Lately, running a 7-string Schecter through a lightly modded (1 resistor swapped to retain more bass with either gain knobs pulled -- and a slightly more modern sound) Rockmaster pre/Classic 120 power amp/V30 112 cab. And running direct is becoming more important to me. But I'm not quite satisfied with even the best plugins I've tried, yet the preamp provides a little something that seems missing to me from the plugins when I run it direct into a good IR. Though now I'm jonesing for an 8-string after listening to some new and older Meshuggah songs and covers. :D Thanks for so many awesome videos, and I always enjoy your various playing styles and tones. 8)
Upgrading from a GSP1101 to an Axe 2XL+. The GSP is decent but the Axe I'd say is as close to real amp as you could get. It just feels like an amp to me even in headphones.
“Contingent on how you might feel in a particular moment “ This. There are so many mornings I’ll pull up a sound I was loving the previous night and it just sounds… not right. Learning to ride the wave of your moods is an art of its own.
When I got a Fractal, among other things I have used it as a way to preview what I can expect to get from certain real tube amps. I've literally bought more tube amps SINCE getting my Fractal, than I ever had before I got the Fractal. To me it was a gateway drug that guided me to amps I wanted to buy. And the Fractal itself is a nearly bottomless pit of musical creativity. I love it as much as I love plugging into a dimed Marshall Superlead. For different reasons.
Your performances are a joy to listen to. I have my unit dialed in for 25 songs in our set... My sound is pristine incredible every time. This video helps me as a composer understand the unit. When I'm writing a song I can envision much more wide-ranging sounds to use and dial them in quickly. You inspire me Leon!!!
Even though I don't own a Fractal unit (I have a Helix), I found this really interesting because of the focus on the why more than the how, applicable no matter what modeler you have. And I couldn't agree more that it's all about the excitement and inspiration these units can give you if you let them.
That 'decision' comment really struck a chord with me! Thank you It's probably the most important thing i've heard any youtuber give to me think about in fact, thank you again! Fabulous channel
I have just bought an axe FX III and coming from kemper. Boy, wish I saved a little longer and bough this first. It's really blew me away. I've had my kemper for 3 years, and I've always been 90% happy with it. I've profiled my own amps, and I've still not been that overly impressed. I love writing and exploring new sounds. You really struggle to do this with kemper. I've bought hundreds of profiles, and the high gain ones never and I mean never sounded the way I wanted them. Any parameter change you do with the unit, makes it sound like an old line 6 spider amp. Anyway, I've not stopped playing my guitar this whole week since owning it. I am so blown away. The sound and feel is literally next to none, I never got that with kemper unfortunately. I tend to plug my headphones in and play at night to clear my head, problem is I'm discovering so many new sounds and things to play with, I'm up all night stank facing and playing an arena! Your vids have been essential for me learning the ways of the axe. So a massive thanks to you and if anyone wants a kemper, I've got one for sale! Happy stank face alll
The greatest feature of the axe fx is that it lets you create pretty much any sound. The Kemper just sounds like the profiles of different amps. Its great for its own thing but falls way short in the fx's and tweekability. Kemper profiles often sound kinda bad or OK like you said because they were profiled by other players. It's kind of like letting someone else set the amp for you. I certainly agree that the axe is the superior unit in my opinion.
I have to admit i really like the Kemper, and the powered version is a pretty awesome solution for people who want the convenience of digital with the "plug and play" feature a head gives you. Ultimately the Axe works a lot better for me for a lot of the reasons you outlined - in particular having the Boogie models in the Axe react exactly like the real amps makes me a very, very happy man.
Such a wise statement about the guitar tone modeling thing: having a comprehensive set of options is a feature, not a bug. Flexibility and versatility at user tips. User decides how deep to go. By far, one of your best videos ever Leon. Powerful message. Thanks for all you do
I'm not going to say you sold me on it, but your quality content definitely helped. The FM3 has changed my 'sitting front of my pc guitar noodler hobbyist' life. Cheers!
A year later and still love my FM3. I ran it through an FRFR and computer monitors and it was great, up until I decided to run it through a real 2x12 cab with Eminence Legends and a power amp and its the best tone I've ever had. I spend more time playing than building presets.
