clawfinger's were the only IR I've already downloaded.

Thanks!

Paul

[AndrewSimon]

JT,

I'm most curious, which impulses are you especially fond of?

I'm a noob to the Axe-Fx, got mine a couple weeks ago but love it already. Clawfinger's were the only IR I've already downloaded.

Thanks!

Paul

Try the ones Jay did:
http://www.axechange.net/user.aspx?USER_PROFILE_ID=200
Especially this one:
http://www.axechange.net/preset.aspx?preset_id=90

:D

[tennisplayer]

It just seems to get more and more complicated to me. What do you do when this $3000-4000 investment during a gig, starts flashing ERROR Code 47272786ri ? And just stops? That's what would terrify me the most. Or do you carry a few extra microchips in your pocket?

[Scott Peterson]

It just seems to get more and more complicated to me. What do you do when this $3000-4000 investment during a gig, starts flashing ERROR Code 47272786ri ? And just stops? That's what would terrify me the most. Or do you carry a few extra microchips in your pocket?

As with any - ANY - rig you carry a back up solution.

For the record, I've had 55+ gigs now with the Axe-FX; never a hiccup.

[iaresee]

It just seems to get more and more complicated to me. What do you do when this $3000-4000 investment during a gig, starts flashing ERROR Code 47272786ri ? And just stops? That's what would terrify me the most. Or do you carry a few extra microchips in your pocket?
Doesn't seem any more panic-inducing that when my amp goes fiiizzttpphhhtttphhhhlllllllllllPOP! About the same level of panic I think. :)

[Blueser]

It just seems to get more and more complicated to me. What do you do when this $3000-4000 investment during a gig, starts flashing ERROR Code 47272786ri ? And just stops? That's what would terrify me the most. Or do you carry a few extra microchips in your pocket?

And that's any different than losing a fuse, power tube, preamp tube, or even worse, a tranny? Having your rig go down is bad no matter what technology you use, and if you're using an FRFR system, you have component separation on your rig that would provide you with options. You could bring something like an Ethos pedal/preamp as a backup to plug into your FRFR setup through the speaker sim output.

[tennisplayer]

Seems easier to unplug the Marshall head and plug your guitar into another Marshall head.

[iaresee]

Seems easier to unplug the Marshall head and plug your guitar into another Marshall head.
Your logic here is weird: why can't I be carrying a Marshall head as a backup to the AxeFx? Owning one does not exclude owning the other...

[Zelja]

It just seems to get more and more complicated to me. What do you do when this $3000-4000 investment during a gig, starts flashing ERROR Code 47272786ri ? And just stops? That's what would terrify me the most. Or do you carry a few extra microchips in your pocket?

What do you do when your output transformer goes, or your PT? What happens when a coupling cap or a screen resistor smokes? Do you have some of them in your back pocket, quickly whip out the chassis, find the offending devices, unsolder it, resolder the replacement, screw the chassis back, all in time for the next round of Blues in A?

Sorry for being a bit of a smartarse but the above post seems to be unnecessary doom mongering. Forgetting any perceived tone issues, and not having any empirical data at hand, I would hazard a guess that quality built digital devices would be more reliable than the venerable tube amps we all love. I am guessing tube amps intrinsically would be less reliable due to the fact that they run on higher voltages, they have parts more susceptible to breaking down etc. Heck, that's why you carry spare tubes for your amps.

BTW, I am not trying to push the Axe-FX onto anyone - I have a 64 Vibrolux, 65 Vox AC50, a couple more Fenders, an Aiken & a Hayseed & likely to keep them all except the AC50 & the Champ. I love my tube amps.:D

[Den]

Seems easier to unplug the Marshall head and plug your guitar into another Marshall head.

Which would be as easy as unplugging from one Axe-FX and plugging into another Axe-FX.

[tennisplayer]

the price.....the price.

[Schtomp]

the price.....the price.

Concidering all the options you get, it´s a really cheap unit.

[Den]

I forgot to mention that ... that is another advantage! An Axe-FX Standard as a backup is less expensive than most Marshall heads.

[gag halfrunt]

the price.....the price.
The hater.....the hater :D



Just kidding. ;)

[DC1]

the price.....the price.

The plane! The plane!

http://img2.timeinc.net/ew/dynamic/imgs/060713/133310__tattoo_l.jpg





:banana:banana:banana

DC

[GreatGreen]

A backup Axe-Fx would most likely be cheaper than a backup tube amp. And besides, even if you do get "error 2234923" and the thing shuts down, chances are that a quick firmware reinstallation will fix the problem entirely... and if you copied your patches to a backup axe-fx, your sound doesn't even change at all.

If you fry a cap or a tranny in a tube amp, do you think a quick firmware reinstall is going to fix it? Oh wait...

Of course, I think the best thing, in an ideal situation, would be to use the Axe-Fx in the loop of a tube amp for effects and maybe the occasional amp model you'd like to use but your main amp doesn't do all that well, and if the tube amp ever fries, just switch to the Axe-Fx for everything and use a backup SS poweramp with it.

[GreenTea]

....
Alternatively, Fractal may be no more than a few weeks (?) away from announcing their speaker/amp/solution, but Cliff's keeping very hush-hush about it, so no idea what it will be...

Brian, your entire post was very helpful/revealing. Thanks! To focus on one of the comments, any speculation as to the new idea for a speaker amp solution? Just trying to rustle up an image of what it could be. The Axe-FX really interests me for the flex pro sounds and the portability.

[Scott Peterson]

Brian, your entire post was very helpful/revealing. Thanks! To focus on one of the comments, any speculation as to the new idea for a speaker amp solution? Just trying to rustle up an image of what it could be. The Axe-FX really interests me for the flex pro sounds and the portability.

No one really knows a thing. It is most likely a combined Atomic/Fractal product and past that.... Cliff has not played any cards whatsoever.

One thing about Cliff, he tips his hand ever so slightly but past that... nothing till he releases the product.

[monkjunior]

well... i have had my unit a couple of weeks now... and had not really done much with it.... i loaded some IRs' set up a patch and basically have just been using it in my office/studio/practice room.. to learn songs etc. a one patch wonder (me not the unit) .. waiting on the the ground control to use it live (which i just ordered from the Us at a great price - sorry to hear about your banking an financial crisis buit on the upside the aussie dollar is almost equal to the US again - yay us!!) i digress...
so today i set my pedal board up and wanted to start to try an replicate the pedals i have on the board within the axe as i will be using the axe for effects and my Overtone for the amp... one problem that i have is that i dont have an original kleinulator or dumbleator, but have a home built version and well basically it sucks ass... so will have to get the real deal me thinks...
anyway i started tweaking away
i will report i got pretty much really really really close with them all.... will try and do some comparison clips...over next couple of days to demonstrate.....but my experience is..
BB preamp - used the - used Full OD + needed post GEQ together to..bit of a smiley face with GEQ...
Keeley Ts9- the mod Ts808 was so freaken close dont think i will have to anything add anything with it...
been using magicstomps for tremelo, rotary and solo boost the trem and rotary were easy copied no problems... the solos boost in the magicstomp is a multiband kinda thing..... and kinda took a little bit... and i'm still not completely happy or cloned but that might be ear fatigue and possibly not really knowing what frequencies i'm hearing but pretty close...
dd-20 standard - delay - spot on...no trouble..
dd-20 dot 1/8th mod delay - almost exact just not sure how to replicate the modside of things but getting pretty darn close...
verbzilla - for shimmer - well still need to find this hopefully someone wil have the penultimate shimmer patch/settings to share... but that aside there are some pad things going on that are so insane this unit will easily keep up...
anyway just my mindless ramblings... need to sort effects loop out and set controller up and should be good to go.....

[cliffc8488]

See the "Bad" preset for a good shimmer example.

[SouthernShred]

so can one live happily with the Standard model? Seems like Ultra is all the rage...

[Scott Peterson]

so can one live happily with the Standard model? Seems like Ultra is all the rage...

Why, yes, yes you can. I do and quite happily. :D

[monkjunior]

for me the standard will be more than enough.....with all that stuff going at the smae time i'm still only using 35%of the cpu... i can only assume that the amp+cabs sims suck most of the processing power!?!?! not an issue for me....
i think if i was using the amp+cab sims too... then i would want the extra processing power of the ultra... but even short of loading up on a gazillion effects each time....you could easily counter act that with your presets and unloading anything else
i still may use an external loop and my BB i really really love thAt pedal... but considering the size weight an awkwarness of my current pedal board this thing will be awesome.... and even more so have an endless desire to fiddle with pedals and blah blah whilst i am playing mainly just cos its there... am thinking once i have all that from out of in front of me i wont want to do that and just concentrate on my playing which really needs concentrating on....!!!

[monkjunior]

See the "Bad" preset for a good shimmer example.

thanks cliff will check it out...

[SouthernShred]

so...guys using IEM's, what are you using that sound good?

[Scott Peterson]

IEM's - I use M-Audio IE30's which are licensed technology from Ultimate Ears and have them fitted with my Westone ear molds (which just happen to fit perfectly).

http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/IE30-main.html

[iaresee]

Well I just put up $2k worth of gear to cover this thing. My main amp. My DI. I'm feeling a little woozy, a touch dizzy. Not so much about having to sell gear to buy gear but at having to sell the core gear to get this. If it only sell in dribs and drabs it'll be a long summer!

[GreenTea]

No one really knows a thing. It is most likely a combined Atomic/Fractal product and past that.... Cliff has not played any cards whatsoever.

One thing about Cliff, he tips his hand ever so slightly but past that... nothing till he releases the product.

Thanks! BTW, Scott, (re your web site) are you using the Tone-Tools Fat Cat cabs or QSC's?

[Scott Peterson]

Thanks! BTW, Scott, (re your web site) are you using the Tone-Tools Fat Cat cabs or QSC's?

I sold the Tone-Tools cabs fall of 2007 and have run FRFR since then exclusively. Direct answer - QSC or IEM or both. Website will be updated soon; I am having the site reworked behind the scenes right now. It'll be a few weeks till it relaunches.

[SouthernShred]

any particular IEM wireless transmitter system better than the others? Sorry for the slightly off topic question, but if I'm going AxeFX, I'm most definitely getting some IEMs...my hearing sucks as it is

[Ben R]

I'm yet another guy chiming in with a review after using the AXE FX Ultra live for the first time. Keep in kind that I haven't even upgraded to the newest firmware, yet (5.21 beta). I'm still running with 5.19. Anyway...

All I can say is HOLY CR@P!!!

I've been impressed with this thing at home & was excited to use it live. But, I put it off for about a month and a half before making my on-stage debut with it. I broke it out for the first time live last night. In fact, the guys in my band had never even seen it before. I never even used or messed with it with anyone but me in the room. I spent lots of time creating all of the patches that I thought I'd need for the diverse array of covers that this band does. I spent tons of time tweaking each patch's volume in relation to each other loudly at home through a medium (local) sized P.A. in order to reproduce what I thought it might sound like at an average show. I decided to go for broke last night and just try it at a show. The club we played at has a good sized in-house P.A. system. I ran it straight out of output 1 of the AXE FX (in stereo) to the board. I set output 2 to be a copy of output 1. I ran unbalanced cables out of output 2 & went straight into a pair of inexpensive 12" Behringer powered monitors that I had set up behind me (in stereo) as wedges aimed up at me on the floor for my own personal stage volume. (I put them behind me because there were no vocals going through those speakers & I didn't have to worry about mic feedback. I figured that having them behind me would feel familiar. After all, that's where we put "real" guitar amps on stage. Right?) Anyway, I went completely FRFR. No actual "guitar amp"... And, I was BLOW AWAY.

