Axe Fx..... The FEEL is in there!

[mctallica1]

I received my standard from stevieraveon....GREAT GUY TO DEAL WITH!!!!!


First off, I am sure this thing will NOT be for everyone...it is fairly complicated to get what you are looking for (at least to me it is). BUT, it sounds incredible, which I was expecting.


The thing that has surprised me is that it FEELS great to play. I was hoping for this, but not expecting it.


I am not going to say the models sound exactly lik the amps they emulate because that really depends on the amps...hell 10 of the same amps in the same room sound different too!

But.... they do get the vibe of most. The one that I was/am extremely disapointed in is the Powerball model. I think it sounds like crap, but maybe I haven't figured it out yet.

Interestingly, the Das Metal (VH4) is one of the models I really like and I didn't like either version of the real thing I played.


I am running it through my VHT 2/50/2 and Diezel cab, but am seriously considering ordering a couple good powered monitors from one of the houses with a good return policy to try out.


Again, not going to be for everyone, but this thing delivers the goods.

 

[Digital Jams]

LOL.......Diezel is Das Metal

Those are really cool boxes, I would love to try one.

 

[StevieRaveOn]

LOL.......Diezel is Das Metal

Those are really cool boxes, I would love to try one.

Not to sound like an Axe-FX pimp... but, I think you should try it.

 

[StevieRaveOn]

Tony,
I'm really glad you're digging it this much! I've had a blast playing both of mine through monitors... I picked up the KRK Rockit 8s for a steal and have been pretty darn happy with the combo.

Peace.

 

[blackba]

The Axe FX seems to be the rage on the Gear page. how much do they go for? They looks pricey from the MSRPs

I finally did a search just to see what one looks like... http://www.fractalaudio.com/

 

[StevieRaveOn]

The Axe FX seems to be the rage on the Gear page. how much do they go for? They looks pricey from the MSRPs

I finally did a search just to see what one looks like... http://www.fractalaudio.com/

I got my Ultra for around $1900 2-day'd to me. I forgot what the Standards are going for now... Basically, you get a 3-400 rebate off the MSRP for waiting in line.

 

[timbo]

Welcome to the club. I've had my Ultra for a couple months now and love it. My JVM halfstack is now sitting covered up in the corner. For guitarists in coverbands like me this thing is just the switchblade of tones. I'm always amazed and excited everytime I create a new patch at the sound quality and it's ability to truly pull off the guitar tone of just about all the cover tunes we do. I've got mine running through a Carvin TS-100 stereo tube power amp and I'm using two Marshall MC212 cabs. The sound is huge.

 

[Gainfreak]

Ive like the clips that I heard of the Axe-FX when it is played through a poweramp and speakers. With that being said, I still think it sounds like a direct box when played direct. IMHO the technology for direct recording is getting better but it still has a funky vibe to it that Im not digging.

 

[Nick]

do you have the last update they made ? because people say that the powerball model is pretty good in the latest versions

 

[Flizzo]

I love my standard...but I've barely scratched the surface of what can be done.

Here is a short clip I did - I think it still has some modelling "qualities" to it, and there are mp3 artifacts there, but it's my first crack at recording the unit...

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=6130615

 

[fearhk213]

Yeah dude, I'm loving my Ultra too! It's a trip that it has that 'feel.'

I know what you mean about the Powerball model; it flat out sucks. I heard the trick is to put an effect block w/a treble booster in front. I haven't done it yet, but I heard a clip somewhere and it sounded really good.

 

[badger71]

Welcome to the club. I've had my Ultra for a couple months now and love it. My JVM halfstack is now sitting covered up in the corner. For guitarists in coverbands like me this thing is just the switchblade of tones. I'm always amazed and excited everytime I create a new patch at the sound quality and it's ability to truly pull off the guitar tone of just about all the cover tunes we do. I've got mine running through a Carvin TS-100 stereo tube power amp and I'm using two Marshall MC212 cabs. The sound is huge.

