I hooked my Axe FX II XL+ up with my Axe FX III and ran them together into my Matrix GT1000FX. I used a scene selector to A/B the units instantly with a footswitch.
I matched signal chains and added: Input 1 > Output 4, and Input 3 > Output 1
I ran output 4 of the III to the input of the II, and ran the output of the II to Input 3 in the III.
Then used scenes to mute Input 3 on and off and mute the chain on the III, so I could switch between them.
Probably not a good scientific test, as I cannot guarantee that the input signal to the Axe FX II is exactly the same as the input level of the Axe FX III, nor can I be sure the outputs are identical either. But I got it as close as I could discern. I tested the input level but plugging in directly and listening to any differences.
After dialing both the II and the III in with the same settings and default amp blocks, they sounded almost identical to my ear. After intensely listening, I can say there is a difference, but it is VERY minor to my ears. I doubt I could tell which was which, if I blind tested them later. That said, with the subtle differences I could detect, I did prefer the way the III sounded. But I have no way of knowing where my multiple biases take over and how it all interacts with the flaws in the test. Also, since my sounds are scooped high gain (think Metallica), I can imagine I may be missing some of the other improvements the III has on modelling, due to my tonal choices.
I also found that the initial sounds I organically dialed in with the III, without having access to my II for comparison, were better than the sounds I had dialed in with the II, which had been multiple iterations over the course of years. Considering I had used the front panel of the III to create my big presets attests to how intuitive the new interface is. After having been using the II for 2 years, I would never have even attempted to create a complex preset via the front panel.
I got the III as a platform for future improvement, rather than as a immediate sonic improvement. The II sounds great. The III is better.
To the FAS team, great job on the III. Great job on the front panel UI. I'm looking forward to the future of this product.
(Insert obligatory anticipation message for Axe Edit III and the FC6/12)
I matched signal chains and added: Input 1 > Output 4, and Input 3 > Output 1
I ran output 4 of the III to the input of the II, and ran the output of the II to Input 3 in the III.
Then used scenes to mute Input 3 on and off and mute the chain on the III, so I could switch between them.
Probably not a good scientific test, as I cannot guarantee that the input signal to the Axe FX II is exactly the same as the input level of the Axe FX III, nor can I be sure the outputs are identical either. But I got it as close as I could discern. I tested the input level but plugging in directly and listening to any differences.
After dialing both the II and the III in with the same settings and default amp blocks, they sounded almost identical to my ear. After intensely listening, I can say there is a difference, but it is VERY minor to my ears. I doubt I could tell which was which, if I blind tested them later. That said, with the subtle differences I could detect, I did prefer the way the III sounded. But I have no way of knowing where my multiple biases take over and how it all interacts with the flaws in the test. Also, since my sounds are scooped high gain (think Metallica), I can imagine I may be missing some of the other improvements the III has on modelling, due to my tonal choices.
I also found that the initial sounds I organically dialed in with the III, without having access to my II for comparison, were better than the sounds I had dialed in with the II, which had been multiple iterations over the course of years. Considering I had used the front panel of the III to create my big presets attests to how intuitive the new interface is. After having been using the II for 2 years, I would never have even attempted to create a complex preset via the front panel.
I got the III as a platform for future improvement, rather than as a immediate sonic improvement. The II sounds great. The III is better.
To the FAS team, great job on the III. Great job on the front panel UI. I'm looking forward to the future of this product.
(Insert obligatory anticipation message for Axe Edit III and the FC6/12)