Why I Will Never Buy an AXE FX III - Plus AX8 Mk. II Wishlist
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
- Today in Plague Scythe Studios, I discuss why I will likely never have a flagship AXE FX unit, and give my top wishlist items for the AX8's successor!
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Boy, do I love when a video I put less than an hour of work in gets five times the views of those that take me 8 hours to produce. Thanks, UA-cam algorithm.
With that said, many of you are coming from beyond my channel's usual audience, and that's great. Keep in mind, however, that this topic is probably not aimed at you. If you have an AXE III, sweet! Enjoy it. This video is for those that have something more than capable for them already, and merely need a reality check about what they think they're missing - from one average Joe Fractal user to another.
TL;DR: Go make your own video, keyboard warriors.
Pro Tip: You should probably welcome new visitors/alternative views with a friendlier attitude. That's how you get new subs. I liked what you had to say in your vid.. just felt like expounding with a personal experience. Cheers.
You make a cogent video and seem to know the basics about computer technology but you are confusing "Trickle Down Economics" and "Moore's Law". You arguments are strong for many people and is probably why the AX8 and the Helix were created. In fact the Helix pushes the pedalboard form factor much more than their equivalent rack mount module. Keep up the good work and google the things I mentioned as "Moore's Law" is what you are trying to describe and was laid out decades ago. Just 2c from a silverback.
Just so you know, I legitimately watched this to see your opinion for my own purchasing decisions. What I found was a video that really didn't cover my needs and came off more as an economic view on why one would buy one product over another. However, upon further reading, I'm dismissing this video completely. You know your audience, don't pretend it's a game. Also, you're welcome for the comment, whatever it's worth....a penny maybe? Fucking youtube.
@@circulargates7949 You really took it personal. I didn't get any badmouthing impressions from the video just his reasons why he didn't need it right now. He never said its a bad piece of equipment. I'm wondering did we watch same video?
@@circulargates7949 Did you even listen to what he said in the video or you decided to make your own opinion based on personal liking? Nowhere i heard him bashing it, he even said he could buy it but it would make it more complicated for his gigs..... I would also rather buy FM3 than AXE III, just cos it would work better in my amateur musicalities.
Nice tee man!
JESUS CANT BE WRONG
HAHAHAHAHAAHHA JESUS
You are correct but filled with corruption. ua-cam.com/video/u8NbyVzXoqc/v-deo.html
Please give the wicked time before you destroy them. ua-cam.com/video/u8NbyVzXoqc/v-deo.html thank you FatherSon.
I'm sick of all these nuts comparing Dave Grohl to JESUS? I mean he's good,
he's awesome he is totally intelligent decent good but he's no Grohl, man?,
Didyabringyabongalong Station, Central QLD. Australia. 🎸
The problem with this video is you're expecting guitar players to think logically, and most of us just aren't able to do that lol
I use an HD500X, and people shit on me CONSTANTLY, saying things like "big boys use real amps, not toys" and other shit to try to get my goat. But I almost never play live. Why should I spend more money because someone else hates what I'm using? And these are people who also never record or play live lol.
I like the people from guitar gear companies tech support. They are polite enough to recommend to use stuff that works better for you and your own case, not shitting about “that is a toy for the children” and “that is for big daddies”.
Everybody have been shitting on boss mt2 metalzone for years, and here we go, in 2018 people understand that it should be connected to FX Return of your amp, like a professional gear, because IT IS a professional gear, not a fucken toy-sandbox. Damn, nobody kills cool gear as much as guitar wanna-bes and has-beens
KaldDodeGitarist I had the pod hd500x and don’t listen to other players. That thing was a beast and sounded amazing. I used it for 2 years live and only ever got compliments. Live no one ever cares what you use. Only a few other snobby players. The masses gives two shits what your using, it’s how you play and how you sound that matters.
@@doublebguitarplayer9434 I already know lol. I have never given a Shit what anyone else thinks about my gear. They don't get to decide what I spend my money on lol
Not sure effects loops really were a common feature on most amps when the mt2 came out ... but as with a lot of these comments - mostly I feel that these people hear somebody who maybe is even doing more than a sales video by trying to give an imperssion how an effect changes a certain input signal within an overall setup. Probably these people listen through built in speakers of some phone. They can't even express what it is that makes the sound bad. You can't help but feel that the reference sound - if there even is such a thing for these people - is some recording they listen to through a reasonable speaker setup or decent headphones, completely ignoring that the guitar in that recording is probably multitracked with all sorts of other production efforts ...
disclaimer: I own an hd500x too as well and I've never been happy with it. I use it with a Variax and a Headrush FRFR.
I personally feel there are mainly 2 things the pod doesn't do well that makes it "obsolete" as well as a whole other bunch of smaller glitches and weirdness.
1) Speaker simulation. It just sucks. Probably worse than previous POD generations and similarly priced units that came out at the same time.
Solutions:
a) either live with it,
b) use an external speaker simulation like two notes torpedo cab, xtomp, mooer radar, or similar.
c) Don't use speaker simulation at all. Use a good poweramp and speakers. I know someone who uses the x3 (which sounds better to my ears than the hd500 to start with) with a stereo fryette and 2 bogner speakers. He pulls, hands down, some of the best tones I have ever heard.
