Replacing Pedals with Axe FX

  • Thread starter Thread starter itsgoodnow
  • Start date Start date
chumbucket said:
Just playing devil's advocate here...the FX8 was discontinued about 5 or 6 years ago? The algorithms are constantly being updated. You should check out the new versions of these and report back. You might be able to find some niche effects that are hard to duplicate in the Fractal environment, but I think that the staples are covered well IMO.
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When I get the VP4 I'm gonna do some side by side. I've already got my board laid out but hey, if they sound better then that's even less space. I'm always open minded and willing to give something a shot. That said I'm not sure I can ever remove the Phase 90, I've had one at my feet since the 80's lol, I think I'd be lost.
 
GreatRedDragon said:
I have an FM9 I use in a four-cable setup. I don't notice a difference using the modeled pedals versus my actual pedals.

Using the Fractal to control MIDI switching is piss easy too. Hooking up my DSL100 was plug and play.
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This is precisely what I do -- I run straight into my Axe III, instrument level out into my Friedman Plex into Fractal load box, line level back into Axe III into FRFR monitors. The stomps in the Axe are so close to the real thing I don't even notice. And the post FX are world class.
 
I use my old Axe II in a parallel mixer with my tube stuff. I use it for pitch, chorus, delay, and reverb. I prefer it with a mixer. I also have an FM3, but I typically dont use it with my tube gear.

I would say the bad part about doing this is you lose the fun of working with different pedals, and the Axe effects are awesome, but can be vanilla. I think different pedals and old rack units can have more character, but can be a pain to work with when dealing with the switching and stuff like you mentioned. I still like using a lot of pedals because it is fun, but the Axe is a lot easier if you want to just have presets you pull up to work with.
 
I've used a HX-Effects in 4CM for effects with my amps for a few years. Recently got a Boss GX-100 to use for effects only in 4CM, it has many Boss pedal models that I want and more. To get the actual Boss pedals, pedal board, power supply, case, and everything else would have cost at least $1500 or more vs $499 for the GX-100.

I use my Helix Floor and FM9 Mk II Turbo as full digital modelers.
 
I used to use an axe fx 3 in 4cm and the effects are just about as good as anything else I’ve tried outside boosts which don’t quite do the same from what I remember. I would use it to switch channels and effects at once and even the lighting color of my amp all at once, while also recording directly into my daw. Incredibly powerful device that most people don’t even use to 10% of its capabilities.
 
itsgoodnow said:
Hey all,

I have a large studio rack full of pedals all being fed into multiple RJM effect gizmos and controlled by a large RJM Mastermind. I was thinking of replacing the pedals that go in my loop with an axe fx (to clean up my rig, edit parameters without opening drawers etc). I would still use real amp heads/cabs.

I was wondering if anyone uses an axe fx just for the effects portion and not modeling, and if so, how you like it.

I also wanted to keep 1 of my rjm effect gizmos to just switch boosts. I wanted to link this via midi to the axe fx so I could turn real boosts on/off with the mastermind as well as control the effects in the axe fx. How much of a pain in the ass will that be. Thanks!
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I do this! I have an RJM PBC 10 as well, and a smaller board on my desk for recording / reamping.

Though if I am not tracking, I typically either just play my fractal, or I run a tube amp (or pair of amps) into my OX / PLIR into inputs 1 and 2 on the back of the AXE 3.

This is that setup pasted below as my starting point.

The send and return are typically not used, though I have an H9 behind the desk that I can plug in as desired.

It's incredibly versatile:


1745377780718.png
 
Corey James said:
I do this! I have an RJM PBC 10 as well, and a smaller board on my desk for recording / reamping.

Though if I am not tracking, I typically either just play my fractal, or I run a tube amp (or pair of amps) into my OX / PLIR into inputs 1 and 2 on the back of the AXE 3.

This is that setup pasted below as my starting point.

The send and return are typically not used, though I have an H9 behind the desk that I can plug in as desired.

It's incredibly versatile:


View attachment 398086
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Thank you!!!
 
itsgoodnow said:
I got an axe fx en route so I’ll either be really happy to frantically reinstalling RJM effect gizmos trying to remember my routing and hating life haha
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Yep

I mean, I'm not stupid, I was being a bit facetious. I realize there is a drastic difference between an all analog Pedal based signal flow. They are fun and generally sound better. But they also have their downsides. They can make for a heavy floor board, consume a lot of power/power ports, can be noisy, can be fraught with rabbit holes. The downside to me for a AxeFx or similar signal chain is now I have a new rabbit hole with all the settings. I get frustrated and impatient quickly.

But please report back @itsgoodnow
 
Go for it. You can always still keep the pedals you think the Fractal can't really capture.

I also use my fractal as my time/modulation effects unit and its sweet as hell. The modeling is cool.

The drive pedals in the fractal feel/sound great. I suspect pretty close to the counterparts it tries to model.
 
I think you have my phone number- if you get it, give me a call and I can walk you through any setting you need! Also imo the fc12 is worth it for the insanely increased functionality
 
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