Boss katana head for me. Traditionally i have always been a boogie player but over the years i have gotten tired of dealing with tube amps (expensive maintenance, weight,etc…). I bought the katana when the pandemic started and was blown away by its versatility, tone and weight. I play in a progressive rock band so I need to have a lot of different tones. I also do collaborations with artists in different genres. The katana does everything in my opinion. This amp actually saved my ass. My band had a gig booked for the first time in two years due to the pandemic. We practiced the night before the show. I brought my mark four and katana as a back up. I plugged the Mesa in and it sounded like crap because oops a tube was going bad. I plugged the katana in and wow it was incredible. It’s like all of the annoying things about tubes are not a thing with the Katana. Don’t get me wrong, I do love the sound of tube amplifiers, but they are just irritating to deal with. I currently have three tube amplifiers all of which are broken and in need of service. Sometimes servicing these amplifiers can cost you hundreds of dollars a pop. So, I love that solid state gear is sounding better and better as the technology improves.
Leon, you are such an inspiration to me! I bought the AXE FX3 MK2 and a Day after i first plugged it in, i found your Channel! In my opninion, the AXE is everything i wanted in my early Guitar days back in the 80´s! (many of the gear, i saw in your videos -- i used it myself. ADA etc... at the moment i own an Intellifex and a Korg A3) All the stuff with switiching, controlling and mixing.. all the effects and ---- the sound!! I love your playing style and your feeling! So the only sad thing is, you are living in australia :) So many Greetings from Germany!! Please - stay as you are!
Great video with feelings from the heart. I agree. Love my FM3 and thankful to Fractal for creating that tier. Entry level sounds by no means! Missed the SLO model, glad to see it make an appearance! 👍
I don't have problems with decisions, at least in music, most of the time. This is the second video that has me convinced this is the only modeller I've heard that the sound isn't flat, but that could be a function of the videos themselves.
One of my favorite things about the axe is the in the room headphone sound I can get for practicing. The room parameters are super helpful and makes practicing more enjoyable. Biggest challenge is limiting your tweaking. Ultimately why I don’t use the axe anymore. Though I will say curbing your tweaking habit is something you still have to do with even traditional rigs.
I started experimenting with the FAS models as they are based on the "real thing". Having generic names takes the decision making out of the equation and you just choose an amp/fx based on the clean, crunch, lead categories and not get tied down to names. With that said the Shiver (Bogner) amps are amazing and it makes "my sound".
Love this video. This is exactly what I love in the Axe universe. It can be extremely fast and effective, and on other days you can go infinitely deep into the rabbit hole chasing a specific tone or tonal Nirvana.
Yeah dude I always think the same thing you said around 21:00 The axe has actually taught me what kind of amps I actually like the most. (from my other comment about the ironball obv I like really tight focused amps) There's something about just plugging straight into an amp and getting a good metal sound. Mesa mark series accomplish this, through the massive sculpting, and ENGL's what I like is they just do it, plug right in, put the knobs in a reasonable position and there it is.
Hei Leon The master of Axe Fx……….I,m an Axe Fx III user, and it have change my Music life. It,s a stunning piece of gear, and I love to use and experiment with different stuff. I,m not at your level in any way, But I enjoy the use to fit my skills. Thanks for all your xelent videos and tips…. Have a good time, and take care😍🎸 Many Regards Pål
I have the axe 3 and also now an ENGL ironball SE. Feels like I hit the perfect rig for me. Simple awesome sounding amp to just plug straight into and get a good metal sound and the axe as the "oh I wonder what this would sound like" device.
The frequency variability with the delay is SUPER friggin cool. That could actually be REALLY cool in a live situation...going from the chugs to seamlessly ripping into delay soaked lead would blow people's minds if it's done right. I've had an Axe-FX 2 for...like...6 years and don't really have any plans to "upgrade", but seeing really cool stuff like this is tempting!!
Hi Leon, you turned me onto Axe Fox III, what video says I completely agree with. The fact you can switch on go to own presets or model a new one means you are off playing. I fiddle too, but reserve exploration sessions to do so especially with continuing new fw which gets your juices going. For backing I am exploring plug-ins from Spitfires BBC SO orchestra to synths such as Arturia pigments, Korg Wavestate and Opsix. I recently acquired a Korg minilogue xd and Arturia Keystep pro to learn how a synth works and how to program a multitrack sequencer for accompaniment in the studio. In doing so it has opened my exploration more of axe fix. I am now building purpose built studio and space to have the environment to do more. If you have videos on how you use Laos please point me at them. Ta much you are always an inspiration.
Love your content, most importantly your attitude and views toward your approach. Keep up the good work, you are a staple in this area of content. Thanks again for doing what you do and how you do it.
@@LeonTodd I did. I made a bunch of presets last night and today, way more complex than I would ever do in a session and the most cpu I could get to was 80% and that was so over built with all the verbs on hi res and multiple hi res IRs. This video really inspired me because I work similarly to you, when I'm in the heat of it in a session I work so fast, no bullshitting around. Especially working in Nashville, the shit is next level here. No time to hesitate. Get the tone and go!
