Hagen + Axe Fx

[psbhachu]

Hi folks,

My Diezel Hagen has arrived. I'm in France at the moment and will be picking it up when I get back to London.

I'm contemplating getting rid of my MXR Pedals etc etc and buying an Axe Fx for all the Effects. However, as i'm new to the world of MIDI, what would be the best way to set these devices up? I'll be using the MFC-101 to control both the AXE Fx and HAGEN.

I'm choosing this set up as it would make things alot easier for me as I'm singing in my new band. Any help will be greatly appreciated

Cheers!

 

[Ventura]

A used Ultra is a fantastic tool for FX. My only concern is the 4CM set up with the Hagen (to truly get all the benefits of the Ultra), and not to mention, it'll be analog-digital-analog processing. So, for instance, you may ONLY need a flange, a chorus, a delay, wah, or what not - but why "force" the delicious signal created by the Hagen into a long line of digitization?

I own a Hagen. I own a couple Diezels, actually. I own an Axe-II. I prefer to use "select" stomps in the front of the amp and in its loops, and use them only sparingly. Another fact, since getting into Diezels, I found myself using fewer and fewer effects as time went on. Nowadays? Barely any - I use a simple (Digitech RV-7) reverb and more complex (Eventide TF) in its loops, and only a compressor, boost, wah and PitchFactor in front - ALL in their own, independent true-bypass [loops].

I've got 20+ stomps. I used to use all of them. I rarely use more than 2 or 3 not with my Hagen. I still love 'em with my other amps, and I think the Axe-II is a terrific tool. But I gotta say, I love the simplicity with my Diezels - their tone is solid in their own.

Hope this helps, and hey, your mileage may vary...
Uncle Mo

PS: I am STILL trying to figure out whether I get a custom board from Rooster at TrailerTrash pedalboards, or RACK 'EM ALL, and let MIDI sort 'em out.

 

[GtarLover]

I am in a similar boat as Uncle Mo.

I have a Hagen and Herbert. I use Herbert most right now. I am currently using my Axe FX Ultra in the loop of the Herbert. I use mostly time based effects in the loop (chorus, flange, phase, delay), but I also can have other effects, EQ and other options if I want. Then, I have volume, comp, drive and wah pedals in front. That's it. This setup works VERY well with either amp.

I agree with Mo, that the longer I play Diezel, the less I want to use anything. However, when playing covers, I need to have access to specific effects for specific reasons. Another thing is I don't recommend the 4CM with Diezels. I choose to use some pedals in front instead. I have tried it with my Mesa Mark V and gotten a decent result, yet the Diezel amps don't take it as well.

Peter may have some advice on this, yet my guess is he will just say "no effects," right Papa?

The cool thing about using the Ultra is it has EXCELLENT effects and when you aren't using the amp/cab blocks you have plenty of CPU to use for a decent string of effects. Personally I love to have Instant Access to my effects. I do have an MFC 101, yet use a LiquidFoot Pro controller because it has 6 preset switches instead of 5 of te MFC101. Then I still have plenty more IA switches, like 16.

You may not need more than the MFC 101 provides and that's cool. But, I also like being able to turn my amp funtions like loop, mute, and mid-cut on/off with IA switches. I did a mod that just required switching my midi chip in the amp. If you're interested, check out the Evolution chip at Wilder Amplification.

Anyway, as Uncle Mo said, you're experience may vary. However, my experience of pairing the Axe FX Ultra with the Diezel amps is absolutely SWEET!!

Hope you have fun with your Hagen, no matter what you choose, it's a really great amp!!

 

[Reiep]

My only concern is the 4CM set up with the Hagen (to truly get all the benefits of the Ultra), and not to mention, it'll be analog-digital-analog processing.

I understood that 4CM is not really recommanded with the Axe FX, noise can appear (that's what the interwebz says). Unfortunately I didn't have the occasion to try it when I had my Standard. I was thinking about getting a 2nd hand Ultra or a II, but it kind of slows me down. I was thinking about getting a small True Bypass looper with MIDI capabilities in front of the amp for pre effects, and the rest in the amp's switchable loop, in parallel. This way you reduce the AD/DA conversion to the minimum.

For now I'm using Eventide stomps so that not a solution for me anymore, but who knows in the future...

