any news about AXE FX IV?

[dr bonkers]

I haven't found a sound that I haven't been able to achieve. In my view, I think some people hear with their eyes instead of their ears.

I have dealt with the Helix, Kemper, and QC. The Fractal allows you the user to more easily get to the sounds in your head if they are not dialed up already in a preset of capture.

The only hurdle is you need to learn or experience what to dial in on a particular amp or drive.

 

[Feflicker]

I really hope it comes with a touchscreen — editing directly on the unit is by far the worst part of using Fractal.

Want the unit smaller, not bigger. We all carry a touchscreen, just make an android controller

 

[Dave Merrill]

I really hope it comes with a touchscreen — editing directly on the unit is by far the worst part of using Fractal.

I edit on the unit pretty often. I don't turn on the computer unless i need to.

Some things are much easier or even only possible in AxeEdit, but the front panel is fine for plain parameter changes.

When I first got my Axe i specifically didn't use AxeEdit at all, because i didn't want to be helpless without a computer, and i don't bring one to gigs or jams.

 

[Feflicker]

I edit on the unit pretty often. I don't turn on the computer unless i need to.

Some things are much easier or even only possible in AxeEdit, but the front panel is fine for plain parameter changes.

When I first got my Axe i specifically didn't use AxeEdit at all, because i didn't want to be helpless without a computer, and i don't bring one to gigs or jams.

What I did was do the layouts quickly im axedit, then I adjusted the parameters on the unit. My first 3 or 4 presets I didnt use axedit at all. And I read the manual 3x before it even showed up. But Im the type of musician I always have to know things or I feel Im falling behind too

 

[francis]

I really hope it comes with a touchscreen — editing directly on the unit is by far the worst part of using Fractal.

Sorry, I disagree

If axe IV comes out, the only thing I don't expect is a touchscreen.

The more I use the PC editor, the easier it is to find the parameters I want when editing directly on the hardware.

I think this kind of unity between the PC editor and the hardware editor is secretly cool and cleverly designed.

 

[MayPRS]

I think the missing link is probably Bluetooth with an editor for Android/IOS. With this it always be easier to adjust on the fly, anywhere. We all carry a touchscreen with us, everyday, everywhere.

 

[francis]

I think it's a good idea for those who need it, but we have Algrenadine already.(for now).

The young fractal users in my country carry around fracpad on their iPads/iPhones.

 

[Randalljax]

I think the missing link is probably Bluetooth with an editor for Android/IOS. With this it always be easier to adjust on the fly, anywhere. We all carry a touchscreen with us, everyday, everywhere.

To be fair if they ever do go touch screen I would think it will just be 90% based on Axe edit
So you can have it on a big screen or on the unit and IOS app
I think they will also likely try to cut down the amount of models
So instead of 3 different models for say a 5153 you would have 1 model with a channel switch green/ blue/ red like the amps
That’s one thing that has been mentioned that could not be done on the current format

 

[Daveporter33765]

I am a relative newcomer to the Fractalverse having bought my first AX3 just two years ago. I found the current interface to be very easy to learn and use. In addition, Axe Edit is one of the best computer based apps I have used. So, from my perspective, I see no need for new complete redesigns of the interface or app…I have owned modelers with touch screens and I found the more difficult to use and limiting than what we have now. Just my $0.02 worth.

 

[sgplayer76]

I understand the concern with buying the AxeFx 3, with the possibility of the 4 appearing sometime over the next couple years. That said, I waited several years to upgrade from the AxeFx 2 to the 3. Aside from the obvious differences (I.e. the unit itself - screen, processing power, etc.), it took a while before there was a significant difference in the way the 2 & 3 sounded. In fact, both units continued to receive the same updates and improvements for quite a while. When I decided to upgrade, I had owned my AxeFx 2 for exactly 10 years. The resale value was MUCH better than I expected. It was still easily worth 75+ percent of its original price. I ultimately traded it (even-up) for a like new Ernie Ball Music Man Axis SS, which was a deal I could not pass up. But either way, resale on FAS products are great. I will not hesitate to buy the AxeFx 4 whenever it is announced, but till then, the 3 is an incredible product that does way more than I will ever need. I guess my point is, if you want an Axe3 now, go for it.

 

[RiffDuck]

Aside from the obvious differences (I.e. the unit itself - screen, processing power, etc.), it took a while before there was a significant difference in the way the 2 & 3 sounded.

This is a really good point. I'm going to keep it in mind when the 4 does come out, unless it's very different off the bat.

 

[Rex]

...I waited several years to upgrade from the AxeFx 2 to the 3. Aside from the obvious differences (I.e. the unit itself - screen, processing power, etc.), it took a while before there was a significant difference in the way the 2 & 3 sounded.

