Holiday Gift Ideas

Admin M@

Admin M@

Administrator
Fractal Audio Systems
Moderator
So, you've already got your chosen Fractal Audio Systems product, plus an amazing guitar (or two... or three...) and even an FRFR system to gig with. What's left for you to put on your wish list? I thought I'd share some ideas in case anyone asks... or maybe you're treating yourself :)
  1. FAS-FX Reverb - In case you haven't noticed, it's still on sale for $99! FAS-FX Reverb uses an enhanced version of the reverb algorithm made famous in the Axe-Fx II. It's endorsed by a panel of GRAMMY winners and has been used on a number of amazing albums this past year. http://shop.fractalaudio.com/FAS_FX_Reverb_Plugin_p/fas-804-0001.htm

  2. Cab-Packs, Cab-Packs, Cab-Packs! Check out the latest packs on our web store, but scroll back too... (Don't miss Wellspring UltraRes™ Vol 1. and Vol 2, which contain some of Cliff's favorites (and mine), or the most popular pack of all time, ML USA Bulb 4x12. http://shop.fractalaudio.com/Software_Downloads_s/54.htm

  3. Cab-Lab - If you're not using Cab-Lab, you're missing out on a fun way to create personalized tone by combining the different mic and speaker options in our Cab Packs. The bundle version is on sale, and it includes both a standalone version that connects directly to your Axe-Fx or AX8, plus a plugin you can use to "re-cab" recordings in your DAW. http://shop.fractalaudio.com/Plugins_and_Software_s/56.htm

  4. The EV-1 Expression Pedal - If you're playing with no expression pedal, you're missing out on a world of cool sound options. Volume. Whammy. Wah. You name it. https://shop.fractalaudio.com/EV_1_Expression_Volume_Pedal_p/fas-012.htm
    Pick up a TRS cable too: http://shop.fractalaudio.com/Expression_Pedal_Cable_p/fas-601.htm

  5. Humbuster Cables - You won't know you need them... until you do. And when you do, you'll be glad to have them. Connect humbuster cables between the 1/4" outputs of the AX8, FX8 or Axe-Fx II and your amp, speakers, or mixer to help reduce the noise caused by ground loops. http://shop.fractalaudio.com/FAS_Humbuster_Cable_p/fas-602.htm

  6. Blue Headphones - I learned about these last year and I've used them at every session since. They sound great and provide excellent isolation. I really enjoy the new Lola model because they're lighter, but I use the active MoFi's for studio work, especially Cab Packs. It's actually become funny how many famous rock stars have gotten these headphones after trying mine. http://blue-headphones.com

  7. Rupert Neve RNDI - The latest "Mic + DI" capture method for creating user cabs using the Axe-Fx II requires a "Speaker Level DI Box". We tried a few other brands before discovering the RNDI from Rupert Neve. It's compact and performs flawlessly. http://rupertneve.com/products/rndi/
    Note: you will need an external power supply. We use this one.
    http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/electronics/0d3d28c38db578bb/

  8. Studio Monitors - Three options here, for different needs and budgets:

    A.     In Cliff's lab, you'll find Event Opals. Like Fractal Audio, they take a NO COMPROMISES approach. Unfortunately, they're discontinued but you can always check reverb.com or other sites, or contact Event about future plans. http://www.eventelectronics.com/opal

    B. At my own workstation : Adam S2X and Sub 10 - I've been a fan of Adam for a long time. I trust them for the critical the work I do with Fractal's products, artists, and customers. Whether you choose the "S" series like I have or the more economical AX, I personally think they're great with the Axe-Fx or AX8. http://www.adam-audio.com/en/pro-audio/products/s2x/description

    C.     Around the office: We chose the Presonus Eris. These really sound great in a compact form at an amazing price. http://www.presonus.com/products/Eris-Studio-Monitors

  9. If you've already got great speakers, consider some acoustic paneling. I'd really recommend Ready Acoustics. Joel there is a fellow Axe-Fx user and really knows his stuff. Their products are great and make a real difference in your listening space. http://www.readyacoustics.com

