So to all the Axe-FX owners, what's...

[Ventura]

F*CK ME, THIS THING REALLY DOES NAIL SOME AMPS, DOESN'T IT!?!?!?!??!

I've been stuck on the "Marsha BE" amp sim - alone - for an hour... And I'm not even a "plexi" kinda guy!!

Yes, I'm the guy who spent the 1st half of the day doing through all 382 presets. Some awesome shit in there, and also, some "won't use" presets - to be expected. But the Brown Eye is off the hook!! I've also tested the Das Metal, the Diezel wannabe... Maybe DI to recording it would sound exact, but it's not exact to my ears, granted not going through the Atomic FRFR cabs or the like - powering it with my 2/90/2 to my Deliverance.

Anyway, some of these amp sims are simply nuts!! Hiwatt, Dumble, Fender, VoxAC30 (deadringer might I add!!)... Sheeeyaaaaatt!!! Haven't even GOT to the effects yet

See ya'll in a week
V.

 

[jcj]

F*CK ME, THIS THING REALLY DOES NAIL SOME AMPS, DOESN'T IT!?!?!?!??!

I've been stuck on the "Marsha BE" amp sim - alone - for an hour... And I'm not even a "plexi" kinda guy!!

Yes, I'm the guy who spent the 1st half of the day doing through all 382 presets. Some awesome shit in there, and also, some "won't use" presets - to be expected. But the Brown Eye is off the hook!! I've also tested the Das Metal, the Diezel wannabe... Maybe DI to recording it would sound exact, but it's not exact to my ears, granted not going through the Atomic FRFR cabs or the like - powering it with my 2/90/2 to my Deliverance.

Anyway, some of these amp sims are simply nuts!! Hiwatt, Dumble, Fender, VoxAC30 (deadringer might I add!!)... Sheeeyaaaaatt!!! Haven't even GOT to the effects yet

See ya'll in a week
V.

 

[jlbaxe]

I'm still an amp guy, no binary digi sim loving zealot. As mentioned, I'm going into this with the mindset that it's an effects module, not an amp replacement. Shit man, the number of amps still out there on my roster are too numerous to simply neglect. Two Rock, Fuchs, Cornford, and many others…

Mo.

emmm uhhh told ya

 

[Bevosss]

I've also tested the Das Metal, the Diezel wannabe... Maybe DI to recording it would sound exact, but it's not exact to my ears, granted not going through the Atomic FRFR cabs or the like - powering it with my 2/90/2 to my Deliverance.

Ahh, I was afraid of that...I saw a thread by a guy who tested his Recto preamp against the axe-fx one through his loop in on his recto, posted clips showing it wasn't as good. Others posted it doesn't work like that, you have to add extra axe-fx processing to it after the fact...I would think if they modeled the preamp accurately you could do just that? Disappointing if it be so with them all...

Best way to check it accurately V would be, run through your Diezel CH3 as normal, then run the axe-fx into the loop return on the Diezel, with the axe-fx power amp and cabs bypassed, preamp only, no fx or other processing. Diezel loops are probably the best ever made imo, very transparent and right before the power section.

Actually, if you have a Lehle, split before the amps, then use the switchable loop on the VH4 to jump between them...level match them, and it's a perfect test.

Anyways, great to see you are enjoying it, I would have made a bee-line straight for the Marsha too (after testing the Diezel).

 

[Doubleneck]

Did you buy it new or used?

Really want your opinion after you've had a chance to mess with it. I'm looking to use it as a practice & recording tool with Pro Tools and Superior Drummer in my office/man cave primarily, but would like it to sound & feel as close to an amp as possible.

BTW, how do you like the Vovox cables?

 

[jlbaxe]

Did you buy it new or used?

Really want your opinion after you've had a chance to mess with it. I'm looking to use it as a practice & recording tool with Pro Tools and Superior Drummer in my office/man cave primarily, but would like it to sound & feel as close to an amp as possible.

