Fractal Axe Fx....

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

My band has been in the recording studio every day for the last 2 weeks getting our EP laid down. I had my Eleven Rack, the Orange TH30, ENGL Fireball, Mesa Dual Rec Roadster and a 5150 as well as a 5150 4X12, Mesa Rec 4X12 and an Orange PPC 2X12 as well as just about every cool mic you could think of. We re-amped the whole thing from start to finish so we could do whatever we wanted with whatever amps we wanted to use. I had even considered renting a few cool amps as well.

Megadroogie, here on the forums, who's name is Faisel, offered to let us use his Axe Fx as well. We brought it in and started from scratch. We used a 5105 amp sim (peavey 5150) with a Mesa Cali King 4X12 cab (mesa oversized 4X12) and a few other little things in the unit and spent about 3 hours putting together a sound, testing it along the way. Using an analyzer we tested and looked at every tiny detail about the sound waves... We realized, not only was it 100% authentic to the real thing but it was actually better because of the flexability of the tweakable perameters that the actual amp/cab don't have in real life. Things such as the amount of air and frequency that pushes out of the cab, the sag in the power amp as well as dampening and bias of the power tubes. Even the diode and cap values in the preamp section of the amp. Every little detail was there to allow tone shaping. We really dug in deep and sculpted a tone that was articulate and crushing.

Next we re-amped all the songs using our new program. All of us were beyond blown away. I have never heard or seen of something this insanely good sounding. The unit has not ONE iota of a digital signal. I defended the Eleven Rack to the end, but till I tried this and we did this testing/recording I had no idea. The Axe Fx is miles ahead of anything that is available today.

As soon as I got home last night I ordered one for myself because there is no way in hell I'm not going to use this in my live rig. All my other gear is being shelved. I'm not selling anything since I still like stuff I have but for live I'm just using the Axe Fx with a powered PA monitor that will be strong enough for stage volume and going DI to front of house from now on.

I'm not gonna get into any arguments on what is blah blah blah Vs, blah blah blah... This is by far, beyond anything out there and can't be compared. Pure and simple, hearing/playing is believing with this thing.

As far as the tone we got? Our album is about a month away from being ready to be released and we haven't actually set a date yet, but Megadroogie still has my tone saved on his unit so maybe he'll post a clip of it... Wink

Joined: 03 May 2008 Posts: 6629 Location: Minnesota

This what Mega Dave uses now?

Joined: 13 Dec 2010 Posts: 643 Location: Ontario, Canada

sick band, Canadian pride!!!

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

56shredda101 wrote:

sick band, Canadian pride!!!

Thanks man, that's just an unmixed demo, sample clip though on the myspace... The real face melting will come in the next 5-6 weeks when we release the album. That's also not the Fractal in that clip either.

Joined: 26 Jan 2005 Posts: 1091

very cool, I've been telling people this for a LONG time, I got in early on these, I stupidly sold mine, I spent more time tweaking it than actually playing at the time, and ended up going back to amps... I'm on the prowl for another one here real soon. They are unbeatable, period.

Congrats, glad you liked it, Cliff has designed a monster.

Heres my old rig with the AF standard

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

gunslinger wrote:

very cool, I've been telling people this for a LONG time, I got in early on these, I stupidly sold mine, I spent more time tweaking it than actually playing at the time, and ended up going back to amps... I'm on the prowl for another one here real soon. They are unbeatable, period.

Congrats, glad you liked it, Cliff has designed a monster.

Heres my old rig with the AF standard

Yeah you are right about getting lost in the tweaking. I'm taking a different approach to it I think. We are programming it in the studio with a lot of tools at our disposal such as real amps to compare it to for sounds I'm looking for as well as how the unit sounds in different mix situations. I don't want to tweak more than is necessary to get a desired sound because yes, you can get lost in it if you aren't careful. I am also reading and re-reading the manual till it's all memorized. I like knowing what each little feature does and how it affects the grand scheme. I just realized that you can change the tone stack on the amps from active to passive so it the knobs act as they would on the actual amp model Vs. a 12dB boost/cut for each as it is in stock form. Also using the Sag feature with the master volume of each amp to tighten or loosen up the feel at higher power amp settings and how that works with the bias setting. There is just so much to go into each amp. Cliff has some great tips though to help shed some light on little tricks to get certain sounds. I realize these are costly but compared to a good amp head, it's not more expensive so thinking of what it can do Vs. price it's actually saving you money.

Joined: 18 Dec 2006 Posts: 1189

I am totally hooked on mine. This is my sick rig - Bogner 2x12, Marshall 4x12, ENGL Savage (just for the power amp) and my Fractal Audio AxeFX Ultra for the tones. It does every tone I could ever want.

Joined: 30 Nov 2003 Posts: 10593 Location: Canada

I wasn't impressed with the Eleven Rack, and it's funny, people are already going back to amps dumping their Axe Fx. People make a big deal that every update is miles better... then perfect was, just last week... I remember it wasn't long ago when all kinds of people argued you couldn't tell a Pod from the real thing... it didn't take long before your ears "learned" the difference. Like digital drums in the early '80s. Comparing simulations to the real thing is kind of funny, there used to be plenty of people who thought old movies in the 1930s sounded like the real thing even with all that noise and limited frequency response... but sooner or later, you realize, it's not the same. Super close, is not the same... But everyday, we do get closer, don't we?

Joined: 13 Dec 2010 Posts: 3673 Location: Tampa, FL

I would like to buy one so I can have both. I just don't like that its a few years old. In the next year or two they might come out with something new and I'd rather have the new tech.

Joined: 19 Oct 2009 Posts: 2902 Location: Norway

Axe FX looks really cool. It's the tweaking and all you have to learn about it to make the most of it i'm worried about.

How does it sound without a PA? Can you sit at night and play through headphones with a kickass tube tone?

Maybe in some time i will try one out, if nothing new and better is on the market.

Joined: 26 Jan 2005 Posts: 1091

Armitage wrote:

I wasn't impressed with the Eleven Rack, and it's funny, people are already going back to amps dumping their Axe Fx. People make a big deal that every update is miles better... then perfect was, just last week... I remember it wasn't long ago when all kinds of people argued you couldn't tell a Pod from the real thing... it didn't take long before your ears "learned" the difference. Like digital drums in the early '80s. Comparing simulations to the real thing is kind of funny, there used to be plenty of people who thought old movies in the 1930s sounded like the real thing even with all that noise and limited frequency response... but sooner or later, you realize, it's not the same. Super close, is not the same... But everyday, we do get closer, don't we?

very true, BUT... it's been out a few years and still going strong with only the most skeptical saying they can hear a difference or that the user hasn't mastered how to use it so you do end up with something "no quite there". But in the end, it's a tool just like tube amps, and it's an amazing tool at that. you could also look at it this way... the fx alone are worth the price of admission, they are on par with Eventide at a lesser price, and the amp models are just a bonus Wink

Joined: 26 Jan 2005 Posts: 1091

audiox wrote:

How does it sound without a PA? Can you sit at night and play through headphones with a kickass tube tone?

