Who here's rocking the Axe-FX...??

[Chris6870]

If I can't make the Ax8 work in 4CM I might off it for the FX8, but jury is still out. I really don't want a pedal board anymore.

I used it 4CM using just effects from the AX8 with a Mark IV with no problem. Works good, but I think I prefer running it straight into a power amp and a 2x12 using the amp models. The Mark IV model is damn good, plus there are so many others. I don't see the point of the FX8 now. The AX8 can do all that and more.

 

[Ventura]

I haven´t tried the II line, and they´re said to be something else entirely these days, but the old Standard and Ultras are nothing to write home about. Works good through a proper poweramp/cab but sounds and feels more or less like any other fairly modern modeler when going DI. The post-FX are a big step up from most stuff you find in modelers, though, even if it isn´t up to par with the dedicated high-end studio rack units.

Well, I'd been around with the earlier models, standard, Ultra, "II", but sold all three off in relatively short order. I talked a lot with Tom King of Atomic about his CLR models, we discussed sonics, 3 dimensionality, moving air, etc. I finally cut the cord, no pun intended after going the distance trying to emulate that "inspirational in the room feel" for when I was just practising, jamming, noodling, etc. I realized then what I'm more likely to be cognizant of today which is:
a) the AFX2 will never cop the in-the-room feel through self-powered monitors when it comes to comparing it with well known standouts like - for instance - the VH4 or Rev.2
b) if it all ends up going through a DAW anyway, see ya later in-the-room swirl. Shame, but likely factual.
c) stay focused on the models you need and want, and don't try to mess with the other 500 some odd amps on deck (I have no idea how many they're at now, but, you know...don't get distracted.

I'm just wondering if - nowadays - have the effects bettered to the point where one could really home in on some "space" with the sound through a set of powered FRFR monitors. "Space" being that "swirl". I know high end studios can dial that shit in just right - but it takes skill to do. If I can get "space" in my tone and playing feedback, then it might be a viable option.

A it's nice to know asstard's left the scene a bit over there... How can ya buy something knowing you gotta deal with a ponce like that??

Thanks Gentry!!

 

[thiswaythatway]

If I can't make the Ax8 work in 4CM I might off it for the FX8, but jury is still out. I really don't want a pedal board anymore.

I used it 4CM using just effects from the AX8 with a Mark IV with no problem. Works good, but I think I prefer running it straight into a power amp and a 2x12 using the amp models. The Mark IV model is damn good, plus there are so many others. I don't see the point of the FX8 now. The AX8 can do all that and more.

Did you get any HUM or noise? I tried with an Electra Dyne and it was getting a LOUD hum, will try with the Mark IV today or tomorrow but I haven't made any humbuster cables yet. Did you use them?

One thing of note, I've been trying the AX8 straight into the front of my Mark IV and to compare with my pedals and......I've sold most of my pedals off in the past week. The final test was I was directly comparing a real Phase 90 with the Block90 sim and I got it close enough where I can sell my Phase 90 pedal.

 

[Ventura]

I've sold most of my pedals off in the past week. The final test was I was directly comparing a real Phase 90 with the Block90 sim and I got it close enough where I can sell my Phase 90 pedal.

Daaaayuuuum, I have about 150 pedals give or take. That right there is likely more than the price of AFXII admission RIGHT there!!

 

[Chris6870]

If I can't make the Ax8 work in 4CM I might off it for the FX8, but jury is still out. I really don't want a pedal board anymore.

I used it 4CM using just effects from the AX8 with a Mark IV with no problem. Works good, but I think I prefer running it straight into a power amp and a 2x12 using the amp models. The Mark IV model is damn good, plus there are so many others. I don't see the point of the FX8 now. The AX8 can do all that and more.

Did you get any HUM or noise? I tried with an Electra Dyne and it was getting a LOUD hum, will try with the Mark IV today or tomorrow but I haven't made any humbuster cables yet. Did you use them?

One thing of note, I've been trying the AX8 straight into the front of my Mark IV and to compare with my pedals and......I've sold most of my pedals off in the past week. The final test was I was directly comparing a real Phase 90 with the Block90 sim and I got it close enough where I can sell my Phase 90 pedal.