2) Clean sounds. It's very hard to get a good clean sound at high volume. Solution: use the mixer functionality and boost the signal by 8+ db then re-EQ after the mixer block
In general, all the hd500x simulations sound like a blanket is over the amp. If you don't mind, you can get some really fat distortions that are very round. The sustain will always be too short and the signal will drop when you least expect it, even without a noise gate. Getting a good sound will take a lot of time. It's easier to listen to a guitar sound that you like and trying to replicate it than to start from scratch and play around. On my boss Katana, any setting sounds great to start with, then I can tweak it to make it awesome.
The good stuff.
1) Control: You can control many different things at the same time with the included expression pedal.
1a) I use the expression pedal to raise the gain of the amp/tube pedal while at the same time lowering the output and increasing the delay mix so that I get more of a lead tone without getting louder.
1b) A single switch can turn on and off multiple effect. This is a poor-man's scene management. I use 1 single button to switch between 2 amps and turning on a couple of effects
1c) You can still add a second external expression pedal for more control :)
You can't own tone, which is why tone can trickle down ;)
I became a modeler at the age of 53 on 2018 (I bought a Line 6 Helix floor). On least than 30 minutes, without even reading the user's manual, I was able to replicate my "physical boutique pedals rig". In one week I replicated on different presets and snapshots (scenes on Fractal's) almost 90% of the songs I use to play. I can switch between at the touch of a finger without getting on my knees to make adjustments from one song to the other. I got rid of noisy (although expensive) patch cables and powersources (even my "vintage singlecoils" became almost "noiseless" without any noise suppression engaged). I can experiment expensive amps/cabs I could never afford through their emulations. Finally - in 2 weeks I couldn't "remember" any difference from that huge "physical pedalboard" (with expensive Strymons, EHXs, Buffalos, George L's connections etc.) in comparison to my configs on Helix. Recently I visited a friend's recording studio and could HEAR the Fractal Audio's AXE-FX III on work and YES it's MANY steps ahead Line 6's modelers - it's impressive. As always on technology, new processors, memories, user interfaces will continuously offering more advanced and accurate products. In the near future the actual pedals, amps etc. manufactureres will be selling licenses for their inventions... We're on the 21st century. Many professional musicians are turning from "purists" into modeling (recently Metallica, John Mayer and Mark Knopfler with their Kempers and Fractals!!!!!).
In my opinion Guitar gear is only out of date when it doesn't sound good anymore. I got a Kemper and it delivers the amp sounds I want. I have tried ADA MP-1 and Triaxis. Those old pre-amps still sound great.
Sitting through a five minute ad for Positive Grid before the video even started 😂 Conspiracy 🤔
I just got an Axe FX Ultra for $480 in June. Definitely will not need the III anytime soon. It’s not needed at all
WOW ! Now THAT is a good buy :-)
Am then only one who thinks the FM3 is pretty underwhelming? I'm still considering getting a used AX8.
I wouldn't save up and buy an Axe Fx III. But if I had a lottery win or came into some money I probably would. Good vid.
Most modelers have more features than people need. That has always been true... I mean who used the sitar and violin sounds on Boss GT pedals?
No matter how you look at it, not getting an Axe-Fx 3 is a money-issue. Having excess processing power is never a bad thing. That being said if you only have around $5k to spend on a full rig including guitars I would also go for an AX8. If money wasn't an issue I would have every modeler out there.
Actually its an issue of live use. Axe-Fx 3 doesn't even have a released foot controller yet.
LegendFPV It’s MIDI controllable... you can use any MIDI foot controller you want.
Fractal hasn’t released _their_ foot controller yet. Although, come to think of it, I haven’t checked in a while so if they’re out now I wouldn’t know.
I agree.
ua-cam.com/video/u8NbyVzXoqc/v-deo.html Chrism.
Except you already have the top 3 XD but yes 100% agree with you
Great Topic! Well explained and helpful to many! Thanks for sharing brother!
I know this video is older but I am still fully satisfied with my Helix floor.
A built-in expression pedal on a new Axe Floorunit would be an absolut dealbreaker for me. Adding an expression pedal, if needed, is easier than removing a built-in one :D
Like helix, just buy It. Like Axe, just buy It. The end.
Excellent points. And it can be said that with the Kemper and Fractal's stuff, we're nearing peak performance in terms of sound reproduction. It's not worth thousands more for single digit percentage performance gains at this point. I honestly believe it can not possibly sound much better.
Certainly. We're already at the point where the differences are simply that - different - not better or worse. It's all about improvements in latency, flexibility, power, efficiency, and probably more than ever, marketability.
It's kind of like phones for me. Skip a few generations till it isnt working for you anymore.
I have a HD500 (not x) and tired of having to use a bunch of extra pedals like radar etc I'm ready to move on to the FM3.
You’ll never leave the FM3
Specifically because I am an average joe jamming in my apartment did I get the AFX3. Given, it's my first amp modeler. First, the AFX2, isn't available in my country so I'd have to ship it from the US, meaning the import costs would've put a used AFX2 only a few hundred bucks cheaper than a brand new AFX 3.
First, I don't have the space for a large cabinet anymore and I play a wide variety of genres.
