I'd pay for something like that.Lexicon provides plug-ins to better integrate their gear into the DAW. That's something I'd love to see for my AX8.
I'd pay for something like that.Lexicon provides plug-ins to better integrate their gear into the DAW. That's something I'd love to see for my AX8.
I'd pay for something like that.
A hardware based Axe plugin would be good for automation, but would only work on a single track. That's precisely why I'd prefer a software based solution. You can re-amp multiple tracks at once. Further, if the Axe hardware goes kaput for whatever reason, it has to be shipped off for repair. Whereas you can always continue working where you left off with a software based plugin assuming you have another PC handy.
Based on what I've read, that would take one hell of a computer.A hardware based Axe plugin would be good for automation, but would only work on a single track. That's precisely why I'd prefer a software based solution. You can re-amp multiple tracks at once.
Based on what I've read, that would take one hell of a computer.
Great points on both sides.
Guys, don't get me wrong - I'm not condemning the idea of a VST altogether, I think the majority of us can benefit from the time-saving aspects etc. However I do believe that anything from Fractal in this department must necessarily be expensive, perhaps more than some would be prepared to pay, which would likely encourage piracy and then there goes the Farm.
The idea of a full Axe FX Native plugin at <$500 is a non-starter in my opinion. Unless it's A amp.
I think a hybrid system, with an external box crunching the numbers and providing the analog front-end coupled with a VST would ensure a uniform user experience and prevent piracy at the same time, as purposed by others already.
I mostly disagree with this. The hardware isn't as much as you think here. We're largely paying for the firmware when we buy an Axe-Fx.You are paying for hardware. The two DSPs alone cost over $600 total. The rest of the components are just as premium. I don't know what the total hardware cost is, but it is not insignificant.
Then you are privy to information which I do not have. Cliff posted an invoice for the TigerSharc just to show that they each cost him over $300 (closer to $350). That's around $700 just for two chips. He has stated several times how expensive the hardware he chooses to use is. The encoder is expensive. Parts cost adds up fast. I just can't believe that hardware is not a significant cost, along with the other costs I mentioned involved in manufacturing and delivering a hardware product.I mostly disagree with this. The hardware isn't as much as you think here. We're largely paying for the firmware when we buy an Axe-Fx.
More than half the price of the unit is for the firmware. I have all the knowledge you have.Then you are privy to information which I do not have. Cliff posted an invoice for the TigerSharc just to show that they each cost him over $300 (closer to $350). That's around $700 just for two chips. He has stated several times how expensive the hardware he chooses to use is. The encoder is expensive. Parts cost adds up fast. I just can't believe that hardware is not a significant cost, along with the other costs I mentioned involved in manufacturing and delivering a hardware product.
It's of cost, but not the majority of the cost of the unit. And it gets cheaper over time.I agree we are "largely" paying for firmware. But that is a relative term with no real definition. Of course I'd be interested in a hard number percentage. But that is not for me to know. Chucklehead McKenzie once posted a video claiming the Axe hardware was of no real cost. IIRC, Cliff threatened legal action to get him to pull it. If I am in error about that, my apologies.
That's a pretty interesting thought. A DSP-accelerated interface that could host customer algorithms is more inline with what Fractal does well, that's for certain.Random thought here but it would a better if fractal made audio interfaces. Pretty much follow UA's business modle. Even better would be to jus release their software on UA's platforms. Hell even if it was just AXE 8 software. That way cliff still has the carrot on the string leading to the hardware.
That, I totally agree with.Again, this is in response to the "OMG! It needs to cost $200!" response -- if you want a realistic price point subtract ~$700 from the price of a new Axe-Fx II XL+. That's a reasonable starting point for a plugin here.
But speculating is all the fun!I won't make guesses about what it ultimately costs to manufacture the Axe without firmware (including costs beyond the raw hardware purchases).