I have never in my life played through a rig that sounded so massive & full sounding. I have stood in front of Marshall stacks in the past. I have played through tube amps with effects into Stereo 4x12 guitar cab. I have used combos. I have used older processors in every way you can imagine. I have owned (and used live) modelers/processors by Digitech, Line 6, and Boss (all of which sound like toys compared to the AXE FX, by the way). None came anywhere close to doing it for me live in any way. The point is that I've tried tons of different rigs in many configurations. This was the single best sounding live rig that I have ever played through. And, this was the first time that I ever used it on stage. I've also only owned it for a month and a half or so.

I had reservations for a long time about how this would work. I was concerned that I would miss the punch, sound, and feel of a guitar cabinet blasting behind me (even though I knew that the mic'ed version that the crowd hears through the FOH P.A. is a different experience). I was worried that I'd get it all set up & commit to it and then it would be a disaster somehow. Boy, was I ever wrong! It felt like I had a wall of amps behind me. Everything sounded incredible. My drummer even commented that it's vastly better than anything I've ever played through since he's known me. He's been in multiple live projects with me and has heard many incarnations of my rigs over the last few years. One of the things he said that was interesting (not being a guitar guy like most of us are) was something like, "Every time you step on a button and change patches, it's like an entirely different guitar rig (an accurate sounding one) is magically set up on stage and instantly turned on & set correctly. It's not like most modeling or processing units where you get a number of different sounds, but they all still seem to be colored a certain way & sound like 'that one amp' still. This is completely different. Every patch sounds like an entirely new rig, but in a good way."

I should also mention that I share guitar and lead vocal responsibilities with another guy. He plays through an old Fender Showman head & runs a number of pedals into the front of it. He runs into this cool vintage Marshall cabinet. It's a 2x12 closed back with a silver grille cloth on the front. He has a great tone. I was concerned that it would sound weird standing next to him, or (worse) his vintage tube rig would "expose" my beloved purchase and show somehow that all of the modern technology haters are right. ...That they still don't compare. All I can tell you is that I had a subtle smirk on my face all night with how proud I was of the way it sounded. Until this show, I felt as though the other guy in the band had a certain tone or sound quality that made my rigs sound & feel harsh & inferior. That feeling is completely gone. His rig still sounds great, but now mine does too. In fact, no disrespect intended towards his gear in any way, but (in many ways) I felt as though the tables were turned last night in terms of whose overall sound was better. Again, he still sounds great, though. My point is that I'm a total noob with this unit and it already hangs with anything.

I could go on and on. I can't imagine what it will sound like after I download that new 5.21 Beta firmware & start adding in those new warmth settings & what not. Also, more time will result in more familiarity & more knowledge to get more out of it.

This is possibly the single best purchase that I've ever made as a guitarists. I got my first guitar and began playing as a kid over 21 years ago.

Cheers to Cliff Chase!!!
:BEER :dude

[stratzrus]

I'm yet another guy chiming in with a review after using the AXE FX Ultra live for the first time. Keep in kind that I haven't even upgraded to the newest firmware, yet (5.21 beta). I'm still running with 5.19. Anyway...

All I can say is HOLY CR@P!!!

Cheers to Cliff Chase!!!
:BEER :dudeThanks for that stage report!

It's great to hear how the amp is working for people in a live concert situation.

[Anthony Gring]

for that great review. My main concern with my Standard is how it's going to sound and work live. I still haven't decided which amplification route to take with it. Thanks for sharing. BTW what midi floor controller were you using?

[Ed DeGenaro]

any particular IEM wireless transmitter system better than the others? Sorry for the slightly off topic question, but if I'm going AxeFX, I'm most definitely getting some IEMs...my hearing sucks as it is
I'm using the cheap Nady with Shure E2 drivers. Actually sounds quite amazing. However I mic my cab for that.

[Ben R]

for that great review. My main concern with my Standard is how it's going to sound and work live. I still haven't decided which amplification route to take with it. Thanks for sharing. BTW what midi floor controller were you using?

Hi, Anthony...

1) Definitely try going FRFR (using the cabinet simulators). In my opinion, running it through a guiar amp and cabinet colors the sound in a way that (on some level) it will always sound like "that amp" and/or "that cabinet". If you use the cab & amp sims of the AXE FX and go straight out of the unit into the sound board of the P.A. system, you can't go wrong.

2) I plan to get on the list and eventually buy the Fractal floor unit that's currently being made for it once it's available for purchase. Until then, I'm just using a Boss GT-8 modeler / processor that i still have lying around at home (collecting dust). ...Only to change patches & control a couple of things. It does not have any influence on my sound in any way. It's only connected to the AXE FX by MIDI cables.

[Ed DeGenaro]

Hi, Anthony...

1) Definitely try going FRFR (using the cabinet simulators). In my opinion, running it through a guiar amp and cabinet colors the sound in a way that (on some level) it will always sound like "that amp" and/or "that cabinet". If you use the cab & amp sims of the AXE FX and go straight out of the unit into the sound board of the P.A. system, you can't go wrong.

2) I plan to get on the list and eventually buy the Fractal floor unit that's currently being made for it once it's available for purchase. Until then, I'm just using a Boss GT-8 modeler / processor that i still have lying around at home (collecting dust). ...Only to change patches & control a couple of things. It does not have any influence on my sound in any way. It's only connected to the AXE FX by MIDI cables.
Yes it does color it when you use a specific power amp/cab/speaker. BUT...that is exactly what I wanted for my application.

[Anthony Gring]

Thanks for the quick reply Ben. I am also on the list for the Fractal controller. I'm told it will be available in Sept., but I also waited 7 months for my Standard. I'm impatient to a fault and need something now. I have an old Boss GT-3- I have no idea if that would work. Was considering the FCB1010 but it sounds rather difficult to program. I am a complete Midiot- May go for a Ground Control meantime. I'm 54 and have played with only tube amps w/ stompboxes for years. This is a whole new world. Thanks again for your input. PM sent.

[Ed DeGenaro]

Thanks for the quick reply Ben. I am also on the list for the Fractal controller. I'm told it will be available in Sept., but I also waited 7 months for my Standard. I'm impatient to a fault and need something now. I have an old Boss GT-3- I have no idea if that would work. Was considering the FCB1010 but it sounds rather difficult to program. I am a complete Midiot- May go for a Ground Control meantime. I'm 54 and have played with only tube amps w/ stompboxes for years. This is a whole new world. Thanks again for your input. PM sent.
I used a couple of different Midi boards and I know my way around programming them. I also had a FCB1010 laying around which I wanted to use bcause of the expression pedals. But I gave up on that one.
Also the Ground Control I believe can be set for a cc buttons and 4 preset buttons which is perfect for the Axe...
Next time my T-Rex switcher breaks I'm getting a Ground Control.

[jzgtrguy]

Well I just put up $2k worth of gear to cover this thing. My main amp. My DI. I'm feeling a little woozy, a touch dizzy. Not so much about having to sell gear to buy gear but at having to sell the core gear to get this. If it only sell in dribs and drabs it'll be a long summer!

Good luck selling your gear. I sold all of my really quickly on the forum, all except the Tubes that is. I had to wait over 7 months to get my Ultra. Hopefully the wait is gone. Best rig I have ever owned. Just amazing what can be done with it. Good luck selling you gear.

[Anthony Gring]

Yeah, I think that's the way I'm going to go. I'll just move it when the Fractal is available - unless I decide I don't need it. Fractal is supposed to have a tuner on it. I'm used to looking at a tuner on the floor. Not sure how convenient it will be to view the Axe-Fx tuner while gigging. BTW, Great talking with you yesterday. Thanks again for your help!

[monkjunior]

i just bought a ground control pro for my standard as i am also impatient and want to start using this thing live.....
and well imo this is so easy... and i am a midiot as well... actually i think this has taught me about midi quite quickly, this is my first midi rig experience...

Now i guess all i want to know is if there is PC editor for the ground control pro ...??? i have tried searching but cant find one... given that you have to program the axe and the ground control a pc editor for the GCP would be so much quicker...although i still plan to get either the fractal or liquid foot controller....

anyway ground control is really really easy to use... and just as an extra mine has the 1.13 fw and there is No issue with the tap tempo it works as it should...(some were saying they had isse with earlier FW vrsions with tap)..

[iaresee]

Good luck selling your gear. I sold all of my really quickly on the forum, all except the Tubes that is. I had to wait over 7 months to get my Ultra. Hopefully the wait is gone. Best rig I have ever owned. Just amazing what can be done with it. Good luck selling you gear.
Thanks. Everything but the amp is sold now! I went pretty fast actually. Just need to sell the amp and I'm all in. I was debating on the Ultra vs. Standard and I think I'm going to go Standard and use the left over to buy a good controller and an expression pedal. The Ultra would completely tap me out.

[Anthony Gring]

Thanks monkjunior, exactly what I needed to hear. Looking forward to learning to program it with the Axe with a minimum of frustration.

[iaresee]

i just bought a ground control pro for my standard as i am also impatient and want to start using this thing live.....
and well imo this is so easy... and i am a midiot as well... actually i think this has taught me about midi quite quickly, this is my first midi rig experience..

Can someone with a GC Pro try something for me? If you plug it in, without the MIDI cables connected to anything, what happens? Does the display light up? Or does just the edit light light up?

[monkjunior]

everything lights up

[iaresee]

everything lights up
Thanks! I guess that means this (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380047510726) is too good to be true...ah well...

[stratzrus]

In my opinion, running [the Axe FX] through a guitar amp and cabinet colors the sound in a way that (on some level) it will always sound like "that amp" and/or "that cabinet". I'm not sure I completely agree with this.

While it will sound like "that cab" in comparison to a FRFR that will allow you to more accurately replicate any given cab's characteristics, you can still use the Axe FX to sound like many different amps.

Those who are accomplished at getting the most out of the Axe FX will be able to get more from a FRFR monitor, but the tube amp/traditional cab combination has allowed many to get great tones with minimal tweaking since there is already a substantial foundation to build on. In my case, one I really like.

FRFR is great, perhaps the best, but tube amp/trad cab can yeild rich, satisfying, and greatly varied tones as well.

They are just two diffferent ways to get to the samp place: killer tone.

[bjjp2]

I use a SS power amp into a 1x12 cab, and everything sounds better to my ears with the cab sims left on.

[Anthony Gring]

A Carvin DCM150 to demo. I'll be trying it with the Axe and the two cabs I normally use w/ a Badger 18 head- Either a 1X12 Dr. Z open back w/ G12H-30 or a Mojave 2X12 w/ Cele blues. I also want to look into the VHT tube power amp and maybe a 2X12 w/ Cele Golds. I need to go from Country/Rockabilly>Blues>Classic Rock and also P&W. The 1X12 is fine in church but I need something that will deliver when we do outdoor gigs and can't mic the guitar cabs. The other guitarist in the band runs a Fuchs ODS 150. Yeah- 150. Headroom is an understatement.

[gag halfrunt]

I'm not sure I completely agree with this.

While it will sound like "that cab" in comparison to a FRFR that will allow you to more accurately replicate any given cab's characteristics, you can still use the Axe FX to sound like many different amps.

Those who are accomplished at getting the most out of the Axe FX will be able to get more from a FRFR monitor, but the tube amp/traditional cab combination has allowed many to get great tones with minimal tweaking since there is already a substantial foundation to build on. In my case, one I really like.

