Some Axe-FX Questions

[somedude]

Yes, I'm sure most of these could be answered via a search, but please humour me...

1) In the past I've found that models typically do well on the extreme sounds (really clean and really distorted), but kind of fall short on those in between sounds. How does the Axe-FX perform in this regard?

2) In the past I've found that tube amps have a certain weight in the mix that allows them to cut through, whereas solid state amps tended to lag and dissappear pretty easily. Does the Axe-FX have this problem?

3) In the past I've found that amp models are typically a generic representation, and that the modellers tone controls are "end the chain" type controls that don't change the sound or feel of the amp like they would on the real version of that amp. How's the Axe-FX compare here?

4) As I understand it, the Axe-FX is a software based system, and that once I by the hardware all the upgrades are handled via firmware updates. Is this correct?

5) Do I need to pay for updates?

6) Will I need new hardware every 18 months because the old stuff is out of date/obsolete?

7) Does it totally eliminate the need for pedals? Or are you finding you still use a mix?

8) Since I'm assuming that everything is now DI'd and my 'rig' will only be for personal monitoring: Power amp + guitar cab? Or powered monitor wedge? Anyone use just an in-ear?

[Scott Peterson]

Originally Posted by somedude

Yes, I'm sure most of these could be answered via a search, but please humour me...

1) In the past I've found that models typically do well on the extreme sounds (really clean and really distorted), but kind of fall short on those in between sounds. How does the Axe-FX perform in this regard?

2) In the past I've found that tube amps have a certain weight in the mix that allows them to cut through, whereas solid state amps tended to lag and dissappear pretty easily. Does the Axe-FX have this problem?

3) In the past I've found that amp models are typically a generic representation, and that the modellers tone controls are "end the chain" type controls that don't change the sound or feel of the amp like they would on the real version of that amp. How's the Axe-FX compare here?

4) As I understand it, the Axe-FX is a software based system, and that once I by the hardware all the upgrades are handled via firmware updates. Is this correct?

5) Do I need to pay for updates?

6) Will I need new hardware every 18 months because the old stuff is out of date/obsolete?

7) Does it totally eliminate the need for pedals? Or are you finding you still use a mix?

8) Since I'm assuming that everything is now DI'd and my 'rig' will only be for personal monitoring: Power amp + guitar cab? Or powered monitor wedge? Anyone use just an in-ear?

Some answers, all IMHO, YMMV:

1. Excellent. It does those tones very well. Very dynamic. Some of my favorite tones are based in the 'pushed clean' or 'medium gain' realm, I've found the Axe-FX to excel at such tones.

2. No problems of this sort in my experience. Always key to me, and the Axe-FX has never let me down in this regard.

3. No such thing with the Axe-FX by any regard. You'll have to try it to believe me, so I won't pontificate.

4. Yes, true. It's a hardware based solution with firmware updates.

5. No. Over 55+ updates since I bought mine three years ago, all free.

6. No. I bought mine in 2007, it was state of the art in terms of AD/DA converters and processor. Now midway through 2010, and still state of the art.

7. I've not used a pedal (though you can, with excellent results) since I bought the Axe-FX.

8. Yes, Yes, or Yes. Your choice. I've done all three with very satisfactory results. There are pros and cons to each solution, but the Axe-FX will perform well in any of those situations.

[somedude]

Originally Posted by Scott Peterson

Some answers, all IMHO, YMMV:

Two more questions;

1) Is this why I no longer see you in the amp forum?

2) Do you ever feel like it's cheating?

[Scott Peterson]

Originally Posted by somedude

Two more questions;

1) Is this why I no longer see you in the amp forum?

2) Do you ever feel like it's cheating?

1) Yes. I lurk now in the amp section, and post on threads about amps I've owned... but the Axe-FX totally got me off the gear merry-go-round. If I want a new amp, I just make one... in the well stocked Axe-FX 'gourmet amp' kitchen.

