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tjon901 « The future of guitar amplification »
Published on 05/14/11 at 21:34The 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.
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.