Axe Fx into loop of Ceriatone HRM

[steelplayer]

Ok, I've been reading Axe Fx threads for the last couple of days and my head is spinning.... :messedup

I have a couple of different live rigs for different size venues and I'm looking for a scaled down rig for some of the smaller ones where stage size is basically non existent. I'm looking to eliminate head switchers, pedal board and shrink my stage footprint and backline to the minimum. Ideally, I'd love to use just the HRM with the Ax Fx while hopefully taking advantage of the amp modeling and effects, all switched with just one midi controller, instead of my massive pedalboard.

I've been reading about guys using the Axe FX as an effects device in the fxloop of an amp head or combo. However, I really haven't seen concrete opinions about using the modeling and tone shaping aspect in this fashion. Since the HRM is a line level loop, I'm wondering if one disables the cab sim while using a standard guitar cab, can I use the amp modeling sims with an fx chain, running through the clean side of the Ceriatone? I know I could just do the power amp to cab thing, but I do really like the sound of the HRM and would like to use that AND get to use the multitude of amp sims. Also, the FET input on the HRM is really handy for me with acoustic stuff.

Any of you guys using the Ax Fx out on gigs like this? Would love some opinions. Especially anyone with an HRM. :)

[Rocket Brother]

Ok, I've been reading Axe Fx threads for the last couple of days and my head is spinning.... :messedup

I have a couple of different live rigs for different size venues and I'm looking for a scaled down rig for some of the smaller ones where stage size is basically non existent. I'm looking to eliminate head switchers, pedal board and shrink my stage footprint and backline to the minimum. Ideally, I'd love to use just the HRM with the Ax Fx while hopefully taking advantage of the amp modeling and effects, all switched with just one midi controller, instead of my massive pedalboard.

I've been reading about guys using the Axe FX as an effects device in the fxloop of an amp head or combo. However, I really haven't seen concrete opinions about using the modeling and tone shaping aspect in this fashion. Since the HRM is a line level loop, I'm wondering if one disables the cab sim while using a standard guitar cab, can I use the amp modeling sims with an fx chain, running through the clean side of the Ceriatone? I know I could just do the power amp to cab thing, but I do really like the sound of the HRM and would like to use that AND get to use the multitude of amp sims. Also, the FET input on the HRM is really handy for me with acoustic stuff.

Any of you guys using the Ax Fx out on gigs like this? Would love some opinions. Especially anyone with an HRM. :)

I not running a setup like that myself, and not currently running an HRM either. But you can use the 4 cable metode (read the Axe Fx on-line or download for this) with your amp and that way be able to use the Axe Fx as an fx processor for either of the channels of your HRM and with virtual stompboxes infront of your HRM - and if you want to use the amp models in the Axe, you just configure it to go from Axe input to the HRM power amp and thuss bypassing the HRM preamp. Of course there are limitainons such as using the HRM poweramp all the time including with amp models with a very different poweramp (like a vox) but it´s still a very versatile setup, and if the HRM power stage is not really pushed mayby you could still use the axe power stage emulations and get pretty convincing results. Probably recomended to turn the cab sim off in the AXE when using a real cab - but try both ways and see what you like.
Your setup would be very versatile and all you need is
midi pedal
Axe Fx
HRM
Cab
cables and guitar

Hope this answers your questions
RB

[Gasp100]

Yes, as stated there are tons of ways to route this thing. A very simple way if you have a nice amp and like the POWER SECTION (I had a modded AC30cc1 and a Valvetech VAC25, el84 on one side, 6v6 on the other) and I would run my stereo outs of the AxeFX (power amp sims on OR off depending on the patch, cab sims off) and the sound was freaking HUGE!
Too bad I couldn't afford to keep everything. Still waiting for the Fractomic FRFR (eventually I'd like to get two for stereo, even though I'm not gigging right now).
Line level FX loops would be the best. Here is the routing:
Guitar -> AxeFX front input (all amp, virtual pedals, FX, Cab sims OFF) -> FX Return of a nice all tube amp.
:bender

[Rocket Brother]

