The Axe-FX is still the ultimate modeller if you are into a truly full featured machine that has every tone and every bell and whistle you can possibly imagine and are willing to take a deep dive into crafting the most incredible patches you have not yet even imagined. If you just want something quick and easy that sounds good, there may be better choices for you. But if you're a geeker and tweaker and are chasing ultimate tones, that's what Fractals are all about and there's nothing else on their level.
I once had a Kemper, Axe FX iI XL2+ and a Helix. Had to cut down for financial reasons. I kept the Axe platform for exactly the reason of the deep dive ability, not just on the Amp Block, but Drive pedal Block, ant FX block, Cab block etc. In essence, it allows you to create new amps, drive pedals, fx, with the tweaks down to insane levels, combining etc. Finances got a little better, and was able to upgrade to the Axe FX III Mk 2 eventually.
@@b1gnutt Biggest difference AT THE TIME the III came out was horsepower and how involved you could make a preset. III is just more horsepower. That said, as of today, the Firmware on the III has made some not so small leaps ahead. THe biggest being Dyna Cabs. Tonally, the amp models and fx are bbetter on current III firmware, but more noticeable is the response and feel. That said, the Dyna Cabs really make a difference.
The difference are negligible. The top modelers/profilers are starting to be pretty similar if you ask me. At some point it will boil down to reliability, the UI, convenience, look, feature sets…
All these things are very true. Dino Cazqres made a really good point too, he said he started using modelers because one of his tube heads was stolen, and he didn’t want to risk that happening again.
@@TaylorDanley yep that was his Metalhead modded Marshall famous for the sounds on Demanufacture. Rare as hen's teeth now, that shop wasn't in business long.
@@soundstorm9508he did mention recently that he eventually got that stolen gear back something like 20 years later. He had some guitars in there that meant something to him, and that has gotta hurt.
And the truth is they’re all using the same open APIs to develop a solution for their platform, so take your pick. It’s all good, you just have to get the one that’s good for you.
If I had that money, probably I would stick with one modeller (I don't like digital stuff with rack size) + a TUBE poweramp and a compressor + pre like the EHX Optical-Tube Black Finger to put in front of the modeller and get away even from full sizes tube amps.
the best thing about the Axe is that you can mess with absolutely anything in the amp. it made me realise how much of a "sound" was in the speaker compression and cab.
I searched high and low when getting a fractal unit or a quad cortex. I had a kemper profiler at the time. It was great, but I really wanted a more all in one unit and the kemper stage wasn't as desirable. I looked at probably over a 100 videos of fractal vs Neural. No dis to Neural, but I think Fractal out does every aspect. Vintage tones are better, modern tones are better, Church tones are better, Prog and metal tones are better, AND my fm9 is built like a tank. I've had it for over a year now and couldn't be happier with it. It's amazing for both live use and home recording. Just a phenomenal rig. I can't get enough of it!
taylor tends to use the more saggy and sludgy metal tones, than the tight ones that start and stop on a dime.... it isn't a bad tone, just something different
In mix anyone of them is actually more than enough ,but if we say on minimum details, qc has polished and actually best top end,it doesn't has the aggressive harshness which amp n af has,cool!!
The QC sound good, but there's just more girth to the AxeFX sound. I'm in the process of working out which of the 1 to 1.5k GBP modellers to get. I think I'm leaning an FM3 at this point. QC is a close second though.
Nice comparison. Axe FX is slightly better on amp models, and is in another universe in routing options, effects, I/O. etc etc. I'd be interested in a low/mid gain amps comparison. Fenders, Vox's and the like. Everyone seems to be able to do heavy sounds fairly well. But edge of breakup sorts the wheat from the chaff.
I own a lot of modelers for making these videos, and I could never use any of them to replace what my axefx does. It's too powerful, and processes my entire back line. Not going anywhere... until maybe the AXEFX 4
QC can be put in the back pack and UI interface is easier. Plus you can download plugins and capture other real amps. For a very subtle difference, if I were to buy I would possibly go with QC. FX 3 might be a bit better but does not justify the logistics cost.
Being a previous owner of the QC, i can tell you that there's a lot of shit captures out there as there is with the Kemper. I think that the modelling in the QC was much better than the captures available. Just sold the unit though, so i wont be able to speak for the future plugin feature.
I love Boogie cabs but if you ever get a chance to try out a Marshall 1960a or 1960b I highly recommend I played a 5150 thru one for years and it was amazing. I've also owned Boogies that were amazing as well not trying to say one is better or worse with top end gear better / worse is subjective its all so good.