Have a few really good amps, JVM, Silver Jubillee Re-issue and a Friedman BE-100. Had a Jubilee mini head, sold it to get the FM-3 . Hard to look back as you get every amp, cab, speaker effect and complete control over everything. Would never tell anyone to go all in and get rid of things. Nice tool to have.
Enjoying your content! I'm currently working with preset 380 Leon's Live! A lot of cool things under the hood for sure. Now to make it work for P&W! : )
Fractal makes the premiere modeling units. It's all about knowing how to get your sound. It takes time to learn, but once you get a handle on it, there is no sound it can't emulate. And I get stank face by watching YOUR stank face, LOL. Awesome video, brother!
Yes! THANK YOU for spelling out the need for personal discipline. Hearing some people claim the notion of "option paralysis" is garbage IMO. You have to have a basic idea of what you want to begin with.
I used to have the cheaper Sans Amp and got sick to death of the sounds, I knew them so well. There are so many usable amps and sounds in the Axe fx I never tire of it.
the theme going around 18:40 is eeeepic! loved the vid and agree with so much of it, your monitors become your next limiting factor after getting an axe in my opinion. Which is huuuge :D Jumping over a barrier that takes some people a lifetime (finding an amp you like that fits you)
I totally love my Axe-Fx III.. it took me forever to finally take the leap.. and I am so glad I did.. p.s. the FC-12 enhances the experience so much I would be lost without it.. p.s.s. your LT channel and your Tuesday Tone Tips on G66 are a constant resource of learning.. thanks!
I love the AxeFX because all the stock sounds/presets sound so good I don't have to deep dive if I don't want to and I usually don't. With the HX Stomp I could never seem to get a sound I was totally happy with and was endlessly tweaking. I had the stomp for over a year and never gigged with it. I had the AxeFX for maybe a few weeks and haven't stopped gigging with it. Amazing product. My 0.02.
That's awesome to hear. Try the "Pitch Follower" factory preset I wrote if you want to hear a fine tuned version of the pitch follower stuff I noodled around with in this vid.
I think you do great review and information based videos. And your playing style and tastes are similar to mine. Which is why I subscribe to your channel Leon. You can't make everyone happy. Oh well. This is another cool video on the AXE FX III. I know I'd like one down the road, but don't even use a fraction of what is there in my FM3. I find these days I still basically like and want to play Mesa tones. Which is why, while waiting for my turn on a FM9, I realized this and just decided to stay using my Mesa Boogie Mark V with Line 6 HX Effects and the FM3 with my ISP FS8 for while. I love the tweakability of the Fractal processors. They let you get it down to the almost perfect tone. But I only need a few tones. And then I use them for everything and only want to play them. I know that comes from the old hard rock guitarist mentality that drove me to start playing as a kid. And these days other than what I will be forced to play, having enrolled and decided to go back to school for music and finish my music degree, I only care about writing original music and continue to develop my style and unique tone. Somewhere down the road here, I will get a AXE FX III rig built. And that has been heavily influenced by the great videos you make.
@@LeonTodd That would be very cool. And it would be cool to see Fractal make some individual pedals too for their effects. And a dedicated, small easy to use effects processor to use with amps like their old FX model. But updated with current cpu and modeling. I considered a FX8 to use with my Mesa, but there all used on the market for crazy prices and I prefer new gear as possible.
I guess you are completely right. Option paralysis is something I‘m very familiar with - that’s the reason why I didn’t buy a digital solution yet. The sound is superb nonetheless.
You know I got the axe 3 a few years ago and wanted to love it. I dove all the way in and I’ve always been a tweaker so I thought I would be in heaven. It sounded good, great at times to my ears, but ultimately I didn’t enjoy it or the sounds I was getting as much as my actual amps. I also felt some of my rack hear effects, pedal effects and plug in effects were just as effective, if not preferred, over some of the axe 3 stuff. Again, just my personal preference. So I sold it. But if I were still playing live all the time like I used to I would probably for sure be using the unit in a live setting to prevent lugging a bunch of heat around. I will tell you I have been super impressed with the neural plug-ins like the Petrucci and Imperial. Those things have drawn me back into using things other than my amps more often recently.
@@LeonTodd lol. Good grief. I didn’t spell check. I meant lugging gear obviously. Lol. But Siri I guess thought I needed to lug some guns around!!!!! Some of the places I’ve played over the years that would have actually been true.
