Off Topic - Fractal Amplification

[MusicManJP6]

I'm an AXEFX Standard user and love it! Sold my Mark V head and a full pedalboard to afford. This thing is killer!

 

[tommydude]

Wow! Good to know!! A buddy of mine might be getting one, so will be able to see first hand how to change things up.

I will have to sign up for their Forum Board and start reading.

 

[hbucker]

As I stated in my original post, I think it's a great unit. So this isn't about knocking it.

I also believe that once you get past the learning curve it's probably not difficult to manuver through the presets, models & effects.

My arguments about it being more difficult to adjust is comparing it to my traditional amp and effects and turning 2-3 knobs to dial in what I'm looking for. Compared to that, I'd say it's a lot more complex. But that doesn't mean it's bad. Plus you get a lot of presets that give you a lot more versatility as long as those presets are dialed in the way you need.

It's a tool. Use the right tool for the job you need. Don't use a hammer when you need a screwdriver and you'll be just fine.

 

[Tung]

It's a tool. Use the right tool for the job you need. Don't use a hammer when you need a screwdriver and you'll be just fine.

Good point. That's why I'm still loving all my tube amps. But from a practical standpoint, the Axe is in my future. It's great to have the versatility, dependability and I don't have to lug a massive half stack to gigs. (Although with the power amp and the rack, the Axe rig could get pretty colossal)

 

[ScoobySteve]

Good point. That's why I'm still loving all my tube amps. But from a practical standpoint, the Axe is in my future. It's great to have the versatility, dependability and I don't have to lug a massive half stack to gigs. (Although with the power amp and the rack, the Axe rig could get pretty colossal)

Isn't it set up like the 11R where you can run it (for super simple purposes) directly into a PA/House Mixer? I was under the assumption that the Axe FX only needs a power amp to drive a speaker cabinet.

Anywhos. I'd like to see an Axe-FX Ultra in my future as well. But as far as colossal rigs are concerned. If you're playing a venue that requires a dedicated rig, asking for super simplicity in a small package is just asking for too much.

At most, 8 rack spaces for 2 Axe FX's, 2 Power amps, to establish a stereo W/D set up into two 4x12 is practically the same thing as carrying two heads, 4x12s, or two massive combo amps. What matters though is what Tung mentioned. The versatility is absolutely unheard of in a live environment. If you love tweaking and if you can make yourself proficient in MIDI, you're GOLDEN.

 

[guitfiddle]

It's been out for a couple of years now. It's the type of thing I don't think I could give a fair shake in a demo room at a music store. So, I'd have to buy it to really try it out. My concern now (as with all digital stuff), is that two weeks after I bought it the Ultra-2 would be launched. Anybody heard when the next revision is due out?

 

[ily]

I play with my standard since 4 months
and more i play it more i love it
the mac/pc editor is a extremly easy to edit patches and stock her

i plug my axe in 2 old RCF ART 300MA and for live direct in main mixer
idon't say that it replace real tubes amps(it's not so far and better than a lot..) but if you consider it like a different way you can obtain "your tone" and a very good tone
you can also have your tone at home and working on it without take a ton of amps and cabs and effects
if i've to do a choice i 'll make the same

 

[bbake1]

My concern now (as with all digital stuff), is that two weeks after I bought it the Ultra-2 would be launched. Anybody heard when the next revision is due out?

Software updates are periodic and downloadable with the latest amps and any other changes Cliff makes. Cliff has done well to not make the Ultra (or Standard) obsolete with updates. An announcement is on the forum and immediately available for free when an update is done. The forum community is full of knowledge and Cliff is there as well to help out.

