Axe-II Ownership in a Nutshell

[TrueTone500]

Maybe I will just run my TC2290 in the loop of my Mackie mixer, and then mic my cabinet. Seems to me this would be cheaper, plus there would be less digital conversion involved. The Two-Notes unit is preferable, but I need a stereo effects loop to run the 2290 before the output. I could run the 2290 after the Two-Notes output, but I would rather have delay before the TN room reverbs. If I go TN > 2290, I would have to use mono out from the TN, as the 2290 has only mono input... This is driving me crazy!

 

[hoss33]

In the past I had a new hardware modeller every 6-12 months. POD 2, GuitarPort, POD XTpro, Eleven Rack, Axe FX Std., Axe FX Ultra, Kemper
I also tried different software plugins, early Revalver, Amplitube, Gearbox, and others I forgot what they were named.

Almost 2 years ago I discovered Scuffham S-Gear (I think on this forum). Wow! I sold everything else and never looked back.
Last week a (free) update came out, including a very versatile new amp model. The update also did not mess up my patches.

Give it a try, they have a 15 day full demo and the license is only $99 http://www.scuffhamamps.com

 

[Shark Diver]

It was the main reason I ultimately gave up on the Axe. I was gigging every weekend and it was brutal to update and tweak all the time. I don't gig as much now so, I might not have the same issue. Funny though that a perceived draw back is the unit is constantly being improved - for free!

 

[blackba]

I tried various mic positions, but nothing seemed to help. I ended by doing a 1 hour head-to-head comparison, and I definitely prefer my tube amps for high-gain.

Enter the Two Notes Torpedo Live....

Looking at those now, but they don't make a 16 Ohm unit...

Or a 4ohm unit either.

 

[hoss33]

It was the main reason I ultimately gave up on the Axe...it was brutal to update and tweak all the time.
Funny though that a perceived draw back is the unit is constantly being improved - for free!

This and the behavior of the Axe fan crowd. Every update was the greatest thing since sliced bread and the sounds got realer than the real thing and if you didn't see the light...

 

[squank]

I'm using a Sure 57 which may not be the best mic for profiling, I don't know?

I'm using FRFR as wet/cab simulation on, and a 2x12 cabinet in the center as a dry signal only with speaker sim turned off. Do you think the center cab could be bleeding into the profiled tone?

I think you are always going to get substandard tone with the Kemper when using guitar speakers. Trying to mix FRFR and guitar speakers is, from a tone standpoint, probably the most challenging of all possible scenarios.

Here's another thing - by micing up a cab for taking a profile, you make the cab an integral part of the tone profile. That's great if you are running FRFR. But if you are using a guitar cab in your rig, you run into problems. The reality with a Kemper is that it's not really possible to perfectly take out the cab portion of a profile. If you turn the cab portion off, it has to try to cut out a part of the original profile. The Kemper does its best, but that's a really hard thing to accomplish. It's an approximation, but the end result reveals its limitations.

When I gigged my Axe-FX (2008-2011, on and off), I was happy using a Mesa 2:90 and Recto 4x12 for gigs. But that's because when creating Axe modeling patches, the cab was added after the amp block was complete. As as separate part of the patch, it was easy to simply delete it. Trying to take the cab out after profiling on a KPA is tough (unless you are profiling directly out of the head). The Kemper tries to approximate it, but it's not nearly as good as going FRFR.

When I first got my Kemper (Feb 2012), I tried to run the same rig, thinking the tube power amp would 'warm up' the digital signal. But the KPA isn't another flavor of the Axe. It doesn't work the same way, and doesn't need its tones to be warmed up.

There really isn't a better way to run a KPA than with a truly flat response speaker. What kind of speaker is your FRFR? Some are great, and some are not as great (because so many monitors are not really a flat response). If it is at all possible, I think you'd be MUCH happier running FRFR for your wet and dry speakers.

Although I prefer other mics, the 57 isn't a terrible mic. It does tend to add mids, and back in the day before amps were voiced with more mids, it was the best mic available for guitar cabs. But amps built after the 70s usually don't need that mid boost, and the added mids of the 57 aren't necessary, imo. However, lowering the mids and slightly bumping the lows in the Kemper EQ often counteracts a 57's effect.

 

[TrueTone500]

What kind of speaker is your FRFR?

I'm using a set of JBL Model JRX100. I was thinking that FR means all tone pots are set to 12:00 o'clock on my mixer?

