mooncobra
Well-known member
hey, you guys who use axefx, how does it feel compared to a good ol tube amp? does it feel authentic or close to it? or does it feel like its own thing all together?
Mizati20
Active member
I find the best way to approach the axe is to consider it just another vehicle to achieve great tone...I have a TON of history with the Axe... have gone back and forth between it and tube amps, and I mean literally from the axe to an amp back to axe then amp then back... and I can tell you in the beginning the absolute worst thing I did was purchase the axe with the mindset that it will be the exact same as a tube amp... it just isn't... but with that being said, can you get incredible tones out of it? Abso-fucking-lutely... it's just another incredible tool that has potential to get you exactly to where you want to be...
With the new firmware and everything, depending on how you are running it... I got to the point with the Axe where I could dial it "beyond" what a tube amp was capable of... they are incredible units... in no way do you just flip them on and hit the ground running though, the unit takes work, sometimes a LOT of work... if you are willing to do that then you will have an absolute blast with the unit... can it "feel" like a tube amp? The answer is yes, but my point being if you always have the thought in the back of your head about it being exactly the same you'll be starting the journey with a handicap...
Hope this wasn't a huge babble of a post that didn't make any sense... it sounds right in my head of course... the Axe FX is an incredible piece of kit... you have to be willing to put the time in to get where you want though, but the results are absolutely worth it...
With the new firmware and everything, depending on how you are running it... I got to the point with the Axe where I could dial it "beyond" what a tube amp was capable of... they are incredible units... in no way do you just flip them on and hit the ground running though, the unit takes work, sometimes a LOT of work... if you are willing to do that then you will have an absolute blast with the unit... can it "feel" like a tube amp? The answer is yes, but my point being if you always have the thought in the back of your head about it being exactly the same you'll be starting the journey with a handicap...
Hope this wasn't a huge babble of a post that didn't make any sense... it sounds right in my head of course... the Axe FX is an incredible piece of kit... you have to be willing to put the time in to get where you want though, but the results are absolutely worth it...
E
Elethan
New member
Yup, absolutely 
Best thing to do with the Axe 2 (and I'm talking about Firmware 12 or newer) is to keep it as simple as possible; just approach every patch like you would a real rig. If you like tweaking and go nuts with it, you'll probably end up with patches that sound artificial - pretty much like any other digital processor I've seen. Otherwise it really sounds the part.
In terms of practicality, it's hard to beat the axe - just plug into the FoH and you're good to go. With tube amps, it's easy and fast to set up a good tone, but you've got to carry a cab, a head, other effects (rack mounted or pedals) and at least one mic. There's also the fact that nothing comes close to the feeling of a 4x12 cabinet pushing air next to you - pretty hard to catch this feeling with on stage monitors/wedges.
Best thing to do with the Axe 2 (and I'm talking about Firmware 12 or newer) is to keep it as simple as possible; just approach every patch like you would a real rig. If you like tweaking and go nuts with it, you'll probably end up with patches that sound artificial - pretty much like any other digital processor I've seen. Otherwise it really sounds the part.
In terms of practicality, it's hard to beat the axe - just plug into the FoH and you're good to go. With tube amps, it's easy and fast to set up a good tone, but you've got to carry a cab, a head, other effects (rack mounted or pedals) and at least one mic. There's also the fact that nothing comes close to the feeling of a 4x12 cabinet pushing air next to you - pretty hard to catch this feeling with on stage monitors/wedges.
cardinal
Well-known member
"Feel" is too nebulous, really. The VH4 sim did not "play" or "feel" like an actual VH4; not even close. The JCM 800 seemed about right.
The "feel" and dynamic of the AFXII is its own thing. Some of the sims were more dynamic to pick attack and volume changes than the real thing, IMHO. That's not a bad thing. But if there's a specific tube amp you love, I don't think the AFX could replace it. If you "only" want some great guitar tones and something fun to play with, the AFX could make you real happy.
The "feel" and dynamic of the AFXII is its own thing. Some of the sims were more dynamic to pick attack and volume changes than the real thing, IMHO. That's not a bad thing. But if there's a specific tube amp you love, I don't think the AFX could replace it. If you "only" want some great guitar tones and something fun to play with, the AFX could make you real happy.
L
lessthan12
Member
I've "had" 2 Axe FX II units,both are gone. One thing you have to remember is it IS a modeler, it may be the best out there but it still is just that. That being said, it is the reason I ended up buying a real Friedman Brown Eye. The model sounded so good but the real thing…unbelievable. I had a couple 5150's at the same time as my first Axe fx 2 and had it running through a set of Adam A7X's. The axe is close but not quite there in terms of feel and tone. I was very happy to go back to real glass. I may own another one at some point just for ease of recording ideas direct but it will never replace a real amp for me again
moltenmetalburn
Active member
I use a vht cvalculator into the rear input so I have real tube amp feel. That axe is great at its input but the real thing is better.
I also use a tube power amp and use the axe like a preamp. This also allows the fx to be in the traditional "fx loop"location.
I cannot wait for the fryette LXii To release with the valvulator front end built in.
All in all this setup had me sell 8 high gain amplifier heads. I'm done and when I get bored I dial up a new amp.
