What's all the hype about Axe Fx?

[toxikdeth]

The axe fx looks promising hows the hot rodded marshall tone. Is the axe fx good for thrash and shred

[Chad]

Okay, this is far from normal guitar playing, but this is one of the most interesting AxeFx YouTube vids I've seen:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68y1gjEHiBM

Close your eyes and it sounds like a real violin/cello!

[Matt_B]

BTW, the thing I'm finding especially exciting about the Axe-FX is I'm finally getting the opportunity to branch out and play some different styles again, things that are more blues and fusion oriented. My ol' MP-1s were great at metal and that was about it. I had a Mesa Quad pre in my guitar room, which was good for the Fender cleans and smooth fusion tones but I didn't have one for my "TV watching" rig.

Tonight I tweaked a few factory presets using a Dumble, a Triaxis, and a Plexi. My LP Classic (with Dimarzio 36th Anniversay PAFs) sounded amazing through all of those.

[Matt_B]

I don't blame anyone for not believing online opinions.

I believe that there were folks selling all their amps and all their other gear (rack processors and pedals) after getting an Axe-FX. What I couldn't believe, until I played through it myself, was how it felt. To me, the way a tube amp responds to your touch is what I wanted. If it feels right then I will be able to play my best. That's what still makes my head hurt - someone finally built a digital modeler that feels like a tube amp with all the dynamics and nuances that I need.

[Flatpicker]

I just picked up today (Friday) spent about 30 mins with Cliff as he worked my dumb ass thru how to set it up.

The one thing I can say with about 90mins of time on it, is that the "fizz" is gone.
If you have used a POD in the past you will know what I mean.

This seems cleaner, but, I am still working it out and am hitting the honeymoon so my opinions are biased.

I am going to get the new Atomic Amp once it releases to finish the set up.

[hippietim]

I don't blame anyone for not believing online opinions. I've bought some seriously suck ass gear based on opinions on forums. However, that has only happened a few times.

The thing to do is to find some folks that seem to gravitate towards the same stuff/sounds that you do and pay attention to them. You figure out who the bozos are soon enough.

There are definitely folks that have no business sharing their opinions of gear with anyone.

[Leo Chang]

Agreed 100%. But for those like me, taking this into serious consideration, their opinions help a lot. Or not, like you mentioned. Depends. All I can say is I see tried and true tube guys moving quite a bit of high-end gear to replace or help finance (offset) this unit. Or they just are so impressed that they don't want/need the other stuff any longer. I value their opinions highly due to the reasons stated by BillZ and yourself. Plus they took the time to walk through some stuff for those that asked. But the clincher for serious consideration is that they (some, not all) are the ones dumping some stuff that I could only dream of owning in favor of this unit.

I have more options than I have to have. But I would really like to skinny it up. I have an eclectic setup for versatility and because I am not totally content w/my rigs. But I'm not at major odds w/my rigs either. I have a HORRIBLE back (it doesn't hurt much though). I won't boar you w/the details other than to say walking can be a challenge sometimes. Much less toting all this shit around. I don't play out all that much. Mostly the one-off type thing a couple times a year... maybe three or four. But it SUX sweaty balls when I do. I just need to commit - save up, skinny up the bloat. If this thing is even close, my main rig will be a 6u, at worst. THAT right there gives me a stiffy.

??? :think:

We are 100% in agreement, so I am not sure why you are responding as if we don't. But anyway... since we are 100% in agreement... never mind

I am in a similar situation. I see a lot of people, whose opinion in tone and gear I respect, selling off top quality tube amps in favor of the Axe Fx. Then I hear all those amazing user-made clips at the Axe Fx Forum... since one of the primary reasons I want the Axe Fx is for recording, I am sold.

If I haven't ordered an Uberschall already, I would get the Axe Fx Ultra right away. As it is, I am saving up cash while waiting for Fractal's own FRFR solution.


- Leo.

[T@rgetDrone]

Agreed 100%. But for those like me, taking this into serious consideration, their opinions help a lot. Or not, like you mentioned. Depends. All I can say is I see tried and true tube guys moving quite a bit of high-end gear to replace or help finance (offset) this unit. Or they just are so impressed that they don't want/need the other stuff any longer. I value their opinions highly due to the reasons stated by BillZ and yourself. Plus they took the time to walk through some stuff for those that asked. But the clincher for serious consideration is that they (some, not all) are the ones dumping some stuff that I could only dream of owning in favor of this unit.

