Krispen Hartung
Member
So, I'm just on the edge of making the Axe-Fx III purchase but need a bit more coaxing. I'm coming from an old school hardware background, play multiple genres (jazz, fusion, prog metal, free jazz, experimental, etc), currently use a Boogie Triaxis, Simul-Class 2:90, Lexicon PCM81, rectifier cabs, etc, etc, but have also used amp sims for the last 10 years off and on for home recording and limited live performances in the jazz, free jazz, improv arena. My biggest complaint of the amp sim plugins (I am currently using several -- Neural DSP Fortin, Archtype, Mecurrial Reaxis, Engl, etc) is that they are noisy as "f**k and produce a lot of hiss, even with no guitar or input activated in the signal chain. I guess you get what you pay for, and a $120 plugin can't be expected to do the work of an audiophile quality product. What's interesting is that I see this complaint all over forums, going on for years, so it is clearly an issue, yet when I contact support for these plugins and comment on this, they refuse to take accountability for the quality and just defer to the canned responses and recommendations regarding DAW audio settings, guitar cables, etc.
I have looked at the Kemper Profiler Rack, but do not think it meets my own needs. For one, I don't necessarily want a piece of gear that just clones (profile) other amps, but would prefer more customizability. I am more than comfortable with a technical user interface. The Axe-Fx III seems to allow this sort of customization. True?
Any other thoughts that may put me over the edge? Is it worth the $2300? Will I truly be able to ditch all my pedals, rack effects, etc?
Finally, thoughts on transitioning initially with a more hybrid approach and running the Axe-Fx III into my tube power amp and cabs, de-activating the cab/pwr amp simulation on the unit? (So essentially using the Axe as a pre-amp and fx unit).
K-
I have looked at the Kemper Profiler Rack, but do not think it meets my own needs. For one, I don't necessarily want a piece of gear that just clones (profile) other amps, but would prefer more customizability. I am more than comfortable with a technical user interface. The Axe-Fx III seems to allow this sort of customization. True?
Any other thoughts that may put me over the edge? Is it worth the $2300? Will I truly be able to ditch all my pedals, rack effects, etc?
Finally, thoughts on transitioning initially with a more hybrid approach and running the Axe-Fx III into my tube power amp and cabs, de-activating the cab/pwr amp simulation on the unit? (So essentially using the Axe as a pre-amp and fx unit).
K-