BTW, how do you like the Vovox cables?

He bought it new.

 

[Ventura]

@ jlbaxe
@ Bevoss
@ doubleneck
@ Reza

Regarding a few things. Bevoss - yes, you're absolutely correct, going through the serial loop of the Diezel as a true preamp only is key in really seeing/hearing if this thing is the real deal. Honestly, from the interaction I've had with this particular sim today, it's a very very good stab at the Diezel's Ch.3, but it doesn't behave like the real deal. HOWEVER, you're right - go through the serial. And yes, as a matter of fact, I have a Lehle Dual S-Go-S splitter I'll sort it out eventually - as mentioned, priority No.1 is effects, I just fell victim to the amp sims because, well, who wouldn't

Off the bat, the effects are really good. I think the grid system is smart and efficient to use - obviously pretty intuitive considering I was putting patches and signal chains together after a few hours in... Am I off to sell my stomps, Eventides and boutique tone shapers - no. Not yet anyway.

It really is a wicked guitarist's tool, this I concur with Reza on 100% of the way. It made playing VERY fun today. I can't wait to track it DI to my DAW and just sound "perfect". Who wouldn't?? Furthermore, there are "no rules" as they say, and ya, I'm pumping sims through a Fryette poweramp that has its own inherent tone, and a Delvierance cab, that has ITS inherent tone. That's cool, I'm not so worried about perfect replication, as I am tone and usability. And I gotsta say, after cranking this thing up today, there were a number of standouts that kicked ass at good volume levels:
Corksniffer (preset)
Marsha BE
Boutique #2 (Dumble)
Vox AC30 (deadringer for the real deal...that I can attest to)
Bogner Shiva lead channel
HiWatt was very impressive
And the Fenders....all of which sounded terrific

Cornford was off the hook - had that metallic twang that Cornfords ACTUALLY have. Was super impressed.

Anyway, only the 1st day. Tool?? Yes it is. For certain replacement to my gear? Mmmmmmm, no. But I have a lot more work to do on this thing before I get into it.

I bought it brand new from Fractal direct. Considering it shipped out of NH, it was here pretty quickly (I live in BC Canada, had it not been for customs, it would have been within 3-5 business days from the time of my order).

Peace
V.

 

[Ventura]

BTW, how do you like the Vovox cables?

They're arriving early next week along with my GCP and a couple other goodies. I went full complement - 3 leads cables, 5 speaker cables, the works... I ain't dumping my firebreathers too soon

But the GCP is definitely for the Axe.

V.

 

[Nico]

Congrats V. Hope you post some clips now that mic placement is not an issue!! By the way I don't plan on getting an Axe Fx because after that come a long list of additional must have items that I know I could not resist, such as the foot controller, a good power amp, maybe some wedges. And then when you get into rack gear thats the endgame for my wallet LOL

 

[Bevosss]

Regarding a few things. Bevoss - yes, you're absolutely correct, going through the serial loop of the Diezel as a true preamp only is key in really seeing/hearing if this thing is the real deal. Honestly, from the interaction I've had with this particular sim today, it's a very very good stab at the Diezel's Ch.3, but it doesn't behave like the real deal. HOWEVER, you're right - go through the serial. And yes, as a matter of fact, I have a Lehle Dual S-Go-S splitter I'll sort it out eventually - as mentioned, priority No.1 is effects, I just fell victim to the amp sims because, well, who wouldn't

Nice, I'll be looking out for your verdict for sure! Maybe in the same test, you can also compare it to your other Ch3 'twin', the MAK4 crunch?

I'm thinking the MAK4 in the loop of the Axe-fx would be a pretty awesome and versatile live setup, while still with some knobs for tweaking...and yes, I've got GAS now, thanks for that...