FRFR is great, perhaps the best, but tube amp/trad cab can yeild rich, satisfying, and greatly varied tones as well.

They are just two diffferent ways to get to the samp place: killer tone.
I totally agree.

I use my Axe with a Mesa 20/20 through a couple of 2x12s. I have not found the Axe wanting in developing hugely varied classic rock tones.

Although there are certainly sonic differences between various cabs and speakers, the tweakabiliy of the Axe allows me to cover most of that ground without going FRFR. Perhaps not completely, but certainly to the extent that I want.

[gtr37]

Kind of off topic ..

But I am curious .I remember reading a thread somewhere about someone asking for a simplified version with amp models and a knobs ,in a combo or head form ..I gather that Fractal and Atomic may be working on something ..

Any guesses or any idea when that may happen?

[Anthony Gring]

Gag, What 2X12 cabs/speakers are you using?

[Anthony Gring]

Gtr37, The Atomic/Fractal thing is in development and imminent AFAIK. However, it is a FRFR amplifier and not an Axe-Fx "lite" w/ knobs to control Axe-Fx parameters. A Fractal midi foot controller is also in development and should be released Sept./Oct 08.

[Guitardojo]

Kind of off topic ..

But I am curious .I remember reading a thread somewhere about someone asking for a simplified version with amp models and a knobs ,in a combo or head form ..I gather that Fractal and Atomic may be working on something ..

Any guesses or any idea when that may happen?

There are a lot of hints at a Fractal & Atomic something. CC stated that "if your going the FRFR route, you might want to wait."

I think that Atomic is making a special "dock" or "template kit" for the Axe-fx (Standard or Ultra) with some minor changes in the cabs.
I dont think there will be a seperate Atomic combo with a special Axe-fx built right in. More on the lines what they did for the existing Line 6 POD stuff. My 2 cents.

[deadringer]

How long has the forum been down? I just got back from a long gig weekend and I get an error screen.

[Scott Peterson]

How long has the forum been down? I just got back from a long gig weekend and I get an error screen.

A couple of days now. If you go to www.setbb.com you'll notice their entire site is also down, if you click on anything, same message.

You get what you pay for; the SetBB thing is cool, but it's free. That means no tech support, no promised uptime.

[gag halfrunt]

Gag, What 2X12 cabs/speakers are you using?
Hi Anthony,

The cabs are closed back, no frills. One is loaded with Scumbacks, and the other has a combo WGS British Lead and Veteran 30. Before I got the Axe, I ran a JCM 800 through these 2x12s.

[HillbillySims]

So?.. is Axe FX really right for me?
I'm a guy who plays in a coverband.. primarily country, southern rock, & blues

I'm the guy who WISHES he could own an old blackface Twin for my clean tones... & really wants to own a Bogner Shiva, Budda, & an ENGL SE someday for overdriven work.

I will eventually be able to get these after several years of savings... But my question is, how close will the AXE FX get me to these REAL AMPS & REAL analog pedals?

In the past I have really disliked processors, they didnt sound as thick & room filling as a good amp & good pedal... Does AXE FX break this wall down?

Im not into the crazy effects... for example, for my cleans, I'd want to just choose something like a Blackface combo, pick a compressor pedal going into the front end.. a little delay & reverb.. Is the AXE going to sound & perform VERY close to the real thing?

Or would I be better off just saving & getting the real thing?..

ALSO, WHAT IS THE BEST SET UP? SS POWERAMP? TUBE POWERAMP? INTO A COMBO? Guitar speakers? full range PA speakers?

Thanks!

Anthony
www.myspace.com/HillbillyDeluxeBand

[Scott Peterson]

So?.. is Axe FX really right for me?
I'm a guy who plays in a coverband.. primarily country, southern rock, & blues

I'm the guy who WISHES he could own an old blackface Twin for my clean tones... & really wants to own a Bogner Shiva, Budda, & an ENGL SE someday for overdriven work.

I will eventually be able to get these after several years of savings... But my question is, how close will the AXE FX get me to these REAL AMPS & REAL analog pedals?

In the past I have really disliked processors, they didnt sound as thick & room filling as a good amp & good pedal... Does AXE FX break this wall down?

Im not into the crazy effects... for example, for my cleans, I'd want to just choose something like a Blackface combo, pick a compressor pedal going into the front end.. a little delay & reverb.. Is the AXE going to sound & perform VERY close to the real thing?

Or would I be better off just saving & getting the real thing?..

ALSO, WHAT IS THE BEST SET UP? SS POWERAMP? TUBE POWERAMP? INTO A COMBO? Guitar speakers? full range PA speakers?

Thanks!

Anthony
www.myspace.com/HillbillyDeluxeBand


It just might be. Many owners feel it delivers what you are looking for and more. A lot more. I personally prefer this setup to owning the 'real' thing because you can create things that 'real' amps cannot do.

There is no 'best' setup with it. This isn't a mass consumer product where there is some consensus on how to 'best' work with it. Many guys are happy with ss poweramp into guitar cabs; many guys are digging tube poweramps with guitar cabs; and many guys are digging running FRFR systems. Many other guys are using the 4-cable method and loving that with their existing rigs.

The only way to really find out is to try one yourself and work with it.

[visualrocker69]

There is no 'best' setup with it. This isn't a mass consumer product where there is some consensus on how to 'best' work with it. Many guys are happy with ss poweramp into guitar cabs; many guys are digging tube poweramps with guitar cabs; and many guys are digging running FRFR systems. Many other guys are using the 4-cable method and loving that with their existing rigs.

The only way to really find out is to try one yourself and work with it.

Perhaps you could briefly list the advantages and disadvantages of those methods (ss power amp => cab, tube power => cab, FRFR) just for reference?

Thanks :)

[Scott Peterson]

It's simply whatever works for your situation. I can't know or understand what you need/want/are ready to deal with.

It works great with all of them. If you use a tube power amp and speaker cabs, then obviously what the Axe-FX can do is colored by those components no matter what. You can remove any overt signal coloring by the power amp if you run a well designed and built SS amp (assuming proper headroom and power). But your speaker cabs will impart their sonic signature to anything the Axe-FX does. If you run straight to FOH, you control everything assuming the FRFR is designed and built properly and dependent on the room... just like a PA in any given space needs to be 'tuned' to the room (as does, for all intensive purposes, your guitar amp and cabs FWIW).

In the end, there is no best. There is no clear cut advantage or disadvantage to any given scenerio. Just like configuring your rig with pedals and amps and tubes and cabs and speakers... so it is with getting your amplified signal out to the masses with the Axe-FX.

Personally, I prefer the QSC HPR122i after first running it (very successfully) with a Randall RT/2 tube power amp into Tone Tools speaker cabs with Guytron Big Tones in them. It's just a complete mindfreak to wrap the guitarists brain we've all grown up with and developed from the first day we plugged-in to trust and then explore and find our complete tone from a box into a powered PA speaker. But if that solution works for you, it allows you utter control for your FOH sound on-stage and to the board in every venue on the planet. I use IEM's on most of my gigs with no monitor or speaker cabs of any ilk now; and it's still blissful. Imagine saying that even 2 years ago and meaning it.

[HillbillySims]

I AM SPECIFICALLY INTERESTED TO KNOW WHAT THE COMPRESSOR SOUNDS LIKE.

I'm used to a Keeley level compressor... how does the compressor in the AXE FX compare to that.

Since Im very into country.. I'm hoping the compressor is that great. I'd hate to buy something like this & still have to carry a compressor pedal to plug in the front.

Anyone tried to get that Brent Mason, modern country compressed sound?

[solo-act]

Before you read these answers, remember two things.
1. You can take shortcuts one the axe-fx (downloading presets etc), but I wouldn't get one unless you're willing to invest some time learning how it works and how to dial it for your needs.
2. Final miced amp sound VS. raw unmiced cab on the stage. Figure out which one is more important to you. If what the soundman and the audience hears is more important, then the axe-fx could work for you.

So?.. is Axe FX really right for me?
I'm the guy who WISHES he could own an old blackface Twin for my clean tones... & really wants to own a Bogner Shiva, Budda, & an ENGL SE someday for overdriven work.how close will the AXE FX get me to these REAL AMPS & REAL analog pedals? If you want several rigs on stage to do covers then you'll like it. Remember #1.

In the past I have really disliked processors, they didnt sound as thick & room filling as a good amp & good pedal... Does AXE FX break this wall down? "room filling" sounds like you're talking about raw unmiced rig on a stage. Find someone with an axe-fx who gigs direct to PA and hear it for yourself. It can sound HUGE if you dial it right.

I'd want to just choose something like a Blackface combo, pick a compressor pedal going into the front end.. a little delay & reverb.. Is the AXE going to sound & perform VERY close to the real thing? Through the PA or on the stage? Or both? #2 above. If both, then you need to pursue the option of having a regular tube/speaker rig on stage and send an xlr direct to PA with amp/cab simulators turned on.

Or would I be better off just saving & getting the real thing?.. If you want to limit yourself to 1 amp platform and 1 speaker cabinet coloration, YES. If you can't live without a raw unmiced tube amp sound on stage, and it has to be exactly like an unmiced blackface on stage, YES. If you want an arsenal of the real things that sound like the real things to the soundman and the crowd, (and you do #1 &2 above) NO, get the axe-fx.

ALSO, WHAT IS THE BEST SET UP? SS POWERAMP? TUBE POWERAMP? INTO A COMBO? Guitar speakers? full range PA speakers Pick any of the above. All will work. But that decision needs to be saved until you really learn how to dial it. I've seen players start one way, then change to another after they dial for a while...that can get expensive. Try dialing into studio speakers or PA first. That's where you'll really learn how to dial it.

[HillbillySims]

Hmmm. Well, my typical process has always been, get the sound that I want on stage.. If I'm not hearing what sounds good (to me) it effects my playing, performance AND MOOD negatively which isnt good for a show.

So I typically want to get "that" sound on stage... then somehow try to get "that" sound translated through the FOH..

So with that said.. couldnt I just use the AXEFX to get the sound I like on stage... then mic the cab like I have always done?..or simply direct out to the board & let the sound guy tweek.... or am I missing something or losing some critical advantages by doing that?

[HillbillySims]

OH, 1 more thing.. I'm not real real sure what the differences between the standard & ultra are..

For someone that will primarily just be creating typical amp & typical effects sounds.. is the standard really plenty for me?

[electronpirate]

Standard is plenty.

The feel is there, the FX are there. The reason people do a FRFR speaker is what you hear coming out of that is what's going to the FOH. It's why I do it.

Try it. You can send it back if you don't like it,but keep in mind it's not plug and play per se. Decide how to run it, and stick with it for a few months...tweak within that before you start doing something else.

I went:
4 cable method with a MOD50
AFX for amps - Tube poweramp - 2x12
AFX - Clean poweramp - 2x12
AFX - FRFR (Yamaha MSR400...which I'm not thrilled with, but it works)
AFX - FRFR - separate branch for clean poweramp - 2x12...can offset the delays...awesome.

None of the rest of what you'll ask will iron-clad convince you until you try it. Or look around for someone close who has one.

EP

[HillbillySims]

GREAT IDEA!! ANYONE NEAR CHATTANOOGA, TN or NORTH GA have an AXE FX?

If so let me know if you are willing to let me come hear you or come to one of your gigs to check it out.

Thanks!

[godprobe]

A couple of days now. If you go to www.setbb.com (http://www.setbb.com) you'll notice their entire site is also down, if you click on anything, same message.

