Real life application of Axe Fx II (and similar units)

[Tom]

I'm having some serious thoughts about the Axe Fx II, and from reading other posts I have no illusions that the unit kicks butt.

However, I'm trying to view this purchase decision practically. I've always used a rack mounted pre-amp / processor and power amp into a cab. The last 15 years have been with the Digitech GSP 2112 and now more recently with a GSP 1101. I understand that the Axe Fx II is in a whole other league in terms of how it sounds and what it can do. But the realization I'm having is that even with the GSP1101, I only use 6 patches. These are my standard 6 sounds that cover me from clean to crunch, and when I play with my band it's all I've ever need to tackle any cover song.

I'm not really psyched about "tinkering" with digital controls, and always liked the idea of turning real-life knobs on an analog unit for instant and quick results. But in reality, once the thing is set to where I like it, that's where it stays.

I have the corresponding Digitech foot controller, and love the single foot-switch control (not tap dancing on a bunch of pedals). And I believe this is probably why I have never bought a stomp box in the last 20 years.

So I guess I'm just fishing for some feedback... I'm not arguing one processor is better than the other ... I'm just hung up on the whole concept of having unlimited processing power and a million patch options at my disposal, but never using them (if history is any indication). And wondering if it might just make more sense to build a pedal board with a few different overdrives on it, and I guess tie them all into a master foot controller where I can still have the single foot switch control option.

I suppose I'm considering all of this because I'm 80% happy with the GSP 1101. I have to believe there's a better sound solution out there, and assume I could get it with a better multi-processor (Axe Fx II), or a hand picked collection of stomp boxes.

The over-arching issue of course is $$$ ... makes no sense investing $2100 in 6 patches. But then agin, you're not much less than that by the time you configure a pedal board with 6-8 stomp boxes and master controller.

Any feedback or opinions I might not have considered gratefully welcomed.

 

[mayfly]

I've been gigging with my AxeFX for about 4 years.  Like you I only have a handful of patches that I use all the time (5 in my case, with only 3 used 90% of the time).

The AxeFX is still worth it.  Why?  because the tones are just superb.  It's really worth it because it just sounds so damn good.

I no longer own any guitar amps at all.  I used to build custom guitar amps for people (check me out on harmony central!!  :glasses9.  But now there is just no point.

Yours,
Trevor

 

[Re-Pete]

I can appreciate folks here having an enthusiasm for the AxeFX. It's a wonderful piece of technology.

I recently bought a Kemper Profiler Rack. There are variants to the Kemper models. Two models come complete with a Flat Response Power amp section.

I'd at least suggest you check them out, see if that holds any appeal to you.

The Profiles are good. There - I said it. Good.

I previously had Amplitube 3 on my PC and running the Kemper through the same audio recording monitoring system, it is simply a better sounding amp sim/profile/whatever you want to call it.

I have only recently bought the Kemper and am still trying to find enough blocks of time to spend going through it's settings and tweaking abilities. I have not previously owned a MIDI controllable guitar amp simulator so besides the Amplitube 3 experience, so I am relatively new to this and it takes time to grasp the technology's capabilities. It's impressing me though. Once you get used to how the Kemper works with assignment of effects or how the Browser works, it is intuitive.

I can tell you it sounds more like the recording control room sound you hear of a miked amp before it is committed to tape/DAW, than say, standing right in front of the amp or being 20 feet away from the amp. It threw me at first that it sounded like that, but when I realised that it is exactly how it is profiled that leads to that type of audio image, then yes, it is very accurate from my recollections.

From the little time I  have had with it, I LOVE the fact that a Fender Twin Reverb profile acts much the same way as the real amp. Clean as crystal up to about 7 or so on the gain structure then a crunchiness starts happening. Set it just before it breaks up, and if you have a good picking technique, you can control the breakup from clean to crunch with the attack of the pick (just like the real amp does). Or use the volume on your guitar, roll it off a fraction for rhythm, then when you want to crunch, roll up full volume.

You are reliant upon the Profiles being well done in the first place. But you can also take your existing amps and profile them for your own Stacks. For my own liking, there's way too many Profiles that have smug, smart assed nicknames disguising the actual amp they are Profiling. Fuel/Petrol/Gas= Diezel Amps for example. WAY too many heavy metal profiles (Bugera, Diezel, Recto this or that.... you get my point?), some of which might actually be good sounding amps & profiles, if only they'd not knock your frigging head off when first selected! For example, I took a LOT of gain off one of Keith Merrows Profiles (I think it was a Marshall JCM800 profile) and it sounded great.

