Modern day amps are too tight…

[mnemonic]

On digital, like the Fractal units, I always have a hard time balancing between having that bouncy feel and turning to mush. It is hard to find that balance of not being too sterile tight, and not getting so much sag everything smears together. I recently got a Synergy system for this reason, because it has that nice bouncy feel to it.

This has been a constant struggle for me with the axe FX for years. I finally just gave up completely on axe FX amp models and I’m just using my tube amps again. Majority of my time I’m using my fryette gpdi. Still use the axe FX for effects with every amp though.

Turns out it isn’t the million options that makes me want to tweak controls constantly, it’s the sound and feel not being right.

The ‘tube pre’ does work good as a generic power amp sim though, I got it sounding more or less the same as my 2/50/2, so most of the time it’s gpdi into the axe FX for power amp sim and for eq/FX.

Axe FX is worth the price of entry just for the sheer amount of eq options honestly.

 

[harddriver]

This has been a constant struggle for me with the axe FX for years. I finally just gave up completely on axe FX amp models and I’m just using my tube amps again. Majority of my time I’m using my fryette gpdi. Still use the axe FX for effects with every amp though.

Turns out it isn’t the million options that makes me want to tweak controls constantly, it’s the sound and feel not being right.

The ‘tube pre’ does work good as a generic power amp sim though, I got it sounding more or less the same as my 2/50/2, so most of the time it’s gpdi into the axe FX for power amp sim and for eq/FX.

Axe FX is worth the price of entry just for the sheer amount of eq options honestly.

Even with all the protestations that digital modeling replicates the tube experience 100% and that may be in the digital recording or audience listening realm.

The sound/feel experiences of the guitar player seems to show migration back to the real amplifier for many. I know alot of guys get nad have gotten killer live tones out of AXEFX like Victim5150(May he rest in peace) and I don't deny Kemper's prowess as well but there just is an interaction between player and the amp experience that cannot be 100% replicated digitally IMHO.

 

[Racerxrated]

Even with all the protestations that digital modeling replicates the tube experience 100% and that may be in the digital recording or audience listening realm.

The sound/feel experiences of the guitar player seems to show migration back to the real amplifier for many. I know alot of guys get nad have gotten killer live tones out of AXEFX like Victim5150(May he rest in peace) and I don't deny Kemper's prowess as well but there just is an interaction between player and the amp experience that cannot be 100% replicated digitally IMHO.

Exactly. They are still great tools for the trade; lots of good reasons to have one ie transporting a small device, recording, low vol playing etc...but they aren't replacing tube amps tonally/feelwise yet.

 

[Shask]

This has been a constant struggle for me with the axe FX for years. I finally just gave up completely on axe FX amp models and I’m just using my tube amps again. Majority of my time I’m using my fryette gpdi. Still use the axe FX for effects with every amp though.

Turns out it isn’t the million options that makes me want to tweak controls constantly, it’s the sound and feel not being right.

The ‘tube pre’ does work good as a generic power amp sim though, I got it sounding more or less the same as my 2/50/2, so most of the time it’s gpdi into the axe FX for power amp sim and for eq/FX.

Axe FX is worth the price of entry just for the sheer amount of eq options honestly.

Yeah, I have the II and a FM3. I agree about tweaking more because something is off, not because the options are there.

I even notice running them in the loop of my tube stuff, even with no effects, there is a smearing of the low end, and the dynamics feel off. I have been running it in a parallel mixer for that reason.

I do love my Fractal gear though. Great tools to have.