No Humbuster cables. I had a slight hum but nothing crazy.At gig volume it maybe loud, I would go for the Humbuster if I were to gig 4CM, but I don't see that happening. I had the AX8 hooked up using 4CM and a Voodoo Labs switcher changing the channels on the Mark IV via midi from the AX8. It worked great but it's still to much shit to haul around and set up.And then I am still limited to the 3 channels on the Mark IV.

AX8 straight into the effects return sounded pretty damn good also.

 

[thiswaythatway]

If I can't make the Ax8 work in 4CM I might off it for the FX8, but jury is still out. I really don't want a pedal board anymore.

I used it 4CM using just effects from the AX8 with a Mark IV with no problem. Works good, but I think I prefer running it straight into a power amp and a 2x12 using the amp models. The Mark IV model is damn good, plus there are so many others. I don't see the point of the FX8 now. The AX8 can do all that and more.

Did you get any HUM or noise? I tried with an Electra Dyne and it was getting a LOUD hum, will try with the Mark IV today or tomorrow but I haven't made any humbuster cables yet. Did you use them?

One thing of note, I've been trying the AX8 straight into the front of my Mark IV and to compare with my pedals and......I've sold most of my pedals off in the past week. The final test was I was directly comparing a real Phase 90 with the Block90 sim and I got it close enough where I can sell my Phase 90 pedal.

No Humbuster cables. I had a slight hum but nothing crazy.At gig volume it maybe loud, I would go for the Humbuster if I were to gig 4CM, but I don't see that happening. I had the AX8 hooked up using 4CM and a Voodoo Labs switcher changing the channels on the Mark IV via midi from the AX8. It worked great but it's still to much shit to haul around and set up.And then I am still limited to the 3 channels on the Mark IV.

AX8 straight into the effects return sounded pretty damn good also.

YEAH, I set it up before, made a quick patch, and 4CM with the IV. I didn't get any hum and the effects sound great. It's still a ton neater than my old huge pedalboard with patch cables all over the place. I may have to check levels at it seemed like the AX8 was adding a little gain to the overall signal.

 

[Dave L]

I haven´t tried the II line, and they´re said to be something else entirely these days, but the old Standard and Ultras are nothing to write home about. Works good through a proper poweramp/cab but sounds and feels more or less like any other fairly modern modeler when going DI. The post-FX are a big step up from most stuff you find in modelers, though, even if it isn´t up to par with the dedicated high-end studio rack units.

Well, I'd been around with the earlier models, standard, Ultra, "II", but sold all three off in relatively short order. I talked a lot with Tom King of Atomic about his CLR models, we discussed sonics, 3 dimensionality, moving air, etc. I finally cut the cord, no pun intended after going the distance trying to emulate that "inspirational in the room feel" for when I was just practising, jamming, noodling, etc. I realized then what I'm more likely to be cognizant of today which is:
a) the AFX2 will never cop the in-the-room feel through self-powered monitors when it comes to comparing it with well known standouts like - for instance - the VH4 or Rev.2
b) if it all ends up going through a DAW anyway, see ya later in-the-room swirl. Shame, but likely factual.
c) stay focused on the models you need and want, and don't try to mess with the other 500 some odd amps on deck (I have no idea how many they're at now, but, you know...don't get distracted.

I'm just wondering if - nowadays - have the effects bettered to the point where one could really home in on some "space" with the sound through a set of powered FRFR monitors. "Space" being that "swirl". I know high end studios can dial that shit in just right - but it takes skill to do. If I can get "space" in my tone and playing feedback, then it might be a viable option.

A it's nice to know asstard's left the scene a bit over there... How can ya buy something knowing you gotta deal with a ponce like that??

Thanks Gentry!!

Yeah, for DI I got twice as good results loading my regular heads thru a Palmer ADIG as I got when messing with the corresponding models for days on end in the Axe Ultra. Simply not a contest, actually. But I guess the Axe is more of a compact convenience thing.

