Randall MTS or Axe FX II??

[SynFactory]

Hi guys I'm writing here to ask you an unbiased and "real life" comparison/review of these two systems.
I've already wrote some time ago about what Diezel amp to choose, but I came to the conclusion that spending so much money on a single amp is not in my budget.
I play live and reharse a lot, and not only in my hometown but also in places that are 50 or 70 km from my home (just for reharsals!).

I have three bands plus a Home Recording Studio, so, carrying a 100w head plus pedalboard everytime will be a real pain.
I've recovered really slowly from a Compression of my Ulnar Nerve, nothing serious, but caused by some little problems with my back and cervical, so that's why weight is so important for me right now.

So my options are.

A Randall 18 or 50 watt Head (RM22 or RM50) with some Salvation Mods (he is in Europe too so it's a plus) and an Eventide Ecplise or an Axe FX Ultra for the FX.

Or an Axe FX II plus power amp.

I'm also planning to let me build a couple of 1x12 custom cabs from a really good company here in Italy.

Loaded with EVM12L if I choose the Axe FX or with Scumback m75 if I choose the Randall.

My real concern is that, at least IMHO is that 50% of the sound is from the cab.
And I'm not so convinced about the FRFR power amp or tube power amp to use with the Axe. Sure I don't like the FRFR approach at all.

But on the other hand, I really like the "Preset" concept of the Axe since I change a lot of effects at the same time and I also use a lot of ambient/non guitar sounds.

I have to say that I already have an Hotplate Loadbox plus and Apogeet Duet 2, a Radial JDI and a Radial X-Amp, so reamping or using Impulse Responses for recording is not a problem even with a tube amp.

Thanks in advance for your help guys!

Paolo

 

[mboogman]

I like tubes. I like MTS/Egnater modular stuff (see signature) so I think you know my answer.

Why not look into the RM4/M4? If you're already thinking rack, get a rack preamp, an FX unit, and a mosvalve or ADA power amp, and you're set. Weight will be fairly minimal, and you'll have more channels to play through.

 

[shred-o-holic]

Both great choices but to me it's not even close Axe-FX II. I don't even have a II but after owning a Standard and going a couple of rounds with the MTS stuff, the Axe-FX is a permanent fixture and the MTS gear is gone. I just sold a ton of it for a friend of mine and got to spend even more time with the RM-4, RM 100's and about 12 modded and non-modded modules I was not compelled to keep any of them which I could have. BTW I also am not a huge fan of FRFR and even though I also have two Atomic powered cabs in my possession I prefer the Axe-FX thru the RT2-50 power amp and guitar cabs. I'm not a studio expert by any means so the other questions on here I'm sure will be fully explained by the great peeps on here. Good luck with your choice......to me though it shouldn't be that difficult..........however people like Michael Wagner sure like their MTS gear so who am I anyway?

 

[muudrock]

I own both, Egnater modular and Axe FX II. I love tubes and I love the modular gear and have been using the Egnater Mod stuff since 2004, but I also love the complete flexibility in the Axe II. To me there is no compromise in tone using the Axe at all, if anything I hear an improvement in most cases. That being said, I also really love a good tube amp. For me, I use which ever rig is going to suit the purpose for that occasion. However, If I had to pick only one, It would be the Axe II based on how good it sounds across the board (modeling, FX), how flexible it is and the convenience factor. Being that it can be run direct, thru a power amp/speakers or both at the same time (with excellent results either way) makes it a no-brainer for any situation.

 

[Juggernaut]

AxefxII

 

[SynFactory]

I like tubes. I like MTS/Egnater modular stuff (see signature) so I think you know my answer.

Why not look into the RM4/M4? If you're already thinking rack, get a rack preamp, an FX unit, and a mosvalve or ADA power amp, and you're set. Weight will be fairly minimal, and you'll have more channels to play through.

I've almost forgot the RM4 route. The fact is that is almost impossible to find one. At least here in Europe, there are only few available, even on Ebay right now there is only one and from U.S.

By the way it's a good advice, thanks

 

[Audioholic]

Specially if you want to record direct, Axe II. I had the MTS and Randal Power amp, it was super super heavy. Best thing with a rack setup is the ability to incorporate stereo effects. But the MTS route is a bit of a money pit, as you will need to mod your modules, buy new ones etc to get just what you are wanting, and even then there still may be a little compromise. I don't have an Axe II, but I have the standard, and not all of the modules sounded as great going through a power amp, but some sounded fantastic and left nothing really to be desired. I am sure with more tweaking one could be very satisfied...

