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

[ejecta]

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

I agree and was the main reason I got one again. I can't play tube amps loud in my home anymore and I quit playing in a band situation. I also agree tube amps don't sound good until they are opened up and I've never had a tube amp sound as good or feel as good as the Axe at low volumes. No master volume, attenuator, ISO cab, etc ever did a good job. That said I've never heard the Axe sound or feel as good as a tube amp up loud and giving up the goods.

Yep amp guys tweak and swap all the time as well. I think it's funny thing to say that "tweaking" is mainly an AxeFX thing. Honestly it's a mental thing no matter what you play. Like you said when you let go of the idea "I'll make it sound just like (enter amp name here)" then that tendency for the most part goes away. IMHO tube amp guys do the very same thing. How many times have we read posts about "can I get a plexi, Blackface, SLO tone out of that amp"?

I say let go of all that and get a good tone for your situation.... have fun and play.

 

[Anonymous]

My favorite part is that live its DEAD SILENT.

I could never quite tame the hiss of my Mesa and Diezel rigs over the years.

I'll never go back.

I had one and my favorite od tone was the SLO. But it hissed just like the real amp.

 

[jcj]

My favorite part is that live its DEAD SILENT.

I could never quite tame the hiss of my Mesa and Diezel rigs over the years.

I'll never go back.

I had one and my favorite od tone was the SLO. But it hissed just like the real amp.

My favorite too, although I haven't tried most of the models; I just picked a SLO preset with a gate, and tweaked the settings to taste. Dead silent. It's actually scared the hell out of me before, took the power amp off of standby and didn't realize my guitar volume wasn't down; picked it up and brushed the strings....BOOM....

 

[Ventura]

What made me laugh is the precision of this thing... You're right - on the standard presets and amp sims, it actually hisses, snaps, crackles and pops JUST like the real thing!! I mean, they really didn't overlook anything in recreating the actual 'feel' and 'sensation' of a proper tube amp...!! I howled - I mean, obvious enough there's a mess of work that went into this thing for tones and effects alone, but to have a whack of OCD engineers sitting around the laboratory table, jacked up on coffee, listening to Mr. Chase go on about "alright, now we need to perfectly simulate the idle sounds of all these amps...".

Too much!!
V.

 

[9ball]

are these noises really simulated on purpose or is the thing just noisy?

 

[degenaro]

are these noises really simulated on purpose or is the thing just noisy?

I'm gonna go with neither...it's an inherent issue of gain increase. Bring up the level and you amplify the signal, when that happens the noise gets amplified just the same.
I have never heard any gear that without gating was dead quiet as soon as soon as you opened it up...NONE, ZERO, ZILCH, NADA...
that said a lot of the issues I see folks have with note decay and suppossed digital artifacts is extreme gate settings. Just like when you run a gate on an amp or a channel on a miked amp...

Now to answer the question more specifically...
Is it noisy? Less noisy than a high gain amp, so much so that intially when I used to run it as an efx usit only I also used it to gate my heads because when I did the last band with a singer ANY noise between notes was not acceptable.
The times I played the Baked Tater with heads it was a lot more fighting keeping the noise from running away then using the Axe...

 

[Ventura]

are these noises really simulated on purpose or is the thing just noisy?

It's by no means 'noisy', it's dead quiet. I just found it interesting that when toggling through the various higher gain amp sims, the hiss changed from amp sim to amp sim, and actually sounded a LOT like the real amp sitting there idle, waiting for the first chord to come down the pipe. I am certain the engineers could have mitigated this hiss, but they left it for owners of the Axe to employ a gate if they wanted to. It's not a consistent hiss for all high gain amps, it changes in darkness, brightness and prevelance depending on each amp sim chosen. I would have assumed this was a sweet tweak to convey the authenticity of the amp sims.