Second, I can't afford to crank my HRD3 anymore in my apartment. The walls are too thin and I need something that's going to give me as clase a tone to a tube amp, through headphones.
Third, I'm planning on getting a bass guitar soon, but don't have the space or money for a bass amp, board etc. The AFX 3 is a bass amp and pedalboard.
Finally, I consider $3000 a once-off, an investment as I'll never buy another amp or pedal again... there's really no need with this beast. I've also made nearly $800 downscaling my pedalboard as I don't need most of my pedals anymore.
Exactly this.
Y u no AX8?
As an axe FX III owner, its main advantage isn't in the sound. Sure, it's a bit better than an axe II (which I also still own). The main thing is, the 8 way USB makes it an extremely powerful and easy to use mixing/mastering tool and it makes almost all outboard gear obsolete. Sure, you can use it "just" as a preamp/modeler but that's severe under use of the product. I'd recommend it to anyone wanting to produce music on a budget. (Because, when you consider the cost of what it replaces, it's cheap, even if you just consider one cab, one amp, one microphone, and one outboard unit for each effect included). My home studio now consists of nothing but the axe III and instruments.
" even if you just consider one cab, one amp, one microphone, and one outboard unit for each effect "
.....and good luck getting the same recorded sound even if you have that. .
I'd love for this to be my main interface, but the draw back is it only clocking at 48K. I get sessions of sorts, so it's unfortunate this won't always work for me. I love my Axe FX3 though.
I actually found the sound quality of the III to be pretty forefront. The relics in the Marshalls are gone for example. The noise floor is stunningly quiet. The models are super deep and feel even more real than the II and at the time of the II's release (I still have mine) I couldn't have dreamed it could get better. The effects are, in some cases, like 3D I swear! You are right though the power that it brings to the table is really a marvel of technology.
How do you use it, could you give us a little quick setup, and how its making a difference for you
I agree 100% with your standings in this video. I had a full blown axe fx 2 xl rig. i ended up only ever playing it in my basement studio. i sold it all and bought a nice guitar and a loaded AX8. best decision i ever made. AX8 i found to be far more enjoyable. ill be stoked to see all these mentioned features into the ax8 mk2. cheers mate. great video.
Been with Axe since Axe I and recorded and toured with the Axe. Still prefer tube amp but love the simplicity. however there is one thing they cannot fix at least not yet is the delay in switching. You have to learn when to switch like during a big cymbal hit, etc as there is a delay. This is my biggest complaint which I doubt can be fixed anytime soon as you really have to pre load everything the axe thinks you will be changing to and that would take a lot of memory and processors to be ready on stand by. Kind of like dual clutch transmissions where the next gear is already loaded before you switch.
Digital is great and improving but it will never be like analog. But we are in a digital world so our ears have been re-tuned to it. Put an album on then a CD and you will be blown away. Albeit the CD did have a small word block and lower sampling rate. One more thing on digital. When I was touring I had AxeFx which is A/D in then D/A out (2) then digital wireless (2 conversions) then digital PEM transmitters system so 2 more conversions. Take all the latency with 6 conversions are you can start to hear problematic latency issues. If you have cash you can keep some in all digital between the system but they all have to run on the same word clock yada yada. We did have a analog PEM mixed so I cannot imagine a digital PEM mixer as the A/D conversions would be excessive.
Digital is hear to stay but sometimes we have digital overload and firing up a tube amp can be satisfying.
Nice Quadro analog.. As a pro Animator I've lived in that very expensive world for decades. Just saw one for 10k. Wtf.. Usually made due with Gaming Cards. But on occasion would buy a Quadro to stay compliant as a Maya developer.. Bought an Fx3 after seeing Fractal's dedication to continued FW development in the FX2. I got 5yr of daily use from an FX2 sans any obsolescence.. 5+yr sitting at the top of it's related industry, from any digital product, in today's world is damn impressive. Based on my fx2 expierance, I signed right up for an fx3, fully expecting to enjoy a state of the art modeler & fx unit for another 5+y..
That said, your logic is undeniable.. Best of luck animating & playing.. The only people I know referencing Ray-Tracing & nvidea Quadro are 3D animators or heavy gamers.. )
I understand your point of view. But it’s almost like if you have an iPhone 5, and you say you will never get an iPhone X because you can already do everything you need with the 5. You aren’t wrong, but you aren’t right either. If you had an Axe FX III for a month, you’d know what I mean. You can’t imagine what bigger, better, faster means until you have it, use it, and THEN go back to the old unit and compare. Know what I mean?
This video is exactly for those kind of people that already have the iPhone 5, though, and more importantly, whose use case doesn't fit a "phablet" sized-device in this analogy. In essence, having the newest, most powerful device doesn't matter if the form factor isn't right, and a lot of people really just want a capable floorboard. They're simply worried about obsolescence, but those same people rarely use most of the power under the hood of the device they have now.
you make alot of valid points. i personally wont ever be getting a III. i would like to get my hands on a used II at some point though.
i say just buy a used Axe FX ii xl with the big foot controller for 2k and be good for the next 5 years. if it;s good enough for metallica, steve vai, John petrucci, satriani and the edge. I say it's good enough for anyone for a long time to come. 2 - 3k for all the effects you need is cheap, cheap, cheap. 1 pedal costs 150-350.