 

[Ventura]

Regarding a few things. Bevoss - yes, you're absolutely correct, going through the serial loop of the Diezel as a true preamp only is key in really seeing/hearing if this thing is the real deal. Honestly, from the interaction I've had with this particular sim today, it's a very very good stab at the Diezel's Ch.3, but it doesn't behave like the real deal. HOWEVER, you're right - go through the serial. And yes, as a matter of fact, I have a Lehle Dual S-Go-S splitter I'll sort it out eventually - as mentioned, priority No.1 is effects, I just fell victim to the amp sims because, well, who wouldn't

Nice, I'll be looking out for your verdict for sure! Maybe in the same test, you can also compare it to your other Ch3 'twin', the MAK4 crunch?

I'm thinking the MAK4 in the loop of the Axe-fx would be a pretty awesome and versatile live setup, while still with some knobs for tweaking...and yes, I've got GAS now, thanks for that...

Alright, this post brings me back to square one as to WHY I ended up getting this Axe-Ultra... The Mako Mak4. People... I LOVE this preamp. Alright, so a couple things - I'm personalizing it. Ya ya, I ran it past Andrew and he's 100% cool with it. Basically I'm sticking a cocktail of new glass into the slots to get a slightly 'enhanced' tone as per its original voicing. No, this has nothing to do with "what's wrong with it" or "there he goes again, already changing shit he said a week ago was awesome". That's not the case - I did some solid recording last week (yes, clips still coming but I've been a busy lad this week) and only through the mics did I hear some things I wanted to really have blossom. So I ran a couple glass ideas past Andrew and he's pumped to hear the results. As per his comeback - he'd love to ship 'em empty and let people load them with whatever they saw fit, but you have to start somewhere.

ANYWAY - this new rig on wheels is something else. Yes, I think I might have ended up creating a "do all" rig with this preamp, poweramp, and the Ultra. I'm not saying for sure this is the case, but so far, it's the biggest little box that could!!

Comparos. There's a few we could run... Diezel Ch.3, Mak4 Crunch, XTC Blue and Red - against the Axe and against each other. Right now I'm just loving the playability. So pardon me if it takes some time to get this together

Super stoked!!
V.

 

[Ventura]

Congrats V. Hope you post some clips now that mic placement is not an issue!! By the way I don't plan on getting an Axe Fx because after that come a long list of additional must have items that I know I could not resist, such as the foot controller, a good power amp, maybe some wedges. And then when you get into rack gear thats the endgame for my wallet LOL

Thanks Braddah...

It's all good - just shaking up the funds a little on my end and seeing what comes of it. I'm still a heavy hard hittin' red blazin' tube amp kinda guy

Mic placement - damn straight, the 'bane' of all OCD studiophiles

V.

 

[university81]

congrats V =0

i've been intrigued for the past 2 years or so by this device, and i still think sometimes it might be a cure for amp/effects GAS =) , however i think i'm too much of a compulsive tweaker to be able to settle on anything if i had one of those things

i run pedalboard-->clean amp since the last 5-6 months now for pretty much everything, having complete visual control over everything with various knobs is something i like

i still have a gsp 1101 at home that i got used with a FCB to play around with, decent enough tones but i think live i can't imagine after hours of patch editing having say just the behringer FCB as a pedalboard, which is also a terrible size for transporting i might add and patch switching accordingly

there are some analog pedals/effects i'm not sure it could replace, i use a boss DD-6 as a phrase sampler, for EHX Freeze like effects or quick tremolo/glitch/stutter effect, can't imagine apart from a tremolo setup a certain way, or something in the axe fx or other digital effects unit to be similar to having just the one pedal at your feet

that being said i still need to try one out to know for sure what it's capable of and how it might suit me, i just know i'd miss the blinking las vegas lights at my feet =0

 

[Bronco]

It really is a wicked guitarist's tool, this I concur with Reza on 100% of the way. It made playing VERY fun today.

See, I think that right there is what most people miss WRT the Axe and perhaps why its so polarizing -- it's a tool (and a very very impressive one at that). Getting one doesn't mean you have to sell the rest of the rig off or denounce anything analog. One can appreciate both; I sure as hell do!

