Note - this is not to make any one jealous, but I just received and opened my FX8. As Lord Vader would say, "MOST IMPRESSIVE." The FX8 is built like a proverbial tank. It is hefty and solid. Heavier than an MFC (at least to my puny little arms). Oh, the things I have planned for this box. Boggles the mind.
I only have time for a quick hook up to run through the first preset. Everything sounds as impatiently expected. I'm not sure how I will eventually run it. I don't gig, but have a few different playing/writing/recording areas in my house. My home studio has the Axe-FX II running into a CLR. I also have a mini set-up in my bedroom (MacBook, a two THRs that I use as monitors for the MacBook and IPad Guitar sims), Amplifi - which I use as a monitor for an Amplifire and a few pedals that I rotate. Just tried running it direct (pre) into the Amplifire. Sounds wonderful even at literally "bedroom" levels. I'm really digging the Plexi on the Amplifire (I have a Rush preset that I just cannot stop playing). Now with the FX8, I can have a full pedal board at my disposal.
Great job by Cliff, Matt and co (as usual). Worth the wait.