Fractal Audio Axe-FX - this thing is a Monster

[saxophonist56]

Yes, you get a coupon code


is it true that if you pay full pop you get it immediately?

probably should be asking them.....

[LittleWiggler]

Yes - if there is stock, you can pay full price without the wait.

[Blueswede]

Yes - if there is stock, you can pay full price without the wait.

Not really sure if that's the case. Here's an email I received last year from Fractal answering that question:

This isn't really true. What we do is for every 20 units we build we hold one for warranty usage (in case someone's unit breaks shortly after they get it). If, after 30 days the unit is still available then we add it to the inventory for immediate purchase. Some people have an immediate need (upcoming tour, studio time, etc.) and they inquire about immediate purchase. If we have any of these units in stock we offer the units to them at full price.

This has no effect on the wait and the current wait is around four months. If you signed up end of August you should get the invite in about four weeks I'd guess.

[Scott Peterson]

I put up a post on the Axe-FX forum that I want to share over here; it applies deeply to the objections folks all seem to have to the amp sim aspect of the Axe-FX.

I think the people in this 'traditional' guitarist's mindset need to move past it.

Stop trying to duplicate what was or is, and create what you want. If you want to duplicate a sound, then by all means - give it a rip. But take the Axe-FX for what it is, not what it isn't. It isn't a modeling device as setup and defined to date by other companies. The Axe-FX isn't a 'replicator' more than it's a creation machine for your tonal imagination.

Don't limit your thinking to simply copping this or that amp. Open up your mind to simply creating a tone 'family' if you need to; and move it past where you can go with reality. That's the secret here - you can move past what you can do in 'real' life with your tone. You can create tonal families and landscapes far beyond what you could/can do with even the most advanced heavy-duty amp/effects rig going.

If you seek utter 100% reality, then please, spare us all and just use the real thing in the first place.

Just my thought. No flame on anyone here.

[electronpirate]

If you seek utter 100% reality, then please, spare us all and just use the real thing in the first place.

Just my thought. No flame on anyone here.

In this case, 100% reality is really just a shell or visuals. Everyone is different, and makes each amp sound differently based on their level of expertise and technique.

I can guarantee that noone would be able to tell the difference if I had a 2U Axe-FX directly into the board hiding behind a Marshall Stack for visuals.

EP

[localmotion411]

In this case, 100% reality is really just a shell or visuals. Everyone is different, and makes each amp sound differently based on their level of expertise and technique.

I can guarantee that noone would be able to tell the difference if I had a 2U Axe-FX directly into the board hiding behind a Marshall Stack for visuals.

EP

Why can't someone design a tube-amp-style headshell that would house the AxeFX and a power amp, for use with a regular guitar cab? That would be killer...

[electronpirate]

Why can't someone design a tube-amp-style headshell that would house the AxeFX and a power amp, for use with a regular guitar cab? That would be killer...

Stay tuned brotha. Could be in the works...

[cliffc8488]

Shhhh, you're giving away our secrets...

CC

[Jimi Ray]

I"ll take two!:JAM

[Finaldo]

That would be an awfully deep head cab wouldn't it? And would it be basically 4U? I'd have to switch to a 1U power amp in that case, so I could get a Furman in there too... :crazy

[GITTarzann]

I am thinking scottl sent his back, or we would have heard at least something by now. Who can get a new piece of gear and not talk about it ?

[Finaldo]

I am thinking scottl sent his back, or we would have heard at least something by now. Who can get a new piece of gear and not talk about it ?
He hasn't sent it back. He's trying to get a laptop with good speakers/sound on it to use with the Axe-FX, and hasn't gotten what he wants in that regard yet. His Axe-FX is sitting there, UNPLAYED, which should make lots of people on the waiting list REALLY REALLY REALLY ANGRY!

:rotflmao

[GITTarzann]

I remember that post around Christmas time, he popped in and said that.

I forget he has some way cool gear already, but I don't see how he hasn't gotten any play time on it yet.

For me, I don't care what it is, I have to play with new stuff...I bought a Danelectro Mod7 from a yard sale because the price was one I couldn't pass up. I don't even play 7 string and had no desire to learn (I bought it to turn) I had to get home to play it.

[Finaldo]

Scott's uhhhh... a busy guy. I'm surprised he has time to do ANYTHING with how crazy things sound in his house when I talk to him. :)

[stratzrus]

I just received "the email" today.

Does anyone know if there is an acceptable way to pay other than by credit card?

Thanks,

stratzrus

[electronpirate]

I just received "the email" today.

Does anyone know if there is an acceptable way to pay other than by credit card?

Thanks,

stratzrus

I assume they gave you options. I'm sure that checks, MO, all that good stuff would work too.

EP

[stratzrus]

I assume they gave you options. I'm sure that checks, MO, all that good stuff would work too.

EP

No other option on their site, but I sent an email. I was just wondering if anyone else had paid by other means.

I'm sure they'll get back to me...I'm just antsy now that the day has arrived.

[Capn Spanky]

I assume they gave you options. I'm sure that checks, MO, all that good stuff would work too.

EP

Maybe they'll take trades!? I've got a couple of PODs and old Tonelab.

:rotflmao

[Blueswede]

I just received "the email" today.

Does anyone know if there is an acceptable way to pay other than by credit card?

Thanks,

stratzrus

When did you get on the list? Just wondering what the wait time is; I got on in late August, IIRC....

[stratzrus]

When did you get on the list? Just wondering what the wait time is; I got on in late August, IIRC....
July 17

[Scott Peterson]

Keep them...:)

Nothing beats the Tonelabs AC15 model...
and, put a 32 band EQ in front of the Pod 2 and nothing beats that either...
...then use the Axe for effects.

http://www.lespaulforum.com/forum/images/smilies/hidesbehindsofa.gif

Troll much? :D

[deadringer]

Hey Scott, have you checked out the beta for 5.0 yet? Even Armin is raving about it. I'm never brave enough to try the betas, I'll wait for the final.

[Scott Peterson]

Hey Scott, have you checked out the beta for 5.0 yet? Even Armin is raving about it. I'm never brave enough to try the betas, I'll wait for the final.

No, I am a Standard owner and doing a weekly gig so need the thing 2X a week minimum so can't afford downtime or bugs. So let the hardcore's work out the kinks and I'll be fine to step in after the fireworks.

If it is somehow better than it is after 4.xx... then I am going to be really impressed. I don't know how it could be better, honestly.

[jzgtrguy]

July 17

Were you on the list for an Ultra or a Standard?

[electronpirate]

I am SO looking forward to it. New 'traditional' style amp controls. New drive blocks. Improved PowerBall and Plexi. Maybe a new amp or 2. Say nothing of the FX improvements.

Amazing that I can be as happy with it now, but Cliff seems improving and pushing the envelope to make it irreplaceable.

Crazy.

EP

[GuitarGuy510]

This might have been mentioned but how much was the Ultra after the discount coupon? :) Thanks guys!

[Dr. Tweedbucket]

I signed up on the waiting list Oct 8th ....... so it's been 5 months and still no word http://img3.harmony-central.com/acapella/ubb/frown.gif

[Scott Peterson]

I signed up on the waiting list Oct 8th ....... so it's been 5 months and still no word http://img3.harmony-central.com/acapella/ubb/frown.gif

I waited 4 months for the Standard last spring before demand went insane.

He's probably punishing you for all your threads in the Pub though. (Just kidding, I kid!) :D

[jzgtrguy]

I believe I got on the waiting list for the Ultra in July or August. My computer took a dump and I lost the original email so I am not exactly sure but it should have been around then. So its been 6-7 months for me. When I have emailed Danielle I always get 2-3 weeks. 2-3 weeks later I get 2-3 weeks. They must be hammered. I thought the new production facility was supposed to alleviate this problem? Seems like they've been up for a little while in the new facility???:munch

[Scott Peterson]

The Ultra wait list is longer than the Standard.

From posts on the Fractal Forum, though not from Cliff or Fractal, the ramp in production will hit March/April. At the same time production is indeed ramping up, demand is rising fast too.

Last I heard they were into July orders on the wait list. Hang tight, it's worth it. Trust me.

[stratzrus]

Were you on the list for an Ultra or a Standard?
An Ultra.

[jzgtrguy]

The Ultra wait list is longer than the Standard.

From posts on the Fractal Forum, though not from Cliff or Fractal, the ramp in production will hit March/April. At the same time production is indeed ramping up, demand is rising fast too.

Last I heard they were into July orders on the wait list. Hang tight, it's worth it. Trust me.

Thanks for the encouragement Scott. I'm hanging in there. I've waited this long might as well see it through although a Kingsley looks nice I'll wait and try this out first.

Best,

Jeff

[LaXu]

I put up a post on the Axe-FX forum that I want to share over here; it applies deeply to the objections folks all seem to have to the amp sim aspect of the Axe-FX.

I think the people in this 'traditional' guitarist's mindset need to move past it.

Stop trying to duplicate what was or is, and create what you want. If you want to duplicate a sound, then by all means - give it a rip. But take the Axe-FX for what it is, not what it isn't. It isn't a modeling device as setup and defined to date by other companies. The Axe-FX isn't a 'replicator' more than it's a creation machine for your tonal imagination.

Don't limit your thinking to simply copping this or that amp. Open up your mind to simply creating a tone 'family' if you need to; and move it past where you can go with reality. That's the secret here - you can move past what you can do in 'real' life with your tone. You can create tonal families and landscapes far beyond what you could/can do with even the most advanced heavy-duty amp/effects rig going.

If that was the case, Fractal Audio would be wise to just not refer to this or that amp at all. Just call them "Amp 35" or something. Otherwise it's impossible to avoid comparisons to the real amps and the unit will be regarded as a modeler.

I think Yamaha's approach was correct here. Their DG amps had just "Clean1, Lead1, Crunch2" etc type amp models and thus you didn't even think about whether they sound like Marshall or Fender or whatever.

I haven't been following this thread much but are there still any plans to overhaul the controls on the unit for a more versatile several knob control system (like on the upcoming Boss GT10 for example)? I hate these click-click-turn data wheel UIs with a passion, they simply don't work well in anything more complex than a MP3 player IMO.

[supersecretjim]

I love that. Amp 35.

Thats classic!

[electronpirate]

I haven't been following this thread much but are there still any plans to overhaul the controls on the unit for a more versatile several knob control system (like on the upcoming Boss GT10 for example)? I hate these click-click-turn data wheel UIs with a passion, they simply don't work well in anything more complex than a MP3 player IMO.

Been pointed out, but the problem with that is you'd need a thousand knobs to get everything. I think someone pointed out a MIDI interface that would do much of this (no, no EQ stuff). I don't know if you have one or not, but after an hour or 2 of playing with the interface, you don't even think about it.

EP

[Den]

Been pointed out, but the problem with that is you'd need a thousand knobs to get everything. I think someone pointed out a MIDI interface that would do much of this (no, no EQ stuff). I don't know if you have one or not, but after an hour or 2 of playing with the interface, you don't even think about it.

EP
I was concerned about the same thing, until I got my Axe-FX. As EP says, after and hour or two, it a non-issue.

For as deep as this unit can go, it's impressive how well Cliff layed out the controls to make everything easily accessable.

[jzgtrguy]

If that was the case, Fractal Audio would be wise to just not refer to this or that amp at all. Just call them "Amp 35" or something. Otherwise it's impossible to avoid comparisons to the real amps and the unit will be regarded as a modeler.

I think Yamaha's approach was correct here. Their DG amps had just "Clean1, Lead1, Crunch2" etc type amp models and thus you didn't even think about whether they sound like Marshall or Fender or whatever.

I haven't been following this thread much but are there still any plans to overhaul the controls on the unit for a more versatile several knob control system (like on the upcoming Boss GT10 for example)? I hate these click-click-turn data wheel UIs with a passion, they simply don't work well in anything more complex than a MP3 player IMO.

Where as I agree with you on how Yamaha marketed their DG products they were still based on big name amps. I used to own a DG stomp and in the manual or a data sheet I downloaded it said something like, "Clean 1"= Fender Black Face etc.

The new firmware will have an option of traditional tone stacks with the traditional interactions as an option. I am of the KISS method (keep it simple stupid). If you added knobs for everything it would begin to resemble the cockpit of a 747. Think Mesa Boogie Road King.

[LaXu]

Where as I agree with you on how Yamaha marketed their DG products they were still based on big name amps. I used to own a DG stomp and in the manual or a data sheet I downloaded it said something like, "Clean 1"= Fender Black Face etc.

The new firmware will have an option of traditional tone stacks with the traditional interactions as an option. I am of the KISS method (keep it simple stupid). If you added knobs for everything it would begin to resemble the cockpit of a 747. Think Mesa Boogie Road King.

There was nothing about that in the DG80 combo manual though so I guess it came around with the newer DG Stomp, possibly as a response to Line6 etc?

Anyway, the control section could be done with maybe 4-6 knobs whose functions change based on what you're editing. See http://www.harmony-central.com/ProductImages/Large/000026766.jpg for an idea how it could work. Editing amp settings? Then the controls would adjust gain, volume, treble, middle, bass. Editing delay? Controls adjust feedback, time, level and so on.