I just got an FM3 and I am already certain it is going to have a large part of my workflow. The other device I have that is a real bread and butter for me is the WAZA Tube Amp expander. I can actually use and enjoy my tube amps in my Townhouse, and it makes recording a breeze, as well as great for delays and amp control. One area where my perspective has changed is I used to be kind of 'all or nothing'. Tube amps OR modelers. Pedals OR rack gear. I feel kind of slow to come to the realization it all coexists nicely and I can actually enjoy each of them. Maybe it's an ADHD thing or something, but yeah, I really used to go just 'all in' on whatever I was using at the time.
Derryl Gabel turned me on to the utility of the AxeFx IIxl+. Haven’t looked back since. Craft indeed. It’s a power tool and I love it. The giant analog pedalboard and real Band-Master just don’t fit in a backpack. The Simul 2:90 and Rectifier cabs don’t travel well to a jazz gig. I’ll be playing with friends today with zero tube worries between us. Priceless. Cheers Todorovich, D
Awesome video! I would love to have one but in the past, with rack units, I found I spent too much time programming and experimenting with overwhelmingly awesome options and not playing.
Definitely agree with your point on the “option paralysis” I play a Helix not Axe-FX but the principal is the same. At one point I found myself JUST comparing amp models instead of writing songs. Eventually I’m a Recto guy, always have, so I use the Rectifier model with 2 IRs and that basically is my ideal sound. It CAN get overwhelming these pieces of gear… if you allow it to be. Anyway great video again, even tho like I said I don’t own an Axe-FX myself, I always enjoy your demos of it =P
Having virtually everything I could ever imagine at my fingertips has been the best thing ever. Yeah you could go down the rabbit hole and paralyze yourself, but the ability to go "yes this sounds good" and rock that for a period kicks ass. Even better when a time later you can tweak it based on what you learned from using that sound is even better. You're never locked in. 🤘🤘
I'm glad everyone is enjoying their fractal audio products. Sadly I had my fm3 for a year and I tried everything and couldn't get a high gain tone I liked so I sold it and I'm going back to tube amps. I love the fx and the cleans and is a great product but I guess isn't for me.
Hey Leon great vid. your stuff on what can be done on the axe blows me away. I have one and also use a kemper powered version with my band but it drives me nuts. i find it so way too tricky to get it working as i want but the axe is so much easier but as i have it at home i really need to swap them out but working full time at something completely different time gets away to program and set up my presets but i will. anyway thanks for the inspirational vids and would love to know how you did all that stuff too
I find myself somewhere in the middle of the tweaking thing…I don’t have an uncontrollable urge to try every single IR/mic’combination in the AxeFXIII…I generally just stick with what I know…but…I started playing in the mid 80’s,and I was always trying to do wet/dry/wet,and crazy parallel routings with physical pedals,…That’s what I love about the AxeFXIII..You can do stuff that is near impossible to do in the analog realm…but it’s as simple…or..as complex as you want it to be….As far as subjective,completely biased opinions on gear,for me,is my 1992 Marshall 9005 Rack power amp,and 87 Jubilee 4x12 with original V30’s…Run the AxeFXIII,or anything else into those two pieces,and it’s absolute magic…That power amp just sounds and feels better than anything I have ever used…Tone is such a personal thing,and we all like different things,but that combo does it for me….
Did you know that Richard Edlund who invented the Pignose amplifier was the same guy who designed the Millennium Falcon models for the first Star Wars movies and he also designed the Iconic Star Trek logo that is still used to this day?
If anyone is on the fence about a Fractal modeler, dive in you won't be sorry. I had mine for years and it still keeps getting better and is built like a tank in every aspect. Don't let the deep tweakbility intimidate you because just dragging in amp, cab, and delay will get you there with the basic gain, bass, mid, treble.
I'm rocking a Helix Floor as my main rig. I want to get something really portable next, thinking either HX Stomp or maybe dipping that toe into the fractal world with an FM3.
I got a Krk Rockit8 monitor. The pawn shop only had one, so one is what I have for now. I ordered a NUX MG300 used. It should arrive in a few days. This is my low budget starting point for modeling. If I enjoy it, I will continue to upgrade. If I don’t like it, I will just have to settle for my JCM2000 dsl100 and my MP1. Poor me.😂😂😂😂
I think the whole point of FAS is their commitment to innovation. There is no guitar product out there that has the depth to dive/edit and range of possibilities the Axe fx has. It can also be pretty basic if needs be.
Hi Leon, when following your video's it all sound beter there by you, i have a AXE FX iii, connected to my Audio interface ( Behringer UMC1820) and a pair Active Tannoy monitors. what i'm i doing wrong? i suppose that you are using also the FX amp sounds etc. Kind Regards Marc
Thanks Leon for this great video. At one point you mentioned you use the SPDIF output from the Ax FX III via the wired to optical SPDIF and so entrained in the optical input from the main audio interface. Did I understand well and if so can you recommend an SPDIF wired to optical converter model for this purpose?