Specifications Frequency Range (-10 dB 38 Hz - 16 kHz Frequency Response (±3 dB 50 Hz - 12.5 kHz Sensitivity (1w/1m 98 dB SPL Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms * Power Capacity: 250 watts * Peak Power Capacity: 1000 watts Recommended Amplifier Power: 250 watts to 500 watts into 8 ohms Maximum SPL: 128 dB Nominal Dispersion: 90º x 50º Crossover Frequency: 1.6 kHz Dimensions (H x W x D 699 mm x 460 mm x 432 mm (27.5 in x 18.1 in x 17 in) Weight: 27.4 kg (61 lbs) High Frequency Driver: JBL 2412 1" exit compression driver mounted on Progressive Transition Waveguide Low Frequency Driver: JBL M115-8A Input Connectors: Neutrik® Speakon® NL-4 (x1); ¼" TS phone jack (x1); parallel * "Power Capacity" and "Peak Power Capacity" ratings are based on the average and peak power capacity of product samples subjected to a 100 hour power test using random noise with a 6 dB crest factor, in accordance with IEC standards.
Product Description

 

[blackba]

I think you are always going to get substandard tone with the Kemper when using guitar speakers. Trying to mix FRFR and guitar speakers is, from a tone standpoint, probably the most challenging of all possible scenarios.

Here's another thing - by micing up a cab for taking a profile, you make the cab an integral part of the tone profile. That's great if you are running FRFR. But if you are using a guitar cab in your rig, you run into problems. The reality with a Kemper is that it's not really possible to perfectly take out the cab portion of a profile. If you turn the cab portion off, it has to try to cut out a part of the original profile. The Kemper does its best, but that's a really hard thing to accomplish. It's an approximation, but the end result reveals its limitations.

When I gigged my Axe-FX (2008-2011, on and off), I was happy using a Mesa 2:90 and Recto 4x12 for gigs. But that's because when creating Axe modeling patches, the cab was added after the amp block was complete. As as separate part of the patch, it was easy to simply delete it. Trying to take the cab out after profiling on a KPA is tough (unless you are profiling directly out of the head). The Kemper tries to approximate it, but it's not nearly as good as going FRFR.

When I first got my Kemper (Feb 2012), I tried to run the same rig, thinking the tube power amp would 'warm up' the digital signal. But the KPA isn't another flavor of the Axe. It doesn't work the same way, and doesn't need its tones to be warmed up.

There really isn't a better way to run a KPA than with a truly flat response speaker. What kind of speaker is your FRFR? Some are great, and some are not as great (because so many monitors are not really a flat response). If it is at all possible, I think you'd be MUCH happier running FRFR for your wet and dry speakers.

Although I prefer other mics, the 57 isn't a terrible mic. It does tend to add mids, and back in the day before amps were voiced with more mids, it was the best mic available for guitar cabs. But amps built after the 70s usually don't need that mid boost, and the added mids of the 57 aren't necessary, imo. However, lowering the mids and slightly bumping the lows in the Kemper EQ often counteracts a 57's effect.

You make some great points. As such, I am then trying to see the benefit of the Kemper Powered. I guess if you are running it into a PA cab it would be great, but running it into a guitar cab I think you will have the same issue you are talking about. Its too bad you can't profile the amp with and without the cab, though that would require some sort of load on the amp when profiling it without the cab.

I am still wrestling with which unit would be right for me. I see the advantages of the Axe-FX II, Kemper, and Two notes torpedo live, but I also see draw backs on all 3 units. I am not worried though, I have plenty of time till I will have extra money to plunk down.

 

[TrueTone500]

I'm think about going this route... I didn't know the Atomica was capable so much gain.

I'm thinking of going into the TN > TC2290 > PA. I wish TN would release a 16 Ohm version with an effect loop after the attenuation circuit. The Palmer units come in 4, 8, and 16 Ohm, so what gives? Can't have everything I guess.

Question: Does anyone know if the a Rane mono EQ work the same as a cabinet simulator?

 

[TrueTone500]

I think you are always going to get substandard tone with the Kemper when using guitar speakers. Trying to mix FRFR and guitar speakers is, from a tone standpoint, probably the most challenging of all possible scenarios.

Here's another thing - by micing up a cab for taking a profile, you make the cab an integral part of the tone profile. That's great if you are running FRFR. But if you are using a guitar cab in your rig, you run into problems. The reality with a Kemper is that it's not really possible to perfectly take out the cab portion of a profile. If you turn the cab portion off, it has to try to cut out a part of the original profile. The Kemper does its best, but that's a really hard thing to accomplish. It's an approximation, but the end result reveals its limitations.

When I gigged my Axe-FX (2008-2011, on and off), I was happy using a Mesa 2:90 and Recto 4x12 for gigs. But that's because when creating Axe modeling patches, the cab was added after the amp block was complete. As as separate part of the patch, it was easy to simply delete it. Trying to take the cab out after profiling on a KPA is tough (unless you are profiling directly out of the head). The Kemper tries to approximate it, but it's not nearly as good as going FRFR.

When I first got my Kemper (Feb 2012), I tried to run the same rig, thinking the tube power amp would 'warm up' the digital signal. But the KPA isn't another flavor of the Axe. It doesn't work the same way, and doesn't need its tones to be warmed up.

