...but that's really how those old Plexis should be run, isn't it ?This clip here is with amp settings I would never attempt before this update (treble on 10!)
FW12.4b Little Wing Solo
...but that's really how those old Plexis should be run, isn't it ?
Morphosis, have you sorted out why your first test only revealed subtle differences? I noticed you were really happy with your later tests.
As stated, first test was A/B 12.03 to 12.04beta by audition two recordings through headphones. The big surprise was, when playing Axe-Fx II + Matrix GT1000 through real Cabinet in comparison to my Tube-Amp through the same Cab. Before the new beta i had to tweak a lot the SPKR page to get similar results in feel and "dimension". With 12.04beta i am there almost out of the box.
Not yet tested via FRFR Monitoring....
I'm sorry to say I'm not really "feeling" the new firmware yet. Using the factory presets as test material, everything sounds overly hot/distorted and scratchy. In terms of feel it's as if my strings are a lot stiffer.
Switching amp type to another type and then back again does help in taming this for me. (Even though it has been stated that amp sims shouldn't need a reset.) I do notice that amps seem to sound punchier.
I'll be spending some more time to get things to resemble what everyone else is experiencing. Night need to load the FW again?
I'm with Winger. Same impression here. In my case, my listening is all headphones.....Beyer 770s and 880's. Most of the new magic being sited is thru actual guitar and FR cabs and turned up loud, so not surprised. Any suggested tweaks to help with feeling the magic in my headphones.
Qualifier: I'm not complaining.....I love my Axe II beyond description....FAS is the best company on the planet.....Cliff's dedication, brilliance, hard work and generosity are legendary. I just want to hear this new magic in my cans, where I live.
All right, after all this praise for 12.04b I'd say it's time you told us that you didn't make any changes compared to 12.03, Cliff!
The SPKR page settings are the same. I can't really say anything more about what is going on. This latest epiphany has taken me eight years to realize and I don't want to give competitors any hints.
Try things like cranking treble or presence. and lowering transformer distortion..etc.
My assumption is the new update is a new approach to the fletcher munson problem where we hear different frequencies differently at set volume levels. Folks are enjoying the new FW at HIGH volumes because the presets sound good at that level, but sound less inspiring at listening levels on headphones. Where-as the AxeFx has had the OPPOSITE problem in previous Firmwares where the patches sound amazing at low volume, but shrill and ice-picky at stage level.
I would think with MIMIC and matching the real amp pot tapers, that the tone stack settings would still have the same auditory affect? E.g. cranking the Treble would be close to the same affect before and after this FW?
THIS IS THE BEST THE AXE 2 HAS SOUNDED THUS FAR!
Yes I'm screaming, it's that good!
Thanks to the universe for this snow day!
I'm not 100% sure since MIMIC is a bit of mystery to me, but its possible MIMIC DOES replicate the EXACT taper of the controls like the real amp. The difference is that the power amp is now properly altering that signal at the last stage of the amplifier. Kinda like, if Cliff improves how IR captures work, that doesn't alter the way the tone controls work vs. the real amp.
I'm with Winger. Same impression here. In my case, my listening is all headphones.....Beyer 770s and 880's. Most of the new magic being sited is thru actual guitar and FR cabs and turned up loud, so not surprised. Any suggested tweaks to help with feeling the magic in my headphones.
I use 880's and it's very noticeable to me. Crank the MV and maybe turn up Low Res a bit.
I think, though, that you have to be tuned in to the sound of classic tube amps and the subtleties in the response. For those of us who grew up with tube amps and know that feeling when you hit the sweet spot is what it's all about. When you crank the MV on a tube amp you hit that sweet spot and it's glorious. Below that and it's uninspiring. Above that and it turns to mush.
We remember those gigs where it was a big room with lots of people and stuff to soak up the sound and you could crank your amp. The bounce off the strings and the sustain are memorable.