WTB: Axe-Fx II MkII

[Kuro Uma]

Ok guys I decided to see if I can hunt down an Axe-Fx II and build an FRFR type rig. I've used modeling preamps before and they've all been so-so. But I keep reading about these and decided that's the model I'd like to start with. They sure seem to be hard to come by. I see them pop up on ebay from time to time but they tend to go for $400-900 over the direct price.

And speaking of that, does anyone know what the current wait time is if you get on the wait list now? I see that there is and XL model coming within a month, but I don't see needing the extra presets and minor upgrades. So I'd rather get a MkII if it's more likely to get one soon.

Anyhow, I thought I'd bring that up here since this is an honest group. If you see one around or know of one being sold. Please put me in touch with the seller.

Thanks guys

 

[bagman67]

Dunno about availability, but Cagey and Mayfly can give you the lowdown on the pros and cons and some how-to's with the Axe FX.

 

[Cagey]

Fractal maintains a forum/message board that has a classified section where people buy/sell gear. Axe Fx units, the pedalboard, and a variety of FRFR speakers can usually be found there. Also, it's a good place to get details about different things. Very knowledgeable people - many pro players. Plus the owner and some engineers from Fractal post regularly. If you want or already own an Axe Fx, it's a good resource.

 

[stratamania]

Yes, good advice to join the fractal forum. Place a want to buy ad.

When I sold my Axe FX II mark 1, I advertised it on the forum and I think I had a buyer in a day or two. I also had two other potential buyers on standby if the first deal had fallen through.

I used to be on the Fractal forum a lot and met some great people at a couple of owners get togethers.

Fractal also have a MKII XL coming out which may mean a few of the folks who can't live without the added features may be looking to sell the earlier models. Sound wise any Axe II is going to work well for you. the MKII just mainly added some side vents which aren't really needed but were added as folks seemed to want them and an Ethercon type connection for the MFC101 connector versus standard CAT 5. A lot of Axe FXII mk 1 owners would run a short connection from the Cat 5 to an external ethercon at the back or front of their rack cases and connect the MFC101 to there. 

 

[Cagey]

Fractal also have a MKII XL coming out which may mean a few of the folks who can't live without the added features may be looking to sell the earlier models. Sound wise any Axe II is going to work well for you. the MKII just mainly added some side vents which aren't really needed but were added as folks seemed to want them and an Ethercon type connection for the MFC101 connector versus standard CAT 5. A lot of Axe FXII mk 1 owners would run a short connection from the Cat 5 to an external ethercon at the back or front of their rack cases and connect the MFC101 to there. 

That's how I connect mine - via a Neutrik adaptor. Allows for a much more robust cable than the standard CAT5. The Mark II integrated that connector into the chassis, so you didn't need the adaptor. The XL coming next month changes again to an XLR connector, which is even sturdier and allows you to use any old mic cable to tie your MFC to the Axe.

 

[stratamania]

Fractal also have a MKII XL coming out which may mean a few of the folks who can't live without the added features may be looking to sell the earlier models. Sound wise any Axe II is going to work well for you. the MKII just mainly added some side vents which aren't really needed but were added as folks seemed to want them and an Ethercon type connection for the MFC101 connector versus standard CAT 5. A lot of Axe FXII mk 1 owners would run a short connection from the Cat 5 to an external ethercon at the back or front of their rack cases and connect the MFC101 to there. 

That's how I connect mine - via a Neutrik adaptor. Allows for a much more robust cable than the standard CAT5. The Mark II integrated that connector into the chassis, so you didn't need the adaptor. The XL coming next month changes again to an XLR connector, which is even sturdier and allows you to use any old mic cable to tie your MFC to the Axe.

Exactly.

I've just been taking a look at the XL and the MFC 101 MKIII,  it seems the XLR based FASlink is in addition to the Ethercon connectors. 512 preset locations, two expression inputs just on the II XL itself and other bits and pieces, it's very tempting   especially when pricing out separate high quality effects, amps, and something like a Gig rig 2 to control it all you get into serious money.  I've always maintained the Axe FX if you can afford one for what it provides is great value.

 

[TBurst Std]

I love my Axe-FX II MkII. I am still old school and connect via 7 pin MIDI I had with my Ultra (it works well).
Updating to FW 13.07 this weekend I think (on FW 12.XX) as I am getting a break from gigging for a while.

 

[Cagey]

I don't feel like I'm missing anything the XL will bring to the party, but I am interested in replacing the MFC-101. I have the original one, which has the snap switches, and I'd much rather have the new silent switches. I rarely play loud enough to get over the sound of the damned things, so they bother me.

 

[DslDwg]

I can't believe the wait would be very long at this point.

I bought my II within about 60 days of the original release, I think it took 30 days or so before I got my notice to purchase.

