Axe-FX Update - give it to me straight...

[romanianreaper]

My biggest gripe with Axe Fx was rolling back the volume on the guitar, it was nowhere near the same as a tube amp. I tried and tried using it live, couldn't get it too feel right.

Hey just curious, when did you have one? I've noticed that aspect with the volume control has actually improved over firmware updates.

 

[supersonic]

My biggest gripe with Axe Fx was rolling back the volume on the guitar, it was nowhere near the same as a tube amp. I tried and tried using it live, couldn't get it too feel right.

Hey just curious, when did you have one? I've noticed that aspect with the volume control has actually improved over firmware updates.

2014 .

 

[thiswaythatway]

Save money and get the AX8. You could always just use it for effects like the 4CM with a tube amp. I did, then sold off all my pedals and don't regret it for a second. It's also nice having the AX8 to play through my PC speakers late at night. Who needs the best tone when you're just screwing around anyway?

I will say I'd love to try the AX8 through the Friedman ASM? I've tried the AX8 into the effect return of my Mark IV into a Mesa cab, this way the AX8 is supplying the preamp tones............it's just not that great though. It sounds flat, smeared, or scoooped. Plugging into my Mark IV blows away the AX8 for tone.

 

[Lord Toneking]

My biggest gripe with Axe Fx was rolling back the volume on the guitar, it was nowhere near the same as a tube amp. I tried and tried using it live, couldn't get it too feel right.

That's my biggest gripe too. I was on the verge of selling mine and going back to a tube head and my old pedalboard, but like mentioned by victim5150 the FOH sound is so good (and the ease of setting up and tearing down) that I decided to keep on using it with my band.

I guess in the end the FOH sound is more important to me than the feel of playing. Nobody can feel it in the audience, but they sure can hear it. But then again who in the audience actually pays attention to guitar tones other than other guitar players?

 

['63-Strat]

In the end it's subjective and what works for you is all that matters. Can they work great for recording? Undoubtedly. A co-worker of mine has a Kemper and have jammed late at night with him having a great time over many drinks etc. and I could definitely see getting one. I've played the axe stuff a bunch too. And I'll agree that so long as it's not affecting your playing negatively, no one in the audience is going to notice or care. But... I personally hate relying on monitors to hear my guitar live and if I'm bringing a power amp and 4X12 etc. I'd rather just bring my tube rig anyways. You definitely need a good sound man to get the most out of modelers live and in those situations I've never had any problems using my tube rigs anyways. I can definitely think of situations where they are the right choice but ultimately I'm not usually in one of them myself.

 

[Ventura]

Make sure you ignore people who don't know what real amps "feel" like and try to deny it.

Ironically I have that same thought when I read your posts.

Given.

I'm just looking at it from a "convenience" perspective/purchase as opposed to a "replacement" concept. I've got some gorgeous powered Wedges (Atomic) and all the guitars and stomps and racks in the world - but it's too much to get into playing. I am thinking going "back" to the AFX2 to simply get more string time happening. My studio space is shit - so a convenient way to play is more important now than it once was.

Appreciate the candidness though, always seems to stir the pot - which wasn't my intention, just wanted to know if it was heads and shoulders above where it was a few years ago, or if it's the same ol' song and dance with buggy GUI interfaces and crack addict itching for new FW updates.

 

[supersonic]

Wait for the next update, it's going to sound ever more realer than tubes! (sorry couldn't resist)

 

[romanianreaper]

My biggest gripe with Axe Fx was rolling back the volume on the guitar, it was nowhere near the same as a tube amp. I tried and tried using it live, couldn't get it too feel right.

Hey just curious, when did you have one? I've noticed that aspect with the volume control has actually improved over firmware updates.

2014 .

Oh yeah, much different now. I'm not saying you'll close your eyes and swear you are playing SRV's amp but definitely a bunch of improvements with tones and feel. The past year has had some big jumps.

 

[nevusofota]

I always said that when Fractal comes out with an all-in-one floor unit I would go that route. But I still can't seem to pull the trigger. Probably because the AX8 will be obsolete in 3 years, I'm worried about the "feel" issue, and tube amps with pedals are just cooler, plain and simple.

 

[Ventura]

I always said that when Fractal comes out with an all-in-one floor unit I would go that route. But I still can't seem to pull the trigger. Probably because the AX8 will be obsolete in 3 years, I'm worried about the "feel" issue, and tube amps with pedals are just cooler, plain and simple.

Hot amps drop panties.

Modellers not so much.

Simple.

 

[romanianreaper]

I always said that when Fractal comes out with an all-in-one floor unit I would go that route. But I still can't seem to pull the trigger. Probably because the AX8 will be obsolete in 3 years, I'm worried about the "feel" issue, and tube amps with pedals are just cooler, plain and simple.

Hot amps drop panties.