 

[thiswaythatway]

I haven´t tried the II line, and they´re said to be something else entirely these days, but the old Standard and Ultras are nothing to write home about. Works good through a proper poweramp/cab but sounds and feels more or less like any other fairly modern modeler when going DI. The post-FX are a big step up from most stuff you find in modelers, though, even if it isn´t up to par with the dedicated high-end studio rack units.

Well, I'd been around with the earlier models, standard, Ultra, "II", but sold all three off in relatively short order. I talked a lot with Tom King of Atomic about his CLR models, we discussed sonics, 3 dimensionality, moving air, etc. I finally cut the cord, no pun intended after going the distance trying to emulate that "inspirational in the room feel" for when I was just practising, jamming, noodling, etc. I realized then what I'm more likely to be cognizant of today which is:
a) the AFX2 will never cop the in-the-room feel through self-powered monitors when it comes to comparing it with well known standouts like - for instance - the VH4 or Rev.2
b) if it all ends up going through a DAW anyway, see ya later in-the-room swirl. Shame, but likely factual.
c) stay focused on the models you need and want, and don't try to mess with the other 500 some odd amps on deck (I have no idea how many they're at now, but, you know...don't get distracted.

I'm just wondering if - nowadays - have the effects bettered to the point where one could really home in on some "space" with the sound through a set of powered FRFR monitors. "Space" being that "swirl". I know high end studios can dial that shit in just right - but it takes skill to do. If I can get "space" in my tone and playing feedback, then it might be a viable option.

A it's nice to know asstard's left the scene a bit over there... How can ya buy something knowing you gotta deal with a ponce like that??

Thanks Gentry!!

Yeah, for DI I got twice as good results loading my regular heads thru a Palmer ADIG as I got when messing with the corresponding models for days on end in the Axe Ultra. Simply not a contest, actually. But I guess the Axe is more of a compact convenience thing.

While many Fractal fanboys do backflips and proclaim the latest update is the best thing ever, the Axe HAS come a long way since the Ultra.

 

[RandyVanMartini]

While many Fractal fanboys do backflips and proclaim the latest update is the best thing ever, the Axe HAS come a long way since the Ultra.

Yeah, too bad it's got that stigma attached to it, and rightfully so, but the "Quantum" firmware that was introduced a few updates ago really did up the Axe II's game. It left the Standard and Ultra in the dust.

 

[Chris O]

While many Fractal fanboys do backflips and proclaim the latest update is the best thing ever, the Axe HAS come a long way since the Ultra.

Yeah, too bad it's got that stigma attached to it, and rightfully so, but the "Quantum" firmware that was introduced a few updates ago really did up the Axe II's game. It left the Standard and Ultra in the dust.

...which still leaves them head & shoulders above most the competition...still!

 

[Bishop5150]

Before Quantum I didn't even consider using if for gigging. It was unusable to me live at gig volume. If you would've told me a year ago that now I wouldn't be gigging with my amps anymore I would have said your were crazy. But Quantum changed that. I know my ears aren't what they used to be after 25 years of halfstacks and cymbals blaring at them but I can't tell the difference between my amp mic'ed up through the PA and the AX8 plugged directly into the PA. I actually think and have been told that it sounds better.

 

[squealie]

I can't tell the difference between my amp mic'ed up through the PA and the AX8 plugged directly into the PA.

This is the whole thing. I've had much better sound 'out of the PA' than I ever did mic'ing amps...

The problem is... getting over that 'standing in front of my amp' thing. Nothing is going to compare to an amp through a cab. Unless you turn off all the cab and power amp stuff, and run through real power and cabs... then it sounds as good as any pre I've ever had.

If you cannot get beyond the 'amp in a room' thing...you will never be happy with a direct device. It's impossible to mimic that by inserting a cab>mic sim into another speaker... no matter how good it is.

For recording, for me, mic'ing cabs was a chore and never got close to pro sounding. Some guys have wild success with it. I wanted to get on with recording songs. I welcomed it.