I actually bought a 1960a recently because I felt like it was a good compliment for the mesa cab, so I could switch between the two. Still prefer the Mesa, but it's nice having a different cab that is a bit smoother.
I think you should revisit this competition and include a couple other modelers, then do blind samples of each on a killer metal setting, and the at the end of the video, expose which is which. It could lower people’s expectations on which modelers needs to sound a certain way.
Are you playing the QC through the cab? If so, what are you using to power the cab? I am in the market and would like the option to just play through a 2x12 cab but power amps seem like a controversial topic as to which gets you the cleanest tone.
Favor: can you please do a detailed video about using your Axe Fx3 with your backing tracks setup, maybe starting at the DAW and ending at your connections to the House PA?
How are you monitoring the QC and Axe? Is it going direct to your interface or were you going through the fx return into your 4x12? If running it direct; I assume you were using IRs matched to the speakers in your cab?
All three sound amazing! I sold my Axe III for the QC because of the UI alone. SO easy to navigate. AF has a tremendous amount of tweak ability, but I just didn’t use them.
Lol I sold my axe fx to get a qc. Now this week I just sold my qc to buy another axe fx. I was just underwhelmed with the effects and the tones were no better yo me. Also it’s bee out for over a year and has had like 1 update. I don’t know if neural is just staying quiet cuz something big is coming or what. But fractal is the proven company, the axefx is more powerful can literally do anything
@@Bsaunders17 QC has had 3 updates this year. Axe3 is almost $1200 more than QC when you get the footswitch. Tone is subjective, but the QC captures sound better to me than Fractal and you don’t have endless tweaking of parameters to make it sound good. QC doesn’t need a computer interface. I’m just glad digital amps have improved so much. So much better than the POD days!
1. PEAVEY of course. 2. Axe fx III because is more selective than QC in the mix. 3. QC. PS. I like both of them. They are very similar and Ill write more which is better amp or modeller below your another movie...
Good video man, I'm just worried about the quality of the quad cortex, I keep hearing about software issues, some of the quad cortex just die from nothing and others even have some lose screws inside... to be honest I never heard of that last one before on a product that almost cost 2k... but putting that aside may I ask you what kind of guitar is that? looks brutal lml
I have both,, I'm 57... I never even break out the axe fx3 anymore. The quad is just so easy to use. It literally takes 2 seconds to make a change on anything. They both sound great, but ease of use. I hate using a laptop n mouse !!! Quad Cortex for me.
I know this is really old and I doubt anyones gonna answer, but do yall think I should go AxeFx 2 or Quad Cortex? I'm trying to buy used and theres an extremely cheap AxeFx 2, but I would need to buy a foot controller and it isn't being updated anymore. QC is way more expensive, but its already a floor unit and way newer
So I've decided I am going to get either the QC or AF3 - I intend to pair with a Fryette LX II....I'd be interested to hear which unit you you think "feels" more like playing an actual amp? I had the original Axe Fx and the thing I couldn't get passed was the lack of "feel" .....hoping the modeler technology has bridged that gap enough that paired with the LXII will get me where I want to be.
the original axe was 10 years ago and things have prgressed so much that I could not even tell you. try the axe you will not regret it, you can try it if you do not like it send it back. I promise you will not send it back. qc is to new not much out there for updates and lots of things will limit you. they promised things 2 years ago that still are not out but they keep making vst for computers. what a bunch of crap... fractal on the other hand has new things all the time and well it speaks for its self try it out.
I choose the Peavey 5150 all day´s in the week ;) It never gets old, Maybe the AXE Fx and qard cortex May be more versitile but the 5150 can do anything,....that it takes to make a song,..I also like the formfactor of the Quad Cortex is nice,...Thank´s Taylor ;)
When i tried all of the heavy amps lately on my new QC i wasn't satisfied with all of them but i guess im just spoiled/used to my Randall Satan too much :) it's not the modelers "fault"
AXE FX is raw, and QC is more polished, So i'm sure in a live mix the AXE FX gonna be more present. And polishing a Raw sound is easier than vice versa. For me AXE FX alle the way
The riff in solo was very telling for me. Tbh, they all three sound the same. It literally sounds like you took the actual amp and put a high pass filter on it with the axe fx being the darkest sounding. I think folks should buy whatever makes them happy and inspires them to play more. Use whatever tool makes your job easier
@@Solaratheband nah it’s an affordable price and does way more than I have any need for. I’m jealous of the interface and that’s it. Fractal features and sound are out of the park better even on the baby FM3.
I loved how good the Axe-Fx in the mix, even better than the real amp for me, It is so dynamic more focused and well balanced. I feel very happy to have one in my rig, again. Thanks for the video man.