2) Yes, I do. And I laugh to myself all the time about it. I feel bad for all the guys with issues with their amps, (ie. 'weight' 'heat' 'good tone day/bad tone day' 'can't turn up!' 'new tubes?' 'new speakers?' 'new pedal(s)?' ''iso-speaker cab?' and on and on; because I've been there, done that. Now? Four space rig, powered monitor or IEM, pedal board with controller and expression pedals and I'm set for any gig. Any gig being any genre, acoustic, electric... or both. Any room. Any band situation. Exact same rig. Limited more by my imagination (or lack of) than any real factor.

I can set up in under 10 minutes and tear down in under 10 minutes. Takes me longer to wind my cables than it does to setup/tear down my rig. Festival gigs with supplied backline no longer p*ss me off settling for some crappy generic tone I do not enjoy. I supply my own and every comment I've ever gotten from soundmen has been positive; often to the point of disbelief.

Just my 2 cents.

[somedude]

Originally Posted by Scott Peterson

but the Axe-FX totally got me off the gear merry-go-round. If I want a new amp, I just make one... in the well stocked Axe-FX 'gourmet amp' kitchen.

Hmm... that comment means alot to me. I've been debating getting a Marshall since nothing I have does 'Marshall'.

Probably want a Vox next.

Then a Bassman or some sh*t like that...

Axe could save me a lot of money....

[lv]

Agree 100% with what Scott said. First time in 10 years that I no longer look for new gear. Used to spend hours a day looking for new fx, amps, etc., all that stopped once I got the axe.

It sounds, feels, and responds like tubes.

[claudel]

Originally Posted by lv

Agree 100% with what Scott said. First time in 10 years that I no longer look for new gear. Used to spend hours a day looking for new fx, amps, etc., all that stopped once I got the axe.

++1

Now I spend hours a day dialing up new gear/sounds instead of spending money...

I think that's an improvement.

Originally Posted by lv

It sounds, feels, and responds like tubes.

I'm pretty sure I like the way it sounds, feels & responds.

I definitely like not spending tons of money on new rapidly decreasing in quality while increasing in price, t0obs...

[AndrewSimon]

Originally Posted by lv

Agree 100% with what Scott said. First time in 10 years that I no longer look for new gear. Used to spend hours a day looking for new fx, amps, etc., all that stopped once I got the axe.

It sounds, feels, and responds like tubes.

Not exactly... I still lust for guitars.

[cliffc8488]

The gas just shifts to other things, particularly guitars.

[somedude]

Regular vs Ultra?

[iaresee]

I bought a Standard. Wish I could have found a used Ultra nearby. If only for the multiband compressor. If you can afford it: Ultra IMO of course.

[Ben R]

The way that I looked at it when I bought mine was pretty much this:

"If I'm going to do this, I'd rather spend a little bit more now and assure that I have everything that this thing is capable of. So, I'm getting the Ultra."

I never looked back. While I'm sure that the standard can do much of what I use it for, I have definitely used some of the Ultra exclusive features. I have never once regretted the extra couple of hundred dollars. The fact that the Ultra has more processing power alone made it worth it to me. I'm less limited on what i can put in my patches. And, the extra effects and other things are more than a bonus.

[JGR]

Yup, I've stopped looking at amps, but the GAS has shifted towards more guitar purchases.

One thing in regards to very high gain - with the excellent built-in noise gate and having everything integrated into one unit, you can get extremely saturated tones that are still entirely controllable much easier than with a conventional rig - probably more gain than you could get with a normal rig. It's very addictive, but also very easy to dial in too much gain (if there is such a thing!). The Axe is high gain nirvana.

[Luke]

There is a 15 day return policy if you wish to try it at home before making a final decision.

Some would argue that you pick up a set of decent FRFR at Guitar Center with their 30 day return policy a few days in advance of your delivery date so you can get the full effect from the first moment.

[somedude]

Next questions....

Can I bypass the amp models/cabinet emulation and use it as an effects unit?

Can I stick my amp's preamp in a loop so I can have pre/post gain effects?

How do the effects meausure up?



I'd read the manual, but I can't access all of their site from my current location...