Quick Tone Matching Tutorial

[FractalAudio]

Question/issue: sending OUT2 to the device you're going to Tonematch isn't exactly the same as plugging the guitar directly into it, the impedance is different therefore the quality isn't the same. Wouldn't it be better to use a good quality AB/Y pedal in front of both the Axe and the unit we're going to Tonematch?

Thanks!

You can do that and sometimes I use that technique. I haven't noticed any difference. The input impedance of the Axe-Fx is very similar to a tube amp so you are loading the guitar the same.

[InsideOut]

Cliff, If you find the time, I'd love to see how you match to an audio file on you're PC.

[barhrecords]

I like using the guitar to get the gain / drive matched up between the DUT and AxeFx, but would there any advantage to switching to pink noise for the final match / refinement?

Richard

[Swedish Chef]

Excellent video, Cliff!

[YaKostia]

Connection Summary:

Connect Output 2 Left to DUT (Device Under Test) input.
Connect DUT output to Input 2 Left.
Set Output 2 Level knob to maximum.

AFX Output 2 Left to Test Amp In (no Return amp) ???
And Mic to external preamp, output preamp to Input 2 Left ???
Right ?

[Rex]

AFX Output 2 Left to Test Amp In (no Return amp) ???

Not sure what you're asking here. When you say "no return amp," do you mean no amp output to Axe II? If so, you're right. Running an amp's output into the Axe would not end well. That's what the mic and preamp are for.

And Mic to external preamp, output preamp to Input 2 Left ???
Right ?

Right.

[YaKostia]

When you say "no return amp," do you mean no amp output to Axe II?

No. I can plug AFX output to Amp In (guitar in) or Return jack (Amp serial loop). Which is correct?

[Rex]

Amp In. You want to capture the whole amp, not just its power amp.

[johnpetrucci914]

cool =)

[MaxTwang]

Thanks. Let's say I don't want to spend another $600. I've got Shure SM58, Rode NT1, Nuemann U67 Condenser, Cascade Fathead Ribbon and a few others. Not sure which is best to use.

Do a quick test with each and see which you like. If you have more than one mic pre, or a mixer or audio interface with more than one mic input, you can use multiple mics. Putting a mic behind an open back cabinet helps with IR's or TMA's of an open back cab (the rear mic level should be lower than the front mics and the phase should be inverted on the mic pre).

Your Cascade Fathead should play nicely with other mics if pulled back 4-8" from the grill.

If you want to try a reference mic the Behringer ECM8000 (approx $55) is surprisingly good, not quite as flat and a little more aggressive than an Earthworks but for the price it's outstanding (you'll probably get more coloration from your mic pre than the difference between an Earthworks and the ECM8000).