My AxeFx is having me consider selling my amps

[Digital Jams]

it seems as though what i've said all along, from the pre-ownership listening to the clips phase to now, is exactly what i am experiencing with the axe.

the stereo rack effects are huge and the best i've ever personally owned.
the synth sounds are head turning.
the delays in this box are ridiculously awesome, from echoplex to memory man to 2290, probably the most accurately reproduced features in the box.
the reverb is lexicon comparable.
some of the pedal effects are great and things like compressors and dirt boxes have evolved greatly in it and the simplicity of routing these things digitally without rack interfaces, cable, space requirements are a dream come true


the amps
here's where it gets tricky. i'm getting great SOUNDS in the territories of the amp models i'm using, granted every tone i dial in has drive pedals, paraeq, cab sims, and one or more post amp effects.
their just not BEHAVING in a manner i'm familiar with. if you just bang on a rock preset it's fine, but for subtle hybrid pick players like myself, sometimes it's too flat, sometimes its too harsh, sometimes too waxy in the mids, particularly when you get to rolling of gtr volume....

like gainy said, the levels must be monitored all along the way to keep things optimized and consistent to the output. i'm doing my best to optimize each link in the chain for levels coming in and going out. maybe rather than roll of gtr volume i need to apply a volume pedal in the loop or expression pedal a precise volume parameter somewhere to obtain the rsult.

this weekend i auditioned the carol ann model next to my real carol ann and in some areas of the neck it sounded extremely accurate, but in certain areas of the neck it was a dead modeling giveaway. and pound for pound the real amp is way more inspiring to play with real compression pedals and drive pedals, and real speakers. i was going to add real delays to that list but the axe delays are so good i'd be perfectly happy using one in the axe. delay freaks really need to hear the box for that aspect.

again, every time you add a new link in the axe it is 85-95 percent of the real thing, mostly feel and response, which makes the cumulative result of a complex chain substantially off the mark, and keeps you seeking ways to restore missing elements by adding or cutting somewhere down the line.

the cae lead tone is extremely similar to what i've played and heard live on single notes but chords sound funny.

the strummed rhythms of my plexi/trainwreck tone is full and twangy but kinda dead on single notes.

the modded plexi tone is great but i want to dial the sharp presence back down into the warmth a bit, but presence control doesn't control "that" presence.

so it dawned on me for the axe that i'm going try to take a different approach i've used in the past in rack world. for each main tone i use, i'm going to set one for rhythm, one for lead, of the same basic preset, from cleans to dirty.

fender sparkly effected clean, stripped down clean lead
plexiwreck rhythm, plexiwreck lead
carol ann rhythm, carol ann lead
modded plexi rhythm, modded plexi lead
etc.

and for the cost of one speaker i can purchase a whole bunch of redwirez speakers so i figure that's worth a try to, although the computer side of the axe for me is pretty unromatic to say the least! appreciate the functionality but hate using it.
but then again when's the last time you played your guitar and switched between ej clean and a real violin?

Thanks for the info. The Axe does sound like it can do a great job in the FX loop of an amp or with the 4cm. If i were going to build a pedalboard, let's take a Timeline or Timefactor which are $400 new, and that's just for a delay pedal. Timeline's are now selling for close to $500 on the used market. By the time you get a chorus box, reverb, a phaser, etc, the price goes up past the cost of an Axe-fx standard, and you have a cluttered board and you have to do the tap dance if everything isn't MIDI. Although, some guys, myself included, still like to reach down and twist a knob.

I do feel a bit of disconnect with MIDI and not being able to abjust by twisting a knob, but eliminating multiple cables and boxes also has advantages. AGH, I'm confused. Like i said though, for $1500 it's a good buy for what you get. With the Axe out, does it make sense to drop money on something like a G-System when the Axe can do everything and more?

You could always build a 10u rack with vintage 90s gear, get a mixer to mix them all down, and have killer arms lifting the thing all the time

I want an axefx too though, the 90s crap is stuff that I could not afford back in the day so I really dig it but also the axe would be cool to own.

