AxeFX Ultra v AxeFX 2 (anyone else notice this?)

[ghosty999]

This could be completely placebo...

But around last year I upgraded my beater live right with an AxeFX 2 from an Ultra. I recreated most of the patches in the 2, I didn't bring any old data from the Ultra into the 2.

I've noticed the 2 sounds more.... dare I say it.... "real".... but in a less pleasing way than the Ultra. Basically it doesn't sound as smooth and silky on the solos. Does that make any sense? The CAE+ block going from the Ultra to the 2 sounds different, I prefer the Ultra.

Anyone else know what I mean? Or am I drinking snake oil?

 

[saxxamafone]

I was an early adopter and bought an Ultra new direct from Fractal back in 08 simply off the hype.

The AxeFX thing is the iphone of the guitar world.

Guitarists believed the Ultra back in late 2000's sounded 'just like the real thing' and they sold all their amps even back then.

Sold mine and haven't bothered with another since.

The 3 does look amazing in what it can do.

The reaction of "No.... THIS one NOW sounds like the real thing" is funny.

 

[glpg80]

I just use the real thing because I can design my own amp with the real thing.

 

[NeubyWanKaneuby]

I have used modelers for a while, and have an Axe FX II. I've never bought into it sounds exactly like "Amp X", but more into the fact that it provides me the sound/tone I'm looking for. People are way too hung up on "it sounds exactly like" and forget that it's just a tool.

That said, I like me some tube amps, but don't really have the space to have everything I want, so the Axe FX covers what I need.

 

[rsm]

I owned an Ultra when they were the top-of-the-line, did the modeler thing for years before and after the Ultra. Recently fired up my old Engl rack rig and had a WTF moment. Not into high gain tones these days, more into JTM 45/100. I know it doesn't get much love or respect, but I picked up an Origin 50C combo at a great price, and got what I wanted. I have a 50H inbound that I can't wait to hear with my V30 loaded pair of Engl PRO E212VHB cabs.

All I can say is, I'm getting the sounds I want from my Origin, thankful I don't need a vintage or Ceriatone Experienced, which was my next stop. I may even make a full stack for the 50H.

(I owned pre-CBS Fender, Sound City, 70s Marshalls, Mesas and ADA racks back in the day, so if I needed a real vintage JTM 45/100, I'd get one)

 

[DrewJD82]

Even as an avid Fractal fan, sometimes I cringe so hard reading the FW update responses that I'm worried I'll crack my spine in half. I know in some cases, people say the "it sounds more real" as a joke, but when I read it and it's someone stating it seriously....for fuck's sake.

That said, there has been some things Cliff has done in regards to power amp response/relationship with the cab that has changed the response to give the physical feeling of an actual amp/cab interaction. I haven't tried it with my live rig yet (using actual cabs) but Speaker Thump addition is pretty slick. You'd have to sit behind some monitors and actually play while testing it out, it's hardly noticeable sonically, but there's definitely a feel change.