First Look at the Fractal Audio AX8 from Gear Gods

[nicolasrivera]

me, because i own a few expression pedals already

the Axe-Fx II XL+ (or any of the hardware versions really) is an amazing unit with a lot of power for amazing tone and usability. features like USB recording and reamping, all the I/O and generous amounts of CPU allow you to do a lot.

the AX8 will be a killer unit for the gigging professional whether touring around the world for clinics and shows, or just gigging nightly at local clubs and venues. it was designed with features most needed for live performance to keep the price range attainable for most working musicians.

it's really unfair to judge the AX8 right now because we don't know all its features since no one has one yet. but for most people, sound/tone is paramount, and with what we know about the Axe-Fx II, we probably have nothing to worry about and everything to be excited about for the AX8.

Completly agree!

 

[Rex]

...I will use the Dunlop EP for its ability to reverse the heel-toe on the wah.

Fractal products let you reverse heel/toe on any expression pedal.

 

[JTroska]

Actually, I've gotta say the Helix sounded surprisingly damn good in the demos I've watched. And I went into them with a bias expecting to not like the sounds. But I think it's going to come down to either the FX8 or AX8 once I learn more of the details. The feature sets seem more tailored to my needs. I like the way the Fractal floor effects handle scenes and x/y. That wins over color display and ability to drive 4 amps. I do wish the Fractal boards had the rocker expression pedal built in, though.

 

[chris]

compared to previous Line 6 offerings, the Helix sounds better and "good." compared to Fractal modeling though - especially the recent Quantum and even FW19 - it sounds "flat." i hate to comment negatively on someone's hard work, but the FAS modeling is just a much higher quality. if Helix sounds good to you and works well for you, then it is good for you. i will say the Helix is the best Line 6 product available today

I do wish the Fractal boards had the rocker expression pedal built in, though.

once you get over the very minor inconvenience of pulling out a separate pedal and connecting each time you setup, you might realize that you can angle it, put it a little more left or right this time due to the stage setup, change out the pedal model depending on the gig, change it out easily if it breaks, etc. these are much more beneficial usually for me but of course having a pedal connected also offers a particular convenience.