If you are only concerned with amp.modeling u suppose it's close enough not to matter. However the Axe3 goes way beyond amp modeling. There is no effect you can not reproduce with the Fractal
I think if you could make a gig ready preset dailing on both the units then, in terms of ease of use quick accessibility etc then it would be more helpful to make the purchase. Because just the sound wise both sounds identical to each other. And also we can’t understand how both unit responds dynamically. So I would suggest that if you could give your thoughts on both unit and comparing how both unit functions onboard etc then it would make more sense for us to get an idea. Cheers❤️
Who cares really about comparing by a hairs here they all sound great. I'm an ambient player and I also do space black metal too. Axe fx 3 all day for too many reasons to list here because it can do millions of more things than the other units a-b'ed in this video. The delays and reverbs alone are worth the price of the axe fx 3.
Came for the shootout, ended up obsessed with 1:28 - 1:56, is that an actual song or just a riff you came up with? Either way, I love it! As for which one it's hard to say, as much as I want a Quad Cortex I think the Axe FX has more "grit", if that makes sense
I think this didn't give axe fx iii justice. If it was just trying to sound like a basic amp then sure it will sound the same. Axe fx can do tone matching which wins for so many reasons. You can download someone's tone match and get a very very accurate tone super quickly. The capture in quad cortex is crap compared to axe fx in my opinion It also can do more tweaking. That can win for many.
Do you think I should sell my 5150 head for a axe fx? I always wanted a axe fx to get all kind of sound in my room but don’t know if I want sell my amp and not have a relic. Thoughts?
I have axe fx 2 and love it to death.. But seriously the capture is way closer to the real amp then axe fx 3. I would love to get a fm9 but due to stock constraints, I will now get quad cortex. Sorry fractal but I need something to replace my axe fx 2 now not 1 year coz ya I am not even in the waiting list as its not sold in Australia...
I love my AxeFxIII; best buy in many years when it comes to gear. The Cortex is an interesting unit but one thing was something that I wondered about from the beginning: when playing live in/on a shitty venue with piss and puke everywhere; the footknops are the encoders to tweak the unit. Does Neural send a pair of rubber gloves with it when ordering a unit? I liked the sound of all the three forms. Nice vid, thank you.
🙏 yeah you can buy a cover for it to protect the screen, but to me if you are going to use it live, I’d leave it in a rack and automate the patch changes or use a midi controller
If I had to choose the Axe FX over the Quad, It's Axe FX all day. The Quad has a high end fizz that is really annoying to listen to, It's a combination between the IRs that were loaded and their EQs, plus the sound of the digital signal being replicated. lol in a mix most people wouldn't hear it but on its own, its annoying. Fractal definitely nipped the bud in that sense, their IR EQ is much easier to listen to.
I prefer both of the modellers to the amp head - that said, back in the 90's I didn't like the 120w head. The 60w combo version was utterly insane and sounded amazing but the head was sterile. But combo's "aren't metal" so everyone went for the head. IF and I say that in big letters... IF you crank the volume then the amp sounds OK but if you piss around with the master at 3 or 4 then it's ass all day. Eddie designed this for him to run at 10. Literally.
It's very easy to get fanboyish about these things (disclosure: I have a QC). Spending a little time on guitar forums this last year I've found the modelling part of forums very similar to gamer forums with people championing their own box and throwing shade at the other. I'm going to be no fun however and say these all sound great to me and if I had an Axe when the QC came out I probably wouldn't change over. The QC just came out at the right time for me when I was already using their amazing plugins and I had an idea what I'd be getting into whereas the Axe is not something you can trial anywhere 'round these parts. I'm really happy with it and interested to see it progress, though, and don't feel I'm missing out anywhere. It's all good. It's a great time to be alive really. If all this stuff was out 20 years ago I might've learnt guitar then instead of waiting for a midlife crisis.
Yeah that is true, a lot of what you see is confirmation bias. I say if you have a DOD grunge pedal, and it’s your favorite thing ever, then stick with it! Use the gear that makes you happy.
Yeah I have an Axe3 but the QC is clearly a great product and I'd probably be happy with that too, I still remember the days of Zoom multifx. **Shudders**. We've come a long way!
Putting things on exactly the same settings is a somewhat flawed methodology IMO. Even two real 5150s with consecutive serial numbers will sound a little different with exactly the same settings. The question really is can you tweak x thing versus y thing to sound close to each other. If you can achieve that than the exact numbers on the settings are irrelevant. This was a great comparison regardless I just find the "exact same settings" approach very odd considering that's just not how gear works in reality.
