Who's using 2 - Axe Fx II's now that they are so cheap, used online?

Tremonti

Tremonti

Fractal Fanatic
Obviously not a Axe Fx III, but who has done and what was gained and learned from it? Be a great backup at worst!
 
I'm not really sure I would see the benefit of using two, given the fact that even at the low end cost of about $1,250 used each, you could just go ahead and purchase the III and do it all easier.
 
Guys I get it....we are either talking about someone whom did before the III was released or hypothetical. Anyone?
 
Curious as well............quadraphonic? I have an Ultra and a II but have never used both on the same rig.
 
Dweezil has used two IIs in a stereo array for years...hoping he has his Dual III rig set up for the Fall tour....
 
Stephen Carpenter from Deftones uses 2 Axe-Fx II XL+. I had an Axe-Fx II Mk I and an Axe-Fx II XL+ but recently sold my Mk I. I mainly used my MK I for my rig and my XL+ for recording. I tried using both at once but kept getting super small latency issues that were causing comb filtering. I was really hoping the Axe-Fx III was going to have double everything, so we could use Quad Amp and Cab Blocks.
 
GotMetalBoy said:
Stephen Carpenter from Deftones uses 2
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Yep sure does! Not to be off topic or anything but his AxeFx rig is kinda bizarre. He uses two machines one L one R because he hates the x/y gap apparently.
I thought about running mine the same way but it's a little beyond my needs and realm of understanding for even running two machines in one rig. Curious to see what others have discovered running two machines.
 
Billbill said:
Yep sure does! Not to be off topic or anything but his AxeFx rig is kinda bizarre. He uses two machines one L one R because he hates the x/y gap apparently.
I thought about running mine the same way but it's a little beyond my needs and realm of understanding for even running two machines in one rig. Curious to see what others have discovered running two machines.
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That's not off topic at all. It's a great reason for using 2 Axe-Fx II. There was a video of Stephen explaining his 2 Axe-Fx II rig but I can't seem to find it.
 
For me I was about to jump the gun for a III.... then I thought long and hard about it... Well, for the upgrade price I could instead install an extra XL in my rig (my biggest fear is my axe dying on a gig) also as it is now, the sound quality is the same..... and I am not at all pushing my XL+ yeat so..... who knows... if I come across a great deal I might punch in an extra axe in the rig for now...
 
AllanH said:
For me I was about to jump the gun for a III.... then I thought long and hard about it... Well, for the upgrade price I could instead install an extra XL in my rig (my biggest fear is my axe dying on a gig) also as it is now, the sound quality is the same..... and I am not at all pushing my XL+ yeat so..... who knows... if I come across a great deal I might punch in an extra axe in the rig for now...
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Solid! Great idea! I worry about Axe Fx II dying too at a gig. But in 10 years of use....not a single one a single time. Most reliable "amp" I've ever owned!
 
GotMetalBoy said:
That's not off topic at all. It's a great reason for using 2 Axe-Fx II. There was a video of Stephen explaining his 2 Axe-Fx II rig but I can't seem to find it.
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Yeah there's only a couple of his vids out there unfortunately. He's definitely due for an updated rig rundown.
Anyway, I'm curious on how two machines affects how presets are built. I get the two machines concept but how do guys build patches between the two machines?
 
Billbill said:
Yeah there's only a couple of his vids out there unfortunately. He's definitely due for an updated rig rundown.
Anyway, I'm curious on how two machines affects how presets are built. I get the two machines concept but how do guys build patches between the two machines?
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I tried 2 different setups:

1. I split my guitar signal and went into the input of each AF2
* My Yamaha DXR12 cabs have multiple inputs, so I used XLR outs for one AF2 and TRS 1/4" for the other
* I also tried putting the 2nd AF2 outputs into the stereo inputs of the first, so I didn't need to run 4 long cables to my DXR12 cabs

2. I plugged my guitar into the 1st AF2 and then put the 2nd into the 1st FX Loop, so kind of like a stereo 4 Cable Method (4CM)

I had 2 laptops with Axe-Edit, so I could edit each AF2. I controlled both AF2 with a FAMC LF+ MFC and connected the MIDI cable to the XL+ and then the MIDI Thru to the MK I MIDI In bc the MK I doesn't have a MIDI Thru.

I was able to get gapless preset changes but when I tried to use 4 amps and cabs at once, I kept getting latency which caused comb filtering. I honestly didn't think it was worth the hassle of setting everything up. I've just learned to switch presets an 8th note early and not right on the beat.
 
I have absolutely no reason at all suspecting my Axe to die on me. I have used it for years now, with zero issues. I only had some name timeout a couple of times, but I am convinced it was because I had the RAC12 connected without a midi merger at the same time as having the MFC connected...
That said... and AXE is a computer with electronics and bits and bobs... at some point it will fail, but also fixable. That's the only reason why I would like a back up unit. This is no different than a tube amp, they die as well, but with the modeling stuff is so much easier having a back up with us, then why not do it? A backup unit could also be an eleven rack thing, helix board etc etc much cheaper than the axe....
 
Besides having one as a spare for gigging when you are in a major touring band I don't see the point in having two Axe fx II's. It is too over the top to use two at the same time. It makes it too complicated. I have my hands already full handling one unit and using it to it's full potential. If I need more if will buy the III.
 
I wouldn't mind using a 2nd Axe II for shimmer. Split my guitar signal at the beginning of my signal chain then feed both Axe II's. One my main unit for all the normal guitar sounds, the other one for shimmer, with a volume pedal to bring the shimmer in when I need it. And taking the shimmer out of my main Axe would free up a lot of DSP to be used for other fun things.

Probably massive overkill, as I could use a what I always did, use a shimmer pedal for that, but I reckon that 2nd unit might come in handy as a spare if need be.
 
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