Strongly considering Axe-Fx II; just a couple questions

S

Synchros

Member
Hello, I'm extremely new to the world of amp modeling and digital effects. I tended to stay away from amp modeling due to the stigma of it not sounding like a real tube amp. I currently play a LTD EC-1000 through a Peavey 6505 212 combo, and just recently picked up a used Line 6 Pocket Pod from Guitar Center to mess around with and not disturb the neighbors. I was shocked by the tones this little device was able to create. As I began searching amp modeling, I came across some clone tones on Youtube; specifically some Metallica ones. I didn't think duplicating the Hetfield God-like sound was possible. Looks like it is with the Axe-Fx II ;)

In an effort to emulate some of my favorite bands' guitar tones, and just have a plethora of effects to play with, I'm interested in Axe-Fx II. I've done some research on other amp modelers (POD HD PRO, Eleven Rack, etc.) and the tones just don't come close to the Axe, but that is definitely reflected in the price. I'm just a bedroom guitar player and not looking for insane amplification. With that here is the setup I'm looking at as well as some questions I have:

Setup
- Axe-Fx II
- M-Audio BX5 D2 studio speakers

Questions
- After reading through the forums, it looks like if you import a tone from the Axe-change that has an earlier firmware version, the tone could potentially be off quite a bit. Does the software account for this/can it emulate the previous firmware version without having to actually rollback to a previous version?

- With the setup I plan on using, will I still be able to maintain that tube crunch, or would I need more amplification (such as a power amp/cab)?

- What is the shelf-life of the Axe-FX II? I would plan on selling my Peavey to help pay for it, but I'm just concerned I'd have to keep updating the unit every couple years (as opposed to an actual amp)

- Can tones from previous Axe products found on the Axe-change be imported into new Axe products? ie, could tones from the Axe Ultra be imported into the Axe-FX II?

- Given my questions and type of playing I do, is the Axe-Fx II for me, or is there a better amp modding device out there?

Thanks in advance. The community base on here is awesome :)
 
1. Most of the high gain patches were unusable from old firmwares once the latest firmware (v10) came out. So, no. However there are people uploading tone matches all the time and you can tone match whatever guitar tone you want as long as you have an isolated track.

2. With good speakers a frfr (full range flat response) system is amazing Nd will blow you away. I don't play through. Tube amp unless I'm at my band's practice.

3. The original axe fx was being produced from 2006-2011 (I think). They haven't even come close to hitting the limit of what you can do with the II. So I would give it at least another 5 years.

4. No

5. The axe fx II is definitely for you. Play high volume tube amps at low volumes. It emulates the original 5150 block, the 6505 and the 5153. Those tones blow me away in the axe fx.
 
The Axe is perfect for the bedroom player too, since you can get any tone you want at any given volume, as opposed to a tube amp that usually has to be cranked quite loud to really shine :)

* Yep, presets created with a previous version of the firmware may sound different when they are imported into the current firmware. It can't really be helped, since some of the amp sims were changed quite a bit in the last FW update. But for the most part, a reset of the Amp block and some tweaking can get you back to where the sound was before. I don't see this as big issue (not for me at least), since I mostly create presets of my own. Sure it's fun to look at what other users do and get creative ideas and starting points, but it will always sounds best to -me- when I create my own presets :)

* Aye, you can get the tone you want at any volume, it even sounds spectacular through headsets, provided you have a half-decent one around :) Down the line I suspect you'll want to look at some sort of FRFR system tho, this is where the unit really shines imo. Doesn't have to be big or cost a fortune, personally I'm currently running my Axe through a Yamaha DXR15 powered PA speaker, works like a charm for me.

* Hard to say, since we're 'only' on the second generation hardware. But judging from the lifespan of the first gen Axe and the comments from Cliff, I'd say the II is still solid for at least two more years. So 4-5 years would probz be my guess, probably even longer. And already the unit is so good, if they released an Axe III next month I wouldn't be bummed about it, this is all I want for now and a long time ahead :)

* No, presets from the Std/Ultra can't be imported to the II. Again, not really much of an issue :)

I'm currently a living-room player myself, and I don't have a single regret about getting the Axe, even tho it might be considered 'overkill for my needs'. Gigging musician or not, I'm always looking for good tone, and the Axe delivers, always! :D
 
1. No, the software cannot emulate previous versions. Usually fixing the preset is prtty easy.
2. The Axe-fx Standard came out in 2005 or 2006 and they are still going strong today. You might have to swap out a fan or battery but that is about it. There is no reason it can't last decades if it is taken care of.
3. nope
4. you'll have to make that determination, but for me it is the best modeler I have ever used.
 
