FRactal Axe-FX Ultra

[GuitarsCanada]

Review Submitted By
fatherjacques

Product Name
FRactal Axe-FX Ultra

Would you recommend this product to others?
yes

Your overall review of the product
great

Did you feel there was good value for the money?
yes

How would you best describe yourself?
Bedroom Player

please select a choice
I own this gear

-----------------------------------------------------
Your full review

For personal reasons I can't play live or barely play with an Amp at home. It has been like that for many years. Over the years I have owned and tried almost all existing devices or software that let me play at home in a studio set-up. Over the years I managed to get a pretty decent tone. For this I had to mix several analog and digital devices.

I bought the Axe Fx telling myself it would not replace my existing set-up. Well it did. This device is simply amazing and the best one out there. It really works.

There are so many features that I can describe here. Go to this site and you will get all the info you need. I am not affiliated at all with them. Just feel lucky to have bought this unit.

http://axefxwiki.guitarlogic.org/index.php?title=Main_Page

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[Robert1950]

FYI - for those who interested further, there is a massive thread on The Gear Page about the Axe-FX. There has got to be close to 2000 posts of this thread

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=267882

[bluesmostly]

I am a member @ TGP too and I learned about the AXE FX over there. I have owned since last summer.

This has been the most remarkable tone tool I have ever come across. The number of amp and effects tones that it produces is astounding - and the quality and feel is amazing! This thing rocks.

Imagine being able to choose almost any style of amp, then add one or more guitar cabs with speakers of your choice, add effects like reverb, delay, chorus, phase, etc. and the sound is fantastic.

Most impressive is how it has solved my volume problems, esp in live settings.

[ne1roc]

I have been an owner since last summer as well! I just upgraded to the Ultra model about 2 months ago! This thing is for real! It is definitely converting alot of die hard tube amp snobs out there. It is coming close to replacing my tube amp rig. The only reason I haven't fully converted is because I love my current rig. Originally I purchased the Axe Fx to use as an effects processor to replace my G Major and as a home recording tool. The effects on the Axe Fx are of Eventide quality and simply blow away the G Major, which is actually a pretty darn nice unit itself!
My favorite amp models on the Axe Fx are the JTM 45 and Mesa MarkIV. :bow:

[riffboy76]

I notice alot of guys upgrading to the Ultra. Is the extra amount of money worth the upgrade from the normal Axe-Fx?

[bluesmostly]

I am surprised to say my favourite amp model on the AXE is the Recto - never played one in real time...

:sport-smiley-002:

[ne1roc]

I notice alot of guys upgrading to the Ultra. Is the extra amount of money worth the upgrade from the normal Axe-Fx?

I think its worth it. If you are not into effects, then the standard is more then enough. Honestly, I'm not into effects that much, but they are fun for experimentation. The Ultra is capable of duplicating any of the presets found on the Eventide Eclipse.. The standard is not able to to all of them. The big plus is the extra processing power that comes with the Ultra. It allows for more complex patches and more features to be added in the future.

[Brian G]

I have a Standard. The firmware upgrades have been incredible. I thought the unit was great when I first received it - there's definitely a bit of a learning curve, however, the Axe FX is fairly easy to learn how to use, you just have to take a bit of time to do so.

There is a 5.0 (beta at the moment) firmware upgrade that is astounding in that it has taken the AFX to a completely new level of sound quality. I'm not one who cares about whether the AFX's amp simulations exactly model the specific amps they're based on, what I care about is a range of sounds that sound great on their own. The designer, Cliff Chase, has provided a very deep tool kit to let the user configure & modify the amplifier characteristics to your personal taste & rig, right down to changing virtual transformer characteristics & speaker resonant frequency!

And the Axe FX has that, in spades, IMO. My favorite amp models at the moment are the Trainwreck, the new Plexi 2, the Brownface (based on a Vibroverb), the JTM-45, and the Hiwatt.