For live, I'd love to have blaring cabs... but it's impractical on almost all stages these days. Playing in-ear and direct...is goofy in a lot of ways... but at the same time, I can always hear myself...the singer doesnt bitch....the soundman loves me...and the drummer doesnt go wild trying to play over me.

 

[JerEvil]

I can't tell the difference between my amp mic'ed up through the PA and the AX8 plugged directly into the PA.

This is the whole thing. I've had much better sound 'out of the PA' than I ever did mic'ing amps...

The problem is... getting over that 'standing in front of my amp' thing. Nothing is going to compare to an amp through a cab. Unless you turn off all the cab and power amp stuff, and run through real power and cabs... then it sounds as good as any pre I've ever had.

If you cannot get beyond the 'amp in a room' thing...you will never be happy with a direct device. It's impossible to mimic that by inserting a cab>mic sim into another speaker... no matter how good it is.

For recording, for me, mic'ing cabs was a chore and never got close to pro sounding. Some guys have wild success with it. I wanted to get on with recording songs. I welcomed it.

For live, I'd love to have blaring cabs... but it's impractical on almost all stages these days. Playing in-ear and direct...is goofy in a lot of ways... but at the same time, I can always hear myself...the singer doesnt bitch....the soundman loves me...and the drummer doesnt go wild trying to play over me.

Yeah man, most of my high paying gigs do not allow for my Splawn/Henning/VHT fire breathers. All Kemper for those. It is a tough adjustment at first but I actually really enjoy going modeler live now.

 

[DADA]

Maybe this can help you
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afe8iReQLGU

Maybe wait another 3 years

 

[Bishop5150]

This is the whole thing. I've had much better sound 'out of the PA' than I ever did mic'ing amps...
The problem is... getting over that 'standing in front of my amp' thing. Nothing is going to compare to an amp through a cab. Unless you turn off all the cab and power amp stuff, and run through real power and cabs... then it sounds as good as any pre I've ever had.
If you cannot get beyond the 'amp in a room' thing...you will never be happy with a direct device. It's impossible to mimic that by inserting a cab>mic sim into another speaker... no matter how good it is.

Yeah man, most of my high paying gigs do not allow for my Splawn/Henning/VHT fire breathers. All Kemper for those. It is a tough adjustment at first but I actually really enjoy going modeler live now.

That's the thing. The amp in the room sound and feel. You can either adjust and get used to it and reap the many benefits of it or you can't and you lug around amps. That simple. I though I would struggle with it but I was good to go from day one. Not an issue. I'm so used to not hearing myself onstage all these years anyway it had no impact on me. LOL! But it did screw with the guys in my band a bit. So I use two Xitone wedges facing up as my backline at shows. One behind me and the other on the otherside of the stage by my bass player and keyboard player and keep mine real loud and there's not as loud. I still have some stage volume behind us like the guys are use to and people at the front of the stage hear me as well and not just drums. And the sound guy is not getting beamed in the face with a 4x12 cab. LOL!

 

[muudrock]

This is the whole thing. I've had much better sound 'out of the PA' than I ever did mic'ing amps...
The problem is... getting over that 'standing in front of my amp' thing. Nothing is going to compare to an amp through a cab. Unless you turn off all the cab and power amp stuff, and run through real power and cabs... then it sounds as good as any pre I've ever had.
If you cannot get beyond the 'amp in a room' thing...you will never be happy with a direct device. It's impossible to mimic that by inserting a cab>mic sim into another speaker... no matter how good it is.

Yeah man, most of my high paying gigs do not allow for my Splawn/Henning/VHT fire breathers. All Kemper for those. It is a tough adjustment at first but I actually really enjoy going modeler live now.

That's the thing. The amp in the room sound and feel. You can either adjust and get used to it and reap the many benefits of it or you can't and you lug around amps. That simple. I though I would struggle with it but I was good to go from day one. Not an issue. I'm so used to not hearing myself onstage all these years anyway it had no impact on me. LOL! But it did screw with the guys in my band a bit. So I use two Xitone wedges facing up as my backline at shows. One behind me and the other on the otherside of the stage by my bass player and keyboard player and keep mine real loud and there's not as loud. I still have some stage volume behind us like the guys are use to and people at the front of the stage hear me as well and not just drums. And the sound guy is not getting beamed in the face with a 4x12 cab. LOL!