 

[mentoneman]

buy the axe for the stereo rack effects/compression/graphic/paraeq/synths if nothing else, and the ability to eliminate a heavy complicated pedalboard and the routing/tapdance. and out of curiosity for how the amps will sound to you and your rig. there are enough clips out there to prove it sounds good. but will you like the feel? it's different is all.

 

[ejecta]

it seems as though what i've said all along, from the pre-ownership listening to the clips phase to now, is exactly what i am experiencing with the axe.

the stereo rack effects are huge and the best i've ever personally owned.
the synth sounds are head turning.
the delays in this box are ridiculously awesome, from echoplex to memory man to 2290, probably the most accurately reproduced features in the box.
the reverb is lexicon comparable.
some of the pedal effects are great and things like compressors and dirt boxes have evolved greatly in it and the simplicity of routing these things digitally without rack interfaces, cable, space requirements are a dream come true


the amps
here's where it gets tricky. i'm getting great SOUNDS in the territories of the amp models i'm using, granted every tone i dial in has drive pedals, paraeq, cab sims, and one or more post amp effects.
their just not BEHAVING in a manner i'm familiar with. if you just bang on a rock preset it's fine, but for subtle hybrid pick players like myself, sometimes it's too flat, sometimes its too harsh, sometimes too waxy in the mids, particularly when you get to rolling of gtr volume....

like gainy said, the levels must be monitored all along the way to keep things optimized and consistent to the output. i'm doing my best to optimize each link in the chain for levels coming in and going out. maybe rather than roll of gtr volume i need to apply a volume pedal in the loop or expression pedal a precise volume parameter somewhere to obtain the rsult.

this weekend i auditioned the carol ann model next to my real carol ann and in some areas of the neck it sounded extremely accurate, but in certain areas of the neck it was a dead modeling giveaway. and pound for pound the real amp is way more inspiring to play with real compression pedals and drive pedals, and real speakers. i was going to add real delays to that list but the axe delays are so good i'd be perfectly happy using one in the axe. delay freaks really need to hear the box for that aspect.

again, every time you add a new link in the axe it is 85-95 percent of the real thing, mostly feel and response, which makes the cumulative result of a complex chain substantially off the mark, and keeps you seeking ways to restore missing elements by adding or cutting somewhere down the line.

the cae lead tone is extremely similar to what i've played and heard live on single notes but chords sound funny.

the strummed rhythms of my plexi/trainwreck tone is full and twangy but kinda dead on single notes.

the modded plexi tone is great but i want to dial the sharp presence back down into the warmth a bit, but presence control doesn't control "that" presence.

so it dawned on me for the axe that i'm going try to take a different approach i've used in the past in rack world. for each main tone i use, i'm going to set one for rhythm, one for lead, of the same basic preset, from cleans to dirty.

fender sparkly effected clean, stripped down clean lead
plexiwreck rhythm, plexiwreck lead
carol ann rhythm, carol ann lead
modded plexi rhythm, modded plexi lead
etc.

and for the cost of one speaker i can purchase a whole bunch of redwirez speakers so i figure that's worth a try to, although the computer side of the axe for me is pretty unromatic to say the least! appreciate the functionality but hate using it.
but then again when's the last time you played your guitar and switched between ej clean and a real violin?

"Axe hater!"

I kid... but thanks for sharing your thoughts. When I read this post I was like "Yeah exactly what I felt about the unit." You just put it better than I ever have.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, for some tones and certain situations the Axe can't be beat and a large part of the FX are stellar. IMHO it just lacks what a tube amp gives me and I think you put it into words very well.

If that makes me a hater then so be it but I'm not. I just don't think it is what some make it out to be and I'll always voice that opinion for those who are looking for info on the unit. If I was researching info on something I would want to hear the good with the bad.

I mean the way some people get their panties in wad over any less than glowing post about the Axe makes me wonder if they married to the thing.

 

[gbsmusic]

I always hear people say that the Axe-FX lacks balls and doesn't hang with a real amp at louder volumes. But wouldn't that have more to do with what poweramp you're using?