Some people think they are better than those bands you mentioned and usually full of shit as well. You don't need a fucking 3k setup to play metal. Fuck My life, Keith Merrow uses a Kemper with his laptop live. Software vst plugins are crazy good these days.
@@SilentScreamsStudios good idea
I see your point, but the title is 'clicky'/a bit harsh. Makes it sound like there is something bad about the device. Especially if as you say it's not aimed at your non-regulars. Not giving you a down vote, tho.
Thanks man. Agree with almost all of your wish list. The freaking handle to me is a pain. I wish the would put handles on the side cause it gets in the way of my feet accessing the top row of buttons. Am I the only one?
That the AX8 doesn't have a built-in exp pedal is a huge advantage over the other floorboard modellers. I can choose the exp pedal myself and I can bring it when I need it instead of having to drag around the dead weight of a exp pedal that I did not choose. A built in exp pedal also makes the unit more prone to liquid damage. And in the case of an exp pedal defect, I can't just unplug and replace it. So imo it reduces the practical value while increasing the initial price. I really hope that FAS stick with their decision not to include a built-in exp pedal.
yeah but if you had it, you'd use it.. when you don't have it you don't care..
The main thing that would.make the AxeFXIII would be.... Selectable samplerates.
No one needs an axe fx 3. Too much bullshit that you will never use. I would just use a peavey 5150III with a TC Electronics G System in 4 cable method setup.
Jesus?
Good point, I agree with you, I had fractal audio FX 2 and works for me but then I buy a eventide H9 and working together with both units works great and enough for me. Now my plan is to buy a AX8 unit for the integrated foot controller to use it with the Eventide H9.
I wanted an Axe fx2 badly but wasn’t in a position to get one. I did record a demo through one and was impressed although it wasn’t mine to tweak.
The 3 is said to improve on the Axe fx2 in almost every way (which arguably became industry standard by the end of its cycle). So I ordered one. Easy decision. Also good to get in while it’s new/beginning of cycle.
I hope it blows me away. I’d honestly be surprised if it didn’t.
My current amps - modded peavey 5150ii, modded ENGL savage 120. Marshall MF400 cab. Pedal board. I’m only selling the ENGL, keeping the rest.
What I’ve ordered -
-Axe fx3, fc-12, matrix gt1000fx, furman power conditioner, matrix fr212 speaker.
Usually you get what you pay for and I doubt many people are buying this kind of amp for strictly ‘bedroom use’. Id just use the sounds on my computer for that (Logic Pro etc.). A dual rec is also not the best amp for bedroom use (I had one of those too) but whatever works. Great amps.
Can. Not. Wait for my Axe fx 3 to arrive.
👍
I agree axe fxs need expression pedals. I just bought me an axe 2. What expression pedals are most compatible.
The problem, in my opinion, is competition within the sector. You see, Fractal, Line 6, whoever, can't just sit back and say "We're done". They have to keep developing new products. And that's good on the one hand, because stuff gets better. But on the other hand, a lot of people will then feel that their older gear is now somehow "crap", so they feel the need to buy the latest products. And on it goes. At the same time, it's also a matter of status. If you've got the latest gear that Animals As leaders use (as an example), it's kudos to you, and ha-ha to your mates! But I like what you said: people need to be honest with themselves and ask themselves what they really need. And to be honest, if you've got an Axe 8, then you've got good gear already. Do you really need the next thing? Of course, there is one more point to be made: if you (really) can afford it, then why not go and get yourself the latest gear? Hey-ho!
Indeed, it isn't.... probably the wrong choice of words!
they need to advance the modeling technology. I'm still on the fence I continue to use a full tube rig, rack and pedalboard with analog dry signal always present and digital effects mixed in. IMO this is what's missing in the digital world analog mixing of the dry signal at the final output stage creates a much better dynamic and huge 3d tone. software guitar tone still sounds like a plastic copy. It sounds amazing and its almost there but I'm feeling 2-3 more generations of this technology over the next 10 years will deliver the goods we're just not there yet. sounds amazing though just not as good as the real thing.
The only thing I like more than good guitar UA-cam content, is good UA-cam content creators shitting on Trickle-Down Economics.
Everything you've listed, but also a headphone out. It is damn necessary 🙃
Almost bought the AX8 and now I am SO damn glad I bought the Headrush:)
Hope it hasn't been too glitchy like my sons one.
Just basic marketing really. A lot of shit is like this in the real world. Think of your phones, cars, gaming systems, laptops. It’s just a way of them getting your money and having people think they’re all mighty because they got some fancy gadget. Good point about the footboards too.
Damn you kids and your black magic technology! i'm still rockin my old Digitech GSP2101
my issue is that it's essentially a computer... look how quickly your tablet, laptop and phone become outdated. I never by brand new when it comes to computers and computer related items.
Partly agree, partly I don't know. Sure - there is this trickle down thing, but I just don't get the FXII vs AX8 discussion. If what you want is a floor based unit for convenience and ease of transport, then there is really no point in a rack unit. But then: Why even consider the FXIII? As far as I understand the Fractal Audio Models won't even re-use presets etc. so if you are about to "upgrade" and can't migrate all the work you put into the unit so far, why not consider a different manufacturer? Headrush definetely has a superior UI, both Helix and Headrush now come in multiple Form Factors. And I seriously doubt if someone with a minimum of training dials up a reasonable tone in any of these units, there're very few people who would be able to tell these things apart, especially given a normal bed room player setup, with low to midrange monitors or even PC Speakers ...
