So who's playing an Axe-FX?

[Algiman]

Originally Posted by pmike

Hey Algiman, how's the Axe fx going ? you've been quiet for 2 weeks in this thread Good or bad thing ?

Unfortunately I'm working away from home a lot at the moment, so I've not had as much time to play with it as I'd like. I'll do a full review in the new year. But, my initial thoughts are all possitive. I had been using a triaxis, but the AxeFX actually sounds and feels more like a valve amp than the triaxis does. It has a far more natural response. The effects are great, and once you get used to the programing it is pretty simple to use, and very versitile. Money well spent! My only time with it so far has been through a mesa 2:90 into a 2x12 cab, so I've not really used it to its full potential yet, but I'm extremely happy with the tones I have come up.

[EL-CeeDee]

Can any AXE-FX users comment on the new Eleven Rack ? How does it hold up to the fx ?

[Silverburst]

Originally Posted by Algiman

I had been using a triaxis, but the AxeFX actually sounds and feels more like a valve amp than the triaxis does. It has a far more natural response.

Yikes... that's a really bold statement. If that would be the case.... I've been looking at a tri-axis myself as well this week (owning both is just too expensive). It simply looks like that should simply be THE tube preamp. (I had MP-1's, MP-1 3TM's, Sansamp...)

Originally Posted by EL-CeeDee

Can any AXE-FX users comment on the new Eleven Rack ? How does it hold up to the fx ?

It's something that fills the gap between Line6/Digitech/GT10 and AxeFx. But only has about 1/4 of the AxeFx's amp and drive models, no dual amp possibility amongst other things. On the other hand it's less than half the price and the unit's interface as well as software GUI look a lot beter.

Someone made a verry nice comparative spreadsheet
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?k...nw&output=html

[EL-CeeDee]

It's something that fills the gap between Line6/Digitech/GT10 and AxeFx. But only has about 1/4 of the AxeFx's amp and drive models, no dual amp possibility amongst other things. On the other hand it's less than half the price and the unit's interface as well as software GUI look a lot beter.

Someone made a verry nice comparative spreadsheet
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?k...nw&output=html

I know the numbers, but how does it sound and feel? To, never having tried the axefx, the eleven FELT like an amp, and was very good when connected to a tube power amp. It has some major disadvantages ( patch switch time, limited options, etc. ), but I was looking into the specifics of the sound and feel..
Anyone able to comment on that ?

[Algiman]

Originally Posted by pmike

Yikes... that's a really bold statement. If that would be the case.... I've been looking at a tri-axis myself as well this week (owning both is just too expensive). It simply looks like that should simply be THE tube preamp. (I had MP-1's, MP-1 3TM's, Sansamp...)

It is, and if someone had said this to me a few months ago I would have wondered what they were smoking

A friend came over and tried out my rack the other night. The triaxis is still sat in the rack (though disconnected) so they assumed that was what they were playing through - he was absolutley stunned when I turned the triaxis off, leaving only the 2:90 and the AxeFx.

If you want a triaxis, mine may well appear in the classifieds soon, though the GAS monster in me wants to keep it.

[Silverburst]

aiaai... this isn't making things easier. I wonder the difference between the standard and the ultra... At first sight, the ultra has a bunch of extra extreme and more synthesisy effects where I wonder if it's worth the extra price. Does anyone know if there is any difference in the amp model / drive model / fx quality both units share ?

[Algiman]

I presume you've had a good look round here: http://www.fractalaudio.com/forum/

I went for the Ultra on the theory that as future software upgrades come out there will be some things only the Ultra can do. At the moment I'm not using anything that the basic version can't do.

[toneboy]

Originally Posted by pmike

Does anyone know if there is any difference in the amp model / drive model / fx quality both units share ?

The drive, amp and cab models are exactly the same between the Standard and the Ultra. Cliff (the designer and owner of Fractal Audio) has explicitly stated more than once that this would always be the case.

The reverb algorithms in the Ultra a wee bit better and as I recall, the pitch shifter in the Ultra is a little better too but I'm not 100% about that.

[toneboy]

BTW, one sweet little recent addition to the all the drive models was a 3 band EQ (bass, mid level, mid freq, treble) which has made a huge difference in the patches I tweaked for my Les Pauls and Strats. All 3 guitars have traditional pickups so they don't have the metal tone my other guitars do (which have Tone Zones) but the LPs and Strat sound amazing clean.

With the EQ in the drive block, I'm able to slightly boost the mids (+ 3dB at 638 hz) for the LPs and Strats and I also roll off the treble a bit for the Strats as well. While I could have used a Parametric or Graphic EQ block to essentially do the same thing, this change in firmware made it unnecessary. The added CPU cost of the EQ in the Drive is unnoticeable.

[musicdr]

I just upraded to the new firmware 9.0.I was liking my sound before though something was slightly missing.Maybe harmonic complexity would describe it.Its all there now in spades.The natural sounding and feeling tube compression and musically pleasing overtones, the way notes seem to jump off the fretboard when soloing, all there now.Its easy to dial in now.Put every thing at noon, adjust the gain, get the master up there and a few minor tweaks and your there.I find myself liking all of the amps now instead of just a few.I'll have to redo my presets but well worth it.

[Silverburst]

Well, I'm still hoping to read some opinions here of guitarists who have played it in a band or gig

[musicdr]

I play it in a 4pc, another guitarist, bass and a double bass drummer.Only rehearsal so far as we had a line up change recently.It cuts real well in the mix, granted I use only a small amount of effects.I'm running the axe into an art sl-2 poweramp(ss) and 4/12.I saw a friends band last week and he was running direct to front of house with his.It sat in the mix real well and sounded good.His band plays hair band stuff.My band plays originals-classic rock to metal.I haven't found any limitations thus far except maybe me! Keep in mind I've been playing for 31 yrs and have been through my share of gear and gear honeymoons.I don't feel like I'm compromising or settling in any way.If anything its inspired me more.I will say I'm glad this new firmware came out as its pretty easy to dial in now.Every piece of gear has its place.But I'm pretty happy with this little black box.It meets my needs and then some.I had to try it in person several times before I decided to get one.I think they offer a 14 day trial period if you can't find a local user.

[Algiman]

Still loving this toy, though I only have occaisional weekends to play with it at the moment (proper review in the new year, I promise!) and so I've not gigged it yet.

As an aside, anyone using a liquid foot controler? I may retire my all access to my B rig, and the LF looks pretty much a perfect match. I particularly like the idea of the 12 button preset mode, still giving me 10 IAs.

[Silverburst]

Make sure to keep us posted Algiman I'm looking into the Axe each day, so chances are a purchase is close.

I've been looking at foorcontrollers myself, and I really find that the Liquid is missing expression pedals don't you think ?

[Algiman]

No, you can plug expression pedals into it, which I prefer versus built in ones.