AXE FX III - Yay or Nay?

[Deleted member 10619]

I received an email invitation from Fractal stating that I'm next in line.

I can buy a Kemper (which I've owned and been happy with) or experiment with the Axe FX series (which I've never played at all).

I recently tried a Torpedo Studio and was very displeased with the results I got.

I'd like to avoid wasting more time & money by taking the "right" choice.

My objective is having the most faithful/realistic sound possible for my recording studio. Having a complete guitar solution in a single box would be ideal.

If it helps, most of my usage would be for rock and extreme metal projects, so high gain is a must.

Thoughts? What would you guys choose?

Thanks in advance.

 

[thiswaythatway]

Pro acts tour with and record albums with the Axe-Fx 2 still. The 3 is easier to use than previous models but there is a learning curve. YAY, but the AX8 is a great deal at it's price and I have no gas for the 3 while owned the AX8.

 

[JerEvil]

If you have the budget for the AxeIII, try it says I. If you don’t like it, return it within the 15 days or whatever and get the Kemper.

What didn’t you like about the Torpedo Studio?

 

[Deleted member 10619]

If you have the budget for the AxeIII, try it says I. If you don’t like it, return it within the 15 days or whatever and get the Kemper.

What didn’t you like about the Torpedo Studio?

It accentuated undesired high frequencies from my Mark III amp; almost like a rattling sound or chirp, changed tubes and didn't fix the problem. Faulty unit perhaps?

Putting that problem aside, the tones I achieved were not that good compared to the Kemper recordings. I felt stuck with a single sound that was EQed up and down and round and round. I tried blending 2 guitar sounds for more tonal variety and tried using different cab IRs... no luck. Got a thin, washy sound all the time when recording.

I quickly learned that this unit is not a replacement for an all-in-one solution like a Kemper, Helix or Axe FX. So I'm sure it's my fault for trying to use it as a substitute.

I'm sure mine had a problem, or simply put, I don't have enough amp variety under my belt to make it work as intended.

My 2 cents.

 

[GtarLover]

I have an Axe III and REALLY dig it, so take this with a grain of salt.
IMO, the Axe III has literally raised the bar for modeling and options, AGAIN.
I also have an AX8 and LOVE that thing. Great piece of kit, not going anywhere.

However, the Axe III is in a class by itself and FAR away from any others as far as I can tell.
What I see as BIG improvements are in the interface, options, flexibility, and just HUGE processing power.
Obviously you can still create presets that will MAX out the processor, yet it's really not necessary.
Multiple outputs, multiple channels on EACH effect, amp, and cab, and another leap in modeling algorithm.

One drawback, if it is a drawback, is the proprietary foot controller(s) are not yet available.
So, you will need to use something else for switching if you want to use it live and be able to switch things.
That said, many peeps seem to have some kind of midi foot controller and the Axe III is controllable that way.
Fully assignable functionality, meaning you can assign things (whatever parameters you'd like to be able to switch), they are not set for you.
I used it at a couple theater shows 2 weekends ago, first time out. It went very well.

It is also 3 spaces, not 2 as the previous Axe FX II XL+.

I have to fly to gigs this weekend, so it's AX8 for this trip. Hope to have the Axe III ready to travel soon.
I'll be hanging on to both for versatility and flexibility. And backup.

If you're on the fence and haven't tried an Axe III, it's a pretty amazing unit. I'd certainly give it a shot...
Caveat: You'll need to spend some time with it to get the hang of setting things up, yet it's a very capable machine and tones are pretty stellar right out of the box. Of course you CAN tweak like a maniac, however it's not necessary. Although, I keep learning new tricks and that can really open new doors. There's lots of guys that are willing to help if you need it. Not Fractal employees necessarily, just other users and players with ideas, tips, tricks, and sharing whole presets, individual blocks, even IR's.

Last thing for now, remember it's not only a direct output unit. You have many options and the 4 outputs allow for you to tailor those options. Point being, you may enjoy it direct to PA or computer, feed studio monitors, go into a power amp and cab, and/or you may want a feed to your in-ears with specific EQ and effects, etc...it's all possible.