Hi Leon - thx for the tutorial - ive just gone fractal from headrush with an FX2. Love that Lukather tone at the beginning. Is it something i can purchase by downlaod
I'm horrible with technology but you have me about sold on one of these .I wouldn't even look at them until recently because I heard every one say their not a amp they are a computer .
First half of the vid I was like 'ah yes even a simpleton can dial in a sweet tone'. Then half way in Leon launches the space ship...LFO, UFO rabbit holes indeed :) Like Seadoo jetskis have a beginner key that restricts speed, maybe Fractal need a newbie mode (Logic have an advanced mode)...just a thought to ease new users in. I still want one.
Factory presets and the amp/effect "authentic" tabs do that, and the controllers section will be familiar to anyone who has ever noodled around on synths. Still, a little bit more involved than plugging a Les paul into a Marshall :p
@@LeonTodd Thanks for the reply Leon and certainly an epic piece of gear. I know it might be a tricky answer for you being a long time fractal user, however how would you rate the Axe FX versus neural DSP quad cortex for a first time modeler?
I have a similar approach with my Boss SY-1000 and GT-1000 + SY-300. I know how to get what I want from the gear, and there's always something new/different to explore in various combinations... I can readily focus on playing, composing or experimenting with sounds. I also like the sounds I'm getting from Boss, it just works well for me.
Thanks, your input helped me decide to get an FM3. I have not progressed much with programming because the default presets are so fantastic. Do you have any suggestion about avoiding noise when playing single coil pickups near the FM3 in a small studio?
Todd, have you ever tried to create the lead tone from any of the songs from TSO? This time of year I'm listening to a lot of TSO and I am constantly reminded of their awesome lead tones.
this video should have been 1 minute long with you appearing for 5 seconds in the beginning, saying "cause its THE FKIN BEST" then the rest is footage of the cat
I bought an FM9 on the launch list to get into the fractal world. The problem that I have with it is that if I do not have AX Edit available, it is extremely difficult to edit a preset or build a preset from the unit itself compared to the competing units! That is the one thing that keeps me from using it live regularly. When I took it out for its first live gig, I was thrown a curve ball of a song that was not on the Setlist, and when I tried to modify one of my presets to accommodate the band, it was almost impossible! I ended up just rolling with one of my prior presets and making it work the best I could.
Yeah it's worth the investment in time to be able to navigate the onboard UI - there's been a few small but effective changes made to the FM3 and Axe-Fx III that will trickle down to the FM9 regarding that though.
@@robertsimpson5801 thanks mate. I've had plenty of "WTF?!" moments using this stuff over the years but the convenience and quality of Fractal gear really makes it worth the learning curve IMO.
I have the axe fx3 and the fc12.. im very new to this.. i have my tube amps and pedals for days. This rhing absolutely confuses me.. trying to currently get it to spund good in my frfr monitor.
Do you use the rack Fractal AXE-FX III live? Does it come with footboard type control for some form of "channel switching"? How hard is it to make changes on the fly? Always wondered about that.....
I've used it a bunch live with the accompanying FC6 and FC 12 controllers. My band runs guitar AND bass through parallel paths in the same unit live when we do use the rack unit. I'm lazy and take the FM3 to most gigs now though.
Thanks for the share, Leon! Are you typically just running through studio monitors when jamming at home? If so what kind do you find works well with your set up, and do you ever use FRFR power cabs? Been exploring new options to find the best solution for myself
Love your videos and the focus you have on your channel. If I love the way a person's playing sounds, I want to see/hear the how and why so I can incorporate some of this into my rig and playing. I don't have a Fractal, but I'm a diehard modeler player and can incorporate what you showed into my rig and playing. Even things as simple as your effects order to achieve an even better tone. Modeling is here to stay and I love it as well as good old tube amps. God bless and keep on rockin' 👍😎🎸
I cannot seem to figure out how you insert cables all the way across in a second or two. How are you doing that. Cooper Carter does it too and it’s the one thing he doesn’t explain in his course and I’ve tried looking it up and can’t figure out how, What is the trick?
@@LeonTodd yea I really loved those three middle albums most. Flow, in your multitude and parallel minds. Some of the greatest songs. The latest wasn't so awesome as those three but still an awesome band
I'm curious about the SPDIF cable and optical converter you have and I've been thinking about doing the same thing. Any advice on what to actually look for? Also, does this connection require you to record at 48K in your DAW?
