Axe Fx II

[Thomas-Hawk]

Hey Tom,

Pretty much what aleclee said. I use the Fractal Audio MFC-101. I wanted no-hassle, full integration with my Axe-Fx II, and flexibility with future new features that FAS might release, which they just did a few weeks ago (a new preset feature called "Scenes"). If you've got the cash for one (they're not cheap) and don't plan on using a foot controller for anything else but the Axe-Fx II, then to me it's a no-brainer. Get the MFC-101.

 

[ZeroFivefour]

They're all "compatible". Some are more capable than others in terms of programmability and configuration flexibility.

The most basic ones will let you change patches. A step up from that would let you have some combination of patch change and FX "instant access" (allowing you to turn FX on/off). Another step up will provide text associated with a preset (programmed by the user, not polled from the AxeFx). The next tier offers multiple MIDI messages associated with a single button press or varying messages per button per preset. The high end devices (e.g., MFC-101, Liquid Foot, Little Giant) offer tuner display and tight integration (e.g., display preset name and FX state without programming).

This wiki page is kind of dated but should give you an idea of the different capabilities offered by various controllers:
MIDI Floor Controller Comparison Chart - Fractal Audio Systems Wiki

Hey Tom,

Pretty much what aleclee said. I use the Fractal Audio MFC-101. I wanted no-hassle, full integration with my Axe-Fx II, and flexibility with future new features that FAS might release, which they just did a few weeks ago (a new preset feature called "Scenes"). If you've got the cash for one (they're not cheap) and don't plan on using a foot controller for anything else but the Axe-Fx II, then to me it's a no-brainer. Get the MFC-101.

Thanks guys. I appreciate the info. I'll be ordering an AFx2 soon. I don't anticipate getting the foot controller simultaneously due to limited budget, but you have both convinced me to get the MFC-101.

Thanks again,

Cheers,

Tom

 

[lessthanone]

I've also been looking into the eleven rack. I've read and heard nothing but good things about it and its a fraction of the cost of axe fx plus it comes with pro tools. And right now it's only 650 and you can use the 100 off coupon. so many choices...

 

[coldsummer]

I've also been looking into the eleven rack. I've read and heard nothing but good things about it and its a fraction of the cost of axe fx plus it comes with pro tools. And right now it's only 650 and you can use the 100 off coupon. so many choices...

The eleven rack is a good little unit, but nowhere near as good as the AFX II. However, good as they both are, there is no such thing as a magic box, it simply doesn't exist, and neither of these units, or any other piece of gear will turn you into a great guitarist or make you sound like the artists you like. In fact, you may need to work a little bit harder to get good tones from the AFX II simply because it is more 'realistic' than some of the cheaper units which tend to give more superficial immediate gratification but less depth to the tones they produce.

I don't mean to sound patronising, just speaking from experience. I've spent years chasing the perfect tone and tried most of the amps, multi-fx, modelers etc but I've reached the conclusion that you just need a decent guitar, a fairly nice amp/modeling device and tons of dedicated practice. It's been said many times before, but good tone comes from the player not the gear. Good fun trying all the different stuff though!

 

[Assumer]

Here is a comparison of the 11rack, axfx ultra and axfx2
Axe FX Ultra vs Axe FX II vs Eleven Rack - YouTube

 

[ZeroFivefour]

The eleven rack is a good little unit, but nowhere near as good as the AFX II. However, good as they both are, there is no such thing as a magic box, it simply doesn't exist, and neither of these units, or any other piece of gear will turn you into a great guitarist or make you sound like the artists you like. In fact, you may need to work a little bit harder to get good tones from the AFX II simply because it is more 'realistic' than some of the cheaper units which tend to give more superficial immediate gratification but less depth to the tones they produce.

I don't mean to sound patronising, just speaking from experience. I've spent years chasing the perfect tone and tried most of the amps, multi-fx, modelers etc but I've reached the conclusion that you just need a decent guitar, a fairly nice amp/modeling device and tons of dedicated practice. It's been said many times before, but good tone comes from the player not the gear. Good fun trying all the different stuff though!

Coldsummer,

I couldn't agree with you more about practicing and developing one's guitar craft. You are spot on and it is some of the best advice that can be given to someone that is unaware of that fact. Tone is indeed in ones fingers imho.

With that said. Speaking personally with regard to why I have interest in the AFx2, it is not that I am chasing tone per se, as I too, in my younger years have chased tone down the rabbit hole as much as the next guy. I have been fortunate enough to identify and integrate a handful of excellent useful tones that I would love to have ease of access too in a small rig config. At one point I had a rack rig with the DMC switcher 2 preamps, multi effects rack, foot based fx in the DMC switcher, etc... The thing was a heavy beast for sure. Sounded great but it was really too big.

It is my hope that I will be able to use the Afx2 as not only a tool in order to minimize gear set up, but also to use for late night home use, (headphones), recording direct to pc, as well as for slimming down the old rig, loosing the outboard pedal board etc... If indeed I can get my Fender cleans, juiced/boosted JCM 800/Recto Boogie rhythms, Marshall/mark series lead tones in 2 spaces of rack with a third allocated to a 1U power amp then I will have made my life that much easier and more fulfilling in the process.

We shall see. I have been extremely skeptical about amp modelers for years, however everything I have found in my research about the afx2 seems to indicate that amp modeling may have evolved to the point of it being the next big thing. Even if it doesn't end up being tonal nirvana with regard to amp models. I find the other features present with the unit well worth the price of admission imho. ie: multi fx rack, recording options, late night amp for at home use etc...

Respectfully,

Tom