  10. I’ve mentioned them so many times here it hardly counts, but I use Kinman Noiseless Pickups. I found out that I have these in common with Brett Kingman aka our own “Burgs”. He's got lots of demos online such as at http://tinyurl.com/juxnvfh.
    Find Kinman at http://kinman.com
  11. BONUS: Mono Bags "The Fader" http://monocreators.com/the-fader-grey/ I love mine. It fits an AX8, laptop, two expression pedals, and cables. Joe at HQ uses "The Commander" by the same company.
Hope your holiday is a happy one! Thanks—as always—for choosing Fractal Audio Systems.
 
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Thanks M@. Excellent suggestions for the Fractalite or Fractalette. My best wishes to you and yours for a blessed Christmas.
 
@Admin M@ , the Presonus Eris look very intriguing. Is the Fractal team using the E5's or E8's?

I ask because I remember the Tannoy PBM series 6.5 monitors were a totally different animal from the PBM 8's back in the day when I heard them head to head. I remember the 8's sounding very boxy in the bass and a little duller in the top end compared to the 6.5's.
 
I've been looking at the Presonus speakers as well. A friend has the Eros 4.5 that sound great but I've not had the chance to plug my Axe Fx into them yet.
 
I'm thinking of a custom guitar build for early 2017, and am considering the Kinmans. I generally go for a pretty classic strat tone, but the switching options look very useful!
 
I wish they still sold the Opals. My order from February is still unfulfilled, and neither the American distributor not Event support have been able to tell when - or even if - they will be available again.
 
Sleestak said:
I'm thinking of a custom guitar build for early 2017, and am considering the Kinmans. I generally go for a pretty classic strat tone, but the switching options look very useful!
Click to expand...

I modified my K11 so it has an external switch for both tone cap options. It's pretty awesome.
 
jeppekristoffer said:
Curious.
Why dont you use the Lola headphones for studio work?
What's the difference between the passive mode of Mofi to the Lola?
Click to expand...

I do. But when I need the headphones to compete with a tube amp in the room, I reach for the Mofi.
Since Obot the Robot, I've been using Lolas, since now I often get to sit in the control room :)

The Lola headphones are lighter, which is really nice.
 
Admin M@ said:
I modified my K11 so it has an external switch for both tone cap options. It's pretty awesome.
Click to expand...
What is this sorcery you speak of? You put a mini DPDT switch inline to select either of the recommended values of tone caps? Intriguing.... also, which pickup set did you go with? As I said, I'm a strat guy, and like fairly classic tone. I'm considering a couple of their pickup sets.
 
Sleestak said:
What is this sorcery you speak of? You put a mini DPDT switch inline to select either of the recommended values of tone caps? Intriguing.... also, which pickup set did you go with? As I said, I'm a strat guy, and like fairly classic tone. I'm considering a couple of their pickup sets.
Click to expand...

There's a mini switch on the PCB. I removed it and wired a mini toggle. I prefer the Impersonator Mark III set. The Mayer set is nice too.
 
Admin M@ said:
There's a mini switch on the PCB. I removed it and wired a mini toggle. I prefer the Impersonator Mark III set. The Mayer set is nice too.
Click to expand...

I can't remember what mine is even set to :)

After I had the pickups installed and played it for a while, I asked the guitar tech to change it to the "other" position. Sounded better and I haven't ever opened 'er up to see what it's set to lol.
 
So we supposed to just buy EVERYTHINGGGGGGGGG you recommend?
How stupid do you think we are?
15592069_10210108416681139_235328482_n.jpg

...wait...dammit
nevermind

You win M@
 
Thanks for posting this Matt. I've had FAS-FX Reverb on my wish list for a while and the special pricing made it easy to pull the trigger.
 
ToneRanger said:
I've been looking at the Presonus speakers as well. A friend has the Eros 4.5 that sound great but I've not had the chance to plug my Axe Fx into them yet.
Click to expand...
I have the eris E5 monitors and I they have been excellent since 2014 when I got them. I highly recommend them to everyone. For the price you can't beat them.
 
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