I love the tones I’m getting from my FM3. The problem is CPU. It runs out pretty quickly. I’ve been on the list for an FM9 for 7 months. But I’m hearing that now because of the war, things are delayed longer. So I’m seriously considering biting the bullet and ordering an AXE III and FC12.
it's pretty amazing that they were able to cram the core tones into the FM3 at half the price of an Axe-Fx III - having said that, an Axe-Fx III will blow you away with how much processing power it has!
@@LeonTodd thanks for your reply. I’ve learned a lot from your videos. I live in the Phoenix, AZ area. About a year ago I saw a marquee at a resort that the band Ragdoll playing. Was that you?
I'm really convinced that I want to sell all of my pedals (I have MANY), two GigRig G2s + $1500 of GR adapters, and my $2000 worth of new Pedal Pad pedalboards and purchase an Axe-Fx III. Do you recommend and what would I use for live sound speakers? I will tell them you have convinced me! Thanks for all of your vids... My children and I almost worship you... lol! Cheers!
I would recommend selling some of your pedals and look into getting the FM3. It's like a mini axe fx III. It could also be used and incorporated into the pedalboards you already have. used in the USA they can be bought for as little as $850USD.
@@bryanlewis9575 You can certainly get the rack unit but you will have to sell more of your pedals because it is about twice as much as the FM3. I just recommended getting the FM3 because it seemed like you weren’t 100% convinced on the axe fx. It would suck to sell all your pedals and not like the axe. If you go the fm3 route you can try the axe fx modeling and see if you like it. If you don’t you could easily flip it for what you paid for it.
@@TheDarkKnightDK Understood. That IS the smart thing to do... but I am having a GAS attack lol. How much extra money will the Axe FX III cost me for add-ons?
Hi Leon, you seem like the Axe-Fx guru and I've exhausted all of my other resources, I'm really hoping to get some help with an issue I'm having with my Axe-Fx III. I recently purchased the unit to integrate in my studio setup. It's connected via SPDIF to the Focusrite Clarett 8pre Interface into Studio One 5pro. For whatever reason, when I play on a track, there is an annoying, "vibrating/clicking sound" that comes through with the guitar. My first thought was it's the monitors because they're not isolated. I switched them off and listed thru headphones and I can still hear it. It's on the recording as well. It's on every preset. I plugged headphones directly into the Axe-Fx and that sound is not there. I am completely perplexed by this. Has anyone experienced anything like this? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Yes, screen capture is way out of sync on this. I am a potato.
Anyway, what gear gets your guitar stank face going?
I combine the forces of mt fx3 with strimon trifecta. Sometimes plug my ps480 and spend quality time myself thanks to your synth - fx3 video :)
@@davidhendrox 😍
Lately, running a 7-string Schecter through a lightly modded (1 resistor swapped to retain more bass with either gain knobs pulled -- and a slightly more modern sound) Rockmaster pre/Classic 120 power amp/V30 112 cab. And running direct is becoming more important to me. But I'm not quite satisfied with even the best plugins I've tried, yet the preamp provides a little something that seems missing to me from the plugins when I run it direct into a good IR. Though now I'm jonesing for an 8-string after listening to some new and older Meshuggah songs and covers. :D Thanks for so many awesome videos, and I always enjoy your various playing styles and tones. 8)
I'm diggin' my GT1000:)
Upgrading from a GSP1101 to an Axe 2XL+. The GSP is decent but the Axe I'd say is as close to real amp as you could get. It just feels like an amp to me even in headphones.
“Contingent on how you might feel in a particular moment “ This. There are so many mornings I’ll pull up a sound I was loving the previous night and it just sounds… not right. Learning to ride the wave of your moods is an art of its own.
Honest words . Kudos to you sir
Sooooo many times that happens. Highlights the necessity of capturing the mood of a song/inspiration in the moment!
Exactly I own 2 tube Amps and 4x12cab and play one night, next morning, ohh shit where is my tone, there it is out the window... Too many variables
When I got a Fractal, among other things I have used it as a way to preview what I can expect to get from certain real tube amps. I've literally bought more tube amps SINCE getting my Fractal, than I ever had before I got the Fractal. To me it was a gateway drug that guided me to amps I wanted to buy. And the Fractal itself is a nearly bottomless pit of musical creativity. I love it as much as I love plugging into a dimed Marshall Superlead. For different reasons.
Your performances are a joy to listen to. I have my unit dialed in for 25 songs in our set... My sound is pristine incredible every time. This video helps me as a composer understand the unit. When I'm writing a song I can envision much more wide-ranging sounds to use and dial them in quickly. You inspire me Leon!!!
Wow, thank you! Great gear is all about getting those sounds in our head and into people's ears .