I would say that now is the best time to join the axe community as FW10 is the new benchmark.

I would also say that cab IRs are now the only real limitation. They really do have to be chosen well, there is no one cab IR for all amps sims, and FRFR is not for the faint of heart.

FWIW, I think the axe is well worth the money and I spend way more time playing than tweaking now. It's such a huge convenience to have so much available in one place.
 
I you have the funds for it, the Axe II is definitely for you, and I predict that you won't miss the Peavey at all once you dig into the Axe II.

People upload patches all the time for the current firmware, and you'll quickly be able to dial in your own tones and re-tweak them for any newer firmware version that might come along too.

It's uncanny how good the Axe II is and how close (as in near identical) the amp emulations are - you have 100+ amps to choose from, loads of cabs and effects.

For bedroom playing a set of studio monitors is a perfect solution, and unless you play at extreme levels in your bedroom they will be plenty loud.

As to the shelf life - well even if a Axe III is released at some point the Axe II will still sound as good as it does now - which is as good or better than 99% of all amps IMHO.
I used the Ultra for a number of years before the Axe II came out, and IMHO the Ultra still eats all the other digital modelers and most normal "production amps" for lunch.

The Axe II eats most tube amps for lunch as it is way more flexible whether you use it in the bedroom, for jams, for recording or for playing any kind of gig, small cafés to large venues.

I still own a few good tube amps - all of them significantly more expensive than the Axe II and needing new tubes once in awhile - why do I still have them, you might ask, well... only because they haven't been modeled in the Axe II (yet).
Since getting the Axe II I've sold at least 10 amps, 5 cabs and 30 pedal that I used to keep in the studio, don't need them anymore.

Hope this helps.
 
Thanks for everyone's input! I like the idea of maintaining that great tube sound at lower volumes; this is something that I struggle with on my Peavey. Since I live in a condo I can never play too loudly. It also sounds like the tones not carrying over between firmware isn't that big of a deal. Now comes the not-so-fun part: saving up for it :(. I've already got a few items on ebay, however ;) While I'm saving up, is there anything I should research that a newbie should know? Thanks again.
 
Synchros said:
Thanks for everyone's input! I like the idea of maintaining that great tube sound at lower volumes; this is something that I struggle with on my Peavey. Since I live in a condo I can never play too loudly. It also sounds like the tones not carrying over between firmware isn't that big of a deal. Now comes the not-so-fun part: saving up for it :(. I've already got a few items on ebay, however ;) While I'm saving up, is there anything I should research that a newbie should know? Thanks again.
Click to expand...

Read the Wiki and the manual

Axe-Fx II Wiki Home - Axe-Fx II Wiki

http://www.fractalaudio.com/downloads/manuals/axe-fx-2/Axe-Fx_II_Owners_Manual_-_1002.pdf
 
Read all the forums, ALL of them. Lots of useful info, reviews, recordings, how to's, and best of all people sharing thier hard work on the preset axe change. I found that after I spent the time doing that as well as going through the manual a few times, when I got my unit I was already quite familier with how everything worked and was able to jump right in without any head scratching
 
According to Cliff, sound shouldn't change much now after FW10 other than speaker piece, so that's less of an ongoing concern.
 
I've tried pretty much every modeler available in the last 5 years , my goal was to achieve good tone at low sound levels! Many Gigs ,or I guess I should say most gigs in the last 10 or 15 years for me have been a problem to get to an acceptable level of volume without my guitar sounding like a Kazoo ! I've went through many ,many top end tube amps with the same results. I tried all the available power soaks ,settled on the koch , worked pretty well! But when I finally squeezed through the tightwad tunnel and bought an Ax Fx ,my world changed! For the first time,I can do loud gigs or very low volume gigs, still have the feel and the tone !!
My opinion!! You can't go wrong with the Ax Fx!!!
 
Hey one thing about the Clone Tone presets is that he'll update them! Look for Silent Underground Studios.
 
It sounds like you and are I similar in what we want to do.

I play every day, but for just me and my family. I record stuff to just jam with and had many of the same questions rattling around in my brain that you have now.

Once I actually made the plunge, I'm kicking myself for not getting one sooner.

It literally does EVERYTHING so darn well it's absolutely astounding. For me it is the perfect piece of hardware that will likely never be replaced.

I just dialed in a nice clean Vibro King tone by adjusting the virtual amp as I would any other amp I've ever owned, was blown away how easy it was to get the tone I was looking for (and I am not the kind to have golden ears), saved it and off I went. The perfect clean blues tone (for me) to start tweaking and adding some effects.