IMO user interface design in multifx units is generally really weak on pretty much all brands.

[Kborg]

I am number 8 in line according to Danielle as of Wednesday and I got on the list when I read Scott's first post and saw the return policy. My apologies in advance if this is a beat question but, How are most of you amplifing this for live work. A stereo power amp and some set up of conventional guitar speaker cabs or more full range type of PA stuff or straight into the PA and just using mains and monitors?

Also, this is a strictly for live use question but is there a most common foot controller? If I decide to keep it I think I will go with the rocktron all access and hex pedal.

Is this the right place to post these questions or if not where should I look?

Thanks,

Mike

[Scott Peterson]

I am number 8 in line according to Danielle as of Wednesday and I got on the list when I read Scott's first post and saw the return policy. My apologies in advance if this is a beat question but, How are most of you amplifing this for live work. A stereo power amp and some set up of conventional guitar speaker cabs or more full range type of PA stuff or straight into the PA and just using mains and monitors?

Also, this is a strictly for live use question but is there a most common foot controller? If I decide to keep it I think I will go with the rocktron all access and hex pedal.

Is this the right place to post these questions or if not where should I look?

Thanks,

Mike

Mike,

Go over to the Fractal Audio Forum and do some reading; there's a lot there and a very active and good supporting membership there: http://www.setbb.com/axefx/index.php?sid=7b019600fa28624a770102141018fc35&mforum=axefx

I have used both convential cabs plus a tube amp and now run into powered PA speakers (QSC HPR122i). I prefer the latter greatly; it unleashes everything the Axe-FX can do without any handicaps.

I am running the All Access as my foot controller pending a dedicated controller from FAS.

[Dr. Tweedbucket]

I waited 4 months for the Standard last spring before demand went insane.

He's probably punishing you for all your threads in the Pub though. (Just kidding, I kid!) :D


I signed up at the Axe FX forum to see what I can find out. Lots of good info over there...... people seem to love it in general!

[AndrewSimon]

OK, work in progress, I did the "synth" part... with my guitar... and the AXE-FX of course!

Here is a small sample:
http://www.andras-shimon.com//AXE-FX/VelvetSun2.mp3 (http://www.andras-shimon.com//AXE-FX/VelvetSun2.mp3)

The patch is a modified version of ringmaster's "Velvet Sun"
Made to work on the Standard AXE-FX, I will post the patch shortly on Axechange.

[bluesmostly]

I am number 8 in line according to Danielle as of Wednesday and I got on the list when I read Scott's first post and saw the return policy. My apologies in advance if this is a beat question but, How are most of you amplifing this for live work. A stereo power amp and some set up of conventional guitar speaker cabs or more full range type of PA stuff or straight into the PA and just using mains and monitors?

Also, this is a strictly for live use question but is there a most common foot controller? If I decide to keep it I think I will go with the rocktron all access and hex pedal.

Is this the right place to post these questions or if not where should I look?

Thanks,

Mike

I use guitar cabs and a simple power amp to run them in my studio practice space. Live, I am straight into the PA and use a powered monitor. You need a really good powered monitor for it to sound good though. One of the most important reasons I got the AXE was so I could have good tone out the PA without killing my bandmates (and me) on stage with a loud amp.

[Leucadian]

...the new firmware (v.5.0 beta)...lets you use a passive tonestack version of any amp simulator you're using...Cliff also added an FET boost to the list of drive block options...I put the FET in front of a passive tonestack Dumble simulator and I'm blown away...it sounds incredible...Tag's Politician anyone!:cool:

[Scott Peterson]

I honestly was skeptical of 5.0; I didn't thing anything could improve on 4.x.

Well, 5.0b don't suck. :D

[bunyok23]

well im getting mine in a week.paid the full price. iwas to get it actually last friday but traffic caught me.

currently i have a markiv, legacy,5150(selling) and a vht deliverance d60h. former amps: dual rectifier pre 1000's,mesa triaxis 290,mesa stiletto, mesa studio, laney gh50l,peavey jsx.

i have a carvin ts100 to go with the axe fx..not sure if i will be selling the rest of the fleet.:D

[Scott Peterson]

well im getting mine in a week.paid the full price. iwas to get it actually last friday but traffic caught me.

currently i have a markiv, legacy,5150(selling) and a vht deliverance d60h. former amps: dual rectifier pre 1000's,mesa triaxis 290,mesa stiletto, mesa studio, laney gh50l,peavey jsx.

i have a carvin ts100 to go with the axe fx..not sure if i will be selling the rest of the fleet.:D

There is no "all Axe-FX or no Axe-FX" thing; it isn't a cult. You can still keep and dig your tube amps. It's just another tool, albeit a deeply powerful one. :D

[markom89]

My buddy here in Toronto (also a GP member) is getting the Axe FX ultra 5.0 tomorrow, and he's bringing it over on Friday (along with some other toys). I can't wait to try it out/hear it! If I like what I hear, I might just pick one up for live use and stuff. To quote Borat: "I vary excite!"

[jzgtrguy]

There is no "all Axe-FX or no Axe-FX" thing; it isn't a cult. You can still keep and dig your tube amps. It's just another tool, albeit a deeply powerful one. :D

Don't drink the cool aid!

I've been told by Danielle for the better part of two months that it would only be 2-3 weeks. So I emailed her to see where I was on the Ultra list I am still number 28! Wow! Maybe I didn't sign up in August/Sept like I thought. My PC crashed and I lost my original email. So guess what................................It's another 2-3 weeks! Hah!:jo

[loverocker]

I really did read about 50 of these pages, and now I can't see straight. :worried

OK, just about straight enough to type one Q: Does the Axe FX come in one version with a worldwide (100V-240V) power supply, or are the European ones different to the US ones?

[Scott Peterson]

I really did read about 50 of these pages, and now I can't see straight. :worried

OK, just about straight enough to type one Q: Does the Axe FX come in one version with a worldwide (100V-240V) power supply, or are the European ones different to the US ones?

Universal switchable power supply.

[loverocker]

Universal switchable power supply.

Aw nuts! (Like it was a deal-breaker anyway...)

Thanks for the quick answer.

Has anyone in Europe successfully ordered from G66? How does the waiting list work through them as opposed to using Fractal Audio's Yahoo store? And does the coupon thing still apply?

[flyangus]

Aw nuts! (Like it was a deal-breaker anyway...)

Thanks for the quick answer.

Has anyone in Europe successfully ordered from G66? How does the waiting list work through them as opposed to using Fractal Audio's Yahoo store? And does the coupon thing still apply?


I ordered an Axe-Fx on 16th May 2007 from G66, I upgraded my order to the Ultra on the 15th June 2007. Still waiting.

I get an email from Sussi every couple of months or so.

[loverocker]

I ordered an Axe-Fx on 16th May 2007 from G66, I upgraded my order to the Ultra on the 15th June 2007. Still waiting.

I get an email from Sussi every couple of months or so.

:eek: I thought I saw one msg about a supposed 10x ramp-up in production?

OK - definitely no point me ordering one over here. Especially as there's no mention of the price-reduction coupon on G66's Website. And it'd be about 250 GBP cheaper to order from the USA (including import taxes).

[Scott Peterson]

:eek: I thought I saw one msg about a supposed 10x ramp-up in production?

OK - definitely no point me ordering one over here. Especially as there's no mention of the price-reduction coupon on G66's Website. And it'd be about 250 GBP cheaper to order from the USA (including import taxes).

March/April for the results of the production ramp-up from what I've read. I have no inside information, only passing on what I've read.

[JubileeMan 2555]

hey look at me...i'm posting in the longest thread ever. Yeaaay!

Nothing to add... (though I think someone used my fender soundclip as a comparison about a billion posts ago)

move along...move along...

[papersoul]

I would like to see if they release a head. Then i may be interested....but I LOVE tubes.

[Scott Peterson]

There is no "all Axe-FX or no Axe-FX" thing; it isn't a cult. You can still keep and dig your tube amps. It's just another tool, albeit a deeply powerful one. :D

Umm, read ↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑

[Roodyrocker]

My buddy here in Toronto (also a GP member) is getting the Axe FX ultra 5.0 tomorrow, and he's bringing it over on Friday (along with some other toys). I can't wait to try it out/hear it! If I like what I hear, I might just pick one up for live use and stuff. To quote Borat: "I vary excite!"

...and as Borat would say: "Very Naice!" :rotflmao I love Borat and the Axe-Fx.

[markom89]

yeah, he's the man, fo'sho.

I'm actually very excited to try it out. I might just get one if I like what I hear (which I'm quite sure I know I will :rolleyes:) I've been meaning to start a small rack rig as of late, and the axe fx, a nice pre amp or power amp and a TC2290 would be all I need! I've been watching the clips on youtube, and those U2-ish harmonizer/delay clips are just killing. awsome stuff.

Hopefully the axe-fx will make me go "wawaweewa" lol.

[Scott Peterson]

Markom, if you got an Axe-FX, you would have zero need for a 2290 or a pre-amp; or even a power amp. Honest. You'll see. Or should I say, hear. :D

[markom89]

DEWD, Scott... are you telling me I don't need ANY other effects w/ this thing (atleast rackmountable ones), a power amp or a pre-amp?! I basically would JUST need speakers of some sort? huh? how's that possible?

[Scott Peterson]

DEWD, Scott... are you telling me I don't need ANY other effects w/ this thing (atleast rackmountable ones), a power amp or a pre-amp?! I basically would JUST need speakers of some sort? huh? how's that possible?

Get some powered FRFR speakers (QSC HPR122i) and you are done. A rig as powerful as at least a few refrigerator racks. Just add the midi controller you prefer and there you are.

You need to check into the Axe-FX forum. Link is a page or so back on this thread.

[AndrewSimon]

Sample of 2 presets I created since upgrading to version 5:

http://www.andras-shimon.com/AXE-FX/VintagePowerball.mp3

http://www.andras-shimon.com/AXE-FX/Flashback2.mp3


:RoCkIn

[drbob1]

Scott, I asked this question elsewhere. I've got a lot of stuff for extemporaneous playing and a mild studio. I've got an Eventide H3000 d/sx, a Lexicon MPX1, an older Roland and ADA digital delays and a bunch of analog stuff. I probably need to keep at least one comprehensive digital unit for the studio (the H3000?) but should I just sell all the other digital delay stuff in favor of the AxeFx? Is it really in the same league as a 2290 or a PCM41?

[Scott Peterson]

Scott, I asked this question elsewhere. I've got a lot of stuff for extemporaneous playing and a mild studio. I've got an Eventide H3000 d/sx, a Lexicon MPX1, an older Roland and ADA digital delays and a bunch of analog stuff. I probably need to keep at least one comprehensive digital unit for the studio (the H3000?) but should I just sell all the other digital delay stuff in favor of the AxeFx? Is it really in the same league as a 2290 or a PCM41?

In all honesty, the Axe-FX can do what they all do. And more. A lot more. Don't trust me though, trust your own ears. No hype, no promises. Just try one and trust your ears and tell me what you think. I know what I think.

[GuitarGuy510]

I just looked in my junk mail folder last night and it turns out they sent me my "okay, you're up!" notice like 3 weeks ago and it got filtered into that folder. :mad: Does that mean I missed my shot? :messedup

[Scott Peterson]

I just looked in my junk mail folder last night and it turns out they sent me my "okay, you're up!" notice like 3 weeks ago and it got filtered into that folder. :mad: Does that mean I missed my shot? :messedup

Perhaps that is best directed to Fractal.

[GuitarGuy510]

Perhaps that is best directed to Fractal.

Yeah I'll have to give them a hollar when I get back home. Man, that sucks! :( Is the price still $1900 for the Ultra?

[Scott Peterson]

Yeah I'll have to give them a hollar when I get back home. Man, that sucks! :( Is the price still $1900 for the Ultra?

Dunno. Again, perhaps to best ask Fractal. If that's the same price as they've been, then yes. I have no idea though, don't work for them.

[Blueswede]

Andrew- very nice tones there. What software do you use to record with? Are you just plugging the AxeFX into your computer and recording directly onto it? Thanks. Steve

[jzgtrguy]

I just looked in my junk mail folder last night and it turns out they sent me my "okay, you're up!" notice like 3 weeks ago and it got filtered into that folder. :mad: Does that mean I missed my shot? :messedup

UHG! I hope things work out for you. Lots of comments here and else where on how top notch there customer service is. Good luck.

Jeff

[Roodyrocker]

DEWD, Scott... are you telling me I don't need ANY other effects w/ this thing (atleast rackmountable ones), a power amp or a pre-amp?! I basically would JUST need speakers of some sort? huh? how's that possible?

Yes, Scott speaks the truth here. The Axe Fx has everything in it, no need for a TC 2290. I need to get into tweaking my Axe Fx but I'm running it into a Mesa 2:90 power amp then out to cabs. Everything in one rack with a Furman Power Conditioner. The Axe-Fx is a killer unit!
"Very naice. I love play guitar in your country U, S, and A" :D

[stratzrus]

DEWD, Scott... are you telling me I don't need...a power amp or a pre-amp?! I basically would JUST need speakers of some sort? huh? how's that possible?