It's designed to play through a full range speaker set-up, or guitar cabs, so it sounds great through either....

to answer your 2nd question..... yes.

Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Posts: 7994 Location: Colorado

Armitage wrote:

I wasn't impressed with the Eleven Rack, and it's funny, people are already going back to amps dumping their Axe Fx.

This forum is the only place I've seen that happen. Everyone else I know with a Fractal is not looking back.

The leads and harmonies on my new album were 100% Fractal. They were recorded direct at talking volume. Anyone saying they can tell are being dishonest Laughing

They sound liked a mic'd Marshall.

Joined: 26 Jan 2005 Posts: 1091

it happens, I've seen it on a couple other forums as well, BUT the difference is, they aren't going back because the AF lacks tonally, they just miss the simplicity of the plug and play ease of regular amps. Only once or twice have I seen anyone sell theirs and talk smack about it afterwards, and usually those people were either too lazy to really dive into the Axe, or just had no ear for tone in the first place.

I got rid of mine, because I spent entirely too much time tweaking, and not enough time playing, but at the time it was the ONLY rig I had, now, I could easily buy one, tweak till my hearts content, and still jam on my other gear. Smile

Time to start looking and saving I think. Smile

Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2011 2:01 pm

Versatility and dynamics. That's where the value of these modellors lay. The God is in the details. I don't know how anybody could play just one tone all the time, on just their bridge pickup, all dimed all the time. Maybe if I killed the last half of my remaining braincells... Nope, even after that it'd still bore me to death. Laughing

I'm no tube amp snob, but the problem I had with modellors was not the versatility, but the adjusting of the presets to keep a manageable volume level when going from 'this' to 'that.' Instead I have gone back to amps and my pedal collection. Pedals run at near unity with amps set right at breakup point, drivewise. Then I adjust everythig at the guitars controls. With my pedals, 2 amps and a Champion Pure ABY switcher I have $hit-tons of versatility and zero problems. Got me a KLON Centaur clone in the mail now! Twisted Evil

Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Posts: 7994 Location: Colorado

gunslinger wrote:

it happens, I've seen it on a couple other forums as well, BUT the difference is, they aren't going back because the AF lacks tonally, they just miss the simplicity of the plug and play ease of regular amps. Only once or twice have I seen anyone sell theirs and talk smack about it afterwards, and usually those people were either too lazy to really dive into the Axe, or just had no ear for tone in the first place.

I got rid of mine, because I spent entirely too much time tweaking, and not enough time playing, but at the time it was the ONLY rig I had, now, I could easily buy one, tweak till my hearts content, and still jam on my other gear. Smile

Time to start looking and saving I think. Smile

That's a good point. I think some people feel that if the tweakibility is there, they must use it.

I use 4 settings on my Fractal. All 4 sound amazing. If those 4 were the only sounds it made, the unit would still be worth every penny.

I have friends that thought that the Fractal was amazing because of all the flexbility and programming. Not true! It's amazing because of the killer tone. Period! Everything else is a bonus.

Joined: 30 Nov 2003 Posts: 10593 Location: Canada

Jag Panzer wrote:

Armitage wrote:

I wasn't impressed with the Eleven Rack, and it's funny, people are already going back to amps dumping their Axe Fx.

This forum is the only place I've seen that happen. Everyone else I know with a Fractal is not looking back.

Rigtalk, The Gear Page, Harmony... Sooner or later you learn to hear what's not quite right... Then it's just not quite right. I haven't heard anyone say anything bad about the Axe Fx... just that's it's not the same when you go back to playing a real amp.
For recording, specially serious home recording, it can't be beat.

Joined: 26 Jan 2005 Posts: 1091

I'm on Rig-Talk, HCAF, and TGP (Juggernaut on those forums).... I still stand by my statement. Wink

Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Posts: 7994 Location: Colorado

Armitage wrote:

Jag Panzer wrote:

Armitage wrote:

I wasn't impressed with the Eleven Rack, and it's funny, people are already going back to amps dumping their Axe Fx.

This forum is the only place I've seen that happen. Everyone else I know with a Fractal is not looking back.

Rigtalk, The Gear Page, Harmony... Sooner or later you learn to hear what's not quite right... Then it's just not quite right. I haven't heard anyone say anything bad about the Axe Fx... just that's it's not the same when you go back to playing a real amp.
For recording, specially serious home recording, it can't be beat.

We're talking opinion ('doesn't feel the same') vs fact here (the widespread use of modeled amps).

I don't want to sound like a Fractal pimp, because the company are a bunch of jerks. But they just happen to be the cream of the crop for amp modelers.

The Fractal has proven itself in both professional live situations and professional recording sessions. I can't imagine that's an 'opinion' because it's being done today.

Many players may not like the 'feel'. Eric Johnson doesn't like the feel of certain 9-volt batteries. Many guitarists do not share his view, but that doesn't make Eric 'wrong'. It's a 'vibe'. It's 'mojo'.

I love the sound of real drums played loud in a good room. But I am not so naive to say that sampled drums are not the industry standard. Real drums are a preference to me and one that I will continue to use.

The same can be said about pianos. Steinway can cry all they want about how a sampled piano doesn't have the same 'feel'. For their own playing, I'm sure they're right. But that doesn't change the fact that sampled piano is everywhere on recordings. Top dollar recordings too.

You can like or dislike the Fractal all you want. But to make statements like 'it's not there yet' is simply not supported by the facts.

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 12255 Location: PEORIA ILLINOIS

each to their own. eventually your ears will tell your brain to get rid of the toy amp. plain and simple. you can only lie to yourself for so long.

Joined: 26 Jan 2005 Posts: 1091

Wow, really?

Joined: 30 Nov 2003 Posts: 10593 Location: Canada

Jag Panzer wrote:

You can like or dislike the Fractal all you want. But to make statements like 'it's not there yet' is simply not supported by the facts.

I haven't said anywhere I don't like it. Read again. I'm actually planning on getting the next one, whenever it comes out (I hate first generation stuff).