I still have yet to be convinced that it can touch the real amps it's trying to sound like, but still, considering it's got all those effects, you can record direct, you can use it with your amp, etc. It still sounds like a good buy.

It has to do with the poweramp you use and how you set up the volume within the unit itself and how you setup everything in the signal chain.

I was having issues with volume on my AXE-FX at live gigs. To be quite honest with you I was getting smoked by my other guitar player at my last two gigs and it was the first time in history the soundman kept asking me if I could turn up and I had my volume on the Ax-fx almost on full. It would have been easy for me to write off the AXE-FX and make a post on the net and spread a rumor that it doesn't cut it live or it has no balls but given that I have a 1500 watt poweramp logic dictates that the problem was with the driver and not the axe LMAO. I spent some time with the axe-fx and I noticed that when I cut out the effects the volume jumped up a bit which then told me that everything you add to the chain will effect the volume and you need to adjust that accordingly..... Lesson number one learned
The next thing I noticed is that on my patches when I went into my amp sims that the volume was set to minus 4.35db...not the main amps master volume but there is a place where you scroll over and it will have volume in Db.(going by memory here!) I set that to zero DB and guess what? Problem solved. Now the volume on 2 is the same I had when almost maxed out. Now fast forward to my last gig..... I crushed the other guitarist in the band and actually had to turn down.

Now on another note and you guys can take this how you want it. Even with the previous volume issues I had, the soundman said I don't know WTF you are using but you have one of the best/FATTEST tones that ive ever heard. We've played the same place 3 times already and he has said that same statement 3 times already. To add more props to the AXE-FX the new guitar player of my band is a straight into Marshall type of guy who was worried about me using the Axe-FX. After listening to his tone I dialed in a patch to mimic his sound. Let's just say he has no issues now All of this may sound like grand internet BS stories but it's 100% true.

Listen, I don't give a Ratts ass what people use... Truly. I've said this many times and I'll freaking say it again. The axe-fx is a tool like any amp out there. if you don't dig it FINE. What's the big fucking deal? The thing that does bug me is when people spread fiction off as fact and that's when I have to laugh. If you don't like the axe-fx...AWESOME there are many amps out there but if you make a sweeping generalization based on playing the thing for a few minutes or you parrot something that you heard on the net and claim it as fact then you are an idiot regardless of what piece of gear you are using!

(Im not using anyone as an example here.. I'm just stating what Ive seen lol!_)

On another note... Danny... If you want to try the axe-fx you are welcome to try it anytime you want

Great info!

 

[mentoneman]

ejecta is a bad human for not enjoying the axefx

honestly, calculate how much each pedal you desire would cost new or used; compressor, 2 different drives, chorus, flanger, phaser, delay (or 3 ) cables, pedal board, rack effect(s) like delay, compressor, reverb, chorus, rack enclosure, more cables, interface to control pedals, mixer, amps(s), cables, speaker cabs, cables, mics, or:

for 2k
and

for $100 used

and a pair of these:

for $200 used...go up from there in cost and quality for better monitoring solutions

 

[stratotone]

Pat touched on the reason why I'd never sell mine, unless I was trading up to an Ultra: it's not just a one trick pony.

Great FX for your tube amp (or PA for that matter... I'm playing with some of the fx with my home studio and it kills for everything)

Great modelling

Heck, you can even take a line out of your favorite amp late at night, run it through the axe and add a cab emulation and some effects and get a really nice tone for direct recording.

I did an A/B with some of the amps the Axe modelled, and while there is a difference in feel, the tone usually is really close. My easiest way of telling which was which was to listen for extra noise, as the axe was dead quiet compared to the real thing.