In order to avoid using a power amp, the speaker would need to be powered, preferably a FRFR monitor. Many are using models offered by QSC or JBL.

The Axe FX is a digital preamp so no additional pre-amp is necessary.

[Blueswede]

Scott- quick question- Just received my Standard, and am using it with a JBL powered speaker. Which output do you use from the AxeFX to the speaker, or does it matter? And is it okay to just be using one and not two? I would assume that either left or right would be the same, yes? Thanks. Steve

[Scott Peterson]

Just use the left out (either balanced or unbalanced); check that you are using firmware 5.xx and set the output to "sum L-R" for mono and you'll be all set.

[Blueswede]

Thanks for such a prompt reply......looking forward to jumping into this!

[Leucadian]

Scott- quick question- Just received my Standard, and am using it with a JBL powered speaker. Which output do you use from the AxeFX to the speaker, or does it matter? And is it okay to just be using one and not two? I would assume that either left or right would be the same, yes? Thanks. Steve

...if running mono, also make sure you have the Enhancer block turned off, that all delays are mono...look in the delay block and make sure all LFO Phase is set to zero (some of the modulated delays have this set to 90 degrees...this goes for any chorus blocks...all this is for phasing issues...so you have to make sure the chorus block's LFO Phase is zero and that Phase Reverse is off (it usually is in most cases)...also make sure everything is panned to the center...

...you need to keep this in mind when running mono...because a lot, if not all of the presets are, in stereo...

...I love my Axe-Fx Ultra...it's got my brimming over with song ideas!

[eru]

I don't suppose these things are at dealers anywhere so I could try one out?

[stratzrus]

...if running mono, also make sure you have the Enhancer block turned off, that all delays are mono...look in the delay block and make sure all LFO Phase is set to zero (some of the modulated delays have this set to 90 degrees...this goes for any chorus blocks...all this is for phasing issues...so you have to make sure the chorus block's LFO Phase is zero and that Phase Reverse is off (it usually is in most cases)...also make sure everything is panned to the center...

...you need to keep this in mind when running mono...because a lot, if not all of the presets are, in stereo...!

That was a helpful hint, and pretty important too, because if you set up everything for mono it will impact your sound if you go stereo to FOH, but if you are set up for stereo there will be some significant issues if you only amplify one channel if I read you right Yes?

[Blueswede]

I don't suppose these things are at dealers anywhere so I could try one out?

As far as I know, there are no dealers as of yet. Sales are direct through Fractal.....

[AndrewSimon]

Andrew- very nice tones there. What software do you use to record with? Are you just plugging the AxeFX into your computer and recording directly onto it? Thanks. Steve

Yes it's direct into the computer.
I use Mackie Tracktion, it's a very easy program to learn/use
http://www.mackie.com/products/tracktion3/index.html

:)

[electronpirate]

As far as I know, there are no dealers as of yet. Sales are direct through Fractal.....

And will probably continue to be that way while demand is that strong. I would imagine that the ramp up in production will be tempered by the fact that there will only be SO much that will sell, then it will taper off. A saturation thing.

Absolutely no reason not to try it out.

EP

[Leucadian]

That was a helpful hint, and pretty important too, because if you set up everything for mono it will impact your sound if you go stereo to FOH, but if you are set up for stereo there will be some significant issues if you only amplify one channel if I read you right Yes?

...yes...I learned of these hints at the Axe-Fx forum where guys like Cliff Chase (the mastermind behind the Axe-Fx), and the more experienced users (many members here btw) explain everything in great detail...it's amazing to be using the Axe-Fx and to have the knowledge base that the forum provides...

...lots of guys have patches for mono and stereo...you can go probably go stereo to the P.A. and monitor yourself with a powered monitor like the QSC or a power amp/guitar speaker cabinet...amazingly versatile routing...

...thanks yet again Scott Peterson! (for hipping me to this major innovation!)

[Blueswede]

Yes, I have to say that it's a pretty impressive device. I plugged it in last nite, ran through all of the presets and found lots of very cool tones. Have yet to really dig into all that's available, but so far, the AxeFX is an awesome tool.
Now just a quick question: can the presets be edited? There is a lot of delay and reverb on most of them. I'd like to tailor those effects to my tastes. Thanks Scott, for opening lots of eyes to Cliff and his genius!

[bluesmostly]

Yes, I have to say that it's a pretty impressive device. I plugged it in last nite, ran through all of the presets and found lots of very cool tones. Have yet to really dig into all that's available, but so far, the AxeFX is an awesome tool.
Now just a quick question: can the presets be edited? There is a lot of delay and reverb on most of them. I'd like to tailor those effects to my tastes. Thanks Scott, for opening lots of eyes to Cliff and his genius!

Hey Blues, I am using a number of the preset patches and I have tweaked them all to my taste. Everything can be adjusted, you can also add effects, take them off, or replace them. Them the cabs, mics, amps, and tinker with the settings on all the above... Press the 'layout' button, choose the amp or effect or cab you want to edit and hit the 'edit' button... have fun!

[bunyok23]

i just got mine yesterday.i was on the list but decided to buy the net price. i met cliff and he updated my standard to v 5 right there.
i saw a lot of ultras being assembled. cliff said soon they'll have a contractor do the assembly.

[Blueswede]

Does anyone know when they started shipping with version 5.0? Or have they yet? And how can I tell is mine is the newest version? Thanks.

Well, I discovered that the one I received on Monday is version 4.6. Guess I just need to upgrade to the 5.0....
Just goes to show that reading the manual is a handy thing to do!

[Kborg]

They just started shipping 5.0 yesterday, or at least that was what they said they were waiting on before they shipped mine, which shipped yesterday. UPS says I get it Friday. Looks like I will take off early this Friday. :drool:RoCkIn:dude:drool:drool:drool:p:p:BEER.

[yryrky]

For what it's worth; I remember I signed on to the Standard waiting list on the second or third of August. I just recieved the purchase offer from Danielle. I remember the unit price being $1750 then-- now, it's $1800. The coupon is still worth $400.

[dbeeman]

For what it's worth; I remember I signed on to the Standard waiting list on the second or third of August. I just recieved the purchase offer from Danielle. I remember the unit price being $1750 then-- now, it's $1800. The coupon is still worth $400.

It would be nice if they held the price for folks on the waiting list.

[cliffc8488]

Price is still $1750. Look again.

CC

[yryrky]

Apologies, Cliff-- you're quite right.

[Blueswede]

The AxeFX is more amazing every day that I play it. As someone said quite earlier, anything that makes a person want to play more and more is worth having. I look so forward to coming home so I can play around every day!

[Leucadian]

:dude...here's a tune I wrote called, Heat Seeker...I'm using the preset Machine Gun...I've always had to have fuzz, wah, vibe, plexi, etc... :dude.

...also, I'm rolling off my volume knob a lot when the fuzz block is on to get fluffies:)...

...the Axe-Fx is simply an amazing instrument...

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=6293436

...I highly recommend it... (serious expression morphing to :D)

[Scott Peterson]

Yea Leucadian!

Good stuff!

[electronpirate]

Very cool!

What kind of guitar did you use with that? I don't remember 'Machine Gun' sounding like that...but I think I've breezed over it a bit too much.

EP

[jzgtrguy]

Leucadian,

AWESOME! Great job.

[bluesmostly]

Leucadian,

AWESOME! Great job.

Ditto, I don't remember that preset, I am going to go find it and check it out. Same preset for both guitar parts? Thanks for the clip, well done!

[Leucadian]

Ditto, I don't remember that preset, I am going to go find it and check it out. Same preset for both guitar parts? Thanks for the clip, well done!


...yes, I used the same preset...I think I turned the reverb down some and made the signal path mono...I tuned my D'Pergo AVC down a half-step and used the bridge pickup...

...if you go into the advanced parameters in the amp block, Machine Gun, is Cliff's original 'plexi' simulator with the active tonestack...I really like the way it feels while playing...just gobs of juicy-ness!

[Scott Peterson]

Juicy is goooooooooooood!

[6stringjazz]

I'm on the list since Sept. 7, hope to get mine soon. My question: Can I use a stereo signal to a stereo guitar cab with power amp on stage without cab sims, and still be able to send a mono signal to FOH WITH cab sims?

[deadringer]

I'm on the list since Sept. 7, hope to get mine soon. My question: Can I use a stereo signal to a stereo guitar cab with power amp on stage without cab sims, and still be able to send a mono signal to FOH WITH cab sims?

Yes. You can use one set of outs to the FOH and one to the power amp / cab. You may need to set up two identical fx paths (one stereo & one mono) though.

[AndrewSimon]

My new "FX-crazy" preset:

http://www.andras-shimon.com/AXE-FX/AXEmania.mp3



:RoCkIn

[LVC]

I signed up on the waiting list Oct 8th ....... so it's been 5 months and still no word http://img3.harmony-central.com/acapella/ubb/frown.gif

I got on the list for the Ultra Oct 9th!

What is this discount coupon I keep reading about?

[farlowhigh]

just to let people know that someone just put up a standard Axe-FX in the emporium for sale...if I had the money I would be very tempted but I have spent way too much on amps in the last year or two!

Leucadian, very cool tune...you and the Axe-FX sound great!!

[Capn Spanky]

My new "FX-crazy" preset:

http://www.andras-shimon.com/AXE-FX/AXEmania.mp3


:RoCkIn

That's cool, Andrew! Sounds like fun. Made me forget that I was listening to a sim.

[Blueswede]

Scott- got another question for you. Does the All Access display the actual preset name, or does it just use numbers? I have an FCB1010, but it's a bit difficult figuring out where I am. Any other info on the AA would be helpful. Thanks. Steve

[uni_dan]

Scott- got another question for you. Does the All Access display the actual preset name, or does it just use numbers?
Hi Steve,

I'm not Scott but I can answer this one since I also use an All Access. You have to enter all of your preset names in the All Access. Until Fractal comes out with their own foot controller there really is no other way, with any foot controller, to get the preset names to display.

Cheers,
Dan

[Blueswede]

But at least you do have that option. I don't believe the Behringer has that. How do you like the AA as far as simplicity to set up?

[Scott Peterson]

A picture is worth a 1000 words:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y287/spetersonmusic/102007AllAccessPhoto.jpg

[arfalax]

Just got my email from Danielle for my standard unit. I got on the list 8/22/07 if that helps anyone. Looking forward to hearing what this thing can do.

[uni_dan]

How do you like the AA as far as simplicity to set up?
Hi Steve,

I think the AA is one of the easiest MIDI controllers I have ever set up.
Compared to the Midi Mate I was using before, the AA is a dream.
Of course, as always YMMV.

Cheers,
Dan

[stratovarius]

Scott- thanks for the info. Looks like what I would prefer.


Also, in case anyone is interested, I received my email from Danielle. But I have already purchased my AxeFX, so if anyone would like me to email them my password, please contact me. I need to contact Fractal in 4 days to let them know if I'll be ordering the unit, so if you want mine, I need to know soon. Steve

Email sent! :)

[Den]

Scott- thanks for the info. Looks like what I would prefer.


Also, in case anyone is interested, I received my email from Danielle. But I have already purchased my AxeFX, so if anyone would like me to email them my password, please contact me. I need to contact Fractal in 4 days to let them know if I'll be ordering the unit, so if you want mine, I need to know soon. Steve

You may want to check with Cliff on this first ... I believe there were some issues with people sharing passwords at one time.

[Blueswede]

You may want to check with Cliff on this first ... I believe there were some issues with people sharing passwords at one time.

Actually, that's how I got mine. I emailed Danielle and asked her and her reply was that if the original buyer emailed them and gave up their spot, FA was okay with it.....

[k_kush]

I also received my Axe-Fx Invitation to buy this morning. I got on the list on 8/16/07. Unfortunately, I switched to the Ultra list a few days after the 16th and the invite was for the Standard model. Now, I have a few weeks to wait until the Ultra is ready. Looks like I'm getting much closer though...now for the decision to sell gear to make room or hold off until I get it...Oh the stress.:crazyguy

[Den]

Actually, that's how I got mine. I emailed Danielle and asked her and her reply was that if the original buyer emailed them and gave up their spot, FA was okay with it.....

That's cool ... I must have misunderstood. There was something going on about giving others your discount code a while back. What I understood was that FA wanted to make sure that someone couldn't jump ahead of others who had waited patiently on the list ... unless they were paying full price. Apparently that's not the case.

[electronpirate]

I think someone actually tried to SELL off the code to someone else.

Regardless, it's really only fair to release it and let the next person in line to get it...

EP

[examiner]

Regardless, it's really only fair to release it and let the next person in line to get it...
EP

As someone who has been waiting patiently for 5 months and 13 days for a Standard, I really gotta agree with this....

I think the prior mess happened because someone posted the invitation email on a forum...including the coupon code....and everybody and thier uncle tried to buy one using the same code.

