Off Topic Axe-Fx: Anyone using one?

[sandmannn69]

Interesting.

Let me pose a question to the Axe-Fx owners: Would it be a waste of money to use the Axe-Fx as just a multi effects processor for continuous control and maybe some preamp functions (like a gain boost for instance) with a traditional stereo tube head and 2 4x12's?

Pretty much, especially if you're looking to downsize yer rig. The power amp and cab sims in the Axefx were very big buying reasons for me, plus you can use 3rd-party cab sims (Redwirez are very good). The FX are excellent, but I'm more of a heavy on tone, light on the fx player. The variety of amp/cab sims is what I like, especially the Marsha HBE into a 4x12 GB.

 

[jeffrey]

Well, I'd like to downsize my rig, but it's not a priority really. I have no real complaints about my tone or anything, but being a bit of a gearhead I'm always looking at the latest and greatest.

I really need to get my paws on one.

 

[Lou]

I've had an ultra for over 2 years now. Not looking back.

 

[ScoobySteve]

Axe-Fx Standard user here since June 2008, the thing just continues to amaze me.

Axe-FX will definitely become my studio/home rig once I feel like I'm ready to upgrade from my Eleven Rack. While the Eleven Rack is tweakable and has killer tones and variety in itself, the Axe-FX even has more so, and what more, an insane response to guitar impedence. The dynamic response is sooooo close to a real tube amp.

OT: How's my guitar? She getting a lot of love?

 

[brokenvail]

Interesting.

Let me pose a question to the Axe-Fx owners: Would it be a waste of money to use the Axe-Fx as just a multi effects processor for continuous control and maybe some preamp functions (like a gain boost for instance) with a traditional stereo tube head and 2 4x12's?

The answer is yes and no. JP and Steve Vai and many others use it just as an FX unit. It replaces their G Force or Lexicon's or Eventides. Other guys use it as a preamp and FX with a tube power amp and use their tradition guitar cabs. Basically they use it for everything but cab simulations.

I use the axe direct with a midi pedal and that is it. I did it for the weight because I had back surgery. I have never looked back.

 

[bbake1]

The dynamic response is sooooo close to a real tube amp.

+1 What he said.

 

[dannymusic]

won't make your ears bleed when you crank the master volume.

why bother then....????

 

[jeffrey]

The answer is yes and no. JP and Steve Vai and many others use it just as an FX unit. It replaces their G Force or Lexicon's or Eventides. Other guys use it as a preamp and FX with a tube power amp and use their tradition guitar cabs. Basically they use it for everything but cab simulations.

I use the axe direct with a midi pedal and that is it. I did it for the weight because I had back surgery. I have never looked back.

Yeah that's more or less where I'm at. I have a G-Force that has served me well, but am kind of hankering for something new-ish.

 

[Josh O]

The dynamic response is sooooo close to a real tube amp.

OT: How's my guitar? She getting a lot of love?

She's my one and only!!! The JP models themselves have pretty much ruined me for any other guitar but the rosewood neck just steps it up a notch, I'm just lovin it!!

And I agree whole heartedly about the Axe-Fx response being close to a tube amp, my Bogner sees very little action anymore.

 

[aleclee]

BallPark cost minus the guitar and computer?

Mackie MR5s: 160 each, mixer was about 150. A new AxeFx runs 1500-2000.

What's the middle rack there?

Headphone amp that became redundant when I got the mixer.

 

[emkey]

Hey,

I've been using tube amps since day one of my guitar experience. But once I heard and went through some informations about Axe Fx I decided to sell all I had and order an Ultra version along with the MFC-101 midi controller. Right now, I'm waiting for the next European shipment and I'll finally get my unit. I played one, heard few of them and the reaction has been always the same - AMAZING! I can't wait. Once I have it all figured I'll try to make some video with my EBMM and Axe.

One more thing that is quite convincing is the size and weight of the rig with Axe

best,
mike

 

[MusicManJP6]

AXE FX Standard has been in the house for almost a year now. I've stopped buying/selling amps and FX. Had to sell a two month old Mesa Mark V to get it. No regrets. It's an awesome unit and I have finally cured my amp and FX GAS.

 

[buckethead777]

I went from G force to G System to Axe Fx Ultra.
Game over. The quality of effects/cabs/amps is unparalleled. I've had mine for about 3 months now, and have only scratched the surface of what this thing is capable of doing.
Couple it with a FRFR cab to get the most outta it.

 

[Bungo]

I agree with the earlier comment about being a tweaker. I'm not so much. He's had his for over a year and still can't access all the different parameters on it without whipping out his owners manual, and then sometimes can't find a way to do it. And he isn't a dumb guy.

I'm too lazy to deal with all that. I also know that I'd find my handful of favorite tones and the rest of the 1,000+ tones would go unused.

This is my problem too.

I love the idea of it, but just know (having dabbled with racks in the past), that I would find using the thing very frustrating, especially when you have to fiddle with menus and parameters via a screen smaller than the one on my phone!

I think this is a real gap in the market, especially for us lazy/impatient/technophobic guitarists.

I would love a unit like the Axe-Fx that I could plug into my laptop via a USB, and have a lovely full screen, intuitive interface appear on the screen that I could completely control and adjust with the mouse. Simple language, no jargon, pop up help windows, you know the kind of thing.

Or can this be done already and I've just missed it... ?

I use a Hughes & Kettner Switchblade head now as I get full programmability with very simple controls. Effects are definitley a compromise, but a worthwhile one I feel for the benefit of the real simplicity of the device.

 

[Blue Lizard]

I would love a unit like the Axe-Fx that I could plug into my laptop via a USB, and have a lovely full screen, intuitive interface appear on the screen that I could completely control and adjust with the mouse. Simple language, no jargon, pop up help windows, you know the kind of thing.

Or can this be done already and I've just missed it... ?

The Axe-Edit software does give you a pretty intuitive GUI through which you can edit, build and save/recall patches.

However, it's still a beta release (not supported by Fractal) and is not perfect - I've had it drop contact with the hardware a few times with me (I prefer to make sure that any Axe-Edit patches have been saved to the AxeFX hardware to do any tweaking in a critical live/recording session).

Also, no USB; you'll need a 'proper' MIDI interface and i/o MIDI cables.

 

[Bungo]

The Axe-Edit software does give you a pretty intuitive GUI through which you can edit, build and save/recall patches.

However, it's still a beta release (not supported by Fractal) and is not perfect - I've had it drop contact with the hardware a few times with me (I prefer to make sure that any Axe-Edit patches have been saved to the AxeFX hardware to do any tweaking in a critical live/recording session).

Also, no USB; you'll need a 'proper' MIDI interface and i/o MIDI cables.

Thanks for that. Sounds like it's heading in the right direction, for me at least.

Another two or three years development down the road and it might be simple and reliable enough for me!

 

[dwells]

maybe talking to axe -fx about an endorsement !!!! ill demo video one if i get it

 

[Craiguitar]

Ultra here - plays very nicely with my Axis

Hi Rich,
Cool

I have a standard (been using it for about 18 months now) and an MFC101

 

[Blue Lizard]

Hi Craig,

Yeah, wonderful aren't they!?

Just wondering whether I'm ever going to use my Laney GH50L for anything other than as a power amp for the AxeFX now...

 

[Slingy]

I seriously considered one for my desktop, but I dont want a rackmount there and no usb/firewire is a killer for what I do. If they made a plug in, I'd have it already.