So I got the Eventide Eclipse, review / comparison to AxeFX

[cyndicate]

First of all I would like to point out patch changes are not as slow as people say they are. I would say about a 1 second delay at most. Mine is only Version 3.0 and I need to update to 3.5 so I can only imagine how much faster it can be with the update. Programming was relatively easy. I was able to just plug it in and dive right into making patches, the wheel is much more responsive than the AxeFX. Still haven't gone through the manual but so far setting all the levels and getting some patches made has been easy for me. I would say easier than the AxeFX, i had to read the manual to get the AxeFX to work how I wanted. It was much easier getting the levels setup correctly through this unit than with the AxeFX in my experience. In terms of adding delay, pitch shifters, verb, etc. Everything is hot keyed in the menu and should be relatively easy adjust the parameters for each. I don't know why some people have had trouble programming the unit, it seemed pretty instinctive if you had experience with a FX unit before.

One thing for sure the effects are top notch, Eventide should probably be the Standard in terms of comparison to other multi fx processors. I am still learning the rest of its functions but so far I think the AxeFX Ultra has comparable effects and for the price tag I would think a AxeFX is more worth it if you are into direct recording as well, for an all in one package the AxeFX Ultra is much more capable in terms of versatility.

So in a quick comparison to AxeFX Ultra

Patch Changes - AxeFX wins in terms of speed (compared to Eclipse 3.0, haven't tried 3.5 yet)
Routability - AxeFX wins since it has a built in FX loop so you can do the 4 cable method
FX Quality - Eventide has more warmer natural sound to it, but if you are not anal about quality AxeFX is just as passable.
Ease of Use - Eventide is fairly easier IMO, for some its the other way around
Balancing Levels - Much easier on Eventide
Price - Same retail price ~2k new, (Eventide used - $1400 - 1550 , AxeFX Ultra used - 1900 and dropping)

I would say for Studio use a Eventide would be all you need in terms of FX, but in a live playing application, AxeFX would be my choice. I don't play live so I am going to hold on to the Eventide for now to get more used to it.

I'll post a follow up on patch change times when I get the unit updated to 3.5 Also I have had the Eclipse for only about a few days, so this is just a short review based on my first impressions of the unit

 

[ttosh]

The next version will help some on the lag. The Fade option will take away any lag and the Eventide is top quality in my books on effects. Have not tried the Ax Fx, but also do not have a need to try one.

 

[timbo]

Good review on the comparison. The only thing I would have added is how limited you are with the Eclipse on building your own chain of effects. With the Eventide, you can only choose two algorithms. With the AxeFx you can have any effect, in any order and with as many instances as the CPU can handle.

 

[cyndicate]

Good review on the comparison. The only thing I would have added is how limited you are with the Eclipse on building your own chain of effects. With the Eventide, you can only choose two algorithms. With the AxeFx you can have any effect, in any order and with as many instances as the CPU can handle.

Yeah, thanks for pointing that out, I finally had more time with it and finally came across this. I still haven't updated my unit though so I was going to post a update once I had it updated. Damn thing uses a Serial port, I haven't used anything with a serial port for a few years now so I had to ask around for one

I guess when it comes down to AxeFX vs the Eventide its quality vs quantity. But the AxeFX gets updated way more often as well. I'll probably pick up another Ultra when the used prices of the unit stay pretty stable at a lower price.