Version 5.0 now lets the user choose between either active or passive tonestacks, either by individual patch, or globally. And what a difference that makes . . .


Brian

[bluesmostly]

I have a Standard. The firmware upgrades have been incredible. I thought the unit was great when I first received it - there's definitely a bit of a learning curve, however, the Axe FX is fairly easy to learn how to use, you just have to take a bit of time to do so.

There is a 5.0 (beta at the moment) firmware upgrade that is astounding in that it has taken the AFX to a completely new level of sound quality. I'm not one who cares about whether the AFX's amp simulations exactly model the specific amps they're based on, what I care about is a range of sounds that sound great on their own. The designer, Cliff Chase, has provided a very deep tool kit to let the user configure & modify the amplifier characteristics to your personal taste & rig, right down to changing virtual transformer characteristics & speaker resonant frequency!

And the Axe FX has that, in spades, IMO. My favorite amp models at the moment are the Trainwreck, the new Plexi 2, the Brownface (based on a Vibroverb), the JTM-45, and the Hiwatt.

Version 5.0 now lets the user choose between either active or passive tonestacks, either by individual patch, or globally. And what a difference that makes . . .


Brian


Hi Brian, how do I get the new 5.0 firmware upgrade loaded onto my Axe (I have the standard too) - I am a real tech dummy, I still have figured out how to get my expression pedal (wah) working yet - Will it change all of the existing presets and their configurations?

[Brian G]

There are basically two ways to upgrade firmware - either by using the Editor, or by using a Midi upload / download program like Midi-Ox.

NOTE THAT 5.0 FIRMWARE IS STILL BETA, AND YOU LOAD IT AT YOUR OWN RISK. My patches that I created myself improved (very minor effects use), but some of the factory patches are doing strange and unmusical things, so there are still some issues that Cliff will be correcting in the final version.

I used the Editor, just seems to be easier to figure out. First you have to download the Editor and install it on your computer. (You can find the Editor here: http://axechange.net/editor.aspx ). Note that you will also need to have a fairly recent version of Java installed on your PC, or Mandolane if its a Mac, before you can install the Editor. The webpage for downloading the Editor has links to these.

You also need a Midi interface connected between your computer and the Axe-FX. I use an M-Audio Midisport 1x1, works great. You will also need (2) 5-pin MIdi cables.

Your should review the instructions on the Axe FX Wiki (http://axefxwiki.guitarlogic.org/index.php?title=Main_Page)

Once you have the Editor installed, and the midi interface connected to your computer and the Axe FX, check the Editor's Midi communications settings (a pull-down Menu at the top). Midi channel should be 1, and Sysex ID should be 125.

Before you do anything else, use the Editor to back up your A, B & C banks, and save them on your computer, just to be safe. With the Editor open and the Axe FX on, press the Utility button on the AFX, and then page over to Preset. Scroll the cursor down to "Dump Bank A", and press enter on the AFX. Give it a minute, and the Editor will show that info is being received. At some point during the download, the Editor will ask you to accept the new data, or not. Click yes to accept.

Once the download has finished, you can use the File menu to "Save As", pick a folder in which to save the file, and name it something that makes sense, such as "Bank A Feb XX 08", or whatever makes sense to you.

Once you've backed up your banks, you can upload the new firmware (assuming you've decided to try the Beta version, at your own risk, of course).

On the Axe FX, go back to Utility / Firmware /, and you'll see an option to install new firmware - it will say to press "Enter" when you're ready. Don't press ENTER yet.

Now in the File menu of the Editor, you will see an option to install / upgrade firmware. Click on this and it will open a dialog box that will require you to click on "YES"when you're ready. With this open, and the firmware upgrade page open on the Axe Fx's front display, first press ENTER on the AFX and then click on "YES" in the open dialog box on the Editor. You will see a progress bar that shows the transfer is taking place.

If ANYTHING goes wrong, just turn off the Axe FX without saving anything, leave it off for at least 30 seconds, and you're fine.