Insightful. Smart. Articulate. Creative. Generous. Humble. I could watch your stuff all day. Thank you.
Even though I don't own a Fractal unit (I have a Helix), I found this really interesting because of the focus on the why more than the how, applicable no matter what modeler you have. And I couldn't agree more that it's all about the excitement and inspiration these units can give you if you let them.
I've played some great gigs on absolutely garbage gear, and some garbage gigs with amazing gear. Use whatever gets you to where you want to be!
What/why vs how for the win!
That 'decision' comment really struck a chord with me!
Thank you
It's probably the most important thing i've heard any youtuber give to me think about
in fact, thank you again!
Fabulous channel
You're so welcome!
I have just bought an axe FX III and coming from kemper. Boy, wish I saved a little longer and bough this first. It's really blew me away. I've had my kemper for 3 years, and I've always been 90% happy with it. I've profiled my own amps, and I've still not been that overly impressed. I love writing and exploring new sounds. You really struggle to do this with kemper. I've bought hundreds of profiles, and the high gain ones never and I mean never sounded the way I wanted them. Any parameter change you do with the unit, makes it sound like an old line 6 spider amp.
Anyway, I've not stopped playing my guitar this whole week since owning it. I am so blown away. The sound and feel is literally next to none, I never got that with kemper unfortunately. I tend to plug my headphones in and play at night to clear my head, problem is I'm discovering so many new sounds and things to play with, I'm up all night stank facing and playing an arena! Your vids have been essential for me learning the ways of the axe. So a massive thanks to you and if anyone wants a kemper, I've got one for sale!
Happy stank face alll
The greatest feature of the axe fx is that it lets you create pretty much any sound. The Kemper just sounds like the profiles of different amps. Its great for its own thing but falls way short in the fx's and tweekability. Kemper profiles often sound kinda bad or OK like you said because they were profiled by other players. It's kind of like letting someone else set the amp for you. I certainly agree that the axe is the superior unit in my opinion.
I have to admit i really like the Kemper, and the powered version is a pretty awesome solution for people who want the convenience of digital with the "plug and play" feature a head gives you. Ultimately the Axe works a lot better for me for a lot of the reasons you outlined - in particular having the Boogie models in the Axe react exactly like the real amps makes me a very, very happy man.
Such a wise statement about the guitar tone modeling thing: having a comprehensive set of options is a feature, not a bug. Flexibility and versatility at user tips. User decides how deep to go. By far, one of your best videos ever Leon. Powerful message. Thanks for all you do
I'm not going to say you sold me on it, but your quality content definitely helped. The FM3 has changed my 'sitting front of my pc guitar noodler hobbyist' life. Cheers!
Watching your videos makes me realize how little I know about FM3, but it’s exciting to know there’s so much more to learn.
It's a very enjoyable rabbit hole to venture down :)
You are an Axe Fx master! Awesome video. Thank you for sharing.
Cheers Robert :)
Nope, I missed a trick editing this :s
A year later and still love my FM3. I ran it through an FRFR and computer monitors and it was great, up until I decided to run it through a real 2x12 cab with Eminence Legends and a power amp and its the best tone I've ever had. I spend more time playing than building presets.
@G Vader 2x12 with Eminence Legends being powered by a Ritter pedal sized 245 watt power amp.
Same here, brother! I love my Fractal. Does everything I need and more. I am eagerly waiting for my FM9. Been on the waiting list for 6 months...
Boss katana head for me. Traditionally i have always been a boogie player but over the years i have gotten tired of dealing with tube amps (expensive maintenance, weight,etc…). I bought the katana when the pandemic started and was blown away by its versatility, tone and weight. I play in a progressive rock band so I need to have a lot of different tones. I also do collaborations with artists in different genres. The katana does everything in my opinion. This amp actually saved my ass. My band had a gig booked for the first time in two years due to the pandemic. We practiced the night before the show. I brought my mark four and katana as a back up. I plugged the Mesa in and it sounded like crap because oops a tube was going bad. I plugged the katana in and wow it was incredible. It’s like all of the annoying things about tubes are not a thing with the Katana. Don’t get me wrong, I do love the sound of tube amplifiers, but they are just irritating to deal with. I currently have three tube amplifiers all of which are broken and in need of service. Sometimes servicing these amplifiers can cost you hundreds of dollars a pop. So, I love that solid state gear is sounding better and better as the technology improves.
Leon, you are such an inspiration to me! I bought the AXE FX3 MK2 and a Day after i first plugged it in, i found your Channel! In my opninion, the AXE is everything i wanted in my early Guitar days back in the 80´s!