I will see people do it with pedals a lot. Say vintage vs repro. They'll set them up with exactly the same knob positions and say "ah ha the repro sucks!" when if they turned the dials just a little on the repro they would sound exactly the same. JHS pedals has demonstrated this nicely many times.
If axe fx moves into the amp capturing realm and gets it right....... There really won't be a real use for any other modeler except for price and an easy/simple user UI. Especially if you like using real cabs. Axe edit does simply a lot of things but there's just way too much availability in the axe fx 3 to make it simple like helix "which i had" or the quad cortex because it's not a simple unit. You can literally mod an amp in axe fx simply on axe edit from pre and power amp tubes, bias or go to the speaker page of the amp block and dial in the resonant frequency of that amp block to match you actual 112, 212 or 412 cab and if you don't know what the frequency of your can is, Leon Todd offers a free patch designed to help you find it. Lol. The possibilities with axe fx are far beyond the quad cortex and helix combined. Not to mention so the updates since this video was made. Man if axe fx just had amp capturing. So that being said the quad cortex is badass and a better choice to helix and Kemper. Imagine how much better the next quad cortex is going to be! It is their first unit and not a bad option of you're not wanting to shell out for the axe fx 3. I am curious though. The amp models in quad cortex, are those amp captures or a form of modeling similar to what axe fx or helix is doing!
How is this channel not more popular.. great editing and stuff.
The Axe-FX is still the ultimate modeller if you are into a truly full featured machine that has every tone and every bell and whistle you can possibly imagine and are willing to take a deep dive into crafting the most incredible patches you have not yet even imagined. If you just want something quick and easy that sounds good, there may be better choices for you. But if you're a geeker and tweaker and are chasing ultimate tones, that's what Fractals are all about and there's nothing else on their level.
I once had a Kemper, Axe FX iI XL2+ and a Helix. Had to cut down for financial reasons. I kept the Axe platform for exactly the reason of the deep dive ability, not just on the Amp Block, but Drive pedal Block, ant FX block, Cab block etc. In essence, it allows you to create new amps, drive pedals, fx, with the tweaks down to insane levels, combining etc. Finances got a little better, and was able to upgrade to the Axe FX III Mk 2 eventually.
How BIG of a difference is there between the AXE2 xl plus to the 3 sound wise?
@@b1gnutt Biggest difference AT THE TIME the III came out was horsepower and how involved you could make a preset. III is just more horsepower. That said, as of today, the Firmware on the III has made some not so small leaps ahead. THe biggest being Dyna Cabs. Tonally, the amp models and fx are bbetter on current III firmware, but more noticeable is the response and feel. That said, the Dyna Cabs really make a difference.
The difference are negligible. The top modelers/profilers are starting to be pretty similar if you ask me. At some point it will boil down to reliability, the UI, convenience, look, feature sets…
All these things are very true. Dino Cazqres made a really good point too, he said he started using modelers because one of his tube heads was stolen, and he didn’t want to risk that happening again.
@@TaylorDanley yep that was his Metalhead modded Marshall famous for the sounds on Demanufacture. Rare as hen's teeth now, that shop wasn't in business long.
@@soundstorm9508he did mention recently that he eventually got that stolen gear back something like 20 years later. He had some guitars in there that meant something to him, and that has gotta hurt.
And the truth is they’re all using the same open APIs to develop a solution for their platform, so take your pick. It’s all good, you just have to get the one that’s good for you.
They all sound so awesome! I love this channel!!! I was especially excited when I heard the music lol 🤣
Thank you Taylor for tackling the questions all us metal heads ask ourselves. The block letter reigns supreme it sounds nasty!
If I had that money, probably I would stick with one modeller (I don't like digital stuff with rack size) + a TUBE poweramp and a compressor + pre like the EHX Optical-Tube Black Finger to put in front of the modeller and get away even from full sizes tube amps.
Dude good vid. I really like the comparison.
i really like the low end on the QC! the axe sounds so robust tho! i must have both!!
Why?
I like that your intro is 2 seconds long and then you get right to the content 👍
I agree with this. No "look at me" 3 min jam intro but straight to the point.
the best thing about the Axe is that you can mess with absolutely anything in the amp. it made me realise how much of a "sound" was in the speaker compression and cab.
*Me just discovering 80s clean sounds with no speaker.
I searched high and low when getting a fractal unit or a quad cortex. I had a kemper profiler at the time. It was great, but I really wanted a more all in one unit and the kemper stage wasn't as desirable. I looked at probably over a 100 videos of fractal vs Neural. No dis to Neural, but I think Fractal out does every aspect. Vintage tones are better, modern tones are better, Church tones are better, Prog and metal tones are better, AND my fm9 is built like a tank. I've had it for over a year now and couldn't be happier with it. It's amazing for both live use and home recording. Just a phenomenal rig. I can't get enough of it!
