Hey Baba! I guess the first question to ask is why are you looking at changing your rig if your current rig fits your needs and provides the sound and feel you want? G.A.S? Or is there something missing that you're trying to fill? Maybe trying to reduce the rig or go direct and leave the amp at home etc...? The answers to these questions may answer your question as to why move to the AX8. If there's a compelling reason to do so, maybe you adjust a bit. If there's no reason to change, don't change. If you want quality amp modeling without any audio gap when changing presets and you are willing to add a controller and other outboard effects (if needed), Austin presented an option.
It's a good thing to have choices these days. Not every piece of gear will work for everyone. Good luck in your quest!
My interest in the AX8 came before I built my current rig. Seeing as top notch sound quality came down to this price level and form factor, it was kind of a no-brainer.
I play every weekend, so, it's not the sort of thing that was "waiting for", more like, " meh, the price is right, I'm on the waiting list, i'll compare it to what I have and weigh the pros/cons, and see if it's something I want to use" kind of thing. Before my current (separate component direct pedal board) rig, I was using a Digitech GSP1101, and have been used to non-dropout performance with that, and pretty much every other rig I've ever decided to play on. There ARE units out there that have a dropout, it bothers me enough, and I've had the choice, so I've avoided them.
Again, I understand WHY this happens with a unit with the AX8's level of processing, it's just a trade off that I have the luxury, at the moment and in the past, of not having to deal with, that's all. I'm not saying I'm never going to own one, the dropout thing definitely gives me pause though.
I DO think though, from a philosophical standpoint, to offer SO much, with SO many models, it's a bit strange to limit yourself to just using 2 models in an X/Y mode, with drive pedals, to get around this and have (virtually) 4 "different" sounds. If you're going to do that, you might as well use a MUCH simpler system (like what I have now) with less processing. You can accomplish that very easily without spending this kind of money. Sound quality will be subjective, obviously.
Appreciate any help!