Modellers not so much.

Simple.

I could drop panties playing a banjo in a dress but that's just me.


Actually I'm in my mid-40s and lucky if I can drop panties in an old folks home.

 

[thiswaythatway]

I always said that when Fractal comes out with an all-in-one floor unit I would go that route. But I still can't seem to pull the trigger. Probably because the AX8 will be obsolete in 3 years, I'm worried about the "feel" issue, and tube amps with pedals are just cooler, plain and simple.

A Tube Screamer and a Phase 90 should be considered obsolete at this point but who cares if they work. If the AX8 works for you who cares if it's obsolete. It nails a lot of sounds that classic pedals can do so if I never upgraded from here on out I'd still be fine with it.

 

[nevusofota]

I always said that when Fractal comes out with an all-in-one floor unit I would go that route. But I still can't seem to pull the trigger. Probably because the AX8 will be obsolete in 3 years, I'm worried about the "feel" issue, and tube amps with pedals are just cooler, plain and simple.

A Tube Screamer and a Phase 90 should be considered obsolete at this point but who cares if they work. If the AX8 works for you who cares if it's obsolete. It nails a lot of sounds that classic pedals can do so if I never upgraded from here on out I'd still be fine with it.

When the first rendition of the Axe-Fx came out people thought it was the second coming. Now they go for pennies on the dollar and I haven't seen one in a rig for many years. Tube screamers and phase 90's will never be obsolete because they originated their respective tones, so what you said is kind of my point.

 

[stratjacket]

Love the debate...I'll throw in my 2 cents. Been away from here and music a while working too much.

I have gone full circle a few times. I love my Axe-Fx II and it sounds incredible, but I don't think I'll ever sell my Hagen or Uber. I pretty much stopped trying to compare the Axe to an amp and just started enjoying the hell out of it. It is fun and I love doing the 4CM with the Axe and my pedals, incredible sounds. But after a while, going back to the Hagen or Uber is incredible too.

So my advice to the OP is if you want something different with a shit ton of options that sounds great, then go for it. Yes, the updates are amazing sounding. But it'll probably never replace your amps. Or if it does, it's a matter of time before you long for your old amps.

 

[BYTOR]

When the first rendition of the Axe-Fx came out people thought it was the second coming. Now they go for pennies on the dollar and I haven't seen one in a rig for many years. Tube screamers and phase 90's will never be obsolete because they originated their respective tones, so what you said is kind of my point.

Axe Ultras that came out 10 years ago still sell for $899-$1100 depending on the condition. They were $1999 brand new in 2007. The EVH 5153 100w tube head was also $1999 years ago & can now easily be found for $900-$1100. What's the difference? A shit load of tube amps are worth way less than the original price only after a couple years nowadays

 

[DADA]

Made that mistake ones

Must admit I sometimes miss that Peterson guy better and realer talk

 

[thiswaythatway]

I always said that when Fractal comes out with an all-in-one floor unit I would go that route. But I still can't seem to pull the trigger. Probably because the AX8 will be obsolete in 3 years, I'm worried about the "feel" issue, and tube amps with pedals are just cooler, plain and simple.

A Tube Screamer and a Phase 90 should be considered obsolete at this point but who cares if they work. If the AX8 works for you who cares if it's obsolete. It nails a lot of sounds that classic pedals can do so if I never upgraded from here on out I'd still be fine with it.

When the first rendition of the Axe-Fx came out people thought it was the second coming. Now they go for pennies on the dollar and I haven't seen one in a rig for many years. Tube screamers and phase 90's will never be obsolete because they originated their respective tones, so what you said is kind of my point.

No I didn't make your point. You said the AX8 will be obsolete in three years, then why does every single Axe standard that's on Ebay sell, and for more than $650? Axe-2's hold their value better than just about every tube amp there is. They sell for $1500 used, what were they new, like $1899 or something. Sell how much you can sell a new SLO on the used market and see how much of that $4200 you get back.

 

[ejecta]

I always said that when Fractal comes out with an all-in-one floor unit I would go that route. But I still can't seem to pull the trigger. Probably because the AX8 will be obsolete in 3 years, I'm worried about the "feel" issue, and tube amps with pedals are just cooler, plain and simple.

A Tube Screamer and a Phase 90 should be considered obsolete at this point but who cares if they work. If the AX8 works for you who cares if it's obsolete. It nails a lot of sounds that classic pedals can do so if I never upgraded from here on out I'd still be fine with it.

When the first rendition of the Axe-Fx came out people thought it was the second coming. Now they go for pennies on the dollar and I haven't seen one in a rig for many years. Tube screamers and phase 90's will never be obsolete because they originated their respective tones, so what you said is kind of my point.