Above all, it is what it is: a great addition to the rig, nothing more and nothing less...

 

[Ventura]

It really is a wicked guitarist's tool, this I concur with Reza on 100% of the way. It made playing VERY fun today.

See, I think that right there is what most people miss WRT the Axe and perhaps why its so polarizing -- it's a tool (and a very very impressive one at that). Getting one doesn't mean you have to sell the rest of the rig off or denounce anything analog. One can appreciate both; I sure as hell do!

Above all, it is what it is: a great addition to the rig, nothing more and nothing less...

Well, I'm already jonesing to get back to playing today/tonight simply because of the snap and go concept of this little whiz bang unit. No messing around, straight up tone and playability. To me? It's about more time playing, less time wasted...this thing does that it would seem. Sure, could get into patch/preset creations and fester on these for hours on end, not there yet... Just liking it for it's plug and play design.

But I am uber stoked on the re-tube of the Mak4 - I think it'll be off the hook when I'm done with it

Mo

 

[ejecta]

It really is a wicked guitarist's tool, this I concur with Reza on 100% of the way. It made playing VERY fun today.

See, I think that right there is what most people miss WRT the Axe and perhaps why its so polarizing -- it's a tool (and a very very impressive one at that). Getting one doesn't mean you have to sell the rest of the rig off or denounce anything analog. One can appreciate both; I sure as hell do!

Above all, it is what it is: a great addition to the rig, nothing more and nothing less...

I agree that it's just a tool that is good for certain things but falls short in others. IMHO what's polarizing is not the the AxeFX itself or whether it's seen a just a tool..... it's the zealots for the AxeFX who are a very loud minority and some tube purists who like pushing buttons. The Axe zealots make claims like it " make you cry it sounds so good" to "it sounds way better than any tube amp ever could" and add the hyper over re-activeness to anything said that could be taken as a negative comment about the Axe. It's those over the top comments and reactions that are at the core of attracting the tube troll posts and feed the polarizing threads.

And I'm an AxeFX owner.

 

[Ventura]

congrats V =0

i've been intrigued for the past 2 years or so by this device, and i still think sometimes it might be a cure for amp/effects GAS =) , however i think i'm too much of a compulsive tweaker to be able to settle on anything if i had one of those things

i run pedalboard-->clean amp since the last 5-6 months now for pretty much everything, having complete visual control over everything with various knobs is something i like

i still have a gsp 1101 at home that i got used with a FCB to play around with, decent enough tones but i think live i can't imagine after hours of patch editing having say just the behringer FCB as a pedalboard, which is also a terrible size for transporting i might add and patch switching accordingly

there are some analog pedals/effects i'm not sure it could replace, i use a boss DD-6 as a phrase sampler, for EHX Freeze like effects or quick tremolo/glitch/stutter effect, can't imagine apart from a tremolo setup a certain way, or something in the axe fx or other digital effects unit to be similar to having just the one pedal at your feet

that being said i still need to try one out to know for sure what it's capable of and how it might suit me, i just know i'd miss the blinking las vegas lights at my feet =0

Well, as mentioned, I bought mine as a rackmount fx unit first and foremost. I've only had one day with it thus far - full day though - and the effects are really good. Very very good!! If you have all the fx already sorted out for your rig, style and playing needs, then there's zero need to get an axe really. If you have all the stomps necessary, perfectly set up on a board? You're done. Wait till a friend or someone gets the Axe then try theirs out - otherwise it's a lot of cake to just 'try out', know what I mean??

My main reason was no loop in the Mak4 and this Mak4 is deserving of a killer repertoire of effects as I see it becoming my - yes, tis true - man rig

Peace,
Mo

 

[Ventura]

It really is a wicked guitarist's tool, this I concur with Reza on 100% of the way. It made playing VERY fun today.