I had to figure this out for myself, so I hope this helps. Get familiar with the Editor by using it to successfully back up your banks and patches before attempting anything like a firmware update. And remember, it's BETA. No guarantees that every patch will work the way you expect.

Brian

[bluesmostly]

Wow, and you figured all that out yourself Brian! thanks alot! I will have to priint that off before I start so I can follow along. Well done!

Hey, can you help me get my wah working? that would be awesome!

cheers, David

[Brian G]

Sorry, no experience with the wah or floorboard use. Look at the Controllers info on the Wiki is all I can suggest.

Re: firmware updates, etc., there is a new section on the Wiki to help deal with these things: http://axefxwiki.guitarlogic.org/index.php?title=Axe_midi

Haven't looked at it yet, but should have some useful info.

Brian

[Alex Dann]

I"ve had the Standard unit since October......incredible. i expected the OD tones to be great but the clean tones are also superb. I have a blackface setting that's mind boggling and sounds as good as any balckface type amp i've owned.

Considering all the top notch effects you get, it's a steal at $1,400. one of the best products i've purchased

[Robboman]

I took the plunge and ordered an Axe-Fx Ultra today. It's the first piece of expensive gear I've bought NEW in a long time, but the reviews and clips are very convincing.

BTW, as some of you may know, for a long time now Fractal has had a 'waiting list' system in place for their products because they couldn't make them fast enough to keep up with demand. Some people have waited over 1 year on the list to finally get the opportunity to buy with a $400 discount.
Well.. recently they ramped up production, so the wait list is diminishing fast. I got on the list exactly 21 days ago and they're shipping it to me now. (still got my $400 off).

Can't wait to try this thing! I'll follow up with my 2-bit opinions after I get it and spend some time checking it out.

[bluesmostly]

I have 2... I have had a Standard since last summer and they are amazing. What a rig! The amount of tones and effects make it riduculously versatile and all are first rate.

Just dialed in the Randy Rhodes 'Crazy Train' tone a couple of days ago and had fun jamming with that for a while, this thing nails it. George Benson to VH, it is all in there.

I think it is a steal at the price they are selling for. And I have had some of the best amps ever made over the years. I really love the way you can use it live to manage stage volumes. Always an issue with me and my bandmates.

I needed a back up because it has been months since I played thru a real amp and I can't imagine gigging with one anymore... :smile:

You are going to love it Robboman...

[gtrchris]

I've had the Ultra for a few weeks and it is the REAL deal. amazing.. forget about searching for new gear,fx etc. it's all in this unit..you can create any sound you want. Now I just play..what a relief, finally!:bow:

[ne1roc]

Hey, do any of you Axe Fx owners in the GTA gig with it? If so, could you pm me when your next gig is. I would love to just sit down and listen to it from the perspective of someone in the audience.

[gtrchris]

I'd like to get someone's opinion as well. I'm doing a gig at a sports bar in Mississauga next Saturday night(28th) it's a throw together band playing 70's disco and current pop..if you're into it I'll get you the details(can't remember the name of the bar at the moment)

Cheers
Chris

[ne1roc]

I'd like to get someone's opinion as well. I'm doing a gig at a sports bar in Mississauga next Saturday night(28th) it's a throw together band playing 70's disco and current pop..if you're into it I'll get you the details(can't remember the name of the bar at the moment)

Cheers
Chris

Let me know! I will definitely drop by to check it out. Maybe it will convince me to start using mine for a gig.

George :food-smiley-004:

[gtrchris]

Hi George,
Okay I'll get the info to you this weekend.
cheers,
C

[gtrchris]

George,
Here's the place
P.K. Creek Sports Bar
255 Dundas St W Mississauga

Saturday night 10pm..chick singer just backed out.. so it might be more of a jam..AxeFx should be perfect for this.
Cheers
Chris

[TimH]

My standard is in the mail. I'm also on the list for the Ultra in case it's the winner. I'm hoping it is. Also bought a Ground Control today. Review to come.

