I've only gigged the rig 4 times. two times, I used output 1 with cab emulation to FOH output 2 to my Q12a, so I did FRFR exclusively. I hated that, so the last 2 I've just miced up my NL212 in mono because i didn't want to mess with IR's for FOH. This obviously sounded terrible, given my thread.
IMO sometimes people get in their Axe bubble and forget what good amps actually sound like. Yeah FW 14 sounds better etc etc, but any of my tube amps would absolutely murder it. I thought it'd be cool to be able to easily AB between a fender twin and a JCM800 without actually lugging them to gigs. I just expected the axe to AT THE VERY LEAST respond to pedals/gain staging like my normal amp would. that couldn't be further from the truth. I have to tickle these amps and do all kinds of tweaking to the pedal sims when i just want it to behave like an amp
I hate when threads turn this corner. I believe OP is honestly looking for help, to give the Axe another chance to work for him. Then a few posts throw jabs, and the OP's tone changes too.
To the OP:
There is a difference in the sound of an amp in the room vs. a mic'd amp. I'm sure you've experienced this recording or listening to FOH.
That took me a while to sort out. Comparing your Deluxe sitting in the room with it, to the Axe Deluxe model isn't apples to apples. You'd have to mic your deluxe and listen to that source for a more direct comparison.
That said, if you don't like that sound, or for some reason haven't set up Axe to show the strengths of that model, it really doesn't matter. End result is you don't like the sound.
I run an RCF NX12-SMA wedge in front of me on stage, and run a copy of that output to FOH.
I find that I get great dynamics, organic feedback, tactile feel etc. using this set up. Especially the way guitar reacts to wedge facing me on stage.
I play mostly clean, overdriven blues, jam, classic rock etc. no metal. I use an old Strat exclusively. Over the years I've owned MANY tube amps, so I'm not caught in an Axe Fx bubble. But getting here did take considerably more work than plugging into an amp and playing.
Recent firmwares have really improved the ability to pull up a patch, do some minor tweaking for tone and playing.
I have a set of go to advanced parameters that I tweak a little on almost every patch I create, but find less and less need for it.
Like you said, the NL212 is not an FRFR speaker, but some have used the cab sims with good results. No rules, just find your tone.
Get in touch with Gamedojo and Scott Peterson. If anybody can help, it's these guys.
Then at the end of the day at least you gave it a good shot.
For all the reasons you list, small car, multiple amps to haul etc., if you can figure a way to use the Axe, it's really a great, versatile way to get fantastic tone.
Good luck!!
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