And the facts are, it's not 100%. I keep reading about people who are going back to real amps for the tone, certainly not the convenience, you can't beat it. I remember all kinds of people arguing the first Line 6 was perfect.. flawless... until the next one, or until they played a regular amp again. Every year they get better.

And the facts are every time there's an update people go "Wow it sounds so much more real now." So even the people who said it was perfect last week go "WOW!"

Like digital drum sets I've had, every one sounded like the real thing, until the next one came out... but then you'd hear real drums, and the digital set just didn't have the girth and airy highs. I thought my Roland 707 was going to put all the drummers in the world out of work, until I got an Alesis... then...

So, once again, I'm not putting them down in any way, I'm just not fooled 100% of the time (yet).

http://acapella.harmony-central.com/showthread.php?2757141-Who-bought-an-Axe-FX-and-has-subsequently-sold-it&highlight=Axe

Here's a thread of other people's opinion.

Joined: 26 Jan 2005 Posts: 1091

alot of people by into the hype, on BOTH sides of this coin... they get all excited, then some "important" forum member decides he doesn't like it, then the bandwagon effect starts to roll downhill fast. Your a member at HC, that place is a PRIME example of bandwagon praising, and bashing.....

My advice is get one, tweak the hell out of it, and make up your own mind, no one is going to dial it in the same way you do, so clips help but not even close to what it'll do in your hands.

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

The problem is you're reading quotes from people you don't know that you can trust. My associate Andre works for Devin Townsend and has his units and swears that nothing sounds better. He also techs for Brian Adams and a few other big names. My producer, after programming the one we used swears nothing is better and just ordered his own as well. Then there are the guys like Vai and Broderick and a large number of other pro guys swearing buy it too... Guess what? I'm less likely to listen to a dude on a forum over dudes out there doing it in the real industry on a daily basis. I played it and saw for myself. I don't need someone else to tell me what I personally think or feel about it. I know what my ears want to hear and my fingers want to feel.

As far as next generation or what's next? Who cares? It's been going strong because they keep updating it. You don't see a new one because when new models and updates come out they just post it up on the site for you to re-flash the unit and BAM you have the new one. Even if there was a new generation unit that came out in a year, I want the sound that this one has. I don't know what you think you could get in a new gen that you couldn't use now. That's just a cop-out to not try one now.

For me the 5150 and Marsha BE and HBE models alone were worth the price I payed. Those amps together would run me 4K. These sound the same and don't need maintenance...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQhVWDEWwYc

And as many times as I go back the 5150 and then want to experiment with other amps, now I don't have to. That was my attraction to modellers in the first place but the Axe Fx is much more than a modeller. The other things it can do effect wise was worth the price.

Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Posts: 7994 Location: Colorado

Armitage wrote:

And the facts are, it's not 100%. .

The bass tones on my album were done with a Fractal Audio using an SVT patch I programmed. The bassist was happy, band members were happy, a producer (with 3 platinum albums on his wall) was happy. The mastering engineer loved the bass tone.

How on earth is that not 100%??? Please enlighten me.

Not to sound like a jerk, but do you even know what you're talking about? You've got 200 guitars but I've never heard one thing you've written or recorded. Let's hear some playing to back your big mouth.

Kris - Brother, you're just plain wrong on this one.

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 12255 Location: PEORIA ILLINOIS

Jag Panzer wrote:

Armitage wrote:

And the facts are, it's not 100%. .

The bass tones on my album were done with a Fractal Audio using an SVT patch I programmed. The bassist was happy, band members were happy, a producer (with 3 platinum albums on his wall) was happy. The mastering engineer loved the bass tone.

How on earth is that not 100%??? Please enlighten me.

Not to sound like a jerk, but do you even know what you're talking about? You've got 200 guitars but I've never heard one thing you've written or recorded. Let's hear some playing to back your big mouth.

Kris - Brother, you're just plain wrong on this one.

To be honest I would love to dump my amps for one and a tube poweramp. My life would be so much easier with just a axe fx, poweramp and wireless in a rack instead of a head a rack and tons of cables all over. I just havent been convinced yet. Everytime I get excited about it I get disappointed from the clips I hear. Maybe when the new version or a firmware upgrade comes out I will change my mind. There is just something sterile and not quite right about it from every clip I have heard. I am too scared to spend the money to get one and then think "man I just bought a 2 thousand dollar pod"

And I have to agree, its a forum. No ones opinion on here matters. If someone likes it then that is great. Lots of people hate Engl but I love them. Its all the end users opinion on the gear they spent their hard earned money on. Its just fun to voice an opinion. I dont mean to tell anyone they are wrong. If they like it. its cool. I just need to hear one sound better than a Peavey 5150 and Engl Savage live to be swayed from my opinion.

Joined: 30 Nov 2003 Posts: 10593 Location: Canada

Lanning is Killdozer wrote:

The problem is you're reading quotes from people that ...

Last week you were saying the Eleven rack was the best thing in the world...

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

Armitage wrote:

Lanning is Killdozer wrote:

The problem is you're reading quotes from people that ...

Last week you were saying the Eleven rack was the best thing in the world...

Yeah and I had never tried an Ax Fx... So you're telling me if I had a Nissan 350z and thought it was the best and then got a Porsche 911 Turbo and changed my mind in favour of the Porsche there is a problem with that? Grow up man... Rolling Eyes

People upgrade their rigs in favour of higher end tone all the time. Would you slam a pro that changed their mind that once had "xxx" amp? I know it's easy because I'm some forum hack so my opinions hold less water, but oh... wait... Maybe I know what I'm talking about....

Joined: 30 Nov 2003 Posts: 10593 Location: Canada

Jag Panzer wrote:

How on earth is that not 100%??? Please enlighten me.

Loving a tone, getting a killer tone, is not the same as sounding identical to the real thing, and I mean identical.

I don't see why that's so hard to understand?

Even a better tone, isn't identical to the real thing.

Drum machines are a prime example, in the early 80s everyone argued you couldn't tell the difference, lots of killer tone, on lots of killer albums... now it's painful. Early Line 6 stuff, same thing, people argued they sound perfect... lots of killer tone, on lots of killer albums... a few years later... people want an Axe/Fx because it's sounds so much better...

Heck, I was one of the first here to point out the usefulness of modelling in recording and home use here. And I took a lot of heat for it

I love my M13, it's superbly layed out and does what I want it to do... but I can't say it sounds identical to the regular pedals, even if I can do lots of stuff the regular pedals can't. It's not the same.

Joined: 30 Nov 2003 Posts: 10593 Location: Canada

Lanning is Killdozer wrote:

Armitage wrote:

Lanning is Killdozer wrote:

The problem is you're reading quotes from people that ...