Pete

 

[Gainfreak]

I think the Axe-fx has been out long enough for there to be some truth to the Hype. When something gets overhyped and it doesn't hold water the product will go away... Not so with the axe. With that said, Like I said, It's not going to be for everyone and I respect that

and just to stick my 0.02 in. Ive seen many bands live over the years that had shit tone and that goes for bands that use the best of the best when it comes to tube amps. I cannot pass off bad sound because of the amp used because the hard fact is that there is a lot going on when it comes to live sound. In Fact you can't blame it only on the gear because there are Way to many variables

Perhaps overhyped wasn't the proper word choice, overrated (by some users) might be more what I meant. I mean again I think it is a really cool unit, but the asshatery I have seen by a lot of users on a lot of forums, and even by Cliff himself has certainly turned me off to what already little interest I may have had to ever own one. And that is also true about the live sound.

Ideally I would like to see a peaceful world where tube amp users aren't sticking their noses up at anyone who uses the AxeFx, and AxeFx users don't present a pretentious attitude of superiority to all those have not been "enlightened" to the ways of the axe. Two extremes of course here, but its the internet and you see a lot of both

In the end, my opinion try everything out, and when you find what works for you, stick to it, and disregard any haters.

Dude, as soon as you used asshatery in a reply I just had to chuckle because it's such a great word LMAO

I totally understand what you are saying and I try not to sound like Ive been enlightened by the axe because in reality I love AE, but I also love tube amps or amps in general!
What I don't like is when I see asshatery either from Axe-users or the nay sayers lol. In my eyes I think it's a 50 50 split.
I try to keep my opinions based on my experiance with it and the facts. The only time you will see me chime in about something is if I think someone has spread a false statement. In this case it would be from GLP. When he said that the axe wont move air.. I have to chime in and call BS.

To be quite honest with you I was on both sides at one time. I said some stuff about the axe-fx that might have been considered not flatering but after getting one in my hands I was able to get it to do what I want and that sucker works for me bigtime!!. I think it's an amazing piece of gear but Like Ive said before, not everyone is going to dig it

 

[Gainfreak]

it seems as though what i've said all along, from the pre-ownership listening to the clips phase to now, is exactly what i am experiencing with the axe.

the stereo rack effects are huge and the best i've ever personally owned.
the synth sounds are head turning.
the delays in this box are ridiculously awesome, from echoplex to memory man to 2290, probably the most accurately reproduced features in the box.
the reverb is lexicon comparable.
some of the pedal effects are great and things like compressors and dirt boxes have evolved greatly in it and the simplicity of routing these things digitally without rack interfaces, cable, space requirements are a dream come true


the amps
here's where it gets tricky. i'm getting great SOUNDS in the territories of the amp models i'm using, granted every tone i dial in has drive pedals, paraeq, cab sims, and one or more post amp effects.
their just not BEHAVING in a manner i'm familiar with. if you just bang on a rock preset it's fine, but for subtle hybrid pick players like myself, sometimes it's too flat, sometimes its too harsh, sometimes too waxy in the mids, particularly when you get to rolling of gtr volume....

like gainy said, the levels must be monitored all along the way to keep things optimized and consistent to the output. i'm doing my best to optimize each link in the chain for levels coming in and going out. maybe rather than roll of gtr volume i need to apply a volume pedal in the loop or expression pedal a precise volume parameter somewhere to obtain the rsult.

this weekend i auditioned the carol ann model next to my real carol ann and in some areas of the neck it sounded extremely accurate, but in certain areas of the neck it was a dead modeling giveaway. and pound for pound the real amp is way more inspiring to play with real compression pedals and drive pedals, and real speakers. i was going to add real delays to that list but the axe delays are so good i'd be perfectly happy using one in the axe. delay freaks really need to hear the box for that aspect.

again, every time you add a new link in the axe it is 85-95 percent of the real thing, mostly feel and response, which makes the cumulative result of a complex chain substantially off the mark, and keeps you seeking ways to restore missing elements by adding or cutting somewhere down the line.

the cae lead tone is extremely similar to what i've played and heard live on single notes but chords sound funny.

the strummed rhythms of my plexi/trainwreck tone is full and twangy but kinda dead on single notes.

the modded plexi tone is great but i want to dial the sharp presence back down into the warmth a bit, but presence control doesn't control "that" presence.