[stratovarius]

I guess since I'd be the beneficiary of this, I'll respond. I'm not sure if it's fair or not, but I thought it was pretty cool for the guy to think of his TGP bro's. On one hand I see everyone's point, but on the other it's his prerogative to do with as he pleases. He could have gone ahead and bought the unit and turned it for a quick buck and I wouldn't have blamed him.

Anyway, it would be a real blessing for me to take this opportunity. I've been on the list for some time, but I had ordered the Ultra which seems to be running quite a bit longer on the wait time.

It turns out that I have just gotten a contract in Manhattan and will be living in a hotel for the next couple of months. I wouldn't be able to use any of my gear in a hotel so it will all be in storage. The timing is perfect.

I'll give this some thought, but I have to decide very quickly. If the consensus is that this unforgivable, I'll let it go.

[jzgtrguy]

No Axe-FX. After the show I asked his guitar tech about it and she said, "not yet, he's still playing around with it".

I saw the trio in a new dinner/jazz club in San Diego called Anthology. Great place to hear music. Acoustically perfect. I sat 6-8 feet from him. He opened show on acoustic. Then he played the harp guitar. Then what looked like an Ibanez prototype guitar and the last two numbers on synth. Just amazing and Christina McBride! OMG! Antonio Sanchez OMG! Magic. But no axe-fx...................this time.

[Blueswede]

As far as jumping ahead in line to get the AxeFX, when I was offerred another person's password and took it, I saved myself a whole week. As I understand, Stratovarius has been on the list for some time. No one is losing their place in line. Yes, I could have taken the unit and sold it for a profit. That's not how I operate......I'd rather see a GP brother get it first. And yes, it is my perogative.....

BTW- If I hear from Danielle that they would prefer I not provide the password to someone else, the offer will be rescinded.....And I should hear from her today.

[examiner]

As I understand, Stratovarius has been on the list for some time. No one is losing their place in line.


I know, it's really not that big of a deal. It's just a piece of music gear. My comment was made more in a semi-frustrated "I can't believe mine's not ready yet" kind of way. And I agree, you could've bought it and flipped it for a couple hundred profit, no questions asked. If it's good enough for FAS, who am I to argue? Whoever ends up with it....enjoy!

Oh, and my "semi-frustration" isn't directed at anything FAS has done/is doing. As a business, it's unfortunate for them that demand exceeds their ability to supply (ideally, you would want to equalize that, which I know they are trying to do).......but I knew that going in, and I accept it. The only thing I've given them is an email address, so it's not like they owe me anything...

[Blueswede]

All I can say is that it's worth the wait. I got mine a little over a week ago. I have a hard time understanding how Cliff is able to put so much into such a small package. I have not even scratched the scratch yet....

[Leucadian]

No Axe-FX. After the show I asked his guitar tech about it and she said, "not yet, he's still playing around with it".

I saw the trio in a new dinner/jazz club in San Diego called Anthology. Great place to hear music. Acoustically perfect. I sat 6-8 feet from him. He opened show on acoustic. Then he played the harp guitar. Then what looked like an Ibanez prototype guitar and the last two numbers on synth. Just amazing and Christina McBride! OMG! Antonio Sanchez OMG! Magic. But no axe-fx...................this time.

...dang! I forget all about that...I think he's playing there tonight too...I want to see him when he gets his Axe-Fx fired up!

[ford]

I'm still pushing at a church I play at fairly regularly to buy one of these...maybe two....

I know this has probably been asked and answered..... but anyone using their pedals in front of this thing. (This thread just keeps going..awesome!)

I know the effects are known to be great, but I'd love to be able to set up a couple of amps to use and throw a small board in front. I like to be able to change things up on the fly, and I have GREAT pedals that I will still want to use. I really only use od's, delay and trem anyway.

rock

bford

[Blueswede]

I think once you play around with the sounds available with the AxeFX, you'll discover that the effects are as good as anything in a pedal. Check out Scott Peterson's rig. He has all of the effects he wants set up on demand. IMHO, really negates the need for a separate board. YMMV....

[electronpirate]

It turns out that I have just gotten a contract in Manhattan and will be living in a hotel for the next couple of months. I wouldn't be able to use any of my gear in a hotel so it will all be in storage. The timing is perfect.

I'll give this some thought, but I have to decide very quickly. If the consensus is that this unforgivable, I'll let it go.

Yes, it was cool of him to offer to the TGP crew!

But still, I feel like you should let the next in line get one. I don't know how long you've been waiting, but if it's been fairly long, then it might be cool...only you can decide. Seems like he's been ramping up, so I doubt you'd wait that much longer. You get huge points just for considering others tho.

I've got one, so I'm not really in the category, but just thinking about those who have been having to deal with just talking about this, and not playing!

Not to throw gas on the fire, but just the rack'd AFX, and 2 small powered monitors, and you'd have a DANDY small hotel practice rig!

EP

[javajunkie]

I'm still pushing at a church I play at fairly regularly to buy one of these...maybe two....

I know this has probably been asked and answered..... but anyone using their pedals in front of this thing. (This thread just keeps going..awesome!)

I know the effects are known to be great, but I'd love to be able to set up a couple of amps to use and throw a small board in front. I like to be able to change things up on the fly, and I have GREAT pedals that I will still want to use. I really only use od's, delay and trem anyway.

rock

bford

It takes pedals very well.

[ford]

Thanks for the answers fellas! Rock on.

bford

[RvChevron]

Can the delay effect in the Axe-Fx do those double head delay on a Replex?

Thanks!!

[cliffc8488]

Can the delay effect in the Axe-Fx do those double head delay on a Replex?

Thanks!!

Yes, there's dual delay and a quad-tap types.

cc

[RvChevron]

Yes, there's dual delay and a quad-tap types.

cc

For the standard model or the ultra model?

Thanks

[cliffc8488]

Both models have those.

CC

[highfidelity66]

dumb question. can you just use headphones with the unit?? my standard is on the way!!

[jzgtrguy]

I don't think there is a headphone jack on the unit. This is from the wiki manual. http://axefxwiki.guitarlogic.org/index.php?title=Axe-Fx_Wiki_Manual#Getting_Set_Up

I find it also curious that it does not have a USB port. I'm sure there is a reason why. I have very little experience with recording etc and zero with the AXE because I don't have one yet.

[Blueswede]

There is no headphone jack. And you can connect to a computer using midi cables and a midi interface like a Midisport......

[highfidelity66]

thanks for the info... NOT what I wanted to hear though.... I was hoping I could use it as well with headphones for quiet practicing as well. anyway around it???

[Leucadian]

thanks for the info... NOT what I wanted to hear though.... I was hoping I could use it as well with headphones for quiet practicing as well. anyway around it???

...yes...there is...I think most people use the headphone jack on their mixer or recording interface such as a Presonus Firebox...which is what I use...

...Cliff has explained why he didn't add a headphone jack somewhere on the Axe-Fx forum:

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

...I think if you spend some time on that forum, you'll find all your answers...imo, the headphone jack is not an issue...

[riffboy76]

You could run it into a mixer and monitor it from there. I'm actually surprised with all the unit can do that a headphone jack or USB connection arent available. Those are big features for me, i just assumed they had them.

[highfidelity66]

thank you for the tips guys. I dont have a mixer however...... hmmmm this would be a silly deal breaker im thinking.. gosh why didnt I investigate this earlier....

[solo-act]

thank you for the tips guys. I dont have a mixer however...... hmmmm this would be a silly deal breaker im thinking.. gosh why didnt I investigate this earlier.... Yep, its an interesting thing. All my sound modules have headphone outputs, but none of my guitar/bass preamps have headphone outputs. For some reason, I don't think headphone outputs are as common for guitar stuff as they are for sound modules.

No need for concern though, just get one of these
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/navigation?q=rolls+headphone+amp&src=3WWRWXGB&ZYXSEM=0

[Gasp100]

Don't want to hijack, but imho that would be the silliest deal breaker of all time. But, if you feel that strongly about it someone is in line waiting behind you. One of the absolutely HUGE things about the AxeFX is the ability to record direct (no miking) sounding as good (if not better) than when playing live. A small Mackie mixer and/or a sound card front end for digital audio recording would be very cheap and easy. I'm actually surprised some people are getting these rigs for live only use... seems like using only half of it's potential.

[highfidelity66]

true........ i dont want to be silly..... i was just so jazzed to get this. its here on friday! maybe i need to get a power engine really quickly.....

[highfidelity66]

thanks for that heads up Solo! it looks like you just run one line into that and then plug the headphones into it?? would it then be in stereo?? thanks!

[drbob1]

There is no headphone jack. And you can connect to a computer using midi cables and a midi interface like a Midisport......

Midi cables are only useful for patch change information and data dumps. To record the Axe-Fx directly without going thru the DA convertor, there's a SPDIF and AES/EBU digital outputs on the back.

I'd love to hear how a professional engineer thinks the AD convertors/clock compare to higher end AD convertors like Lucid or Apogee? I know that you could use a high quality outboard AD, input thru SPDIF then output to the recorder with SPDIF to prevent needing any furth AD/DA conversion, but using the Axe-Fx convertors would be easier...

[Scott Peterson]

Midi cables are only useful for patch change information and data dumps. To record the Axe-Fx directly without going thru the DA convertor, there's a SPDIF and AES/EBU digital outputs on the back.

I'd love to hear how a professional engineer thinks the AD convertors/clock compare to higher end AD convertors like Lucid or Apogee? I know that you could use a high quality outboard AD, input thru SPDIF then output to the recorder with SPDIF to prevent needing any furth AD/DA conversion, but using the Axe-Fx convertors would be easier...

One of the keys of the Axe-FX is the level of converters in it - they are utterly top notch. And I am talking Lucid/Apogee +++++ here. Not pro-sumer level, full on state of the art.

[Ben F.]

No need for concern though, just get one of these
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/navigation?q=rolls+headphone+amp&src=3WWRWXGB&ZYXSEM=0



Or for the ultra-cheap, there's this:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Behringer-Eurorack-UB502-5Channel-Compact-Mixer?sku=631239

-Ben

[ss396]

after reading this thread and listening to all the clips around i got on the list today. i have been thinking about my sound and i want about 3 more amps and some pedals to add to my current 4 amps at home. if this unit can do 90 to 95 % of that, and be all in one box, and midi controllable , and records well direct, it is a no brainer bargain. i hope i can then sell off enough gear to cover some or most of the cost. thanks to all the current users for spreading the word and starting the community.

[mctallica1]

after reading this thread and listening to all the clips around i got on the list today. i have been thinking about my sound and i want about 3 more amps and some pedals to add to my current 4 amps at home. if this unit can do 90 to 95 % of that, and be all in one box, and midi controllable , and records well direct, it is a no brainer bargain. i hope i can then sell off enough gear to cover some or most of the cost. thanks to all the current users for spreading the word and starting the community.


The only suggestion I would make is don't be too quick to judge the Axe when you get it. There is one heck of a lot to get your head around in this box and it can be a little intimidating IMHO.

I don't own any tube amps right now. Not saying I won't, but when I play through the Axe, I don't miss any of the truly great amps I have owned (VHT's, Mesa's..Mark series in particular, Soldano SLO, Egnater, Elmwood, etc, etc, etc...).

I have had mine about 3-4 months now and absolutely LOVE it!

[deadringer]

The only suggestion I would make is don't be too quick to judge the Axe when you get it. There is one heck of a lot to get your head around in this box and it can be a little intimidating IMHO.

I don't own any tube amps right now. Not saying I won't, but when I play through the Axe, I don't miss any of the truly great amps I have owned (VHT's, Mesa's..Mark series in particular, Soldano SLO, Egnater, Elmwood, etc, etc, etc...).

I have had mine about 3-4 months now and absolutely LOVE it!

Tell me about it. I think of all the amp models available in the Axe Fx, for some reason the USA Lead just does it for me. I don't miss my Mark IV at all.

[stratzrus]

I was hoping I could use it as well with headphones for quiet practicing as well. anyway around it??? There are a zillion ways you could do this; and many are without buying anything.

Got a stereo? Plug into your Aux input or tape loop.

Got a boom box (or even a TV with an aux input and headphone out)? I couldn't live without my JVC Kaboom. It has a guitar input, a stereo aux input, and a fully functional remote. I use it for everything from a headphone amp to a subwoofer for my TV. It's also the best iPod docking station known to humanity.
http://resources.jvc.com/Images/02/05/20535.JPG

Get a Micro Cube (or Cube 60) and plug into the aux in.

Plug it into your recording device...etc.

Better yet, get a cheap headphone amp (suggested by others above).

If you like to tinker consider this:
http://tangentsoft.net/audio/cmoy-tutorial/

http://tangentsoft.net/audio/cmoy-tutorial/bitmaps/complete-outside.jpg

I'm using my Atomic 112 50 for the time being and it sounds fine at very low volumes (apartment at 3am volumes) so to me phones are not even an issue, but for completely silent practice they have a purpose.

[bjjp2]

My main interest in this is to cut down on heavy lugging for gigs, to ease strain on my bad back. But I looked at the QSC monitor people are recommending and see it's heavier than my combo amps (60 lbs.) So, two questions:

1)Is there a lighter power amp you would recommend for use as a monitor?
2)Is anybody using this live into the PA w/o a separate monitor, but relying on getting put into the band's monitor mix?

