Fractal AX8

[Bishop5150]

I had back surgery 2 years ago from 20+ years of lugging around 4x12 cabs. That was my main reason for getting the AX8. I didn't think I would be able to gel with it but I was wrong. Been almost a year of gigging with it now. I have the Friedman and while it does sound great it's to heavy and awkward to lug around so it stays at our rehearsal room.

 

[CaseyCor]

I just played a gig with mine last night. AX8 into a Matrix 1U amp through a Mesa 1x12. Perfect for a small stages. AX8 goes into a Gator bag,amp in a 2U soft case. I can carry the amp the AX8 and my guitar in one trip. The models sound really good, same as whats in the AX FX II. I probably prefer a tube amp but in a band mix, it's good enough and the convenience of amp and all effects in one small package makes it worth it to me.

I used to have a Matrix 1U. Man, what a great sounding, loud ass amp!!! The only reason I got rid of it is because that and two 4x12s are way to much for a guy recording at home....and with two past hernia surgeries. Sounded awesome though. I have a Friedman ASM-12 that I absolutely love and use as a "rig" but really as a great monitor while doing recordings, etc.

The sounds of Fractal gear just scratches the surface of this company. Cliff is always on the forums and actually listens to players, etc. The other great thing is his "mad scientist" view as far as amps and tones go. He isn't happy with the idea of tones from an amp into a speaker with the traditional adjustments like treble, bass, etc. He is always thinking about the stuff that most of us completely forget about. Over the years he has added B+Constant, Variac, preamp and power amp tube types, speaker drive, and the list goes on and on. BY themselves, these adjustments can sometimes put a small dent in the sounds you are hearing but trust me, the tones now far exceed what I was hearing when I first bought my unit around 2012.

I have a hernia now that I'm living with. Can't get it fixed because I need to get some dental work done, so after I dump a few thousand on my teeth then the knife. As much as I like my Mesa gear the OS4x12 is a BEAST. Like everyone else over 40 I have a few herniated disc's as well in my back and the thought of dragging that cab up and down stairs gives me nightmares. I'd love to try out that Friedman, if it gives me an amp in the room feel I may say goodbye to heavy amps for good. That's a big if though.

Have you considered running the Mark IV w/ an IR loader + FRFR wedge? That way you can keep your basic sound and still cut down on the gear, at least a bit. Make your own IRs of your Mesa cab and leave it at home. I'm not against going with the Fractal stuff by any means, but IIRC you've had that Mark IV for years now. It's your thing.