Buying a used AxeFx

[johnpace2]

Hey Guys,

I'm going to be looking for an AxeFx Ultra for recording (and more perhaps) and was wondering if I need to worry about things like firmware, etc or other factors that I might not be aware of.

Seems like the good rate for one in great condition is about $1,200.

Thanks!
John

 

[jcj]

Hey John-

Firmware is maxed at 11, on the 1st gen. boxes, so no more updates to worry about; I loved my Standard, and at $1200 for an Ultra, I think it would be hard to go wrong.

 

[Bob Savage]

Hey John-

Firmware is maxed at 11, on the 1st gen. boxes, so no more updates to worry about; I loved my Standard, and at $1200 for an Ultra, I think it would be hard to go wrong.

I need to take a look at mine. I think it's at version 9 or something.

 

[moltenmetalburn]

well if you can afford it go axe fx 2. blew my ultra away so i sold it.

if not just check that the midi phantom power still works, that the screen does not flicker and thats about it.

 

[johnpace2]

Thanks guys. The II isn't in the budget at this point so I need to stick with the ultra.

 

[Ventura]

If you buy an Ultra and just never look back, you'll be happy.

 

[moltenmetalburn]

well if you can afford it go axe fx 2. blew my ultra away so i sold it.

if not just check that the midi phantom power still works, that the screen does not flicker and thats about it.

SO glad i cant tell the difference or I would have bought an Axe 2 along time ago..

man i just cant believe this statement, you would have to be deaf to not hear the differences they are so unbelievably stark.

considering you own diezels we both know you can hear the difference between jcm800s and valve states etc..

maybe you just have no interest in solid state and it colors your objectivity.




AXE FX 2 is the best musical decision ive made in 20 years.

i sold my diezel einstein, framus dragon, mesa dual rectifier, HK triamp, splawn quickrod, engl blackmore, krank rev 1, and VHT deliverance AFTER getting the axe fx 2. i kept them when i had the ultra.

granted I am an advanced user, instead of being overwhelmed by the parameter variability i was ecstatic that i could finally make the necessary adjustments real amps don't have.

I can make my axe fx 2 sound like any of the amps ive owned. I can also make those amplifiers sound better then they do in real life given the extensive parameter set.

anyway just rambling..

 

[bstaley]

My Ultra is for sale. It is in excellent condition and has none of the issues described above.
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=126469&p=1479198&hilit=axe+fx+ultra#p1479198

 

[johnpace2]

Nevermind, I see there is no waiting list for the II.

 

[moltenmetalburn]

No waiting list.

 

[fluff191]

My brother-in-law recently bought a used Ultra and was shocked it did not have a USB connector in the back. So if you plan on recording at home you will also need to get an interface.

 

[moltenmetalburn]

No offense but he should have just read the manual on it. One of the reasons for the axe 2 was the USB capabilities.

 

[johnpace2]

I think I will read that manual before deciding. I do have a Roland OctaCapture interface, so it doesn't have to be USB, but interface is just one extra step I guess.

 

[johnpace2]

No waiting list.

Is the supply still somewhat flighty? I ask because most people on ebay are selling their II's at a price several hundred above the cost shown on the fractal site....

 

[moltenmetalburn]

store says in stock right now, holiday special 2199 go click buy.

 

[steve_k]

Most of the used A2's on ebay are douche nozzles that buy in the US with the intent of shipping overseas for a little profit. Fractal has a strict US/International policy. Rob at TM's has a good price on new A2's, plus you have Mark Day there to help if you get stuck. Buy new with a warranty if you can swing it. The extra features on the A2 make it worth while. Like computers, there's more CPU, more productive firmware and more control to sculpt the models. It's a no brainer if you are starting from scratch.

 

[jlbaxe]

+ it is designed for the 4cm and sounds amazing

USB and headphone jack is a win/win

 

[steve_k]

+ it is designed for the 4cm and sounds amazing

USB and headphone jack is a win/win

If Cliff would add on a WIFI receiver, there would be no need for plugging into a computer for updates....

BTW, Firmware 9.0 was just released (non-beta), and the Scenes features for the MFC is supposed to be a game changer for control. Will update it and work on that this weekend.

 

[jlbaxe]

+ it is designed for the 4cm and sounds amazing

USB and headphone jack is a win/win

If Cliff would add on a WIFI receiver, there would be no need for plugging into a computer for updates....

BTW, Firmware 9.0 was just released (non-beta), and the Scenes features for the MFC is supposed to be a game changer for control. Will update it and work on that this weekend.

Just sold my MFC101

 

[steve_k]

+ it is designed for the 4cm and sounds amazing

USB and headphone jack is a win/win

If Cliff would add on a WIFI receiver, there would be no need for plugging into a computer for updates....

BTW, Firmware 9.0 was just released (non-beta), and the Scenes features for the MFC is supposed to be a game changer for control. Will update it and work on that this weekend.

Just sold my MFC101

The MFC is seamless with the A2. Plug and play. I suspect it could be a little much for controlling other gear though. It has a non-Axe set up on it if so desired. MIDI is MIDI. The read out is easy to see and the LED's are blinding. What's not to like? The Mark II with the Ethercon is great. No more fumbling around with MIDI cables, phantom power connections or board power.