Last week you were saying the Eleven rack was the best thing in the world...

Yeah and I had never tried an Ax Fx...

So maybe you better stop making claims? People have gone out and bought the item because you said it was the best! Lets get real, sorry you guys are getting defensive, but I guess next year when you move on to the next thing that sound so much more real... you'll understand. Or prove me wrong by keeping it for years and years...

I'm sorry you guys don't like it that other people, not me, have bought them, kept them and tweeked them for a year or so and went back to regular amps... nothing to do with me.

I still think they're great, 100% useful, just not 100% accurate.

Joined: 03 May 2008 Posts: 6629 Location: Minnesota

Can't we all just go back to arguing about Sept 11 and US Foreign Policy?

Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2011 7:55 pm

To put it all into perspective, 80% of the stuff you've heard on the radio since 1998 has been a pod. Wink

Joined: 30 Nov 2003 Posts: 10593 Location: Canada

I wouldn't be surprised.

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

Armitage wrote:

Jag Panzer wrote:

How on earth is that not 100%??? Please enlighten me.

Loving a tone, getting a killer tone, is not the same as sounding identical to the real thing, and I mean identical.

I don't see why that's so hard to understand?

Even a better tone, isn't identical to the real thing.

Drum machines are a prime example, in the early 80s everyone argued you couldn't tell the difference, lots of killer tone, on lots of killer albums... now it's painful. Early Line 6 stuff, same thing, people argued they sound perfect... lots of killer tone, on lots of killer albums... a few years later... people want an Axe/Fx because it's sounds so much better...

Heck, I was one of the first here to point out the usefulness of modelling in recording and home use here. And I took a lot of heat for it

I love my M13, it's superbly layed out and does what I want it to do... but I can't say it sounds identical to the regular pedals, even if I can do lots of stuff the regular pedals can't. It's not the same.

You sound like you have a one track mind man. No one is saying it's 100% perfect to the real amp. It's 100% perfect to sound and feel like a tube amp and close enough to the model of the amp it's emulating to make it a non argument. No one here gives a rats ass if it sounds perfect to the amp it's modelling. In the Fractal manual it even says it's not trying to be 100% accurate to the actual amp. It's a flavour that emulates that amp's tone. I'm saying it's 100% accurate to a tube amp. The Fractal in fact has more tonal range than the real amp it's emulating because it has a much wider EQ sweep range. The amp it's emulating is a starting point and you can go on from there. I would love to see you in a room with John Petrucci, Steve Vai, Devin Townsend, Corey Beaulieu, Chris Broderick, Vernon Reid, Rusty Cooley, Dan Spitz, Jeff Loomis, Ty Tabor, Marty Friedman, Neal Schon, and Dweezil Zappa. You explain to those guys why it's not as great as they think it is.... You'd get laughed at.

And I can make claims. Some people respect what I say and follow my advice. It's good advice and I don't say things that I can't back up. The Fractal isn't an Eleven Rack. The Fractal isn't a recording I/O. It doesn't have ProTools integrated into it. I'm not selling my Eleven Rack because I still need it for what it does. The Fractal however is the tone that I want and need and have searched for. The Fractal will take my studio tones to the stage with me. The Eleven Rack is my creative tool. I plug it in and it syncs up with ProTools perfectly. I can use it to do my tracking and then re-amp with the Fractal. For the price of a good quality half stack I have 2 units that can do everything I could ever need them to. Oh and they both sound fantastic. The Fractal just sounds that much better that I would use it for the recorded tones and live performance. Don't mix my words with false thoughts dude.

Joined: 30 Nov 2003 Posts: 10593 Location: Canada

Then we agree, why so grumpy? That's EXACTLY what I'm saying.

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

Armitage wrote:

Then we agree, why so grumpy? That's EXACTLY what I'm saying.

Not grumpy at all. Read what I just wrote above for some more perspective on my thoughts. The Eleven Rack isn't for sale.

Joined: 26 Jan 2005 Posts: 1091

The whole argument is stupid anyways, you CAN NOT clone an amp digitally, too many variables to be 100% accurate. I can plug into my Makoplex and I sound like me, Martin plugs into it with NOTHING changed and he sounds like him....

They are tools for tone, either you like the way they sound and feel or you don't. NONE of these tools suck, none of them.

Joined: 30 Nov 2003 Posts: 10593 Location: Canada

I think it's just a matter of time before we can copy the tone of an amp exactly. The Axe/Fx is very close now. Of course how you play should have an effect. It does with a real amp.

I also think we may skip the whole "sounding exacly like" thing, and maybe, hopefully even, start a new tone altogether.

Joined: 30 Nov 2003 Posts: 10593 Location: Canada

Lanning is Killdozer wrote:

Armitage wrote:

Then we agree, why so grumpy? That's EXACTLY what I'm saying.

Not grumpy at all. Read what I just wrote above for some more perspective on my thoughts.

And those thoughts agree with me when I say the Axe/Fx has killer tone, very convenient etc etc. I think you need to do the reading. It's all there.

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 12255 Location: PEORIA ILLINOIS

Armitage wrote:

I think it's just a matter of time before we can copy the tone of an amp exactly. The Axe/Fx is very close now. Of course how you play should have an effect. It does with a real amp.

I also think we may skip the whole "sounding exacly like" thing, and maybe, hopefully even, start a new tone altogether.

I agree.
And as far people name dropping names of famous people that use them. that means s#%t to me. People are always playing garbage gear or getting paid to say they play the garbage gear, doesn't mean I have to like it or I'm wrong for disliking the trend. Lets be real, Dimebag has one of the most hideous guitar sounds ever. I don't undestand why anyone would want their amp to sound like angry bees in a box and lots of people break their necks to emulate that sound. Doesn't mean s#%t, doesn't make me like Randall anymore. Play what makes you happy. But remember its emulating the real thing. Real amps that are tried and true. Real amps that are great enough to be emulated. Copying is the best form of flattery. You don't see anyone with a Axe Efx patch on another piece of gear. They are a neat piece of gear. They still sound like podfarm to me though. They are close to substitution for a real amp, but not yet ready for me. Each to their own though.

Joined: 13 Jul 2009 Posts: 613

I remember one time when Lanning said that axe-fx is overpriced.

Joined: 09 Dec 2010 Posts: 283

Joined: 14 Jan 2008 Posts: 1824 Location: Iowa

Damn, dudes.

The one thing that wasn't welcome in this thread, and over 3/4ths of it is covered in an argument.