No I didn't make your point. You said the AX8 will be obsolete in three years, then why does every single Axe standard that's on Ebay sell, and for more than $650? Axe-2's hold their value better than just about every tube amp there is. They sell for $1500 used, what were they new, like $1899 or something. Sell how much you can sell a new SLO on the used market and see how much of that $4200 you get back.

Yep. I've never lost much money buy Fractal gear if at all.... can't say that with amps at all.

 

[nevusofota]

I always said that when Fractal comes out with an all-in-one floor unit I would go that route. But I still can't seem to pull the trigger. Probably because the AX8 will be obsolete in 3 years, I'm worried about the "feel" issue, and tube amps with pedals are just cooler, plain and simple.

A Tube Screamer and a Phase 90 should be considered obsolete at this point but who cares if they work. If the AX8 works for you who cares if it's obsolete. It nails a lot of sounds that classic pedals can do so if I never upgraded from here on out I'd still be fine with it.

When the first rendition of the Axe-Fx came out people thought it was the second coming. Now they go for pennies on the dollar and I haven't seen one in a rig for many years. Tube screamers and phase 90's will never be obsolete because they originated their respective tones, so what you said is kind of my point.

No I didn't make your point. You said the AX8 will be obsolete in three years, then why does every single Axe standard that's on Ebay sell, and for more than $650? Axe-2's hold their value better than just about every tube amp there is. They sell for $1500 used, what were they new, like $1899 or something. Sell how much you can sell a new SLO on the used market and see how much of that $4200 you get back.

A new SLO back in 1995 was $1395 new. The same amp would sell in today's market between $2500-$3500. That's a 115% profit. I doubt a new $1300 AX8 is going to sell on the used market in 20 years for $2795.

My main and initial point is that Fractal has and will continue to put out "updated" versions. Hell, even the Fractal fanbois on their own forum recommend to new buyers not to get a standard or ultra and save up for an Axe II or AX8. In 3 years they'll tell me to not get the AX8 but save up for the AX8 II. Comparing to a SLO (in terms of which will be "obsolete) is a very poor argument because it's tone is iconic and a mainstay in the world of rock guitar tone. It's sound and feel will never be obsolete. The amp itself basically hasn't changed in 30 years. How many Fractal versions have there been in only the past 7 years? I lost count.

Hey, as the old and overly used (ad nauseam) saying goes: If you're happy with your equipment and it inspires YOU, then stick with it. I'm just stating the reasons I haven't been able to pull the trigger into the digital modeling world.

 

[thiswaythatway]

I always said that when Fractal comes out with an all-in-one floor unit I would go that route. But I still can't seem to pull the trigger. Probably because the AX8 will be obsolete in 3 years, I'm worried about the "feel" issue, and tube amps with pedals are just cooler, plain and simple.

A Tube Screamer and a Phase 90 should be considered obsolete at this point but who cares if they work. If the AX8 works for you who cares if it's obsolete. It nails a lot of sounds that classic pedals can do so if I never upgraded from here on out I'd still be fine with it.

When the first rendition of the Axe-Fx came out people thought it was the second coming. Now they go for pennies on the dollar and I haven't seen one in a rig for many years. Tube screamers and phase 90's will never be obsolete because they originated their respective tones, so what you said is kind of my point.

No I didn't make your point. You said the AX8 will be obsolete in three years, then why does every single Axe standard that's on Ebay sell, and for more than $650? Axe-2's hold their value better than just about every tube amp there is. They sell for $1500 used, what were they new, like $1899 or something. Sell how much you can sell a new SLO on the used market and see how much of that $4200 you get back.

A new SLO back in 1995 was $1395 new. The same amp would sell in today's market between $2500-$3500. That's a 115% profit. I doubt a new $1300 AX8 is going to sell on the used market in 20 years for $2795.

My main and initial point is that Fractal has and will continue to put out "updated" versions. Hell, even the Fractal fanbois on their own forum recommend to new buyers not to get a standard or ultra and save up for an Axe II or AX8. In 3 years they'll tell me to not get the AX8 but save up for the AX8 II. Comparing to a SLO (in terms of which will be "obsolete) is a very poor argument because it's tone is iconic and a mainstay in the world of rock guitar tone. It's sound and feel will never be obsolete. The amp itself basically hasn't changed in 30 years. How many Fractal versions have there been in only the past 7 years? I lost count.

Hey, as the old and overly used (ad nauseam) saying goes: If you're happy with your equipment and it inspires YOU, then stick with it. I'm just stating the reasons I haven't been able to pull the trigger into the digital modeling world.

Here's my reason. If you have a wife sleeping in the next room and 2 kids down the hall and it's 12:30am and you feel like playing are you cranking up a tube amp? Or would you be better off playing an AX8 through your monitors? But when I get home early from work and nobody is around the amp gets cranked.....but my AX8 is still my pedalboard, it did replace all my pedals.