I'll tell ya, I love running a little 2x12 angled up behind me at lower volume (no cab sims) along with a side wash monitor with the direct sound. Still get the feel and the swirl and have the benefit of hearing the true FOH feed thru the monitor. I get the best of both worlds. Keeps sound levels very civil on stage and not such a big adjustment for me either..actually sounds really good being in that mixed FRFR/NON FR sound space on stage.
I've run wedges as backline too, but If I can, I love having a small guitar cab behind me. I know, overkill...

 

[Bishop5150]

I'll tell ya, I love running a little 2x12 angled up behind me at lower volume (no cab sims) along with a side wash monitor with the direct sound. Still get the feel and the swirl and have the benefit of hearing the true FOH feed thru the monitor. I get the best of both worlds. Keeps sound levels very civil on stage and not such a big adjustment for me either..actually sounds really good being in that mixed FRFR/NON FR sound space on stage.
I've run wedges as backline too, but If I can, I love having a small guitar cab behind me. I know, overkill...

That's what I did my first two shows using the AX8. Matrix power amp and a Mesa 2x12 Recto cab along with a XiTone upfront by my board along with the house front stage monitors. Sounded great. So good that I really didn't need the 2x12 cab so I thought about it and my lower back one the argument as to whether to keep bringing the 2x12 cab or not. LOL!

 

[Dave L]

I haven´t tried the II line, and they´re said to be something else entirely these days, but the old Standard and Ultras are nothing to write home about. Works good through a proper poweramp/cab but sounds and feels more or less like any other fairly modern modeler when going DI. The post-FX are a big step up from most stuff you find in modelers, though, even if it isn´t up to par with the dedicated high-end studio rack units.

Well, I'd been around with the earlier models, standard, Ultra, "II", but sold all three off in relatively short order. I talked a lot with Tom King of Atomic about his CLR models, we discussed sonics, 3 dimensionality, moving air, etc. I finally cut the cord, no pun intended after going the distance trying to emulate that "inspirational in the room feel" for when I was just practising, jamming, noodling, etc. I realized then what I'm more likely to be cognizant of today which is:
a) the AFX2 will never cop the in-the-room feel through self-powered monitors when it comes to comparing it with well known standouts like - for instance - the VH4 or Rev.2
b) if it all ends up going through a DAW anyway, see ya later in-the-room swirl. Shame, but likely factual.
c) stay focused on the models you need and want, and don't try to mess with the other 500 some odd amps on deck (I have no idea how many they're at now, but, you know...don't get distracted.

I'm just wondering if - nowadays - have the effects bettered to the point where one could really home in on some "space" with the sound through a set of powered FRFR monitors. "Space" being that "swirl". I know high end studios can dial that shit in just right - but it takes skill to do. If I can get "space" in my tone and playing feedback, then it might be a viable option.

A it's nice to know asstard's left the scene a bit over there... How can ya buy something knowing you gotta deal with a ponce like that??

Thanks Gentry!!

Yeah, for DI I got twice as good results loading my regular heads thru a Palmer ADIG as I got when messing with the corresponding models for days on end in the Axe Ultra. Simply not a contest, actually. But I guess the Axe is more of a compact convenience thing.

While many Fractal fanboys do backflips and proclaim the latest update is the best thing ever, the Axe HAS come a long way since the Ultra.

Yeah, I´m sure it has. I need to check out something with that Quantum software one of these days and see for myself. But like you say, it´s hard to take any advice on the Axes 100% seriously after the massive hype train of the Ultra made it out to be all that and a bag of chips.

 

[Ventura]

....it´s hard to take any advice on the Axes 100% seriously after the massive hype train of the Ultra made it out to be all that and a bag of chips.

Hype is what killed it for me. And the frothing over FW updates.

We'll see.

 

[Ventura]

Maybe this can help you
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afe8iReQLGU

Maybe wait another 3 years

Respects. Thanks!