Anyone using an Axe Fx II with a tube amp?

[rp108]

Looking to get an Axe Fx II XL+ for an effects processor with my EVH 5150 III Stealth. For those of you using it in the effects loop of a tube amp, do you like it? Is it a transparent unit? How is programming it?

I really like Eventide stuff for transparency (and effects) but they are a pain to program, and one key feature I want is to be able to receive tuner data via midi to a midi controller, another feature Eventide units can't do.

 

[spanny]

I'd like to know if anyone has any experience doing this in a 4CM as well.

 

[reilly]

I tried and it didn't seem to work right for me (but I did see a video or two where it worked). With that being said did not spend a lot of time to trouble shoot everything as much as I could have. Currently I am running a Fractal FX8 4 cable and it works great with all my amps (Mesa Mark V 25, Bogner Uberschall & Peters). They Did just release a Beta update as well that fixed/added a bunch of features.

 

[rp108]

I tried and it didn't seem to work right for me (but I did see a video or to where it worked). With that being said did not spend a lot of time to trouble shoot everything as much as I could have. Currently I am running a Fractal FX8 4 cable and it works great with all my amps (Mesa Mark V 25, Bogner Uberschall & Peters). They Did just release a Beta update as well that fixed/added a bunch of features.

How is it just in the effects loop?

 

[messenger]

Steve Vai and John Pertucci seem to like it for FX only

 

[reilly]

I did not have any issues with it just in the effects loop, it sounded great. For my needs I wanted to be able to do channel switching as well which the axefx cannot do unless you add another piece of gear like RJM.

My plan was to avoid going back to a rack setup and keep everything super simple that's why I went with the FX8. I don't need the amp modeling since I own a few really nice amps and still have access to a AxeFx at my studio,.

 

[BYTOR]

Looking to get an Axe Fx II XL+ for an effects processor with my EVH 5150 III Stealth. For those of you using it in the effects loop of a tube amp, do you like it? Is it a transparent unit? How is programming it?

I really like Eventide stuff for transparency (and effects) but they are a pain to program, and one key feature I want is to be able to receive tuner data via midi to a midi controller, another feature Eventide units can't do.

Are you interested in the XL+ because you also want to be able to use the amp modeling when you see fit?

If not, why wouldn't you just get the FX8 which is designed specifically to be used with a tube amp & is much less $ ?

 

[rp108]

Looking to get an Axe Fx II XL+ for an effects processor with my EVH 5150 III Stealth. For those of you using it in the effects loop of a tube amp, do you like it? Is it a transparent unit? How is programming it?

I really like Eventide stuff for transparency (and effects) but they are a pain to program, and one key feature I want is to be able to receive tuner data via midi to a midi controller, another feature Eventide units can't do.

Are you interested in the XL+ because you also want to be able to use the amp modeling when you see fit?

If not, why wouldn't you just get the FX8 which is designed specifically to be used with a tube amp & is much less $ ?

Great question. So a couple of things, yes for sure, I would really like to utilize the Axe Fx amp models for studio use at some point. Maybe even for this record we are currently working on.

For live use, I want to put everything into a rack and just have a RJM Mastermind GT16 to control it. Multitude of reasons.

 

[BYTOR]

Looking to get an Axe Fx II XL+ for an effects processor with my EVH 5150 III Stealth. For those of you using it in the effects loop of a tube amp, do you like it? Is it a transparent unit? How is programming it?

I really like Eventide stuff for transparency (and effects) but they are a pain to program, and one key feature I want is to be able to receive tuner data via midi to a midi controller, another feature Eventide units can't do.

Are you interested in the XL+ because you also want to be able to use the amp modeling when you see fit?

If not, why wouldn't you just get the FX8 which is designed specifically to be used with a tube amp & is much less $ ?

Great question. So a couple of things, yes for sure, I would really like to utilize the Axe Fx amp models for studio use at some point. Maybe even for this record we are currently working on.

For live use, I want to put everything into a rack and just have a RJM Mastermind GT16 to control it. Multitude of reasons.

Yeah ok, that's what I thought.

I've never used the my XL+ with a tube amp, but you should seriously just go to the Fractal forum & asked there. You will get every question you could ever want answered. Some great guys on there who are more than willing to help.....

 

[Orvillain]

They're a bit too noisy in my experience, even with the humbuster cables.

 

[BYTOR]

They're a bit too noisy in my experience, even with the humbuster cables.

are you talking about the XL+ or the earlier AFX2 units?

 

[DADA]

Although it craps and suck the signal a bit I use it in 4 cm with de midi 5153 mini.
Works flawless. No Humbusters needed. see sig

 

[flash6969]

I'm only using my Axe for effects - just like Vai does

Hopefully this helps you a bit:

 

[Orvillain]

They're a bit too noisy in my experience, even with the humbuster cables.

are you talking about the XL+ or the earlier AFX2 units?

I've had a MKI and I've got a MKII. No difference between them in terms of noise-floor. Can't imagine the XL+ would be any different.

 

[rp108]

I'm only using my Axe for effects - just like Vai does

Hopefully this helps you a bit:

Awesome. Thanks for this. I may try 4CM with this tutorial!!!!

BUT!!!!!! Looks like it will be awhile anyway, went to go order one from Fractal and they are all out of stock.

 

[Jayy]

I'm only using my Axe for effects - just like Vai does

Hopefully this helps you a bit:

I'm doing the same with my XL. I'm running it into a mixer and in a W/D/W rig for effects only. I'm honestly considering selling it because it seems a waste to only use for delay and reverb. It sounds great and t's an awesome unit, but I'm happy with my amps and don't really see a need to keep the XL.

 

[Bishop5150]

Get the FX8 instead it is awesome. Especially with the newest firmware update. It is designed for 4 cable hook up with your favorite amp. I have an Axe- FX XL and the FX8 and the FX8 is much better with my EVH Stealth.

 

[flash6969]

You can make humbuster cables yourself. Buy a TRS (stereo) cable & put a TS plug on 1 end = done!

 

[Deleted member 3860]

[deleted possible misinformation]