[Blueswede]

I"m using the JBL PRX512M; lighter than the QSC. Sounds great to my ears....

[Scott Peterson]

Answers from my point of view:

1) Yes, many folks like other monitors. You should check into the Axe-FX forum for suggestions.
2) I am; for the weekly P&W gig I now have, I am running straight to FOH with only in-ears to monitor. Works fine; no stage volume issues.

[supersecretjim]

Hey Scott, I just noticed the recently added "Kramer" on you sig. Which one do you have now.

Sorry for the "off topic" just a Kramer fan from back in the 80's and still have a few.

[Scott Peterson]

Hey Scott, I just noticed the recently added "Kramer" on you sig. Which one do you have now.

Sorry for the "off topic" just a Kramer fan from back in the 80's and still have a few.

Reclaiming my childhood. :D

Have an American Pacer Custom 1 and a at least one Focus 6000. Building out a mutt or two in addition. Just for fun. Check here: http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?p=3783188#post3783188

Back on topic please. :D

[supersecretjim]

Back on topic please. :D

Ok, boss.

One more, then Im done. I have fond memories of the Focus 6000, it was my first "real" guitar. Couldnt afford the Baretta I lusted after (cream w/black hardware - as in the "Eddie ad". Loved that Focus. Ex-wife took it, along with everything else...

Bitch. (can I say that?)

OK. Back to your regularly scheduled program...

[deadringer]

I won a Carvin DCM 600 off Ebay and I'm dying to see if I like it better than my Peavey Classic 50/50.

[fearhk213]

I won a Carvin DCM 600 off Ebay and I'm dying to see if I like it better than my Peavey Classic 50/50.
Lets up know what you think. I'm not too far away from grabbing one, but I'm running through the back of my tube head and still really liking it.

[Anthony Gring]

You're doing P&W? I got on the list back in Oct. with the intent of using the Axe-Fx to overcome stage volume issues at the 1000 seat church I play at. I'm told I have " a couple more weeks" from Danielle. Just curious as to the songs you're doing and how you have the Axe-Fx set up to handle them. How many different amp types are you using? I'm guessing separate FX ( delay-trem-chorus, etc.) on top of whatever amp model? Using a boost/OD in front of each amp model OR a different patch for more gain? You can PM me if you want, but the info you provide may interest others here as well. Thanks, tony

[Laser]

One of the keys of the Axe-FX is the level of converters in it - they are utterly top notch. And I am talking Lucid/Apogee +++++ here. Not pro-sumer level, full on state of the art.

Scott,

You enthusiasm is infectious--but let's keep the hyperbole in check.

I'm one of the first ULTRA owners and it is a fine product. The converters on it are good, but they are NOT Lucid level. I find them slightly better than my Eventide Eclipse at 48 kHz--not as good as the Eclipse at 96kHz, nor as good as my Eventide Orville at 48 kHz. For recording or live use, the converters on the AXE-FX work well and that's really the bottom line.

Since V5, sonically speaking, the effects of the AXE-FX are notably better than the G-Force and equal to the Eventide Eclipse at 48 kHz (both the G-Force and the AXE-FX are much more user-friendly than the Eclipse). Sonically, my Orville effects kills the G-Force, Eclipse and the AXE-FX.

What makes the AXE-FX special is the amount of power it has and the intelligent design of the firmware. Navigation of the unit and manipulation of the effects are superlative. I can't imagine anyone ever designing a more user-friendly box with this much power. It takes roughly five minutes of tweaking and reading the manual, then you "get it". From that point on, you have an incredible amount of flexibility at your disposal. It still takes time to actually tweak it, but there's very little guesswork in what you are doing.

I can get good amp sims out of the AXE-FX, better than anything else digital (and I've tried them all), but it won't come near replacing my Fuch TDS for that sheer magic. If you're not real picky, or you like the flexibility of having dozens of good tones are your fingertips (toetips?), you will love the AXE-FX. It is not a replacement for a tier #1 tube amp, but you won't find yourself apologizing to the sound man after the gig either. The cleans of the AXE-FX are surprisingly good.

Personally, I use the AXE-FX for my effects and adding special flavors to my amp rig. Though the Orville sounds better, the AXE-FX is an infinitely better design for live use than any Eventide available. I'll repeat this to save a lot of grief to those looking at Eventide: the AXE-FX is an infinitely better design for live use.

Hope I didn't offend anyone with this, but I believe it's best to leave the hype out of these type of discussions--especially when it involves people plunking down a healthy chunk of their hard-earned cashish.

Laser

[ericb]

Scott,

You enthusiasm is infectious--but let's keep the hyperbole in check.

I'm one of the first ULTRA owners and it is a fine product. The converters on it are good, but they are NOT Lucid level. I find them slightly better than my Eventide Eclipse at 48 kHz--not as good as the Eclipse at 96kHz, nor as good as my Eventide Orville at 48 kHz. For recording or live use, the converters on the AXE-FX work well and that's really the bottom line.

Since V5, sonically speaking, the effects of the AXE-FX are notably better than the G-Force and equal to the Eventide Eclipse at 48 kHz (both the G-Force and the AXE-FX are much more user-friendly than the Eclipse). Sonically, my Orville effects kills the G-Force, Eclipse and the AXE-FX.

What makes the AXE-FX special is the amount of power it has and the intelligent design of the firmware. Navigation of the unit and manipulation of the effects are superlative. I can't imagine anyone ever designing a more user-friendly box with this much power. It takes roughly five minutes of tweaking and reading the manual, then you "get it". From that point on, you have an incredible amount of flexibility at your disposal. It still takes time to actually tweak it, but there's very little guesswork in what you are doing.

I can get good amp sims out of the AXE-FX, better than anything else digital (and I've tried them all), but it won't come near replacing my Fuch TDS for that sheer magic. If you're not real picky, or you like the flexibility of having dozens of good tones are your fingertips (toetips?), you will love the AXE-FX. It is not a replacement for a tier #1 tube amp, but you won't find yourself apologizing to the sound man after the gig either. The cleans of the AXE-FX are surprisingly good.

Personally, I use the AXE-FX for my effects and adding special flavors to my amp rig. Though the Orville sounds better, the AXE-FX is an infinitely better design for live use than any Eventide available. I'll repeat this to save a lot of grief to those looking at Eventide: the AXE-FX is an infinitely better design for live use.

Hope I didn't offend anyone with this, but I believe it's best to leave the hype out of these type of discussions--especially when it involves people plunking down a healthy chunk of their hard-earned cashish.

Laser


FANTASTIC POST. That's all I'm going to say . But of course some of us know what the price of the Orville is ! That said, it doesn't do near what the Axe-Fx can do , and the Axe -Fx can't do what the Orville can do . Different tools for different fools.. Damn , I should've stopped talking when I said I was going to . Thanks for the excellent post Eric:BEER

[javajunkie]

I believe these are the Converters the Axe-fx uses.

http://www.cirrus.com/en/products/pro/detail/P1024.html

It specs out quite well compared to the Lucid. Of course, specs and reality are two different things. I haven't heard the Lucid converters so I really have no idea.

http://www.lucidaudio.com/repository/88192_ds_EN.pdf

[Scott Peterson]

I believe these are the Converters the Axe-fx uses.

http://www.cirrus.com/en/products/pro/detail/P1024.html

It specs out quite well compared to the Lucid. Of course, specs and reality are two different things. I haven't heard the Lucid converters so I really have no idea.

http://www.lucidaudio.com/repository/88192_ds_EN.pdf

+1

I'll agree to disagree with Laser.

Sorry, I am speaking from experience here and IMHO. YMMV. And that's cool. I come from a mastering background here, I am not blowing smoke or hype. Sorry if you don't know the context I am drawing on; but I don't have time to break down every opinion I offer. I used Benchmark Media Systems DAC-1 for years to master; and I've been in mix rooms that ran Lucid. IMHO, YMMV.

As for the Orville, hey man; great. I never mentioned it nor referenced it. But thanks for offering your opinion. I value and respect it.

Again, IMHO, YMMV.

[supersecretjim]

Since V5, sonically speaking, the effects of the AXE-FX are notably better than the G-Force and equal to the Eventide Eclipse at 48 kHz (both the G-Force and the AXE-FX are much more user-friendly than the Eclipse). Sonically, my Orville effects kills the G-Force, Eclipse and the AXE-FX.

What makes the AXE-FX special is the amount of power it has and the intelligent design of the firmware. Navigation of the unit and manipulation of the effects are superlative. I can't imagine anyone ever designing a more user-friendly box with this much power.

Though the Orville sounds better, the AXE-FX is an infinitely better design for live use than any Eventide available. I'll repeat this to save a lot of grief to those looking at Eventide: the AXE-FX is an infinitely better design for live use.

I think thats the big deal right there - A relatively new company puts out a product thats sonically competetive with the industry leading effects processors, & does it with a better user interface and better support.

You can go out and spend $5000.00 and get a better sounding (how much better is subjective) processor, but for $1500-$2000 youd be hard pressed to get more value for your money. As stated by laser, for live use, the Fractal is hands down the winner. And live, who will ever hear the 96 Khz advantage? Thats only going to matter in the studio under critical listening.

Owning an Axe Ultra, I may be a bit biased. Never owned an Eventide, but have friends who have owned Eventides, and Ive heard them over the years. The sound quality is just awesome. I recently got rid of a G-System after two years of use & I can say the effects quality of the Fractal is definately better than my TC, on the whole. IMO the G-System outclassed the G-Force for effects quality too.

IMO, add in the Amp Sims, and the "value for money" goes through the roof in the Axe-Fx's favor.

[Laser]

+1

I'll agree to disagree with Laser.

Sorry, I am speaking from experience here and IMHO. YMMV. And that's cool. I come from a mastering background here, I am not blowing smoke or hype. Sorry if you don't know the context I am drawing on; but I don't have time to break down every opinion I offer. I used Benchmark Media Systems DAC-1 for years to master; and I've been in mix rooms that ran Lucid. IMHO, YMMV.

As for the Orville, hey man; great. I never mentioned it nor referenced it. But thanks for offering your opinion. I value and respect it.

Again, IMHO, YMMV.

Fair enough, Scott. I didn't want to come across like I was challenging your experience (I may have though). Sometimes people get so enthusiastic about a product, their sense of objectiveness can get a little compromised.

Since you have a mastering background, I don't have to tell you that the sonic performance of a particular AD or DA converter go way beyond specifications--sometimes beyond logic. The ears can often be subjective, but they are still the best tools we have.

I have RADAR converters in my studio and, in blind listening tests, have come out on top 9 times out of 10 when compared to other converters. But, their specifications are not as favorable as, say, the Benchmark. The only converter that has done as well as the RADAR in blind listening tests at my studio are Prism. I have not heard the Lavry Gold, but people I've met with good ears have said great things about them--Ryan Hewitt being one of them.

I put Benchmark, Apogee and Lucid converters in the middle of the pack, but still in a league above the AXE-FX or the Eclipse.

My intent was to give other readers a metric on how I believe the AXE-FX fares against other top-of-the-line options. This isn't Harmony Central--most of the people on this board are willing to spend more time and money on their rigs compared to the average musician.

I like the AXE-FX--it kicked the Eventide Eclipse out of my live rack (I still use the Eclipse in the studio)--and that says a lot. The AXE-FX is an incredibly flexible and intuitive box. Very intelligent design. The ability to put whatever effect you want, in any order you want, is unsurpassed. Sonically it's sounds real good, but it's not jaw droppingly good. I don't get that same "WOW" factor as I did with the Orville or H8000 (which are more expensive boxes) and anyone expecting the distortions to be in line with a tier #1 tube amp is going to be dissappointed.

That's all I was trying to say and all IMHO. But, it's a fine box and to me, worth the money.



Laser

[Scott Peterson]

Laser,

No problems from me whatsoever with anything you've said; we can disagree on a few points; but that's the point. You've got the experience, you've used the unit and IMHO that speaks VOLUMES more than some cat that has listened to some mp3's and 'isn't convinced' which means nothing to anyone.

We cool. The perception of some is that I jump all over folks that disagree with me; that's not true in any matter. What is true is that I expect the same degree of at least some experience with the subject being discussed and some sort of context from which that opinion is offered. I can listen to to mp3's and blast away in any number of threads on any number of given topics; but I won't do that. Some other folks can't resist. That's not the case here whatsoever.

In fact, if you had instead blasted me and disagreed with the same level of context, I'd still treat you with the same respect as you've offered me. And thank you for doing that; it's sorely lacking on many of the Fractal threads. I am an unapologetic user of the thing, and disagree with you on the amp section; but that's fair game and entirely subjective on both your and my ends and that's something evident you actually understand unlike some of our more 'outspoken' brothers here on TGP and elsewhere.

It's all good. Thanks again for sharing and for offering your experience and perspective. Sincerely.

[tremonti]

Awe....group hug!