See, I think that right there is what most people miss WRT the Axe and perhaps why its so polarizing -- it's a tool (and a very very impressive one at that). Getting one doesn't mean you have to sell the rest of the rig off or denounce anything analog. One can appreciate both; I sure as hell do!

Above all, it is what it is: a great addition to the rig, nothing more and nothing less...

I agree that it's just a tool that is good for certain things but falls short in others. IMHO what's polarizing is not the the AxeFX itself or whether it's seen a just a tool..... it's the zealots for the AxeFX who are a very loud minority and some tube purists who like pushing buttons. The Axe zealots make claims like it " make you cry it sounds so good" to "it sounds way better than any tube amp ever could" and add the hyper over re-activeness to anything said that could be taken as a negative comment about the Axe. It's those over the top comments and reactions that are at the core of attracting the tube troll posts and feed the polarizing threads.

And I'm an AxeFX owner.

Yep - you nailed it on the head... I have to admit, I am blown away with several presets and some of the amp sims, but they're just an added bonus. The effects are solid, tweakable, quiet, and versatile. This whole "new sonic religion (sic)" schtick is terrific marketing, and seeing Vai and Petrucci and Dweezil on the forefront, some stellar advertising and suppport - but like I said a few posts up... Give it a couple years and you'll see these things on ePay for $200 more than likely and something else will be out doing a better job with more options. ALL THE WHILE, the cats who PLAY their gear will STILL be standing in front of their JCMs, their Bogners, their Camerons, their Diezels, their Voxs, going "wow, ya, another gizmo...reminds me of the Axe FX daze".

V.

 

[jcj]

It really is a wicked guitarist's tool, this I concur with Reza on 100% of the way. It made playing VERY fun today.

See, I think that right there is what most people miss WRT the Axe and perhaps why its so polarizing -- it's a tool (and a very very impressive one at that). Getting one doesn't mean you have to sell the rest of the rig off or denounce anything analog. One can appreciate both; I sure as hell do!

Above all, it is what it is: a great addition to the rig, nothing more and nothing less...

I agree that it's just a tool that is good for certain things but falls short in others. IMHO what's polarizing is not the the AxeFX itself or whether it's seen a just a tool..... it's the zealots for the AxeFX who are a very loud minority and some tube purists who like pushing buttons. The Axe zealots make claims like it " make you cry it sounds so good" to "it sounds way better than any tube amp ever could" and add the hyper over re-activeness to anything said that could be taken as a negative comment about the Axe. It's those over the top comments and reactions that are at the core of attracting the tube troll posts and feed the polarizing threads.

And I'm an AxeFX owner.

Absolutely right. Too many haters on both sides.

I think it's a KILLER unit, but you won't ever hear me bashing tube amps. I own those too.

I do think the Axe (for the vast majority of players) is way more practical than tubes amps, because it let's you get THAT tone and feel at whisper volumes; to go further, you never need to buy effects, you can use it direct for recording, it's very portable and perfect for your average gig.

I love tubes, but only when they're opened up. A low volume tube amp almost never sounds or feels right, at least for my tastes.

I've never thought the real strength of the Axe was NAILING the EXACT sound of your favorite amp, but where it kills for me, is letting me CHANGE the things that annoyed me about my favorite amps...if that makes sense

People swap tubes, speakers, do mod's, etc. all to try and optimize their favorite amp. Not necessary with the Axe, tweak the bias, or transformer or anything else for that matter, and problem solved. All in the box.

Oh yeah.....and it sounds pretty f'ing good, too

 

[9ball]

Give it a couple years and you'll see these things on ePay for $200 more than likely and something else will be out doing a better job with more options. ALL THE WHILE, the cats who PLAY their gear will STILL be standing in front of their JCMs, their Bogners, their Camerons, their Diezels, their Voxs, going "wow, ya, another gizmo...reminds me of the Axe FX daze".

V.

interesting lol