My AX8 is growing old on me

[crwnedblasphemy]

Uh oh.

 

[crankyrayhanky]

Turn the noise gate down/off and you wont have that problem.

I turned my FX8 gate down; I have an ISP in the loop for those hi gain chunky rhythms as needed

 

[thiswaythatway]

I have an AX8 and all I really use it for is effects in the 4CM. I've tried the AX8 into the return of my Mark IV with the AX8 providing all the tones and it simply just doesn't sound anywhere near as good as my amp. And that's using Mesa amp sims and tweaking and tweaking and tweaking. The fractal stuff always has this scoop or smear to it that I have a hard time dialing out. Once I plug straight back into the amp, TONE!!!!!

But I wonder if I should just use an FX8 instead and use BIAS on my PC if I need late night through the monitor sounds?

 

[SkyhighRocks]

I have an AX8 and all I really use it for is effects in the 4CM. I've tried the AX8 into the return of my Mark IV with the AX8 providing all the tones and it simply just doesn't sound anywhere near as good as my amp. And that's using Mesa amp sims and tweaking and tweaking and tweaking. The fractal stuff always has this scoop or smear to it that I have a hard time dialing out. Once I plug straight back into the amp, TONE!!!!!

But I wonder if I should just use an FX8 instead and use BIAS on my PC if I need late night through the monitor sounds?

That's my vote. I may eventually end up with an FX8 once I can breathe again after buying a BE-100.

 

[The Hoff]

I've been back and forth with the fractal stuff. I think that it is really close but simply, not quite there. At the price that AX8s go for I can finally justify having both. It's perfect for quiet late night playing and getting those tones I would only use rarely. For my dedicated "sound" I have my real amps/pedals/etc.

That said, if I were gigging-the AX8 is plenty close enough taking into consideration the convenience/reliability/cost.

 

[stompboxfreak72]

I bet your QR with a 4CM with the AX8 would sound killer. Of course it defeats your intent to carry less gear. Im sorry it's not going as you had hoped. I think it's virtually inevitable though........we are always evolving or wanting to try something different so gear has to come and go. The guys who can settle on a rig and stay with it are the lucky ones. I've not arrived yet and I can hardly play anymore lol.

 

[mudf00t]

I bought a Helix and sold it because the amp models are just bad... even with impulses. It has everything you could ever want as far as hardware features but not anywhere near what Fractal has done as far as modeling.

I bought the AX8 and it really is just fine for what I wanted it for. Does it sound perfect, nope. However, it sounds damn good for what it is and it's pretty flexible.

Currently, I have 4 rigs that I can use for different purposes or for the fuck of it as is the case of the last 2.

AX8 + Rack rig with a Rocktron Velocity 300 amp and Mesa 2x12 running stereo for stage monitor.

Straight pedalboard rig and G System in an SKB PS-45 plus a small rack with a Torpedo Live and my choice of the 16 heads and 7 cabs I own.

Straight up 80s rack rig with my choice of ART SGX 2000 or ADA MP1 plus Alesis Quadraverb 2 and a Peavey Classic 50/50.

Another 80s rack with an ART DST-830 (I own 2) Rules Breaker - which I can also use the pedalboard with.

I am using the AX8 rig for practice, small venue jams, etc. I am not currently in an active working band... I jam with people here and there and sit in for a couple of different friends if they can't make a gig.