AX8 rig! Should I do it?

[D-Nastee11]

I'm considering putting together an AX8 pedalboard style rig similar to the one pictured below. I'm concerned about the concept of running direct though (since I won't have my own sound guy) and then just using QSCs as monitors on stage. Worried the sound I'm hearing on stage and what's coming out FOH won't be consistent. Also that having the guitar direct will totally screw up some of your less competant sound guys. I do have a Marshall JCM800 2203x Reissue half stack so I guess I could always use that as a power section with a 4x12 and just let the sound guy mic me, but the whole idea is really not to lug some much gear and always be able to have my tones.

So I guess my first thought is to get some opinions on whether or not I should be concerned if I program the rig through the QSCs and then just go direct? Especially from people who are currently doing so...

and secondly, for people using this kind of rig are you finding you need other pedals as well to make it work? or can these things really cover most all the bases with a few expression pedals? I'm playing pop rock and going for similar tones to Matchbox 20, Jeff Buckley, etc.


Also if anyone has an AX8 pedalboard rig would love to see pics of what you are running.

Thanks!

 

[Bishop5150]

Loving mine. Best to create your presets at gig volume on a descent PA. But I have created presets on my XiTone wedges at home and they have translated extremely well to FOH PA's.

 

[peterc52]

I just sold mine and put down a deposit on another amp.

Its a great unit and will most likely buy another one in a few months

 

[Chris O]

Here's mine. Only thing you don't see is the Marshall 425A it all goes into.

 

[mudf00t]

I just bought one used. I have a Helix as well but my desire to have an Axe FX drove this decision - 45 models vs 245 models.

 

[Stratboy151]

I just bought one used. I have a Helix as well but my desire to have an Axe FX drove this decision - 45 models vs 245 models.

and the winner is....?

 

[ejecta]

I just bought one used. I have a Helix as well but my desire to have an Axe FX drove this decision - 45 models vs 245 models.

and the winner is....?

I had both at the same time and I kept the Helix. It worked better for me especially how well it integrated with outboard gear. I also liked the tones from the Helix more as well.

 

[mudf00t]

I just bought one used. I have a Helix as well but my desire to have an Axe FX drove this decision - 45 models vs 245 models.

and the winner is....?

I didn't receive it as yet. Just ordered it this morning from Reverb.

 

[BYTOR]

I just bought one used. I have a Helix as well but my desire to have an Axe FX drove this decision - 45 models vs 245 models.

and the winner is....?

I also liked the tones from the Helix more as well.

I owned a Kemper, AFX2 & Helix at the same time. I still own the Kemper & AFX2......

I recommend Q tips

 

[Stratboy151]

I just bought one used. I have a Helix as well but my desire to have an Axe FX drove this decision - 45 models vs 245 models.

and the winner is....?

I had both at the same time and I kept the Helix. It worked better for me especially how well it integrated with outboard gear. I also liked the tones from the Helix more as well.

interesting. did you think it was more "accurate" or you simply liked the tones better regardless of accuracy?

 

[ejecta]

I recommend Q tips

Q Tips are actually bad for your ears so that probably explains why yours are shit.

 

[ejecta]

I just bought one used. I have a Helix as well but my desire to have an Axe FX drove this decision - 45 models vs 245 models.

and the winner is....?

I had both at the same time and I kept the Helix. It worked better for me especially how well it integrated with outboard gear. I also liked the tones from the Helix more as well.

interesting. did you think it was more "accurate" or you simply liked the tones better regardless of accuracy?

IMHO neither one is dead on accurate to a real tube head but yes I preferred the tones out of the Helix more. The AX8 sounded fine and would work for a lot of people but for me and my tastes the Helix won out in tone and feel.... especially the Marshalls. The Helix is the first modeler that has come close to having a Marshall model react that close to the real thing and I was hugely skeptical going in that the Helix would be better than the AX8. Honestly you can't go wrong with either and it's just comes down to personal tastes.

 

[BYTOR]

but for me and my tastes the Helix won out in tone and feel.... especially the Marshalls

 

[ejecta]

but for me and my tastes the Helix won out in tone and feel.... especially the Marshalls

I had the exact same reaction when I saw this selfie you posted on Facebook.