I'm a new Axe-FX user - just received a new Standard model this past Wednesday. I found the initial learning curve quick and painless. I was building my first preset within the an hour of unboxing it, and using some deep editing parameters to good effect by hour four. I'm using Axe-Edit but I have done some front panel editing as well without issue.
There are some other things that came quickly with the Axe-FX Standard.
* Fantastic tones - this happened right away, as I began sampling the presets. Many are over processed but the core tones in many of the presets are, well, fantastic!
* Thoughts of selling my Mesa MkV combo - these began occurring as soon as I reached a patch that highlighted the MkIIc+ model (with a little tweaking anyway). This is the amp that I use when I get together with other musicians to play. An ideal choice for a do-all tube amp IMO - it's a good fit for most any type of music at any volume level and it sounds fantastic! Well, the Axe-FX has already proven it can do the same and more, and it sounds as good or better than the MkV (again IMO). I have a second amp - an Egnater Tweaker - which I purchased as a recording amp and as a small and simple backup for the MkV (mic'd if need be). The Axe-FX covers everything the Tweaker offers as well - better than the Tweaker does. This amp may go as well.
* Purchase of an EV ELX112P FRFR powered loudspeaker / monitor - this occurred within 24 hours of receiving the Axe-FX. I've been following progress of the Axe-FX for close to four years now with the hope that it might replace amps for me altogether. This is now a sure thing. A powered monitor is the only thing left to sort out. That starts Thursday when mine arrives. If it proves capable as an amp in casual settings with no PA and as a monitor in situations with a PA then there will be no reason to hang on to the tube amps.
* Finally, purchase of an Axe-FX Ultra - this happened within 36 hours of receiving the Standard. After experiencing the Axe-FX for myself, after testing the capabilities of the Standard, I came to the conclusion that I want all of the potential the Axe-FX offers at my disposal. Though I'm not swimming in money I haven't yet decided if I'm going to return the Standard model for a refund or keep it as a backup unit. I've always kept a backup amp on hand. Aside from the possible need to simplify any patch built on the Ultra that employs features unique to the Ultra and/or exceeds the processing power in the Standard It's the next best backup solution to buying a second Ultra (this is not something I'd have planned to do this early but both units will be here Thursday when the Ultra arrives). It would also provide me with an Axe-FX that I could loan out to a couple other players I've been collaborating with on songwriting and recording projects for many years now (my brother and a life long friend).
I've actually been thinking about this scenario for close to 15 years wondering when technology and creativity would close the gap and make it possible for me to be done with amps for recording, live applications, and just practicing / jamming at home. I've been waiting for something that could deliver what Line6 promised back then. The Axe-FX does that and so much more.
Although I'm familiar with, and comfortable with, playing to the sound of a mic'd amp when recording and in live applications I'm very accustomed to playing in the room with the amp most of the time these days. I really thought this was going to be a hurdle for me to get over before switching to a modeler in lieu of tube amps altogether. I'm already over that speedbump.
It's been an interesting week! This coming week promises more of the same!
What a wild ride!
There are some other things that came quickly with the Axe-FX Standard.
* Fantastic tones - this happened right away, as I began sampling the presets. Many are over processed but the core tones in many of the presets are, well, fantastic!
* Thoughts of selling my Mesa MkV combo - these began occurring as soon as I reached a patch that highlighted the MkIIc+ model (with a little tweaking anyway). This is the amp that I use when I get together with other musicians to play. An ideal choice for a do-all tube amp IMO - it's a good fit for most any type of music at any volume level and it sounds fantastic! Well, the Axe-FX has already proven it can do the same and more, and it sounds as good or better than the MkV (again IMO). I have a second amp - an Egnater Tweaker - which I purchased as a recording amp and as a small and simple backup for the MkV (mic'd if need be). The Axe-FX covers everything the Tweaker offers as well - better than the Tweaker does. This amp may go as well.
* Purchase of an EV ELX112P FRFR powered loudspeaker / monitor - this occurred within 24 hours of receiving the Axe-FX. I've been following progress of the Axe-FX for close to four years now with the hope that it might replace amps for me altogether. This is now a sure thing. A powered monitor is the only thing left to sort out. That starts Thursday when mine arrives. If it proves capable as an amp in casual settings with no PA and as a monitor in situations with a PA then there will be no reason to hang on to the tube amps.
* Finally, purchase of an Axe-FX Ultra - this happened within 36 hours of receiving the Standard. After experiencing the Axe-FX for myself, after testing the capabilities of the Standard, I came to the conclusion that I want all of the potential the Axe-FX offers at my disposal. Though I'm not swimming in money I haven't yet decided if I'm going to return the Standard model for a refund or keep it as a backup unit. I've always kept a backup amp on hand. Aside from the possible need to simplify any patch built on the Ultra that employs features unique to the Ultra and/or exceeds the processing power in the Standard It's the next best backup solution to buying a second Ultra (this is not something I'd have planned to do this early but both units will be here Thursday when the Ultra arrives). It would also provide me with an Axe-FX that I could loan out to a couple other players I've been collaborating with on songwriting and recording projects for many years now (my brother and a life long friend).
I've actually been thinking about this scenario for close to 15 years wondering when technology and creativity would close the gap and make it possible for me to be done with amps for recording, live applications, and just practicing / jamming at home. I've been waiting for something that could deliver what Line6 promised back then. The Axe-FX does that and so much more.
Although I'm familiar with, and comfortable with, playing to the sound of a mic'd amp when recording and in live applications I'm very accustomed to playing in the room with the amp most of the time these days. I really thought this was going to be a hurdle for me to get over before switching to a modeler in lieu of tube amps altogether. I'm already over that speedbump.
It's been an interesting week! This coming week promises more of the same!What a wild ride!