Best of luck. It's a great time to be playing

Oh, BTW, I have a Kemper as well and they are great units for sure, yet more of an amp snapshot. Great if that's your need and/or preference. I like being able to profile MY heads, cabs, etc and have MY sounds. Kemper also has some great profiles available.

 

[Speeddemon]

I have an Axe III and REALLY dig it, so take this with a grain of salt.
IMO, the Axe III has literally raised the bar for modeling and options, AGAIN..

Have they now?

So the guys at Fractal Audio do (de-)construction work too, huh?

People perhaps ought to be a liiiiiitle bit less liberal in using the term 'literally'.

 

[RedB4Black]

Well there could be some sort of support bar inside supporting the top of the chassis... and since it went from 2 to 3 rack spaces, he could be technically correct in a literal sense

 

[Deleted member 10619]

Thanks guys!

It seems I'll give the Axe FX III a try.

I'll report back.

 

[stratjacket]

I have the Axe III and it's pretty damn amazing. I also had the II and the Ultra before that. So you can say I'm fan of the Axe for sure.

I would say there is no 'right' choice. I think between the Kemper and the Axe, it's splitting hairs. You can get great sounds with either. Unless you want to do some kind of matrix of all features and options, the core products will most likely cover what you want.

 

[Speeddemon]

Well there could be some sort of support bar inside supporting the top of the chassis... and since it went from 2 to 3 rack spaces, he could be technically correct in a literal sense

Good point!

FWIW, I played the Axe FX Ultra once in a studio, didn't really gel with it. Whereas my Torpedo Live delivers!

 

[DADA]

If you like to tweak 3 million parameters get the Snax3.
And sell it before Snax 4 comes out to avoid loosing mooney.
And yes the 3 is better then the 2 with 2 million parameters.

TMFO

 

[sleewell2]

Q: why can't you use the old fractal foot controller with the III?


A: so fractal could make more $$$

 

[RedB4Black]

Q: why can't you use the old fractal foot controller with the III?


A: so fractal could make more $$$

can't you use the old fractal controller just as a MIDI controller though. It won't be as seemless/easy to use as with the II, but it should still send MIDI commands.

 

[Mark Day]

Q: why can't you use the old fractal foot controller with the III?


A: so fractal could make more $$$

can't you use the old fractal controller just as a MIDI controller though. It won't be as seemless/easy to use as with the II, but it should still send MIDI commands.

You can still use the MFC as a basic midi controller. The FC 6/12 have really cool features, everything is programmed from the AxeFx III, not from the foot controller, super easy.

Mark

 

[gibson5413]

I have the Axe III and it's pretty damn amazing. I also had the II and the Ultra before that. So you can say I'm fan of the Axe for sure.

I would say there is no 'right' choice. I think between the Kemper and the Axe, it's splitting hairs. You can get great sounds with either. Unless you want to do some kind of matrix of all features and options, the core products will most likely cover what you want.

Agreed. For the most part you get out of it what you put into it.

 

[GtarLover]

Q: why can't you use the old fractal foot controller with the III?


A: so fractal could make more $$$

can't you use the old fractal controller just as a MIDI controller though. It won't be as seemless/easy to use as with the II, but it should still send MIDI commands.

Absolutely can use that MFC 101 controllers via midi.
That's what I did for my shows so far...yet there isn't the 2-way communication and easy integration.
I had to program it more than I would have if the controller was 2-way communicating.

BTW, thanks mhenson42, there surely is a support beam in that box somewhere holding up the 3 spaces. LMAO

As always, YMMV and to each their own. Use what works for you.
Regardless, great piece of kit IMO

Of course, don't take my word for it. Check out this article:
https://www.theguitarmagazine.com/gear/ ... xe-fx-iii/

 

[romanianreaper]

I know down the road I'll be getting a "III". I have had the "II" since around 2012 if I remember correctly. Still such a badass piece of gear and has been the only amp I've owned since 2012. If I get ADD, I flip the channel. LOL!

Only thing keeping me from making the jump is want to make sure the tone difference is fairly significant, otherwise I should just keep the "II".