Speaker Setup what do you use?

[Hattrick17]

I am considering purchasing (soon) a AXE FX II with foot controller. I know there are numerous choices for amplifiers (matrix most popular) and using either guitar speaker cabinets or high quality clean monitors/PA type speakers. My question which do you prefer? If using PA/Monitor cabinets do you prefer passive with an amp like the matrix or Active? Here is what I have now and would be interested in your thoughts as per tweaking this.

Presently I have a Egnater M4 Pre-amp with modules going to a mixer then to an SS amp to a pair of ported closed back 1x12's and a pair of passive PA monitors. (All modulation effects go through the effects loop of the mixer)

I use this because I also use a piezo occasionally on one guitar and also may want to add a acoustic and Roland GR55 to the mix. The PA speakers add a nice acoustic feel and tone but sound a bit thin and brittle by them selves thus the mix of the two.

I would be replacing the Egnater M4 with the Axe FX II.

[xguitar48x]

Hey man, my set up is a Fryette 2.50.2 (also another awesome poweramp to check out) running into a Orange 4x12 and i love the way it sounds. If you have the cash i have heard 1 person who was running his Axe through a Mackie 1531 and it sounded amazing. With that youd cut out the power amp all together and can just use that, and its plenty loud. There is no real right or wrong, just preference, obviously. Good luck man!

[DraggAmps]

I used to use the Matrix GT800FX power amp into a traditional guitar cab and recently switched to the new Matrix Q12a, which is an active 1x12 cab that sounds massive. This way I can use the cab simulation in the Axe and that makes it infinitely more versatile and accurate. Both sound great, but if you want to get the most out of the Axe, then FRFR solutions like this one are much better for versatility and accuracy. As far as using a powered cab or an passive with separate PA, it just depends on what the gear is. The Matrix Q12a uses a single channel version of the GT1000FX built into the cab. It doesn't make a difference whether or not the PA is built into the can or separate, it just matters what the quality level is of the PA and the cab/speaker. I find all Matrix stuff to be top notch in every way.

[Hattrick17]

I was checking out the Matrix Q12a this looks almost exactly like my 1x12 guitar cab less the amp? I wonder if I just added a different 12" speak to these cabs I could get the same performance and eliminate the PA cabs?

[Kruegmeister]

For FRFR "Full Range Flat Response" I like the RCF - NX 12-SMA which I currently use. A little better than the QSCs but the QSC are still pretty good.
I also like the QSC K10 I previously used with the settings on "Flat" and "Ext Sub" set to "ON"
I would say that running Monitors could allow you to run more moderate Volume Levels, but I highly Recommend a second Monitor to use as a Sidewash or just turn it all up loud like I do. The Volume gives you that "Amp in the Room" that can sometimes be lacking because of many Factors. But the FRFR also gives you the Flexibility to not be Loud if Necessary. I generally run my own Aux Channel on our own PA so I can mix my Guitar and Vocals to where I need/want them and not bother the Band Mates.

The advantage of FRFR is that when you tweak a patch you are setting the Tone Equal to what the Audience would be hearing out of the FOH (Front of House PA)
I have no experience with the Matrix.

[erockomania]

FRFR

Reference speakers for me. Dynaudio BM5As

[Hattrick17]

I would love to eliminate a pair of speakers to get a great electric guitar and accoustic/synth as well.

[JIMMY G]

I run the Axe into a small Mackie VLZ Board, then into two Mackie 1530z's and it sounds fantastic. But I think just about any powered pa speaker or speakers would work great.

[KittyForHire]

I usually play with a pair of good headphones, but when I wanna get loud I run it into the poweramp on my Stiletto, sounds bitchin'
I'll probably invest in a decent FRFR setup sooner or later tho, feels like the way to go.

Oh, and hi y'all btw, first post

[Johnnyh64]

Just want to add a set of new speakers that are absolutely incredible. To me they are better than the QSC line. Give a listen to the Yamaha DXR12. I tried a bunch of PA Speakers at Guitar Center with my axe and some music. I found that the QSC K10's and 12 were nice but I really loved the Yamaha DXR12's! They have a nice smooth top end that isn't brittle or harsh. They also have a wonderful punchy mid-range and they are flippin' LOUD!! You can also get them for $599.00 each which is pretty cheap compared to others. My second choice were the Electro-Voice ELX112P. They were a great speaker as well.

[BenLevy]

Nothing like your ears for judging sound. Get the Axe into your current rig and play with it. I'm using a guitar cab and have been intrigued by FRFR, but have not been able to spend the bucks. The guitar cab is sounding fantastic.

[stm113]

I am still running old skool myself. I run my Axe into the FX Return of my 5150 Head into a 4x12 cab loaded w/2 SHeffields and 2 V30's. This works best in my current situation (playing with another guitarist that uses a traditional rig). I have thought about splitting my signal to send out 1 direct to FOH and I am sure that may lead me to FRFR on stage too but time will tell.

I tend to lean towards 6L6 tone anyway so using the 5150 doesnt bother me much, and on my patches where i want that EL34 bite I am trying more creative EQing to dial in closer to that tone.

[Hattrick17]

I just did some reading and it looks like going with a powered monitor is the best solution for me. I just learned that one can run an acoustic guitar through the AFII and have amazing tone! That changes everything for me! Now I have to decide RFC NX12, Matrix CFR12, or Atomic Active Wedge. Any thoughts, anywhere here at Fractal I can find out which one is best for both Acoustic as well as electric guitar?