so it dawned on me for the axe that i'm going try to take a different approach i've used in the past in rack world. for each main tone i use, i'm going to set one for rhythm, one for lead, of the same basic preset, from cleans to dirty.

fender sparkly effected clean, stripped down clean lead
plexiwreck rhythm, plexiwreck lead
carol ann rhythm, carol ann lead
modded plexi rhythm, modded plexi lead
etc.

and for the cost of one speaker i can purchase a whole bunch of redwirez speakers so i figure that's worth a try to, although the computer side of the axe for me is pretty unromatic to say the least! appreciate the functionality but hate using it.
but then again when's the last time you played your guitar and switched between ej clean and a real violin?

"Axe hater!"

I kid... but thanks for sharing your thoughts. When I read this post I was like "Yeah exactly what I felt about the unit." You just put it better than I ever have.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, for some tones and certain situations the Axe can't be beat and a large part of the FX are stellar. IMHO it just lacks what a tube amp gives me and I think you put it into words very well.

If that makes me a hater then so be it but I'm not. I just don't think it is what some make it out to be and I'll always voice that opinion for those who are looking for info on the unit. If I was researching info on something I would want to hear the good with the bad.

I mean the way some people get their panties in wad over any less than glowing post about the Axe makes me wonder if they married to the thing.

That just happens from time to time with people getting there panties in a bunch LOL

I try to be neutral but I do see both sides (the nay sayers and the people who praise the thing)

Like Ive said in another post, I think somethings need to be argued especially when a person spreads a falsehood. (not saying that you have done that!)

I've seen what you have said about the axe-fx in posts and Ive never gotten the feeling that you were saying anything bad. It just didn't work for you and that's ok! If people came after you because you didn't like it then that's just silly. If you said something that just wasn't true, that would be another thing entirely.

 

[Gainfreak]

I think the Axe-fx has been out long enough for there to be some truth to the Hype. When something gets overhyped and it doesn't hold water the product will go away... Not so with the axe. With that said, Like I said, It's not going to be for everyone and I respect that

I find it humorous that after this many years anybody could claim it's just the "modeler of the month" and that the hype will die very soon. As you said, like it or not, it's a high quality unit that serves very well for both amp simulation and effects.

I agree 100%

 

[Gainfreak]

Ideally I would like to see a peaceful world where tube amp users aren't sticking their noses up at anyone who uses the AxeFx, and AxeFx users don't present a pretentious attitude of superiority to all those have not been "enlightened" to the ways of the axe. Two extremes of course here, but its the internet and you see a lot of both

There are snobs of all kinds but that's no reason to allow the extremists to steer ones view of any particular amp/device/thing. If extremists/snobs were setting the standards of "good," there would be nothing good.

Well said

 

[ejecta]

it seems as though what i've said all along, from the pre-ownership listening to the clips phase to now, is exactly what i am experiencing with the axe.

the stereo rack effects are huge and the best i've ever personally owned.
the synth sounds are head turning.
the delays in this box are ridiculously awesome, from echoplex to memory man to 2290, probably the most accurately reproduced features in the box.
the reverb is lexicon comparable.
some of the pedal effects are great and things like compressors and dirt boxes have evolved greatly in it and the simplicity of routing these things digitally without rack interfaces, cable, space requirements are a dream come true


the amps
here's where it gets tricky. i'm getting great SOUNDS in the territories of the amp models i'm using, granted every tone i dial in has drive pedals, paraeq, cab sims, and one or more post amp effects.
their just not BEHAVING in a manner i'm familiar with. if you just bang on a rock preset it's fine, but for subtle hybrid pick players like myself, sometimes it's too flat, sometimes its too harsh, sometimes too waxy in the mids, particularly when you get to rolling of gtr volume....

like gainy said, the levels must be monitored all along the way to keep things optimized and consistent to the output. i'm doing my best to optimize each link in the chain for levels coming in and going out. maybe rather than roll of gtr volume i need to apply a volume pedal in the loop or expression pedal a precise volume parameter somewhere to obtain the rsult.