[javajunkie]

I don't have to tell you that the sonic performance of a particular AD or DA converter go way beyond specifications--sometimes beyond logic. The ears can often be subjective, but they are still the best tools we have.


No doubt there.

[ford]

I've read much of these threads, but just for fun..... here's an axefx that I would be most interested in.....

It could either be rack or in a head box...

One knob that clicks to maybe 8 different amp styles.....
three tone knobs, b, m and t....
a gain knob, a volume knob and a reverb knob....... maybe a bonus knob to control something different for each amp as some amps are more tweakable...maybe an fx loop on the back with the speaker out jacks.

same high quality converters.... and processors.
if a great sounding solid state powering system could be put into the head style that would be even better.... or just have it as a rack and then get something to power it.

Would this be a viable option down the road? I know the company is really gaining momentum so it might not be a good time to implement now.

I am not a tweaker.... I don't want to program effects and patches and scroll... man I hate to scroll. I get a headache just thinking about it..... I think this might appeal to a lot of others out there also. I already have a fantastic pedal board that I would love just to run in front...

If I didn't think of something you would like to see on this, let me know. Or if you think it is a silly idea that is cool too!

rock

bford

[Blueswede]

In reality, it's not that difficult. I have never used a midi setup before I got the AxeFX. I am what you would call a Midiot....And I was able to figure the controls out quite quickly. I is a rack mount unit. And the b, m and t controls are easily accessible. You can use the knob to quickly go to any number of good amp models. Once you have dialed up the tones for the presets there, you are pretty much good to go. I don't do a lot of tweaking except during the original setup, so that the tone for say, the "top boost" or the "plexi" are like I like. Same with the effects that are already programmed into the presets. These can be adjusted to fit your personal tone quest. Yeah, you can tweak for years to come, and if that's not your style, that's cool.....it really can eliminate (or not) so much other stuff. Oh, and I have found that the amp models really take pedals well. I personally really like using an Ethos pedal with it. Just my .02...

[Wayne]

I've read much of these threads, but just for fun..... here's an axefx that I would be most interested in.....

It could either be rack or in a head box...

One knob that clicks to maybe 8 different amp styles.....
three tone knobs, b, m and t....
a gain knob, a volume knob and a reverb knob....... maybe a bonus knob to control something different for each amp as some amps are more tweakable...maybe an fx loop on the back with the speaker out jacks.

same high quality converters.... and processors.
if a great sounding solid state powering system could be put into the head style that would be even better.... or just have it as a rack and then get something to power it.

Would this be a viable option down the road? I know the company is really gaining momentum so it might not be a good time to implement now.

I am not a tweaker.... I don't want to program effects and patches and scroll... man I hate to scroll. I get a headache just thinking about it..... I think this might appeal to a lot of others out there also. I already have a fantastic pedal board that I would love just to run in front...

If I didn't think of something you would like to see on this, let me know. Or if you think it is a silly idea that is cool too!

rock

bford

I'm interested in a combo with a few models, boost/od/distortion, reverb and delay as the primary choices. Just a simple, grab-and-go combo that sounds terrific.

Wayne

[morphine]

A collaboration between Cliff from Fractal and Tom King/Harry Kolbe from Atomic, for example?

[AndrewSimon]

OK I'm loosing it....:NUTS
... but it's amazing what you can do with a little delay

http://www.andras-shimon.com/AXE-FX/WildMushroom.mp3


Some parts are clipping... but who cares:NUTS

:RoCkIn

[solo-act]

OK I'm loosing it....:NUTS
... but it's amazing what you can do with a little delay

http://www.andras-shimon.com/AXE-FX/WildMushroom.mp3


Some parts are clipping... but who cares:NUTS

:RoCkIn

That's creative - talk about mangling a pure guitar signal - nice twist on a sitar.

[ericb]

A collaboration between Cliff from Fractal and Tom King/Harry Kolbe from Atomic, for example?


Right when the 1st Axe-FX's were being sold a few years back (I got 1 the second batch if I remember ) 1 of the guys who bought 1 of the 1st ones used the Atomic stuff.. I believe he ended up finding something he liked more . Also if I recall Cliff and the Atomic owner did get together back then... I hate to spread heresay , but it just brought back memories of when I first bought mine and was participating in the Axe -fx board,etc.

Eric

[silencer eleven]

Any southern california users posting on this thread? I posted another thread in amps seeing if somebody had one so I could drop by and give it a listen but sadly no responses yet. But yes if you do and would be willing to let me drop by and listen that would be very appreciated. PM me if you will

Thanks

Evan

[morphine]

Right when the 1st Axe-FX's were being sold a few years back (I got 1 the second batch if I remember ) 1 of the guys who bought 1 of the 1st ones used the Atomic stuff.. I believe he ended up finding something he liked more . Also if I recall Cliff and the Atomic owner did get together back then... I hate to spread heresay , but it just brought back memories of when I first bought mine and was participating in the Axe -fx board,etc.

Eric
Well yeah, but I'd imagine that the Atomic guys would make something very specifically tuned for the Axe-Fx, and vice-versa. Not just "glue Axe-Fx on top of Atomic and call it a day" :)

[ericb]

Well yeah, but I'd imagine that the Atomic guys would make something very specifically tuned for the Axe-Fx, and vice-versa. Not just "glue Axe-Fx on top of Atomic and call it a day" :)


I'm pretty sure Cliff and the Atomic guys already discissed that a year or 2 back.. Go over to the Axe-Fx forum and do a search and it should come up with something... (Then again , for all I know something is in the works now and I just blew the secret!!)

1 other point, and that is that the Axe-fx can sound great with anything for amps or speakers. I've tried mine with quite a few different setups. It's got every darn parameter to tweak for tone and feel that you could want, so a 'DEFAULT" "Standard cab or standard type of speaker, or standard type of tube to go with it sort of would just be a very narrow view looking at it, as you can dial it in to use with any setup.

AS for the COMBO scenario, Cliff had mentioned that being a 'product of the future' awhile back . (I don't know if it was in collaboration with Atomic or not though) ... I imagine he somehow would have to meet the demand currently before really expanding his products to include the combo , and the floorboard/midi controller,etc) GOod luck!! ERIC

[ericb]

I'm pretty sure Cliff and the Atomic guys already discissed that a year or 2 back.. Go over to the Axe-Fx forum and do a search and it should come up with something... (Then again , for all I know something is in the works now and I just blew the secret!!)

1 other point, and that is that the Axe-fx can sound great with anything for amps or speakers. I've tried mine with quite a few different setups. It's got every darn parameter to tweak for tone and feel that you could want, so a 'DEFAULT" "Standard cab or standard type of speaker, or standard type of tube to go with it sort of would just be a very narrow view looking at it, as you can dial it in to use with any setup.

AS for the COMBO scenario, Cliff had mentioned that being a 'product of the future' awhile back . (I don't know if it was in collaboration with Atomic or not though) ... I imagine he somehow would have to meet the demand currently before really expanding his products to include the combo , and the floorboard/midi controller,etc) GOod luck!! ERIC

p.s. Morphine, is your name related to the Boston Band Morphine /Treat her Right, or other stuff ?? :)

[morphine]

I wish... :)
Nah, just one of my favorite bands and something with with I just stuck with for a nickname.

[stratzrus]

I am what you would call a Midiot

That's sigworthy! :rotflmao

[JeffD]

For someone placing an order with Cliff now, any idea what the wait time is? Somewhere back in this thread there was some mention of the beginning of regular production, and wider product availability.

[PacoCasanovas]

Damn, the GA-syndrome beat me up again!....i jumped into this last week, becuase i discovered that my PODxt is somehow a great thing for me but i needed more realitism for my semi-professional silent bedroom-recordings.
Well....enough said, i heard a couple of fractal-audio samples on the net and was blown away! Damn...the thing i always searched for, seems to be real now.

i'll check my finances now, then contact G66 how long i have to wait to get such a unit....damn, another straight "GAS-Attack" :drool :drool :drool

[jzgtrguy]

I've been on the list for an Ultra for about 7 months. If you wanted a standard I'd guess at about 3 months. You should just email them at fractal audio and Danielle can give you an idea of what the wait time is.

[JeffD]

I've been on the list for an Ultra for about 7 months. If you wanted a standard I'd guess at about 3 months. You should just email them at fractal audio and Danielle can give you an idea of what the wait time is.

I was hoping now that regular production may start soon that the wait time would be reduced. You're right, I should just check with them.

[pharmx]

Has anyone with an Axe-FX tried it out in a dual rig? Just curious what that kind of a setup would sound like.

[Blueswede]

That's sigworthy! :rotflmao

Yeah, it is....but I do hope to not be one someday!!

[farlowhigh]

surely some midimanagement guy on the midilife crisis hotline could answer those questions you may have about midi...okay, not nearly as good as "midiot" but I thought those were at least fair to midiling...

[Scott Peterson]

Just jammed for about 3 hours. This box rocks. Nothing more. Night! :D

[xroads]

Has Scottl recorded anything yet? I would be curious to hear his playing coming out of this box.

[stratzrus]

... i discovered that my PODxt is somehow a great thing for me but i needed more realiism...
Same here. I played my POD XTL and the AFX back to back, and the AFX is really in another class regarding not sounding like a modeler.
Just jammed for about 3 hours.
The same thing keeps happening to me.

I sit down with the idea of tweaking or creating some patches, grab a good clean tone or one with some mild overdrive and look up three hours later and I'm still playing the same patch...just lost in the enjoyment of playing!

To me, that's the true test of whether or not an amp is a great one.

[PacoCasanovas]

I'm on the list! Yeeehaaawww!:D just approx. 4 Months to go.....great! :D:D:D:D

[Scott Peterson]

Has Scottl recorded anything yet? I would be curious to hear his playing coming out of this box.

Why not ask him? He's not hard to find.

[GuitarNorton]

Has Scottl recorded anything yet? I would be curious to hear his playing coming out of this box.
I am interest in what Scottl had to say about it too, wondering if he sent it back?

[PacoCasanovas]

just had a look into the manual from the fractal-website. Couldn't believe what i read....amazing stuff! I'll wait....but from what i heard the last days in different sound-samples, i'm sure it was my best move to pre-order such a unit! :drool:RoCkIn (can't wait....but i have to:):dude )

Yeehaw! :dude:dude:dude

[Auge]

just had a look into the manual from the fractal-website. Couldn't believe what i read....amazing stuff! I'll wait....but from what i heard the last days in different sound-samples, i'm sure it was my best move to pre-order such a unit! :drool:RoCkIn (can't wait....but i have to:):dude )

Yeehaw! :dude:dude:dude

paco,
you'll love it. i sold some decent amps cause there was no need for it anymore.
BTW, i try to convert sam pfung from bern (popular vineyard guitarist) also to AFX but havent had the time to bring my unit. he is a disappointed TC user. i am heading bern end of may for some recording w/tinu schweizerhof and then i'll bring my AFX.
hopefully you dont have to wait too long. i wish you the best.
greetings from you EM partnercountry austria
auge

[ogleh]

At the risk of prolong some poor guy’s reading assignment….yep I read the whole thing...I think. May have dozed off sometime on day two.

1. Has anyone that owns both a Shiva and an Axe-Fx posted a good (believable) patch/setting emulating either or both of the Shiva’s channels, perhaps with a clips?

I know, I know it can do it. I’ve been saving up for a Shiva for a while. I’d like to hear from someone who’s lived with both as to if they are keeping both tools or have they abandon their Shiva for the Axe-Fx. I'd love to load mine (four months from now) with a Shiva setting on day one and save tweaking for after the honeymoon. :AOK

2. Can the gain of an amp in the Axe-Fx be assigned to an expression pedal?

Thanks.

[deadringer]

At the risk of prolong some poor guy’s reading assignment….yep I read the whole thing...I think. May have dozed off sometime on day two.

1. Has anyone that owns both a Shiva and an Axe-Fx posted a good (believable) patch/setting emulating either or both of the Shiva’s channels, perhaps with a clips?

I know, I know it can do it. I’ve been saving up for a Shiva for a while. I’d like to hear from someone who’s lived with both as to if they are keeping both tools or have they abandon their Shiva for the Axe-Fx. I'd love to load mine (four months from now) with a Shiva setting on day one and save tweaking for after the honeymoon. :AOK

2. Can the gain of an amp in the Axe-Fx be assigned to an expression pedal?

Thanks.

I don't know about clips but look up Javajunkie, I'm pretty sure he has a Shiva, and he's one of the most knowledgeable guys over at the Fractal boards.

[ogleh]

I don't know about clips but look up Javajunkie, I'm pretty sure he has a Shiva, and he's one of the most knowledgeable guys over at the Fractal boards.



JavaJunkie,

Got the Shiva and the Axe-Fx wait list thing going. I really can’t afford both…I have a latin wife that would have my marbles. Would you drop one or risk castration to have both? :worried

[javajunkie]

JavaJunkie,

Got the Shiva and the Axe-Fx wait list thing going. I really can’t afford both…I have a latin wife that would have my marbles. Would you drop one or risk castration to have both? :worried


Don't make me decide :eek:!!!!!!!