 

[richb]

for sure the Axe-Fx is amazing.best part is,i'm taking my Ultra and guitar down to the gig this sat and going straight through the clubs PA system with 2 XLR's and i'm in Stereo!
on bigger venue's it sits in my rack and i use it as my effects processor using the 4 cable method through my Mesa mark V half stack.
Thing is awesome!
Richb

 

[littlephil]

I really want to get/try one but they're pretty rare here in Australia. And expensive too, the Ultra RRPs at $3500, and they're almost never sold second hand because no-one wants to let them go I got my Mark IV combo w/EV12M for $2000, just for price comparisons.
I still love the Mark though, I doubt I would ever use all the power the Axe can offer.

 

[tommydude]

Last night, my best friend stopped over. He brought his laptop and JPX

He gave me a detailed overview of the FX Ultra and how it does its magic....Amazing. Simply amazing gear.

Then, I had a chance to play the JPX

My current amp will be up for sale this weekend. My "Fractal Fund" will start right away !!

 

[aleclee]

I gave up my Two Rock to finance my AxeFX. Not only do into miss it, I haven't played through any of my remaining tube amps since.

I run through Mackie near field monitors to practice and have a couple of QSC powered speakers for when I want to move air.

 

[smd24fan]

I bought an Ultra a few weeks ago. It's definitely worthy of the hype. I use it as an effects processor for my Mark V, but also have a second cab and Carvin power amp that I utilize as a second independent rig. As awesome as it is, I will NEVER sell my Mark V.

 

[bbake1]

I will NEVER sell my Mark V.

Never say never. With the Axe-FX, my handwired amps were last to go, but they are gone after I said never. I said the same thing about my Axis', until I bought my first 25th. Things and people change.

 

[smd24fan]

Never say never. With the Axe-FX, my handwired amps were last to go, but they are gone after I said never. I said the same thing about my Axis', until I bought my first 25th. Things and people change.

True, never say never. How about, as of this moment I will not sell my Mark V. I'm in love with the amp, what can I say. I have SN#00042, so I have had it for some time now. It has never failed me and just sounds incredible. Guess I feel a little guilty about even having thought of selling it.

 

[Supreeth]

I've owned an AFX Ultra for a year now and it is quite simply mind blowing. I sold my Mesa Roadster and Mark V (I had SN #427. Not as early run as yours smd24fan) after a few months. I run a simple setup into M-Audio BX5A nearfield monitors and I don't regret having sold my tube amps at all. I do sometimes miss the air that a guitar cabinet pushes but the fact that I can recreate pretty much any tone very close to how I hear it on a recording, and that I can use this to create any tone I want without rushing out to buy more equipment is what clinched the deal for me. I also use the AFX for recording and it is perfect for late night practicing through headphones. Aside from buying MM guitars it is the best money I have put down on musical equipment!

 

[agt]

For home recording, the Axe FX is probably the single best purchase I have ever made, besides my Balls of course. It is the first modeler/direct recording device (and I've used many) that does not disappoint compared to a real tube amp. Highly recommended.

 

[ily]

For home recording, the Axe FX is probably the single best purchase I have ever made, besides my Balls of course. It is the first modeler/direct recording device (and I've used many) that does not disappoint compared to a real tube amp. Highly recommended.

+1 probably one of the best Summary

 

[germangallardo]

You guys are giving me a hard time, I love my Mark V so MUCH. At the moment I have no effects, I was thinking in the Ultra to fix this. I don't know if I'll use everything to it's full potential... so I can't justify that kind of expense just for FX. I have to say that the part that is more attractive is it's recording capabilities, and the fact that you are in stereo with two XLRs... maybe later down the road I'll end owning one!

 

[littlephil]

You guys are giving me a hard time, I love my Mark V so MUCH. At the moment I have no effects, I was thinking in the Ultra to fix this. I don't know if I'll use everything to it's full potential... so I can't justify that kind of expense just for FX. I have to say that the part that is more attractive is it's recording capabilities, and the fact that you are in stereo with two XLRs... maybe later down the road I'll end owning one!

I plan on getting one later on too, but I doubt I'll ever sell my Mark IV.
If you want a cheapish FX unit, definitely check out a TC G-Major, cheap and great quality stuff.