I also am waiting for a custom FRFR 1x12 Wedge that Mick at XiTone has built for me and with the addition of the MFC-101 I just ordered (finally), I have the perfect small home set up and mini recording studio.

I've never been happier with what I have. I spent mucho bucks on all kinds of tone toys (Amps, pedals, multi-effects units...etc) in my 22 years of bashing around with the guitar, and really feel that I have everything all in one piece of hardware. I've also been playing more than I have in years because of how good this unit sounds and how versatile it is.

Get it. You won't regret it.
 
I'm an old tube amp guy. Made the move to Fractal a couple of years ago. Tube amps are the past of guitar tone. Fractal is the future of guitar tone. Years from now, Cliff will be considered as one of the great contributors to the evolution of guitar right there with Leo Fender, Les Paul, George Fullerton, and Ted McCarty. Over the years, I have owned dozens of amps, and I've tried pretty much every modeler there is. I play Fractal. All I can say is that for me, all my other gear just gets older. My FX gets better. Cliff and team FAS are to guitar what the computer was to the typewriter.
 
You are a perfect candidate for the AF2. It's akin to porno for a guitarist, but without the guilt and dirty bedclothes. Just go for it.
 
The Axe II rules! I still can't believe it sometimes... the possibilities are endless and it sounds so good!

I play in an ambient/dark/heavy instrumental band (Isis meets Sigur Ros meets 28 Days Later Soundtrack). at least that's what people compare it to...

Up until now most bands I've played in, I always struggled to be heard - just cutting through. I have spent so much money and time buying and selling amps to find something that works - which was fun, but sometimes frustrating. Well for weight reasons alone I bought the Axe. I play through a pair of QSC K10s at practice (FRFR) and my guitar is always clear and loud (sometime TOO loud) and that is a first. And the tone is awesome. I can only imagine if I were to use higher end speakers...

But the Axe Fx is rad for bedroom levels since you get great tone at low volumes too. It's way better than the POD, though it does take some time to learn and really harness the unit to get exactly what you want out of it.

Anyway, I can't recommend it enough...
 
I really appreciate everyone's input! Looking at my finances though, I'm wondering if a used Ultra might be a better choice. I'd be about $1000 cheaper. Does anyone have any experience between the two? Thoughts?
 
Synchros said:
I really appreciate everyone's input! Looking at my finances though, I'm wondering if a used Ultra might be a better choice. I'd be about $1000 cheaper. Does anyone have any experience between the two? Thoughts?
Click to expand...

I think it depends on how much "in debt" the II will put you; and what you need it for / what bugs you about the differences. If its going to max out your credit card or anything drastic, I say go with the Ultra.

For me though, since I just got a good chunk of money, Im finally making the move to the II since it wont have an impact on my living expenses.. But the main reason Im changing is because I really hate having to use an interface and mess around with all that junk. I like USB direct and everything works; similar to how my Pod worked for years. The Ultra was a pain to set up, and not to mention everytime I brought it to jam or anything and bring it back home, have to re-set up everything.. But if thats not a big issue for you, The Ultra should be fine. Tonally, I didnt have any complaints with the Ultra, it did everything required. Its more the "extra" stuff in the II that finally convinced me; Tone Matching is going to be super fun and hopefully inspiring, but not necessary if I couldnt afford it.

Keep in mind you could also do what I did; I bought an Ultra at a good price 4 months ago, to test the waters and see if the Fractal products were something I wanted to continue with, and least with the value hardly decreasing, I was able to sell the Ultra for what I paid for it a few months later and add to the money I saved in that timeframe to finally get a II. Again for my reasons above though, without those I probably would of just stuck with the Ultra. So if you are not overly picky (and if you thought the Micro Pod sounded good, which was their 2nd generation, the Ultra will be a drastic improvement) - Maybe stay with the Ultra!
 
My short response is this: I've never considered anything other than tube amps before the Axe-Fx II. I also have a Marshall JMP-1 that I use once in awhile, but not very often. The extreme versatility of the FAS *completely* obliterates any, practically undiscernible, difference between the FAS and the original amp. Yes, I can tell a small difference between the FAS and my JMP-1 into my Marshall cab, but I've not bothered to try to fine-tune the FAS to match it exactly.
 
Based on everyone's comments, going through the forums, checking out tones, and comparing functionality, I decided to go for the Axe-Fx II. I just placed my order and I'm stoked! I've read a lot of people are unhappy with firmware v10. I'm wondering if I should roll back to version 9 once my Axe arrives? If I did do that, does the version 9 firmware have the version 9 presets in the zip as well, or is that a separate file? Thanks again for everyone's help. The community base on here is second to none. :encouragement:
 
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