There isn't a Shiva model on the Axe-fx :(

It really depends on what you are looking for. If you REALLY want the Shiva sound and don't need effects, there is the Shiva. If you are looking for a great sounding amp/preamp and need effects there is the Axe-fx.

I have not tried to get a Shiva tone from my Ultra. I have an Ecstacy as well. I did a comparison with it. It would up not being exact, but close enough I didn't care.

I play out almost exclusively w/ the Ultra, but I would have a very difficult time selling the Shiva or the Ecstacy. The Ultra would probably be the last piece of gear I would let go though, just because it does so much well.

[stratzrus]

There isn't a Shiva model on the Axe-fx :(

But there may be one in the future...time will tell!

[geetarman]

Don't make me decide :eek:!!!!!!!

There isn't a Shiva model on the Axe-fx :(

It really depends on what you are looking for. If you REALLY want the Shiva sound and don't need effects, there is the Shiva. If you are looking for a great sounding amp/preamp and need effects there is the Axe-fx.

I have not tried to get a Shiva tone from my Ultra. I have an Ecstacy as well. I did a comparison with it. It would up not being exact, but close enough I didn't care.

I play out almost exclusively w/ the Ultra, but I would have a very difficult time selling the Shiva or the Ecstacy. The Ultra would probably be the last piece of gear I would let go though, just because it does so much well.

I have a Axe-fx Ultra and a Bogner Ectasy Classic and I also can't see getting rid of my Bogner. That said the Axe-fx is a very nice tool that fills alot of holes that one would need many amps to cover let alone the top notch effects.

[Scott Peterson]

At the risk of prolong some poor guy’s reading assignment….yep I read the whole thing...I think. May have dozed off sometime on day two.

1. Has anyone that owns both a Shiva and an Axe-Fx posted a good (believable) patch/setting emulating either or both of the Shiva’s channels, perhaps with a clips?

I know, I know it can do it. I’ve been saving up for a Shiva for a while. I’d like to hear from someone who’s lived with both as to if they are keeping both tools or have they abandon their Shiva for the Axe-Fx. I'd love to load mine (four months from now) with a Shiva setting on day one and save tweaking for after the honeymoon. :AOK

2. Can the gain of an amp in the Axe-Fx be assigned to an expression pedal?

Thanks.

Over the years I've owned three Bogner Shiva's and the Bogner Ecstasy Classic. The Shiva is one of my all time touchstone amps. I used one for 3 years gigging 6-10 times a month, every month. It was 'my' amp when I had a lot of amps.

There is a Bogner Ecstasy model in the Axe-FX; since version 5.xx it's better than it ever was. Exact? Not really. Same character and tonal 'range'? Sure. Does it matter? Only if it does.

Would I go buy a Shiva now? Not a chance. No need. I'd want one, sure. But need one? Nope.

You cannot, AFAIK, assign the gain to an expression pedal. But I would hazard a guess once you hear/use an Axe-FX that you might realize that this is one of those things that sounds great on paper, but wouldn't work well in real life. (*Just use your volume knob on your guitar; or a volume pedal before the amp block if you need to).

IMHO, YMMV.

[PacoCasanovas]

paco,
you'll love it. i sold some decent amps cause there was no need for it anymore.
BTW, i try to convert sam pfung from bern (popular vineyard guitarist) also to AFX but havent had the time to bring my unit. he is a disappointed TC user. i am heading bern end of may for some recording w/tinu schweizerhof and then i'll bring my AFX.
hopefully you dont have to wait too long. i wish you the best.
greetings from you EM partnercountry austria
auge

What a big surprise!!! Sam! :dude Can you deliver him a lot of greetings from me? I didn't saw him for the last 3 yrs, because i moved to Basel in 2005 becuase of a big job offer. He is a great guy and an awesome musician, we talked a lot about gear and music everytime when he came to the musicstore where i worked as an amp technician for several years.

All the best & greetings from switzerland

Paco

[jb70]

i'm gonna get on the list for an ultra but, in the meantime, is there anyone in the nj/nyc area that has one that i could try out? thanks.

jack

[stratovarius]

i'm gonna get on the list for an ultra but, in the meantime, is there anyone in the nj/nyc area that has one that i could try out? thanks.

jack

Try me in a couple of weeks!

[Dajbro]

Just got on the wait list for an Ultra. I held off as long as I could, but I'm jumping in. Tubes, digital, whatever...I'm just psyched to see what kind of sounds I can create with this unit.

David

[stratzrus]

Just got on the wait list for an Ultra. I held off as long as I could, but I'm jumping in. Tubes, digital, whatever...I'm just psyched to see what kind of sounds I can create with this unit.

The waiting time should be shorter now that they've ramped up production...it's a happy day when you get "the email".

[Dajbro]

The waiting time should be shorter now that they've ramped up production...it's a happy day when you get "the email".

Cool! That's good to hear. I'll be waiting patiently for "the email."

David

[9-Pin]

I think this wins for the longest thread ever (I don't know if that is true, but it should be close).

I just put my name on the waiting list. I know it will be a few months, and that is OK. It will give me plenty of time to get my new bad up and running and save up. I LOVE that there was no deposit required to go on the wait list!

I got to page 90. I need to finish the rest, and then I will do a post explaining my reasoning on why I think this is a solution for me. Not becuase I need to justify my purchase to any one (well maybe the wife), but I thought it might help others in their tone search.

Ryan

[jzgtrguy]

I got on the list for an Ultra on 8/16. Got my email that I was up 3/19. I should have it either Friday or Monday. I went down to the bionic guitar store AKA GC and bought a QSC HPR122. A little bigger and heavier than I'd like but cheaper than a JBL PRX series. I might the JBL just for some peace of mind regarding it or the QSC. I'll buy a cheap midi controller until the Fractal one comes out. My wait was just over 7 months I bet the new sign ups will be a lot less.

You know what would be cool. An Axe-fx combo. 112 or 212 with a switching power amp and an FRFR cab. Light weight, grab and go and the ultimate in versatility.


Out,

Jeff

[stratzrus]

I'll buy a cheap midi controller until the Fractal one comes out.
I'm pondering the same thing.

I'd like to get an inexpensive controller until Fractal comes out with theirs, but I want it to be user friendly and reliable.

The All Access is reputed to use professional grade switches, I don't know about the others. I'm kind of hesitant to drop $750-850 on a controller though knowing that the Fractal unit may be a better match for the Axe FX.

Does anyone have any suggestions for functional, reliable, inexpensive alternatives to the All Access?

[Scott Peterson]

You can get an All Access on Ebay for around $550. I did. It was worth that to me.

Now, I will buy the Fractal once it comes out simply because I desperately want a tuner on the foot pedal (my guitars are real good about staying in tune so it isn't a huge deal); but I want that.

I won't sell the All Access even once I have the Fractal one. I'll keep it as backup. It's just well designed, works flawlessly, is easy to see in the dark or in direct sunlight and has been 100% dependable.

If you don't need all the CC switches; the Midi Mate from Rocktron works great. I didn't like the buttons so much, but it never let me down either.

[jb70]

Try me in a couple of weeks!

cool! thanks stratovarius!

[stratovarius]

cool! thanks stratovarius!

I'll be living in Secaucus in about a week. If I forget to PM you, feel free to contact me. I'll have a new job and it could be hectic for a bit.

[jzgtrguy]

You can get an All Access on Ebay for around $550. I did. It was worth that to me.

Now, I will buy the Fractal once it comes out simply because I desperately want a tuner on the foot pedal (my guitars are real good about staying in tune so it isn't a huge deal); but I want that.

I won't sell the All Access even once I have the Fractal one. I'll keep it as backup. It's just well designed, works flawlessly, is easy to see in the dark or in direct sunlight and has been 100% dependable.

If you don't need all the CC switches; the Midi Mate from Rocktron works great. I didn't like the buttons so much, but it never let me down either.

I was going to go with the MidiMate unless I see something used for a similar price like a Lexican or Yamaha or something like that. I wonder how long it will be before the fractal midi pedal comes out?

[supersecretjim]

I was going to go with the MidiMate unless I see something used for a similar price like a Lexican or Yamaha or something like that. I wonder how long it will be before the fractal midi pedal comes out?

Like anything else Fractal...

2-3 weeks.:rolleyes:

[jzgtrguy]

Like anything else Fractal...

2-3 weeks.:rolleyes:


Ha!:crazy 7 months to get mine but I am on the wait list for the pedal. I'm in no hurry to get one being a midiot Ludite neophyte. :rolleyes:

[bluesmostly]

Ha!:crazy 7 months to get mine but I am on the wait list for the pedal. I'm in no hurry to get one being a midiot Ludite neophyte. :rolleyes:

hey jzgtrguy, I have a midimate I can sell you if you want. It is a good and simple unit to use. I have the All Access now too. Email me if you are interested. have fun with the AXE!

[javajunkie]

Like anything else Fractal...

2-3 weeks.:rolleyes:

2-3 weeks. Where did you get that?

I'm not even sure it will be this year?

[jzgtrguy]

2-3 weeks. Where did you get that?

I'm not even sure it will be this year?

It's a pun! When I would email Fractal for status they I would get an email that said 2-3 weeks. That started in December and I got it in March. I am sure they will get on top of production. Just a joke:crazy!

[Roodyrocker]

I just tried a Behringer FCB1010 last night with my Axe-Fx Ultra. I have it laying around from other projects so I plugged it in and gave it a go. It switches the channels fine, only thing is that it is mapped currently so that channel 1 on the controller brings up 000 on the Ultra, channel 2 on the controller brings up 001 on the Ultra. No biggie, as you can map the Ultra to be 1 to 1 if thats what you want. I have not messed with assigning the pedals or anything else, but for simple plug it in and channel switch it the Behringer is cheap enough. I do have a Ground Control Pro as well but that is currently in use with my other rig in conjunction with a GCX Switcher for my pedals in a rack drawer. If Fractal Audio releases their own controller I will buy that one but in the meantime I'm not going to spend the $ on other high end controllers. Also patiently awaiting the arrival of my QSC HPR122i to use for a monitor so I can try this thing live thru FOH :)

[cliffc8488]

I just tried a Behringer FCB1010 last night with my Axe-Fx Ultra. I have it laying around from other projects so I plugged it in and gave it a go. It switches the channels fine, only thing is that it is mapped currently so that channel 1 on the controller brings up 000 on the Ultra, channel 2 on the controller brings up 001 on the Ultra.

Under the I/O->MIDI menu you can change the "Display Offset". Set it to "1" and it will match the display on your controller.

CC

[jb70]

I'll be living in Secaucus in about a week. If I forget to PM you, feel free to contact me. I'll have a new job and it could be hectic for a bit.

sounds good. secaucus is about 5 minutes away from me. good luck with the new job.

[Cruiser]

just got on the list, :dude

here's hoping for ramped up production :)

[supersecretjim]

2-3 weeks. Where did you get that?

I'm not even sure it will be this year?


Come on Java!!!

You know its almost a classic joke at this point...How many times, after thier original due date, have people gotten thier "2-3 weeks" response e-mail ?

[javajunkie]

I just didn't want anyone reading to get the impression that there is any indication that it might be even remotely close to ready.

[Roodyrocker]

Under the I/O->MIDI menu you can change the "Display Offset". Set it to "1" and it will match the display on your controller.

CC

Thanks Cliff. I will do that :)

[gameover98]

just got my axe-fx two days ago. today i a/b'd it against my friend's AC30cc. i'm going through a mackie srm450 powered speaker and had just finished making an AC30 patch that i liked. i told him before we played that the clean sound would be similar but that his overdrive would probably sound better.

and then we played them. and it was REALLY similar. as similar as two different amps of the same type can be. i wasn't expecting it. but when we played i just looked at him and started laughing 'cause it was the same sound...

then i ran him through the delay options in the editor.

he's on the list for an ultra.

overall it's a pretty slick device. i feel like i've been able to replicate many amps that i really love (fender and vox in particular), use tons of ambient sounds i've never been able to get out of the pedals before. and i find myself using totally new sounds i never used in the past (powerball!)

i have a suhr badger that i love for it's marshally overdrive. honestly, i have not been able to get that sound out of the axe. the marshall sound seems to me the hardest to completely emulate. that's about the only thing resembling a complaint i can give this unit. and let me clarify that the marshall sounds aren't bad at all. its' jsut that with the other sounds i could swear they were certain tube amps. but nothing i've yet created or heard would i mistake for my badger. that being said, i don't want to be skewered by the axe-fanaticserrrrr i mean family ;) i admit i'm still a newbie on this thing and who knows, maybe tomorrow i'll recreate the badger.

that being said i'm selling the badger =( it's great for what it does, but the axe gives me so many options. and did i mention that it's fun! i was plastered to my chair all day yesterday swapping cabs and tweaking the sag and dampening on all these different amps. it's just really fun having so many options, so much power at your fingertips. i remember trying a slew of speakers in my different real amps, and here i'm just clicking away getting the same kind of difference in tone that took me hours (and lots of dollars!) of craigslisting to get before. it's fun.

so thanks to scott (who should win some kind of salesman of the year award) and everyone else who clued me into this thing, 'cause i never would have even heard of it if not for TGP and this thread. o ya and thanks to cliff ;)

[supersecretjim]

Funny. I find the Marshall tones about the easiest to dial in. Especially the 800 and Brown amps. Add a drive pedal in front & BAM! Gets me in 80's Hard Rock/Metal heaven. Ive had it two months, and have not done much exploring, though.

