Calling all Axe-FX users!!

[llJasonll]

My GAS is going to be the end of me...

So, I know I have posted a few topics about wanting to trade an amps, etc.  Now I have really started to consider Axe-FX, and I want all Axe-FX users opinion's as to how it compares with Natural Tube Amps.

In my case, I have an Engl Savage and an Engl Fireball 100.  I would have to sell both, in order to purchase an Axe-FX Ultra, and decent Fryette Power amp.  Another big purchase is out of the question, until I get my GF a ring! :D  I would have to work within my money already invested in gear.

I suppose the most important questions are:
How does Axe-FX compare to the "real-deal?"
If you had to choose one over the other, would it be Axe FX or your Amp of choice?

I was with a friend and we were discussing the issue with one of the x-guitar players from the Black Dahlia Murder; and he told me that after he bought his Axe FX, his Soldano SLO 100 became a $4,000 paper weight becase the Axe-FX was identical with the real amp.  He ended up selling his Soldano.  Has anyone experienced the same thing?

Thanks!!

[Twinfan]

From what I can gather, if you're playing heavy and/or modern stuff the Axe-FX is excellent.  Also, if you need a huge variety of tones and don't want to take several amps to a gig it's also excellent.

Our resident amp addict, Hunter, had one for a while and may still have it.  However, I notice that his recent clips/videos are made using his Cornford MK50 or Bogner XTC.

For that reason, as they say, I'm out  :lol:

[nfe]

Yeah a wee while ago there was a near constant stream of THIS IS THE BESTEST THING EVER across the internet (including from Hunter here on this forum) then all of a sudden, nobody's talking about them, and lots of the people who were seem to have moved to other things.

I have seen a couple bands recently using them and sounding great, though. But exclusively using very modern tones.

[Johnny Mac]

If you do a lot of recording i should imagine they are the bees knees. I'd love one but I wouldn't flog my Koch to buy it. ( :roll:)

[Transcend]

I find that they sound ok in there own way.

but they certainly dont sound like a real amp.

They still have that digital edge and oddness in the highs & low mids

But for the really modern stuff i guess they excel as thats what the bands playing the modern stuff use themselves

[llJasonll]

Hmmm okay.

So even with a very good power amp, it still won't sounds like a real tube amp?  That was one thing I was wondering about.  I like to feel and hear the dynamics of my pick attack and how a real tube amp picks up all of the life of the player.

tough choices :)

[Transcend]

Your best bet would be finding someone who actually owns one and trying it for yourself.

[AndyR]

I've not tried an Axe-FX, I'm down in the cheaper seats with a Vox Tonelab, but fairly comfortable there.

I am one of the "modelling is cool" dudes on here. But I have to say though, although I happily use a modellor for recording (and I expect no-one except us guitar anoraks to be able to tell the difference :lol:) and for noodling sometimes, I much MUCH prefer playing through a valve amp that is voiced right for the volume I can use it at.

When I joined this forum I was using modelling exclusively, Line6 first, then the Tonelab. This was because I couldn't use my old gigging amp from 20 years ago in the flat we live in. That amp was, and is, gorgeous. But at "flat-friendly volumes" it sounds cr@p compared to modelling.

I was new to and learning modelling at the time, and was utterly amazed at what you can get out of it. Then a while back I got a small valve amp, and I am so much happier playing through that... it's not "better", just "different"... but it is more satisfying for the player.

For recording, at least the stuff I do, I'm convinced both amp or modelling methods can give equally effective results. On the day, one or the other is usually an easier method to achieve the desired result, so I do whatever it takes.

If I was playing live... I would be prepared to use a modellor... but I'd much rather have a valve amp.

I'm getting the impression that many people who've dabbled in modelling have gone through the same journey as me. Starts off with "Oh YEAH fab...", and then eventually you accept it for what it is, use it where it works... and then play a valve amp when you can! :lol:

I'd be wary of dumping both amps for a modellor, especially one that expensive. And especially, even though I'm a modelling fan, I would not replace a working valve amp gig-rig with modelling at the moment. If I wasn't happy with the valve amp rig, I might explore the modelling option, but I'd probably end up getting another valve amp instead at the moment.

