All user reviews for the Fractal Audio Systems Axe-Fx Ultra

The Axe FX Ultra has almost all the amp simulations (true, 5150, Twin Reverb, JCM 800 and 900, JC 120 ...) and effects (reverb, delay, chorus, phaser, octave, wha wha, whammy ...) known to the market.

They are editable, either directly on the Axis or via software with a midi connection. For my part, the software version crashes all the time, so I rule the Axis. And I got there quickly, so no problems.

The connection is complete, as well as inputs in outputs. One can not miss the headphone and usb (present on version 2!).

UTILIZATION

The setup is relatively simple for a device that makes a sound chain! (This is not an amp head, with 3 knobs settings)

Once we have understood the principle of operation, no particular problems.
We approach the software on computers: input-cable-overdrive-cable-head amp-cable-speaker-cable-outlet.

We will easily find usable sounds, but to have "his" will require a little patience and a lot of testing.

Manual, when to him, is quite clear, although some a bit sharp settings are not very explicit.

SOUND QUALITY

The sounds are very good qualities, for both amp simulations for effects.
It's a little cooler than the original versions, but it's really to quibble.

We can make all kinds of music, since all amps references therein.
Go take a look at the videos lurking on the internet to give you an idea. Or check the list of artists who use the axis!

I play ESP Eclipse and Jackon SLSMG with a matrix amp gp 800, a Marshall cabinet AV 1960.
I use also a Midi Mate (pedal noon) for the controler, and it's just happiness: big sound and ease of use.

And as you guessed it: I play Metal!
http://the-ekpyrosis.com/releases/ (recorded with Ultra guitars)

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for a little over 1 year, and I am very satisfied. For 1300 €, occas, the quality / price is really very interesting.

What I like most: the sound, the vast array of sounds and possible effects, ease of transport and installation (guitar, 4 u rack and pedal Afternoon:! My back thanks me) .
What I like least: no headphone output.

Finally, my guitarist uses an Axe FX II for a little over 1 year also, and before him, the Ultra does not blush!
He, of course, more sounds and effects (I have not toured the mine!), Usb and headphone output, but all for € 1,000 more!
So, what I would do this choice? the answer is yes.

All the effects you could ask for are inside ... + Some of which I had not dreamed!
4 lines parallel effects for a number of combination and flexibility bluffing!
And of course a multitude of preamps ... impossible not to find the sound you like, or the one that knows!
The proposed entries and exits are well enough, even if the USB on the axis II FX is a great idea.

UTILIZATION

There are still one or two things I have not found how to do this for the assignment of the control pedals ... other than that, everything is clear and quickly becomes intuitive.
But of course, this is a gas plant in which you can lose yourself for hours if you want to try to change each setting to see what happens ... but nothing we are required by that: it SONNE !!

SOUND QUALITY

Before I had a G-Force ... well, I prefer the Axe FX Ultra.
My guitar is an organ or a violin, a guitar or synth ...!

OVERALL OPINION

I am the second owner of this machine, and apart from a problem with the jog wheel which sometimes idles (G66, they promised me to repair it quickly), it is a formidable machine!

Seriously, do you think we can do better?!

When in doubt, I put only 9!

Already explained in previous reviews ...

UTILIZATION

Already explained in previous reviews ...

SOUND QUALITY

The people come! I constantly read disgruntled people who eventually use it as a multi-purpose! I think this person is not know how to use the FX axis ... We talk about digital therefore drop our standard guitar speakers!

How correctly simulated HP if you went through a cabinet that has already its own characteristics!
Did you try the speaker system Active PA FRFR?
For my part I test on a FBT Verve 12MA and my current speaker, a Mackie HD 1521! How to say! it is a pure killer! The sounds are simulated as well! especially with a professional IR pack to simulate HP! And ... I assure you that buries a ca lamps amps

Made the test, used the machine at 100%! And give your opinion by following

OVERALL OPINION

We must know how to live with the times and go to evolution!

Ie, device, Live, and repeat home studio all in one! The Swiss army knife of amps!

All types of guitar effects are there. This is the high end of the high-end itself, but it is digital and that's the problem. Many love it and they have good reasons. By spending time to create its sounds, we get very good things.

UTILIZATION

simple configuration. Simple Basic Edition. More complicated obviously pointed Edition.
Editing sounds very simple thanks to the software publisher.