I want for the AX8 II:
1) That shift button shit to be gone, plus arrow buttons for navigation like on the AXE FX 2
2) A headphone output
3) USB recording
4) bluetooth perhaps.
5) The green lights to stay. Blue doesn't fit fractal audio. I think it was a big mistake on the Axe FX 3 to change the color to blue.
6) An integrated wireless system perhaps, that works similar to the Line 6 Relay G10 or the Boss WL-50.
And so....you probably shouldn't own one then. You get what you pay for, which has always been the case for decades.
The point is how much that powerful affect the tone..axe fx iii has a super powerful cpu but because has been created for run 4 instruments at the same time if i m not wrong...this in my opinion doesnt mean that if i just plug in a single guitar i ve 4 time better sound that if i run 4 instruments together....a single player barely uses 4 delays at the same time...it seems that this new amp modeling has become like the cell phones GAS where people buy the new iphone model altough the older one can do the same 3 4 things everibody uses just to follow the mass.
"It would be cool to have [an expression pedal] as an optional module that you can add aftermarket". You mean like being able buy one separately and plug it in using a TRS cable? ;)
Good video though - Sometimes it is very sensible to live within our means. I have an AxeFX II that I use like a head into a 4x12, half the reason being that it looks damn cool. I'll probably come to my senses eventually and swap back to the AX-8.
I use an AXE FX III in a studio setting and its my first modeling amplifier. I really like it in the studio but I will also say that after doing research I don't see why the same space couldn't be filled with an AXE FX II. I'm not really inclined to use the AXE FX live as I prefer my vintage Mesa Boogie Dual rectifier Solo for that! I purchased the AXE FX III to avoid what I was about to do, purchase a Peavey 5150 and a Fender Tweed and a Solano and an Orange or two and a Fender Twin and Marshalls (Plural) you get it. Its great to have all those amps and cabs digitally at your disposal in the control room but I'm not really sold on using it live. This video is really informative and I do agree with it, even being an AXE FX III owner.
Most people think if they spend the money on a Axe Fx III they are going to get that dream tone out of the box & its simply not true! I spent more time tweaking than playing with my Axe Fx II!
Exactly, I tweaked for a year and a half with my Ultra and was on the list to get Axe-Fx 2 but was not too happy about tweaking so much, and wound up going to a tube amp, which is hard to beat. I recently got frustrated with my attempts to make my tube amp's preamp sound like I want and hooked up my Ultra again directly into the tube's fx return. I gained som incites over the years using the (Coreblade) and how my amps signal chain and fx were run and it helped me greatly in figuring out a good using my Ultra as a preamp.
Hi you def seem to know you’re stuff with all these machines, could you please give me some advise an point me in the right direction, I’m an old school guitarist but gave up after years of being married an things as we Oldens did , but have just got back in to playing again an have just got in to GarageBand, I want to record some punk Floyd stuff basically just to impress my girls who have never heard me play elect guitar, I’ve got a air pad 2 an use GarageBand on ios I bin upswing Tonebridge an have purchased a few effects peddles through eBay but still don’t seem to quite get the tones I want I’m only doing bedroom stuff like I said on GarageBand wombat would you say would be the best way to go to achieve all the Dave Gilmore tones
I bought an Axe fx 2 a couple of years ago and I mostly play at home or do small gigs but I do not regret it at all. I use all of it's power and sometimes wish I had a 3 just because I run out of CPU. I may never buy another unit as long as this lasts so I have no remorse or feel like I it's overkill.
I have owned cheaper modelers and was never satisfied. I like the idea of the AX8 but I don't think I would be as satisfied with the lack of power compared to the 2. That's just me though.
I do write and record and wan't my own sound. I find blending amps and Ir's really gets me there and this takes a lot of horse power. This is why I max out the cpu often.
Whatever works for you and if you are thinking you will upgrade in the near future I can see waiting till the 3 matures. The thing about buying the bleeding edge is yes the same thing will be out 2 years later half the price but you have to wait 2 years. I hate waiting and I do have the option of selling and upgrading. Definitely not the most economical but it keeps me happy.
I don't do bleeding edge for computers or phones so treating myself to the 2 when I did was justifiable to me.
Great video though and I can totally see where you are coming from.
I agree. I will wait for the floor unit at half the price. I saw a video with Ax-8 vs Axfx 3 and honestly I could not tell the difference in the amp sounds. They both sounded amazing. The delays and reverbs were awesome. So no reason to spend more money when more expensive is not always better.
Good opinions... I didn’t know “Jesus Christ “ was into professional guitar processors.
Dude I love all of your videos. Not gimmicky, straight to the points. Thoroughly explained. Subbed
By the time the competition catches up, AXE III will have undergone substantial firmware updates, keeping it far ahead of the trickle down. You can't compare the current Axe iteration to future state copy-cats. The larger price tag comes with the promise of years of continual improvements. I understand that your needs don't warrant the power of the Axe III, and that the form factor is not to your taste, but the scope of your argument goes beyond those points alone. Personally, I love my Axe II XL+, and find it to be a dream come true for live gigging, and after hearing how much better the Axe III sounds I'm looking forward to the day I'm able to upgrade.
