I just like "TUBES"....not interested in the Kemper or AxeFX

[Gainzilla]

Meh, I like both. Play what you like...

 

[ttosh]

Yep, not for me either.

I sold off a largely analog rack system about a year or so ago because, even with just one multi FX unit, a rack-based relay switcher and a midi controller, I got sick and tired of all of the programming. I would sit down to practice or play my guitar, an hour would pass and I would realize I spent the whole time playing an A chord or the same lead line over and over again while I tweaked the presets in my rack. I know the Axe and Kemper sound good, but I am just not interested in the menu scrolling, programming, midi integration, etc.

I generally dislike the technical aspects of computers and especially hate all of the B.S. software updates one needs to worry about with computers. I don't need those same headaches with my guitar equipment. I much prefer to have a few amps which are "static" in nature; that is, they do not change. Maybe that's a drawback vs. the flexibility a constantly updated Axe or Kemper can provide, but not in my eyes. If a tube amp works for me, it will continue to work for me. It doesn't need to be in a constant state of flux and change. And, as a result, it allows me to focus on what's important - playing the guitar.

I can see how the Axe and Kemper could be great for recording. However, given I am not currently doing home computer-based recording, it's of no use to me.

The bottom line for me is, nothing will ever sound quite as good as a freshly biased, well dialled and properly mic'd tube amp.

P.S. Yes, I am one of those guys that still thinks a vinyl record sounds better and has more character than a CD or MP3. I guess I'm "old school".

Could not have said it better based on my personal feelings. Not bashing either side, both have their merits. But this is exactly how I feel.

 

[Rash]

I believe that Jimmy Nolan sounds cool inside Mr Brown, Van Halen sounds godlike with his band etc. it is the whole package, i.e. the drum sound of Alex Van Halen fits perfectly with the guitar nolan skronky funky sounds makes the big bass guitar coming throuh, most things are completely related inside a band sound. i.e. it does not work playing with a Nolan Guitar sound to an Alex Van Halen drum sounds, sounds shitty....so you will use only 3-6 sounds which will work (will be audible) inside your band, omnipotence (thousand of possible modeler sounds) often does not make it better

 

[Rash]

If the drummer is loud (mostly hard rock, Metal, Core) the problem of an overly loud stage sound becomes more problematic, then ok, modeler can be a cool solution, I never enjoyed playing with hard hitting drummers with shitty loud and harsh cymbals...

 

[ttosh]

I just like "TONE". I don't care how I get it. I am not beholden to tubes. I am not beholden to any amp brand or any circuit. I will plug my cord right into a cats ass if it gives me the tone I am looking for.

This made my Friday!!

 

[ratter]

 

[mentoneman]

 

[Rash]

I just like "TONE". I don't care how I get it. I am not beholden to tubes. I am not beholden to any amp brand or any circuit. I will plug my cord right into a cats ass if it gives me the tone I am looking for.

This is true! If it works and makes you play/audible, that simple.

Never played as much when I got my first pod I at home, played with backing tracks and songs for hours enjoying it, makes the most effect playing and recording constantly with backings (modeler) without disturbing others and changing stylistic boundaries and sounds with a button click.

 

[thiswaythatway]

 

[DADA]

Just had a big time reality check today. I was tweaking the AFX a bit. And then a guy with a Marshall with stage setup and some other stuff walked in.
Man that Whipping ATTACK of a real tube amp just left mine AFX in the dark. Even with damp maxed out it could not even come close.

So mine conclusion. Leave the AFX where it belongs. AT HOME or IN THE STUDIO.

Live you there is no alternative to tubes. simple

 

[thiswaythatway]

Just had a big time reality check today. I was tweaking the AFX a bit. And then a guy with a Marshall with stage setup and some other stuff walked in.
Man that Whipping ATTACK of a real tube amp just left mine AFX in the dark. Even with damp maxed out it could not even come close.

So mine conclusion. Leave the AFX where it belongs. AT HOME or IN THE STUDIO.

Live you there is no alternative to tubes. simple

But it's a game changer.

 

[Rogue]

Just had a big time reality check today. I was tweaking the AFX a bit. And then a guy with a Marshall with stage setup and some other stuff walked in.
Man that Whipping ATTACK of a real tube amp just left mine AFX in the dark. Even with damp maxed out it could not even come close.

So mine conclusion. Leave the AFX where it belongs. AT HOME or IN THE STUDIO.

Live you there is no alternative to tubes. simple

Clearly, you haven't dialed it in right. Talk to Scott Peterson, he will tell you that you aren't doing it right.