I also use a tube power amp and use the axe like a preamp. This also allows the fx to be in the traditional "fx loop"location.
I cannot wait for the fryette LXii To release with the valvulator front end built in.
All in all this setup had me sell 8 high gain amplifier heads. I'm done and when I get bored I dial up a new amp.
R
R.D.
New member
You'll really have to try it to determine the best way for "you" to run it ....
as an example, I also used a VHT Valvulator on the front end ( both front & rear inputs ) and I didn't think it added anything, so I sold it ( the Valvulator, that is ) ....
But I run into studio monitors 99.9% of the time ....
I've been playing in the studio for 10 years ( no more live ), so I'm used to ( and actually perfer ) the sound of an Amp 'close-miced ) .... So I think that has a lot to do w/ my comfort level setting it up that way ....
YMMV !
as an example, I also used a VHT Valvulator on the front end ( both front & rear inputs ) and I didn't think it added anything, so I sold it ( the Valvulator, that is ) ....
But I run into studio monitors 99.9% of the time ....
I've been playing in the studio for 10 years ( no more live ), so I'm used to ( and actually perfer ) the sound of an Amp 'close-miced ) .... So I think that has a lot to do w/ my comfort level setting it up that way ....
YMMV !
moltenmetalburn
Active member
R.D.":ptmi913u said:You'll really have to try it to determine the best way for "you" to run it ....
as an example, I also used a VHT Valvulator on the front end ( both front & rear inputs ) and I didn't think it added anything, so I sold it ( the Valvulator, that is ) ....
But I run into studio monitors 99.9% of the time ....
I've been playing in the studio for 10 years ( no more live ), so I'm used to ( and actually perfer ) the sound of an Amp 'close-miced ) .... So I think that has a lot to do w/ my comfort level setting it up that way ....
YMMV !
Tone or feel is the question, the vavlulator adds little for the tone, when compared against my tube amps it was 1:1 in terms of feel/dynamics. As it IS a tube amp front end.
R
R.D.
New member
moltenmetalburn":26s94js6 said:
Absolutely ..., I knew what your trying to convey .... But, my comment stands. I tried my Valvulator in both inputs ( rear and front ) and IMHO it added nothing to the feel ( or the sound ) ....
I find that the "secret sauce" that Cliff put into the front input makes up for anything that the Valvulator could add ....
It's certainly possible that the difference is in how we use it ? I'm FRFR, and you're patching it up so it's more of a Pre-Amp ? I can't say, because I've never used it the way you do ? In your application, it's possible that it might add a LOT to your feel ?
Now .., if you want to talk about what it used to add to my Pod 2.0 and Pod XT .... Well that's a different story
ejecta
Active member
Honestly I think it depends on what you are used to feel wise. To me the AxeFX feels more like what it is and that's a preamp. Even a tube preamp into a separate tube power amp feels different than a head to me. It also depends on how much compression you prefer in the feel..... the AxeFX has the same feel no matter the model you have chosen and to me it feels somewhat compressed for lack of a better term.
In a nutshell it's my opinion that if you are into preamps and/or don't mind a compressed feel then I think you'll have a better chance of getting along with the AxeFX feel wise. If you like straight up raw very direct feel of a simple circuit amp ala a Plexi cranked and crunchy then the AxeFX comes no where close.
In a nutshell it's my opinion that if you are into preamps and/or don't mind a compressed feel then I think you'll have a better chance of getting along with the AxeFX feel wise. If you like straight up raw very direct feel of a simple circuit amp ala a Plexi cranked and crunchy then the AxeFX comes no where close.
T
timeroo
New member
I bought an ultra a while ago and I really like the technology but I had a real hell of a time dialing in higher gain tones. All the higher gain stuff seemed muffled. I am planning on buying a two or a kemper this summer though.
R
Racerxrated
Well-known member
Jason Bieler of Saigon Kick has gone to an Axe, so have lots of other pros I'm sure. There has to be something to it. That said, I think if you keep your one favorite tube amp and pick up an Axe you would still have the best of both worlds.
Shask
Well-known member
I agree in terms of saying don't worry about comparing.
If you want a tube amp, buy a tube amp.
I love for Axe-FX II for what I cant get in tube amps..... a library of different amps, cabs, effects, control, etc... all in a little tiny box that sits on my desk.
Even if I used one amp model, the equivalent would be a half of a room filled with an amp, cabs, pedalboard, wires, power supplies, noise, dust, and more shit I don't have the room or patience or time to deal with....
If you want a tube amp, buy a tube amp.
I love for Axe-FX II for what I cant get in tube amps..... a library of different amps, cabs, effects, control, etc... all in a little tiny box that sits on my desk.
Even if I used one amp model, the equivalent would be a half of a room filled with an amp, cabs, pedalboard, wires, power supplies, noise, dust, and more shit I don't have the room or patience or time to deal with....
G
GtarLover
Well-known member
Recently did a gig with the Axe FX II direct for FOH and Matrix power into a FULL STACK on stage.
Had the MFC-101 with a volume out front, that's it. ONE cable back to the Axe = priceless.