It does what it's supposed to do. It keeps people satisfied.

I wouldn't mind one either. We're recording soon, going on tour, etc. I'd rather have this stuff than an amp any day. The versatility is endless.

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

thatoneguy wrote:

I remember one time when Lanning said that axe-fx is overpriced.

So no other participation other than to sound like a jerkoff... Good job. I'll go take my overpriced piece of gear and have a great life with it Rolling Eyes

Joined: 15 Jan 2008 Posts: 451 Location: Iowa

I love me some AxeFx. Every band I've seen live that uses these seems to have a tighter overall sound. Clear as day. Simple. I like simple.

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

The only thing I can say is I started an informative thread based on personal experience and what happens is the little haters and trolls with nothing but bitches and complaints love to come in and start sh1t. You guys don't sound like interested gear lovers that enjoy playing, you sound like moronic children that want to hate for the sake of trying to look cool. I'll keep my comments and knowledge to myself from now on. Now I completely see why so many respected people have left this forum. I didn't need to take the time to type up a review of a product just to hear people with absolutely NO hands on experience bashing it based on COMPLETE SPECULATION. Way to fvcking go you guys win at guitar! Rolling Eyes

Joined: 13 Dec 2010 Posts: 3673 Location: Tampa, FL

Lanning is Killdozer wrote:

thatoneguy wrote:

I remember one time when Lanning said that axe-fx is overpriced.

So no other participation other than to sound like a jerkoff... Good job. I'll go take my overpriced piece of gear and have a great life with it Rolling Eyes

I'll try to add some constructive comments.

I wonder if the lack of wires and AC cords cuts down on the noise. You see MetallicA from the black album tour, they each had like 4 racks filled with amps, EQ's, effects and tons of crap. If they had all their sound in an Axe FX or 11R would it be tons quieter, and possibly better sounding?

This is James' rig from 93.

Joined: 13 Dec 2010 Posts: 3673 Location: Tampa, FL

And to add, no matter how "real" the Axe Fx or 11R sound it is almost impossible to add all the little things that a real amp/cab/mic can do. On axis,off axis,far,near,45 degree,behind cab, on the floor, 1' up, 2' up ...
Plus there's all the different amps, cabs, and mics that it would take up way too much room to try and have everything. I love my 11R and I'd like to get an Axe Fx but no matter what, I say it can't 100% beat an amp. Neither is better, just different. Best to have both.

Joined: 09 Dec 2010 Posts: 283

Has anybody ever heard of Misha Mansoor? He get an awesome tone and I think he plays the standard.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1X6likPKS8

EDIT: I know you guys have heard Ola Englund (Fearedse) I love his sound.

Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Posts: 1050 Location: charlottle nc

Quote:

The only thing I can say is I started an informative thread based on personal experience and what happens is the little haters and trolls with nothing but bitches and complaints love to come in and start sh1t. You guys don't sound like interested gear lovers that enjoy playing, you sound like moronic children that want to hate for the sake of trying to look cool. I'll keep my comments and knowledge to myself from now on. Now I completely see why so many respected people have left this forum. I didn't need to take the time to type up a review of a product just to hear people with absolutely NO hands on experience bashing it based on COMPLETE SPECULATION. Way to fvcking go you guys win at guitar!

Its completely ok that some people don't like this product, not every
one is going to have the same opinion. Your opinion is not right its
subjective everyones is, and as far as sharing knowledge goes the only
kind of knowledge shared was the specs of the product everything else
you said was your opinion. For every ten people that like something
there is 10 people that hate it so getting all bent up about a few people
bashing it is pointless. You will enjoy playing what you like and so will everyone else no matter what is said on this or any other forum.

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 2131

BLOODROOT wrote:

...Play what makes you happy...

good advice Wink

Joined: 18 Dec 2006 Posts: 1189

BLOODROOT wrote:

Armitage wrote:

I think it's just a matter of time before we can copy the tone of an amp exactly. The Axe/Fx is very close now. Of course how you play should have an effect. It does with a real amp.

I also think we may skip the whole "sounding exacly like" thing, and maybe, hopefully even, start a new tone altogether.

I agree.
And as far people name dropping names of famous people that use them. that means s#%t to me. People are always playing garbage gear or getting paid to say they play the garbage gear, doesn't mean I have to like it or I'm wrong for disliking the trend. Lets be real, Dimebag has one of the most hideous guitar sounds ever. I don't undestand why anyone would want their amp to sound like angry bees in a box and lots of people break their necks to emulate that sound. Doesn't mean s#%t, doesn't make me like Randall anymore. Play what makes you happy. But remember its emulating the real thing. Real amps that are tried and true. Real amps that are great enough to be emulated. Copying is the best form of flattery. You don't see anyone with a Axe Efx patch on another piece of gear. They are a neat piece of gear. They still sound like podfarm to me though. They are close to substitution for a real amp, but not yet ready for me. Each to their own though.

Kris -

I have my AxeFX / ENGL Savage rig set up to have the AxeFX emulate the ENGL pre sounds exactly, without the hiss, and with several gain settings and with effects if I want em. Everything I like about the ENGL is there in the AxeFX, without the stuff I don't like. If you tried my rig, I think you'd be sold. Internet clips ain't sh1t.

Joined: 30 Jul 2008 Posts: 176

Does it have an harmonizer effect? How good is it?

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 12255 Location: PEORIA ILLINOIS

lanning. you care too much what people on this forum think. just rock it out.

on a different note. it would be kewl just to have it and a wireless in a rack , no poweramp or cabinet and just listen to it through the monitors. hmmmmm..... yes I am that lazy. thinking cap is on now. i would love to show up to a gig with only guitars, guitar stand, rack and midi board. no cabinet or head. hahahah. im betting i would hate it though. great concept though. I did it once with a pod back in the day. had to go home and get my amp and cab though. hated it cept for the clean. thinking of trying revalver 3 on my laptop into the snake and listen to it through the monitors at a gig. Id have to figure out how to make channels and sync it to my midi pedal with a midi to usb adapter. im sure id hate it too. i wish technology sounded great. only 1950s tubes technology sounds great.

Joined: 17 Dec 2004 Posts: 9602 Location: Portsmouth, VA

BLOODROOT wrote:

lanning. you care too much what people on this forum think.

Exactly, Lanning. Remember when we were talking on fb and I flipped out on you? This is the reason. Like me, you are utterly incapable of backing down, even if it makes you look completely retarded. If I can do it, you can do it. Lighten up, man.

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 12255 Location: PEORIA ILLINOIS

formula73 wrote:

BLOODROOT wrote:

lanning. you care too much what people on this forum think.