My experience was different. I heard (and especially felt) an immediate improvement in the amp models with the Axe-Fx III, even in the 0.xx betas. I couldn't wait until we could show them in public, because it was such an all-around improvement that I wanted to do all my gigs with it.

 

[echo44]

I have the original axe fx 3 Mark one. It has been an amazing device. 7 years after purchase it is still being constantly improved with free
software updates. I know of no other product that receives such continued support from the developer. That being said I hope the IV arrives soon so I can hand over more money to fractal, they deserve it for the continued advancement of tone. When the 4 does comes out I will probably keep this unit as it sounds great one can never have too many guitar devices!!!

 

[TheRedDevil]

Not disagreeing, but there are flip sides too, as I'm sure you're aware, but just to say it...

The quality of Fractal models is very high, where random captures uploaded by random folks on the net are inherently going to be more random quality..

That makes the process of looking for new tones less like experimenting with amp settings and cab and mic choices, and more like shopping a giant catalog of pre-built randomware.

Models also respond much better to control changes than captures, which typically only sound natural with the controls pretty close to how they were set when the capture was made.

The issue begins already with the speakers. Using captures or presets makes sense, if you have 100% the same equipment (end to end) like the creator of it (plus his ears & room). As long you have different speakers, guitars, cables, room, etc it's always better to prefer FAS products where you can define every details like you need it (with your equipment also based on external presets). Refer to my rig in signature and forget about captures from different people.

 

[Eliju]

the 3 is so good idk what more they could improve other than developing new effect algorithms like poly pitching shifting.

One thing that would make me buy the IV right away would be ADAT connections so I could route 2 stereo inputs and outputs to my daw.

 

[Dimi Guitar]

And then you'll have to force yourself to like it.
In a few months with tonex I found only one useful capture, a clean one.

Yep, I've tried tons of Dumbles, Victory's, Two Rocks, but none of them are useful for me. For some fun yes, for recording or performing no. If those were my reference to actual amps, I'd say those amps were mostly garbage and not living to the hype.
I struggle to find an amp of FAS which i don't like or can't make sound good.

Effects? No comparison. Noisegate? Sucks.
And I still can't find that spot where tonex presets created at home sound good at rehearsal. Something is always off.

Not all presets created equal, but at least you can tune them. You can't tune capture. My only hope is to capture my fractal presets

P.S. Tonex editor and library are examples of a perfect nightmare. Aren't they ashamed of releasing it? Are they even serious about their job and customers?...

For captures other people have made, my experience is the same (and has been ever since the kemper came out). Relying on other people to dial in amps rarely works for me. Fractal solved that problem. BUT when I do captures myself the results tend to be great as well, if I have control over the signal chain, amp settings, etc. Fractal for me is mostly that analog process of coming up with a signal chain, digitised.

 

[trixdropd]

Also, realistically the only ways I can see them improving on what they already have is to improve the User Interface and make it prettier like the Quad Cortex, general quality of life updates- that sort of thing…

But from a tone and connectivity standpoint, it’s godlike and has no competition.

If we’re honest, the midi implementation can be better; for example, the usb midi and the din should be one in the same. Right now, I can send midi program changes to the axe fx 3 over usb midi, but I can’t send program changes from the axe fx 3 over usb midi. If you replace usb midi with din midi, it works fine.

 

[bchulse]

In lieu of any new CPU designs becoming available, perhaps just design
a new model with 3 or 4 current gen CPU's to gain more horsepower.
This would allow more Amp & Pitch blocks for instance.

I have no problem with the current interface. In the absence of a laptop, I would
rather edit on the unit than on a phone anyway. For us older folk, the phones
can be a PITA to be honest.

 

[alexanderhodge_]

If we’re honest, the midi implementation can be better; for example, the usb midi and the did should be one and the same. Right now, I can send midi program changes to the axe fx 3 over usb midi, but I can’t send program changes from the axe fx 3 over usb midi. If you replace usb midi with din midi, it works fine.

Good point. I’ve noticed that midi changes sometimes don’t register if axe-edit is open. I use Logic Pro, so I don’t know if this is the case with other DAWs.

 

[Dave Merrill]

In lieu of any new CPU designs becoming available, perhaps just design
a new model with 3 or 4 current gen CPU's to gain more horsepower.
This would allow more Amp & Pitch blocks for instance.

I have no problem with the current interface. In the absence of a laptop, I would
rather edit on the unit than on a phone anyway. For us older folk, the phones
can be a PITA to be honest.

Multiple CPUs isn't just free horsepower.

They have to communicate with each other, which inherently has some overhead, and managing multiple concurrent processes is a non-trivial thing, especially for real-time systems like the Axe.