There really isn't a better way to run a KPA than with a truly flat response speaker. What kind of speaker is your FRFR? Some are great, and some are not as great (because so many monitors are not really a flat response). If it is at all possible, I think you'd be MUCH happier running FRFR for your wet and dry speakers.

Although I prefer other mics, the 57 isn't a terrible mic. It does tend to add mids, and back in the day before amps were voiced with more mids, it was the best mic available for guitar cabs. But amps built after the 70s usually don't need that mid boost, and the added mids of the 57 aren't necessary, imo. However, lowering the mids and slightly bumping the lows in the Kemper EQ often counteracts a 57's effect.

You make some great points. As such, I am then trying to see the benefit of the Kemper Powered. I guess if you are running it into a PA cab it would be great, but running it into a guitar cab I think you will have the same issue you are talking about. Its too bad you can't profile the amp with and without the cab, though that would require some sort of load on the amp when profiling it without the cab.

I am still wrestling with which unit would be right for me. I see the advantages of the Axe-FX II, Kemper, and Two notes torpedo live, but I also see draw backs on all 3 units. I am not worried though, I have plenty of time till I will have extra money to plunk down.

You can run DI into the Kemper from the balanced line out of a Rivera RC for cab-less profiling. I haven't tried it yet myself, but I'm going to give it a shot today.

 

[BYTOR]

I didn't know the Atomica was capable so much gain.

That's an Old Bitch, not an Atomica

 

[TrueTone500]

I just got through doing a couple of RK100 HG profiles, and they came out great! Best sounding rig on the KPA to my ears. This time I placed the mic to the left side of the bottom left V30. I also left the 'direct out' set to 'Git+Processing'. I don't know if this had any effect on the end result or not? I'm going to try a couple with the power-tubes pushed via a Rivera RC, then DI from the RC balanced line-out.

UPDATE: Just got through with the first RK100/Rivera RC profile. I think rebooting the flash memory on the KPA straightened it out. I'm not going to say it sounds identical the actual amp, but it's 99.9% there.

 

[hoss33]

If you guys are interested, here are the Kemper profiles I did of my amps. Everything is named properly in the profile details.
http://piller.at/music/kemper/hoss_profiles.zip

Kemper users really liked my Metro plexi (I did, too). The hoss*champ is a small Fender clone I built myself and it does the "vintage Fender tweed" sound pretty well.

 

[Shark Diver]

I'm think about going this route... I didn't know the Atomica was capable so much gain.

I'm thinking of going into the TN > TC2290 > PA. I wish TN would release a 16 Ohm version with an effect loop after the attenuation circuit. The Palmer units come in 4, 8, and 16 Ohm, so what gives? Can't have everything I guess.

Question: Does anyone know if the a Rane mono EQ work the same as a cabinet simulator?

Kind of my setup (2290) until I got a PedalPro. That clips sounds good. Surprised he didn't just run the TN into the Roland.

 

[romanianreaper]

The Axe-FX II cures my Attention Deficit Disorder. Rather than sell everything when I am going thru a "phase", I just turn a knob.

I love tube amps but since I don't gig and play at home, it works for me. Still love tone from all types of amps.

 

[squank]

You can run DI into the Kemper from the balanced line out of a Rivera RC for cab-less profiling. I haven't tried it yet myself, but I'm going to give it a shot today.

True.

You can also profile via a load box out of any amp's speaker out. That way you can get a little of the flavor of the power section.

I just got through doing a couple of RK100 HG profiles, and they came out great! Best sounding rig on the KPA to my ears. This time I placed the mic to the left side of the bottom left V30. I also left the 'direct out' set to 'Git+Processing'. I don't know if this had any effect on the end result or not? I'm going to try a couple with the power-tubes pushed via a Rivera RC, then DI from the RC balanced line-out.

UPDATE: Just got through with the first RK100/Rivera RC profile. I think rebooting the flash memory on the KPA straightened it out. I'm not going to say it sounds identical the actual amp, but it's 99.9% there.

Excellent! So glad to hear it.

 

[Ventura]

The Axe-FX II cures my Attention Deficit Disorder. Rather than sell everything when I am going thru a "phase", I just turn a knob.

I love tube amps but since I don't gig and play at home, it works for me. Still love tone from all types of amps.

Agreed, albeit I still GAS for the real deal, just because I do

I have both - my analog toobers and my AF2. I have to say, the AF2 is an outstanding piece of kit. Does a lot of stuff incredibly well, and is seemingly infinite in what it can give a player. But sometimes "infinite" is too much. Hence the old 4x12 attached to a head with knobs - dial it in and rock the f*ck out. But ya, am I upset about owning an Axe-II?? Hell no. Would I buy one if I didn't have one? Hell yeah. So it's all in my approach and perception, but still, to this day, I'd take a toober over the A2 for feel and groove any day. Then again, maybe if I spent as much time on the Axe as I have analog heads, I'd better know how to get into it and unleash the krakan. For now I'm comfortable with the depth I do take it - and I'd consider myself a beginner on it still.