Alliteration is used at 2:57
@ 0:58 I dont think I've heard a 5150 sound worse...
taylor tends to use the more saggy and sludgy metal tones, than the tight ones that start and stop on a dime....
it isn't a bad tone, just something different
Real amp by a hair
Both the qc and axe fx sounded great
Im not regretting moving over to the qc from tube amps
excellent video, so much fun. Thank you Taylor :)
🤘🥳
In mix anyone of them is actually more than enough ,but if we say on minimum details, qc has polished and actually best top end,it doesn't has the aggressive harshness which amp n af has,cool!!
So long as your greeting doesn’t sound like there’s an implied “m’lady” lurking at the end, you’re golden.
🤣
great video, thanks. Really went the extra mile by recording the song 3 times and switching between each piece of gear.
Thanks! That's the only way to do it justice IMO!
just bought the Quad Cortex. I don't get it until mid August. Can't wait!
What an excellent video!!!
"what's up chuggers My name is Taylor"
The QC sound good, but there's just more girth to the AxeFX sound. I'm in the process of working out which of the 1 to 1.5k GBP modellers to get. I think I'm leaning an FM3 at this point. QC is a close second though.
What guitar is that? 🧐
Looks like Jackson Kelly but headstock does not 😮
Damn man, I was listening without looking and everything sounded similar. No idea which was which
Nice comparison. Axe FX is slightly better on amp models, and is in another universe in routing options, effects, I/O. etc etc. I'd be interested in a low/mid gain amps comparison. Fenders, Vox's and the like. Everyone seems to be able to do heavy sounds fairly well. But edge of breakup sorts the wheat from the chaff.
I own a lot of modelers for making these videos, and I could never use any of them to replace what my axefx does. It's too powerful, and processes my entire back line. Not going anywhere... until maybe the AXEFX 4
Killer riffs... what guitar is that?
Hey, what's the deal with the Grimmoire guitar? Who makes it? Or what model?
Deviant Guitars, check my IG
Holy cow! What is that song you used for the demo???
It's from my band, Sacrificer.. a song we are working on
Nissssssssssssssssssce 🍻
Quadro Cortexo sounded crisper than the AXo FXo. But nothing beats an actual amp!
QC can be put in the back pack and UI interface is easier.
Plus you can download plugins and capture other real amps.
For a very subtle difference, if I were to buy I would possibly go with QC. FX 3 might be a bit better but does not justify the logistics cost.
Being a previous owner of the QC, i can tell you that there's a lot of shit captures out there as there is with the Kemper.
I think that the modelling in the QC was much better than the captures available. Just sold the unit though, so i wont be able to speak for the future plugin feature.
What is that odd shaped thing on the rack shelf with a small screen?
The Cortex needs a external power source too?
Hey man! Love your channel! May I ask you what Ir are you using ?
Thanks! ML Sound Lab Djent IR
@@TaylorDanley was about asking the same one! Do you remember by any chance which IR? I already have the mega djent pack :)
@@andreaseveso I think that’s what it was called, it’s one of the premixed IRs in the pack…
… just looked it’s called MIX DJENT
What are u using for the drums?
Perfect Drums VSTi
I love Boogie cabs but if you ever get a chance to try out a Marshall 1960a or 1960b I highly recommend
I played a 5150 thru one for years and it was amazing. I've also owned Boogies that were amazing as well not trying
to say one is better or worse with top end gear better / worse is subjective its all so good.
I actually bought a 1960a recently because I felt like it was a good compliment for the mesa cab, so I could switch between the two. Still prefer the Mesa, but it's nice having a different cab that is a bit smoother.
I think you should revisit this competition and include a couple other modelers, then do blind samples of each on a killer metal setting, and the at the end of the video, expose which is which. It could lower people’s expectations on which modelers needs to sound a certain way.
Great video. I wonder how the Line 6 Helix compare to these.
What a cool looking guitar. What's the make and model?
This is a collab between myself and deviant guitars! There’s more info on my IG. I will make a video on it as soon as we tweak a few things 🤘🤘
Are you playing the QC through the cab? If so, what are you using to power the cab? I am in the market and would like the option to just play through a 2x12 cab but power amps seem like a controversial topic as to which gets you the cleanest tone.
GT1000 is the official power amp rack for the Axe Fx so it would be pretty good with the QC as well. I think
came for guitar tone, but what drum sampler is this?
Thanks, Now I want Fractal even more
🤣 sorry dude. They are really cool though!