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

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

yeah i'm still waiting for the band that rehearses next door to pull the trigger so i can try it at the practice place, but he's just been talking about it for 4-5 months now, i told him to stop smoking to fund the damn thing lol putting down that amount of cash just to try it and see...not too keen

i think what you said pretty much describes how i'm thinking of it, i spent a long time trying to find diff channel switching amps that might do the trick, only to come back to a clean amp -- pedals

i've essentially pretty much completed my pedalboard, i'm still trying various OD pedals in front of the blackstar ht and on their own , to add a bit of a different flavour, but it's minor at this stage the main tone is there. the hiwatt dr103 kinda does the rest =)

you gonna start selling some things now you got the axe fx?

from reading forums a bunch of people have had it replace their whole setup, and actually make some money back because of it, free up more money for guitars lol

 

[Ventura]

you gonna start selling some things now you got the axe fx?

from reading forums a bunch of people have had it replace their whole setup, and actually make some money back because of it, free up more money for guitars lol

I doubt it. I mean, hard to say right now... I am awaiting some new glass for the preamp in the same rack - that's the MAIN reason I got this thing, and before anything else, I want to make sure my upgrades in preamp tubes in this Mak4 do what I think they'll do... If they do, and I am almost certain they will, I'll start working the Ultra into the effects scene. It'll take some time for sure - no overnight sensation (FZ, RIP) if you know what I mean... But off the mark, I can easily see why a LOT of people WOULD sell a bunch of their gear. Shit man, the Ultra makes tone and playability as easy as switching on a couple buttons - boom. Today I was using just a touch of delay, only effect I normally use to fatten up my playing...I spent 2 hours going apeshit on some of the amp sims. Crazy. And sadly, it sounds incredible, feels incredible, responds incredibly to my different guitars, hell - even responds differently to lead cables!! How they did this?? No idea... I say "sadly" because I just never wanted 1s and 0s to replace the sound and feel of hot glass driven heads into earth quaking 4x12s. Well, so far, it's doing this, much to my surprise and chagrin

If it continues to impress me, there's a chance I may not need all my heavy hitters, but I'm not in a position to need the cash... But if I needed to sell anything?? Sadly it would be my big rigs before this rack on wheels. The Ultra, Mak4, Fryette 2/90/2 and Fryette Deliverance have been in top form since I put it all together. Once the new glass gets installed?? It might be "my" sound and one I won't need any other rigs for.

Having said this, I also ordered a quad of matched Gold Lion KT77s for my 20thA XTC, just to see what they'll do to that masterpiece

It's a killer unit on its own and as an FX module. Probably the best I've worked with for a do-all one box unit. Incredible.

V.

 

[Bevosss]

I am awaiting some new glass for the preamp in the same rack - that's the MAIN reason I got this thing, and before anything else, I want to make sure my upgrades in preamp tubes in this Mak4 do what I think they'll do... If they do, and I am almost certain they will, I'll start working the Ultra into the effects scene

Heh, are you gonna let me in on your preamp tube choice(s) Mo? You can pm me if you wanna keep it to yourself.

My Mako has finally been finished, left America and probably even landed in Oz already...should be plugged in and playing around Wed/Thur I predict...oh the joy!!

Btw I think Andrew was even moving house and still managed to fit in some awesome customer service, thanks mang! I will be singing your praises too I believe...

 

[Reiep]

(Future ex-)Standard user here.

The Axe FX is honestly the best guitar gear I've ever bought. It does all I need, and it does well... but it does too much, actually. I'm one of these people that just HAVE to touch a knob or a paramater to see what it does.

I dialed some killer tones the very first day I got it. Then started tweaking, during the (quite long, I must say) learning phase, then I found the Redwirez IRs, then a new killer update appears, then another one, with ne amps. In the end I couldn't stop myself tweaking, trying, with in my mind "what if I could get an even better sound ?". It just offers too much for me, I can't limit myself.

In the end, I started to develop a love/hate relationship with the unit, starting my "work" session and finishing it as "tweak" sessions. Once again, not because I couldn't get a killer tone, just because I thought that I can make it even better...

So I decided to sell it after 2 years, and go back to something waaaaaay more plug and play : OD > AMT SS20 > Chorus. The end. Tweaking time is now virtually none, I can focus on me playing.

I would just add that I would recommend to any serious player to give it a try. The effect part itself worths it. The amp simulation is the best currently, and even tube addicts can find in it the possibility to have that sound that they might need sometimes, but not enough to justify buying an amp. And if you record, well, nothing can beat it.

My .02.

 

[university81]

(Future ex-)Standard user here.

The Axe FX is honestly the best guitar gear I've ever bought. It does all I need, and it does well... but it does too much, actually. I'm one of these people that just HAVE to touch a knob or a paramater to see what it does.

I dialed some killer tones the very first day I got it. Then started tweaking, during the (quite long, I must say) learning phase, then I found the Redwirez IRs, then a new killer update appears, then another one, with ne amps. In the end I couldn't stop myself tweaking, trying, with in my mind "what if I could get an even better sound ?". It just offers too much for me, I can't limit myself.