You get what you pay for; the SetBB thing is cool, but it's free. That means no tech support, no promised uptime.

Yep, that's been driving me nuts.

I can't remember what the URL is for Amphibian's chat room, but a while back, I had made one of my own via a web-based IRC client. Feel free to drop by... I should be hanging out in there most of the time while the forums are still down.

http://www.godprobe.com/axefx/

Also, in case you didn't notice in the meantime, the new Bank A (http://www.fractalaudio.com/Documents/Ultra_BankA.syx) and Bank B (http://www.fractalaudio.com/Documents/Ultra_BankB.syx) for the Ultra, as well as the 5.22 Ultra firmware (http://www.fractalaudio.com/Documents/ultra5_22.zip) went up on the Axe-Fx site yesterday. I still don't have access to a MIDI interface again yet, so I haven't tried any of those out yet.

[Brian G]

So does anybody know what's up with the new postings of Bank A & Bank B? It would be great if they were tweaked to bring them into line with the last couple of firmware upgrades.

Brian

[HillbillySims]

Does the standard version get patch/version updates as well for bugs & improvements... or only the Ultra version>?

[cliffc8488]

So does anybody know what's up with the new postings of Bank A & Bank B? It would be great if they were tweaked to bring them into line with the last couple of firmware upgrades.

Brian

The presets have been reworked for the new firmware.

CC

[AndrewSimon]

The presets have been reworked for the new firmware.

CC

CC

I think it's time to do something about the AXE-FX chat board.
This situation can not be good for buissines.... AND I WANT MY BOARD BACK!

:BITCH

[godprobe]

Does the standard version get patch/version updates as well for bugs & improvements... or only the Ultra version>?
The Standard actually had the latest firmware up before the Ultra with 5.22. The only reason I posted here about the Ultra's new firmware is because it went up while the unofficial boards were down, so people may not be aware of it.

I also noticed that the new A and B banks (checked them out in the Editor) are tailored better to the Standard and Ultra units now. There are three patches in Bank A that are different between the Standard and the Ultra, and many patches in Bank B that are different. The *listed order* of the patches seems to be about the same as in the last bank update (the 5.xx bank update from last time (specific to the Ultra) that added 128 patches).

And lastly, again, feel free to stop by my Axe-Fx chat if you're missing the boards while they're down...
http://www.godprobe.com/axefx/

[electronpirate]

Free board. We started it to have our own little world. That server seems like it's down HARD. They haven't even really put up any error pages.

Cliff's been threatening for the last few months to have a dedicated board on the Fractal dime...

[gag halfrunt]

Hmmm. Well, my typical process has always been, get the sound that I want on stage.. If I'm not hearing what sounds good (to me) it effects my playing, performance AND MOOD negatively which isnt good for a show.

So I typically want to get "that" sound on stage... then somehow try to get "that" sound translated through the FOH..

So with that said.. couldnt I just use the AXEFX to get the sound I like on stage... then mic the cab like I have always done?..or simply direct out to the board & let the sound guy tweek.... or am I missing something or losing some critical advantages by doing that?
HillbillySims,

That's exactly how I run my rig. I have to hear great tone on stage (I love it loud, so I've got one of my cabs pointed directly at my head).

I then mic the speaker like you would on any old style rig, into the mixer, etc. I can never get enough volume through the monitors (personal preference, plus I don't want to drown out the vocals coming through), so I keep a cab on the floor angled up towards my skull. This way, volume coming off the stage at the audience is controlled, the FOH sound is mixed well, and I can still hear the great tone coming out of the Axe.

[creek_devil]

I had asked on another forum if the QSC was really the s#%^t. I have been using the 4 cable method with a Boogie and Marshall combo, and the sound is almost there. It is still a colored tone and I can't quite get there. I dove in and ordered 2 QSC's yesterday for pure stereo bliss. I am going to feel naked without actual guitar amps or speakers in the setup, but I am so confident in what the axe fx has done for me so far I don't think I will be disappointed. The axe fx IS THE REAL DEAL. I am new to frfr so I would like some opinions from the QSC converts as to what I will need to do to get the most out of this setup.
Thanks in advance!

[Anthony Gring]

I for one would be more than happy to contribute $ to an Axe-fx board if it stays stable. Real bummer it's stayed down for so long. Cliff ?? As if you don't have enough going on. Well... Just let me know... Where to send the dough... Uh how how how

[Shark Diver]

Best advice I can give is a lot of A/Bing with your regular amp/cab setup. It's the best way to really match what you are after and already comfortable with. Also, a biggie for me was using the Null mic option (no mic). Gave me a real live amp vibe. Lastly, time. It takes a while to dial things in - at least for me, as I was going for about 12 different rig setups/tones. But I can say that my band and every venue and sound guy tell me constantly that I have the best and most consistent tones of anyone they've worked with.

[Lopp]

And lastly, again, feel free to stop by my Axe-Fx chat if you're missing the boards while they're down...
http://www.godprobe.com/axefx/

Thanks, godprobe.

[javajunkie]

If anyone wants I set up a temporary axe-fx forum at:

http://javajunkiemusic.com/phpbb

You guys are welcome to commune there until the real thing gets back up at setbb or somewhere.

[larbear63]

The presets have been reworked for the new firmware.

CC
hey cliff, would it be possible to have the new presets uploaded to the axechange, so we can audition the tweaked versions to pick and choose as we like??:banana

[brain21]

HillbillySims: there was a thread on the axefx forum last week... which I can't point you to... where someone was trying to replace their last piece of gear, a Barber TonePress compressor, with the AxeFx, but there was just something missing with the AxeFx. He couldn't quite cop the tone of the Tone Press w/ the AxeFx. Then he got a hold of the beta of the 5.21 firmware IIRC, and posted that he could finally get rid of his tonepress since (I think it was the new "Warmth" setting) that put the AxeFx over the top in copping that tone.

I don't know how the Barber compares to the compressor that you are using, or if you even like the soud of the Tone Press, but there it is.


Everyone else:
The setbb site has been down for what 1-2 days now? Maybe 3. It's been up for God knows how long. A year and a half? I think before we jump the gun we should give them some time to fix whatever. Looks like it's a config file error. Don't know what's taking so long to fix, but if Cliff or one of the mods over there can email their team I wonder if they'd give us an update and ETA for the boards to be back up?

[Jay Mitchell]

HillbillySims: there was a thread on the axefx forum last week... which I can't point you to... where someone was trying to replace their last piece of gear, a Barber TonePress compressor, with the AxeFx, but there was just something missing with the AxeFx. He couldn't quite cop the tone of the Tone Press w/ the AxeFx. Then he got a hold of the beta of the 5.21 firmware IIRC, and posted that he could finally get rid of his tonepress since (I think it was the new "Warmth" setting)It was a mix control in the compressor block. Cliff added that in 5.21beta.

[Den]

It was a mix control in the compressor block. Cliff added that in 5.21beta.

Exactly ... It was the mix feature that was the mojo behind the TonePress (Although that's not to say Dave B. didn't have some other mojo wired in there as well.) Great pedal ... and I can the same stuff from the Axe now. Cool.

[GreatGreen]

It was a mix control in the compressor block. Cliff added that in 5.21beta.

It's kinda funny, because with the Axe-Fx, nothing really NEEDS a mix knob anyway, due to the routing capabilities. You could just route the compressor in parallel with a dry signal and use the level control as the mix knob...

But hey, more options are pretty much always better! :D

[HillbillySims]

I'm still kinda confused.. if I bought the STANDARD version.. would I still get updates for it.. or am I pretty much stuck with the final Standard version if I buy it?

[SouthernShred]

I'm still kinda confused.. if I bought the STANDARD version.. would I still get updates for it.. or am I pretty much stuck with the final Standard version if I buy it?

you get firmware updates just like everyone else...you won't ever get an update to make a Standard into an Ultra (not possible) but you get the same free firmware updates that everyone else gets...buying a Standard is not akin to buying a crippled version...

[HillbillySims]

Ok thanks for that update!

Can someone quickly post a breakdown of the advantages of the Ultra compared to the standard.

I read their website but I'm not totally clear on everything the Ultra has that the standard does not.

Again, I play country, so I need to make sure I have the best possible compressor options. If the ultra is far better in that department I may go with it.

Does the AXE FX take pedals in the front end good? Worst comes to worst I could just run a compressor pedal of choice I guess. I just hate to do that if Im paying nearly 2000 for a processor

[javajunkie]

There is a temporary axe-fx forum at:
Until the board is back up we will keep the forum at:

http://www.guitardojo.com/axefx/forum/

All the posts can be backed up and imported to wherever we wind up permanently.


You guys are welcome to commune there until the real thing gets back up at setbb or somewhere.

Who knows how long the setbb board is going to be down.

[godprobe]

Can someone quickly post a breakdown of the advantages of the Ultra compared to the standard.

I read their website but I'm not totally clear on everything the Ultra has that the standard does not.
Thankfully, the Axe-Fx Wiki is on a completely different server than the forums. This should give you a quick run-down of the differences between the Ultra and the Standard.
http://axefxwiki.guitarlogic.org/index.php?title=Feature_comparison

Everyone else:
The setbb site has been down for what 1-2 days now? Maybe 3. It's been up for God knows how long. A year and a half? I think before we jump the gun we should give them some time to fix whatever.
You're more forgiving than most tech people are, I think. :) A weekend (which it was) is excusable, but most people expect around a 99% up time with a good host. It's been down before, but never more than a day.

[Scott Peterson]

Guys, the entire SetBB system is down; from the company website ( http://www.setbb.com/ ) to every single forum hosted there. Click on anything from the corporate site.... it's all dead. Serious issues. You get what you pay for, truly.

[Droptop]

I just got my ultra yesterday and spend 4 hours dialing like mad. Now I just need to figure out how to use it to get my own sound. What an amazing processor!

[javajunkie]

Until the board is back up we will keep the forum at:

http://www.guitardojo.com/axefx/forum/

All the posts can be backed up and imported to wherever we wind up permanently.

[GreatGreen]

Hey guys, my Axe-Fx Ultra will be arriving some time today. The wait is killing me!

Anyway, the first thing I'd like to do is update the Firmware and preset banks. I downloaded MIDI-OX and the update files, but I really don't know the first thing about MIDI.

Would anybody mind explaining how to use a Midisport 2x2 and MIDI-OX to update the Axe-Fx?

[electronpirate]

Anyway, the first thing I'd like to do is update the Firmware and preset banks. I downloaded MIDI-OX and the update files, but I really don't know the first thing about MIDI.

Would anybody mind explaining how to use a Midisport 2x2 and MIDI-OX to update the Axe-Fx?

http://axefxwiki.guitarlogic.org (http://axefxwiki.guitarlogic.org/index.php?title=Feature_comparison)

[SouthernShred]

my standard arrives on Thursday...I still don't have anything to pipe it through to hear it other than headphones...argh

[AndrewSimon]

Hey guys, my Axe-Fx Ultra will be arriving some time today. The wait is killing me!

Anyway, the first thing I'd like to do is update the Firmware and preset banks. I downloaded MIDI-OX and the update files, but I really don't know the first thing about MIDI.

Would anybody mind explaining how to use a Midisport 2x2 and MIDI-OX to update the Axe-Fx?

SendSX is less complicated then MIDI-OX.
If you are "green" I would start with that one:
http://www.bome.com/midi/sendsx/

:cool:

[timbo]

Free board. We started it to have our own little world. That server seems like it's down HARD. They haven't even really put up any error pages.