 

[mentoneman]

Just had a big time reality check today. I was tweaking the AFX a bit. And then a guy with a Marshall with stage setup and some other stuff walked in.
Man that Whipping ATTACK of a real tube amp just left mine AFX in the dark. Even with damp maxed out it could not even come close.

So mine conclusion. Leave the AFX where it belongs. AT HOME or IN THE STUDIO.

Live you there is no alternative to tubes. simple

it's always impossible to locate unbiased truth in your posts dada because you behave like a jilted lover.
i sold my ultra but still respect it and cliff for what it is. high quality and innovative.

regarding feel from player perspective, this has been my experience as well. if you use in ears, axe may have the advantage.

result at foh/audience, depends on operator. i predict axe-fx/kemper power users could fool you every time from audience perspective.

 

[BYTOR]

Just had a big time reality check today. I was tweaking the AFX a bit. And then a guy with a Marshall with stage setup and some other stuff walked in.
Man that Whipping ATTACK of a real tube amp just left mine AFX in the dark. Even with damp maxed out it could not even come close.

So mine conclusion. Leave the AFX where it belongs. AT HOME or IN THE STUDIO.

Live you there is no alternative to tubes. simple

Clearly, you haven't dialed it in right. Talk to Scott Peterson, he will tell you that you aren't doing it right.

Go and see the Deftones or Megadeth live with their Axe-Fx II's, which they use for all amp tones, & you will hear it done correctly!

Mustaine somewhat hides the fact that he uses the Axe live because of amp endorsement deals & image.

The behind the scenes guys at Fractal could spill the beans on many "closeted" well known guitarists that use the Axe2 for their live & studio tones!

Oh the horror it would cause all the cork sniffers! lol

 

[Rogue]

What?

 

[Shiny_Surface]

Really what it boils down to imo is (some) people get defensive about they own (from both sides), they want people to agree with their views. If they see alot of posts from the "other side" they want to validate their opinions and may even see themselves as the contrarian to oppose.

Btw wasn't necessarily talking about the OP just a general observation.

I have a POD HD bean and plenty of people hate it, I get some great tones out of it for low volume practice. I would not try to defend it though if someone says it's a pos, they have a right to their opinions.

If people just didn't care that others hate or don't prefer their gear you would see alot less of it imo.

 

[DADA]

I have this thing for almost 3 years now. And I know how to dial in the tonez I like. For recording and stuff it delivers.
BUT I am not talking about tonez. It is the responsiveness the HUGE attack is what I am missing.
Live one needs that HUGE reactive respons and attack.

But let me turn this into a question.
What 2 channel or 3 channel midi switchable amp would work best with the AFX whereas the AFX is the effects unit? And yes I like the Petrucci Mesa with a bit of Marshall flavor over it.

Just need some tubish amp head help.

 

[Ventura]

I started out thinking it was just this: an argument between tubes versus digital, and which did which better. Sure, there's a lot to blame on the consent from the Fractal camp for their forays into tubeland talk - "more realer", "more betterer", "more tube like", "all the touch sensitivity of a Dumble during its menstrual cycle", blah blah blah. That's where the divisiveness came in for me - it was an "us" and "them" thing. A tube versus binary argument, and one had to come out the "clear winner".

I've changed my tack - it's not about which one sounds better. It's not that at all. It's about options. And ya, power users will get the A2 to sound perfect in a live format no problemo - probably more easily than analog gear. Recording and home use? A2 is great. It's never going to replace the pant flapping thunder of a tube powered 4x12, and that's fine. Just like your tried and trusted JCM800 won't replace the A2 in terms of flexibility and breadth.

It's just another tool. Plug in, set it to sound good, play.

 

[Heritage Softail]

Go and see the Deftones or Megadeth live with their Axe-Fx II's, which they use for all amp tones, & you will hear it done correctly!

Mustaine somewhat hides the fact that he uses the Axe live because of amp endorsement deals & image.

The behind the scenes guys at Fractal could spill the beans on many "closeted" well known guitarists that use the Axe2 for their live & studio tones!

Oh the horror it would cause all the cork sniffers! lol

So mine conclusion. Leave the AFX where it belongs. AT HOME or IN THE STUDIO.

Live you there is no alternative to tubes. simple

So, you are a cork sniffer?

This quote has been pasted together incorrectly. You have created a quote from DaTOR....

 

[Rogue]

This quote has been pasted together incorrectly. You have created a quote from DaTOR....

lol! I did. I get them confused.