Remember when we were talking on fb and I flipped out on you? This is the reason. Like me, you are utterly incapable of backing down, even if it makes you look completely retarded. If I can do it, you can do it. Lighten up, man.

um. ive never talked to you on facebook. youre not even on of my facebook list brandon

heres the deal lanning. you post. you read the comments. you laugh and then close the box. you dont care about anything anyone says, good or bad. its all just entertainment. if you are try to use the internet to fuel any ego , you fail. its for entertainment only. nothing more. dont listen to anyone and take anyones advice. just read and laugh. trust me.

Joined: 17 Dec 2004 Posts: 9602 Location: Portsmouth, VA

BLOODROOT wrote:

formula73 wrote:

BLOODROOT wrote:

lanning. you care too much what people on this forum think.

Exactly, Lanning. Remember when we were talking on fb and I flipped out on you? This is the reason. Like me, you are utterly incapable of backing down, even if it makes you look completely retarded. If I can do it, you can do it. Lighten up, man.

um. ive never talked to you on facebook. youre not even on of my facebook list brandon

Edited to make more sense. Laughing

Joined: 18 Dec 2006 Posts: 1189

Alexander_Andrade wrote:

Does it have an harmonizer effect? How good is it?

Pretty good. Supposedly better on the Ultra than the regular model, but I've never compared the regular to my Ultra.

Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 9:51 am

I would really like to check one of these out they are just so damn expensive. I have no doubt they are worth it ....replace my 12 spaces of madness that my rig is now............ Laughing

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

Chris and Brandon, you both are a good judge of what happened. I will attempt to rectify that for future posts.

Chris, they have a return policy man. I'd go out on a limb and say you'd be pleasantly surprised at what you get. If your memory is of the pod you once tried live then you would absolutely love the Fractal. Amplitube and Re-Valver aren't even as good as this... I have used all of those as well in studio. The Fractal has the feel/response and tone of a real tube amp. All those other programs still have something to remind you that you're playing a modeller. Try it, then return it if you don't like it.

For some brief reading here is the Axe Fx Wiki
http://wiki.fractalaudio.com/index.php?title=Main_Page

Should give you a good idea of what it can do.

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 12255 Location: PEORIA ILLINOIS

I might. until then. if you would please, make some 5150 axe fx clips when you get it.

what is the difference between the axe fx units besides price

Joined: 03 Oct 2008 Posts: 558 Location: Sydney Australia

I haven't used one, but an aquaintence used to. He reckoned it was the best thing since sliced bread. Loved it. I think he has since moved to Revalver merely because it was easier for him to fly with his laptop and guitar, rather then the rack.

I have heard that they are considered godsends by the session muso community.

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

BLOODROOT wrote:

I might. until then. if you would please, make some 5150 axe fx clips when you get it.

what is the difference between the axe fx units besides price

If you click on the link I posted last and scroll down just a little from the intro of the manual there is a list of effects that both have to compare. The Ultra has synths and a vocorder as well as more harmonizing capability and a few extra comps and eqs... Sounds like a lot but if you're not trying to run a rig that sounds like a harmonized Cello in a cavern then it's not worth the extra $500. The amps, cabs, mics and other effects are all the same otherwise. As far as a 5150? I can do better than a clip. I can send you the sound we recorded with it. The program we built on the Ultra is saved and ready to load into my Standard. I just emailed my producer and asked for a clip. I'll let you know when I get it.

Here is a youtube clip I found of one though till then.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nJjYaIGBB4

Here is a lighter gain one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZJklFJ7xZU&feature=related

Here is that Feared guy doing a demo of his with his and a poweramp and 4X12. He goes through a few settings.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Yu0DbqgbT8
And live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_pwE8jDBUo&feature=related

Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 9:54 pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfo8KU4MUI0

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

www.DropD.net wrote:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfo8KU4MUI0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJSuT_dE5wM&feature=fvwrel
Very Happy

Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 10:49 pm

No AxeFX bashing here..., just a good related read from the Boogie Board:

Why the Mark V has replaced my AXE-FX as my main gig rig
Location: Hell, Michigan I never thought the day would come when an amp would dethrone my Axe-FX. But it has.

For those of you who don't have much experience with an Axe-FX, it is, in short, the real deal tube amp replacement. Once you learn to dial it in, you can get virtually any amp tone out there. And perhaps even better, you can get "your tone", a completely original tone (if there really is such a thing anymore). Once you learn how powerful the amp sim controls are (and how they interact - Power amp sag with the master volume, etc), you realize you are jamming the most powerful tone generator ever created. 5 years after its creation, and it's still the most impressive advancement in guitar tone in the past 20 years. It's not for everyone, but for a pure on-stage or studio tone machine, there's no equal anywhere.

So why have I switched? I just really miss gigging an amp. And now that I've found the first amp I feel that has GREAT cleans, GREAT crunch, and GREAT high gain, the pull to go back is just too strong.

I admit that it makes no sense. The Axe does so much more than any 10 tube amps can do. Logically, I really should not have switched. But I guess I played tube amps for so many years, starting in the 70's, that it's just indelibly printed on my musical DNA. Once an amp came along (the M5) that could do clean, crunch, and gain with no compromises, the Axe's days in my gig rig were numbered.

Just a little history:

I bought my Axe in early 2008, and began gigging it soon thereafter. It really is a cover band guitar player's dream. There's a learning curve to it, that's for sure. And the deepness of the menus and the sheer vast capabilities are sometimes daunting. But it delivers the tones in spades. Engl, VHT, Marshall, Recto, Bogner, old Fenders, Diezel, Cornford, etc, - it does a TON of great amp tones. Then there are are the studio quality effects. Really good.

If you need a lot of different amp tones (especially for live playing), the Axe-FX is dream come true. It's not just "the new POD." It's on par with tube amps, if dialed in correctly. And the MIDI switching capabilities make it very gig-friendly.

I play in a hard rock cover band, and I work hard to match my tones to the original bands. So, as flexible as the Mark V is, it can't cover all the dirt ground that I need to cover. So I have configured a pedalboard with 9, yes NINE dirt boxes on it, plus chorus, tuner, and wah (did I mention that I never lost my love for great pedals, either ). With these and the Mark V, I've got all the tonal bases covered for my band.

My Axe is getting a well deserved rest right now, back in the studio. The Mark V is in the rehearsal space, in the gig rotation.

