First review of Axe-FX

[bstaley]

Well I finally got it setup in my rack along with my Egnater M4 and VHT 2-90-2. All I can say is...WOW! As an effects unit this thing really is top notch. I currently have a G-System and this just makes it look and sound like a kid's toy. The effects are really pristine and the routing leaves me with unlimited choices.

Comparing the amp models to my Eggie...um, well they are not quite there yet. They do sound really good, and way better than any Line 6 I have heard. The feel is there, but the models just don't quite have the depth and liveliness of my Eggie. Granted, I've only had this a couple days, and I didn't buy it for the amp models. I bought it for the effects, and the possibility of getting some sounds my Eggie doesn't get.

Where the Axe-FX REALLY shines for me is using it to sculpt the sound of my Egnater modules. I took my SL2 module, added a OD pedal in the front, and some Graphic EQ after and it sounds damn close to Akira Takasaki's tone on Loudness' Thunder In The East album, which is one of my favorite tones. I definitely have a keeper. I am very happy.

One thing I have not been able to figure out, and maybe you owners can advise me, is how do I use the Axe's FX loop with my M4, and simultaneously have cabinet models come out of the XLR outputs and non-cab model tones out of the unbalanced 1/4" outputs? It appears I can only do that if I don't use an external preamp.

 

[squealie]

You can only have 2 total sets of outs. If you use the Axe-Fx loop, you've used one.

On out1, the xlr and 1/4" are the same, and can't do different signals.

But, if you go from out2 back to the amp, you can use xlr (out1) with cab models etc....if I understood you correctly...you need yet another set of stereo outs without sims???

 

[bstaley]

So you're saying what I want to do is possible if I go mono? One of my XLR's (or 1/4) is with a cab model, and the other one is regular signal?

I wonder if that is something Cliff can change in firmware code or if those outputs are physically wired to each other.

 

[squealie]

2 stereo outputs. 4 individual outs. 7 jacks.

Out1, stereo, 2 xlr plus 2 1/4" plus spdif. All have the same signal, and as for the xlr and 1/4.... are after the converters, so they are hardwired together.

Out 2, on 2 1/4 jacks. Can be used for fxloop, or as an alt stereo output, and you can route to the output from anywhere on the matrix.

So, if you only need ONE PAIR cab sim out, and ONE PAIR no sim out, you can do it, in stereo for both.

I'm assuming you want to return the NO SIM signal back to the amp. And XLR to a mixer/recorder/FOH..... You can do it, the trick is to put the loop block before the cab sim, and route it back to out2.

I do essentially the same thing. Except I use the Axe-FX for amp modelling.

 

[bstaley]

I understand, but if I use a jack on Out 2 for my FX loop to my M4 then I would not be able to have cab sim output in stereo. That might be doable for live use, but thanks for clearing those things up for me.

 

[mentoneman]

you my friend have what i would in theory consider THE best compact rack system available today.

eggie m4 and axe-fx.

congrats, and looking forward to some clips from a playa like you

gimme vintage fender, ford dumble, plexi grunt, and ka-chang gain. please.

 

[GITTarzann]

About the simultaneous use of the XLR's and 1/4" jacks of output 1 and being able to use them in independent chains is something several users have asked for, but I don't think it is possible without adding more hardware inside the axe.

I asked a question about having an insert for similar to the way a Lexicon MPXG2 is setup for inserting a premp, but it was mostly shot down by other forum members who replied in the thread.

But having the ability to assign speakers sims to the XLR's and using the 1/4" jacks for your power amp and speaker cab would be ideal.

 

[timbo]

If you want a huge sound put an eq before the amp and one after and sculpt to taste. Your right about the effects too, my Eclipse hit Ebay the week I took delivery of my Ultra.

 

[cliffc8488]

The XLR and unbalanced outputs for Output1 are physically connected.

I think you can do what you want with a mono routing but I'm getting a headache just thinking about it.

Re. the amp models, if you're using it in a pre-amp role you may want to try shutting off the power amp modeling (either globally or per-patch by turning the sag control to zero). Otherwise you're going through a power amp twice so-to-speak.

Finally, yes, the effects are designed to be "reference class". The unit is expensive compared to a typical modeler but compared to other high-end effects units it's probably a bit of a bargain. We've contemplated a low-cost, stripped-down version to compete with the likes of L6, Boss, etc. but that's a crowded field and that means selling your soul.

CC

 

[bstaley]

Thanks for responding Cliff. That's pretty cool when the owner of the company responds.

Cliff, is there a simple hardware modification that could be done (I'd pay of for it of course) that would allow those XLR's and 1/4" jacks to carry different signals?

I did globally turn off the amp and cab simulation. The amp model sounds very good, just not quite up to the standard of my Egnater. Probably better than many tube amps. Keep in mind I've only had the Axe-FX for a couple days. The parameters are a little overwhelming and I'm looking forward to learning the unit better.

Cliff, IMHO I would not offer any low cost, stripped down version of the Axe. It reminds me of Jackson guitars circa late 80's. If you owned a Jackson that was a big deal. It really meant something. Now, you can get "Jacksons" for a couple hundred bucks at Guitar Center. The prestige of the brand name is entirely gone, at least to me. I'm sure they're making more money, but now when somebody says they have a Jackson, it makes me think, "one of the good ones or one of the shitty ones?". You have a product that competes very well in the high end market. I'd stay in that market.