Cliff's been threatening for the last few months to have a dedicated board on the Fractal dime...

IMO, there is too much valuable information to be lost to be going with just any messageboard. I wonder how much it would cost for Fractal to go with V-Bulletin or something professional, supported and more reliable? I miss visiting the board already. I learn something new there about my Ultra every so often.

[morphine]

1) Get a hosting that supports PHP/MySQL. Hosting the US is dirt-cheap (I'm from Europe).
2) Install phpBB.
3) Profit!

I can lend a hand there if necessary.

[electronpirate]

I would say let's take THAT conversation over to the new location.

[Billy Blooze]

My Standard unit will be delivered today and it still has the 5:19 firmware installed - Do I need to install the latest firmware right away ? Or should I just wait until I've got a handle on using the Axe-FX first ?

[electronpirate]

My Standard unit will be delivered today and it still has the 5:19 firmware installed - Do I need to install the latest firmware right away ? Or should I just wait until I've got a handle on using the Axe-FX first ?

Your choice brotha. There are some new additions (warmth in the poweramp) that you might like as well, but you certainly don't *need* it to get great sound right away.

[GreatGreen]

SendSX is less complicated then MIDI-OX.
If you are "green" I would start with that one:
http://www.bome.com/midi/sendsx/

:cool:



Cool, just downloaded this.

I have a question though. The program defaults to a 100ms send delay, but it allows lower settings. What's the safest minimum delay between sends?

[Ed DeGenaro]

Cool, just downloaded this.

I have a question though. The program defaults to a 100ms send delay, but it allows lower settings. What's the safest minimum delay between sends?
I use it with the default setting.

[Den]

SendSX is less complicated then MIDI-OX.
If you are "green" I would start with that one:
http://www.bome.com/midi/sendsx/

:cool:
FWIW ... I use the Axe-Fx editor application for updates and it's a snap ... takes all of about 15 minutes and you're back rockin'

[Billy Blooze]

Your choice brotha. There are some new additions (warmth in the poweramp) that you might like as well, but you certainly don't *need* it to get great sound right away.

Thanks :AOK I'll probably have my hands full (and brain) to start with , so I'll figure out how use the AFX first .

[Den]

Thanks :AOK I'll probably have my hands full (and brain) to start with , so I'll figure out how use the AFX first .

Agreed ... I'd just spend some time getting your head around the Axe, its layout and it's possibilities. Guaranteed, you'll find hours quickly disappearing from your life as you try the presets and start playing around with all the options.

Once you've got a better idea what's in this magic box and decide you're going to start creating some of your own presets, you may want to update the firmware so you can use the latest features as you're building them.

Have a blast!

[Jay Mitchell]

It's kinda funny, because with the Axe-Fx, nothing really NEEDS a mix knob anyway, due to the routing capabilities. You could just route the compressor in parallel with a dry signal and use the level control as the mix knob...Not needing the mix function myself, it didn't make any difference to me, but that has some limits. For example, you can't approach a 100% wet mix (no way to bring the dry part to zero). You could use a mix block after the shunt in parallel with the compressor, however, or an EQ block set to flat instead of the shunt.

All I did when I installed 5.22 was to set the compressor mix control in all my presets to 100%. Since the decay of the dry sound will always be more rapid than that of the same signal compressed, the wet signal will tend to dominate during the decay portion of a note/chord. Because of that, the main effect that mixing in dry signal does is to add more attack. So far, I've been able to use the attack speed (inverse of attack time) control for that purpose.

[AndrewSimon]

Cool, just downloaded this.

I have a question though. The program defaults to a 100ms send delay, but it allows lower settings. What's the safest minimum delay between sends?

I put it on "Use Highest speed available" (slide it all the way)
Never a problem.

:cool:

[GreatGreen]

I put it on "Use Highest speed available" (slide it all the way)
Never a problem.

:cool:


Hmm, I don't have a slider on sendSX 1.22, just a number entry field.

[AndrewSimon]

Hmm, I don't have a slider on sendSX 1.22, just a number entry field.

I use 1.30 .... don't know about 1.22 but it's under OPTIONS>SETTINGS

In any case it seems like 3125 bits per second is higest speed the AXE-FX will go

:cool:

[Cruiser]

Okay,

Maybe this has been answered...but I'll ask again :)

I have a few effects, Teese Real McCoy Picture Wah, LPB-2, TS9, MXR...

Will I be wanting to ditch all these when I get the Axe-FX. I think I read that there was a good amount of adjustment to make Wah's sound the same and the other effects I have aren't that special.

Although my LPB-2 is a stellar clean boost. I've tried a bunch that were noisy and colored the tone. This one is great.

If I get the amp, I wouldn't be able to swing a power speaker setup. I have an Ultrasound acoustic amp that has a good non-colored sound. Any thoughts on temporary usage of that?

[Billy Blooze]

Agreed ... I'd just spend some time getting your head around the Axe, its layout and it's possibilities. Guaranteed, you'll find hours quickly disappearing from your life as you try the presets and start playing around with all the options.

Once you've got a better idea what's in this magic box and decide you're going to start creating some of your own presets, you may want to update the firmware so you can use the latest features as you're building them.

Have a blast!

Thanks Den :AOK I'm in no hurry - I'll take my time and try to get the best that I can out of my AFX - I'm in this for the long haul ! Once it arrives my wife will probably never see me again ;) .

[Scott Peterson]

Okay,

Maybe this has been answered...but I'll ask again :)

I have a few effects, Teese Real McCoy Picture Wah, LPB-2, TS9, MXR...

Will I be wanting to ditch all these when I get the Axe-FX. I think I read that there was a good amount of adjustment to make Wah's sound the same and the other effects I have aren't that special.

Although my LPB-2 is a stellar clean boost. I've tried a bunch that were noisy and colored the tone. This one is great.

If I get the amp, I wouldn't be able to swing a power speaker setup. I have an Ultrasound acoustic amp that has a good non-colored sound. Any thoughts on temporary usage of that?

You'll be fine. The wah can get about anything out there with some time and a good ear invested in doing it. Also depends on your expression pedal a bit too (range and sweep).

The Ultrasound should be fine. Not tried it, but I know about it. Nice gear.

[Cruiser]

You'll be fine. The wah can get about anything out there with some time and a good ear invested in doing it. Also depends on your expression pedal a bit too (range and sweep).

The Ultrasound should be fine. Not tried it, but I know about it. Nice gear.


thanks, thats what I thought. Time to sell some old gear.

[cry of love]

Yall give me some love; I haven't had my axe-fx standard that long and I updated the firmware today...without a hitch.:rolleyes::p Hell, I might make it just yet lol.

[Anthony Gring]

Will also be attempting the same thing. for the very first time. Hopefully no hitches. Rock n' roll today. Earthquake where I live... so happens it occured while I was logged on to TGP.

[GreatGreen]

Hey guys, I'm having trouble with something... I just got my Axe-Fx Ultra and I like it a lot, but for just about anything high gain, palm mutes sound really, really weak right now. I'm sure it's on my end though.. any Idea what I might be doing wrong? Open chords sound fine, but palm mutes almost sound like a cheap distortion pedal... no oomph. Also, something I just noticed. When I click on the I/O button and switch from instrument input to rear input, the sound stays exactly the same. Is that supposed to happed?

I've got the input gain knob set to where it should be, and the input set to analog front. Any suggestions?

[brain21]

Guys, the entire SetBB system is down; from the company website ( http://www.setbb.com/ ) to every single forum hosted there. Click on anything from the corporate site.... it's all dead. Serious issues. You get what you pay for, truly.

Well the Home page and the features pages are still up. You know, the pages where they say:

"Run by Team of Professionals with true 24x7 support."

"FAST AND RELIABLE"

:D

Brain21

[brain21]

If I get the amp, I wouldn't be able to swing a power speaker setup. I have an Ultrasound acoustic amp that has a good non-colored sound. Any thoughts on temporary usage of that?

I run mine through a pair of Tech21 Bronzewood (acoustic) amps. It sounds great, and I won't be switching to another setup any time soon. I have no desire to...

[electronpirate]

Hey guys, I'm having trouble with something... I just got my Axe-Fx Ultra and I like it a lot, but for just about anything high gain, palm mutes sound really, really weak right now. I'm sure it's on my end though.. any Idea what I might be doing wrong? Open chords sound fine, but palm mutes almost sound like a cheap distortion pedal... no oomph. Also, something I just noticed. When I click on the I/O button and switch from instrument input to rear input, the sound stays exactly the same. Is that supposed to happed?

I've got the input gain knob set to where it should be, and the input set to analog front. Any suggestions?

Got no help until you talk about how you have it setup. It is HIGHLY dependent upon user setup, so outline your COMPLETE signal chain, and talk about what you've done to fix what's missing.

There have been alot of these complaints, and in the end, there's a parameter or input/output problem that's simple...that fixes the problem. You're not alone!

EP

[cliffc8488]

New forum: www.fractalaudio.com/forum

CC

[Scott Peterson]

Damn, Axe-FX forums a plenty now! Whew!

[GreatGreen]

Got no help until you talk about how you have it setup. It is HIGHLY dependent upon user setup, so outline your COMPLETE signal chain, and talk about what you've done to fix what's missing.

There have been alot of these complaints, and in the end, there's a parameter or input/output problem that's simple...that fixes the problem. You're not alone!

EP


Sure man, no problem. I've got the Axe-Fx set up as a stand-alone processor going straight into studio monitors. I have a guitar with EMG pickups plugged into the front of the Axe-Fx with the level control set so that the red clipping light just barely lights up when I pick really hard.

In the utilities menu of the Axe-Fx, I set the input to "Analogue Front". However, I think something is odd here because if I set the input to "Analogue Rear", my guitar actually gets brighter, and stays about the same volume. I set it to Analogue Front anyway thought because that's what every guide says to do. Also, I went to the Global menu, and every parameter, including gain, on the Out1 and Out 2 pages are set to 0.0 db.


Basically, open chords sound okay, but palm mutes lack any sense of oomph. Every amp model, even with high drives and master volumes, sounds like this, even with drive and master controls set pretty high.


I'm comparing the ENGL Powerball model to a real ENGL Powerball that I own, and the Axe-Fx Powerball model sounds like a real Powerball but with the guitar volume rolled down. Weak.

To give the Powerball model the feel of the real thing, I have to put 2 filters in front of it, set to NULL, as straight boosts. I boost the first one by the maximum, 20 db, then the 2nd filter I do the same thing, but boost it by 10-15 db.

[Blueswede]

Boy, I sure hope that all of the info that was on the old forum has not been lost. There was a wealth of great Axe stuff there.........

[glogulus]

When is the fractal midi controller coming out? Thought I would ask here since the axefx board appears to be out of commission.

Yes, I also drank the kool aid and can't wait to get my ultra, which should be here in a few weeks. I'm planning to run this in front of my power scaled komet, and was wondering if that should be okay to do? Seems like it should be okay?

[Billy Blooze]

My Standard unit arrived today - I only had time to briefly run through the presets but I can already see (hear) the great potential in this box . All that I can say is WHY DIDN'T I BUY ONE SOONER !

[HillbillySims]

Anyone tried running a compressor in the front end of the AXE-FX? How did it work? Also, anyone tried many dirt pedals between the guitar & front end of the AXE-FX?

Ive got a few pedals that I think I may still want to use so I was wondering how this works out.

[Scott Peterson]

The front end of the Fractal is designed to work with any and all pedals. You will not have any issues.

