Best Multi FX Hardware

[Exo-metal]

Does the axefx III based on everything except the modeling still rein against your pick for the finest hardware made?

 

[Rackman]

I really like eventide H series and Eclipses, but in terms of functionality you have to do Vsig to get close with an H8000 or Eclipse to what an Axe III can do. H9000 is more capable on paper but I have no time with one. I would guess that's the "finest hardware" out there.

But with 1 Eclipse (or 2 if it's crazy) and Vsig I can do what I need to do.

 

[Exo-metal]

I take it a Vsig isn't hardware, no idea what that is...

 

[Rackman]

Vsig is the Eventide algorithm editor. It lets you make new algorithms from the primitives of synthesis (LFOs, delay lines etc.) plus various sub-algorithm blocks that eventide provides like shifters. Importantly with the less powerful pre-9000 Eventides it lets you cram a lot more in one algo than what's in the factory ones, especially if you're running in mono (which I do but obviously lots of people run in stereo). So without Vsig on an Eclipse you have the choice of 2x canned algos without crossfade, or 1x with. If you use the vsig editor, you can generally get 2-3 major FX and crossfade.

You can also just get some awesome FX that can't be achieved by editing presets if you're good at synthesis.

The H9000 has Vsig as well but less need since it can run a lot more canned algos at once.

 

[Exo-metal]

So far the only vote against the axe is the eventide h9000.

 

[CoreyW]

Are you looking for an all in 1 system? Or just the effects? If you look at everything available in the Axe FX3, its hard to find anything that beats it. If you are looking for just the effects, the VP4 may be of interest.

 

[Exo-metal]

I think we alI are looking for a all in one yes. I want the most options for my money. I like the idea of the axefx III for not only the fx but it can also be used as an interface and possibly more? What other unit that is rackmounted can step into that arena?

 

[rsm]

If you want rack, and power, I'd go with the Axe-FX III MkII. That's what I'd buy, even over Eventide....unless they released a new Eclipse maybe.

If you're just using this for effects, the Axe-FX III MkII will be able to run very complex effects chains vs nearly every other modeler. IMO.

There are cheaper options, like Helix, but that's a dead end now that the Stadium series is out. Helix has a rack unit; which isn't in the Stadium series so far.

I'm using my tube amps or computer plugins mostly these days. A future next generation Axe-FX IV could change my mind tho' I had and sold my FM9 MkII Turbo because I wasn't using it, and plan to sell my Helix Floor at some point since I'm not using it.

 

[Exo-metal]

Do u agree with this?

Source: YouTube https://share.google/hDmnpWyXu1F2B8Bgw

 

[Rackman]

I think we alI are looking for a all in one yes. I want the most options for my money. I like the idea of the axefx III for not only the fx but it can also be used as an interface and possibly more? What other unit that is rackmounted can step into that arena?

The H9000 has maybe the best A/D conversion & interface capability in the industry. It's is actually the gearspace loopback null champion right now meaning that if you connect an output to an input and play something and record back in it, it's more similar to what you played than any other interface would be. It stomps a bunch of mastering ADC/DAC systems that cost far more.

That level of loopback null is a remarkable achievement by itself, made doubly remarkable by being a relatively cheap unit (compared to mastering A/D units) and triply remarkable because that unit isn't even an A/D unit as its primary purpose. Someone at Eventide hit it out of the park on the analog and clock design on the H9000.

https://gearspace.com/board/gear-sh...ng-ad-da-loops-means-audio-diffmaker-110.html

 

[Exo-metal]

Atm my greatest regret regarding gear is ever selling my Eventide H3000. The cost of replacing it is unfathomable.

 

[saxxamafone]

I went from axefx over to eventide eclipse and lexicon

Axefx has more versatility and is more flexible and potentially easier to use. But the eventide and lexicon has the magic sauce when it comes to sound IMO.

Axefx was almost too perfect and clean that it had no coloration or character like the eventide and lexicon units have

 

[Rackman]

Yeah if I was looking for units that have "magic" as opposed to the best capabilities, the 2290 would top my list followed by Eventide and Lexicon. I don't think the most recent Eventide units are particularly colored when not doing anything (a device can't null on loopback and be colored - the two are mutually exclusive) but the algorithms themselves have careful sound design magic, and the ecosystem is designed to support that magic.

