AxeFX Top Boost vs AC30-like amp

[paultanderberg]

So, here's my deal. I know I've posted trying to figure out what I'm looking for in the AxeFX, but I think I've finally nailed down the questions I want to ask.

Right now, I just sold my AC30CC2. Liked the sound, just wanted to upgrade. Because I switch between a lot of ambient, textural passages to rat-like overdriven lead tones, flexibility is important to me. It's NOT as important as quality of tone, though. I had been planning on getting a Hayseed 30 and having a MIDI-controlled setup with all of my pedals (see the signature), but I'm currently looking at the AxeFX. Yes, I've heard the drive blocks are amazing and the delays are nice, but from an amp point of view, is it worth it to get an AxeFX if 90% of the time, I'm going to be switching between the Top Boost and the Class A models (just as I would A/B switch between the Top Boost and EF86 channel of the Hayseed 30). Is the AC30TB model in the AxeFX worth it to get the whole AxeFX unit for?

I would LOVE to be able to just show up somewhere with a rack with the AxeFX and some analog delays. I don't care about the whole "amp in the room" feel. In fact, I usually prefer to keep my amp off-stage and run it through my monitors so I can get an accurate representation of what's coming through the system.

What do you guys think?

EDIT: I usually have had my AC30 set to just above slight break-up so if I switch to the neck pickup on my strat or tele, I can get a great cleanish sound but if I dig in with the bridge pickup, I can get a great chimy karaaanng sound with strumming chords.

[mtlin]

Well, I think the Top Boost and Class A models are excellent. If I run the Axe through into the Celestion Blue in my AC15H1TV it sounds pretty much just like the amp. It seems like the perfect solution for what you're looking to do.

[paultanderberg]

Would you ever run it direct to FOH or would you always run it into your cab and mic it when you play out?

[Rupe]

I was playing around with the Trainwreck model last night to do exactly what you mention with the neck/bridge pickup dynamic. It worked great...better than I expected. Boutique 1 (Matchless Chieftain) also does this well...with more of the karaaaang you mentione than the Wreck which tends to smooth out a bit more.

Live I run FOH as well as into a powered FRFR monitor for myself. If I ever need to bypass the PA, the monitor (FBT Verve 12ma) has the nuts to play a decent sized room on it's own. It easily hangs volume wise with my retired live rig that was based around a Mesa 2:90 into a stereo 4x12.

[dk_ace]

This was my question as well when I got one. I was excited about all the other possibilities but the kicker was whether or not it could do what my current rig did just as well. My main rig at that time: tone press - hot cake - barber direct drive - rat 2 - smmh - nova delay - barber launch pad - ac15cc or ac30.

It took me all of about 2 hours to clone my rig in the axe-fx. Within a week, I had taken my standard tones to new heights I hadn't achieved with my real rig. It was at that point that I was certain I was keeping it.

Since then, I've created some other great virtual rig patches that have expanded my tonal options immensely. The plexi in particular has been an amazing tool for me, as well as the bassman, brownface, matchless, and extasy sims.

D

[jdolll]

I have my main axe patch set up to sound like like my Morgan ac20 and it's uncanny how close it is. The trick is, use the multiband compressor to mimic some of the compression of the alnico speaker, also the cab IR is extremely important.

[Scott Peterson]

If that is all you want from an Axe-FX, then prepare yourself.

It delivers the goods for what you seek and so much more. It's that and a whole lot more far, far, far beyond. No BS.

[Gasp100]

Yes, no brainer... worth the money for that sim (plus your ambient needs) alone imho.