[gtrchris]

Excellent..good to see other Canadian players investing in an Axe. I can't think of a more practical, "all in one" unit. Oh yeah it sounds amazing too!
C

[Robboman]

OMFG. Yes, it really is that good! I'm absolutely stunned.

Got my Ultra, spent a few days learning how to use the interface and starting to tweak patches. I sysex'ed 5.18 firmware to it and downloaded a few patches and IRs to mess with. No issues, low volume experimenting only until today. It's a nice unit and seemed powerful despite the overly-effected, cheesy presets.

I spend a fair number of weekends gigging, so my main interest is live use. I'm largely a Tweed / Blackface / pedalboard kind of guy, but I also dig AC30, Plexi, JCM and xUmble type tones too.

Today I finally had the house to myself so I got to crank up to gig volume and A/B directly against some favorite tube amps. I'd dial in my best tone from the amp, then see if I could tweak and match up a similar tone with the Axe through a powered EV FRFR (I already have EV sxA 250s and 100s for PA). Honestly, I was just hoping to get close enough for rock and roll, just because there's so much flexibility here.

I was SHOCKED to hear the results as I kept tweaking away. On my first real attempt, over about 30 minutes I dialed in a tone that was richer, fuller and (gasp) better to my ears than my favorite, go-to tweed Bassman clone. The amp I've been gigging with for 6 years. I turned my back and switched between the two rigs repeatedly. There is NO tonal aspect that sounds 'wrong', 'digital', fake'. Not in the least, if anything it's even more juicy and lively, with extensive control to fine tune even further. I wasn't able to precisely duplicate the sound getting to my ears. I think a lot of that has to do with the open-back combo cab vs a floor wedge. But the character and FEEL was right there, big time. This is REAL!

I can't post enough dancing bananas to express my feelings right now

[Robboman]

I forgot the bananas...

:banana::banana::banana::banana:

[gtrchris]

Robboman

YUP that pretty much sums it up!
Glad you're enjoying the Ultra:rockon:

[davetcan]

How are you guys running these, through the PA or with a power amp/speaker cab set up? I HATE starting to feel the first pangs of GAS. :smile:

[gtrchris]

Hi Dave,
Gas is inevitable my friend!
Well, you can run the AxeFx any number of ways; I'm using a SS stereo power amp into a 2x10 cab, and it's incredible. You could also run it directly into the PA, and have a separate cab as your monitor on stage. Lots of guys just run it mono through their favourite speaker cab..though, it has great amp and spkr sims, so full range speakers(pa speakers) will achieve optimal results.You can bypass the sims, if you like the sound of your spkrs/cab, you could bypass the amp sims and use your favourite tube amp to drive it... I haven't had time to experiment with it in any way other than using a power amp/cab..regardless, I'm pretty happy to stay will my setup for a while.:smile:
Check out the Axe FX forum as there's a lot of discussion about this very thing.
C

[Robboman]

I wouldn't have thought it possible to sound this good direct to a PA monitor, where you're modeling the entire signal chain. It sounds and feels just like an amp, and not just any amp.. a GREAT amp. It's mind blowing. Years ago I tried running a Boss GT5 that way, more recently I plugged in my little toy Behringer V-amp2 in to the same monitors. Yuck. All the tone of a warmed over turd. This Axe-FX is a whole new world.

[bluesmostly]

Congrats Roboman, it really is a killer rig, and so versatile.

Dave, I run it direct into the sound board when gigging, it is the best house/stage sound I have ever had. You really do need a good sound system and monitors to get the most out of it though.

