Lopp
Inspired
There is some discussion about this kind of stuff over in the FM3 area and there are a lot of peeps there with good reasons for wanting the FM3 over the AX8. Thus, I don't want to poop on their joy by suggesting that the AX8 is better than the FM3 for some users, so I'll share it with my fellow AX8inators here.
The reason I am too pleased with the form factor of the AX8 to even think about the FM3 is because the biggest reason I got the AX8 after using a Standard for a decade was for ease of use in live situations. Almost everything I need is self-contained. Well, pretty much everything now that I'm not playing Killing in the Name live any more and don't need the expression pedal, although I do miss using it as a wah, but I digress... Personally, I want to be able to plop it down, make minimal attachments, and play. The form factor of the AX8 makes it perfect for that.
Also, I'm not a big tap dancer, as I like to move around the stage, and I want everything as easily accessible as possible, which is why I have little interest in the FM3. The three switches of the FM3 don't cut it for me, especially when I want quick access to more than a couple of presets. Maybe I just got too used to controlling the original Axe-Fx with a Boss GT-8, which gave me instant access to 4 presets and easy switching between banks to access another 4 quickly, but the AX8 has more than the minimum switches I prefer, and the FM3 does not have enough.
As for tonal improvements, I was happy with the Axe-Fx, but do admit the AX8 has some apparent extra sonic qualities, as well as the ability to dial in sounds I like quicker. That being said, if you put me on stage and didn't tell me whether I was playing through the AX8 and Axe-Fx, I couldn't tell you which one I was using while playing along with the band, and I'm sure the same goes for the FM3.
Point being, I am very happy with getting the AX8 because of the form factor, and even more happy that I got it when I did because it is no longer offered new (albeit, that it is always possible to get one used).
The reason I am too pleased with the form factor of the AX8 to even think about the FM3 is because the biggest reason I got the AX8 after using a Standard for a decade was for ease of use in live situations. Almost everything I need is self-contained. Well, pretty much everything now that I'm not playing Killing in the Name live any more and don't need the expression pedal, although I do miss using it as a wah, but I digress... Personally, I want to be able to plop it down, make minimal attachments, and play. The form factor of the AX8 makes it perfect for that.
Also, I'm not a big tap dancer, as I like to move around the stage, and I want everything as easily accessible as possible, which is why I have little interest in the FM3. The three switches of the FM3 don't cut it for me, especially when I want quick access to more than a couple of presets. Maybe I just got too used to controlling the original Axe-Fx with a Boss GT-8, which gave me instant access to 4 presets and easy switching between banks to access another 4 quickly, but the AX8 has more than the minimum switches I prefer, and the FM3 does not have enough.
As for tonal improvements, I was happy with the Axe-Fx, but do admit the AX8 has some apparent extra sonic qualities, as well as the ability to dial in sounds I like quicker. That being said, if you put me on stage and didn't tell me whether I was playing through the AX8 and Axe-Fx, I couldn't tell you which one I was using while playing along with the band, and I'm sure the same goes for the FM3.
Point being, I am very happy with getting the AX8 because of the form factor, and even more happy that I got it when I did because it is no longer offered new (albeit, that it is always possible to get one used).