SOUND QUALITY

The effects are very effective, realistic. Used with Stratocaster and Ibanez.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it from time to time for 3 years. I have not had the patience to complete a lot of sounds. I have one or two sounds of distortion that I like to, but I do not like the texture of this machine. I have long used the Boss GX700 is old but still holds up despite its age and limitations.

I thought the price at which to sell but I paid, I keep it. Too bad. In my day, nothing beats a tube amp and carefully chosen pedals. I record classical jack (microphone and preamp true) or the torpedo VB 101 and it does nothing to see. The axis is very successful and worth the price. But digital grain is too far and I can not love it. It is a matter of taste.

I do not have that choice is obvious.

for features, other opinions are very explicit

UTILIZATION

for a person who has already programmed racks it is easy to use despite the many parameters.

SOUND QUALITY

it's digital!
the amp models are not good for my taste.
about the effects, delay, reverb and chorus, and the pitchshift are,
the rest means.

OVERALL OPINION

I kept mine a year and then resold.
there is an increase in modeling compared to a pod but it's still not top my taste anyway.
ultimately I used as multi-effects.
For my part: it is very expensive and overpriced for what it is.
From what I heard I think I have the same opinion for 2 (which costs even more expensive!)
I do not want to spend the lesson donor service but I give you my advice to those looking for "sound" it is better to invest in a very good guitar and a good amp and if there is use of a multi-effects Digital Paralleling not required to scan the entire signal.
whatever the style of music for me these are the basics.

The Axe FX Ultra is a rackmount guitar preamp, effects processor, and DI recording device all in one. You can use it. inputs/ outputs include unbalanced stereo inputs/ outputs, balanced inputs, stereo FX loop, Spdif digital I/O, AES I/O, MIDI in/ out/ through, and expression pedal inputs. All of the processing is digital in the box.

UTILIZATION

Ok, so the Axe FX is an extremely powerful box. Unfortunately, it's a little complex to operate. Granted, it would be very difficult to make this gadget 'easy' to use due to its complex nature. So, I'm not going to knock it. A touch screen would be a welcome addition to a future version though. Fortunately, there is the Axe FX edit software that makes editing patches a lot easier, and the layout as far as editing is actually pretty straightforward. It's just the buttons and the wheel on the actual Axe that make it difficult.

SOUND QUALITY

Sound quality is very good. I know a lot of pros that actually use this either as a preamp with a tube power amp, or plugged straight into the PA. I use mine primarily for recording, but I think it would work great live. The patches that come on the unit are all pretty generic sounding. I just made my own and they sound great! There is a lot of flexibility in this unit and I probably use 5% of its capabilities. I will admit, all of the tones tend to have a signature 'Axe FX' sound, but they still sound great.

OVERALL OPINION

Overall, I am very happy with my purchase. I've used it many times and it's a godsend when I can't use an amp. I've barely tapped into all of what this baby can do. They now have the Axe FX 2 out, and that is supposed to be even more powerful.

It's an effects processor with simultaneous preamps and amps, cab, mics etc. ..
While high-end digital, contains a dual processor 600 mghz corp and all components of a flopped trs premium.
Connection between two stereo output and g dr, between external stereo effects, midi, digital input, outlet to noon, volume pedal, expression.Il is everything! Really nothing to say.
exists only in a rack.

UTILIZATION

Config ultra simple, easier than the eclipse! one place or the effects you want to parallel, serial, disto pre, post, we can put twice the same effect, over the ultra has a lot of memory! registration is very facile.Les settings are varied s and effective for each effect.
For me it's the easiest effects racks to program! For external pedals and MIDI.

SOUND QUALITY

The quality of the effects are comparable to eventide, the delay is trs beautiful singing, precis.Plusieurs delay are available, looper, ping pong, reverse, stereo, mono.
The settings are many and Varis, there is a good arpeggiator qualitsynth,
The amps and cabs are ralistes, clear sounds are beautiful, dynamic, clean attack, you can feel the difference when you change your amps and speakers.
The combinations are endless.
Clearly I done quickly, I comblet! After selling the eventide eclipse the 2290, lexicon, g system, I found it ideal for guitar, with studio quality and ease e in the programs, simplicitpratique by repeating the branch because I live on the console and the result is really nice!

OVERALL OPINION

I possess a stone for months! My rack and suddenly became lighter!
great! great! few words to tell you it's excellent!
pay 1900 euros it's still expensive but I do not regret my purchase at all!

The Axe-FX is the ultimate amp modeler. I have a hard time calling it a modeler because when most people think modeler they think of cheap stuff that beginners use. The Axe-FX is so much more than that. The Axe-FX ultra has the processing power of a small computer so it can handle the most complex chain of effects you can think of. It has full amp and cab sim's plus midi all packed into a 2 space rack design.

UTILIZATION

Some traditionalists may be confused at first when trying to use the Axe-FX, but it isnt hard to find a good sound. Finding a good sound is no harder than selecting your favorite amp and turning some knobs. For the real tweakers the Axe-FX is heaven. With some patience you will be able to replicate your favorite album tones. It has just about every effect you can think of and every well known amp built in.

SOUND QUALITY

The sound the Axe-FX produces is more like a produced album not so much like a cranked amp next to you. If you are playing it through a power amp and real cabinet make sure you adjust the Axe-FX to this or your sound will not be optimal. If you play live with the Axe-FX you may not like the fact that it is very hard to tweak on the fly but playing live no one will notice that you are using a modeler. When using something like this live I would recommend a backup since this is new technology and not every venue is created equal.

OVERALL OPINION

This is by far the best modeler on the market right now. It is well worth the price and wait time to get one new and they seem to hold their value well. Eventually guitar players will learn to embrace new technology and the whole industry will advance. When more technology like this comes out the prices will get more competitive and the whole industry will get better. Many high level professionals are adopting the Axe-FX as an integral part of their rig, using it to replace racks and racks of effects. For people use to large live rigs the Axe-FX is a cheap and reliable back up or alternative.

Fractal Audio Systems stepped into the guitar world with a device that has become the next evolution of electric guitar modeling and processing. The Axe FX Ultra was released as the ‘all-in-one’ box for a guitarist, featuring

- Upgraded processor for heavier effects chain
- 2 space rackmount design
- top quality amplifier modeling
- cabinet simulations with room for 3rd party IRs
- world class effects and processing
- fully customizable routing
- stereo inputs and outputs
- MIDI in, out, and thru
- Phantom power for MIDI controller via adapter
- SOO Much more!


UTILIZATION

Using the Axe FX can be as easy or complicated as one would like. Putting together a great sounding patch is as quick as selecting an amp and cab model. For tweakers, and those really wanting to fine-tune their sound, the Axe FX offers parameters much deeper and customizable than your standard amplifier or rig. Overall, the menus are very easy to navigate, and setting up your patch routing is very intuitive. The biggest selling point for the Axe FX- it has over 50 amplifiers, and every effect you could want, all in one small box. The Ultra includes a few additional effects, and the processing power to use many more of them at a time!

SOUND QUALITY

The sound and FEEL of the Axe FX is very close, if not identical to a real amplifier. Having it side by side with the amplifier it is modeling, with the proper tweaking, it is nearly impossible to discern in an unbiased A/B test. Check the Fractal site to see the exact list of the extra effects available with the Ultra. When it comes to the sound of the unit, the Ultra and Standard are identical. Having the extra processing power is nice for guys using heavily processed and complicated sounds, especially when running a stereo part with two amplifiers. I personally found the Standard to be enough, but my sounds usually stay fairly simple.

OVERALL OPINION

For those willing to embrace this new technology, and get over the fact that it doesn’t have vacuum tubes in it, the Axe FX is an amazing tool for any guitarist. The Ultra is what you want if you never want to hit processing limitation, no matter how complicated your patches. My unit replaced a HUGE analog rig for me, and I am getting better sounds than ever, in a simpler, smaller package, without the necessary maintenance of tubes. I try not to think of the Axe FX as a modeler, but as a very versatile amp on its own, and I believe this is the best way for anyone to approach it.

The Axe-Fx Ultra is the evolution of the Axe-Fx. It features more processing power, more memory and a bunch of additional effects. Inputs and outputs are still the same as the regular model, so no real change there. It's still a 2U device with the large scroll wheel that controls most things, etc. If you're familiar with the Axe-Fx, you'll be familiar with this.

UTILIZATION

Just like the previous unit, Fractal did an outstanding job with this. Once you start getting used to programming this device, it becomes real easy to get convincing tones out of it. The manual is alright, but I found the forums to be the most helpful when it comes to programming this unit. Editing is made even easier thanks to the new Axe-Fx software to edit everything. Just buy some sort of MIDI to USB device, and you can control everything on your computer instead of kneeling down. I just wish Fractal would pack these things better when shipping.