 

[psbhachu]

A used Ultra is a fantastic tool for FX. My only concern is the 4CM set up with the Hagen (to truly get all the benefits of the Ultra), and not to mention, it'll be analog-digital-analog processing. So, for instance, you may ONLY need a flange, a chorus, a delay, wah, or what not - but why "force" the delicious signal created by the Hagen into a long line of digitization?

I own a Hagen. I own a couple Diezels, actually. I own an Axe-II. I prefer to use "select" stomps in the front of the amp and in its loops, and use them only sparingly. Another fact, since getting into Diezels, I found myself using fewer and fewer effects as time went on. Nowadays? Barely any - I use a simple (Digitech RV-7) reverb and more complex (Eventide TF) in its loops, and only a compressor, boost, wah and PitchFactor in front - ALL in their own, independent true-bypass [loops].

I've got 20+ stomps. I used to use all of them. I rarely use more than 2 or 3 not with my Hagen. I still love 'em with my other amps, and I think the Axe-II is a terrific tool. But I gotta say, I love the simplicity with my Diezels - their tone is solid in their own.

Hope this helps, and hey, your mileage may vary...
Uncle Mo

PS: I am STILL trying to figure out whether I get a custom board from Rooster at TrailerTrash pedalboards, or RACK 'EM ALL, and let MIDI sort 'em out.

Well thats what I want. I just want to use the modulation effects as well as Reverb and Delays in the FX Loop. Everything else like Flange, Phase, Chorus, Tremolo etc etc in the front of the amp.

So what would be the best way to set this up and still have the Hagen's tone 100% pure when no effects are engaged?

 

[Reiep]

So what would be the best way to set this up and still have the Hagen's tone 100% pure when no effects are engaged?

Well... That's pretty much what I described the post before :

I was thinking about getting a small True Bypass looper with MIDI capabilities in front of the amp for pre effects, and the rest in the amp's switchable loop, in parallel. This way you reduce the AD/DA conversion to the minimum.

So you go guitar -> TB looper send -> Axe FX IN -> effects -> Axe FX Loop send -> TB looper return -> Hagen IN -> Hagen switchable send -> Axe FX Loop return -> effects -> Axe FX Out -> Hagen parallel return.

This way the Axe FX is completely bypassable.

 

[Ventura]

Well thats what I want. I just want to use the modulation effects as well as Reverb and Delays in the FX Loop. Everything else like Flange, Phase, Chorus, Tremolo etc etc in the front of the amp.

So what would be the best way to set this up and still have the Hagen's tone 100% pure when no effects are engaged?

Again, due to some of the "oddities" I'd experienced with my old Ultra (which I no longer have), I ended up just using select stomps in the loop and in front of the amps. It saved me having to go full MIDI with my Diezels. That's not to say it's the right way, as honestly, I'm still trying to figure out whether or not I should go full MIDI and rack all my stomps with proper switches, and maybe even have the ability to throw the Axe-II in there.

You're on the right track. Bottom line is you can do what you need to do with the Ultra, and either go with the MFC101 or even the GCP. MIDI is MIDI, it'll take some programming and from there, some fine tuning. But you'll get what you want and need with the Ultra, patience and some experimenting.

Regardless, you've got the right amp no matter what

Uncle Mo

 

[psbhachu]

Well, I checked out the Eventide Time Factor and Space. Think I'm gonna ditch the Axe Fx and buy the Eventide Pedals to go into the loop and use the Columbus to switch the amp and select presets on the Eventides.

Just means having a 2nd board living on top of the amp.

 

[Ventura]

Well, I checked out the Eventide Time Factor and Space. Think I'm gonna ditch the Axe Fx and buy the Eventide Pedals to go into the loop and use the Columbus to switch the amp and select presets on the Eventides.

Just means having a 2nd board living on top of the amp.

You won't go wrong with this approach. I even went for a simpler reverb than the SPACE, I went with a RV-7 (Digitech). The TimeFactor in the back, MIDI controllable (stereo too, so it can be configured in front (A) and in rear (B)) and a Pitch/ModFactor up front (stereo able too) is a perfect fit.

I love Eventide.

Good luck with it, keep us posted.
Uncle Mo

 

[pstar]

Uncle Mo

 

[psbhachu]

Well, I checked out the Eventide Time Factor and Space. Think I'm gonna ditch the Axe Fx and buy the Eventide Pedals to go into the loop and use the Columbus to switch the amp and select presets on the Eventides.

Just means having a 2nd board living on top of the amp.