Yep, tough choice...

I think Toe-Knee's absolutely right, see if you can try it out and see for yourself. However, while you're trying it, do be aware that the initial flexibility and general amazing-ness of modelling is very enticing, but it does seem to wear off after a while!

[Transcend]

I agree i too found modelling amazing as i used it exclusively for a few years.

line6 vox and various plugins.

i will still say it is great for what it is and i do still often use it for recording clean guitars as its far easier to get a good sound that way than micing.

Nothing gives you that same feel though as AndyR said

[Afghan Dave]

HONESTLY .... Check this Sh1T out  :o :o :o

Out of interest I typed "Axe-FX Ultra" into Google Shopping just to see prices and this is what came up first...

http://www.pabo.com/product/details/21225-ultra-c--k-enhancer.html?item_id=21225&item_title=ultra-c--k-enhancer&show_color=00&show_size=00#ultra-c--k-enhancer

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=Axe-FX+Ultra&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a#q=Axe-FX+Ultra&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbo=u&tbs=shop:1&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wf&biw=1024&bih=634&fp=f4628a188e8dbce

Looks like Johnny Mac isn't the only one who won't be flogging his "Koch"  :P

[nfe]

I'm a big fan of modeling for recording too. But Im entirely happy with software that costs a fraction of the price of an axe-fx, y'know?

I'm really a pragmatist with gear, and whilst it might be really helpful to have something like an axe-fx, I'm all about what I need, and what the listener will notice. The few amps and pedals in guitar rig 3 suits me fine for recording, and one amp and a few pedals will always suit me live, too.

If you need 40 different sounds, something like an Axe-fx is an obvious choice. Though software and a laptop might be even more versatile and cheaper.

[llJasonll]

Thanks for the helpfull advice.

Id have to agree and say that the most enticing thing is the versatility.  I absolutely adore my sound with the Savage, though.  The Fireball is cool, but I may want to swap for a 5150III, or a Dual Rec.

I really do need to get some one-on-one time with the axe-fx though.  I just like how it can model a VH4 and a Soldano SLO (both amps would cost around $8,000), and after hearing how it modeled the SLO 100 "to a tee;" I was very enticed.

I was looking forward to meeting Jeff Loomis, with Nevermore, on the North American tour (they were coming to Detroit on April 30th) to pick his brain about his opinion, but it looks like that won't happen now either :(

Perhaps I'll check out some cheaper alternatives just to check out what the buzz is about and go from there.

Thanks!

[hunter]

My GAS is going to be the end of me...

So, I know I have posted a few topics about wanting to trade an amps, etc.  Now I have really started to consider Axe-FX, and I want all Axe-FX users opinion's as to how it compares with Natural Tube Amps.

In my case, I have an Engl Savage and an Engl Fireball 100.  I would have to sell both, in order to purchase an Axe-FX Ultra, and decent Fryette Power amp.  Another big purchase is out of the question, until I get my GF a ring! :D  I would have to work within my money already invested in gear.

I suppose the most important questions are:
How does Axe-FX compare to the "real-deal?"
If you had to choose one over the other, would it be Axe FX or your Amp of choice?

I was with a friend and we were discussing the issue with one of the x-guitar players from the Black Dahlia Murder; and he told me that after he bought his Axe FX, his Soldano SLO 100 became a $4,000 paper weight becase the Axe-FX was identical with the real amp.  He ended up selling his Soldano.  Has anyone experienced the same thing?

Thanks!!

Axe is great but in two years it couldn't replace the real deal for me. Sold it and I am back to amps now. For portability and versatility, the Axe is hard to beat, but add a VHT2502 to the rack and it's as heavy as my 100W head.

It might do the trick for you. But if I were you, I'd sell those Engls and get that SLO100 from your friend  :P

[Transcend]

i completely missed the part about the SLO.

Definitely get the SLO you may even be able to trade with him.

[llJasonll]

Id love the SLO, but it isn't around anymore...

Hunter, how did you like the SLO module on the axe-fx?