Thinking about giving the 11R a go...

[Gasp100]

My bank F***ed us on our rates for a large purchase we recently made... what's new! So, I'm forced to scale down BIGTIME which completely sucks because I've been very, very happy with my results with my current rig/guitars: AxeFX, Atomic FR, Rocktron midimate, 2 - Burny LP's and a Tele Partscaster. I firmly believe that modeling is "here" after spending a lot of time with the AxeFX in my home studio environment. I want to check out the 11R to compare for myself, I dig the tones I have heard and it sounds like it has recording I/O built in where it can (or actually has to?) replace my DAW.
If I went with the 11R could it be used for ALL recording purposes (beyond just guitar)?
Would the Digidesign LE program be enough to do multi-tracking (one track at a time) and include a full license and all of those plugins listed out of the box? I guess it makes sense to use the LE bundle w/ the 11R as opposed to trying to get it working with Reaper?
I've specifically stayed with XPSP3 on my machine used for recording, I assume there are no compatibility issues? It uses USB 2.0 for audio, yes?
I am really hoping the "core" tones are in there (Fender, Marshall, Vox) at a point above say GR3 and something like the RP1000 or using Character series pedals from Tech21. I've used all 3 of those solutions with varying degree's of success, but the AxeFX just killed them in every conceivable way.
Does anyone know if Digidesign will plan on opening up the 11R to allow IR's? Or, could I at least use a VST plugin to load IR's to a track? I guess I would have a patch in the 11R with NO cab sim, then record enable a track, use the VST as an effect within the track and load an IR of my choice? Anyone test this?
My rig is way out of line with my budget at this point and I've got to reign it in bigtime :bow
But, at least I can do a comparison for myself and hopefully add some valuable info to people looking into this gear... we shall see.

[mwc2112]

could I at least use a VST plugin to load IR's to a track? I guess I would have a patch in the 11R with NO cab sim, then record enable a track, use the VST as an effect within the track and load an IR of my choice? Anyone test this?

There are freeware VST plugins that will allow you to do this. Just record without the cab sims and apply later. I haven't used them but I know they are out there. Their effectiveness will be primarily based on the quality of the IR you use.

But are you really going to be saving a lot of money? The Digidesign is $900 and you're not likely to find many (if any) used ones. You'll probably get $1250-$1300 or so for your used AxeFX. It seems like if $$$ is the primary motivator here then maybe you can find another way to pick up the $400 difference, especially if you really like the AxeFX.

[trickness]

The Digidesign is $900 and you're not likely to find many (if any) used ones. You'll probably get $1250-$1300 or so for your used AxeFX. It seems like if $$$ is the primary motivator here then maybe you can find another way to pick up the $400 difference, especially if you really like the AxeFX.


I got my 11R for under $800 shipped. I'm just digging into it, love the editing tools and the interface so far (areas where the 11R clearly beats the Axe), and it sounds really good. But I will say that there are far less amp models and sounds overall with the 11R (than the Axe), based on comparing the specs.

Hopefully Digi will release additional modules for the 11R. It's a neat gadget that will be a lot more fun if they expand the sounds it can produce.