Ben McCartney definitely worth it .This guy doesn’t get that AxeIII isn’t for moms basement guitar players - a product that’s revolutionized guitar recording and live performance ask players like Petrucci and Vai why they have that in their studio and live rigs stop thinking about economics if you’re looking for versatility and a way to achieve great recording tone and clarity this is the way to go...constant upgrades and user databases to upgrade and create sounds endlessly- not following what this dude can’t grasp except harping on economics-I know for a fact he hasn’t tried that unit because if he did his next 100 videos would be about it... just one word of advice stop overthinking
"By the time the competition catches up, AXE III will have undergone substantial firmware updates, keeping it far ahead of the trickle down". You posted that comment about 2 years ago, apparently. And guess what? History has proven you to be correct!
This is a fantastic video that needed to be discussed. sometimes getting the big new modeler on the block is just a giant unneeded upgrade if you are not already maximizing the unit you have. I had a hx stomp and started using it every day for studio stuff and was always running out of blocks. So i went with a helix rack because it had the I O needed and the dsp power And i have no need for foot switches. But that was justified because of client's paying to use it. Not because i wanted it.
If you are a professional musician touring etc or you have a good job in a rich country (like making 150.000 euros per year) it's tottaly worth it. Otherwise there are many high quality options (vsts and hardware) for a fraction of the price.
Exactlyyyyyyyyy
Thank you, Ryan. You make good points and I agree. I had other reasons for not upgrading my XL+ to a III in addition to yours, but yours helped support my choice.
When is it ever about a need? Its always about a want. GAS!!!!!!!!!
Most I'd say are like in many hobbies are just gear junkies. Whether they need it or not.
I absolutely agree on this bro 100%
How did Bob Dylan make it so far in his career without 1 ?__$$ ?
Now i love Ax8 and kemper already have it
the cooler on the Axe III is shit. I already replaced it with a silent high end one. No NOISE anymore!!! like with every rack unit from fractal I had to do it.
Funnily the Helix doesn't need ANY cooling and has a powerful processor too.
AX8 uses the same processors as the helix and it doesn't have a fan either
The helix absolutely needs more cooling... ive had two of them melt down within an hour of pulling them out of the box. IMHO, they're junk. It's a shame because I love the interface, not too sold on the helix models. Fractal is much better, again, IMHO. Ive owned them all, axe fx ultra, hd500 dream rig, helix, kemper, and now finally the axe 3. For me, it's no contest, fractal all day, every day.
@@randallsandmann1812 NO,i play the whole week,all the year live in bar,hotel,restaurant,theaters and events..three of the week gigs are pool party with a lot of heat and sun,and after a year and a half mi Helix LT still working like new,without any issues
Best piece Of Gear I have owned in 40 years! I have 3 total! One at home studio one at my other studio and one rigged for stage.
The great thing about this video is that half the time, it sounds like you’re talking yourself into it! Ha ha ha - I love the discussions about this stuff though. You raise many of the questions that are out there so it’s all good. Well done.
3 years later axe fx 3 is still the best and will be for a long time, don't regret buying it at all
"It'll be a year and a half"
Months later we get the FM3. So stoked
Does the AX8 feel like a real amp when you play it?
I have a strong reccomendation of something i did with a 2x12 cabinet and my axe fx ultra , that will really utilize the axe 8 as an all around unit. buy a used 2x12 combo amp with an fx return to bypass the preamp and only use the combos power amp, and swap the speakers with celestian coaxial flat response 12" pa speakers. Ive been able to go between my yamaha studio monitors in my home studio, the 2x12 amp at home or in practice, and go over a full PA live mix and maintain the same tone and patches. that way your live setup is nothing more than your ax8 and a combo amp, with the axe 8 also going into the PA and the same tone coming out your amp and the PA. your combo becomes an extra monitor for added stage volume and personal playback.
That's an awesome idea. That eliminates the need to be a FRFR powered speaker to hear yourself.
@@RivalNev yep, the future is now. ive been waiting years for fractal to make a floor unit so that i could use a 2x12 combo amp with frfr speakers. before i had a orange 2x12 and a rack with the axefx standard and power amp, and i still wanted to make it smaller. now, its the most compact it could be. 1 headless vader, 1 2x12 combo, and 1 single pedalboard (the ax8). What a time to be alive.
I have the Axe8 and AXE FXii but i always seem to go back to my mesa quad preamp and ADA MP1 and MP2, or my ENGLs and old Peaveys.
Probably in a hundred more firmware updates on Axe-Fx 10 you might seem satisfied and not go back to the amps.
I stayed with Axe-Fx Ultra and just started using it again for the preamp flexibility into my tube amp FX return and figured that I could turn sag and master off by switching the global amp off and that allowed the thump parameter to stay active, which improved it as a preamp only unit. I also like running the distortion pedal block into and around the amp through a volume block and run all the effects in their own lanes post amp leaving one lane dry and boosted via a volume block. It seems to work well for that purpose. Have you tried using version 2 into amp fx return?
The new AXE8 needs a COLOR LCD screen!