Yes, as stated there are tons of ways to route this thing. A very simple way if you have a nice amp and like the POWER SECTION (I had a modded AC30cc1 and a Valvetech VAC25, el84 on one side, 6v6 on the other) and I would run my stereo outs of the AxeFX (power amp sims on OR off depending on the patch, cab sims off) and the sound was freaking HUGE!
Too bad I couldn't afford to keep everything. Still waiting for the Fractomic FRFR (eventually I'd like to get two for stereo, even though I'm not gigging right now).
Line level FX loops would be the best. Here is the routing:
Guitar -> AxeFX front input (all amp, virtual pedals, FX, Cab sims OFF) -> FX Return of a nice all tube amp.
:bender

You are surgesting that the OP just use his HRM as a power amp, but since he states that he really likes the tones of the HRM as well, I still think he should go for the 4 cable methode, that way he can (from within) the Axe Fx run it like you surgest, but he can also use his HRM preamps clean and od channel on the patches that he wish to. Powerful stuff indeed once you realize the potential in a setup like that.

[Gasp100]

"can I use the amp modeling sims with an fx chain, running through the clean side of the Ceriatone? I know I could just do the power amp to cab thing, but I do really like the sound of the HRM and would like to use that AND get to use the multitude of amp sims"...

Sorry, I read it as he wants the amp sims from the AxeFX. But the next sentence says he likes the sound of his HRM. Technically you can use the way I described or the 4 cable method, but even the 4 cable method assume you are going to use your amps preamp section WITHOUT amp sims, right?

[Rocket Brother]

"can I use the amp modeling sims with an fx chain, running through the clean side of the Ceriatone? I know I could just do the power amp to cab thing, but I do really like the sound of the HRM and would like to use that AND get to use the multitude of amp sims"...

Sorry, I read it as he wants the amp sims from the AxeFX. But the next sentence says he likes the sound of his HRM. Technically you can use the way I described or the 4 cable method, but even the 4 cable method assume you are going to use your amps preamp section WITHOUT amp sims, right?

With the 4 cable methode he can on a patch per patch basis decide wether he wants to
1) use either of the preamp channels on his HRM, with the option of using the Axe's effects "virtual stomp box board" before his preamp AND the Axe's time based ( or any other for that matter) effects like delay and reverb between his pre and power amp
2) go from the input of the axe through the axe with amp sims and effects as desired and out of the axe to his power amp, and thus bypassing the HRM preamp. Useful when he would want to use for instance a VOX sound (or indeed any non HRM sound).
3) Of course he could also use it as he described with his clean channel of the HRM and amp sims from the Axe. But I can´t see the reason for that when you have and understand the options mentioned in 1) + 2) you have an insanely versatile setup, and it´s hard to see what could not be accompliched with that apart for stereo which would need another poweramp and cab.
3) is like running one amp into another amp, something that you would rarely (if ever) do, and it might sound like poss.
But look at option 1)+2) awesome flexability in a small rig.
RB

[Gasp100]

"2) go from the input of the axe through the axe with amp sims and effects as desired and out of the axe to his power amp, and thus bypassing the HRM preamp. Useful when he would want to use for instance a VOX sound (or indeed any non HRM sound)."

This is what I am describing to him from the get go. My apologies, I did not realize you could cable up with the 4 cable method and also use the above technique WITHOUT having to recable anything. I have not done the 4 cable method and I'm a bit fuzzy on the placement of AxeFX "sends/returns" in this type of scenario. I just have not wrapped my head around this yet.
And to the OP, no matter which method you use it's clear you can use BOTH your HRM and the AxeFX. BUT, you will not be using the AxeFX to it's fullest potential (cab sims, IR's etc...) until you get into FRFR and away from traditional guitar amps/cabs. That is not necessarily a bad thing, clearly it can deliver in your current setup in a number of ways. I'm still debating on whether I should consider another nice tube amp and get back into using it in tandem with the AxeFX or just waiting until the Fractomic FRFR comes out.

[steelplayer]

Thanks very much for all the replies, definitely appreciated! :AOK

Whew, a lot to wrap the head around with thinking of all the possibilities , but I'm thinking this could be a pretty cool thing. Seems like some additional reading of the Axe Fx manual may be in order.