Question Mesa or Axe or something else?

[ZeeW]

I thought I'd post here as you guys are more likely to be more objective....

I'm in a situation where I rarely gig these days apart form the occasional Blues jam with my Tweed D clone. I'm spending most of my time writing and learning to record - something I've wanted to do for a long time.

I'm also downsizing my collection of amps and cabs as I've moved to a smaller home and space is at a premium. This started me looking at 'lunchbox' amps and I got to spend some time with the Mesa Transatlantic 15 and really liked this amp, but couldn't get into the higher gain rhythm metal that I also like to play. Then Mesa brought out the Mini Rec and thought this will do the job nicely. However, for the price of these two amps I can buy a Mark V which I've played in the past and loved the flexibility of it - but never played it at home studio levels.

Can the Mark V be played at low dbs and sound good enough to record?

Some of my pals have said don't pull the trigger on an amp until you've played around with an Axe Fx as all the tones are in it somewhere and is ideal for low volume and direct recording. These guys actually don't own the Axe but have had some time with it and unfortunately I cannot get close to one to play. I'm suspicious of someone who recommends a piece of kit and still plays their Bogners and Diezels lol.

I'm already pretty much set up for using an Axe Fx at home, having a pair of Genelec monitors and an RME interface. A question for the Axe Fx gurus - is it possible to get controlled feedback from an Axe as I do from a tube amp?

So if you were in my position of needing to downsize amps/cabs, wanting to record, play at low volumes late at night, which way would you jump? Or are there other options that I should look into??

 

[Spudmurphy]

Another option would be the Yamaha THR amp 10 watts the size of a radio and can be used in the house. I'm going to try one the end of the month and if I like it I'm going to get one.

See my thread in the Discussion forum
http://www.ernieball.com/forums/gen...dio-practice-amp-look-no-more.html#post841863

 

[walleye]

yep controlled feedback is available no problem. it sounds like you may know a fair bit about amps and cabs, which is where you will excel with an axe fx, i didnt know anything about amps when i bought the axe fx so i struggled for a while dialing tones, but i think you'll catch on very quickly
the power amp modifiers in the axe fx mean you can modify the "inner workings" of the amp in seconds, this can change the way feedback reacts and change the feel of the amp, you need to do research on the technical jamumbos but its good fun once you learn a bit

 

[Pilours]

Hello
owner of a Combo Mark V, I had the chance to test a N.O.S. db killer (mk2), and it's just amazing result for recording at home.
Ever heard about it?
Oh, forgot to say there is a "line out" and a "Loadbox" in option, very helpfull for recording as well

 

[ZeeW]

Thanks for the replies.

I've never come across the Yamaha THR 10 amp - very interesting indeed and a fraction the cost of a Mesa 'lunchbox'.

I'm reasonably okay with amps and cabs... had too long a history of swapping out speakers / going from closed to open back and back again lol. I have to admit the Axe is very appealing due to the amp and cab sims, but I've yet to play one and YouTube ain't my friend on helping to determine tone LOL.

Thanks for the hint of the N.O.S. I am familiar with their 50 Watt amp (which I liked too!!) and I've heard about the db Killer - is it really transparent and how reliable is it?

 

[bbake1]

I have an Axe-FX Ultra and waiting for the II. I was tube snob, building and tweaking Plexi kits from Metro Amp and Egnater in search of "tone". I used all types of power scaling and even built load boxes. I couldn't be happier (family too) with the Axe-FX. Tons of tones that are really useable even at low volume. I don't miss getting the soldering iron out to make a swap and then try it out, then repeat...... A few menus with selections and tweaking is done. Now use an Axis or 25th and I can get any tone I want with little effort and time.

 

[ZeeW]

I have an Axe-FX Ultra and waiting for the II. I was tube snob, building and tweaking Plexi kits from Metro Amp and Egnater in search of "tone". I used all types of power scaling and even built load boxes. I couldn't be happier (family too) with the Axe-FX. Tons of tones that are really useable even at low volume. I don't miss getting the soldering iron out to make a swap and then try it out, then repeat...... A few menus with selections and tweaking is done. Now use an Axis or 25th and I can get any tone I want with little effort and time.

Thanks for the post... I've been down the route of tweaking a JTM45 and I have to say it was the most amazing amp and regretted selling when I was a student. IF, seriously IF the Axe Fx Ultra or II comes 90% close to the tone I got from that amp, then I'm in!

Are you using studio monitors at home? Or may be an amp and cab?

I'm an Axis user too

 

[Lou]

I have a Mark V and an Axe FX. I have yet to use the V to record but plan on doing so. I do think it sounds better louder, but I think it would have to be at a slightly higher than bedroom level to sound good - I don't think it sounds good at levels where you can talk over it. The Axe Fx is quite easy to use and record with. I've also used an 11 rack. You can't beat either for ease of recording. I use my Axe Fx at home thru studio monitors. I prefer it through an amp and cab. But recording it direct works for me.

