Matman said:Regrets? Not one! The Axe-Fx was literally a dream come true for me. During 30 years of playing, I had a whole host of traditional and software based systems previously - tube amps (Fender, MusicMan, GK, Marshall, Boogie... had a London Power on order...) modeling amps (Line6, Vox, Hughes & Kettner), pedal effects by the dozens, rack gear (you name it, from power strips to vintage digital to Eventide H8000) plus virtual rigs-- Guitar Rig, Amplitube, etc., and then power amps, speaker cabs, and much much more.
The Axe-Fx (and my pair of Reactor FRs) satisfies to the fullest extent.
It not only gives more playing enjoyment, it cures all GAS, as you'll hear many say. Creative type? You'll love tinkering. Set it and forget it type? Spend a little time dialing it in and YOUR SOUND will be there, with room to spare for exploration if you feel inclined.
This community is also a part of the "no regrets" equation. Being able to find answers, share successes, and simply observe as others do the same is of great value to me. The "wisdom of crowds" is in full effect here. There is an overall excitement and energy I just don't find often. People LOVE this thing, and this passion is reflected in aspects of individual ownership everywhere.
As for things taking a lot of work, I do disagree. I, and many others can get great tones inside of the very first session. The thing just WORKS for my ears. I won't use words like "magic" or "monster" for fear of unfavorable comparison to stupid marketing campaigns elsewhere, but it sure makes me happy to sit with my Axe-Fx and a guitar.
Also, it's made me some great friends-- from rockstars lilke Dweezil Zappa to forum superheroes like Sean, Scott, Jay, Steve, Yek... (please don't hold it against me if you're not listed here guys!) to friendly online newcomers to people in my own neighborhood.
Zero regrets. On the contrary-- 101% "would buy again in a heartbeat."
Sidivan said:Long story short... I was a Vetta II user for 5+ years and only stumbled upon the Axe out of curiosity. After hearing clips, I went for the 15 day trial. I did not need 15 days. It took 5 mins through a rolls headphone amp into my IEM's to convince me the thing was here to stay. I A/B'd amp models with the Vetta and instantly my world of "I have good tone" was shattered. I spent a week doing that (I was on vacation in my home town) and by the end I was disgusted that I was ever satisfied with the Vetta. I only turned on the Vetta twice after that: Once to double the whammy channel on our band's demo and once to record that channel solo for future reference. Then I sold it.
I will say this though: Get good monitors. IEM's, Computer Speakers, Headphones, etc.. didn't give me a transparent view of the tone. It always sounded different when I plugged into a PA system. Got a pair of Powered Atomics and I'm in friggin' tone heaven. The Axe FX and the Atomics are, HANDS DOWN, the best purchases I've ever made. I don't have the MFC as I picked up an LF Jr second hand off the forums.
I went with wedges. I've never been a big fan of speakers pointed at my knees (I used to tilt the Vetta cab). Gigging with the wedges I've found that on small stages, one wedge is not enough for a monitor if you put it behind you. It works great off to the side or in front though. I really bought them for dialing in accurate tones though, which they totally kick ass at. One probably would've been enough, but a stereo chorus through two is something everyone should experience once in their life.
How true....thanks. Life is short. agreed....
So I got my ultra earlier this week and all I can say is holy SH*T; finally the tone and dynamics in one package I've been searching for; 5 minutes after I got it hooked up to a PA head - monitor combo (powered Carvin RX1200 and two JBL JRX112's) was probably not even what I needed to know that this thing blows any rig I've had in the past. The tone is there; the dynamics are there; and the availability of any amp or effect I've ever wanted are there. Initially tried my Return on the Vetta II combo and no go, (another sign to retire that thing) and grabbed part of my pa setup.
Thanks again to all for the comments, advice and tips. I've got a lot to learn as many of you have stated, but what a worthwhile cause.....Just as you've said Sidivan, my Vetta's days are numbered as your's were. Since I don't have a controller yet and some Atomics, it probably has only a few gigs left in it's lifetime while I get the other gear and do a lot of homework....
I only turn on my Pod X3Pro to copy over a patch now and then.
I've had lots of gear, in more than 20 years of working as a guitarist. I've had many of the best amps (Vox AC30, Marshall JCM800, JCM900, Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+, Lone Star Special, Fender Bassman, Twin Reverb, just to name a few), lots of effects (GForce, Gsystem, many pedals...). I never sounded as good as with the Fractal Axe. No doubt. After more than 2 years with it, it has been improving more and more with every update, and I can say without any doubt it has been my best purchase ever. No regrets at all.
I kept my JCM 800 for the same reason. I finally sold it late last year. I found I don't miss it.I still have a Marshall JCM 800 from the 80's i keep around for sentimental reasons mostly.
I got my ultra about a year ago and really regret not getting it sooner. I had a line 6 Vetta and it was horrible at cutting live and sounded digital. Then I bought a Peavey JSX nice but too much feedback. Then I bought a Marshall JVM 410h and it was harsh had to mod the crap out of it including adding a choke and output tranny but weighed several hundred lbs in the racks with decimator, gcx audio switcher, g-major , pedal drawer etc. I very much regret i knew about the Axe before my JVM purchase but didnt believe the hype because of being burned by line 6. I blame Line 6 for giving digital amp modelling a bad rep. I still have a Marshall JCM 800 from the 80's i keep around for sentimental reasons mostly.