I picked up an Axe-Fx III in December and have really enjoyed it so far. Something I have been missing a bit is the interaction between a guitar and the amp at volume - infinite sustain, controlled feedback, etc.
I tried going the route of using the effects loop return on a couple of different tube amps into a variety of cabs and speakers. One fun combination was into the effects return of a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe connected to a 1x12 Avatar cab loaded with a Celestion G12-35XC. Other speakers had their moments too (Vintage 30, Celestion Gold, G12H anniversary).
I felt like I was heading in a better direction, but there were limitation going this route:
I want a stereo plug and play solution that "just works" that I won't regret every time I need to transport it.
After going down the FRFR / FRLR research rabbit hole (so many options...) I settled on:
I chose the Triple Cones over the F12-X200's because I could hear the higher frequency response curve "dip" in F12-X200's in the comparisons against the Triple Cones and felt the Triple Cones were a little more articulate. Others may prefer the X200's. That's totally cool. Both seem to be great options.
I have spent a bunch of time playing with this setup now and I am enjoying the vibe immensely. It sounds great and most importantly feels great to play through. Instant stank face.
Just thought I would throw this out there since I have benefitted so much from other people's posts. I am not selling anything or suggesting this is the one true rig to rule them all.
Rock on.
I tried going the route of using the effects loop return on a couple of different tube amps into a variety of cabs and speakers. One fun combination was into the effects return of a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe connected to a 1x12 Avatar cab loaded with a Celestion G12-35XC. Other speakers had their moments too (Vintage 30, Celestion Gold, G12H anniversary).
I felt like I was heading in a better direction, but there were limitation going this route:
- Each speaker has its own color, so this was not a great option for trying out a variety of IRs. I have never been a one speaker / cab person and I have accepted this.
- Stereo is problematic and not as portable. Hello franken-rig.
I want a stereo plug and play solution that "just works" that I won't regret every time I need to transport it.
After going down the FRFR / FRLR research rabbit hole (so many options...) I settled on:
- 2x Celestion F12M-150 Triple Cone Speakers loaded into an existing THD ported 2x12 cabinet rewired mono 4 ohm / stereo 8 ohm (jacks are isolated from the jack plate)
- Crown XLS 1002 power amp (a bit overpowered but I am never going to drive the speakers full out)
- Power conditioner
I chose the Triple Cones over the F12-X200's because I could hear the higher frequency response curve "dip" in F12-X200's in the comparisons against the Triple Cones and felt the Triple Cones were a little more articulate. Others may prefer the X200's. That's totally cool. Both seem to be great options.
I have spent a bunch of time playing with this setup now and I am enjoying the vibe immensely. It sounds great and most importantly feels great to play through. Instant stank face.
Just thought I would throw this out there since I have benefitted so much from other people's posts. I am not selling anything or suggesting this is the one true rig to rule them all.
Rock on.