Italo De Angelis's Annapurna echoverb is a good example of what Vsig can do if used well.

https://www.italodeangelis.com/it/eventide_and_other_stuff/eventide_H8000FW.asp (scroll down for a clip)

 

[SonVolt]

Everything taken into consideration for the needs to a guitar player.... Fractal every day and twice on Sunday. If I'm an Engineer working in a studio that's an entirely different discussion.

 

[Rackman]

Everything taken into consideration for the needs to a guitar player.... Fractal every day and twice on Sunday. If I'm an Engineer working in a studio that's an entirely different discussion.

Well it depends on what that guitar player is doing - for example I get all my gain sounds from tube preamps. An Eventide Eclipse between pre- and poweramps covers all my needs for compression, modulation, reverb, echo and delay. I don't need crossfade so with Vsig I can cram 5 or 6 good mono effects in the two blocks when normally I need 1 or 2. The Eclipse sonics are arguably superior to the AxeFX and it's smaller and cheaper total cost of ownership since I can sell mine for at least what I paid for them while Fractal stuff depreciates brutally when the next gen comes along (buckle up AxeIII guys, you're about to take a $1K loss...).

So what exactly would I gain from an AxeFX? Now if I wanted to run amp models, that's different.

 

[SonVolt]

Well it depends on what that guitar player is doing - for example I get all my gain sounds from tube preamps. An Eventide Eclipse between pre- and poweramps covers all my needs for compression, modulation, reverb, echo and delay. I don't need crossfade so with Vsig I can cram 5 or 6 good mono effects in the two blocks when normally I need 1 or 2. The Eclipse sonics are arguably superior to the AxeFX and it's smaller and cheaper total cost of ownership since I can sell mine for at least what I paid for them while Fractal stuff depreciates brutally when the next gen comes along (buckle up AxeIII guys, you're about to take a $1K loss...).

So what exactly would I gain from an AxeFX? Now if I wanted to run amp models, that's different.

Much better user experience.... better interface... infinitely better software editor. Better company support.... better community support (which is huge). EvenTide is awesome stuff, but again - for a guitar player - I can't imagine many people picking an Eclipse over an Axe Fx 3 if they were given an equal amount of time with either.

 

[tallcoolone]

I have the H90 and the new AM4 and I’ve had the AXEII. The Fractal stuff is great and yes the UI is much easier to work with but the form factor of the H90 is tough to beat. That being said, if the AM4 can handle all the FX you will need having a built in backup rig already on your pedalboard would be pretty cool.

 

[stratjacket]

I love the AceFx 3. I use pedals/amps and the Axe for effects 99% of the time. Every time I see another effect unit that looks cool, I just think I have everything with the Axe and pass.

I do have the H90 and a pair of H9’s as well as well as the Strymon Big Sky MX. I do use the H90 combined with the AxeFx because I love a few of those algorithms.

I think the AxeFx is just hard to beat. The H9000 sounds cool, but it’s like $7,000 and doesn’t seem as flexible. For less than a third of the cost you can get an AxeFx3 which I think is better for guitarist. The H9000 (with coding vsig) is probably better if you want to do sound design and make crazy sounds.

 

[Rackman]

Much better user experience.... better interface... infinitely better software editor. Better company support.... better community support (which is huge). EvenTide is awesome stuff, but again - for a guitar player - I can't imagine many people picking an Eclipse over an Axe Fx 3 if they were given an equal amount of time with either.

The Eventide stuff gives you back what you put into it. If you're looking for low learning curve, that's one thing. I'm not. I already know how to use an Eventide. And "better" software is relative. The AxeFX software is easier to learn but also far more limited because it operates a level higher from Vsig. It's basically like deep editing presets on the Eventides.

 

[SonVolt]

More limited how? I'm not talking about creating complex soundscapes here. I'm talking about high-quality effects that a guitarist is likely to use - delay, reverb, modulation etc. I don't see EvenTide wining this, at all.