I play metal. Give me a 6505 or evh5150 a noise gate. Drive pedal. And a good delay/reverb and im good. Also i use 2x12 never even use a 4x12 anymore.
Exactly
I'm assuming you've seen the news on Helix HX Stomp? Hitting a nice spot on that tier list like those GTX 1050s were.
Yep, great bang for the buck there for those that just need effects. Line 6 is still one of the top dogs in that aspect.
It's got the amp modeling and IR loading in it too! Limited to 6 blocks which is the biggest downside. Can 4 cable method with a stereo send as you highlighted in the video. Could work really well with an exiting pedal board to limit the drawback of the 6 block limiter.
@Randy Epp I like the new HeadRush Gigboard. If I want to play with Line 6 later, I could just buy the Helix Native software. If I want a cheap Kemper alternative using a valve/tube amp, Two Notes Torpedo Captor used in conjunction with BlendIR, Capture & Wall of Sound. Hardware wise the Mooer Preamp Live and Laney IRT SLS or IRT Studio look like very useful options for tone tinkering. The new Hughes & Kettner Black Spirit 200 paired with a RJM Mastermind LT & Source Audio Reflex midi foot controllers would be pretty awesome too
The Line 6 HX Stomp is different than the HX Effects though . That’s what Randy Epp was talking about. It’s a compact Helix unit. With modeling and effects.
@@guitaristinterrupted3558 I'm fully aware of the new Line 6 HX Stomp and it is great value vs the competition and should sell well
What did you mean by worse user experience?
Excellent, straightforward video that keeps it real. Although you are right on all points, I will still buy the Axe-FX3. It's far more than I will ever need but I like future proofing my gear as best as possible. This with a FC-6 or 12 and I should be good for millennia (or at least until then next best thing comes out!) Guitarist will forever be chasing the perfect tone. Loved the comparison to 80's fan technology- spot on!
Most people are lazy to carry gear, most of them cant even know how to dial a tone just how to copy others presets and why every lable recording sounds the same... Thanks for that digital market. Most of the people dont know anything about gear from the past 30 plus 40 plus yeare including the rack gears. Most od them dont even have experience with real gear sounding vs fractal. Most of them go with the marketing and hype.
I became a modeler at the age of 53 on 2018 (I bought a Line 6 Helix floor). On least than 30 minutes, without even reading the user's manual, I was able to replicate my "physical boutique pedals rig". In one week I replicated on different presets and snapshots (scenes on Fractal's) almost 90% of the songs I use to play. I can switch between at the touch of a finger without getting on my knees to make adjustments from one song to the other. I got rid of noisy (although expensive) patch cables and powersources (even my "vintage singlecoils" became almost "noiseless" without any noise suppression engaged). I can experiment expensive amps/cabs I could never afford through their emulations. Finally - in 2 weeks I couldn't "remember" any difference from that huge "physical pedalboard" (with expensive Strymons, EHXs, Buffalos, George L's connections etc.) in comparison to my configs on Helix. Recently I visited a friend's recording studio and could HEAR the Fractal Audio's AXE-FX III on work and YES it's MANY steps ahead Line 6's modelers - it's impressive. As always on technology, new processors, memories, user interfaces will continuously offering more advanced and accurate products. In the near future the actual pedals, amps etc. manufactureres will be selling licenses for their inventions... We're on the 21st century. Many professional musicians are turning from "purists" into modeling (recently Metallica, John Mayer and Mark Knopfler with their Kempers and Fractals!!!!!).
Dude, you look like Jesus.
Couldn’t get one for free huh? 😉
Yep you found me out, I'm just a salty shill.
Plague Scythe Studios haha good man....just a bit of harmless stirring!
Why would Fractal come out with the AX8 as you suggest unless it is the same price of the Axe Fx III as Fractal with the FC6 and FC12 why commercially would they ruin their own senior products. What I believe would be great is an Axe Stomp pedal with 12 blocks. That would sell in droves at about $500
You are basically asking for the Helix floorboard. The Helix has the power switch in the same location as the AX8, but it has the built-in expression pedal, scribble strips, ability to run three amps at once, multiple outputs and inputs for running 4 cable method plus pedals in a loop, the ability to run stereo outputs to your amp/stereo 412 cabinet plus IR outputs to FOH. It's pretty much everything you are asking for. For my two cents... I have a Helix floorboard, and wish it had no expression pedal if that meant it was smaller by the size of the expression pedal. I can plug two remote expression pedals into the Helix, but I cannot put it into a carry-on case. The Helix is huge. I wish the helix was the size of the AX8. It turns out that less is less, and more is more, but less is not more.
I would love to see improvements on the AX8 already available
I had a Boss ME-80 and just got my AXE FXIII. Loooove it. Also bought a pair of Yamaha HS7 Studio Monitors as a cherry on the top. Now I just have to learn to play my guitar better! :-)
Jeffrey Bank you’re supposed to learn first, get good and then get expensive gear.
Good gear= inspiration
if the case as metal, processor use it as hear sink and fan blowing over it, would work. pretty much has to be metal to strong enough to stepped on. I just wondering how much power it using compare to a labtop. labtops have a lot power and doubt it use more than laptop.