 

[bstaley]

you my friend have what i would in theory consider THE best compact rack system available today.

eggie m4 and axe-fx.

congrats, and looking forward to some clips from a playa like you

gimme vintage fender, ford dumble, plexi grunt, and ka-chang gain. please.

Thank you very much. I now feel like I can get just about any tone I want in a very compact rig. Soon enough I will try to get some clips together. I'm gigging this weekend and we record straight form the board. If I get anything good maybe I'll post it.

 

[Digital Jams]

The XLR and unbalanced outputs for Output1 are physically connected.

I think you can do what you want with a mono routing but I'm getting a headache just thinking about it.

Re. the amp models, if you're using it in a pre-amp role you may want to try shutting off the power amp modeling (either globally or per-patch by turning the sag control to zero). Otherwise you're going through a power amp twice so-to-speak.

Finally, yes, the effects are designed to be "reference class". The unit is expensive compared to a typical modeler but compared to other high-end effects units it's probably a bit of a bargain. We've contemplated a low-cost, stripped-down version to compete with the likes of L6, Boss, etc. but that's a crowded field and that means selling your soul.

CC

I think there would be a large demand for an effects only box that could be upgraded if it could be produced under the Eventide Eclipse.

I would be into that.

 

[Chubtone]

I think there would be a large demand for an effects only box that could be upgraded if it could be produced under the Eventide Eclipse.

I would be into that.

I also think there would be great demand for an amp and cab sim only box that nails it.

 

[cliffc8488]

Cliff, is there a simple hardware modification that could be done (I'd pay of for it of course) that would allow those XLR's and 1/4" jacks to carry different signals?

Unfortunately not possible. The same D/A converter drives them. I'll add that to the Axe-Fx II feature list.

I don't frequent here very often, just happened to check this morning. For faster service you can use the Axe-Fx forum: http://www.setbb.com/axefx/index.php?mforum=axefx

CC

 

[cliffc8488]

I think there would be a large demand for an effects only box that could be upgraded if it could be produced under the Eventide Eclipse.

I would be into that.

You don't have to use the amp modeling. It's considered an effect. It has no more or less significance than any other effect. You just simply don't put the amp block in the routing.

Think of the Axe-Fx as a G-Force or Eclipse that also has amp modeling. Just as you may not use, say, the chorus in a G-Force you don't have to use the amp modeling in the Axe-Fx.

CC

 

[timbo]

I also think there would be great demand for an amp and cab sim only box that nails it.

That will never happen rest assured. To alot of people it ain't never gonna be "real" unless it's surrounded by wood, tolex and uses tubes.

IMO, had Cliff taken the rack portion (preamp), because let's face it that's what it is, and put that in a wooden box covered in tolex and powered by some EL34's he could of classified the unit as an amp and sold wayyyyyy more units than he has now as a preamp/effects unit. My opinion of course. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised it that's in the works right now.

 

[Digital Jams]

I think there would be a large demand for an effects only box that could be upgraded if it could be produced under the Eventide Eclipse.

I would be into that.

You don't have to use the amp modeling. It's considered an effect. It has no more or less significance than any other effect. You just simply don't put the amp block in the routing.

Think of the Axe-Fx as a G-Force or Eclipse that also has amp modeling. Just as you may not use, say, the chorus in a G-Force you don't have to use the amp modeling in the Axe-Fx.

CC

Thanks Cliff, just looking for a way to get a less expensive version I do understand where you are coming from and agree that you could just leave the sims out of the route.

 

[cyndicate]

you my friend have what i would in theory consider THE best compact rack system available today.

eggie m4 and axe-fx.

congrats, and looking forward to some clips from a playa like you

gimme vintage fender, ford dumble, plexi grunt, and ka-chang gain. please.

Thank you very much. I now feel like I can get just about any tone I want in a very compact rig. Soon enough I will try to get some clips together. I'm gigging this weekend and we record straight form the board. If I get anything good maybe I'll post it.

sounds just like my rig at the moment! AxeFX + Egnater M4 is a killer combo but I am using it with a VHT 2/50/2 atm I still haven't gotten around to figuring out the AxeFX yet though, wish I had more time

 

[riffy]

Personally, I am GLAD you like the unit... It's effects are a standard bearer in my mind. I really dig the amp sims though.
With a little tweaking, there hasn't been anything I haven't been able to conjure with it...

Gary

 

[StevieRaveOn]

I understand, but if I use a jack on Out 2 for my FX loop to my M4 then I would not be able to have cab sim output in stereo. That might be doable for live use, but thanks for clearing those things up for me.

Nah, I haven't gotten around that for stereo usage... I've been thinkin' it'd be great to run a stereo-cab-sim'd signal to FoH, run a mono-dry-non-sim'd send from the loop to a power amp/cab for Dry, then a stereo-wet-non-sim'd to another power amp/cabs to end up with a W/D/W setup with a stereo FoH send. Alas, not enough outputs.

I do think if you don't have to go stereo, you can drop mixer blocks in and do some panning and use the L/R outputs separately, you could do it... have L be a mono-cab-sim'd signal and R be a non-sim'd signal, for example.... Dunno if that'll get you where you're going though.