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.
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.