thinkin about the AXE FX again.......

[Laskyman]

I second that and will jump on the Laskyman must get a Axe-FX bandwagon

you guys are freaking killing me...

Still, it's certainly easier to carry an AxeFX and monitor than it is to carry multiple heads & cabs

Yeah- have at least 1/2 hour prep to get rolling when I play out- the worst part is the trek up the stairs from the Dadcave with amp, pedalboard, guitars....A nice 2-4space rack would be easy....add in a QSC k12 or k10- still easier than my current haul. Sound better? Jury is out...again- I dont think one can really qualify as being "better" than the other...different, yes, better- no....

For myself, I don't really need that many sounds, so a good channel switching head is all I really require.

Wish I felt the same..but the way I look at it is this: I am alive *today*..there are options for the things that I am passionate about and truly enjoy with guitar gear...why wouldnt I want to explore them? If they didnt appeal to me AFTER I had the opportunity fully evaluate them, them thats OK too- it isnt like I cant replace gear....and then I will know absolutely why it does or wont work for me....

sometimes it is better to regret something you have done, than to regret something you havent....

 

[ryjan]

I would kill to have a VH4, JCM800, Dual Recto, Triaxis, Cornford, and Powerball all at the same time. With my budget, that will never happen (at least if I want to stay married) so the next best thing is the Axe FX. Even if it doest do it 100% for each amp I would still have 95% of a sh!tload of amps!

 

[screamingdaisy]

sometimes it is better to regret something you have done, than to regret something you havent....

I'd be totally down with trying an AxeFX, but I wouldn't sell my #1 rig to do it. I've jumped in too deep too many times now, so I like to maintain a good fall-back position should things not work out as planned. That, and a lot of the guys who do love their Axe still like to have a tube amp available... sometimes it's nice to drop down a combo and rock out.

I'd actually like to get one for the effects. I like simplicity... I don't use a lot of effects live but I'd like to. A single rack unit wired up to my amp head is pretty simple. And who knows... maybe the amp models will grow on me.

 

[ryjan]

I'd actually like to get one for the effects. I like simplicity... I don't use a lot of effects live but I'd like to. A single rack unit wired up to my amp head is pretty simple. And who knows... maybe the amp models will grow on me.

This is what I'd do if I could afford to just buy one outright.

 

[Laskyman]

you know- I am real curious about the AXE, but not so curious that I think I could actually give up my Dyne.....I think the only thing I really need, OK- only 2 things that I need to have the PERFECT rig is a Wampler triple wreck and a tone press or ego compressor.......Ill get an axe when I have the scratch...

 

[reilly]

I have been playing with my friends Axe Fx for the last week (creating some tones for him), and as cool as it is I am not ready to give up my Mark IV and Time factor for one. Plus the weight/size of a rack with a tube power amp like a 2:90 would be heavier than my Mark IV head.

However The Editing program is easy to use and makes creating/editing patches really fast and easy. I think if you are very familiar with the REAL amp you are trying to emulate you will def be able to dial in a very convincing tone (I feel I nailed the Mark IV tone).

The Axe would be nice for me for recording purposes but i would still end up with 20 Mark patches. The real Mark IV gives me all i need so im in no rush to get the Axe FX. The Axe was my other option when I bought my mark iv and to my surprise I don't regret my decision and was expecting to love the Axe.

 

[jetdriver]

Laskyman!

I hear you brother! You and are in the exact same boat. I too have a boogie rig that I like. I have to haul it out of my house twice a week for gigs & rehearsals. I'm almost 40, and not a fan of having to roadie all that stuff. Plus, I admit it, I am a techie/gadget nut. The thought of having so many fantastic amps and world class effects in one easy to carry box draws me like a moth to the flame. I play in multiple bands too, so the idea of being able to setup patches for each band/genre is very intriguing too. Add in the Fractal midi floorboard, and now you can make drastic changes with just one button push (no more tap dancing). I too would have to part with my rig to finance the move to the Fractal rig. That's not an ideal way, but I don't really have a choice there.

The thought of being able to just gig with a axe fx/foot controller and a guitar is also pretty cool. Given that I play in a fairly loud rock band, I can see running it in a case with a power amp and using one of my 412 cabs. Not necessarily doing my back any favors, but the setup is faster, and the sound is more consistent, and with options to connect to FOH.

I've seen & heard some amazing clips and vids. Look up Pete Thorn on youtube. Plus, the new NY Amp Show 2010 clip of Fractals booth, with that guy wailing the new Marsha amp sim is freaking awesome!!

Anyway. I hear you. And I am intrigued by this new technology. By the way, have you seen the Eleven Rack? Street price is about $899. That's a lot easier to swallow than $2k for the Axe. Not as many bells & whistles, but arguably on even footing in terms of sound & feel.

I could definitely swing an 11R and an Atomic powered cab without too much bloodshed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oER9vtXj-1Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Md9_KqVG5oU

 

[ryjan]

+1 on the Elevenrack. It only has about half of what the Axefx has but it's the useable half.