[Brian G]

I like the Plexi's, but admittedly those are not the Marshall sounds that everyone is looking for. Also like the JTM45 a bunch.

Try using the FET Boost and / or Tape Dist in front of the Plexi. Very nice, particularly for that just on the edge crunch.

Brian

[jzgtrguy]

I hope to get mine tomorrow! Happy Easter everyone!

[solo-act]

...that being said i'm selling the badger =( it's great for what it does, but the axe gives me so many options. and did i mention that it's fun! i was plastered to my chair all day yesterday swapping cabs and tweaking the sag and dampening on all these different amps. it's just really fun having so many options, so much power at your fingertips. i remember trying a slew of speakers in my different real amps, and here i'm just clicking away getting the same kind of difference in tone that took me hours (and lots of dollars!) of craigslisting to get before. it's fun...;)Noooo! Don't sell the badger! -- Just kidding. I have one, but It's so small, hip & full of mojo I gotta keep it.

You're absolutely right - if you want to tweak your tube amp or explore different add-ons the axe-fx is a very fun way to to that virtually without all the time and money. A lot more fun than a non-owner realizes.

In fact, for those with wandering ears, eyes, and un-ending GAS, it might be a great time/money saver, or for those on a tone-quest, it might be a shortcut to finding that magic tube amp/cab/pedal recipe so you can go buy that "destination" rig sooner.

There are those that run around the axe-fx threads proclaiming they've found their amp platform and their tone, they have no interest in the axe-fx, and nothing will ever come close to their dream tube-amp rig.
Fantastic! That's the dream of many TGPers!
Maybe the axe-fx users are running around the tube-amp threads saying how that tube amp will never give them everything the axe-fx does - I don't know, I don't read/post in those anymore. The problem is that kind of posting is usually non-productive and just adds noise to the topic of the thread.

Bottom line, when you filter out all the noise in these axe-fx threads, you will hit a common theme that tweakers tend to have a ball exploring the tones inside and gawking at the infinite number of options at their fingertips.

[bluesmostly]

Noooo! Don't sell the badger! -- Just kidding. I have one, but It's so small, hip & full of mojo I gotta keep it.

You're absolutely right - if you want to tweak your tube amp or explore different add-ons the axe-fx is a very fun way to to that virtually without all the time and money. A lot more fun than a non-owner realizes.

In fact, for those with wandering ears, eyes, and un-ending GAS, it might be a great time/money saver, or for those on a tone-quest, it might be a shortcut to finding that magic tube amp/cab/pedal recipe so you can go buy that "destination" rig sooner.

There are those that run around the axe-fx threads proclaiming they've found their amp platform and their tone, they have no interest in the axe-fx, and nothing will ever come close to their dream tube-amp rig.
Fantastic! That's the dream of many TGPers!
Maybe the axe-fx users are running around the tube-amp threads saying how that tube amp will never give them everything the axe-fx does - I don't know, I don't read/post in those anymore. The problem is that kind of posting is usually non-productive and just adds noise to the topic of the thread.

Bottom line, when you filter out all the noise in these axe-fx threads, you will hit a common theme that tweakers tend to have a ball exploring the tones inside and gawking at the infinite number of options at their fingertips.

I love that I found a dozen great tones that I use regularly within the first hour of playing with the AXE. It is amazing to be able to go into a rig and change out the speakers or cabinet, add or subract pedals with the turn of a knob. Even though I am not a tweaker, if I had more time it would be fun to really get into it and create new rigs and tones - gosh, I haven't even got my expression pedal working yet!!:rolleyes:
What a remarkable tone tool it is though. :RoCkIn

[Scott Peterson]

If you have an Axe-FX, or play one, you can slam it all you want. No one will slag you for it in any way. The slagging is for the folks that 'heard a clip...' only. ;)

If you have hands on experience, you can say anything you want subjectively.

My fave preset is my JCM 800 preset I've posted on the Axechange.net; check it out.

[trisonic]

Scott,
Not trying to stir the pot or anything but most people don't get a chance to try it (and this applies to most "boutique" amps too) unless they order it - I'm lucky to live near NY and you can track down most amps around here to try out either via contacts, esoteric stores (hey, I like that term) or "Fests". I haven't come across an Axe-FX.
It would be nice if one was represented at the forthcoming NYCAmpShow of Loni's but it ain't going to happen is it?

I'd love to try one out for even just an hour without having to go through with the order process. It's a concern because many of the amps available to use I just would never use - with the C60, for example, I only use three.
You know what I mean....

Best, Pete.

[javajunkie]

Scott,
Not trying to stir the pot or anything but most people don't get a chance to try it (and this applies to most "boutique" amps too) unless they order it - I'm lucky to live near NY and you can track down most amps around here to try out either via contacts, esoteric stores (hey, I like that term) or "Fests". I haven't come across an Axe-FX.
It would be nice if one was represented at the forthcoming NYCAmpShow of Loni's but it ain't going to happen is it?

I'd love to try one out for even just an hour without having to go through with the order process. It's a concern because many of the amps available to use I just would never use - with the C60, for example, I only use three.
You know what I mean....

Best, Pete.

I just asked someone in my area if I could check theirs out.

[cliffc8488]

It would be nice if one was represented at the forthcoming NYCAmpShow of Loni's but it ain't going to happen is it?


We will be there. We're sharing a room with Atomic amps. There'll be some Axe-Fx's and Ultras and a couple QSC HPR122i's along with the Atomics that you can play through.

CC

[ford]

Cliff, that is very cool. Wish I could be there.

I'm going to get an AxeFx someday down the road, but I want to see what else they come out with.... maybe a more simplified "knobby" version... hint hint..haha

and I'm still keeping my two amps... so I can rock them all.

rock

bford

[trisonic]

We will be there. We're sharing a room with Atomic amps. There'll be some Axe-Fx's and Ultras and a couple QSC HPR122i's along with the Atomics that you can play through.

CC

Great! Thank you. I'll bring my own guitar and make myself known to you.
Much appreciated, Cliff.

Best, Pete.

[electronpirate]

We will be there. We're sharing a room with Atomic amps. There'll be some Axe-Fx's and Ultras and a couple QSC HPR122i's along with the Atomics that you can play through.

CC

Ready to make any announcements Cliff?

Have you 'tuned' the Axe-FX to the Atomics? Or do you have a special set of presets that you'll use for this?

And have you 'gone to the dark side' and switched over to the QSC's yet?

Ron

[Dave_C]

Just checking into this thread again and listening to a whole bunch of clips. Was particularly interested in the HAD clips. Lerner had some incredibly firey playing on his last HAD clip. WOW!

Overall, this sounds like a great tool and obviously folks are making some incredible music with it, but I haven't yet heard anything that would make me buy one. It sounds a whole lot better than anything I've heard from Line 6, but still has this harsh screechiness going on on the upper mids and highs for most of the mid to high gain tones that I hear in most modeling amps, particularly in the Line 6 stuff. The cleans and slight OD tones seem to be what this unit does best. It also sounds like it takes pedals extremely well. (One of jzucker's zen->AxeFX vids was awesome.) But, given that the cab and mic positions are being modeled for ideal conditions, I would expect this unit to be a slam dunk for recording, with no excuses being made about clips not being representative of the "real" tone of the amp. In fact, what could be closer? All other variables are removed and all you hear is Axe-FX and it's modeling algorithms. The unit should be a clip monster and should really shine like crazy in them, but my ears aren't hearing it consistently in the dozens of clips I've listened to.

That said, I'm gonna' keep my eyes on this one. The hardware horsepower and quality is obviously there. Maybe it's just a matter of tweaking the algorithms across a few more versions!

[stratzrus]

It sounds a whole lot better than anything I've heard from Line 6, but still has this harsh screechiness going on on the upper mids and highs for most of the mid to high gain tones that I hear in most modeling amps, particularly in the Line 6 stuff.
I'm not hearing that in mine, but I'm actually playing one, not listening to clips.

The cleans and slight OD tones seem to be what this unit does best.
I think it's more challenging to get good "slight OD " tones, I'm pretty happy with the high gain tones, but I have found high gain tones to be a surprisingly personal choice. I like the high gain tones I use, but frequently dislike those of others.

I... given that the cab and mic positions are being modeled for ideal conditions, I would expect this unit to be a slam dunk for recording, with no excuses being made about clips not being representative of the "real" tone of the amp. ..All other variables are removed and all you hear is Axe-FX and it's modeling algorithms. The unit should be a clip monster and should really shine like crazy in them, but my ears aren't hearing it consistently in the dozens of clips I've listened to. Well...all other variables have actually not been removed. The single biggest variable is the player/recorder who set the tones in the first place. There's a good chance that if you don't like what he/she likes tonewise you won't like the clip either. It's really not surprising to me that "my ears aren't hearing it consistently in the dozens of clips I've listened to." I think "consistently" is the key word, and the individual player is the variable.

I think most of the people who recorded the clips like the way they sound...it's the rest of us who start to quibble, and often attribute things to the AFX that are personal choices of the unit's operator.

I heard some clips of a certain tube amp recently and was underwhelmed...the clips didn't match the hype. Then I found one clip on a different site, done in a style that is not particularly popular on TGP and I thought,"There it is...that's the sound I was looking for!". If I hadn't heard that one clip I would have had no confirmation that the praise the amp was getting was justified. I just had to find a clip where the player had dialed in the amp the way I liked it.

[AndrewSimon]

WOW... this thread is still alive....

OK then, here is the bottom line:

I can get the tones that I have in my mind with this unit... fairly easy.
I am sure you will be able to do so as well.

... and once you learn how to use it at a deeper level there are no limits to what you can do.
We all have different opinions on what good tone is, we all hear differently.
I don't hear the "harsh screechiness" that Dave_C is talking about .....
but if I did, I would know how to get rid of it!

:AOK

[Dave_C]

WOW... this thread is still alive....

OK then, here is the bottom line:

I can get the tones that I have in my mind with this unit... fairly easy.
I am sure you will be able to do so as well.

... and once you learn how to use it at a deeper level there are no limits to what you can do.
We all have different opinions on what good tone is, we all hear differently.
I don't hear the "harsh screechiness" that Dave_C is talking about .....
but if I did, I would know how to get rid of it!

:AOK

I guess I'd just like to hear one clip of a medium to high gain distortion lead tone that didn't have a gnarly, rough, gritty texture and no sustain. Even the HAD model clips that Lerner played on sounded like 40 grit sandpaper...and with very little sustain. That's NOT how a D-style OD channel is supposed to sound! Scott obviously knows a thing (or thousand) about dialing in D-style amps, but his HAD clips sounded nothing like any Dumble or clone I've heard, played through or owned. Can this unit be dialed in for smooth, rich, violin-like lead tones? I haven't heard that yet, despite listening to many dozens of clips.

[javajunkie]

I guess I'd just like to hear one clip of a medium to high gain distortion lead tone that didn't have a gnarly, rough, gritty texture and no sustain. Even the HAD model clips that Lerner played on sounded like 40 grit sandpaper...and with very little sustain. That's NOT how a D-style OD channel is supposed to sound! Scott obviously knows a thing (or thousand) about dialing in D-style amps, but his HAD clips sounded nothing like any Dumble or clone I've heard, played through or owned. Can this unit be dialed in for smooth, rich, violin-like lead tones? I haven't heard that yet, despite listening to many dozens of clips.

There was something weird going on w/ that clip. There is a new Dumble model in the Axe-fx that sounds much smoother. I don't think anyone has done a Ford style clip w/ it yet for some reason?

Lack of sustain on the clips is no surprise. I imagine most of them were done w/ headphones or low volume studio monitors. There really is no substitue for the guitar/amp interaction the volume gives you. That being said at failrly low volumes, thru studio monitors I can easily induce infinite feedback.

Live I normally play w/ IEMs and a semi-silent stage. I had to get used to the lack of sustain that comes w/ that (thru a Shiva and Ecstacy) so I can tell you that is true of high quality amps as well. It wasn't doing those amps any justice.

[bluesmostly]

I guess I'd just like to hear one clip of a medium to high gain distortion lead tone that didn't have a gnarly, rough, gritty texture and no sustain. Even the HAD model clips that Lerner played on sounded like 40 grit sandpaper...and with very little sustain. That's NOT how a D-style OD channel is supposed to sound! Scott obviously knows a thing (or thousand) about dialing in D-style amps, but his HAD clips sounded nothing like any Dumble or clone I've heard, played through or owned. Can this unit be dialed in for smooth, rich, violin-like lead tones? I haven't heard that yet, despite listening to many dozens of clips.

I agree with Stratzus, I have no trouble dialing in great high gain tones of all varieties with plenty of sustain and controlled feedback (you do need a certain vol thershold for this though, but not loud at all really). They sound great to me.