There is a new Fractal forum for you to use - and it's the new 'official' one. The questions you are asking are best asked there. They have been asked and answered many times on this thread already. http://www.fractalaudio.com/forum/index.php

[Cruiser]

I run mine through a pair of Tech21 Bronzewood (acoustic) amps. It sounds great, and I won't be switching to another setup any time soon. I have no desire to...


Awesome...that will save some $$$ and be a nice dual purpose setup for my small gigs :dude

Now for the foot controller

[Ed DeGenaro]

Anyone tried running a compressor in the front end of the AXE-FX? How did it work? Also, anyone tried many dirt pedals between the guitar & front end of the AXE-FX?

Ive got a few pedals that I think I may still want to use so I was wondering how this works out.
Used it with a Emma Reeza, Emma Compressor, MI Crunch Box, Demeter OD, Psionic Fuzz, Boss Octave, Red Witch phaser, Emma envelope filter in front in the past and it worked great.

[leumasjames]

Sure man, no problem. I've got the Axe-Fx set up as a stand-alone processor going straight into studio monitors. I have a guitar with EMG pickups plugged into the front of the Axe-Fx with the level control set so that the red clipping light just barely lights up when I pick really hard.

In the utilities menu of the Axe-Fx, I set the input to "Analogue Front". However, I think something is odd here because if I set the input to "Analogue Rear", my guitar actually gets brighter, and stays about the same volume. I set it to Analogue Front anyway thought because that's what every guide says to do. Also, I went to the Global menu, and every parameter, including gain, on the Out1 and Out 2 pages are set to 0.0 db.


Basically, open chords sound okay, but palm mutes lack any sense of oomph. Every amp model, even with high drives and master volumes, sounds like this, even with drive and master controls set pretty high.


I'm comparing the ENGL Powerball model to a real ENGL Powerball that I own, and the Axe-Fx Powerball model sounds like a real Powerball but with the guitar volume rolled down. Weak.

To give the Powerball model the feel of the real thing, I have to put 2 filters in front of it, set to NULL, as straight boosts. I boost the first one by the maximum, 20 db, then the 2nd filter I do the same thing, but boost it by 10-15 db.


Could it be the monitors you're using??? You are using Balanced cables to the monitors, correct??? What is the real Powerball plugged into??? I assume it is plugged into a cabinet of some sorts...probably a 4x12??? Of course the real powerball is going to sound better if it is going through a cab and the Axe into studio monitors. If you tried it with quality powered monitors, I think you would have different results. Also, make sure that the cab simulation is on and there is a lot of tweaking you can do with that and mic sims too...

I haven't messed around with my Axe too much yet, but it will definitely sound very close provided you have it set up right and are using the right equipment. Check the axefx forum...

[jimosity]

I just got my AxeFX Standard yesterday...plugged it in...now I have a huge problem.

I can see now that I'm going to have to list a ton of gear for sale that'll never live up to my expectations anymore.

Man, this thing is insane!
This is easily the best investment I've made into my gear since my Egnater M4's.
Funny enough, I think the AxeFX *COULD* potentially replace some of my Egnater modules, but I don't think I'm quite ready for that yet.

To think that all I had to do was sell a couple cheaper items to raise enough cash to afford this thing makes me kick myself for not getting rid of all the cluttery gear I've had laying around taking up space sooner.

[Scott Peterson]

Could it be the monitors you're using??? You are using Balanced cables to the monitors, correct??? What is the real Powerball plugged into??? I assume it is plugged into a cabinet of some sorts...probably a 4x12??? Of course the real powerball is going to sound better if it is going through a cab and the Axe into studio monitors. If you tried it with quality powered monitors, I think you would have different results. Also, make sure that the cab simulation is on and there is a lot of tweaking you can do with that and mic sims too...

I haven't messed around with my Axe too much yet, but it will definitely sound very close provided you have it set up right and are using the right equipment. Check the axefx forum...

He worked his issue out on the Axe-FX Forum (now hosted at Fractal Audio). It's all good.

[morphine]

He worked his issue out on the Axe-FX Forum (now hosted at Fractal Audio). It's all good.
What was the exact problem/solution, just for the record?

[solo-act]

What was the exact problem/solution, just for the record? He didn't know that studio monitors are a different animal than a typical guitar cabinet. :jo

He was thinking the axe-fx should sound the same through a studio monitor as it does hooked up to a guitar cabinet. When it didn't sound the same, he thought there was an issue with the axe-fx.

I wish players would try to educate themselves about basic differences between guitar cabinet speakers, PA speakers, typical home stereo speakers and studio monitors. And most important, the difference between sound out of a guitar cabinet on stage vs. the sound of a miced guitar cabinet through front of house PA system. Not that I'm any expert, but learning the stuff in just this paragraph would solve a lot of mental confusion about the axe-fx.

I think it would make for a great WIKI "getting started" article.

[Scott Peterson]

What was the exact problem/solution, just for the record?

This his latest post, not mine:

UPDATE:


Guys, I figured out the problem. The Axe-Fx is working like a charm. The problem was that I was hearing the amp through studio monitors. I tried something different and plugged the Axe-Fx into the AUX input of an old crappy solid state amp, and plugged that amp into my cabinet.

Sounded exactly like the Powerball, even considering the crappy poweramp it's running through now.

The problem was that I wasn't used to hearing my amp through studio monitors. I was used to hearing it through a cab. Once I put it into a rig I was familiar with, I almost immediately heard what I wanted to hear.


Although, I *still* think my guitar is coming in slightly colder than it did on my real amp, and that maybe some kind of parameter to globally boost the input signal internally would be a great addition to the Axe-Fx. http://www.fractalaudio.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif

Anyway, keep up the good work, Cliff! Thanks for making this thing!

[morphine]

Thanks for the replies. FWIW, even when replicating mic-ed sound using either my XT Live or Guitar Rig, the high-gain amp sound was useless unless I used a (modeled) distortion pedal, usually a Tube Screamer, before the amp.

Then again, my guitar doesn't have active EMG pickups.

**edit**: But in any case, if one turns on the cabinet emulation, chooses the proper cab, then turns *off* mic emulation, then it should sound pretty much the same, no?

[colbys1019]

I just got my Axe-Fx Ultra yesterday from UPS and the box looked pretty bad. I was skeptical about what I was going to find when I opened it up. When I got it out of the box my heart dropped. The right corner of it looked like its been dropped of a house. I plugged it in any and it sounded better than what I was expecting. I emailed pics to danielle to see what we can do about this. It just sucks that I have to most likely wait another week or maybe longer to actually on one.

[Billy Blooze]

I just got my Axe-Fx Ultra yesterday from UPS and the box looked pretty bad. I was skeptical about what I was going to find when I opened it up. When I got it out of the box my heart dropped. The right corner of it looked like its been dropped of a house. I plugged it in any and it sounded better than what I was expecting. I emailed pics to danielle to see what we can do about this. It just sucks that I have to most likely wait another week or maybe longer to actually on one.


Man that sucks :mad: My Standard was delivered by UPS on Tuesday - luckily in perfect condition but I always have that feeling of trepidation when opening the box . So far I've never received any damaged items from any of the carriers :jo .

Good luck with your next one - it's worth the wait :AOK

[solo-act]

if one turns on the cabinet emulation, chooses the proper cab, then turns *off* mic emulation, then it should sound pretty much the same, no? You're asking if a full range speaker (with axe-fx cab and the "none" mic) sounds pretty much the same as the unmiced REAL world cabinet in the SAME ROOM? NO, that is why I keep whining that people need to know the difference in sound between a REAL unmiced guitar cabinet, and a virtual guitar cabinet. In the room together, they sound different, even with the axe-fx "none' mic.

The purpose of the axe-fx is live performance and recording.

You mic up the REAL cabinet and send it into a PA or recording device.
You send the axe-fx with a virtual version of that real cabinet and mic to the same destination, and they will begin sounding very similar if you've dialed the axe-fx correctly.

THAT is how they will sound similar. There is big difference between an unmiced real guitar cabinet in the room with you, and an axe-fx guitar cabinet that is being sent to a full range PA system or recording deck. They are different by nature (until you mic the real guitar cabinet and send it--like the axe-fx--into a full range PA speaker) and OVER and OVER and OVER I see people forgetting that simple basic fact.

[morphine]

You see, that's the thing that bugs me, it doesn't seem to make a whole lot of sense, at least when one thinks about frequency response and such (I'm a programmer and I have some knowledge of audio and signal processing). Oh, and I'm also asking this for the sake of learning, that is, seeing what I'm not seeing, so to say. This is also, obviously, not specific to the Axe-Fx.

First, let's get the clear, logical facts out of the way: a guitar cabinet probably has a lot more power, and its impedance probably varies with power. Let us just assume for the sake of simplicity that the Axe's emulation of everything up to the cabinet sounds exactly the same as the real thing. The mic is also not a problem since we're not talking about mic'd sound. Also assume that the studio speakers in question have a reasonably flat frequency response.

What the cabinet emulation will do, mainly (but not limited to), is apply that cabinet's frequency response to the overall sound. It probably also applies some more math to change its response curve in relation to volume, etc. But the main thing is, it's all done to replicate the characteristics of that guitar cabinet as closely as possible. If this is done against a flat response curve, what is missing in this equation that stops the studio speakers from sounding "the same" as the guitar cabinet?

[HillbillySims]

SCOTTPETERSON (or someone!)...can you please program a modern country, brent mason-ish sound with fairly thick compression, warm sounding blackface twin, and a little reverb.

I really want to see how good the compressor is on the AXE-FX & how good of a country sound it can get

So far I have not heard one clip to show the power of the compressor in this way.

thanks!

[Scott Peterson]

You see, that's the thing that bugs me, it doesn't seem to make a whole lot of sense, at least when one thinks about frequency response and such (I'm a programmer and I have some knowledge of audio and signal processing). Oh, and I'm also asking this for the sake of learning, that is, seeing what I'm not seeing, so to say. This is also, obviously, not specific to the Axe-Fx.

First, let's get the clear, logical facts out of the way: a guitar cabinet probably has a lot more power, and its impedance probably varies with power. Let us just assume for the sake of simplicity that the Axe's emulation of everything up to the cabinet sounds exactly the same as the real thing. The mic is also not a problem since we're not talking about mic'd sound. Also assume that the studio speakers in question have a reasonably flat frequency response.

What the cabinet emulation will do, mainly (but not limited to), is apply that cabinet's frequency response to the overall sound. It probably also applies some more math to change its response curve in relation to volume, etc. But the main thing is, it's all done to replicate the characteristics of that guitar cabinet as closely as possible. If this is done against a flat response curve, what is missing in this equation that stops the studio speakers from sounding "the same" as the guitar cabinet?

You need to understand that the cab models are done with microphones, flat reference ones or other, and are Impulse responses. They are not simply EQ curves. At least in the Fractal. He's thought out 'sag' (differing ohm loads over power curves) and speaker dampening and speaker distortion (due to power amp interaction) and added them as separate parameters. It's not just s static EQ curve applied to your signal.


SCOTTPETERSON (or someone!)...can you please program a modern country, brent mason-ish sound with fairly thick compression, warm sounding blackface twin, and a little reverb.

I really want to see how good the compressor is on the AXE-FX & how good of a country sound it can get

So far I have not heard one clip to show the power of the compressor in this way.

thanks!

Post this on the Axe-FX forum as a request. I don't have time to fulfill requests right now, but someone else might.