 

[bbake1]

I have FBT Verve 12ma powered monitors. No more 4X12s either.

 

[Chaka5150]

controlled feedback: google Mark Day, IIRC he posted a clip demonstrating controlled feedback...he's a high gain whore love it.

From what you described in terms of your needs, I would say the Axe FX would more than suffice and keep you smilin. That's the easy part. Your genelec's likely would sound great for monitoring purposes. I have tried mesa 2:90 p.a with various cabs-smokes! i am leaning now towards the atomic reactor 50/50 stereo tube rackmount poweramp and a passive FR atomic cab; then I can utilize the full potential of the Ultra. You will want some 3rd party IR's like Redwirez or Ownhammer to help out with the cab sims.

 

[ZeeW]

controlled feedback: google Mark Day, IIRC he posted a clip demonstrating controlled feedback...he's a high gain whore love it.

From what you described in terms of your needs, I would say the Axe FX would more than suffice and keep you smilin. That's the easy part. Your genelec's likely would sound great for monitoring purposes. I have tried mesa 2:90 p.a with various cabs-smokes! i am leaning now towards the atomic reactor 50/50 stereo tube rackmount poweramp and a passive FR atomic cab; then I can utilize the full potential of the Ultra. You will want some 3rd party IR's like Redwirez or Ownhammer to help out with the cab sims.

Wow - just checked out Mark Day. I'd be one very happy guy with tone and feedback!

The Genelecs are darn amazing monitors, I bought the DSP ones with 8inch drivers and boy are they accurate when calibrated to the room.

I need to do a lot more research on the Axe Fx - I've just been checking out YTube vids of it and I'm struggling to find some decent Blues tones... may be its more a high gain thing?

 

[bbake1]

It's in there too. Plenty of really good light crunch/breakup and clean tones in the Axe-FX. There is an Axe-FX forum too.

 

[ZeeW]

It's in there too. Plenty of really good light crunch/breakup and clean tones in the Axe-FX. There is an Axe-FX forum too.

It might be a bit overkill to turn up at a local jam with an Axe Fx lol

 

[bbake1]

But when you can come in with a guitar and Axe-FX in one trip and your monitors in the next, they will be amazed at the simplicity, sound, and not hurting your back.

 

[ZeeW]

hmmm I've spent most of the evening surfing trying to help me make up my mind. I've put a call out amongst my mates to see if I can hook up with someone who can let me spend some time with an Axe.

All this chat has really got me thinking. I'm always keen to travel light too!

 

[Chaka5150]

If you want something portable to go along with the axe...check out Atomicamplifiers if you haven't already. They have passive and active cabs/wedges that were designed to go with the Axe Fx. These are more FRFR (not 100% FRFR) but nice cross between poweramp/cab and Powered Main Monitors.

 

[jbhafner]

Check out the Line 6 POD HD PRO. Excellent sounds and easy to tweak, reamp, etc for the studio application. It sounds great live as well. The Axe FX stuff is pretty expensive and there's a wait time for them. They both modeled similar amp models, but they did not model the exact same amps. Line 6 has their own separate private stock of amps that were modded by a pro and then sampled. I'm not sure about the AX FX and what they did. I know that their processing power is greater than Line 6 though. Check out Dhalif's vids on here or on youtube. He isn't even using the HD stuff and is getting a killer tone. Lots of options for you out there. Just depends on what you want to spend. Hope this helps you come closer to what you're hearing in your head.

 

[ScoobySteve]

Don't forget the Eleven Rack. Line 6 stuff is catching up but the Axe FX and Eleven Rack are firmly in the front. The AxeFX being in a pretty high and lofty first. I currently use the Eleven Rack and its wonderful. Its a little more thn half the cost of a standard axefx but has 90% the capabilities. Wonderful models and especially a wicked Plexiglas model.

 

[Roubster]

Also if you want something great for recording and rather simple, the Suhr Badger 18 or 30 are pretty sweet. It is a single channel amp that gets moderate gain. It has a built in power scaling feature which can take the amp down to about 1 watt and still retain the same tone. You can always use pedals...especially something like the Suhr Riot for heavy stuff. Check out Pete Thorn's demos of the Badger amp and also Andy Wood.

But yea, I dont think you can really go wrong with an Axe Fx to get EVERYTHING you need for recording. When I win the lottery one of these days I'm gonna spend it ALL on a studio with tons of amps and guitars . There is just so much cool stuff out there.

 

[CHill]

Fingers => Strings => Pickups => Tubes => Tone. I have a Mark V coming as the digital world just didn't cut it, plus the amount of effects in those boxes are too beyond me. If this thread is still around I'll keep you posted on the late night jam sound levels, which I'm also a little worried about. In the shop I had the combo turning out amazing low volume tones, but the room was 4 times bigger and was somewhat padded.