You won't go wrong with this approach. I even went for a simpler reverb than the SPACE, I went with a RV-7 (Digitech). The TimeFactor in the back, MIDI controllable (stereo too, so it can be configured in front (A) and in rear (B)) and a Pitch/ModFactor up front (stereo able too) is a perfect fit.

I love Eventide.

Good luck with it, keep us posted.
Uncle Mo

Well, things are getting even more simpler at the moment. I just bought the TC Electronics Nova Delay to sit on top of the amp in the Loop.

So far I have this....

Guitar --> CAE Wah --> Rotovibe --> MXR GT-OD --> MXR Stereo Chorus --> EVH Phase 90 --> EVH Flanger --> HAGEN + TC Electronics Nova (Loop) and TC Electronics Polytune (Tuner Out)

Just waiting on the 7 Button Footswitch for the Hagen and thats my setup complete!!!

 

[Ventura]

Well, I checked out the Eventide Time Factor and Space. Think I'm gonna ditch the Axe Fx and buy the Eventide Pedals to go into the loop and use the Columbus to switch the amp and select presets on the Eventides.

Just means having a 2nd board living on top of the amp.

You won't go wrong with this approach. I even went for a simpler reverb than the SPACE, I went with a RV-7 (Digitech). The TimeFactor in the back, MIDI controllable (stereo too, so it can be configured in front (A) and in rear (B)) and a Pitch/ModFactor up front (stereo able too) is a perfect fit.

I love Eventide.

Good luck with it, keep us posted.
Uncle Mo

Well, things are getting even more simpler at the moment. I just bought the TC Electronics Nova Delay to sit on top of the amp in the Loop.

So far I have this....

Guitar --> CAE Wah --> Rotovibe --> MXR GT-OD --> MXR Stereo Chorus --> EVH Phase 90 --> EVH Flanger --> HAGEN + TC Electronics Nova (Loop) and TC Electronics Polytune (Tuner Out)

Just waiting on the 7 Button Footswitch for the Hagen and thats my setup complete!!!

Love it!!

KISS man, Keep It Simple Stupid

That's the best approach to guitars and tone - just keep it raw if and when at all possible.

Peace,
Mojo

 

[psbhachu]

Well, I checked out the Eventide Time Factor and Space. Think I'm gonna ditch the Axe Fx and buy the Eventide Pedals to go into the loop and use the Columbus to switch the amp and select presets on the Eventides.

Just means having a 2nd board living on top of the amp.

You won't go wrong with this approach. I even went for a simpler reverb than the SPACE, I went with a RV-7 (Digitech). The TimeFactor in the back, MIDI controllable (stereo too, so it can be configured in front (A) and in rear (B)) and a Pitch/ModFactor up front (stereo able too) is a perfect fit.

I love Eventide.

Good luck with it, keep us posted.
Uncle Mo

Well, things are getting even more simpler at the moment. I just bought the TC Electronics Nova Delay to sit on top of the amp in the Loop.

So far I have this....

Guitar --> CAE Wah --> Rotovibe --> MXR GT-OD --> MXR Stereo Chorus --> EVH Phase 90 --> EVH Flanger --> HAGEN + TC Electronics Nova (Loop) and TC Electronics Polytune (Tuner Out)

Just waiting on the 7 Button Footswitch for the Hagen and thats my setup complete!!!

Love it!!

KISS man, Keep It Simple Stupid

That's the best approach to guitars and tone - just keep it raw if and when at all possible.

Peace,
Mojo

KISS? the fuck? lol

Oh its as raw as can be now. I'm heavily influenced by the ' 90s Seattle' sound. Jerry Cantrell kind of set the level for me. The tone on the 'Dirt' album was what I was hearing consistently in my head. The Hagen does it and better too! The 90s Seattle bands mostly had simple setups.

Guitar ---> Pedalboard ---> Amp

Just a few FX for textures. I couldn't be anymore happier in all honesty!

 

[cujo]

If you are just looking for effects with your diezel tge digitech gsp1101 workings amazing in 4 cable method with the Diezels. No tone suck at all. Great effects. The control 2 footboard controls it all !

 

[psbhachu]

If you are just looking for effects with your diezel tge digitech gsp1101 workings amazing in 4 cable method with the Diezels. No tone suck at all. Great effects. The control 2 footboard controls it all !

I think i'm going to stick with the old school method. Guitar/Pedalboard/Amp. Its just less and if anything goes wrong, it'll be simple to fix.

Not doubting the Digitech but I think I've made the right decision