All user reviews of 4/5 for the Fractal Audio Systems Axe-Fx Ultra

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.

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.