I have more options than I have to have. But I would really like to skinny it up. I have an eclectic setup for versatility and because I am not totally content w/my rigs. But I'm not at major odds w/my rigs either. I have a HORRIBLE back (it doesn't hurt much though). I won't boar you w/the details other than to say walking can be a challenge sometimes. Much less toting all this shit around. I don't play out all that much. Mostly the one-off type thing a couple times a year... maybe three or four. But it SUX sweaty balls when I do. I just need to commit - save up, skinny up the bloat. If this thing is even close, my main rig will be a 6u, at worst. THAT right there gives me a stiffy.

[Leo Chang]

It sucks, cause I don't trust online opinions

Everything horns666 said... and I'll just add this:

Do you trust other people's opinion... ever? I am sure you have at some point, and why did you trust that person's opinion at that time?

Most likely because you have already known that person for some time, and are familiar with their thought processes, and their preferences in relevant areas...etc. And through interacting with that person (or observe them interact with other people), you have gotten a sense of who they are, what they believe in, and what their values are...etc.

Same idea with online opinions. It's not that ALL online opinions are untrustworthy... it's just that it's much harder to go through that same process of familiarization to decide who IS trustworthy (on that given topic)

I don't trust Harmony Central reviews, because the exact process I just described is lacking... though I take the reviews into consideration.

I have found though, that I can trust opinions of certain long-standing members in forums like the JCF (and a few others) to some extent... because it is possible to actually get to know them, and therefore have a better sense of what their opinion means to me.

Of course, I am not saying that you can totally trust opinions on the net... still need to take everything with a grain of salt and do your own independent research... but that's the same for offline life in general.


- Leo.

[horns666]

I want to thank Tim, and guys for taking the time to respond to my questions.

Tim, and others are technically savy that owned so much amazing gear that I would never have at my disposal. Especially the upper end "boutique" stuff that most stores just don't stock.

If I wasn't content with my sound, I would definitely buy this thing..just on recommendations of very credible guys that really know gear/tone. Unfortunately, I have raging OCD, and limited patience when it comes to learning to use gear with such capabilities. I think I would drive myself absolutely nuts with this thing. Thank goodness my needs are basic and pretty minimal.

The information these guys offer is absolutely priceless in my book. I know tone is subjective, but after getting to know some people, their words are worth their weight in gold IMO! That's exactly what led me to the Uber when I joined this forum. Until then, I never heard of that amp. Especially during a time when guitars and amps were collecting dust. When buying a mint 5150 halfstack was not unheard of.

Cool,

Bill Z

[Matt_B]

It sucks, cause I don't trust online opinions and don't have the money to drop 1500 on a gamble.

So try for yourself - they have a 15 day money back guarantee. The most you'll be out is shipping.

Sounds intriguing.

It is...very much so.

Ah well, back to tubes

You have my sympathies.

[Vlover]

It sucks, cause I don't trust online opinions and don't have the money to drop 1500 on a gamble. Sounds intriguing. Ah well, back to tubes

[T@rgetDrone]

From what I've been able to gather, I tend to agree. I have not had the pleasure of a hands-on w/either unit. But I have, do and will follow them as close as possible (i am both interested and somewhat amazed). We often speak about "Bang for the buck" products. And sometimes that term gets immediately associated to mid to lower priced gear. If this thing delivers 2/3 of what it is touted to deliver and customer service continues to be top-shelf (not to mention community support. optimum word being support), then this has to qualify way up there for the Bang for your buck" award. Bang for your buck DOES come at many price points. Including the higher ticket items.

To be very honest, I am literally afraid to test drive it. I am afraid I will not want to take advantage of the 15 day return policy and want to keep it. At which point I'm hosed. I simply can not afford it....... YET! I could shave off other gear. I don't have a ton but do have enough to gig out w/backups and alternatives. But it looks like I will be needing what I do have more often pretty soon. Oh the fuggin agony of GAS, the economy and my presently low budget!

[jk2171]

This guy has great demo vids showing off the amazing variety of sounds and I think I'm now sold after watching his 7 vids. And by god he's just using what looks to be a mid range Ibanez. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ubu8A...eature=related

Thanks for the link. I've seen some other demo videos on Youtube which were pretty good. This guy has some really good ones. I want one!

[Flatpicker]

Yeah,
The Ultra's are in.
I'm going to NH tomorrow to pick one up.