Favor: can you please do a detailed video about using your Axe Fx3 with your backing tracks setup, maybe starting at the DAW and ending at your connections to the House PA?
I've done this before, but probably time for an update.
@@TaylorDanley Or point to previous video if you've down this already....
@@Ghaos ua-cam.com/video/scC8cp7lshA/v-deo.html
@@TaylorDanley Found them. Thanks dude.
How are you monitoring the QC and Axe? Is it going direct to your interface or were you going through the fx return into your 4x12? If running it direct; I assume you were using IRs matched to the speakers in your cab?
All three sound amazing! I sold my Axe III for the QC because of the UI alone. SO easy to navigate. AF has a tremendous amount of tweak ability, but I just didn’t use them.
Yeah the UI is a BIG plus, especially by comparison
Lol I sold my axe fx to get a qc. Now this week I just sold my qc to buy another axe fx. I was just underwhelmed with the effects and the tones were no better yo me. Also it’s bee out for over a year and has had like 1 update. I don’t know if neural is just staying quiet cuz something big is coming or what. But fractal is the proven company, the axefx is more powerful can literally do anything
@@Bsaunders17 QC has had 3 updates this year. Axe3 is almost $1200 more than QC when you get the footswitch. Tone is subjective, but the QC captures sound better to me than Fractal and you don’t have endless tweaking of parameters to make it sound good. QC doesn’t need a computer interface. I’m just glad digital amps have improved so much. So much better than the POD days!
@Ken Turpin the real comparison is with the FM9 though... $200+ cheaper than the QC
would you sell it for a good price to someone who could not afford one ,
1. PEAVEY of course. 2. Axe fx III because is more selective than QC in the mix. 3. QC. PS. I like both of them. They are very similar and Ill write more which is better amp or modeller below your another movie...
A good time to be a guitar player, when when not one but both modelers sound very good!
Good video man, I'm just worried about the quality of the quad cortex, I keep hearing about software issues, some of the quad cortex just die from nothing and others even have some lose screws inside... to be honest I never heard of that last one before on a product that almost cost 2k... but putting that aside may I ask you what kind of guitar is that? looks brutal lml
Thanks! Haven’t had any issues with mine, but again, not going to be stepping on it anytime soon!
Something is up with Finnish made electronics. I had a microtubes pedal's power jack go to shit recently.
Very romantic track for test, good job!
I have both,, I'm 57... I never even break out the axe fx3 anymore. The quad is just so easy to use. It literally takes 2 seconds to make a change on anything. They both sound great, but ease of use. I hate using a laptop n mouse !!! Quad Cortex for me.
I know this is really old and I doubt anyones gonna answer, but do yall think I should go AxeFx 2 or Quad Cortex? I'm trying to buy used and theres an extremely cheap AxeFx 2, but I would need to buy a foot controller and it isn't being updated anymore. QC is way more expensive, but its already a floor unit and way newer
So I've decided I am going to get either the QC or AF3 - I intend to pair with a Fryette LX II....I'd be interested to hear which unit you you think "feels" more like playing an actual amp? I had the original Axe Fx and the thing I couldn't get passed was the lack of "feel" .....hoping the modeler technology has bridged that gap enough that paired with the LXII will get me where I want to be.
the original axe was 10 years ago and things have prgressed so much that I could not even tell you. try the axe you will not regret it, you can try it if you do not like it send it back. I promise you will not send it back. qc is to new not much out there for updates and lots of things will limit you. they promised things 2 years ago that still are not out but they keep making vst for computers. what a bunch of crap... fractal on the other hand has new things all the time and well it speaks for its self try it out.
What kind of guitar is that?
You do the best Chanel about meat guitar sound!
I choose the Peavey 5150 all day´s in the week ;) It never gets old, Maybe the AXE Fx and qard cortex May be more versitile but the 5150 can do anything,....that it takes to make a song,..I also like the formfactor of the Quad Cortex is nice,...Thank´s Taylor ;)
🤘🤘
Great video! Both sound great! In the case of QC did you use factory amp simulations or did you use some capture ?
All the best
When i tried all of the heavy amps lately on my new QC i wasn't satisfied with all of them but i guess im just spoiled/used to my Randall Satan too much :) it's not the modelers "fault"
Thats a good reason! Wonder if they’ll add that ever? 🤔
@@TaylorDanley i really hope they add atleast the natas!
are you using the real amp as a power amp?
AXE FX is raw, and QC is more polished, So i'm sure in a live mix the AXE FX gonna be more present. And polishing a Raw sound is easier than vice versa. For me AXE FX alle the way
I think theres a difference with the mic positioning (during the mix comparison) from the actual 5150 and the Axe FX III
To my ear the 5150 sounded significantly better. Sweet harmonic overtones clearly discernible @ 9:30.
