Tube preamp in the Axe-Fx Loop?

[rsm]

I just searched posts here, but nothing came up....


I recall reading posts here about a few people liking a tube preamp / pedal (neutral settings) in the loop of the Axe-Fx. Who's doing that, and what are you using? (or did I read this in another forum?). I think someone was using a PreSonus TubePre?

I'm working on another purchase deal, but if that falls through I'm not far from getting a Standard (I had the Ultra, sold it, fighting GAS for it as it was overkill for me._

Standard users. Still GASing for an Ultra?

 

[Shark Diver]

I ran a Manley tube pre, but after yhe Axe, not in the the loop. Didn't make sense to send it back into A/D converters. I loved the tube pre, wouldn't have used the Axe Fx as long if not for that.

 

[rsm]

Shark Diver, thanks for the info.

Anyone else?

 

[blackba]

Is the tube preamp supposed to warm up the sound?

Why not just run it through a tube power amp through a guitar cab? I guess I am confused about why you would want/need to run a tube preamp with it....

 

[Shark Diver]

No problem RSM. It is worth trying, though I did prefer the tube pre last in the chain.


You would run it with a tube pre for direct applications where you don't want a power amp/cab.

 

[J.B.]

You might be thinking of Russ (R.Milbeck). He runs his Axe Fx in some crazy configurations.

 

[Shark Diver]

The new Bose compacts would be sweet with the Axe and backing tracks. Really a portable rig for solo acts and dous.

 

[manyaxes]

Why you'd want to do that escapes me. Wasn't the point of the axe-fx having a great-sounding versatile compact rig? A tube preamp pretty much kills versatility and portability. Besides, you can easily simulate the same effect inside the axe-fx.

The axe-fx is not a pod, it does not need tubes or tricks to make it sound as good as a tube amp. It sounds good out of the box provided you have a good amp/monitoring system.

 

[Shark Diver]

Why you'd want to do that escapes me. Wasn't the point of the axe-fx having a great-sounding versatile compact rig? A tube preamp pretty much kills versatility and portability. Besides, you can easily simulate the same effect inside the axe-fx.

The axe-fx is not a pod, it does not need tubes or tricks to make it sound as good as a tube amp. It sounds good out of the box provided you have a good amp/monitoring system.

It added one rack space. The tube mic pre did wonders for the Axe. It in no way effects the versatility of the Axe. Sound engineers have been using mic pre amps for years to warm up digital. It in no way kills the versatility or portability of the Axe. For many of the same reasons the Axe/Atomic cabs will use tubes, adding a mic tube pre adds something I couldn't find "in the box." It is not an inditement on the Axe to use outboard gear, anymore than it would be in adding a boost or OD pedal in front of a Marshall. The Axe is the best at what it does IMO. But that doesn't mean there is only one way to use it.

 

[rsm]

Why you'd want to do that escapes me. Wasn't the point of the axe-fx having a great-sounding versatile compact rig? A tube preamp pretty much kills versatility and portability. Besides, you can easily simulate the same effect inside the axe-fx.

The axe-fx is not a pod, it does not need tubes or tricks to make it sound as good as a tube amp. It sounds good out of the box provided you have a good amp/monitoring system.

It added one rack space. The tube mic pre did wonders for the Axe. It in no way effects the versatility of the Axe. Sound engineers have been using mic pre amps for years to warm up digital. It in no way kills the versatility or portability of the Axe. For many of the same reasons the Axe/Atomic cabs will use tubes, adding a mic tube pre adds something I couldn't find "in the box." It is not an inditement on the Axe to use outboard gear, anymore than it would be in adding a boost or OD pedal in front of a Marshall. The Axe is the best at what it does IMO. But that doesn't mean there is only one way to use it.

+1 this is what I was thinking too; and what I recall reading about. IMO the Axe-Fx has feel and dynamics, but this seemed like a good option for ease of use. The tube pre I'm considering is a half rack unit, and could be mounted in the back of the rack. (this: http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.co...be-MicrophoneInstrument-Preamp?sku=180643#new

Just doing some research, as an Axe-Fx is still in my future plans (though not for a few months). I had an Ultra for 4 months and sold it (big dumbarse move, don't ask!), but to get some of that warmth would take some time to learn given my Ultra tweaking skills (er, lack thereof rather). Tonestacks, frequency, tonestack locations, transformer parameters, tube bias, B+ capacitance,etc, and all the other advanced amp block features will take me some time to learn to use effectively...

I'm asking as I plan to get a tube pre for use with direct recording to warm things up a bit. I also use Tech 21 SansAmps (which sound great to me) but could get more of that 3-dimensional sound from natural tube harmonics IMO. Not looking to get a very expensive unit, so for around $100 or so, it could be money well spent... which is why I asked who is doing this.