In the end, I started to develop a love/hate relationship with the unit, starting my "work" session and finishing it as "tweak" sessions. Once again, not because I couldn't get a killer tone, just because I thought that I can make it even better...

So I decided to sell it after 2 years, and go back to something waaaaaay more plug and play : OD > AMT SS20 > Chorus. The end. Tweaking time is now virtually none, I can focus on me playing.

I would just add that I would recommend to any serious player to give it a try. The effect part itself worths it. The amp simulation is the best currently, and even tube addicts can find in it the possibility to have that sound that they might need sometimes, but not enough to justify buying an amp. And if you record, well, nothing can beat it.

My .02.

that's something i am afraid of, with so much tweakability i don't think i'd ever stop, almost like a constant GAS unit whereby maybe paramater X of 25890 might do the thing, and don't get me started on EQ =0

i'm based in luxembourg, europe still looking for someone with the axe to try it out, but i'd really need to borrow it so to speak to really see what it's capable of

i'm also thinking from a non recording perspective, in the bands i play i'm essentially just using 2-3 tones, it would certainly be overkill having this unit around, but the sheer curiousity is definitely there, every clip i hear is killer

 

[Reiep]

At least it's a GAS that won't cost you anything

I must say I learned a lot with the Axe FX. Either to know how to tweak an amp, or to know what I need (or, more precisely, what I DON'T need !). This tweakability has been a real plus for me. But now that I know what I want, that's more an issue, as I manage to make 2-3 "near perfect" tones that I used 95% of the time. I know how to go to it with tubes (Diezel content), now I just need the ca$h. That's also a part of why I sell it.

 

[jlbaxe]

I have been thinking of getting an Axe standard just for effect for my 20th X. Luv the verbs and delays. Having a 2nd one is easier than hooking and unhooking the 4 cable method

 

[noob_pwn]

hehe i told you the axefx would make you shit bricks!
I'm at the point now where I'm seriously considering selling my 2/90/2 & fatbottom in favour of a powered monitor.
Yes... a PA speaker. Shoot me now guys

 

[jlbaxe]

Yeah I am thinking about selling the RT2/50 also and going with 2 Active wedges.

 

[jcj]

hehe i told you the axefx would make you shit bricks!
I'm at the point now where I'm seriously considering selling my 2/90/2 & fatbottom in favour of a powered monitor.
Yes... a PA speaker. Shoot me now guys

Same here, smaller footprint.

 

[Ventura]

So, everyone's educated or non-educated opinion, regardless of how GOOD this technology is...

IS IT FAD OR IS IT EVOLUTION!?!?

Tough thing to see from this perspective going in, what'll be in 10 years or so?? Better, smaller, more powerful - just like everything else? Or will there be this 'aw remember that Axe thing that was like $2000 bucks, and they had, what were they called, those cabs, ya that's it, WEDGES, hahahahahahha "

Hard to say, ya, I am shitting bricks though - the things nuts. Not ready to dump my poweramp and preamp set up though, just not there.

Good to see ya on the board noob, get some surfing in wouldya!!
Mo

 

[tweed]

For me not only is the smaller footprint attractive but having lower stage volume is top on my list at the moment. Some of the places we have played lately are small and the rooms are very bright. Would be nice to have volumes down a bit and still get the same feel, as opposed to having the DSL Master at 11oclock or above. It sounds great don't get me wrong, but at the end of the night I swear I live by the ocean.

Trying out new PA equipment in a few days and hopefully that will help. Hell if I can get good enough with the PA I'm tempted to ditch a bunch of stuff and run a JetCity 20+ 2x12 and mic that.

 

[jcj]

So, everyone's educated or non-educated opinion, regardless of how GOOD this technology is...

IS IT FAD OR IS IT EVOLUTION!?!?

Tough thing to see from this perspective going in, what'll be in 10 years or so?? Better, smaller, more powerful - just like everything else? Or will there be this 'aw remember that Axe thing that was like $2000 bucks, and they had, what were they called, those cabs, ya that's it, WEDGES, hahahahahahha "

Hard to say, ya, I am shitting bricks though - the things nuts. Not ready to dump my poweramp and preamp set up though, just not there.

Good to see ya on the board noob, get some surfing in wouldya!!
Mo

Dunno, but....I'm realy happy with the way this thing works, and have been for quite a while.

I don't see it's inherent utility value changing (for me) irrespective of what happens with the technology.