You won't really save much buying used if anything.

I might ask around the forum about lead times - they used to even have a thread though I don't know if it's still maintained.

 

[Kuro Uma]

I don't feel like I'm missing anything the XL will bring to the party....

My thoughts exactly

I can't believe the wait would be very long at this point.

I bought my II within about 60 days of the original release, I think it took 30 days or so before I got my notice to purchase.

You won't really save much buying used if anything.

I might ask around the forum about lead times - they used to even have a thread though I don't know if it's still maintained.

It would cost more for a used than a new one at this point. $2199 new vs $2400-$2900 or so on eBay and such.

If the MFC port is the only difference from MkI to MkII I may see about a MkI then.

 

[mayfly]

I don't feel like I'm missing anything the XL will bring to the party, but I am interested in replacing the MFC-101. I have the original one, which has the snap switches, and I'd much rather have the new silent switches. I rarely play loud enough to get over the sound of the damned things, so they bother me.

wow - I haven't noticed mine making any noise!  I guess I must play loud

 

[Cagey]

I don't feel like I'm missing anything the XL will bring to the party....

My thoughts exactly

The existing unit has room for 384 presets, with 8 scenes per preset. I simply cannot imagine needing anywhere near that, so the new limit of 512 is just ridiculous. But, Cliff said he did the expansion just because he could, since he was doing a new board layout anyway.

 

[Cagey]

I don't feel like I'm missing anything the XL will bring to the party, but I am interested in replacing the MFC-101. I have the original one, which has the snap switches, and I'd much rather have the new silent switches. I rarely play loud enough to get over the sound of the damned things, so they bother me.

wow - I haven't noticed mine making any noise!  I guess I must play loud

No, I just play quiet. I'm rarely above conversational levels.

 

[Kuro Uma]

Well I have a Mark II headed my way now. Should see it Saturday. I guess i need to find an MFC-101, a GT800FX and a FR212 to start. Sound about right to you guys?

 

[mayfly]

Well I have a Mark II headed my way now. Should see it Saturday. I guess i need to find an MFC-101, a GT800FX and a FR212 to start. Sound about right to you guys?

If you have a good PA, it will work as well as the FR212.  I always just use mine through whatever PA the club has.

 

[Kuro Uma]

Well I have a Mark II headed my way now. Should see it Saturday. I guess i need to find an MFC-101, a GT800FX and a FR212 to start. Sound about right to you guys?

If you have a good PA, it will work as well as the FR212.  I always just use mine through whatever PA the club has.

I play many different places with 2 separate groups that are drastically different. One has a PA and that would be fine. But with the other, they have no PA that they take with them. Mostly they play places that provide this. I'm wanting to setup a rig that i can take with me, be mobile and flexible.

With the first group I can just use the PA and get my reference from the monitors. But the second group has ever changing setups. Not always sure I'll have a monitor (just one for the singer). Some places are real dives.  :laughing7: So I'd rather have stage sound and let them use an output for FOH.

Right now I use 2 entirely different setups for each band. My Ronin and Maria guitars + Uberschall/6505+ and acoustic amp for one.  For the other, I use my Bel-Air and Katherene VIP guitars with an Alchemist and PRS 212. Also with each group I have to pull out a different pedal board setup for which ever I'm playing with. I'm hoping to make this solution work for both. A side benefit will be being able to run my piezo's and magnetic signals though one setup.

I will still be dragging a change of guitars with me to either group, but hopefully one rig.

 

[stratamania]

If you are going to do Piezo and Magnetics in the Axe FX, this may be useful to take a look at.

http://youtu.be/0AjMbCTo3rM

Personally if I was going for the Matrix Amps, I would go for the GT1000FX, just for the extra headroom.

 

[Cagey]

I don't think you need any more than 800 watts, but a lotta guys do buy the 1000 watt unit. Not sure why. But I would suggest getting the Atomic CLR speaker. Those are universally praised for a lotta reasons, not the least of which is their sound field. Apparently, it's pretty wide. You can wander around and it sounds just as good as it does right in front, which you can't say about a lotta speakers.

 

[stratamania]

The extra watts is for headroom, also the 1000 version was developed after the 800 specifically for guitar. Although the current 800s have the up to date changes that were put into the first 1000s AFAIK.

Of course if someone went for active Atomic CLRs they would not need a power amp...
Matrix and atomic are both good choices.

 

[Cagey]

I understand the headroom thing, but the difference between 800 and 1000 watts has gotta be like the difference between jumping out of the 41st vs. the 43rd floor of a skyscraper. End result is the pretty much same. Then, the powered CLR is only 500 watts. Is that too wimpy? Not likely. That's a lotta power, even considering it's solid state. Don't get me wrong - I'm a firm believer in lotsa watts - but I have to think there's a point where you reach diminishing returns.