SOUND QUALITY

The additional sounds like the synth, gate/expander, megatap delay, etc. are all amazing. It's really a do-all device, and if you can swing it, the Ultra is worth looking into. One thing that was a little bit of an issue was trying to get all your effects into one block so they're available via AA switches. With the Ultra, it's a lot easier thanks to the extra memory. However, keep in mind that memory starts getting real slim once you start running two amps at once.

OVERALL OPINION

This is arguably the best modeler and multi effects device out there. It's a bit pricey, but given all the features this unit provides, it's worth it. Just be prepared to spend some time with it as this unit needs time to go from "good" to "amazing." There are so many features that it can be overwhelming, so I recommend trying out other people's presets first. Be sure to use the software too. It'll save you from having to kneel down all the time.

Multi purpose rack completely freely programmable, to HP and customization features of amps. That's the main argument for having bought to replace my Digitech LE2101, which is 15 years old in December.
Side effect there almost all the tricks that one may need. Everything is editable via een Axis software Edit, a software supported by Fractal Audio.
It's all digital, with full connectivity. One RJ45 or USB connection would have been the top, too bad there is no headphone output for the first sound settings.
Attention to MIDI interfaces, this device does not accept anything, see the Wiki (Note: M-Audio to avoid, to be passed by then) I took a long

UTILIZATION

get used to it from using a digitech Pre Studio Artist since 2002. And yet I have trouble on some manipulations after 6 months.
The manual is very clear indeed, but the site on the Axe FX Wiki is a real contribution for the non-LAC + 7. I therefore find that editing is not easy, but it is extremely full and deep and one gets done.

SOUND QUALITY

Via PA amplifiers or using Full Range we heard very good comments that I would not put in question. Personally I use a combo with Fender Deluxe Reverb RI and I spent months and months to get a clear on his drinking and grunge sounds (these are the qualities of an exception of the Studio Artist Pre) and I remain convinced that there will be improvement in the months to come. For sounds "in-between", no problem and with the effect that even extraordinary, must say! I admit that this use with a combo is most likely not the best, this unit would no doubt better on a Full Range amp (like Atomic). If one day I'll have one, then certainly I will rewrite this part of the notice.
The deadlines are very beautiful and chorus with a little work are also very beautiful. Wah requires some attention to the stall (again: everything is adjustable ...). Other effects I have not really used for now.
Note virtually unlimited opportunities controllers noon or the famous ADSR type of programmable ramps. Simply excellent.
The only improvements I would ask, if possible:
1) a hysteresis on the gate to make it less sensitive on the descent
2) a drive with a distal equivalent of grunge Digitech Artist Studio Pre. NDR from 11/11/10: this is the pedal set with M-Zone in the "Drives"!
3) strict separation of variables Power & preamp to better distinguish which is adjustable or not depending on the config "Global" restraint.
4) a window showing in patch together what variables are controlled by what controller and when you load a patch made by a third party is sometimes a fairly long search to understand what is happening in a patch . Just as the huge qty of variables that can be controller.

OVERALL OPINION

Use for 6 months with intermittent because right now I still use the Digitech group as I would not 100% comfortable with the Axe Fx
I had no other amp modelers before except for a Sansamp PSA and Piranha tested for 2 weeks in 2005 and quickly resold it .. then there is really not in the same court. Neither did j'eu on hand all the amps simulated by the Axis (Marshalls, Soldano, Engl, Mesa ...) so impossible to compare. Recording software on PC there is big sound in the unit. U2 is made twice, and I confess that with this gear is "better than the real thing."
The feature I like most is the unlimited flexibility in terms of effects, and I do not regret the trip ... and so much more to discover!
What I liked least was the software update 10.01, or it was not specifically accused also need to upgrade the software to control PC before, which cost me a day rather annoying having lost the ability to communicate with the craft until the discovery of the cause on a forum in the U.S. ... However, the VAS of G66.eu is really appreciable as the interlocutor for France, Nicolas Demarest, who helps the novice users with lots of enthusiasm and responsiveness. It's been really fun.
The value for money .. if I had to buy myself pedal or 19 "units in order to do the same thing, I would have to pay triple rent a truck and then repeated for each ... but in a once it hurts nonetheless.
I probably referrer the same choice if it was redone, strongly amp RF.