You can also store Performances into the Kemper which is an area I haven't checked out yet. But, as I understand it, you can store preferred/saved Profiles with effects, into a folder and recall them up as a Performance. The Kemper also has MIDI capabilities far beyond my comprehension (and most guitarists Id say too), but having MIDI does imply a deal of control and assigning power to be at your disposal should you wish to pre-program a controller switching system.

I'm not trying to sell you the Kemper, I don't work for them. I'm just suggesting that there is an evolving market out there and to look at your alternatives in this area of amp simulation. For the price you will pay for a Kemper or AxeFX you would want to be completely satisfied that you have made the right choice for you.  :icon_thumright:

 

[stratamania]

Axe FX or Kemper, don't forget to price in the cost of a midi foot controller and expression pedals. Perhaps your existing unit may work.

You also have power amp and cab, so that would work but in the future you may want to go FRFR full range flat response. With FRFR you can then take advantage of Power amp and cab IR (impulse response) simulations. With a real power amp and cab generally you would not rely on a modeller for these sounds and use only the preamp and effects models.

Other avenues to explore are the pending Atomic Amps, Amplifire which created a buzz around the time of NAMM and should be released soon. This is more of a pedal size modeller. 

Another option, is a Two Notes Cab, for cab and power amp simulation and run things such as a Bogner Ecstacy or Tech 21 character pedals. This is more an FRFR approach.

Even some of the Line 6 stuff such as the HD Pro X rack mount unit may fit your situation well and is at a lower price point.

Anyway all in one units versus separates, are all going to cost a fair chunk of change especially when you start to add on peripherals and other odds and ends. The choice is probably one of practicality and/or preference.

I do know that since I sold my Axe FX, I have amps and so on to play through but for practice and recording it has left a gap. I am seriously considering buying another Axe FX.

 

[Jumble Jumble]

If you prefer having real knobs to turn then you should also take a look at a Kemper, as it gives you gain, bass, middle, treble and volume right there on the front of the device. If you get the toaster version (sounds unlikely if you're using a rack right now) then you also get some dedicated knobs for the built-in effects too.

There's nothing wrong with just having a few presets - after all, most of us grew up with just one amp and we did just fine. I have a favourite setup for humbuckers, one for actives, and one for Strats and Teles. In total I probably use about 10 profiles for much of it - I only go beyond that when I'm bored of practising and decide to go on a "tone exploration".

 

[bagman67]

most of us grew up with just one amp and we did just fine.

This is actually a good point.  Your amp is an instrument that's worth learning how to play.  I have a blast with my little Fender Mustang III with all its effects and amp modeling stuff, but when I want to just sound like myself playing guitar, I plug into my no-frills tube combo and dial it in.


That said - folks who experiment with effects to the point of mastery come up with some really awesome stuff.  Andy Summers, Edge, Bill Frisell, Morello, the Muse guy -- I admire their adventuresome spirit and the really cool sounds they make, even if when I try to emulate their sounds I don't care for what comes out.

 

[Re-Pete]

most of us grew up with just one amp and we did just fine.

This is actually a good point.  Your amp is an instrument that's worth learning how to play.  I have a blast with my little Fender Mustang III with all its effects and amp modeling stuff, but when I want to just sound like myself playing guitar, I plug into my no-frills tube combo and dial it in.


That said - folks who experiment with effects to the point of mastery come up with some really awesome stuff.  Andy Summers, Edge, Bill Frisell, Morello, the Muse guy -- I admire their adventuresome spirit and the really cool sounds they make, even if when I try to emulate their sounds I don't care for what comes out.

I wish I could be the sort of player who would be satisfied with just one amp! But I grew up playing in the immediate post-Hendrix era, where every one was trying out new FX pedals as they came onto the market and developed a broad palette for sounds for my guitar. I'm the same age as The Edge and have developed a similar attitude to playing guitar. Doing some demo styled work in a studio when younger only whetted the appetite. I genuinely laughed out loud when I saw the part in "It Might Get Loud" when The Edge went through his rig    & really appreciated his humbling opinion of his own playing and his reliance upon FX.

The point is: give me a Strat loaded with Texas Specials & I want to hook that up with a Dual Showman amp or a Dumble derivative and go off into SRV territory. Give me a Rickenbacker & I want a Vox AC30 pronto. Give me an Epiphone Casino & I either want a Fender Twin Reverb cranked or a Vox AC30. Give me a cranky plank'o'wood Tele & I want a Marshall 1987X rig.
Now, obviously being a working man & not possessed of The Edge's income, I can't get all those amps, which is where the journey for good amp simulators started for me. And let's face it, I'd be evicted from my own home if I turned up with a Marshall or a Fender Twin Reverb and cranked them up!  :evil4: