Any 11R & AxeFX owners who actually preferred 11R?

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romanianreaper

romanianreaper

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I was wondering if anyone has owned both the Eleven Rack and Axe-FX and actually preferred the Eleven Rack? I've seen a few posts on different forums and people mention that the Eleven Rack sounded more "real" than the Axe-FX out of the box. From what I gather:

Ease of Use - Eleven Rack
Effects - Axe-FX
Amp Tones - Both
Convienience - Eleven Rack
Finding any Tone - Axe-FX

Seems like some of the "negatives" about the Axe-FX are price and lack of an interface/headphones for recording, etc.

The negatives of the Eleven Rack seem to be some frustration when hooking up the software and the limited tones available.

It would be awesome if the Axe-FX had the ease of use from the Eleven Rack.
 
Me.

I could have plenty of fun with either one. They are both quality enough that it doesn't surprise me when somebody loves one or the other or both, but they are also different enough that I can see how somebody would like one and dislike the other. Try both if you can.

Overall I prefer the 11R. It's been 2 yrs since I owned the Axe and I know the firmware is always improving (and for free), so I may have a different opinion if I tried it today. At the time, I loved certain things in it and didn't like others at all. And the ones I didn't like as much happened to be the models I would use most often. And yeah the lack of USB and headphone port was a bummer.

Fast-forward to the 11R. It's a lot cheaper but only has a fraction of the models that the Axe has. The only real update was not free. Mine was DOA out of the box and their telephone support sucks. BUT, the small selection of models that it does have is right in my wheelhouse and I think all of them are great. It's the closest I've ever heard a modeler get to sounding and acting like particular pieces of gear that I've tried or owned. Whether it's the ghost notes on the plexi, the hiss of the Echoplex, or the funky controls on the CE-1. And the interface aspect is really good.

I should mention I only use(d) both direct or through monitors or headphones. I don't do the poweramp->cab thing.

The downside to all of the above is that inevitably something better will come along. Something real-er, cheaper, whatever...somebody on another forum is already raving about the new Amplitube Custom Shop and how it sent his 11R packing...to me they're not a truly permanent solution like having a crew of great amps around.
 
ratter":kt1dep5i said:
Me.

I could have plenty of fun with either one. They are both quality enough that it doesn't surprise me when somebody loves one or the other or both, but they are also different enough that I can see how somebody would like one and dislike the other. Try both if you can.

Overall I prefer the 11R. It's been 2 yrs since I owned the Axe and I know the firmware is always improving (and for free), so I may have a different opinion if I tried it today. At the time, I loved certain things in it and didn't like others at all. And the ones I didn't like as much happened to be the models I would use most often. And yeah the lack of USB and headphone port was a bummer.

Fast-forward to the 11R. It's a lot cheaper but only has a fraction of the models that the Axe has. The only real update was not free. Mine was DOA out of the box and their telephone support sucks. BUT, the small selection of models that it does have is right in my wheelhouse and I think all of them are great. It's the closest I've ever heard a modeler get to sounding and acting like particular pieces of gear that I've tried or owned. Whether it's the ghost notes on the plexi, the hiss of the Echoplex, or the funky controls on the CE-1. And the interface aspect is really good.

I should mention I only use(d) both direct or through monitors or headphones. I don't do the poweramp->cab thing.

The downside to all of the above is that inevitably something better will come along. Something real-er, cheaper, whatever...somebody on another forum is already raving about the new Amplitube Custom Shop and how it sent his 11R packing...to me they're not a truly permanent solution like having a crew of great amps around.
Click to expand...

Thanks man, that is great info! See the "DOA out of the box" thing, is one of the things that makes me wonder about the Eleven Rack. I haven't heard a ton of people with problems but there have been a few. I haven't heard of any problems with the reliability of the Axe-FX. I wonder why it was dead brand new?

The thing I like about the two units is that they not only sound realistic but are flexible for recording OR live use. Something like Amplitude or Revalver, etc. are only for recording and tube amps (unless you get equipment to properly mic them) are basically for only live use.

I guess it does help that one is $1000 cheaper than the other. Helps if someone is undecided. At least it is nice to hear that the Eleven Rack sounds as good as the Axe-FX.
 
Sounds as good (better actually) to me. :D But at least I can say that here. If I say that over at TGP the Thought Police will get all twisted up...

And DOA is a little harsh - at first it didn't make any sound no matter what I did. So I was waiting on hold with Avid forever before I googled the issue and found out if I did a factory restore (which I didn't mind doing, since I obviously hadn't saved any patches or anything yet) it would get things going. And it did. If you check out the Avid forums you can read about that and the other issues that have cropped up. I know I've read of a few people getting units that were truly dead-dead. But as far as I've seen, Avid has replaced them with no issues. Since that hiccup I haven't had a problem.
 
Still own both. Still like both. Agree with ratter's comments on sound quality.
I prefer the 11r for a lot of things, moreso after the recent expansion pack. Modeling is equally as good in both units and while the 11R has less efffects and less tweakability the fx quality is excellent.
I like the dual paths available in the Axe and when I want or need the extra fx,they are there.
Overall, I probably prefer the 11R for more uses because of it's simplicity and good sound. It's just "easier" to use for a lot of things I use it for. I still think the AxeFx is the better unit as far as the technology, but not necessarily sound quality.
You can't go wrong with neither unit IMO.
 
I had an AxeFx standard about 2 years ago (V.8) and just got an 11R with expansion pack...for my use, I prefer the 11R.
The interface is easier to get around in, the amp models sound GREAT, the fx are good enough for me.

I wasn't looking for an amp replacement or to use it for my sole rig, so it's the perfect solution when I want a different flavor. Surprisingly, I enjoy it with headphones the most...the stereo fx sound huge.

Price was a factor, mainly cause I can't stand having expensive gear around and not using it. I picked up mine used for $700 with the expansion pack, while is pretty cheap in my book. I won't feel guilty if it collects a little dust now and then. Also, I'm thinking about trying a ss poweramp (rocktron 300) and the atomic FR cab for a "something different" rig with the band. The price of everything will be ballpark to what an AxeFx standard alone costs.

I'll always prefer tube amps...the 11R and axe fx are great, but I always feel like I'm missing that last 10% (that on the edge feeling) I get from a cranked amp. But the affordability of the 11R let's me play around with the technology without a huge financial commitment.

Really enjoying it so far...
 
Thanks everyone for the info! :thumbsup: I like these interactive discussions without people going "clock tower" like they used to at Harmony Central.

Appreciate the info. Nice to see that the 11R is not comparable to a POD, etc. Seems like it is a step above which is nice.
 
*The interface is easier to get around in
*the amp models sound GREAT
*the fx are good enough for me.
*I wasn't looking for an amp replacement
*I enjoy it with headphones the most...the stereo fx sound huge.
*Price was a factor- the affordability of the 11R let's me play around with the technology without a huge financial commitment.
*I'll always prefer tube amps...
*Really enjoying it so far
Click to expand...

Agreed^^^^^well spoken
 
I don't meant to hijack the thread...but can someone with an eleven rack record some good ol' 80's clips...maybe some Dokken, Ozzy, Ratt, etc...? rhythm and lead work if possible...i know what the axe fx can do (mark days' clips are awesome)...but the eleven rack has my interest and is much cheaper. If the 11r is convincing enough for me then i'd financially love to go that route.
 
If you want the best all in one tone machine that covers any style of music without compromise then the only option is the Axe-Fx Ultra. From Chuck Berry to the latest metal tones to everything in between including U2 effects and atmospheric Pink Floyd stuff. The routing options, and effects alone are worth the price of admission.
The Axe is as simple or as involved as you want it to be. I like having world class tones,effects and routing options available to me with no limits but my imagination.
I don't understand the problem some people have about price because it is a bargain for all that you get. People spend crazy money for years chasing tones from various tube amps and pedals but think nothing of it.
Buy an 11R if money is a factor but buy an Axe-Fx Ultra to end the search.
 
I've tried the Axe. It's a wonderful unit, no question.
I own the 11R because I like what I get out of it better. We all hear things differently and no one is really right or wrong in what they perceive. I like the fact that the 11R has great routing abilities and is my central interface in my home studio. It eliminates so many things that I used previously.

The recent expansion pack really put it up a notch or two.
I've had mine for a year now and don't intend to look back.
:)
 
I get confused with the "blocks" page on the Axe-FX. I see the four rows going across and four rows up and down. Does that mean you could have four amps playing in unison? I also don't understand why you have to "link" things together. Wouldn't the Axe-FX assume you want to hook up an amp to a cab, effect, etc. if you pulled up the block?

I get excited about the idea of an amp that can do anything like the Axe-FX. But then I'll pull up a video clip from the "Boy-In-A-Band" guys and it will scare the crap out of me. He'll be like "to pull up a cab, hit enter twice, then scroll to the sag panel to reveal your 80% buffered scroll mic send, hit back/enter, then speaker at 3. There, you have created one speaker".

At the same time, I think people are right about having the option to dig if you want to but it is not necessary. You could certainly plug into a power amp and cab and just play the presets for years straight. I guess it is sort of similar to playing an amp. Some folks want the ton of pedals, the switching, etc. and some just want to plug in. Granted the Axe-FX is much more excessive. :)
 
romanianreaper":3np7ofuw said:
I get confused with the "blocks" page on the Axe-FX. I see the four rows going across and four rows up and down. Does that mean you could have four amps playing in unison? I also don't understand why you have to "link" things together. Wouldn't the Axe-FX assume you want to hook up an amp to a cab, effect, etc. if you pulled up the block?

