Done with amps (I've waited 15 years for this)

[Deaj]

Let me start by saying that I have been a tube amp nut for nearly 30 years (owned 44 to date, collected vintage amps for quite a few years). I personally find amplifier choice to be more important than guitar choice.

~15 years ago I saw what Line6 was attempting to accomplish with digital modeling and even sampled this in the form of the first gen Line6 POD. I was underwhelmed with the POD and it didn't last long but the idea stuck. I have been waiting patiently ever since for modeling to close the gap, to become indistinguishable from a real tube amp.

Four years ago I became aware of Fractal Audio's Axe-FX and I've been watching its development very closely since, hopeful that it would be capable of replacing tube amps altogether - for me.

Three weeks ago I decided to purchase an Axe-FX Standard. Two weeks ago I received the Axe-FX and began exploring its potential. Within 36 hours I was sold and decided to upgrade to the Ultra. I also purchased a powered FRFR loudspeaker / monitor wedge. The Ultra and powered monitor arrived about one week ago. After familiarizing myself with the Amp block and it's various adjustable parameters I began building virtual rigs based on some of my favorite amps, vintage and modern both. I have since built simulations tuned to match all of the voicings I like mist from my Mesa Mark V combo amp and the Axe-FX, through the powered wedge sounded as good, and better in some ways, as the amp. Did this side by side with my Egnater Twealer combo with similar results.

I've decided that the Axe-FX is a viable alternative to tube amps for me. I'm selling my MkV combo. I'm keeping the Tweaker for when I have someone over o jam with and as a test platform should I ever get back to building pedals.

This afternoon I built a virtual tweed Deluxe (the vintage amp that started me collecting many years ago. I sat playing Playing in utter disbelief, again, at what I was hearing and feeling under my fingers... awe-struck best describes it. I now have a great old tweed Deluxe at my disposal. This experience has occurred more than a few times since the Axe-FX arrived.

There are so many advantages working with the Axe-FX and no drawbacks. I've barely scratched the surface with the Axe-FX and it was enough for me to confidently sell my primary amp knowing I'll never look back with regret. These things are tools. Once a tool has proved itself better suited to it's given purpose it replaces the old tool. That is exactly what I'm doing here.

This is an exciting time for me. I'm learning to play for longer periods of time despite the joint pain in my hands, wrists and shoulders (arthritic condition) and the Axe-FX is providing need, opportunity, and often inspiration to play as much as I am able to. When I'm unable to play I use that time to further explore the potential in this thing and learn to better utilize it.

Very exciting!

[Eagle1]

Get over the honeymoon before you do anything rash.
Good tool but no way a replacement for tube amps yet or maybe ever.

[mjm59]

Way to go. I haven't made the leap of faith yet, but they replayed the Leno show tonight that featured Alice Cooper w/Dweezil Zappa backing him up. Dweezil looked totally at home with his Fractal rig and the Atomic speakers and sounded superb. Glad to hear you're digging it, too.

Mike

[adamquek]

The legend of the Axe-FX continues to grow

I'm happy with my Eleven Rack for now, but one day when I have some spare $$$ I think I'll have to give the Axe-FX a while. Got to find out!

[treewiz]

Hey Deaj,
I am on the same journey as are many of us Fractal Family members, does'nt even faze me what other people say negatively or doubtfully about the Axe-Fx because I know it is for me. I too have had everything and this tool is my tool of choice. So too each their own what ever works for you. I feel very satisfied with my purchase no matter what I read in any post. Good Luck!

[paulmapp8306]

These posts should no longer exist because:

1. Axe-FX owners already know
2. Non Axe-FX wont believe you anyway



Congratulations on finding "your" thing - enjoy.

[crispsandwich]

Originally Posted by Eagle1

Good tool but no way a replacement for tube amps yet or maybe ever.

Your opinion, of course.

I'd love an Axe-FX. I have a HD500 at present and I love it, but if I had the cash I'd buy an Ultra in a heartbeat.

[Scott Peterson]

Cool stuff. Enjoy the ride!

Eagle1 - not impressed with how you conduct yourself. Fine to be a dissenter; but there's a time and place and a classy way and a non-classy way to express it. Not classy.

[aizenx]

Originally Posted by Scott Peterson

Cool stuff. Enjoy the ride!

Eagle1 - not impressed with how you conduct yourself. Fine to be a dissenter; but there's a time and place and a classy way and a non-classy way to express it. Not classy.

Ditto.

"You stay classy, Eagle1"

[tvegas99]

I'm tubeless for the first time in my life and completely agree... there isn't any sound I want that I can't have with the Axe-Fx!

[Eagle1]

Originally Posted by Scott Peterson

Cool stuff. Enjoy the ride!

Eagle1 - not impressed with how you conduct yourself. Fine to be a dissenter; but there's a time and place and a classy way and a non-classy way to express it. Not classy.

What was wrong with that?
Have you never bought something that you thought was the answer to your problems only to abandon it down the line ?
I know I've bought several thing more than once over the years. The honeymoon period is no time to sell stuff IMO.

[BBender]

Hey Scott...no offense, but down boy...and no, it isn't the pleat in your pants.

Originally Posted by Scott Peterson

Cool stuff. Enjoy the ride!

Eagle1 - not impressed with how you conduct yourself. Fine to be a dissenter; but there's a time and place and a classy way and a non-classy way to express it. Not classy.

[movingpictures]

Originally Posted by Eagle1

What was wrong with that?
Have you never bought something that you thought was the answer to your problems only to abandon it down the line ?
I know I've bought several thing more than once over the years. The honeymoon period is no time to sell stuff IMO.

Nothing wrong with stating your opinion... I agree with you...Oh, and stay classy.

[crispsandwich]

Originally Posted by Eagle1

The honeymoon period is no time to sell stuff IMO.

I agree with this.

[aleclee]

Originally Posted by Eagle1

Good tool but no way a replacement for tube amps yet or maybe ever.

For you, perhaps. That's no less a BS statement than "small low-power combos are no way a replacement for a head and cab". You're ignoring the tastes and requirements of the person actually using the gear.

Too many self-appointed TGP gear authorities seem to forget that there are different tools because there are different needs and preferences.