Big Joe Daddy
Experienced
I've just completed three full evening sessions getting to know the AX8 and I just felt I owed Team Fractal the courtesy of a response. For the record, I'm running a MM Majesty >> AX8 >> Atomic CLR. (My usual rig consists of the AxeFX II along with the MFC 101 direct to the PA, and we all run in-ears.)
Anyway, on with my initial thoughts.....
The AX8 user interface is a masterpiece. Unbelievably well thought out and so, so versatile. After studying the thing for several hours, I spent another couple of hours simply planning how I would set it up for my particular wants and needs. With so many choices, sometimes it's tough to choose. The end result is absolutely no compromises. The interface is one of the most clever arrangements I've seen. One one hand, it's the most simple setup you could ever want. Then turn the page and it becomes a monster of possibilities. The physical layout is really well done and the build quality of the unit itself appears to be built like a tank.
AX8-EDIT is a perfect match for the AX8 and is simply icing on the cake. My familiarity with Axe Edit made it a snap to learn my way around. But the incorporation of all the foot switch programming, scene and block management, just hits it right out of the park. Kudos to those responsible for building such a fine piece of software.
But let's not forget the real purpose of this thing. The tone! Right out of the box, so many of the factory presets just sound awesome. That should be a real winner for those new to the Fractal world. I've read several of the threads explaining that the modeling in the AX8 is exactly the same as the AxeFX. That may be true, but I've stumbled across a whole new set of 'favorites'. For instance, the Tucana Lead, the 30W Top Boost, the Dirty Shirley, and the Plexi 100W 1970, all rang the bell for me. I've even ventured into Fender realm where I typically don't spend much time, and got some great results.
All-in all, it's just an amazing little box. Incredibly portable and convenient, packed with a plethora of versatile features and functionality, and so many awesome tone possibilities. If you can't find the tone you're looking for in this little unit, you might want to check to see if all your marbles are in place.
It's rather comical when I think about the fact that I bought this thing simply out of curiosity. I didn't need it. I already own two AxeFX II's. But what a wonderful tool and I'm stoked that I did buy it. When the situation presents itself, I can leave the rack at home and walk out the door with this little thing under my arm and be ready to gig in minutes. So what's not to love?
Thanks Fractal. You hit a homerun with this one.
Anyway, on with my initial thoughts.....
The AX8 user interface is a masterpiece. Unbelievably well thought out and so, so versatile. After studying the thing for several hours, I spent another couple of hours simply planning how I would set it up for my particular wants and needs. With so many choices, sometimes it's tough to choose. The end result is absolutely no compromises. The interface is one of the most clever arrangements I've seen. One one hand, it's the most simple setup you could ever want. Then turn the page and it becomes a monster of possibilities. The physical layout is really well done and the build quality of the unit itself appears to be built like a tank.
AX8-EDIT is a perfect match for the AX8 and is simply icing on the cake. My familiarity with Axe Edit made it a snap to learn my way around. But the incorporation of all the foot switch programming, scene and block management, just hits it right out of the park. Kudos to those responsible for building such a fine piece of software.
But let's not forget the real purpose of this thing. The tone! Right out of the box, so many of the factory presets just sound awesome. That should be a real winner for those new to the Fractal world. I've read several of the threads explaining that the modeling in the AX8 is exactly the same as the AxeFX. That may be true, but I've stumbled across a whole new set of 'favorites'. For instance, the Tucana Lead, the 30W Top Boost, the Dirty Shirley, and the Plexi 100W 1970, all rang the bell for me. I've even ventured into Fender realm where I typically don't spend much time, and got some great results.
All-in all, it's just an amazing little box. Incredibly portable and convenient, packed with a plethora of versatile features and functionality, and so many awesome tone possibilities. If you can't find the tone you're looking for in this little unit, you might want to check to see if all your marbles are in place.
It's rather comical when I think about the fact that I bought this thing simply out of curiosity. I didn't need it. I already own two AxeFX II's. But what a wonderful tool and I'm stoked that I did buy it. When the situation presents itself, I can leave the rack at home and walk out the door with this little thing under my arm and be ready to gig in minutes. So what's not to love?
Thanks Fractal. You hit a homerun with this one.