I also run it into a cheap SS power amp (Rocktron Velocity) and into a 212 guitar cab when rehearsing sometimes. A good amp would sound better. I also use the guitar cab set-up for stage monitor too sometimes, or else I will use a regular monitor on stage. You are supposed to turn off the cab sims when using the guitar cab but I like it better with the cab sims left on... :eek: There are 4 outputs, 2 balanced, 2 unbalanced. Enjoy your gas!!! lofu

[davetcan]

Thanks guys, you're not helping at all. Oh well, my birthday's not that far away. :smilie_flagge17:

[Brian G]

A good FRFR powered monitor will allow for the most flexibility with the Axe FX, as it allows the full use of the amp and cabinet / speaker sims. If you use it with a traditional guitar cab, you're limited to the sound "personality" of that cabinet & speakers. And each guitar speaker has lots of it's own "personality" - they're about as far removed from neutral as you can get. That's why there's so much personal preference around for speakers in the guitar world.

If you just want "your sound" and you know what guitar cab produces it, then fine. But if you want a Brownface Vibroverb to sound like it typically sounds, and you want the same from a Marshall or Soldano with a 4x12 with Greenbacks (from the sims), you need FRFR. With that, you also get the ability to have your stage or "in room" sound to be the same as what you send to the front of house. This is a huge benefit.

The catch is that the majority of PA monitors are neither flat nor neutral. Lots of them are highly colored, and/or have significant resonance peaks from plastic enclosures, crappy electronics, or all of the above. I have a great powered monitor, that sounds fantastic. But I also rented a similar product, at a time when my monitor was elsewhere, and I took it back as quickly as I possibly good, it sounded so bad.

So, don't hook up your shiny new Axe FX to just any PA monitor and expect it to do it's best.

Just sayin'.

Brian

[bluesmostly]

This is very true,... so what monitor are you using that you are happy with Brian? Mine is good for vocals but I am not thrilled with it for the Axe.

[Brian G]

David - no surpise I guess - it's a QSC HPR122i. But I use it raised off the floor, on a stand. There's been some posts recently on the Axe FX forum by various people trying to get FRFR to work for them, and some of the issues are compounded by guys who are experienced players, but don't know much about setting up full-range reproduction speakers, compared to guitar cabs.

Brian

[ne1roc]

A good FRFR powered monitor will allow for the most flexibility with the Axe FX, as it allows the full use of the amp and cabinet / speaker sims.
Brian

I agree with this statement, especially after trying some or the User Ir's.
I currently run through a Carvin Ts100 power amp and Legacy cabs. It sounds great, but not quite enough to ditch my tube amp for gigs just yet. I ran through a JBL 512 monitor a couple weeks ago and it took the AFX to a new level for me.

I'll be waiting for Cliff's surprise FRFR alternative system before I make a decision on my final setup.

[Robboman]

I'd love to try the QSC, but it's hard to imagine it can get much better than what I'm hearing out of my EV sxA 250s. Even the sxA 100 sounds decent.

I'm also gonna try to hold out to see what the new Axe-optimized FRFR will look like. I'm hoping for a compact box with a built in 2U rack space for the Axe, to turn it into the ultimate combo amp.

[bluesmostly]

I'll be waiting for Cliff's surprise FRFR alternative system before I make a decision on my final setup.

eek: I had not heard about this, ... very interesting. Thanks for the heads up.

[davetcan]

Congrats Roboman, it really is a killer rig, and so versatile.

Dave, I run it direct into the sound board when gigging, it is the best house/stage sound I have ever had. You really do need a good sound system and monitors to get the most out of it though.

I also run it into a cheap SS power amp (Rocktron Velocity) and into a 212 guitar cab when rehearsing sometimes. A good amp would sound better. I also use the guitar cab set-up for stage monitor too sometimes, or else I will use a regular monitor on stage. You are supposed to turn off the cab sims when using the guitar cab but I like it better with the cab sims left on... :eek: There are 4 outputs, 2 balanced, 2 unbalanced. Enjoy your gas!!! lofu

David,

way off topic here but to you display any of your stuff in galleries in Ontario? I'm quite frankly blown away. :smilie_flagge17::smilie_flagge17:

[bluesmostly]

David,

way off topic here but to you display any of your stuff in galleries in Ontario? I'm quite frankly blown away. :smilie_flagge17::smilie_flagge17:

Thanks Dave, you are very kind to say so. Nothing in Ont at the moment.I used to have a gallery in Toronto, but not anymore.