I bet you couldn’t pick the right one for if you were blind folded 😂
I think I like the axe fx the most, but I did like the tight controlled low end on the quad cortex!
How much did the whole Axe Fx III rig cost to put together??
The riff in solo was very telling for me. Tbh, they all three sound the same. It literally sounds like you took the actual amp and put a high pass filter on it with the axe fx being the darkest sounding. I think folks should buy whatever makes them happy and inspires them to play more. Use whatever tool makes your job easier
Dude...you HAD to know someone was going to ask this. Have you made a tone capture of your 5150 using your Quad Cortex?
Yes actually, and I love it 🤣. I’ll upload to the cloud here at some point
@@TaylorDanley would love some di captures!
I may be biased to fractal but damn that mix in the battle was sick and the fractal imo sounded the best.
Nah man, you’re just bummed you spent that much on the worst of all them
QC is the best
@@Solaratheband nah it’s an affordable price and does way more than I have any need for. I’m jealous of the interface and that’s it. Fractal features and sound are out of the park better even on the baby FM3.
What's up my fellow metalheads
I loved how good the Axe-Fx in the mix, even better than the real amp for me, It is so dynamic more focused and well balanced. I feel very happy to have one in my rig, again. Thanks for the video man.
If you are only concerned with amp.modeling u suppose it's close enough not to matter. However the Axe3 goes way beyond amp modeling. There is no effect you can not reproduce with the Fractal
I think if you could make a gig ready preset dailing on both the units then, in terms of ease of use quick accessibility etc then it would be more helpful to make the purchase. Because just the sound wise both sounds identical to each other. And also we can’t understand how both unit responds dynamically. So I would suggest that if you could give your thoughts on both unit and comparing how both unit functions onboard etc then it would make more sense for us to get an idea. Cheers❤️
At least the way the eq is dialed in, I would say the QC is closest to the real amp
Who cares really about comparing by a hairs here they all sound great.
I'm an ambient player and I also do space black metal too. Axe fx 3 all day for too many reasons to list here because it can do millions of more things than the other units a-b'ed in this video. The delays and reverbs alone are worth the price of the axe fx 3.
Me as a Quad Cortex user can accept why the Axe Fx is still superior in many aspects. At the is going to depend on the user needs and scenarios.
"Chug!" instead of "hi" as a greeting
Came for the shootout, ended up obsessed with 1:28 - 1:56, is that an actual song or just a riff you came up with? Either way, I love it!
As for which one it's hard to say, as much as I want a Quad Cortex I think the Axe FX has more "grit", if that makes sense
Thanks! It’s from my band Sacrificer, song is called “whites of their eyes”
I think this didn't give axe fx iii justice. If it was just trying to sound like a basic amp then sure it will sound the same.
Axe fx can do tone matching which wins for so many reasons. You can download someone's tone match and get a very very accurate tone super quickly. The capture in quad cortex is crap compared to axe fx in my opinion
It also can do more tweaking. That can win for many.
I wish I could afford that 5150 head right now and an axe fx.
Do you think I should sell my 5150 head for a axe fx? I always wanted a axe fx to get all kind of sound in my room but don’t know if I want sell my amp and not have a relic. Thoughts?
Personally, I wouldn’t. But I also love having the real thing available, so I’m biased!
Get an Axe FX, you will NOT regret it. Being able to get killer tones at bedroom levels and not have to crack a valve head is worth it alone.
@Taylor Which for High gain! Go! :D) I'm debating feedback appreciated :)
I have axe fx 2 and love it to death.. But seriously the capture is way closer to the real amp then axe fx 3. I would love to get a fm9 but due to stock constraints, I will now get quad cortex. Sorry fractal but I need something to replace my axe fx 2 now not 1 year coz ya I am not even in the waiting list as its not sold in Australia...
I love my AxeFxIII; best buy in many years when it comes to gear. The Cortex is an interesting unit but one thing was something that I wondered about from the beginning: when playing live in/on a shitty venue with piss and puke everywhere; the footknops are the encoders to tweak the unit. Does Neural send a pair of rubber gloves with it when ordering a unit?
I liked the sound of all the three forms. Nice vid, thank you.
🙏 yeah you can buy a cover for it to protect the screen, but to me if you are going to use it live, I’d leave it in a rack and automate the patch changes or use a midi controller
I suppose it's same as the FM3, FM9. To be honest, if there's piss and puke on the stage I'd get another gig.
AXE FX in the mix sounded a bit off as it has more pronounced mids, QC sounded "relaxed/airy", 5150 sounded so pissed of and most scooped.
