Diezel VH4 + Axe FX II

[QueenCityGuitars]

Has anyone here used the Axe FX II as the effects processor for a Diezel VH4? I really want to incorporate an effects processor into my rig but I don't have much experience with them. I've always been a guitar ==> amp, grip-it-'n'-rip-it type but I'd love to be able to hit one button and have a completely different sound. I've heard a lot about how different processors suck tone and, ideally, I don't want that to happen. Anyone have any experience or advice? I considered getting a TC G-system but I've heard mixed reviews and the Axe FX II looks very intriguing. Any input would be great appreciated. Thanks!

 

[psbhachu]

To get it to work properly without the hiss and hum, the output on the Axe FX needs to be tweaked. Fractal will do this for you or G66 in Europe. If your Axe FX is one of the newer ones then the mod is already done and all you need is to get yourself the Humbuster cables and you are ready to roll. The Axe FX is pretty transparent compared to the G-System and I'm just talking from my own personal experiences. So you will get some other opinions here too

Happy Wiring!

 

[GtarLover]

I have been using an Axe FX Ultra for effects in the loop of my Herbert for over a year now and it is AWESOME!! No special anything needed.

Now, if you want to run the Axe with the 4 cable method, in order to run effects in the loop AND in front of the amp, then the Humbuster cables would be needed. The OP asked about the Axe FX II, so the output is already set for this use.

Anyway, an Axe II will work in the loop as well, but why not grab an Ultra for much cheaper. It has plenty of CPU for effects with the amp and cab models disengaged.

Of course the Axe II is the bomb, period. If you want excellent amp and cab models, there is nothing better, but if you really are using the Axe for effects only, the Ultra does a great job. I have both and use the Ultra in Herbert's loop, works amazingly well, and then the Axe II with an MFC 101 foot controller as a full rig paired with a QSC K12 power FRFR speaker.

Either would be a great choice, if $$ isn't an issue the Axe II is KILLER.

 

[Reiep]

If your Axe FX is one of the newer ones then the mod is already done and all you need is to get yourself the Humbuster cables and you are ready to roll.

Are you sure about that ? I asked a few time the FAS representatives and they always told me they didn't want to introduce it as default. It would be great

 

[psbhachu]

If your Axe FX is one of the newer ones then the mod is already done and all you need is to get yourself the Humbuster cables and you are ready to roll.

Are you sure about that ? I asked a few time the FAS representatives and they always told me they didn't want to introduce it as default. It would be great

Cliff mentioned it on a Forum Post. Following link http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii ... post846241

 

[Reiep]

That's great news, thanks !

 

[Ventura]

I use my Axe-II as a standalone unit with gobs of options.
I use my Diezels as standalone amps with gobs of tone.

I just can't mix the two.

 

[QueenCityGuitars]

First off, thanks for the replies. I had not even considered an Axe FX Ultra. I guess my thinking was: If I wanted to use a modeled amp setting from the Axe FX II, I could (by just keeping the VH4 on channel 1). But saving a little money and getting an Axe FX Ultra is a great idea. I also agree, Ventura. Having two distinct setups would be the best of both worlds but I was hoping to couple the MIDI capabilities of my VH4 with an effects processor that also switches the channels of my amp (all in one unit/setup). My main concern is, which effects processors go well with a VH4? I'd like to try various units and let my ears do the deciding but it's hard to find one music store that has a VH4, Axe FX II/Ultra, TC, Eventide, etc. If anybody has any other effects processors they'd suggest, I'm all ears.

 

[Reiep]

In the same ballpark price wise, an Eventide Eclipse could do the trick, but fx only. Just a supposition, I don't own one (but I'd like to ).

 

[psbhachu]

First off, thanks for the replies. I had not even considered an Axe FX Ultra. I guess my thinking was: If I wanted to use a modeled amp setting from the Axe FX II, I could (by just keeping the VH4 on channel 1). But saving a little money and getting an Axe FX Ultra is a great idea. I also agree, Ventura. Having two distinct setups would be the best of both worlds but I was hoping to couple the MIDI capabilities of my VH4 with an effects processor that also switches the channels of my amp (all in one unit/setup). My main concern is, which effects processors go well with a VH4? I'd like to try various units and let my ears do the deciding but it's hard to find one music store that has a VH4, Axe FX II/Ultra, TC, Eventide, etc. If anybody has any other effects processors they'd suggest, I'm all ears.

Let me put it this way, how many effects do you ACTUALLY USE? I have and Axe FX and I'm at a stage where I think its just money wasted when using just Overdrive, Chorus, Phase, Flanger, Octave, Delay and Reverb.

I have actually taken inspiration from Reza's current set up with him just racking up a few pedals and controlling them by midi.

Best thing to do is to actually think of what you actually need and use. In most cases you can put together a nice rig for les than Axe FX Money.

Eventide Timefactor and Space are the BEST Delay and Reverb on the Market. The TC stuff is good but I feel a lot of their products are rushed. Especially when you compare a Timefactor sound to a Nova Delay/Flashback.