I get excited about the idea of an amp that can do anything like the Axe-FX. But then I'll pull up a video clip from the "Boy-In-A-Band" guys and it will scare the crap out of me. He'll be like "to pull up a cab, hit enter twice, then scroll to the sag panel to reveal your 80% buffered scroll mic send, hit back/enter, then speaker at 3. There, you have created one speaker".

At the same time, I think people are right about having the option to dig if you want to but it is not necessary. You could certainly plug into a power amp and cab and just play the presets for years straight. I guess it is sort of similar to playing an amp. Some folks want the ton of pedals, the switching, etc. and some just want to plug in. Granted the Axe-FX is much more excessive. :)
Click to expand...
It's only as complicated as you wanna make it. A lot of the cats who speak in acronyms and dB this and lowpass that are cats who've spent time behind a board with the eargoggles on and know their way around the recording zone. No biggy. Fact of the matter is that the Axe can go there - it goes as deep as anyone would want, and then some. But you don't have to go that deep...it's as easy to use as anything else, and the amp sims are just like amp heads - there are little dials that you turm up or down, and the sound changes to these adjustments.

As for the blocks, these represent a matrix - a bunch of "empty spots" you can put whatever floats yer boat in. For instance, go to preset 383 which is the last preset of the Ultra (after all the stock presets), you hit "layout" and it shows the blocks. Simply get into them - add a drive, add a chorus, add whatever. Then it's time for amps - yes, you can run a bunch of amps simultaneously, or just one, or have 'em come out in stereo, or L/R, or mono - whatever you want. I set my first made up preset up with an Adam Jones combo, Ch3 of the VH4, and a gained out JCM800, added a little phase, after that was all said and done, added a minor amount of delay after the amp, and then hit the chords... Sounded great. Since then? I've stuck with a Marsha Brown Eye + HiWatt (2 amps) into 1 stream, little delay, and that's it. The blocks just let you add whatever you want. "Shunts" are connecting blocks (adding amps together, effects, or whatever you like). Super simple. Even easier if you download Axe-Edit and play around with making your own presets.

V.
 
BYTOR":3ic93kjw said:
If you want the best all in one tone machine that covers any style of music without compromise then the only option is the Axe-Fx Ultra. .
Click to expand...

"Best" is very subjective. As is "without compromise" Happy your happy though.

romanianreaper":3ic93kjw said:
I get confused with the "blocks" page on the Axe-FX. I see the four rows going across and four rows up and down. Does that mean you could have four amps playing in unison? I also don't understand why you have to "link" things together. Wouldn't the Axe-FX assume you want to hook up an amp to a cab, effect, etc. if you pulled up the block?
Click to expand...


Not what it is designed for. The Axe is allowing you to hook up that amp anyway you wish. So it won't automatically do it, because you have several options and it would not know which you prefer. It is a cool feature, and 5 minutes in it will not be an issue for you.
 
Shark Diver":7kjq0o9l said:
BYTOR":7kjq0o9l said:
If you want the best all in one tone machine that covers any style of music without compromise then the only option is the Axe-Fx Ultra. .
Click to expand...

"Best" is very subjective. As is "without compromise" Happy your happy though.

romanianreaper":7kjq0o9l said:
I get confused with the "blocks" page on the Axe-FX. I see the four rows going across and four rows up and down. Does that mean you could have four amps playing in unison? I also don't understand why you have to "link" things together. Wouldn't the Axe-FX assume you want to hook up an amp to a cab, effect, etc. if you pulled up the block?
Click to expand...


Not what it is designed for. The Axe is allowing you to hook up that amp anyway you wish. So it won't automatically do it, because you have several options and it would not know which you prefer. It is a cool feature, and 5 minutes in it will not be an issue for you.
Click to expand...

Thanks!
 
Does the PT software that comes bundled with the 11R run on Win 7 64-bit Pro? I just bought a new machine and plan on dropping Sonar for PT but if it comes with the 11R it a win win as I'll get a decent modeler and PT.
 
The 11R is a much more intuitive interface, and the effects were great - they did what they were supposed to. The AxeFx had more amp models that I liked, but I hated trying to tweak on the fly.

I'll give the edge to the Axe based purely on sound. The 11R isn't giving much ground to it though, and certainly has its place. Is the 11R worth 3x to 5x the price? Maybe. All things being equal and I needed to but another with consideration to money, I'd probably buy the 11R. Especially with the new upgrade!
 
Chris O":1glyyy3m said:
The 11R is a much more intuitive interface, and the effects were great - they did what they were supposed to. The AxeFx had more amp models that I liked, but I hated trying to tweak on the fly.

I'll give the edge to the Axe based purely on sound. The 11R isn't giving much ground to it though, and certainly has its place. Is the 11R worth 3x to 5x the price? Maybe. All things being equal and I needed to but another with consideration to money, I'd probably buy the 11R. Especially with the new upgrade!
Click to expand...

Not sure when they'll upgrade the Axe-FX interface but I bet they'll make it easier to navigate, etc.
 
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