[Brian G]

You see, that's the thing that bugs me, it doesn't seem to make a whole lot of sense, at least when one thinks about frequency response and such (I'm a programmer and I have some knowledge of audio and signal processing). Oh, and I'm also asking this for the sake of learning, that is, seeing what I'm not seeing, so to say. This is also, obviously, not specific to the Axe-Fx.

First, let's get the clear, logical facts out of the way: a guitar cabinet probably has a lot more power, and its impedance probably varies with power. Let us just assume for the sake of simplicity that the Axe's emulation of everything up to the cabinet sounds exactly the same as the real thing. The mic is also not a problem since we're not talking about mic'd sound. Also assume that the studio speakers in question have a reasonably flat frequency response.

What the cabinet emulation will do, mainly (but not limited to), is apply that cabinet's frequency response to the overall sound. It probably also applies some more math to change its response curve in relation to volume, etc. But the main thing is, it's all done to replicate the characteristics of that guitar cabinet as closely as possible. If this is done against a flat response curve, what is missing in this equation that stops the studio speakers from sounding "the same" as the guitar cabinet?

Nothing, as far as this aspect of reproduction goes. And assuming that the monitor(s) you're using are genuinely flat. In my experience, virtually no monitor, and certainly no PA product, is dead flat. Even the very best hifi speakers (and I'm talking big bucks here) are not absolutely flat. All have minor deviations that contribute to the "personality" of one over the other. It's just that the better the speaker, the smaller the deviations are.

Now you have to start to take into consideration a couple of additional factors:

a) polar response of the speaker / monitor into the room ((even if it's fairly flat on axis, how even & well-behaved is it's power response (think polar pattern) into the room, which greatly impacts the TOTAL behavior of the monitor PLUS the room (in other words, what you actually hear)). The power response of a guitar cab is nothing like an FRFR monitor, and when you add open-back to the equation, now you're getting really funky.

Because the power response (polar pattern) of the FRFR monitor is going to have more high frequency content than typical guitar speakers / cabs, which are very directional at high frequencies, you will hear more high frequency energy overall, and to what degree depends upon the surroundings that the speaker is working in.

b) Oomph: for a musician to feel that what they're hearing "in the room" is a reasonable facsimile of a real guitar cab, you also need to approximate that "X" factor. Scott Peterson has said repeatedly that the QSC gives him good results compared to real guitar cabs; this is in part because the QSC is capable of more output, dynamics and low bass than a guitar cab, even though it's smaller than, say, a 4-12. Small studio monitors are never going to do this, but they can sound like a recording of an amp played back.

So, IMO, a really well-designed FRFR monitor, with only very minor deviations, and a relatively smooth power response into the room, will do an excellent job of sounding like the cab it's emulating, assuming the IR is well done, etc. etc. It's totally unrealistic to expect to have it sound identical in a direct comparison, partly because of point A) above.

But it can sound darned good. The key is in understanding that an FRFR monitor does not behave like a guitar cab, it's a different animal, and should be used with it's own characteristics in mind.

Brian

[SouthernShred]

got mine yesterday...selling gear today...wow

[morphine]

Those are good explanations, thanks. A particularly good point on the polar response in relation to the room and the fact that most guitar cabs are open or half-open.

[cliffc8488]

The biggest reason is that the cab models are close-mic'd samples. No one listens to their cab with their ear against the grill cloth. Jay Mitchell has made some far-field IR's that you can download to the Axe-Fx that capture the normal listening experience.

CC

[AndrewSimon]

Give me 1000 watts.... (a good pair of QSC's), load Jay's special "from 6 feet away IR's", turn on the new warmth thing and let me push 120dB and it will sound just like any amp in the room.

Tips for all who try to get that "amp in the room" sound:
- Make sure the "cab block" is the last block in your signal.
- Avoid "post" Reverb or any other FX's
- Use the right IR's, Clawfinger's Marshall cab with the Earthworks mic sounds so real I never use it!..... for recording that is.... but for "amp in the room" it's perfect.


:)

[dspblues]

Is there anyone in the (NY/NJ/CT) tristate area that has one I can try out? :) Please?

[morphine]

Thanks for the additional info, Mr. Axe, and Andrew :)

I've been following this thread for ages... I'm running XTL + Atomic and it's working so far for my very poor skills (the Metal Pack for the XTL helps a lot), but if (more like when) I throw the XTL away, I'll be in the line for an AxeFx.

[solo-act]

....it's all done to replicate the characteristics of that guitar cabinet as closely as possible. If this is done against a flat response curve, what is missing in this equation that stops the studio speakers from sounding "the same" as the guitar cabinet? I have an EASY answer since you want to find this out.

1. Go ahead...make a great recording of your guitar cabinet.
2. Put your "flat response" studio monitors and your guitar amp/cab in the same room.
3. Play your recording through those studio monitors
4. Play the same riffs through your amp/cab rig
5. Try to convince yourself they're the same.

They're NOT.
Because.....**sigh**.....there is a significant difference between a miced rig playing through a full range "PA", and the sound of that rig unmiced in the room with you.

Why are they not the same?

I'll bow out of this because its a waste of my time.
It's this simple....
If a TGP member doesn't know about this, just get out of the bedroom/house and away from your computer and get a clue----go hear a live band or go to a recording studio. The sound of the unmiced amp/cab on the stage or in the recording room is going to be quite different than the miced sound through the PA or through the control room speakers at the studio. GO HEAR IT FOR YOURSELF, and the soundman and studio engineer/mixer will be plenty willing to tell you why. It'll sound similar to what you hear here, but your really do have to hear it for yourself to "get it".

[cliffc8488]

Is there anyone in the (NY/NJ/CT) tristate area that has one I can try out? :) Please?

I'll be in NY next Monday setting up Ty Tabor's Ultra for him. I can bring another unit along to give a demo.

CC

[Scott Peterson]

I have an EASY answer since you want to find this out.

1. Go ahead...make a great recording of your guitar cabinet.
2. Put your "flat response" studio monitors and your guitar amp/cab in the same room.
3. Play your recording through those studio monitors
4. Play the same riffs through your amp/cab rig
5. Try to convince yourself they're the same.

They're NOT.
Because.....**sigh**.....there is a significant difference between a miced rig playing through a full range "PA", and the sound of that rig unmiced in the room with you.

Why are they not the same?

I'll bow out of this because its a waste of my time.
It's this simple....
If a TGP member doesn't know about this, just get out of the bedroom/house and away from your computer and get a clue----go hear a live band or go to a recording studio. The sound of the unmiced amp/cab on the stage or in the recording room is going to be quite different than the miced sound through the PA or through the control room speakers at the studio. GO HEAR IT FOR YOURSELF, and the soundman and studio engineer/mixer will be plenty willing to tell you why. It'll sound similar to what you hear here, but your really do have to hear it for yourself to "get it".

Stop making sense, you'll scare people. :D

What 99.9% of the so-called 'tube purists' here (no slam on morphine or anyone else personally) fail to note is this somehow sanctified tube amp to speaker to guitarist link isn't how 99.9% of the rest of the world hears or has ever heard an electric guitar.

What they have heard is a mic'd EQ'd recording and/or FOH version of a guitar.

Which is why so many guys spend so much time chasing their tails trying to nail this or that tone with just their amp. That somehow 'perfect' tone is a recording. That 'perfect' tone is in their head and they are trying to replicate it with.... an amp and a speaker in a room. They are missing the rest of the equation.

But shhh! They don't want to hear that or believe it.

So cut it out Eric! Before someone actually understands what you've been saying all this time!:hide

[Ed DeGenaro]

Stop making sense, you'll scare people. :D

What 99.9% of the so-called 'tube purists' here (no slam on morphine or anyone else personally) fail to note is this somehow sanctified tube amp to speaker to guitarist link isn't how 99.9% of the rest of the world hears or has ever heard an electric guitar.

What they have heard is a mic'd EQ'd recording and/or FOH version of a guitar.

Which is why so many guys spend so much time chasing their tails trying to nail this or that tone with just their amp. That somehow 'perfect' tone is a recording. That 'perfect' tone is in their head and they are trying to replicate it with.... an amp and a speaker in a room. They are missing the rest of the equation.

But shhh! They don't want to hear that or believe it.

So cut it out Eric! Before someone actually understands what you've been saying all this time!:hide
Scott, but there is something said for the feel/feedback loop that happens with the player/instrument/amp/speaker interaction. BUT...it's all just a matter of vibrations.And I keep coming back to the same thing anyone that has ever had to deal with a close miked speaker will have no issue with it. Or better yet run it through a killer power amp and guitar cab and I say the feel is there.

[morphine]

I think that both solo_act and Scott Peterson misunderstood me, as I think both responses are a bit... snappy :)

I was questioning the reasoning of why it would not sound the same as a amp in front of you, with microphones out of the equation. Your previous response, BrianG's post, and Chris's explanation all helped me understand that.

I *do* know what's the difference between mic'd/PA sound and the amp itself, it doesn't take a genius to understand that haha :p

[Scott Peterson]

Scott, but there is something said for the feel/feedback loop that happens with the player/instrument/amp/speaker interaction. BUT...it's all just a matter of vibrations.And I keep coming back to the same thing anyone that has ever had to deal with a close miked speaker will have no issue with it. Or better yet run it through a killer power amp and guitar cab and I say the feel is there.

Very true and we agree. I was as big a tube amp snob as anyone. But the light went on at some point that there is more than one way to get where you are going. And sometimes there is a better way whether or not you can believe that depending on where you are in your 'belief'. :D

I think that both solo_act and Scott Peterson misunderstood me, as I think both responses are a bit... snappy :)

I was questioning the reasoning of why it would not sound the same as a amp in front of you, with microphones out of the equation. Your previous response, BrianG's post, and Chris's explanation all helped me understand that.

I *do* know what's the difference between mic'd/PA sound and the amp itself, it doesn't take a genius to understand that haha :p

I wasn't directing my 'snappy' response at you and noted it that way. Eric's been saying the same thing - and though it's relevant to your questions, he wasn't speaking directly to you either - for well over a year, yet it is a point that many folks miss completely and can't be bothered to consider. He's slammed his head into the wall over it many times, hence my response to him. It's not about you, really.

[morphine]

Oh okay, sorry :)

[Plague Dog]

Personally, as much as I like it when I plug my guitar in and start to play, when they fold that back into the monitors and I hear myself mic'd and on the full range PA speakers, I kinda get goose bumps.

I got the e-mail today saying there was an Axe-FX available and ready with my name on it. I went to pay, I don't know why, but I expected I could use paypal... Kinda sucks they don't accept that. Probably the paypal fee is too high. Paypal should offer different % for volume like the credit card companies do.

If anyone has an AXE-FX Ultra they want to sell, let me know.

Someone has a couple on Ebay for a couple hundred more than you can buy them from Fractal Audio. I guess those are for the guys who just can't wait a week...

[morphine]

Paypal should offer different % for volume like the credit card companies do.
They do, the starting rate is 2.9% + $0.30 but it only goes significantly down after $10k/mo.

https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_wp-standard-pricing-outside

[AndrewSimon]

Paypal sucks!

.... sorry I just had to say it

:eek:

[Plague Dog]

Paypal sucks!

.... sorry I just had to say it

:eek:

In my experience, Credit Cards suck even harder... and longer, and bleed you dry like an ex-wife who has all your information and charges a bunch of stuff in your name... ooops, did I say that out-loud? :hide

[SouthernShred]

guys, just get a Paypal debit card...that's what I use for stuff like that

[Plague Dog]

Yeah, I applied for one today...

They sent me an e-mail back saying I could just mail them a bank check, I asked if I would still get the $400 discount, haven't heard back from them yet on that.