this weekend i auditioned the carol ann model next to my real carol ann and in some areas of the neck it sounded extremely accurate, but in certain areas of the neck it was a dead modeling giveaway. and pound for pound the real amp is way more inspiring to play with real compression pedals and drive pedals, and real speakers. i was going to add real delays to that list but the axe delays are so good i'd be perfectly happy using one in the axe. delay freaks really need to hear the box for that aspect.

again, every time you add a new link in the axe it is 85-95 percent of the real thing, mostly feel and response, which makes the cumulative result of a complex chain substantially off the mark, and keeps you seeking ways to restore missing elements by adding or cutting somewhere down the line.

the cae lead tone is extremely similar to what i've played and heard live on single notes but chords sound funny.

the strummed rhythms of my plexi/trainwreck tone is full and twangy but kinda dead on single notes.

the modded plexi tone is great but i want to dial the sharp presence back down into the warmth a bit, but presence control doesn't control "that" presence.

so it dawned on me for the axe that i'm going try to take a different approach i've used in the past in rack world. for each main tone i use, i'm going to set one for rhythm, one for lead, of the same basic preset, from cleans to dirty.

fender sparkly effected clean, stripped down clean lead
plexiwreck rhythm, plexiwreck lead
carol ann rhythm, carol ann lead
modded plexi rhythm, modded plexi lead
etc.

and for the cost of one speaker i can purchase a whole bunch of redwirez speakers so i figure that's worth a try to, although the computer side of the axe for me is pretty unromatic to say the least! appreciate the functionality but hate using it.
but then again when's the last time you played your guitar and switched between ej clean and a real violin?

"Axe hater!"

I kid... but thanks for sharing your thoughts. When I read this post I was like "Yeah exactly what I felt about the unit." You just put it better than I ever have.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, for some tones and certain situations the Axe can't be beat and a large part of the FX are stellar. IMHO it just lacks what a tube amp gives me and I think you put it into words very well.

If that makes me a hater then so be it but I'm not. I just don't think it is what some make it out to be and I'll always voice that opinion for those who are looking for info on the unit. If I was researching info on something I would want to hear the good with the bad.

I mean the way some people get their panties in wad over any less than glowing post about the Axe makes me wonder if they married to the thing.

That just happens from time to time with people getting there panties in a bunch LOL

I try to be neutral but I do see both sides (the nay sayers and the people who praise the thing)

Like Ive said in another post, I think somethings need to be argued especially when a person spreads a falsehood. (not saying that you have done that!)

I've seen what you have said about the axe-fx in posts and Ive never gotten the feeling that you were saying anything bad. It just didn't work for you and that's ok! If people came after you because you didn't like it then that's just silly. If you said something that just wasn't true, that would be another thing entirely.

I completely agree Ralph that all sides need to be heard as long as they aren't spreading falsehood. Also Pat brings up a great point on even though the Axe isn't cheap you do get a lot in the box. Trust me I wasn't talking about you when I said those getting all defensive. There are a few here that do and a few more on TGP. You've always been very fair as I'm glad you've seen me being. In your situation with gigs and the ground you need to cover I can see the AxeFX being a great tool to use.

 

[biggness]

you have more invested in one amplifier than i do in my whole current rig, or what is left of it anyway.

if i wanted to play at low volumes i wouldnt have bought a 120W tubed amplifier. thats common sense.

as far as amplifier revisions go - they are defining their own tones individually. you said it best, update the new patch and add what to your collection? a few what? exactly. there are leaders and followers, and that is why the axe fx is nothing more than a tool. constant fuck-up fixes and modeling updates to add to a library of tones. its an extremely powerful computer, and that is all the credit i will give it.

Actually, the FAS Modern is probably one of the most used high gain models, across the board, in the Axe. And guess what, it is a "original" amp model created by Fractal.

The simple fact of the AxeFx is: It sounds good. No if's, and's or but's about it.