_________________
Mark V head
Egnater USA 2x12 closed back w/Eminence Delta Lite II (Neodymium)
Bolt 100w head
Bad Cat 2x12 open back
PRS Singlecuts
Anderson Atom

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 12255 Location: PEORIA ILLINOIS

Lanning, email me a small sample of what was recorded in a pro studio. thanks

the one dood looks like brave dave or his brother or something. ahahha

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

BLOODROOT wrote:

Lanning, email me a small sample of what was recorded in a pro studio. thanks

the one dood looks like brave dave or his brother or something. ahahha

I will, just talked to him so he said he'll shoot me something over shortly.

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

bassmantim71 wrote:

No AxeFX bashing here..., just a good related read from the Boogie Board:
[color=yellow]
Why the Mark V has replaced my AXE-FX as my main gig rig
Location: Hell, Michigan I never thought the day would come when an amp would dethrone my Axe-FX. But it has.

For those of you who don't have much experience with an Axe-FX, it is, in short, the real deal tube amp replacement. Once you learn to dial it in, you can get virtually any amp tone out there. And perhaps even better, you can get "your tone", a completely original tone (if there really is such a thing anymore). Once you learn how powerful the amp sim controls are (and how they interact - Power amp sag with the master volume, etc), you realize you are jamming the most powerful tone generator ever created. 5 years after its creation, and it's still the most impressive advancement in guitar tone in the past 20 years. It's not for everyone, but for a pure on-stage or studio tone machine, there's no equal anywhere.

So why have I switched? I just really miss gigging an amp. And now that I've found the first amp I feel that has GREAT cleans, GREAT crunch, and GREAT high gain, the pull to go back is just too strong.

I admit that it makes no sense. The Axe does so much more than any 10 tube amps can do. Logically, I really should not have switched. But I guess I played tube amps for so many years, starting in the 70's, that it's just indelibly printed on my musical DNA. Once an amp came along (the M5) that could do clean, crunch, and gain with no compromises, the Axe's days in my gig rig were numbered.

Just a little history:

I bought my Axe in early 2008, and began gigging it soon thereafter. It really is a cover band guitar player's dream. There's a learning curve to it, that's for sure. And the deepness of the menus and the sheer vast capabilities are sometimes daunting. But it delivers the tones in spades. Engl, VHT, Marshall, Recto, Bogner, old Fenders, Diezel, Cornford, etc, - it does a TON of great amp tones. Then there are are the studio quality effects. Really good.

If you need a lot of different amp tones (especially for live playing), the Axe-FX is dream come true. It's not just "the new POD." It's on par with tube amps, if dialed in correctly. And the MIDI switching capabilities make it very gig-friendly.

I play in a hard rock cover band, and I work hard to match my tones to the original bands. So, as flexible as the Mark V is, it can't cover all the dirt ground that I need to cover. So I have configured a pedalboard with 9, yes NINE dirt boxes on it, plus chorus, tuner, and wah (did I mention that I never lost my love for great pedals, either ). With these and the Mark V, I've got all the tonal bases covered for my band.

My Axe is getting a well deserved rest right now, back in the studio. The Mark V is in the rehearsal space, in the gig rotation.

That's not any bashing at all... Sounds to me like the dude just wanted something different for the sake of it, which in the grand scheme is just a personal preference thing. That and he sings enough praise about the Ax Efx there that it makes you curious as to why he would get an amp again. Then he said he now needs 12 pedals and the MKV footswitch to get the tones he needs. That's too crazy for me to deal with.

It's cool he liked the MKV... I had one and it sounded great (just reliability was an issue) but what I take away from that post is the dude wanted a MKV and had the extra dough to buy one so he did. Had nothing to do with the Ax Efx not cutting it. He just wanted a physical, real amp.

I'm also willing to wager the dude just gigs on the weekends here and there. Lugging around the MKV and spare tubes and the cabinet, pedalboard with all those pedals and cables etc..... I don't want to go through that. I want to roll a rack on stage, go DI to the board and into a powered monitor and be done with it. The Ax Efx takes the pain of the extra gear out of your hands.

Joined: 03 May 2008 Posts: 6629 Location: Minnesota

I have a Marshall JCM900. My Tone kicks ass. True Story.

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

Graunke wrote:

I have a Marshall JCM900. My Tone kicks ass. True Story.

Yes that photo has as much to do with this thread as your post Laughing

Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2011 12:57 am

/\
||

Like I said, the poster isn't bashing the AxeFx at all..., he has just decided to keep it in his rehersal spot and gig with a Mark V.

It was just a good read from someone who has owned an AxeFx for many years and also owns some nice amps.

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 12255 Location: PEORIA ILLINOIS

Can you send two different signals out. one to your poweramp and cabinet without cab sim and one to the mixing board with the cab sim ?

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

BLOODROOT wrote:

Can you send two different signals out. one to your poweramp and cabinet without cab sim and one to the mixing board with the cab sim ?

Yes you can... There are a lot of routing options. Watch this... After the guitars he explains how he routs his, one DI for re-amping live for vids, one to his in ears with cab sim and one without cab sim to his power amp and cabs on stage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fkzazFPnxw

I'm going to run mine direct to front of house and then use a FRFR (Full range/flat response) powered monitor for on stage as a side fill.

Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2011 3:43 am

whats the difference in the standard and the ultra.......id like to have a axe fx unit if its good as you say

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 12255 Location: PEORIA ILLINOIS

revolutionman wrote:

whats the difference in the standard and the ultra.......id like to have a axe fx unit if its good as you say

the site explains it like someone already said. adds synths and more compressors. It adds a real time pitch transposer on it too.

Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2011 12:18 pm

oh ok i look into it

Joined: 06 Dec 2010 Posts: 78

Lanning is Killdozer wrote:

what is the difference between the axe fx units besides price

[/quote]

The Ultra also has more memory.

I absolutely love my Ultra, and I have used it live both with a power amp and cabs, and straight into the board. I recently bought an IEM system for the band, and now at rehearsal I just go straight into the monitor board directly into the IEM. No ear fatigue, and it sounds blazing on every tone I dial up, from uber-clean to wall of sound overdrive.

I tweaked for a good couple weeks when I first got it, dialed in what I wanted, and have left the tones alone since. Getting the itch to tweak a bit more, but there are so many great out-of-the-box sounds in the thing (and so many amazing patches to download from other users) that you really don't have to lose your mind over-tweaking (unless ya wanna).

Better than an amp rig? For me it is.

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

ooops double confusion post...

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

SVL, why did you quote me as asking that?