[cliffc8488]

You'll still get the discount.

CC

[HillbillySims]

Man I'm wanting of these SOOOOO bad. I'm trying to sell everything that I won't regret... thats hard because I love so much of my stuff.

Cliff, I hope you will be hearing from me soon on an Ultra! Thanks for making such a cool product

[stratzrus]

200 pages.

Damn, this amp must be good! :D

[joemesser]

Scott, but there is something said for the feel/feedback loop that happens with the player/instrument/amp/speaker interaction. BUT...it's all just a matter of vibrations.And I keep coming back to the same thing anyone that has ever had to deal with a close miked speaker will have no issue with it. Or better yet run it through a killer power amp and guitar cab and I say the feel is there.

This was exactly my concern, and exactly the route I've chosen take (killer power amp>guitar cab). I'll have my Ultra in a few days. Ed, I'm pretty much going the same route as you with the VHT 2/50/2 out to my two guitar cabs. I'm figuring that I'm going to find some great tones that way. Very stoked, will report back.

[OldNo.7]

I'll be in NY next Monday setting up Ty Tabor's Ultra for him. I can bring another unit along to give a demo.

CC

Kings X! I'm sure Ty Tabor will get some killer live sounds with the Ultra. Hope he plays around here soon so I can hear one!

[claudel]

200 pages.

Damn, this amp must be good! :D


After 2 weeks with my shiny new Ultra I have to say that it *is* all that and more...

I will say that I have slightly different expectations than many.

I didn't expect any of the sounds to sound exactly like any "real" amp/cabinet/effect combination.

I just wanted it to sound good to great.

It definitely accomplishes that. And more.

The more familiar that I'm becoming with programming it, the more it gives me.

I'm glad I already offed all my extra gear... :cool:

[PacoCasanovas]

in approx. three days i'm one of the first Axe-FX-Standart-Owners & Users in switzerland.....YEEEEHAAAW! :-)

byebye PODxt....it was a big help for: http://www.pacocasanovas.ch/paco1.html mow it's time for the giant leap.... "more room for a sheep" is comin' in the fall of 2008....with the Axe on it of corse!

[Plague Dog]

Question, I know a lot of you guys are using powered speakers for on-stage monitoring, would,'t a good keyboard amp work pretty good with this amp? It won't give you much in the way of stereo separation but that could still go to the FOH.

[Scott Peterson]

Question, I know a lot of you guys are using powered speakers for on-stage monitoring, would,'t a good keyboard amp work pretty good with this amp? It won't give you much in the way of stereo separation but that could still go to the FOH.

There are guys that dig a few of them, and some also like acoustic amps. There is no one way to do this. That's the beauty of it, you decide your rig.

[Craig Walker]

Well, I took the plunge and bought one.


Can't wait to see if it lives up to the reviews. :)

[gag halfrunt]

THREE MONTH REVIEW BELOW:

I've had my Axe for 3 months now, and the honeymoon period is over. It's certainly got more for me to learn about it, but I've got the basics down, and have played around 10 gigs with it.

It is here to stay. I don't even take my tube amps to gigs anymore. My backup is a Digitech RP250 into a Crate Powerblock. But this thing is just so solid and consistent, I don't think I'll ever need the backup (but I'm a worse-case scenario kind of guy, so I always have to bring 2 of everything to a gig).

I have about 10 sounds I need for our classic rock cover band, and the Axe does them great. I usually run the Axe into a Mesa 20/20, then into a pair of 2x12s, but tonight I used a Marshall 4x12. The tones are heavenly.

It took me no time at all to dial in a great Plexi OD tone (with plenty of bark), as well as a JCM800 gain tone, higher gain tones, and several with modulation effects. I switch them with a MidiMate controller (inexpensive and reliable).

I was playing around with some new pedals last night through my Reinhardt 18 watt amp, and was getting some really cool sounds (Bob's 18 is a fantastic amp). But, like all tube amps, it can be inconsistent night in and night out. I have REALLY grown to love the Axe's dead on consistent tones. My last gig was two weeks ago (sorry, I'm slacking lately), but I just plugged the Axe in and had all my sounds there, with no excuses.

It's like no other piece of gear I've ever tried. I'm selling gear now that I never thought I would. But it just wont' get any mil

[visualrocker69]

Well, I took the plunge and bought one.


Can't wait to see if it lives up to the reviews. :)

Please do let us know if it's all a huge conspiracy. And don't forget to send up a smoke signal if they come to your house and put a gun to your head.

[Scott Peterson]

You can't stop it.

Ty Tybor has one now.

More and more cats are getting what it is, and I still stand here with the same box from over a year ago humbled by what it has done for me as a musician.

Who'd a thunk this thing wasn't a flash in the pan? I didn't, but a lot of the skeptics are now silent. Hmmm.

:D

[geetarman]

You can't stop it.

Ty Tybor has one now.

More and more cats are getting what it is, and I still stand here with the same box from over a year ago humbled by what it has done for me as a musician.

Who'd a thunk this thing wasn't a flash in the pan? I didn't, but a lot of the skeptics are now silent. Hmmm.

:D

Is Ty still with Kings X? If so is he currently using it on the tour with Extreme I may check them out.

[Scott Peterson]

Is Ty still with Kings X? If so is he currently using it on the tour with Extreme I may check them out.

Yes he is and yes it will be. I believe that Cliff himself is setting Ty up this weekend in person. Cool, eh?:banana

[Craig Walker]

Please do let us know if it's all a huge conspiracy. And don't forget to send up a smoke signal if they come to your house and put a gun to your head.


Heck yeah it's a conspiracy.


{shhhh.....I think Scott gets commission ;) }

[Scott Peterson]

Heck yeah it's a conspiracy.


{shhhh.....I think Scott gets commission ;) }

I wish I did. But alas, not to be.

[Craig Walker]

I know you've taken some crap on this thread, so it was def "Just Kidding"..... :)

[HillbillySims]

For months I had been saving with full intentions of buying a Bogner Shiva 1X12 because the cleans & overdrives were supposed to be awesome.

Do you guys think the cleans & overdrives produced by the AXE-FX are just as good?

So far all the cleans I have heard from the AXE-FX seem to focus on the typical U2 sound or something.

I have asked previously, but no one has posted any cleans that sound like a fat fender twin or something yet... Can someone please do this?

And give me your honest opinion about the cleans/od's on the AXE compared to what I could get out of the Shiva

[bluesmostly]

IMO the Axe has amazing clean and OD tones and will cop anything the Shiva will do and way more. Fender Twin is in there. If it doesn't do it for you, you can send it back for a refund or sell it and buy the Shiva (my fav Bogner amp for sure). Have fun!


For months I had been saving with full intentions of buying a Bogner Shiva 1X12 because the cleans & overdrives were supposed to be awesome.

Do you guys think the cleans & overdrives produced by the AXE-FX are just as good?

So far all the cleans I have heard from the AXE-FX seem to focus on the typical U2 sound or something.

I have asked previously, but no one has posted any cleans that sound like a fat fender twin or something yet... Can someone please do this?

And give me your honest opinion about the cleans/od's on the AXE compared to what I could get out of the Shiva

[Craig Walker]

HillbillySims:

Look at this: http://www.setbb.com/axefx/viewtopic.php?t=3971&mforum=axefx[/URL]

"country styled score"

And: [URL]http://www.setbb.com/axefx/viewtopic.php?t=5355&mforum=axefx (http://www.setbb.com/axefx/viewforum.php?f=3&topicdays=0&start=100&mforum=axefx)

"some cleaner sounds"

Do a search at that site, I'm sure it'll answer your questions....

[Scott Peterson]

For months I had been saving with full intentions of buying a Bogner Shiva 1X12 because the cleans & overdrives were supposed to be awesome.

Do you guys think the cleans & overdrives produced by the AXE-FX are just as good?

So far all the cleans I have heard from the AXE-FX seem to focus on the typical U2 sound or something.

I have asked previously, but no one has posted any cleans that sound like a fat fender twin or something yet... Can someone please do this?

And give me your honest opinion about the cleans/od's on the AXE compared to what I could get out of the Shiva

I've owned three Shiva's in the past, and it was my main gigging amp for three very active years for me 2000-2003. I've also owned a Bogner Ecstasy Classic.

I don't miss them. You can get what you want out of the Axe-FX, it's no hype, no smoke and mirrors.

[HillbillySims]

thats a great site you guys gave me. im basically sold on the dirt stuff now... but honestly, about all the cleans I heard didnt sound thick & full like a real twin with a little compression... so Im still on the fence a little.

Can the axe get a sound like this?? thicker analog comp sound.. So far I have heard no demos showing this capability

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-cEd_Zp2F0&feature=related

[Drizzt]

I have had the Axe-FX for a couple of years now... There is no other piece of gear that I have ever tried that has kept me happy from day to day like this one... It is simply AMAZING....

I rarely play anything else!

[HillbillySims]

Another clip of a tele sound I'd be interested if it can copy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3bnm9FbEtw&feature=related

This one will blow your mind ,,, kid is 22

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQ-kVU62Mu0&feature=related

[Mark C]

Hillbilly - It'll do those tones, no problem. I don't have clips, but the first thing I did with mine was dial in some good telecaster sounds, and my reference was my 66' Fender Pro Reverb.

[GreatGreen]

For months I had been saving with full intentions of buying a Bogner Shiva 1X12 because the cleans & overdrives were supposed to be awesome.

Do you guys think the cleans & overdrives produced by the AXE-FX are just as good?

So far all the cleans I have heard from the AXE-FX seem to focus on the typical U2 sound or something.

I have asked previously, but no one has posted any cleans that sound like a fat fender twin or something yet... Can someone please do this?

And give me your honest opinion about the cleans/od's on the AXE compared to what I could get out of the Shiva

The Axe is VERY good with clean tones and clean-but-slightly-breaking-up sounds as well.


I'll put it this way. I *just* got the Axe-Fx a few days ago, btw. My roommate has a 5150 half stack (with 5150 cab) and a Marshall JTM-45 Bluesbreaker combo. His JTM sounds fantastic. Huge, complex, and 3D sounding. Just to see if I could, I tried to mimic the JTM-45 sound with my Axe... through the effects return of the 5150 into the 5150 cab. Not a wet, drenched in effects JTM-45, but a dry, nothing-but-the-guitar-and-amp JTM-45.

Even with the 5150's 6L6 driven power section and crappy sheffield speakers, I was able to get at least 90% there. The feel was there, even the breakup was right, but the combo was slightly different in the mid range. I attribute that to the physical differences in a closed back 4x12 of Sheffields and an open back 2x12 cab with an Alnico Blue on one side and a G12H on the other.

Anyway, I was playing through the Axe, and my roommate gets home. As he comes into the music room, before he sees what I'm plugged into he jokingly says "dude, I didn't say you could play my bluesbreaker, get the **** off!" I kind of laughed, and he looked over. His jaw drops. "Well I'll be damned, that shit's serious isn't it."

Yes, that shit is serious. Very serious.


Usually, hot clean sounds and barely-broken-up clean sounds are the hardest for modelers to capture. The Axe-Fx handles them just fine.



Bonus: I think I just found Fractal Audio's new slogan. "Fractal Audio - This shit is serious."

[HillbillySims]

Any AXE owners in Nashville that could give me a demo? I have to go up to Nashville after church today & plan to be there around 3:30 Nashville time.

If so, give me a ring, 423 595 2094 because I wont get to check my messages again before leaving.

thanks, Anthony!