AX-8 Price

Come on now, USB audio is standard issue these day.. Play live with the unit.. Record via USB with the same unit. You guys dropped the ball on that feature.


Please read my post above(#270) on the baggin' going on in this thread, thank you. The only ball dropped is the tone coming out of the Helix. I know, I was a product specialist for Line6. But hey, if poor tone is what you like, then buy one:) But the negative comments in this thread about what the AX-8 "doesn't have really needs to stop...... Thanks:encouragement:
 
Not in my opinion. And as noted dozens of times here a USB interface is cheap. Those that need/want it can buy one, and those of us that don't didn't have to pay extra for it.

I think this argument is flawed. The reason quoted to not include it in the AX8 is that it would add too much to the cost, yet people keep saying "USB interfaces are cheap". If they're so cheap, why not have included the same capability in the unit?

And before I get flamed, let me say the lack of this feature doesn't bother me. I have several high end audio interfaces and don't need it to function that way. This device will be a godsend for me. Would it have been nice to have? Sure, why not? But it doesn't bother me that it doesn't, and I wouldn't have used it. But to me, a more compelling reasoning is simply to not obfuscate the differences between this and Fractal's other, higher end products. I'm fine with Cliff saying that adding it would have added to the cost, and have no reason to doubt the validity of that. But then folks shouldn't keep saying, "USB interfaces are cheap" in response to people complaining about it...that's nonsensical.

I'm not sure why we're talking about this anyway. We know what we're getting and what we're not. If it works for you, buy it. If it doesn't, don't. I, for one, am excited about this and about the price point, and it will significantly affect my workflow in a positive way.
 
well one of the main arguments is "everything else has USB audio functionality, therefore AX8 should too." sure, it could probably have it. but it seems it doesn't.

with that in mind, you CAN buy a USB audio interface if you want that functionality, and when you do, you can most likely then record a microphone as well since most around the $99 price point have at least 1 XLR input.

the AX8 was designed for playing live, not recording. that's the reason there is no recording functionality.

i think too many people are viewing the AX8 only as a "Helix-Killer" rather than a new Fractal-designed product done the way they would do it.
 
I think FAS has knocked it out of the park with the AX-8 at an amazing price. All of those complaining about usb just don't realize the level of support that comes with FAS products, it's unheard of in this industry.

If you have to have usb recording + more it is offered in the XL+. Different products for different purposes.
 
Please read my post above(#270) on the baggin' going on in this thread, thank you. The only ball dropped is the tone coming out of the Helix. I know, I was a product specialist for Line6. But hey, if poor tone is what you like, then buy one:) But the negative comments in this thread about what the AX-8 "doesn't have really needs to stop...... Thanks:encouragement:

I think most of us now have accepted that it doesn't have audio over usb, so no one is "bagging" about it...it was purely a question that needed to be answered, and Cliff did.
One should be allowed to wish/hope for features.
And while we're at it...you can stop talking shit about the Helix. It might very well be a nice device for some people, and not for others. It's a matter of taste. And it also remains to be seen, how the piece actually sounds. I'm sure there are people that will make it shine out there, so just leave it.
 
well one of the main arguments is "everything else has USB audio functionality, therefore AX8 should too." sure, it could probably have it. but it seems it doesn't.

with that in mind, you CAN buy a USB audio interface if you want that functionality, and when you do, you can most likely then record a microphone as well since most around the $99 price point have at least 1 XLR input.

the AX8 was designed for playing live, not recording. that's the reason there is no recording functionality.

i think too many people are viewing the AX8 only as a "Helix-Killer" rather than a new Fractal-designed product done the way they would do it.

Totally agree. I'm just responding to the oddity and incongruity of folks responding to "why doesn't it have USB recording capability" with "but USB interfaces are so cheap", as if that somehow furthers the argument of "it doesn't have them because it would add to the cost" rather than seemingly contradicting it.
 
If they're so cheap, why not have included the same capability in the unit?

Because that would drive the price of the AX8 up. Remember, the whole idea of the AX8 was to bring to the market an aggressively priced device that could deliver the Fractal sound to more players. Eventually as a product developer you have to draw the line somewhere to hit the target price you are aiming for.

I think Fractal have made the right call on this device. They have designed the AX8 as a stage device, made good design choices and brought it to the market at such a good price.

The flip side is that they could have chucked everything into the box, but then people would complain that there are features they don't need and hence they would prefer a cheaper device without those features. Better to have a stripped down device at a cheaper price point and let those that want to record buy an interface to do so. I dare say most people own an interface anyway, so really we are talking about a minority here.
 
well one of the main arguments is "everything else has USB audio functionality, therefore AX8 should too." sure, it could probably have it. but it seems it doesn't.

with that in mind, you CAN buy a USB audio interface if you want that functionality, and when you do, you can most likely then record a microphone as well since most around the $99 price point have at least 1 XLR input.

the AX8 was designed for playing live, not recording. that's the reason there is no recording functionality.

i think too many people are viewing the AX8 only as a "Helix-Killer" rather than a new Fractal-designed product done the way they would do it.