I might be interested in a trade though! :smile:

[TimH]

How are you guys running these, through the PA or with a power amp/speaker cab set up? I HATE starting to feel the first pangs of GAS. :smile:

Dave as if you need this but check the emporium for a liquidation of the amp I got from you. Killer amp but the Axe simply makes it redundant. I'd be happy to let you take a tour at the church some time...I'm sure you'll agree about the results.

[gtrchris]

Hey guys,i just got my webcam and i'm still setting up levels. If you have a chance listen to them and let me know what you think-beware sloppy playing ahead!!LOL
Cheers
Chris
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vk4T3MPhx9Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsB75A-Grds

[devnulljp]

I really hope this thing takes off and does a repeat of the 80s where everyone ditches all their analogue gear for racks and the prices of good vintage analogue gear will drop again :D
Of course the rack gear was then obsolete by the end of the decade, with a few brave sould soldiering on with their cheesy 80s digital rack sounds.

*I've heard it's quite good, but I spend my whole professional life with computers so the last thing I want to do when I'm not working is use yet more computers. I like analogue gear.

[ne1roc]

Wow, nice playing Chris! :cool:

The guitar work on my Hockey Night In Canada Anthem challenge was recorded with the Axe Fx Ultra! This is one great piece of gear that does it all!

http://anthemchallenge.cbc.ca/mediadetail/313397

[gtrchris]

Thanks ne1roc, you're too kind..but you're right the Axe is a blast..
btw your piece sounds great..good luck in the competition:smilie_flagge17:
C

[Budda]

I really want to try one of these out!

$1800 for an amp that does a lot, over the $4K GAS unit i have been "wanting" for the last littl while.

I'm wondering how it'd sound through my upgraded 412 though.

[Brian G]

If your 412 is the sound "personality" that you want, in other words if you're only looking for a reasonable number of sounds, you'll like it fine.

If you want the AxeFX to sound like a wider range of rigs, you really need an FRFR monitor, like the QSC HPR122i.

Different strokes for different folks, but the Axe can do all, if you're willing to put in some time to become familiar with it.

Brian

[iaresee]

I really want to try one of these out!
Ditto. Just saving for one now.

$1800 for an amp that does a lot, over the $4K GAS unit i have been "wanting" for the last littl while.
Not quite. It's a bit more expensive than that. Figure the bare minimum gigable AxeFx setup is

AxeFx Standard - $1800
Power Amp - $500 - $1000
Cabinet - $300
Rack - $100
Controller - $150 - $700

So really you're looking at an entry point of about $2750. You can go the QSC powered monitor route to amplify it, that's about $1000 but you drop the separate cab and power amp options on that list. And the controller you can go cheap Behringer for $150 all the way up to the deluxe stuff coming out of Liquid Foot and Axess Electronics.

So: ain't cheap. But not crazy either.

I was about to ditch it all to try it out but got cold feet when it came time to sell my beloved Koch. Decided instead to hang on to the traditional rig (now with a seriously paired down set of pedals thanks to the sell off...oh well) and save for the AxeFx. I'll try it first in a recording setup and if it works well look at adding in a controller and FRFR power solution.

I'm wondering how it'd sound through my upgraded 412 though.
Lots of people running them different ways. Some swear by the traditional guitar power amp -> guitar cab solution. Others run it direct and monitor through wireless headsets. Others monitor through powered FRFR speakers like the QSC.

[Brian G]

Isn't the Standard less in cost if you order it via the Yahoo Store site, and are prepared to wait the normal time (which I believe now is only a week or so . . .)?

Maybe I'm out of touch with current pricing.