 

[Rogue]

Like Ive said in another post, I think somethings need to be argued especially when a person spreads a falsehood. (not saying that you have done that!)

I'm not sure what qualifies as a "falsehood" regarding the AxeFX that isn't merely opinion. For instance, I believe the feel of the AxeFX simply doesn't feel the same as an amp....especially the med gain amps like an old Marshall. Barely in the ballpark, if at all. Yet, there are others that claim it feels the same as it's real amp counterpart. I feel it gets closer in tone that feel by a fair margin. So from my perspective, that it "feels" as good as a tube amp is a falsehood.

Then there are the classics of "it sounds better than [the amp it is modeling]", which I find curious.

There's also the "you can dial in exactly the tone in your head". Apparently, as long as that tone in your head isn't another real amp, that could be a true statement.

There are challenges out there in which the the Axe falls short of reaching the target tone...but for some reason the people that tell others "they don't know how to dial it in right" end up attacking the challenge poster instead of matching the tone.

Perhaps this attitude is in response to the tube snobs. Perhaps it's the other way around. The chicken or the egg? I think it ultimately takes two to tango.

I think the Axe is an pretty cool unit. It didn't work for me, but it's probably the best direct recording solution out there.

 

[spawnofthesith]

Like Ive said in another post, I think somethings need to be argued especially when a person spreads a falsehood. (not saying that you have done that!)

I'm not sure what qualifies as a "falsehood" regarding the AxeFX that isn't merely opinion. For instance, I believe the feel of the AxeFX simply doesn't feel the same as an amp....especially the med gain amps like an old Marshall. Barely in the ballpark, if at all. Yet, there are others that claim it feels the same as it's real amp counterpart. I feel it gets closer in tone that feel by a fair margin. So from my perspective, that it "feels" as good as a tube amp is a falsehood.

Then there are the classics of "it sounds better than [the amp it is modeling]", which I find curious.

There's also the "you can dial in exactly the tone in your head". Apparently, as long as that tone in your head isn't another real amp, that could be a true statement.

There are challenges out there in which the the Axe falls short of reaching the target tone...but for some reason the people that tell others "they don't know how to dial it in right" end up attacking the challenge poster instead of matching the tone.

Perhaps this attitude is in response to the tube snobs. Perhaps it's the other way around. The chicken or the egg? I think it ultimately takes two to tango.

I think the Axe is an pretty cool unit. It didn't work for me, but it's probably the best direct recording solution out there.

Well said

 

[mentoneman]

i'll give you this
without any tweaking or fuss, i took my live plexi sound, spdif out to a absolute cheapest ever $10 radio shack spdif to toslink optical converter, to garage band, for that little jimmy lugo community jam, and i was shocked at how fat and saucy and responsive my tone was in the mix, in that application.

i honestly don't experience that level of satisfaction with my live rig sound unless it's loud enough that everyone around me complains. and i just can't stomach dropping another $900 x 2 for atomic wedges though i like the concept and suppose it would help tremendously.

and i agree with rogue about the jtm 45 sounds....not feelin those. too much digital condom.
makes me want a mojave plexi 45 se in a BAD way for that sound, and a sniderman two rock for THOSE OTHER sounds!
but at that price barrier, i may hope that john suhr finishes a hedgehog/pt 100 hybrid and gets my dream 3 channel amp together;

two rock/dumble/pt chimey cleans, dumble/srv opal/hedgehog/mojave 45 mid gains, and pt 100 meets rockstah brown heavies.
the overall personality of his newer protos seem to all be moving toward a direction i desire. less heavy handed, more touch sensitive dynamics with less bass end.

will the really realer realzest tearjerker tone machine please step forward?

 

[Brick_top]

I'm very intrigued by the Axe, and as the list of respectable players grows, so does my interest. But I just haven't heard the sound clips to back up the hype yet. I've heard some decent sounds come out of it, but nothing that makes me think "holy hell, I need one!" My favorite clips of the axe so far are from Bulb's soundclick page, but he makes everything sound good. He just knows how to record good tracks. All of his software based modelers sound great recorded.
I want to love the axe-fx, because for a frustrated guitarist on a budget who dreams of owning a studio full of high-end tube heads, this thing would be a godsend if it really delivers. Fractal needs to get some midwest dealers so I can try one out. Until I am in a room with one cranked through a good power section, I just can't believe the hype.