Joined: 13 Dec 2010 Posts: 3673 Location: Tampa, FL

Because you really asked the question. We're all just being brainwashed into thinking revolutionman did. Laughing

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

svl wrote:

I know how to use my Axe Fx, but can't use the forum's quote function properly

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 12255 Location: PEORIA ILLINOIS

checks watch. waiting on those clips Razz

Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2011 1:28 am

i'll stick to eleven rack lil too pricey for me besides im happy with the 11 r

Joined: 24 Jun 2006 Posts: 194 Location: Adel, IA

Maybe one day you will all understand the power, versatility, and sheer awesomeness that is the Line6 Spider II. For now though she sleeps

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 12255 Location: PEORIA ILLINOIS

Bucketass wrote:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nJjYaIGBB4

sounds killer!!! Shocked

really. i thought it sounded like a hot mess. you can make a metalzone sound exactly like that with a cabinet impulse.

Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2011 3:49 am

Bucketass wrote:

I'll stick with my rectumfryer 1/2 stack Laughing

I'll stick with my Piranha, MK2C+s and my Marshalls.

Joined: 03 Sep 2009 Posts: 1129 Location: Atlanta, Ga

Lanning is Killdozer wrote:

[

Here is that Feared guy doing a demo of his with his and a poweramp and 4X12. He goes through a few settings.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Yu0DbqgbT8

Well, that convinces me.

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 12255 Location: PEORIA ILLINOIS

ML Tib wrote:

Bucketass wrote:

I'll stick with my rectumfryer 1/2 stack Laughing

I'll stick with my Piranha, MK2C+s and my Marshalls.

i would agree. but I am glad that Lanning has found his sound.

Joined: 03 Sep 2009 Posts: 1129 Location: Atlanta, Ga

gunslinger wrote:

very cool, I've been telling people this for a LONG time, I got in early on these, I stupidly sold mine, I spent more time tweaking it than actually playing at the time, and ended up going back to amps... I'm on the prowl for another one here real soon. They are unbeatable, period.

Congrats, glad you liked it, Cliff has designed a monster.

Heres my old rig with the AF standard

Whicj model Carvin poweramp was that?

Did it sound pretty good?

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

BLOODROOT wrote:

checks watch. waiting on those clips Razz

Check your email....

Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 1487 Location: Atlanta, GA

BLOODROOT wrote:

Bucketass wrote:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nJjYaIGBB4

sounds killer!!! Shocked

really. i thought it sounded like a hot mess. you can make a metalzone sound exactly like that with a cabinet impulse.

If that was all the AxeFX did, then I suppose that's a fair comparison.

You conjure up a rig that sounds like that live using the metal zone and you've got a proper comparison.

Joined: 26 Jan 2005 Posts: 1091

Frogman wrote:

gunslinger wrote:

very cool, I've been telling people this for a LONG time, I got in early on these, I stupidly sold mine, I spent more time tweaking it than actually playing at the time, and ended up going back to amps... I'm on the prowl for another one here real soon. They are unbeatable, period.

Congrats, glad you liked it, Cliff has designed a monster.

Heres my old rig with the AF standard

Whicj model Carvin poweramp was that?

Did it sound pretty good?

DCM2000, I think, Laughing

I thought it sounded fantastic, never had a problem with a SS power amp with the AFS......

Joined: 18 Dec 2006 Posts: 1189

gunslinger wrote:

Frogman wrote:

gunslinger wrote:

very cool, I've been telling people this for a LONG time, I got in early on these, I stupidly sold mine, I spent more time tweaking it than actually playing at the time, and ended up going back to amps... I'm on the prowl for another one here real soon. They are unbeatable, period.

Congrats, glad you liked it, Cliff has designed a monster.

Heres my old rig with the AF standard

Whicj model Carvin poweramp was that?

Did it sound pretty good?

DCM2000, I think, Laughing

I thought it sounded fantastic, never had a problem with a SS power amp with the AFS......

Were you running the SS power amp with full range speakers, or your guitar cabinet?

Joined: 26 Jan 2005 Posts: 1091

Randall XXL cab, and VHT D-cab.

Randall loaded with V30s and 75s.
VHT loaded with V30s and K100s.

at home I used it through Tannoy monitors..

sounded GREAT no matter what I was running it through.

will be picking up another standard in the next few months.

Joined: 20 Nov 2006 Posts: 7418 Location: Backenforth, USA

Due to my inability to make up my mind on an amp, I am very interested in this... All i have heard it do is teh br00talz though. How would it do for Trey tone? Or some Jerry Garcia Fire on the Mountain quackery?

Joined: 18 Dec 2006 Posts: 1189

gunslinger wrote:

Randall XXL cab, and VHT D-cab.

Randall loaded with V30s and 75s.
VHT loaded with V30s and K100s.

at home I used it through Tannoy monitors..

sounded GREAT no matter what I was running it through.

will be picking up another standard in the next few months.

Cool, thanks! Did you turn the power amp sims on or off?

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

JohnC wrote:

Due to my inability to make up my mind on an amp, I am very interested in this... All i have heard it do is teh br00talz though. How would it do for Trey tone? Or some Jerry Garcia Fire on the Mountain quackery?

It actually does low gain and clean better than it does high gain. Wink

Joined: 26 Jan 2005 Posts: 1091

flah wrote:

gunslinger wrote:

Randall XXL cab, and VHT D-cab.

Randall loaded with V30s and 75s.
VHT loaded with V30s and K100s.

at home I used it through Tannoy monitors..

sounded GREAT no matter what I was running it through.

will be picking up another standard in the next few months.

Cool, thanks! Did you turn the power amp sims on or off?

depending on the tone I was going for, sometimes it would sound cool having both the real life cab, and the sim running at the same time.

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

gunslinger wrote:

flah wrote:

gunslinger wrote:

Randall XXL cab, and VHT D-cab.

Randall loaded with V30s and 75s.
VHT loaded with V30s and K100s.

at home I used it through Tannoy monitors..

sounded GREAT no matter what I was running it through.

will be picking up another standard in the next few months.

Cool, thanks! Did you turn the power amp sims on or off?

depending on the tone I was going for, sometimes it would sound cool having both the real life cab, and the sim running at the same time.

Yeah yah just have to experiment. There are no rules to be honest. They just give you general guidelines. I wish they never labeled the models after the amps they were emulating. Then there would be no fight over how accurate the tones were lol.. It would just be a bunch of killer tones Twisted Evil

I just got tracking info from Fractal on my Standard. I have had Megadroogie's Ultra for a few days now and I know he likely wants it back Laughing

I ran the Ultra with my program through a Yorkville NX55 powered monitor last night at stage levels to see how it sounded and I just about shat myself. Laughing