Axe FX users ...Tube ? Solid state ?

[Llewzaher]

Howdy , just curious as to what most axe fx users on these forums use ? Are you using Tube or solid state power amps ?

Also what kind of speakers are you using ?

Thanks . I have been reading the fractal Audio forums . And am getting confused as to which is better heh .

 

[Audioholic]

yeah lots of conflicting info out there regarding what to use. Some posts praise SS, then some will slam the same amps. good thing that most SS power amps are pretty affordable. might have to try one and see if you are happy. Some of the clips I have heard of the art SL2a power amp and axe sound mighty sweet, so can't argue with that.

 

[ke2]

MArk Day (samhill) from this forum with an SS power amp.
I think it sounds great, but Mark is one of the guys that could make everything sound good

 

[ke2]

Into a tube amp (fx return)
I kinda think this one has a "wetter" quality that I personally like.

 

[daveg62]

I've used and have both Art-sla2 and into the return or front end of tube amps.
The bottom line is this... they both can sound just as good.
Tube amps require less tweaking, solid state requires more tweaking (power amp sims)
I prefer the tube amps by far ..just my opinion on feel, sound and probably has a lot to do with the tweaking thing. There's already a mind boggling array of tweaks in the Axe-fx so I prefer less.

 

[timbo]

For the past two years I have had great tone and flawless operation with the Carvin TS-100 stereo tube power amp. This thing is loud too. Works perfect with a 2X12 cab loaded with V-30s.

 

[Llewzaher]

Thx guys . here is another question . Is there a huge difference going with 2 1X12 extension cabs rather than the 2 X 12 . Also how much of a difference with the V30s than say 75 watt celestions etc..

I have a 4X12 1960 lead marshall . Which is a little much for what I am using it for .

But I do want to run stereo . I was thinking 2X12s. But then also thinking 2 1X12s. Also if the V30s are the best way to go , is there any examples of cabs that would be loaded with these that I could look for ? Or would I have to just buy a cab and purchase the V30s separately ?

Sorry for all the questions , I am just used to combo amps heh

 

[Llewzaher]

I've used and have both Art-sla2 and into the return or front end of tube amps.
The bottom line is this... they both can sound just as good.
Tube amps require less tweaking, solid state requires more tweaking (power amp sims)
I prefer the tube amps by far ..just my opinion on feel, sound and probably has a lot to do with the tweaking thing. There's already a mind boggling array of tweaks in the Axe-fx so I prefer less.

I think that is a good selling feature for me . Less tweaking the better .

 

[Mark Day]

I am using the ART SLA2 into two shitty Randall 2x12's with Celestion 70/80's or Custom 80's.

With the AxeFx, you can line up "your" tone with just about any combination of speakers and poweramps. I had great results with a Mesa 2:100, VHT 2/50/2, Egnater head and an OD100 power section. With the tube amps I preferred the Mesa 2:100 and the OD100. I was able to get exactly what I wanted with the Art SLA2....I used the Mesa 2:100 to compare.

I personally didn't like my Mesa 4x12's with V30's, but that's because I did all of my tweaking with the little Randall. After two live gigs (4 nights) using the Randalls I have removed the two 4x12's and their flight cases from the equipment trailer lightening the load by almost 350lbs (or more) and giving me way more stage real estate without sacrificing any volume or tone.

I can't believe the tone I am getting from this little rig....blows me away

Mark

 

[Gainfreak]

I am using the ART SLA2 into two shitty Randall 2x12's with Celestion 70/80's or Custom 80's.

With the AxeFx, you can line up "your" tone with just about any combination of speakers and poweramps. I had great results with a Mesa 2:100, VHT 2/50/2, Egnater head and an OD100 power section. With the tube amps I preferred the Mesa 2:100 and the OD100. I was able to get exactly what I wanted with the Art SLA2....I used the Mesa 2:100 to compare.

I personally didn't like my Mesa 4x12's with V30's, but that's because I did all of my tweaking with the little Randall. After two live gigs (4 nights) using the Randalls I have removed the two 4x12's and their flight cases from the equipment trailer lightening the load by almost 350lbs (or more) and giving me way more stage real estate without sacrificing any volume or tone.

I can't believe the tone I am getting from this little rig....blows me away

Mark

 

[tweed]

Mark,

Are you using the ART SLA2 because you prefer it over other poweramps, or are you using it because it was something you had laying around before you purchased the AxeFx?

Randy

 

[Mark Day]

Mark,

Are you using the ART SLA2 because you prefer it over other poweramps, or are you using it because it was something you had laying around before you purchased the AxeFx?

Randy

When I bought the AxeFx I had no poweramp. I had access to a Mesa 2:100 and VHT 2/50/2....I liked them both with my preference going to the Mesa. In Canada a new Mesa 2:100 is $1875...that's a lot of scratch . I've owned one before and it's a great amp.
I kept reading about guys using FRFR and dudes using the Carvins and ART's with guitar cabs as well.
I decided to try an ART, after Cliff gave me some pointers I was able to make the AxeFx/ART combination sound scary close to the AxeFx/Mesa comb.

