Axe-Fx II "Ares" Rev 2.00 Firmware Release

I'm so glad the Ares 2 is out. But I too am....hoping.........for...it. (Or I wouldn't be checking here regularly).

(It is whatever Cliff comes up with obviously.)
 
Just when I started to accept that update Q10.01 was the last firmware I’d ever do on my AxeII, Fractal yanks out the rug...

Seriously guys, I spent all night updating the amps in all my presets, and retweeking a few things here and there, and even though I haven’t had time to try anything in context yet, my current “by ear” assessment is that it sounds like the lows, and highs are getting along a lot better. My patches sounded amazing before, but now I feel like I’m able to get more of the desirable highs and lows that I like to hear before things start getting muddy, or brittle. I also seem to have WAY more wiggle room in the “Goldilocks” zones as well, if you know what I mean.
 
Although I have the last FW installed, 10.01 I liked it a lot. All the amps sounded fancy to me. Maybe placebo; I do not know. Now I'm used to the last fw and I love it, as always. We will see that they surprise us now, with what is written in this thread. 💪
 
My opinion is that Fractal specialists have long learned how to get the sound of star guitarists, a cast, a sampler. And now in the latest firmware there is work on the sensory, controllability, responsiveness of the amplifiers during sound extraction, the position of the fingers, the pick, and others, as on real amplifiers (or maybe better?). Ax III is working on the identity of the recall of real amplifiers (reaction), with cabinet resistance, IR (as I understand correctly). There was a mention on the site that a common firmware is being developed for all Fractal amplifier products. Can this function of the reaction of the output stage to cabinet resistance be transferred to Ax II? English is not my native language. All claims to understanding by Google translator. :)
 
My opinion is that Fractal specialists have long learned how to get the sound of star guitarists, a cast, a sampler. And now in the latest firmware there is work on the sensory, controllability, responsiveness of the amplifiers during sound extraction, the position of the fingers, the pick, and others, as on real amplifiers (or maybe better?). Ax III is working on the identity of the recall of real amplifiers (reaction), with cabinet resistance, IR (as I understand correctly). There was a mention on the site that a common firmware is being developed for all Fractal amplifier products. Can this function of the reaction of the output stage to cabinet resistance be transferred to Ax II? English is not my native language. All claims to understanding by Google translator. :)
Totally same here, I would be really glad if the speaker impedance simulation feature on Ares 11 is ported onto II. I’ve never been such jealous to III users until now!
 
Yeah, makes a pretty significant difference too! There are so many cool features in the iii....I had put off buying one at first but it's just so much more fun! Not knocking the 2, but the 3 is just a whole other level!

It would be great if the impedance curves and gain enhancer were in the 2 as well, as I intend to keep using the 2 also and these are 2 game changers for me, but it's likely wishful thinking at this point.
 
Yeah, makes a pretty significant difference too! There are so many cool features in the iii....I had put off buying one at first but it's just so much more fun! Not knocking the 2, but the 3 is just a whole other level!

It would be great if the impedance curves and gain enhancer were in the 2 as well, as I intend to keep using the 2 also and these are 2 game changers for me, but it's likely wishful thinking at this point.
Ohhh yes man... let’s ask to the people of Fractal make to the Axe fx 2 ... It helps a lot our sound.👍
 
My opinion is that Fractal specialists have long learned how to get the sound of star guitarists, a cast, a sampler. And now in the latest firmware there is work on the sensory, controllability, responsiveness of the amplifiers during sound extraction, the position of the fingers, the pick, and others, as on real amplifiers (or maybe better?). Ax III is working on the identity of the recall of real amplifiers (reaction), with cabinet resistance, IR (as I understand correctly). There was a mention on the site that a common firmware is being developed for all Fractal amplifier products. Can this function of the reaction of the output stage to cabinet resistance be transferred to Ax II? English is not my native language. All claims to understanding by Google translator. :)
As far as I understand, the main question regarding the amp to cab functioning (AXE FX II) is answered by a YES. Reaction between the amp and cabinet is a huge factor in obtaining the difference (and arguably improvement - dependent to a degree on if the player has passion, creativity and skill) between the controlled nuance of Fractal's products, vs those by some competitors. You can watch some youtube videos and clearly hear the difference in response, even though the best way to know is to "feel" the difference, listening while touching strings and fingerboard. (There's a time curve in all this "response" that allows us guitarists to react with the sound). If Cliff can really have a common-to-all-firmwares code set for the amp modelling (so that at least this aspect is uniform for the II and III) it will be FANTASTIC, and already the Ares 2.0 is superb. (FX 8 is listed as legacy and I'm not up to date on fractal's plans regarding this type of amp modelling foot-controlled product - I should be reading the forums more...).
 
I have been trying to resist urges to upgrade to the III ever since its release, and it's gone well until today. Between the myriad I/O options, Digital I/O, channels, improved drive pedal modeling, speaker impedance modeling, etc, etc, etc... I couldn't hold off any longer and ordered an AxeFX III today.

....now the wait.....

Unfortunately I can't keep my AxeFX II. I'll have to sell it and my MFC101 to help pay for the III. I don't really use the MFC any longer as I'm not playing out so selling both to upgrade works for me. If I ever find that I need a footswitch again a FC-6 will more than cover me. I'm also not doing any recording for the time being. I am simply playing for the joy of it, and what better way than through an AxeFX III. :)
 
I'm a late late late comer to this party (for all sorts of reasons).
Decided to finally join this crowd 9 months ago when an XL+ popped on a local board for an OK price, which happened to be exactly 3 days after Fractal put out Ares 1.03 and stated the II is EOL.

I knew what I was getting into and was OK with it.

Well, I just wanted to share that I think its STILL worth while for Fractal to inject life into the II.
I bought my XL+ BECAUSE of Ares 1.03 and because of that, the guy that sold it to me was able to buy a III.
For me? I can't justify the cost of a III and without Ares 1.03 I wasn't going to buy a II generation product. done.

I'm sure at this stage many of the III customers are former II owners, much more than first comers straight into the III.
That will of course change, but I assume there are still many II owners out there that are ready to get a III... and they need to sell their IIs.
No one likes "dead old" tech products, so by keeping the II still alive, it will help III sales.

EEErrrrmmm I have no idea why I wrote all that lol
I just felt I need to post something cause after Ares 2.0 and Cliff writing he will port more stuff from the III to the II... I check this forum everyday:blush::blush::blush::relaxed::relaxed::sweatsmile::sweatsmile:

Thanks Cliff and team!
 
Be patient folks as they just released the latest FW for the Axe III, and they need to update Axe-Edit etc, be on call for any bug fixes that might be needed, so right now everyone is busy (typical release cycle).

Once everything is completed and running smoothly, then maybe they'll have time to port to the Axe II, cross your fingers...
 
My guess is the firmware for the FM3 needs to be finalized first so they can start moving all those units they have sitting in their warehouse and make those whiners on The Gear Page shut the fuck up. Then maybe we'll get something in a month or two. Maybe in time for Christmas? But I'm grateful for whenever it happens.
 
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