 

[Laskyman]

Yeah- I been talking with some 11 users, and I *could* squeeze one in without parting out my board- AND it has recording software, with my board effects, the only things missing would be drives and amp models....but *i* would always wonder waht I was moissing out on...and the 11 has not cured AXE gas for some other guys I talk with....
I play an important gig this sunday- if anything goes south, or is really problematic with any part of my rig- it will definately influence my decision. Rehearsals however, tell me that I am already playing through the most amazing rig ever.....the 11 is a very basic, but impressive piece of kit. The AXE (at this time) is the be all of modeling with world class effects- and infinately routable. Less than a week away from a big decision....11 Rack? AXE? No change?.....we'll see

 

[jetdriver]

Well, I did just find out that with the 11R you cannot run a power amp and cab AND also connect to the FOH PA. You have to run an external cab sim in order to connect to both at the same time, which is kind of a bummer.

I think the 11R represents a kick *** value. Actually, they both do considering what they are capable of.

 

[ryjan]

Yeah, on stage you would have to run it to a FRFR speaker for your moniter or (gulp) trust the sound guy. Sucks that you have to run the power amp sims all on or off.

 

[Laskyman]

Just for the record- Mesa stays, Pedalboard stays, and I "re-introduced" a Boss GT8 for the late night and Ampless gigs...I will re-visit this discussion again with the "next"- next gen modeler comes out....or when I get a bunch of $$$$$

Make Mine Mesa!

 

[ryjan]

That's where I usually end up. How are the amp sims on the GT-8? I have a GT-3 and have been thinking of upgrading.

 

[Laskyman]

GT8 amp sims are vastly superior to the 6, which was better than the 3 and 5.
Also, the flexibility of the 8 over the 3 alone warrants replacement-

The amp sims are usable- won't replace a Mesa, but can get you through. The effects and routing are also good, only bested by the 10 in that regard, however, the amp sims on the 8 are absolutley superior to the 10- more organic- which is why I brought back an 8 over the 10. The 10 has a "cocked wah" sound over every OD/DIS and gain model that can not be cured- a step backwards in COSM. There are "fixes" like the free willy EQ setting that make it more authentic, but you only get so close. Maybe you wouldn't mind that CW sound- I however can not stand it- and it made all distortions (stomp or amp based) unusable. You could IMHO, also bring in a Harmonic Converger for a GT8 and be completely happy with the 8 as your "all-in-one" , but I have an Electa Dyne addiction......so, if you can check out an 8, I would encourage it-

 

[ryjan]

Cool. Thanks!

 

[EtherealWidow]

I would if I were gigging in one of those cover bands that wanted to sound as authentic as possible.

Other than that, I not really an uber-tweaker. I like to have a couple of different sounds available, but they have to be black and white differences. If my sounds get too close together I start to question which one works better for what and next thing you know I'm playing the same part over and over again 20 times trying to figure out which shade of gray works best.

And that is why I don't own an AxeFX.

That's a really simple, but REALLY profound thought. Never realized I do the same **** thing. When I first got my Express I had a list for when I'd use every mode and when the contour would be on or off and when to use 5 watts and 25 watts. I couldn't handle something with many options. The Mark V would kill me. Same with the Axe FX or Eleven Rack.

 

[Laskyman]

Just for the record- Mesa stays, Pedalboard stays, and I "re-introduced" a Boss GT8 for the late night and Ampless gigs...I will re-visit this discussion again with the "next"- next gen modeler comes out....or when I get a bunch of $$$$$

Boss GT8 is starting to piss me off...once you are able to "hear" certain artifacts, it is impossible to *not* hear them when they are introduced......the Ax FX is looking better everyday...as both total effect processor and late night practice pal...doesnt hurt that both Meshuggah and Opeth are on the Axe Fx bandwagon.....

People tell me that the Axe cures G.A.S....I need a cure for G.A.S.......

Love the flexibility of the 8. Eventide has destroyed my ears for inferior effects algorithms. Mesas Dyne has corrupted my ears to a warm and creamy organic tonal experience. I did it to myself..........time to start saving up for an AXE.....to use with my Mesa....

 

[Geiri]

What ever rocks your boat my friend. The axe is one evil machine and you can't go wrong with it. My gas will be cured with the mk v I'm saving for. Really not big on effects and mostly use delay for a little ambience.

 

[screamingdaisy]

A dude I've known for years had an Eclipse and an AxeFX. He says the Axe's effects aren't as good as Eventides, but he sold the Eventide anyway because they were good enough for him. I haven't talked to him recently, but I think the Axe is all he's using. He's a death-metal shred-head and I think he was using an SoundCity and ENGL prior to the sell off. I have a couple of his old bands albums and they were pretty good.

Just out of curiosity, how many effects are we talking here? Because that Eventide delay I picked up sounds really **** good. So much so that I briefly gassed for an Eclipse again... but quickly realized that all I'd ever use it for is chorus and delay, which I can pull off for a fraction of the cost with the their delay and modulation pedals.

 

[Laskyman]

Just out of curiosity, how many effects are we talking here?

If set up correctly in 4CM, the AXE should be able to do everything I am currently doing with my board, except 1 or 2 algorithms that I think are Eventide specific (crystals -yeah, i know AXE has a crystals setting, but it isnt the same..., and the quadvox setting- both are on my Pitchfactor). For everything I have heard, researched, watched, and talked through with users of BOTH Eventide and Fractal- the effects seem to be a wash- both are excellent, pro quality, no holds barred.
I realize I will have to piece out my pedal board to accomodate bringing in a Fractal- as I get some money together and start getting close, no doubt youll see my board in the classifieds......

BTW- If you are looking for a great all-in-one modulation pedal- the Eventide is Peerless. If you have the Timefactor- just imagine the same quality only with modulations......yeah, count it....