Given that, my choices were:

Mesa: ART SLA2:
11 tubes to be replaced and fail No tubes
heavy 16 lbs
2 spaces 1 space
$1875 $400

If the AxeFx didn't have the tonal options it does or if it was strictly a tube preamp then there would be no question, I would go with the Mesa 2:100...I had one with a Recto Preamp and my CAE 3+se preamp, however because the AxeFx can get me so close with the ART...I decided to purchase the ART...it's small, light and loud enough for live gigs.

I am convinced that with the AxeFx, you could make it sound great with just about any combination of products.


Mark

 

[jmgman69]

FWIW,I played the Axe threw their powered 212s with the new footswitch and it really was a sweet package!!!Sounded GREAT!

 

[Llewzaher]

Mark,

Are you using the ART SLA2 because you prefer it over other poweramps, or are you using it because it was something you had laying around before you purchased the AxeFx?

Randy

When I bought the AxeFx I had no poweramp. I had access to a Mesa 2:100 and VHT 2/50/2....I liked them both with my preference going to the Mesa. In Canada a new Mesa 2:100 is $1875...that's a lot of scratch . I've owned one before and it's a great amp.
I kept reading about guys using FRFR and dudes using the Carvins and ART's with guitar cabs as well.
I decided to try an ART, after Cliff gave me some pointers I was able to make the AxeFx/ART combination sound scary close to the AxeFx/Mesa comb.

Given that, my choices were:

Mesa: ART SLA2:
11 tubes to be replaced and fail No tubes
heavy 16 lbs
2 spaces 1 space
$1875 $400

If the AxeFx didn't have the tonal options it does or if it was strictly a tube preamp then there would be no question, I would go with the Mesa 2:100...I had one with a Recto Preamp and my CAE 3+se preamp, however because the AxeFx can get me so close with the ART...I decided to purchase the ART...it's small, light and loud enough for live gigs.

I am convinced that with the AxeFx, you could make it sound great with just about any combination of products.


Mark

So are you disabling the cabs since you have the Randalls? And just keeping the poweramp on? This is hard to decide

 

[Mark Day]

Mark,

Are you using the ART SLA2 because you prefer it over other poweramps, or are you using it because it was something you had laying around before you purchased the AxeFx?

Randy

When I bought the AxeFx I had no poweramp. I had access to a Mesa 2:100 and VHT 2/50/2....I liked them both with my preference going to the Mesa. In Canada a new Mesa 2:100 is $1875...that's a lot of scratch . I've owned one before and it's a great amp.
I kept reading about guys using FRFR and dudes using the Carvins and ART's with guitar cabs as well.
I decided to try an ART, after Cliff gave me some pointers I was able to make the AxeFx/ART combination sound scary close to the AxeFx/Mesa comb.

Given that, my choices were:

Mesa: ART SLA2:
11 tubes to be replaced and fail No tubes
heavy 16 lbs
2 spaces 1 space
$1875 $400

If the AxeFx didn't have the tonal options it does or if it was strictly a tube preamp then there would be no question, I would go with the Mesa 2:100...I had one with a Recto Preamp and my CAE 3+se preamp, however because the AxeFx can get me so close with the ART...I decided to purchase the ART...it's small, light and loud enough for live gigs.

I am convinced that with the AxeFx, you could make it sound great with just about any combination of products.


Mark

So are you disabling the cabs since you have the Randalls? And just keeping the poweramp on? This is hard to decide

The beauty of using an SS amp is that you can keep the poweramp sims ON, send the signal out of the AxeFx via an FX loop block to OUT2 before the cab sim to the poweramp and guitar cabs...then you can still have the pa sim and cab sim ON for OUT 1 to go to FOH and DAW...best of both worlds.

Mark

 

[Llewzaher]

FWIW,I played the Axe threw their powered 212s with the new footswitch and it really was a sweet package!!!Sounded GREAT!

The new atomic amp thats coming out ?

 

[tweed]

If the AxeFx didn't have the tonal options it does or if it was strictly a tube preamp then there would be no question, I would go with the Mesa 2:100...I had one with a Recto Preamp and my CAE 3+se preamp, however because the AxeFx can get me so close with the ART...I decided to purchase the ART...it's small, light and loud enough for live gigs.

I am convinced that with the AxeFx, you could make it sound great with just about any combination of products.


Mark

Thanks Mark! I am leaning towards the 1500W Carvin as it's in the same price range as the SL2. : )

 

[jmgman69]

FWIW,I played the Axe threw their powered 212s with the new footswitch and it really was a sweet package!!!Sounded GREAT!

The new atomic amp thats coming out ?

The power cabs I believe they were as I didn't see any amps just the Axe,footswitch and some cabs.

 

[degenaro]

I've used mine for the longest time with a VHT 2-50-2 into a THD 212 with Celestion 65s and loved that. Due to getting lazier the older I get I started using it into FOH and a wedge for monitors, just the Axe in a rack bag with a midi controller and I'm loving life...

 

[gtr31]

can't believe the tone I am getting from this little rig....blows me away

..I cannot believe the tone HE is getting from that little rig ..blew me away when I heard it live this past weekend.