 

[GtarLover]

Let me put it this way, how many effects do you ACTUALLY USE? I have and Axe FX and I'm at a stage where I think its just money wasted when using just Overdrive, Chorus, Phase, Flanger, Octave, Delay and Reverb.

I have actually taken inspiration from Reza's current set up with him just racking up a few pedals and controlling them by midi.

Best thing to do is to actually think of what you actually need and use. In most cases you can put together a nice rig for les than Axe FX Money.

Eventide Timefactor and Space are the BEST Delay and Reverb on the Market. The TC stuff is good but I feel a lot of their products are rushed. Especially when you compare a Timefactor sound to a Nova Delay/Flashback.

This is a good point. If all you want are a few effects, you can probably build a board for less than an Axe II. However, I still like the Axe Ultra for this purpose because for the price of a used Ultra, damn I have the same amount of $$ or more in pedals, power, and pedalboard. A used Ultra can be had for pretty cheap these days.

I mean, a few sweet pedals can get pricey fast. Especially Eventide, BJFE, or Strymon. Not to mention the insanity that is Klon these days, HA! Four $200 pedals, plus power and a board, you are close to or over $1000. Pedals that cost more can push a nice board to $2000 easy, even racked pedals.

If the OP is interested in a rack unit with midi capability, a used Ultra is a good option, IMO. No other gear needed, beside the foot controller, which I will assume is needed no matter what the choice.

Out of curiosity, what are others using? I like Reza's racked pedal option, with other pedals on the floor as well, right? Just wondering what rack units guys or gals are using that achieve the results the OP is looking for.

Nice thread with good info

 

[psbhachu]

Let me put it this way, how many effects do you ACTUALLY USE? I have and Axe FX and I'm at a stage where I think its just money wasted when using just Overdrive, Chorus, Phase, Flanger, Octave, Delay and Reverb.

I have actually taken inspiration from Reza's current set up with him just racking up a few pedals and controlling them by midi.

Best thing to do is to actually think of what you actually need and use. In most cases you can put together a nice rig for les than Axe FX Money.

Eventide Timefactor and Space are the BEST Delay and Reverb on the Market. The TC stuff is good but I feel a lot of their products are rushed. Especially when you compare a Timefactor sound to a Nova Delay/Flashback.

This is a good point. If all you want are a few effects, you can probably build a board for less than an Axe II. However, I still like the Axe Ultra for this purpose because for the price of a used Ultra, damn I have the same amount of $$ or more in pedals, power, and pedalboard. A used Ultra can be had for pretty cheap these days.

I mean, a few sweet pedals can get pricey fast. Especially Eventide, BJFE, or Strymon. Not to mention the insanity that is Klon these days, HA! Four $200 pedals, plus power and a board, you are close to or over $1000. Pedals that cost more can push a nice board to $2000 easy, even racked pedals.

If the OP is interested in a rack unit with midi capability, a used Ultra is a good option, IMO. No other gear needed, beside the foot controller, which I will assume is needed no matter what the choice.

Out of curiosity, what are others using? I like Reza's racked pedal option, with other pedals on the floor as well, right? Just wondering what rack units guys or gals are using that achieve the results the OP is looking for.

Nice thread with good info

Plenty of options. G-Major and Eclipse are the most favorited.

With the Diezel you barely need anything. Just a hand full of texture effects and your good to go. Look at the Ozzy guys, a handful of pedals and not too much that could go wrong.

 

[QueenCityGuitars]

Honestly, I've never used many effects. I used to incorporate a wah pedal and a TS-808 but that was about it. Having said that, I'd like to start. It does sound like the Axe FX Ultra or Eventide Eclipse may be a better way to go. The TC G System was intriguing at first but I've read a lot of negatives about it sucking tone and not being very intuitive. Anybody have any other suggestions they've used with their VH4?

My question is, what are the biggest differences between using the parallel effects loop versus using the serial effects loop? The parallel effects loop has a volume level on the front of the amp. I've read where one of the advantages of a Hagen is it has a switchable serial loop and the VH4 does not. What are the main differences between the serial and parallel effects loop?

Thanks again for the opinions and insight!

 

[steve_k]

I don't use too much FX either. But, an ambient reverb and several different delay types/settings dialed up on the Axe FX running in the loop of your VH4 is far superior to most anything else around. And, if you have the urge for harmony or pitch shifting, there is no better alternative.

 

[QueenCityGuitars]

I don't use too much FX either. But, an ambient reverb and several different delay types/settings dialed up on the Axe FX running in the loop of your VH4 is far superior to most anything else around. And, if you have the urge for harmony or pitch shifting, there is no better alternative.

Thanks! I take it you would you suggest the FX Ultra as opposed to the FX II? In the loop being the serial loop or parallel loop (sorry if that's a stupid question)? Also, for the Axe FX would you suggest the MFC-101 foot controller or the Voodoo Lab GCP?