Tone is stored in the slippers
Exactly
If I had to choose the Axe FX over the Quad, It's Axe FX all day. The Quad has a high end fizz that is really annoying to listen to, It's a combination between the IRs that were loaded and their EQs, plus the sound of the digital signal being replicated. lol in a mix most people wouldn't hear it but on its own, its annoying. Fractal definitely nipped the bud in that sense, their IR EQ is much easier to listen to.
the axefx just has so much support and a massive community to get rid of.
Greeting request: Ahoy, tone sailors!
Oh that’s a really good one!
Start it with... Sup Bro :)
🤣🥳
I liked the Quad over the AxeFX when solo'd. In the context of mix, there wasn't much difference between all 3.
PV 505 is a 6505 on the QC
The AxeFX definitely sounds more like your real amp and the Quad Cortex is definitely cleaner! They all sound great though!
I prefer both of the modellers to the amp head - that said, back in the 90's I didn't like the 120w head. The 60w combo version was utterly insane and sounded amazing but the head was sterile.
But combo's "aren't metal" so everyone went for the head.
IF and I say that in big letters... IF you crank the volume then the amp sounds OK but if you piss around with the master at 3 or 4 then it's ass all day. Eddie designed this for him to run at 10. Literally.
Both the QC and Axe fx sound REALLY good. I can’t help but lean towards the fractal just for the sake of the limitless options though.
Same
Volume in comparing is not the same. Axe is higher and volume does placebo effects. This said..today the user is the difference
It's very easy to get fanboyish about these things (disclosure: I have a QC). Spending a little time on guitar forums this last year I've found the modelling part of forums very similar to gamer forums with people championing their own box and throwing shade at the other.
I'm going to be no fun however and say these all sound great to me and if I had an Axe when the QC came out I probably wouldn't change over. The QC just came out at the right time for me when I was already using their amazing plugins and I had an idea what I'd be getting into whereas the Axe is not something you can trial anywhere 'round these parts. I'm really happy with it and interested to see it progress, though, and don't feel I'm missing out anywhere.
It's all good. It's a great time to be alive really. If all this stuff was out 20 years ago I might've learnt guitar then instead of waiting for a midlife crisis.
Yeah that is true, a lot of what you see is confirmation bias. I say if you have a DOD grunge pedal, and it’s your favorite thing ever, then stick with it! Use the gear that makes you happy.
Yeah I have an Axe3 but the QC is clearly a great product and I'd probably be happy with that too, I still remember the days of Zoom multifx. **Shudders**. We've come a long way!
Great comparison! New to the channel by the way, didn't find any info about that gorgeous guitar with a quick glance. What is it?
Welcome! It's called Grimoire and it's a collaboration between myself and Deviant Guitars
Putting things on exactly the same settings is a somewhat flawed methodology IMO. Even two real 5150s with consecutive serial numbers will sound a little different with exactly the same settings.
The question really is can you tweak x thing versus y thing to sound close to each other. If you can achieve that than the exact numbers on the settings are irrelevant.
This was a great comparison regardless I just find the "exact same settings" approach very odd considering that's just not how gear works in reality.
I will see people do it with pedals a lot. Say vintage vs repro. They'll set them up with exactly the same knob positions and say "ah ha the repro sucks!" when if they turned the dials just a little on the repro they would sound exactly the same. JHS pedals has demonstrated this nicely many times.
I like the Axe3
If axe fx moves into the amp capturing realm and gets it right....... There really won't be a real use for any other modeler except for price and an easy/simple user UI. Especially if you like using real cabs. Axe edit does simply a lot of things but there's just way too much availability in the axe fx 3 to make it simple like helix "which i had" or the quad cortex because it's not a simple unit. You can literally mod an amp in axe fx simply on axe edit from pre and power amp tubes, bias or go to the speaker page of the amp block and dial in the resonant frequency of that amp block to match you actual 112, 212 or 412 cab and if you don't know what the frequency of your can is, Leon Todd offers a free patch designed to help you find it. Lol. The possibilities with axe fx are far beyond the quad cortex and helix combined. Not to mention so the updates since this video was made. Man if axe fx just had amp capturing. So that being said the quad cortex is badass and a better choice to helix and Kemper. Imagine how much better the next quad cortex is going to be! It is their first unit and not a bad option of you're not wanting to shell out for the axe fx 3. I am curious though. The amp models in quad cortex, are those amp captures or a form of modeling similar to what axe fx or helix is doing!
5150s are so different. If I had mine set to these setting it would sound nothing like this. Literally not even close.
Pickups matter too