What would the new-gen even have that the current gen doesn’t?

I was thinking of a new, separate piece of hardware dedicated to this purpose, probably on the front of the unit, so the USB-B could still be used for whatever purpose folks prefer (mine runs to my Mac). Doesn't matter if it's USB-A, B, or C, but C takes up the least amount of real estate.

As far as all of the different output suggestions folks have here, I'm sure the next gen AXE will have assignable inputs and outputs, like all digital mixers do these days. Just put in rows of combo connectors or 1/4" balanced, then let the user decide what works for them.
Do you really need both a Mac and a tablet connected to your Fractal at the same time? Why? Is that even supported?

Also note that using a tablet or laptop is something you can do today!
 
Do you really need both a Mac and a tablet connected to your Fractal at the same time? Why? Is that even supported?

Also note that using a tablet or laptop is something you can do today!
Yessir. I am running program/patch changes from Logic on the Mac. I'm sure this something a lot of professional tours do as well, whether it be from Logic, Ableton, or other DAWs or sequencers.

The iPad connection on the face would allow for both a larger view of the screen and Scenes ( for the sight challenged), and hopefully, the ability to pull up AXE-Edit as well.
 
With all due respect to Al Grenadine, why not run AxeEdit on the laptop?
For me, it just comes to several things: location of the laptop, and the numerous other things that are up on the laptop during a show (DAW running the entire show, Setlist program, DMX cues, etc.).

I'm not sure why any one would be opposed to another small USB output on the front of the unit to satisfy those who want a touch screen. I think it's a smart alternative to give flexibility to those who want one, without annoying those who don't. Best of both worlds, everyone is happy!
 
why not run AxeEdit on the laptop?
I’m fine with that, but a lot of people don’t like that, obviously. But as far as I’m concerned, I’d definitely prefer both options.

I'm not sure why any one would be opposed to another small USB output on the front of the unit to satisfy those who want a touch screen.
Not that I’m opposed to this, but frankly I’d very much prefer an ability to control stuff with a MIDI device and hardware knobs to doing it with either a touchpad or a touchscreen… And if it’s a touchscreen, I’d mostly use it wirelessly if it were an option.

However, based on what I hear and read, when people talk about touchscreens, they mostly mean on device adjustments without any additional equipment. I personally don’t really care about it, but there seems to be a lot of desire from folks to have this ability.
 
Customizable impedance curves that can be saved and named on the unit, and stripped down 3rd party Dynacab capability saved right on the unit just as the Dynacabs are now are two things that would be welcome upgrades! Touch screen/navigation, but that drives costs up.
 
I’m fine with that, but a lot of people don’t like that, obviously. But as far as I’m concerned, I’d definitely prefer both options.


Not that I’m opposed to this, but frankly I’d very much prefer an ability to control stuff with a MIDI device and hardware knobs to doing it with either a touchpad or a touchscreen… And if it’s a touchscreen, I’d mostly use it wirelessly if it were an option.

However, based on what I hear and read, when people talk about touchscreens, they mostly mean on device adjustments without any additional equipment. I personally don’t really care about it, but there seems to be a lot of desire from folks to have this ability.
I have no desire let alone need for touch on that tiny screen (accidental touch disaster waiting to happen? lol). I LOVE using my 27" touch at home w/ AxeEdit. Like many I'd assume, I have all the per preset and global knobs loaded for bear if quick fixes are needed. Touch at a live gig on a screen my hand more than covers seems perhaps more desireable in theory than execution. A USB C is pretty small add for those who want to have one externally..
 
i tried the QC and the TMP, is impossible to adjust precisely the parameter. Much better to use the knobs, also the feeling is much better in my opinion.
The knobs was a bit dissapointing in the Axefx. There were a lot af adjustment in the firmware to make them feel like they feel now. Probably a fine tuned touch screen will surpass analog knob.
 
Only Cliff could tell if he's resource-limited in any way (CPU or RAM) in taking the next huge step in improving the modeling side of things but I honestly think the Axe is so close at this point where we're splitting hairs between the amp into the given recording chain vs Axe into the same chain. Since I'm as happy as I could be with the way the Axe sounds and feels now, I'd be happy to see even more amps, pedals and effects.
 
The knobs was a bit dissapointing in the Axefx. There were a lot af adjustment in the firmware to make them feel like they feel now. Probably a fine tuned touch screen will surpass analog knob.
Strongly disagree, at least personally. I was using pro tool’s avid control iPad app originally, and ended up buying an avid dock as the physical fader beats the touch screen faders x100.
 
Here's my wishlist:

- On board blocks/channels library which also works as global blocks/channels and where each saved item can be named freely and the custom name displayed on the scribble strip display.

- Oled scribble strip displays

- Improved UI, not necessarily touchscreen but a lot of things can be made easier/quicker (just look at all the suggestions @laxu has provided over the years).

- More knobs, possibly with "click-less" encoders (if they exist at all) and more natural rotation-to-value changes.

- Android/iOS editor

- Wifi and bluetooth connectivity for wireless editing and cloud-based backups, presets loading/exchange, firmware updates and so on.

- XLR mic input with phantom power and vocal-specific blocks (pitch correction, formant shifting, mic preamp models outside of the cab block, megaphone, robot and other similar weird effects, etc.)

- Polyphonic synth

- SRC on the digital I/O and USB interface

- Freely assignable I/O connections

- External MIDI controllers not locking parameters' values

- Number of channels equal to number of scenes

- User-loadable speaker impedance curves and calculation of a "sum curve" to simulate two different cabs wired in parallel.

- Ability to load full dynacab packs

- Ability to mix and match preamps and power amps within the amp block

- Scene groups

- True stereo reverb block

- On board beer tap
 
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My biggest wish is a simple streamlined capture of all gear. This might be possible in the 3, but I haven't dug that deep. I want to capture my Gibson Lab amp's preamp section only and save myself the trouble of lugging that monstrosity around.
 
Off the top of my head I can think of several Ax4 items. In no particular order:
  • Relay switching jacks to facilitate amp channel switching in 4cm scenarios.
  • Separated Left/Right Input and Output blocks.
  • Stereo block input option for all pitch modes (several only allow mono in the current Axefx).
  • Acoustic sim block including 12 String mode.
  • Feedbacker block equal or better than digitech Freqout.
  • Doubler block equal or better than TC mimic.
  • A Tape/Doubler block equal or better than Strymon Deco.
  • Increased CPU (yes - some can max it in some scenarios (and always will)).
  • Full user assignable CPU without block instance limits within available CPU.
  • Allow distinct modifiers attached to a given control in each and every channel.
  • Isolated virtual power amp section capability.
  • Reverse MUX block that can send input to a selectable mix of multiple output paths.
  • More Send/Return blocks.
  • Profiling capability (have not always been a fan, but Tonex convinces me it is at least .. "handy".
  • Export Tone Match to PEQ.
  • 31 Band Output EQs - on/off midi switchable.
  • Offline Patch Editing.
  • Ios editor support.
  • Separate headphone volume ctrl.
  • Customizable front panel home screen.
  • 2U Form factor.
  • Merged Midi Out/Thru option.
  • Polyphonic synth
  • ...
(There's a thread for this list somewhere (Ax4 feature list) but I can't seem to find it.)
The funny thing is, more than half of the stuff on this list could easily be done by the Axe-FX III.
 
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