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Hatsubai « Guitar rig in a box »
Published on 03/21/11 at 20:31The 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.
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.