My RM4 Rack setup is gone, but I still kept the axe, just because for direct it is fantastic to get good sounds quick

 

[SynFactory]

I own both, Egnater modular and Axe FX II. I love tubes and I love the modular gear and have been using the Egnater Mod stuff since 2004, but I also love the complete flexibility in the Axe II. To me there is no compromise in tone using the Axe at all, if anything I hear an improvement in most cases. That being said, I also really love a good tube amp. For me, I use which ever rig is going to suit the purpose for that occasion. However, If I had to pick only one, It would be the Axe II based on how good it sounds across the board (modeling, FX), how flexible it is and the convenience factor. Being that it can be run direct, thru a power amp/speakers or both at the same time (with excellent results either way) makes it a no-brainer for any situation.

Good to know...what kind of power amp, cab/speakers do you run your Axe fx thru?

 

[SynFactory]

Specially if you want to record direct, Axe II. I had the MTS and Randal Power amp, it was super super heavy. Best thing with a rack setup is the ability to incorporate stereo effects. But the MTS route is a bit of a money pit, as you will need to mod your modules, buy new ones etc to get just what you are wanting, and even then there still may be a little compromise. I don't have an Axe II, but I have the standard, and not all of the modules sounded as great going through a power amp, but some sounded fantastic and left nothing really to be desired. I am sure with more tweaking one could be very satisfied...

My RM4 Rack setup is gone, but I still kept the axe, just because for direct it is fantastic to get good sounds quick

I've also had the standard for a while. I have to say that I was not so happy with the High gain amps, especially with differences between palm mutes and Open Chords. There was something that never convinced me 100%. But I have to admit the even on the Standard the FXs were fantastic.
Since now I've only heard one sample of the II that I really liked, based on a Cameron CCV with some guitar volume and tone roll off.

As far as the price I don't know. At least here in Europe buying an Axe 2 + a power amp cost the same as buying a 100w Randall head with 3 modules + 3 mods + an Axe Fx Ultra. (around 3000 euro).

 

[Audioholic]

YEah the high gain sounds were lacking just a bit with the Axe standard going into power amp, but then again, I didn't spend much time at all because I used it direct. Randall stuff is cool, but even then, even after modded modules, with the rack setup, I felt like something was missing. Rack is gone, axe has stayed for me. But like I said, I do mostly direct recording, so it was pretty much a no brainer....

 

[Chubtone]

I really like the MTS stuff but to be honest, I have never given the AXE FX a fair shot. Here's my RM22 at recording at night while the kids are asleep volume:

 

[mightywarlock]

I have a new Randall Archetype head and cab, and also an AxeII and Ultra (which will be for sale next week).

I am actually stunned at the Archetype, and how thoroughly amazing it sounds.

I haven't touched the AxeII since I got it.

But, it's a different thing altogether. The Axe is a tool. I use it for recording purposes.
The Randall is for performing, ease of use, and volume (400 watts for my amp).
Will I be able to dial in my tone on the amp in the Axe? We'll see.

But decide what you want. an amp? or a processor that has a lot of possibilities?

 

[polaris20]

I really like the MTS stuff but to be honest, I have never given the AXE FX a fair shot. Here's my RM22 at recording at night while the kids are asleep volume:

Nice work! I think it sounds good enough that you're safe to take the hang tags off now.

 

[SynFactory]

I have a new Randall Archetype head and cab, and also an AxeII and Ultra (which will be for sale next week).

I am actually stunned at the Archetype, and how thoroughly amazing it sounds.

I haven't touched the AxeII since I got it.

But, it's a different thing altogether. The Axe is a tool. I use it for recording purposes.
The Randall is for performing, ease of use, and volume (400 watts for my amp).
Will I be able to dial in my tone on the amp in the Axe? We'll see.

But decide what you want. an amp? or a processor that has a lot of possibilities?

Thank you mightywarlock, you seem to have a lot of amps with some of my favourites
As I said it's not for recording purposes because I have all I need to use the IR technology even with an Axe FX.
It's probably one of the reasons because I'm not convinved 100% about it.
It's everything new, new codes, new fx and new amps, but the "cab" simulation uses the same technology of the previous models.
Not that it is bad, I used Impulse Responses a lot, but sometimes because of its "staticness", some frequencies get stucked especially in the low and high spectrum.

By the way thanks for all the replies guys, and to Chubtone, you have a great tone there!

I have to think about it for a little longer...
But I have another question for you.
If you have used the RM4 or the Axe FX II what kind of power amp did you connected to them)

 

[jcj]

I've had both the M4 and Axe standard, both running through a VHT 2/50/2 into a Bogner V30 loaded 4x12.

I kept the Axe Fx, mainly because of versatility.

The M4 was a really nice pre, and I could have easily kept (and been happy with) that, but the Axe was cheaper, more versatile, and sounded as good, or better (IMO).

My favorite M4 module (by a wide margin) was the SL2x, but it wasn't enough to beat the Axe, all around.

I would grab a cheap (relatively) Axe Standard, and see if you dig it; easy way to experiment without much (if any) risk of loss.

 

[jcj]

I really like the MTS stuff but to be honest, I have never given the AXE FX a fair shot. Here's my RM22 at recording at night while the kids are asleep volume:

As always, nice playing