Brian

[traynor_garnet]

Every clip I've heard of this thing uses too many effects. When ever I hear that "background" Reverb and Delay it instantly scream "processor" to me.

TG

[iaresee]

Isn't the Standard less in cost if you order it via the Yahoo Store site, and are prepared to wait the normal time (which I believe now is only a week or so . . .)?

Maybe I'm out of touch with current pricing.
After shipping it's USD$1589.90 for a Standard. That's CAD$1,667.19 -- so a little less than $1800.

[traynor_garnet]

Just checked the standard is $1,499.95, the ultra is $1,999.95.

Isn't the Standard less in cost if you order it via the Yahoo Store site, and are prepared to wait the normal time (which I believe now is only a week or so . . .)?

Maybe I'm out of touch with current pricing.

Brian

[Budda]

so axefx: $1800
cab: mine
power amp: fx loop on the JSX unless/until i want more
rack: as cheap as i can find one (probably what, $100?)
controller: $200 or so would be the budget

so im lookin at under $2300 for the whole deal. not too bad, since that's the price of a brand new dual rectifier :D lol

[ne1roc]

so axefx: $1800
cab: mine
power amp: fx loop on the JSX unless/until i want more
rack: as cheap as i can find one (probably what, $100?)
controller: $200 or so would be the budget

so im lookin at under $2300 for the whole deal. not too bad, since that's the price of a brand new dual rectifier :D lol

My favorite patches on the Axe Fx are the Mesa models. The Mark IV patches are my favorites probably followed by the Recto models.:rockon2:

[Budda]

there's a triple rec listed on TheOM in ottawa for $1300, i want to cry lol - i could make money!

i bet its sold by now. i like the thought of being able to access the mesas.. as well as peavey, soldano, ENGL, VHT?, fender.

[Brian G]

Every clip I've heard of this thing uses too many effects. When ever I hear that "background" Reverb and Delay it instantly scream "processor" to me.

TG

TG - it's kind of the nature of the beast, that when people post clips, they often want to show how "finished" or "produced" a result they can get.

There certainly have been some great examples (clips, I mean) of dryer examples posted on the Axe FX forum thread titled "Recordings". (There has been a recent continuity issue with the older forum crashing, and the new Fractal-hosted forum coming on line.)

Joe's clips come to mind, nice bluesy leads, not without the usual delay, etc. but not so dripping that you can't hear the underlying tone. And there have been a few totally dry, from Jay Mitchell, for example, that show off raw, unaldulterated amp tone.

For me, the AxeFX had to live or die on the basic amp tones (I guess I'm including the Cab sims in that). If I couldn't get a credible sound w/o glossing it over with FX, I wouldn't have cared for it. I'll take one killer tone over 2 dozen poor ones. But with the AxeFX, I feel like I can get AT LEAST 8 - 10 very good sounding "amp-alikes", and a few more that are pretty good, but not my cup 'o java.

The effects are gravy. And pretty tasty gravy, at that.

Brian

[Robboman]

The effects are gravy. And pretty tasty gravy, at that.

Brian

+1 Mmmmmmm.... graaaavvvvy!

But I agree, I didn't rely on clips to decide. The presets that come with the thing are mostly way over processed too. When I got mine I just put the Axe \ EV SxA250 right beside my favorite old familiar tube amp and cranked them both up. A little dialing in on the Axe and BOOM - there it was.. and that's just one amp model.

[Alex Dann]

I've had mine for about 10 months now......still enjoyting the unit...i had a friend copy all of his own presets onto my unit and i really haven't taken the time to explore it but the clean and OD tones are stellar.....I have a JCM 800 preset that i mostly use and roll off the volume knob for great clean tones.

alex

[bluesmostly]

My favorite patches on the Axe Fx are the Mesa models. The Mark IV patches are my favorites probably followed by the Recto models.:rockon2:

me too, my fav is likely the Recto models on the AXE, I love the tones I get out of this rig!