A buddy of mine just got his a few weeks ago. After he played it for a few days, he sold off all his pedals and his custom Two Rock. He went down to Carvin and got the DCM150 poweramp. I told him he may want to try the DCM600, but he only has the one speaker in the TR cab so he went with the DCM150. As much as I like tubes, something like the AxeFX seems to work better without the tonal coloration of tubes. Now he's happy as a clam....and a few grand richer.

 

[shredi knight]

Congratulations (it's about damn time).

do you have the last update they made ? because people say that the powerball model is pretty good in the latest versions

Yeah, make sure you're running at least firmware version 4.00, that's when the PB model got fixed (the current firmware for the Standard is 4.05). Still, it's not exactly my favorite high gain amp sim in the FX (it's too loose for my taste, even with a clean boost in front of it).

 

[mctallica1]

do you have the last update they made ? because people say that the powerball model is pretty good in the latest versions

I belive I do...it was updated prior to shipment to me

 

[Nick]

do you have the last update they made ? because people say that the powerball model is pretty good in the latest versions

I belive I do...it was updated prior to shipment to me

btw if you haven't, check out the axe-fx forum, there's some good info there

and have you tried it out yet with a self-powered monitor ?

 

[shredi knight]

btw if you haven't, check out the axe-fx forum, there's some good info there

mctallica1 is already a registered member of the Axe FX board.

 

[mctallica1]

btw if you haven't, check out the axe-fx forum, there's some good info there

mctallica1 is already a registered member of the Axe FX board.

Yes I am and the information there is invaluable!




BTW...I need to spend a lot of time with the Mark IV models. So far, they feel pretty good, but I am not getting the sounds I want. I need to experiment with the para EQ.

 

[shredi knight]

BTW...I need to spend a lot of time with the Mark IV models. So far, they feel pretty good, but I am not getting the sounds I want. I need to experiment with the para EQ.

I can give you the parametric eq settings I use for my Mark IV "Petrucci tone" patch if you want.


Here's a quick lead clip of a slightly altered version of the patch. I was trying to get close to Marco Sfogli Mark III lead tone in this Youtube clip (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkZ2HBl008E). My clip is just audio extracted from a video shot with a digital camera, so the sound quality isn't the greatest, but it's somewhat under the same conditions as the Marco video. I obviously have no idea how to play this solo beyond 3 notes, so it's just some random improvising with my neck pickup (Dimarzio Air Norton). Please ignore the slop and bad playing:

 

[StevieRaveOn]

btw if you haven't, check out the axe-fx forum, there's some good info there

mctallica1 is already a registered member of the Axe FX board.

Yes I am and the information there is invaluable!




BTW...I need to spend a lot of time with the Mark IV models. So far, they feel pretty good, but I am not getting the sounds I want. I need to experiment with the para EQ.

Check out the Mark IV Lead patch... don't remember the number right now... The graphic EQ is pretty bitchin' and helpful.

 

[mctallica1]

Quick update for those that care

I switched out my VHT 2/50/2 for a Carvin DCM600 and MUCH prefer the tones without coloring from the el34'sw (certainly wasn't expecting that!)..so much so that my VHT is for sale

Given how much I like what the Axe Fx brings to the table, I have also decided to give powered monitors a try and ordered a pair of good ones.....should be here Monday.

The more time I spend with the Axe, the better I like it.

FWIW, I don't feel like I am always lookng for a work around like I have with other modelers I have used (some of which have been quite good IMHO, but not in the same league as the Axe)


I have owned some of the best high gain amps made and don't feel like I am giving up ANYTHING using the Axe FX. With that said, I do have to learn the nuances of each sim as I start using it. They all have their unique quirks, just like the real deal.

It is astonishing how good this unit is.

Can't wait to receive my monitors so I can see if the cab sims are as good as the amp, power amp and effects...if they are, you will see me spamming my cabs soon as well.