 

[Reiep]

When you use effects like delay or reverb that add something to your signal (unlike for example a tremolo that will change your signal), and when using a digital device, it's recommended to use the parallel loop. This way only a part of the signal will be affected = go through the analog to digital to analog again conversion. There is a mix pot on the parallel loop that tell of much of your signal you want to be wet. The effects in the parallel loop must be 100% wet.

As only a part of a signal is affected by the effect, effects like EQs or tremolos for example are not suited for a parallel loop.

 

[QueenCityGuitars]

When you use effects like delay or reverb that add something to your signal (unlike for example a tremolo that will change your signal), and when using a digital device, it's recommended to use the parallel loop. This way only a part of the signal will be affected = go through the analog to digital to analog again conversion. There is a mix pot on the parallel loop that tell of much of your signal you want to be wet. The effects in the parallel loop must be 100% wet.

As only a part of a signal is affected by the effect, effects like EQs or tremolos for example are not suited for a parallel loop.

That's good to know, Reiep. Thank you! So, you'd suggest using the Axe FX in the parallel loop and signal effects in the serial loop? What if the signal effect is in your Axe FX? I'm guessing you can't partition the effects from one unit (some effects to the parallel and some to the serial loop). Is that right?

 

[steve_k]

I don't use too much FX either. But, an ambient reverb and several different delay types/settings dialed up on the Axe FX running in the loop of your VH4 is far superior to most anything else around. And, if you have the urge for harmony or pitch shifting, there is no better alternative.

Thanks! I take it you would you suggest the FX Ultra as opposed to the FX II? In the loop being the serial loop or parallel loop (sorry if that's a stupid question)? Also, for the Axe FX would you suggest the MFC-101 foot controller or the Voodoo Lab GCP?

I certainly think that with the current used price of an Ultra (or even a Standard) as a rack FX package is a great bargain, as compared to other rack FX units on the market. With the Ultra, you will get more upgraded options and processing for the harmony/pitch patches and other processing hungry FX. The II would be overkill as an FX only - but, if you think for a minute that you might want to go with the Axe to give it a go as a stand alone unit, and have the money, you should consider it.

I have an MFC for my Axe, but I have never tried it for anything else. In the setup, you can take it out of the Axe mode and use it just like any other floor controller. It is built like a brick shit house and the LED's are easy to read and it is straightforward to program. But, you probably already have a GCP and/or can pick one up cheap used to see if you even like it. If not, you aren't out too much. I know the VH4 will phantom power the GCP. Not sure if it will the MFC though. Haven't tried it.

BTW, the Axe II does a very convincing VH4. It shows up in a lot of my Metallica and Tool patches.

 

[Reiep]

That's good to know, Reiep. Thank you! So, you'd suggest using the Axe FX in the parallel loop and signal effects in the serial loop? What if the signal effect is in your Axe FX? I'm guessing you can't partition the effects from one unit (some effects to the parallel and some to the serial loop). Is that right?

You can trick it this way :
Amp serial send -> Axe FX input -> "serial" effect -> Axe FX loop send -> Amp serial return -> Amp parallel send -> Axe FX loop return -> "parallel" effects -> Axe FX output -> Amp parallel return. It could work with some clever programming, but there may be risks of grounds loops and other unwanted noises.

The issue here is that the first send of the VH4 is not switchable, while the second is. We would want it the other way, in order to avoid a digital conversion when not needed. So a solution might be to have a true bypass midi switcher to make the first loop switchable.

So everything is possible, but it's getting complicated and expensive. It also depends which effects you're using, maybe there can be a workaround. Or maybe you'll put your Axe FX in the serial loop and be pleased this way, it has good converters.

 

[steve_k]

That's good to know, Reiep. Thank you! So, you'd suggest using the Axe FX in the parallel loop and signal effects in the serial loop? What if the signal effect is in your Axe FX? I'm guessing you can't partition the effects from one unit (some effects to the parallel and some to the serial loop). Is that right?

You can trick it this way :
Amp serial send -> Axe FX input -> "serial" effect -> Axe FX loop send -> Amp serial return -> Amp parallel send -> Axe FX loop return -> "parallel" effects -> Axe FX output -> Amp parallel return. It could work with some clever programming, but there may be risks of grounds loops and other unwanted noises.

The issue here is that the first send of the VH4 is not switchable, while the second is. We would want it the other way, in order to avoid a digital conversion when not needed. So a solution might be to have a true bypass midi switcher to make the first loop switchable.

So everything is possible, but it's getting complicated and expensive. It also depends which effects you're using, maybe there can be a workaround. Or maybe you'll put your Axe FX in the serial loop and be pleased this way, it has good converters.

dawg.....allow me to shamelessly hook you up. here's what you need and i just happen to have it

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=139127

at any rate, a rack looper/switcher is what you need to use.

you can only use the serial or parallel loop - not both. but, don't forget the channel inserts with the VH4. depending on what you are talking about and if you have something for specific channels, you can use the insert loop(s) with the serial and parallel loops.