Given the DSP, low res screen, and LED footswitches, I guarantee it's a fraction of a modern laptop's power draw
"Unlike a lot of trickle down economics, which vary rarely works outside of on paper, trickle down absolutely happens with technology"? LMAO Where did you learn economics, from a communist professor? Advancement in technology are a byproduct of a good economy and free market capitalism. I guess you think Fractal Audio's headquarters is based in North Korea? Advice, stick to playing guitar!
The amount of people who are taking that tongue in cheek comment seriously is astonishing.
@@PlagueScytheStudios Who knows, you may be the next great deadpan comedian. lol
Just go Kemper lol
Did you even watch the video? That is the exact opposite of what I need lol
Plague Scythe Studios kemper are killer. They take your tube amp at is current state and places it in the kemper. I’m just a Kemper guy Axe effects 3 sucks
@@jessetate9701 but the Kemper UI is terrible
Kemper kick axe3
@@jessetate9701 problem is theres not a lot of good kemper profiles out there.
So should I get a Kemper? It would be my first amp 🥺 it’s $1800 which is ok for me.
Extremely good openion about Axe3 and ax8 bro loved it..... Just wanted to know that is Ax8 easy to use and navigate manually?? is it easy to edit from the board itself???
As an owner of the Axe FX 3, you'd be singing a different tune if you owned one. With continuous updates and the power of it, you can't beat the value. The Axe 2's updates have pretty much stopped. There have been added amps and im sure there will be more added in the future. Just the updates alone make it worth it.
@KC Hey, maybe if you had an axe fx you could record something and put it up on your channel instead of commenting shit talk on videos about gear you allegedly have no interest in.
KC yeah, but the cost of those amps combined would be astronomical for the average guy.
I want an fx8 and a bare bones kemper that has NO effects.....they are mediocre anyway.....anyone else agree?
Same, like a full on head clone, make it pedal friendly as well.
The expression pedal is a big thing. I'd like a FX 3 but I'm in the same boat where I just play at home and such, I'll just run through the archetype nolly at the moment and thats good. I feel as though if you're paying around 700-800, theres no reason why there isn't one. Even on the FC-12/6. Even my Zoom G2.1DM has one and that's what I used when I went through my Line 6 amp, and that pedal was around 150$.
Ax Fex
I use mesa duals and marshall 800. Have what I need in a rack and on the floor. True, its a 45 set up and tear down and I have had some issues with tubes and cable wear. Small price to pay for the stupidly awesome tones I get. Spent far more on my gear ($12,650) in amplification alone. Another $7,500 in processing gear. My point? When its done and useless, I may look at fractal. Until then...fuck it
great video, what is the difference between the AX8 and the AX8 Mk. II? and in 2020 how a unit like Hotone Ampero or Mooer GE300 can compare to the AX8 or AX8 MKII?
For me, the thing with Axe I-III compared with AX8 (and the upcoming FM3) is very similar to buying guitars. Roughly 1,000€ for a high-end ESP Ltd guitar with say... Evertune? Take my money! Around 2,000€ for a "real" ESP? -"Nah, why would I? Who really _needs_ that?" Yea, yea, the real ESPs have a higher quality but double the price tag worth of quality? The same thing applies to the Axe line and AX8 & FM3 - plus the form factor thing which only amplifies the dilemma further when trying to choose between the available options.
People still do buy the highest price range products and even if the sales in units are lower, the profit margin is well worth it compared to the upper-high range. I'm currently on the FM3 waitlist; can't wait.
Comment#118
They won’t change the AX-8. They will inevitably phase that out and make a new floor system based on the AXEFX 3.
I never purchased an AXE product if only because the technology moves as fast as the digital camera market. That said the AXE3 is the first AXE product I’m excited about because it’s a great audio interface as well as a simulator
You make a lot of sense man!! In my case im using hd500x as a interface and use helix native ..its saved me lot of bucks.. sound is incredible compared to pod hd500x and i only spent $200 for native.. n use pod as a midi interface to change fx blocks like a pedalboard...i am also waiting for ax8 2nd gen which hopefully has built in audio interface and a wah pedal..that would be just awesome and give helix run for its money
The best part of axe fx iii that in a few years you can have the it for chump change and it will sound just as good as today. That's what I love about digital, you can have yesterday's professional tech for next to nothing. Watch as the used "II" prices will drop like a rock in 2 years. I'm in at $500 used.
Started playing my Ultra again but through my expensive tube amp and cab, which is something I never did back in the day, when I was trying to do the crappy FRFR thing was able to finally get a sound that actually seems good. The stuff I've heard on the version 2 and 3 seems from my ears doesn't sound that much better than the Ultra. I think it is weird that you still need to tweak the shit out of the newer versions just to get the sound you are looking for. I've heard some really good sounds from much cheaper gear these days that is only missing that extra flexibility that an Axe-FX has. I really like the fact that a couple of these cheaper units have touch screens and the Axe-FX is still using excessive amounts of buttons to control it especially when you have a PC app.
Im full time musician performing cover almost every night and I only using boss gt10 for more than 10yrs now without any problems to get sound that I want from metal rock to pop r&b to pinkfloyd led zeppelin to jazz..nuno bettencourt only use boss gt8 till now😂..one more thing to remember that no matter how good ur rig if the house speaker/sub suck u still gonna sound suck to the audience..