TrueTone500":1opx6zt5 said:
The Axe Fx has incredible sounding on-board effects from the clips I've heard, but I already have effects covered via ADA STD-1 Chorus, TC2290 delay, Lexicon reverb and some floor boxes. What I'm after are the most realistic amp tones I can get. I've heard that once you take away the effects from Axe Fx models, it doesn't sound all that great. I find that ironic, as the same has been said about the Virus line of synthesizers, all of which are made by Christoph Kemper. So is it a matter of source tone then? The Kemper 'profiles' from a true analog source... i.e. a real amplifier. Still, given its extreme architecture, I can't help but wonder what tones are possible with the Axe Fx II?
Do this, research who uses which in the majors. Listen to albums by the guys who use these things. See who is touring with what and then find out why. Internet babble from fanboi's of either side is worthless.
As to the Kemper taking it's sound from a true analog source, that is irrelevant as it is 100% digital simulation of said source. It does sound as analog as the original amp to 99.999% of the folks who hear it though. Mr Kemper has a way with writing very good sounding code.
As to the Axe sounding like crap raw, that is incorrect. I can post clips to the contrary all day long but there's no point. I can post clips of my GP100 from 1996 that sound awesome as well.
The Kemper can and does sound just like whatever amp it's supposed to be and so does the Axe. The Kemper will give you unlimited amps, the Axe is something like 124. That being said, all those "advanced parameters" the slow among us complain about do actually do stuff. Changing tonestacks, having two amps at once etc. You can make amps that don't exist or combinations of amps that make unique tones.
Do you have to use those really off the wall things they put in there like tube bias and other factors , which contrary to an ignorant poster's comments, are actually more than disguised EQ's? Nope, most folks probably don't. There's a kid who builds amps that knows what all that shit is and he did a clip of a perfect SRV Fender amp by matching the tweaks that Stevie had done to a particular amp. For guys like that it's cool. For dummies like me, it's bring up amp, turn treble, bass, mid, then add a cab and I'm done. Somebody said all that crap clutters up the unit but you never see it unless you go looking for it.
I NEED the effects and options the Axe has but if I didn't, I could as easily gig the Kemper. I do some very complicated huge sounding pad like stuff live with multiple delays and pitch shifted harmonies. I won't even get in to the changes I make on the fly with my two expression pedals.
If you just need some amps, get a Kemper. It will sound just like the amps you play to most folks.
If you need some amps, huge effect set ups, and the ability to do whatever the F you want, the Axe.
Like I typed in my first line, there are world class touring pros using either one or the other, and yes many use the amp sims on the Axe, some don't. The point being, you really can't make a mistake going either way. Depends on your needs. With all the effects you have, the Kemper just may be a good fit for you.
If I ever decide to unload my effects rig, I'm going to replace it with an Axe II. I'm actually considering it now. Kemper's amp profiles combined with Axe Fx II effects would reduce my rig size to a totally manageable size. Separate ATA cases for each unit, one ATA case for a stereo/mono power amp, and a pair of FRFR speakers = done!