I have worked with Metallica for several years on their Axe-Fx II tones. I began with their engineers and techs to create custom IRs for Antarctica. I visited their HQ last year to upgrade, refine and re-invent those IRs based on the sounds of the new album (and the advent of UltraRes). The presets and effects are an ongoing team effort. As you know, Cliff created a custom "C++" amp for James, which is what you hear in their live rigs (watch for promo on Colbert etc. next week). I work directly with James and Kirk and their techs Chad and Justin, as well as bass tech Zach (and more recently, bassist Robert Trujillo). Even after we finish, there is an ongoing effort to ride the lightning towards perfection du jour. Tone is an ongoing process. The Metallica team of techs are among the most knowledgable support staff you will find with any artist. The preset designs are quite intricate, utilizing scenes, XY, modifiers, Global Blocks, and various types of custom switching across two Axe-Fx II units per musician.
Most recently, I upgraded all systems to Quantum 8.01 and then worked hands-on with the guys and legendary "Big Mick" who handles Front-of-House for the band. Together, we dialed in the tones for the band's new state-of-the art PA from Meyer Sound. This PA is insane. I got to play through it in Ravens Stadium this week. (My nephew, who lives several miles away, could hear me from his house!) Mick is amazing at what he does—an industry icon. FOH guys around the world have told that they learned about Fractal Audio from him. The Metallica quote on our web site is in fact his words:
We wanted to hate the Fractal. All that work formulating and honing the Metallica guitar sounds was going to be lost. We couldn't have been more wrong! It opened the door to way more options than we had ever had before. In short, WOW. — “Big Mick” Hughes, Engineer, Metallica
I hope to spend some more time together with Mick and an Axe-Fx II unit one-on-one when the tour ends and time permits.
I told James that one of the things that best distinguishes Metallica is the very high quality of people at every level. A commitment to excellence pervades every aspect of the operation from the top down. I (blatantly immodestly) think our companies have that in common which makes for a great match. It is my pleasure to support them, and we at Fractal Audio are honored that they chose our products to bring their music to the world.
As you mentioned, A7X and Volbeat also use Fractal Audio Systems products extensively. Those are also great people to work with. Maybe I'll talk to them about writing something about their worlds.