This thread is so confusing to me........ What is the deal with with people wanting a USB audio? I would think, if we are all being honest here, that every person that owns a $3000 piece of Fractal gear (The Axe-FXll), would already own a $100 audio interface? And if so, then there would be no need for USB audio on a floorboard (The AX-8) specifically designed for live use, can I get an amen????????:applause: So PLEASE stop the madness!!!!!!

That's it, I am going back into my studio, and I am not coming back out! Why? Because I have an audio interface and I am not afraid to use it!:lol
 
Because that would drive the price of the AX8 up.

Exactly. So to respond by saying, "USB interfaces are so cheap" is a contradictory argument, not a complementary one. It's like saying, "Why doesn't my Toyota have a V8" and Toyota responding "Because adding a V8 would cost more". And then people jumping in saying, "V8s are super cheap; just go buy one and put it in." They think they're arguing the same thing Toyota is, but they're actually contradicting them; if V8s are really that cheap (the response would go), then why not have added it? Their argument is actually for something that costs the same overall (AX8+interface) as an AX8 with the feature included would have (AX8+interface components). I'm simply saying they aren't making quite the argument that they think they are.

And, again, I love what FAS has done with the AX8 and I'm super excited about it.
 
This thread is so confusing to me........ What is the deal with with people wanting a USB audio? I would think, if we are all being honest here, that every person that owns a $3000 piece of Fractal gear (The Axe-FXll), would already own a $100 audio interface? And if so, then there would be no need for USB audio on a floorboard (The AX-8) specifically designed for live use, can I get an amen????????:applause: So PLEASE stop the madness!!!!!!

That's it, I am going back into my studio, and I am not coming back out! Why? Because I have an audio interface and I am not afraid to use it!:lol

The madness stopped a long time ago. It's people like you that keep it alive now :p
Simply put; I'd love to have a pedalfloor version of the axe-fx (AX8) that I can bring to my hotel room and record a nice track and at the same time have good signal for re-amping later. Just a guitar, cable, the unit and a mac. That can't be done now, without audio over usb. Fair enough. People were asking, now it's confirmed. That we can say amen too :)
 
I've also dreamed about guitar + AX8 + laptop rig because of it's total portability and no limits in everything else. With only those few components you can be anywhere and record professional sounding tracks when you like to.
Don't matter where - in the airport while waiting for the airplane, in a hotel room, at home, in the studio... Without USB audio interface it is impossible now.

Cliff, is there at least little chance to see AX8 XL in the future ? With added USB interface and other features which were left. I will buy it don't matter the price.
 
Come on now, USB audio is standard issue these day.. Play live with the unit.. Record via USB with the same unit. You guys dropped the ball on that feature.

Then simply don't purchase one if it doesn't meet your requirements. Whether they drooped the ball or not is clearly subjective as many, like me, would rather have the lower price point since I have an XL for the studio and several audio interfaces should I require to use the AX8 to record.
 
Then simply don't purchase one if it doesn't meet your requirements. Whether they drooped the ball or not is clearly subjective as many, like me, would rather have the lower price point since I have an XL for the studio and several audio interfaces should I require to use the AX8 to record.

Difficult to just pass buying the device we've been waiting for entire guitar playing life just because of this sad thing - not including audio interface. I just can't even imagine that USB recording will be removed... Hoped for the 1800 price, and it'll be just fine.
 
I've also dreamed about guitar + AX8 + laptop rig because of it's total portability and no limits in everything else. With only those few components you can be anywhere and record professional sounding tracks when you like to.
Don't matter where - in the airport while waiting for the airplane, in a hotel room, at home, in the studio... Without USB audio interface it is impossible now.

Cliff, is there at least little chance to see AX8 XL in the future ? With added USB interface and other features which were left. I will buy it don't matter the price.

Depends on how successful the product is. If it is a success we could perhaps make a higher-end version with added features.
 
i highly suggest getting the Yamaha AG06 as a companion for the AX8 if you need recording capabilities. it can be powered by your computer. use 1/4" cables to get the AX8 into the unit in stereo, 2 XLR available for mics. USB to the computer and it can take audio back from the computer as well. also a great unit for live streaming due to its capability to mix-in computer audio.

this will be MUCH more flexible than onboard USB audio recording on the AX8 itself, and both can be had for less than $1800 mentioned above.

Yamaha AG06 | Sweetwater.com
 
A $99 USB interface is focused on providing a quality product at certain price point, and since that's all it focuses on, they are more likely to pick parts based on price, rather than quality.

The built in USB audio interface on the Axe-FX II is no $99 USB interface.

I think if Cliff would have added USB audio it would have added more than $99, because Cliff would have chosen the highest quality over the best price.


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Difficult to just pass buying the device we've been waiting for entire guitar playing life just because of this sad thing - not including audio interface. I just can't even imagine that USB recording will be removed... Hoped for the 1800 price, and it'll be just fine

Quote Originally Posted by Mr.Stratocaster View Post

I've also dreamed about guitar + AX8 + laptop rig because of it's total portability and no limits in everything else. With only those few components you can be anywhere and record professional sounding tracks when you like to.
Don't matter where - in the airport while waiting for the airplane, in a hotel room, at home, in the studio... Without USB audio interface it is impossible now..


Man, a USB interface must be frickin' HUGE!!!!!!
 
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