Using the AX8 with a real amp

[csassakb]

All

I have read the owners manual, and I am not new to the AX8, but after discussions with a few other Fractal users, I found there seems to be a few different ways to do this thing, and wanted your thoughts

I use my AX8 with a real amp. Mesa Dual Rectifier.
I sometimes use the AX8 for just effects, in which case I plug it in the front of the amp

Other times I run the output of the AX8 to the return of the effects loop, disengage the cabinet and use the Fractal amps. Fender, Marshall, etc.

My question is this:
If you guys are using a real amp as the power section for your AX8, and are using the amps in the AX8, how exactly do you run things?

I heard some people also use the FX loop block in the chain

 

[Brian Buzek]

Search 4 cable method. That will give you all you need to know.

 

[csassakb]

Search 4 cable method. That will give you all you need to know.

thank you

 

[Keg8605]

There's a lot of this covered in the manual too. Starts on page 18. Lots of info.

 

[Alejandro Carrera]

I use the 4 cable method, it rocks, first I tried connecting ax8 directly to the amps input , but there was a noticeable tone suck, so I tried 4cm and it's the way to go (using ax8 just for fx) for real amp situation