It was great to have to 4X12's up there pushing air and the Axe sounded great with the Matrix.
Easy for FOH tech and easy for me, just had to plug into the 2 cabs. Super quick set-up, other than having to deal with moving the cabs.
However, it still wasn't a big footprint on stage and I get to hear the cabs!!
Listen, I have done what others have said also, back and forth from Axe direct, to Amps, to Axe in the loop of Amp, to Axe with tube power amp, etc...
Honestly, I like it almost every way I have tried it. It sounds very good and is a great tool.
Thing is, you have the versatility to do what you want with the Axe and use it how it works best for YOU.
If you want/need a tube amp, use a tube amp, period. No argument here.
If you want versatility, ease of set-up, consistent tone regardless of venue, etc. The Axe can provide that.
In the end you have to be happy with how you sound and how your gear provides your tone.
No one can tell you, you will have to try it for yourself and decide if it's worth it.
For me, it works and the Axe has been a part of my rig in some capacity for many years now.
Have fun experimenting
Had the MFC-101 with a volume out front, that's it. ONE cable back to the Axe = priceless.
It was great to have to 4X12's up there pushing air and the Axe sounded great with the Matrix.
Easy for FOH tech and easy for me, just had to plug into the 2 cabs. Super quick set-up, other than having to deal with moving the cabs.
However, it still wasn't a big footprint on stage and I get to hear the cabs!!
Listen, I have done what others have said also, back and forth from Axe direct, to Amps, to Axe in the loop of Amp, to Axe with tube power amp, etc...
Honestly, I like it almost every way I have tried it. It sounds very good and is a great tool.
Thing is, you have the versatility to do what you want with the Axe and use it how it works best for YOU.
If you want/need a tube amp, use a tube amp, period. No argument here.
If you want versatility, ease of set-up, consistent tone regardless of venue, etc. The Axe can provide that.
In the end you have to be happy with how you sound and how your gear provides your tone.
No one can tell you, you will have to try it for yourself and decide if it's worth it.
For me, it works and the Axe has been a part of my rig in some capacity for many years now.
Have fun experimenting
boof
Member
I think it compares very well now. I have an axe fx and I still have several tube amps. In all honesty I dont think I have turn the power on any of my tube amps in several months. I primarily use the axe fx for recording. easier to do with the wife asleep 10 feet away. I agree that if you go into it expecting X amp model to be exactly the same as X tube amp head it might not work out for you. Attacking it a tool to open up a larger tool box of possible sounds results in more enjoyment out of it.
someone mentioned that they get mush when going for high gain sounds. I had the same results at first. . I found that taking other peoples patches that they had created and I liked as a base to start from helped allot to wrap my head around about how to go about making patches.
Outside of the routing and effects and other plus points for the axe fx the biggest point is the cabs and IRs for me. I had no idea just how much of a huge difference the cab could make.
If you have a tube amp and set up you are in love with maybe a torpedo might be a way to expand the possible sounds as an alternative.
just my 2 yen on it.
someone mentioned that they get mush when going for high gain sounds. I had the same results at first. . I found that taking other peoples patches that they had created and I liked as a base to start from helped allot to wrap my head around about how to go about making patches.
Outside of the routing and effects and other plus points for the axe fx the biggest point is the cabs and IRs for me. I had no idea just how much of a huge difference the cab could make.
If you have a tube amp and set up you are in love with maybe a torpedo might be a way to expand the possible sounds as an alternative.
just my 2 yen on it.
mooncobra
Well-known member
thanks for responding guys. I know they sound great, I was just wondering how they feel and you guys have done a pretty good job answering that.
parntz145
Well-known member
Hey,
Not to hijack your thread but I was wondering if any of you guys use it just for the effects? I was thinking of getting one for my W/D/W rig. I was wondering are the effects just as good on all the versions or better on the more recent one? How is it for just effects?
Not to hijack your thread but I was wondering if any of you guys use it just for the effects? I was thinking of getting one for my W/D/W rig. I was wondering are the effects just as good on all the versions or better on the more recent one? How is it for just effects?
G
GtarLover
Well-known member
Used it just for effects and was VERY happy.
It can do quite a few things and with pedals added, can do even more and is adjustable.
If you want just effects though, you have other options.
I already had it, but may not have bought it just for effects.
The Axe II is $2300 new, but used it's down to around $1800.
The Ultra is even less used and has great effects.
If you JUST want effects, look into ALL the high end stuff before you buy.
Eventide
TC Electronics
Lexicon
to name a few
It can do quite a few things and with pedals added, can do even more and is adjustable.
If you want just effects though, you have other options.
I already had it, but may not have bought it just for effects.
The Axe II is $2300 new, but used it's down to around $1800.
The Ultra is even less used and has great effects.
If you JUST want effects, look into ALL the high end stuff before you buy.
Eventide
TC Electronics
Lexicon
to name a few
Shask
Well-known member
parntz145":1cvlgdja said:
The Effects are very good on all versions. I think the biggest difference is the Axe-FX II has types. It has like stereo chorus, mono chorus, analog chorus, etc..... The older Axe-FX just has chorus. You have to dial in the variations.
The Pitch is way better on the II.
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