These are some of my favourites

Jeff Beck "The Pump" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SpiCkYiquQ
Dumble Simulation

Rectifier http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=630564&songID=9082143
Another Rectifier http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnA64V--PMg
Another song, don't know the sims used http://www.metalinjection.net/tv/view/4794/periphery-icarus-lives-video-premiere
Trainwreck simulationhttp://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=532143&content=songinfo&songID=8983237
Bogner, don't know which http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=339733&content=songinfo&songID=8961514
Vox don't know whichhttp://www.goear.com/listen/414939d/PHOSI-Vedasto-Ferrer
Orange http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=630564&songID=8850937
Soldano

Another song, don't know which simshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iet952jn5V0
Another rectifier http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=630564&songID=8506235
Van halen kind of tone http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKK0BDTdsXc[/quote]
Andy timmons Cover Deliver Us

Larry Mitchell playing the axe-fx http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4jJ_ELMdeY
An AC30 http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=630564&songID=8790873
Bogner http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=630564&songID=9140688

 

[TheMagicEight]

I'm very intrigued by the Axe, and as the list of respectable players grows, so does my interest. But I just haven't heard the sound clips to back up the hype yet. I've heard some decent sounds come out of it, but nothing that makes me think "holy hell, I need one!" My favorite clips of the axe so far are from Bulb's soundclick page, but he makes everything sound good. He just knows how to record good tracks. All of his software based modelers sound great recorded.
I want to love the axe-fx, because for a frustrated guitarist on a budget who dreams of owning a studio full of high-end tube heads, this thing would be a godsend if it really delivers. Fractal needs to get some midwest dealers so I can try one out. Until I am in a room with one cranked through a good power section, I just can't believe the hype.

These are some of my favourites

Jeff Beck "The Pump" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SpiCkYiquQ
Dumble Simulation

Rectifier http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=630564&songID=9082143
Another Rectifier http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnA64V--PMg
Another song, don't know the sims used http://www.metalinjection.net/tv/view/4794/periphery-icarus-lives-video-premiere
Trainwreck simulationhttp://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=532143&content=songinfo&songID=8983237
Bogner, don't know which http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=339733&content=songinfo&songID=8961514
Vox don't know whichhttp://www.goear.com/listen/414939d/PHOSI-Vedasto-Ferrer
Orange http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=630564&songID=8850937
Soldano

Another song, don't know which simshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iet952jn5V0
Another rectifier http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=630564&songID=8506235
Van halen kind of tone http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKK0BDTdsXc
Andy timmons Cover Deliver Us

Larry Mitchell http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4jJ_ELMdeY

Here's my favorite Rectifier clip:

You decide for yourself how close they sound. Me? I'll be sticking with tubes.

 

[Brick_top]

Here's my favorite Rectifier clip:

You decide for yourself how close they sound. Me? I'll be sticking with tubes.

I think you are probably going to understand what I'm going to say as blasphemy but..

I honestly don't see why that clip couldn't be successfully simulated with an Axe-Fx

or at least similar enough to fool most ears..

or.. maybe just another usable tone

I just posted these clips because of the other poster saying that he haven't heard good enough clips from the axe-fx.
I thought I posted my favourites, maybe he could like those.

 

[Badronald]

I'm sure I'll never own one, but it's cool that they are getting close to amps I suppose. Cool for home studio recording.

I'd just prefer not to simulate something. I prefer to have the real thing.

 

[manyaxes]

Here's my favorite Rectifier clip:

You decide for yourself how close they sound. Me? I'll be sticking with tubes.

Personally I don't think that clip sounds very good or even good when you only hear the amp. I respect your opinion, but I wouldn't buy an amp because of that clip.