(many of the gear, i saw in your videos -- i used it myself. ADA etc... at the moment i own an Intellifex and a Korg A3)
All the stuff with switiching, controlling and mixing.. all the effects and ---- the sound!!
I love your playing style and your feeling! So the only sad thing is, you are living in australia :) So many Greetings from Germany!!
Please - stay as you are!
Hopefully we can come and play some Ragdoll shows in Germany again soon!
Great video with feelings from the heart. I agree. Love my FM3 and thankful to Fractal for creating that tier. Entry level sounds by no means! Missed the SLO model, glad to see it make an appearance! 👍
SLO model is one I've neglected for a while!
I really enjoyed this video, Leon! I love my Axe-Fx III as well. It blows me away every single day.
I know you've played ALL the gear as well :D
I don't have problems with decisions, at least in music, most of the time. This is the second video that has me convinced this is the only modeller I've heard that the sound isn't flat, but that could be a function of the videos themselves.
One of my favorite things about the axe is the in the room headphone sound I can get for practicing. The room parameters are super helpful and makes practicing more enjoyable. Biggest challenge is limiting your tweaking. Ultimately why I don’t use the axe anymore. Though I will say curbing your tweaking habit is something you still have to do with even traditional rigs.
I started experimenting with the FAS models as they are based on the "real thing". Having generic names takes the decision making out of the equation and you just choose an amp/fx based on the clean, crunch, lead categories and not get tied down to names. With that said the Shiver (Bogner) amps are amazing and it makes "my sound".
Love this video. This is exactly what I love in the Axe universe. It can be extremely fast and effective, and on other days you can go infinitely deep into the rabbit hole chasing a specific tone or tonal Nirvana.
it is a universe!
No piece of gear on this Earth could ever excite me the way the Axe-Fx III does!
Yeah dude I always think the same thing you said around 21:00
The axe has actually taught me what kind of amps I actually like the most. (from my other comment about the ironball obv I like really tight focused amps)
There's something about just plugging straight into an amp and getting a good metal sound. Mesa mark series accomplish this, through the massive sculpting, and ENGL's what I like is they just do it, plug right in, put the knobs in a reasonable position and there it is.
Hei Leon
The master of Axe Fx……….I,m an Axe Fx III user, and it have change my Music life.
It,s a stunning piece of gear, and I love to use and experiment with different stuff.
I,m not at your level in any way, But I enjoy the use to fit my skills.
Thanks for all your xelent videos and tips….
Have a good time, and take care😍🎸
Many Regards
Pål
Great to hear! It's a truly magic device.
I have the axe 3 and also now an ENGL ironball SE. Feels like I hit the perfect rig for me. Simple awesome sounding amp to just plug straight into and get a good metal sound and the axe as the "oh I wonder what this would sound like" device.
That's awesome. Certainly a little less expensive than rolling through loads and loads of amps!
@@LeonTodd That sure is fun though
That Ironball SE is really impressive.
Amazing tones as always.
The frequency variability with the delay is SUPER friggin cool. That could actually be REALLY cool in a live situation...going from the chugs to seamlessly ripping into delay soaked lead would blow people's minds if it's done right. I've had an Axe-FX 2 for...like...6 years and don't really have any plans to "upgrade", but seeing really cool stuff like this is tempting!!
my thoughts exactly
Hi Leon, you turned me onto Axe Fox III, what video says I completely agree with. The fact you can switch on go to own presets or model a new one means you are off playing. I fiddle too, but reserve exploration sessions to do so especially with continuing new fw which gets your juices going. For backing I am exploring plug-ins from Spitfires BBC SO orchestra to synths such as Arturia pigments, Korg Wavestate and Opsix. I recently acquired a Korg minilogue xd and Arturia Keystep pro to learn how a synth works and how to program a multitrack sequencer for accompaniment in the studio. In doing so it has opened my exploration more of axe fix. I am now building purpose built studio and space to have the environment to do more. If you have videos on how you use Laos please point me at them. Ta much you are always an inspiration.
You are the reason why I bought an axe fx and it was the best decision I've made.
Love your content, most importantly your attitude and views toward your approach. Keep up the good work, you are a staple in this area of content. Thanks again for doing what you do and how you do it.
Thankyou for the kind words!
Best Axe video I’ve ever seen. So inspiring.
Did you end up sticking with the II or did you get Turbo fever?
@@LeonTodd I did. I made a bunch of presets last night and today, way more complex than I would ever do in a session and the most cpu I could get to was 80% and that was so over built with all the verbs on hi res and multiple hi res IRs. This video really inspired me because I work similarly to you, when I'm in the heat of it in a session I work so fast, no bullshitting around. Especially working in Nashville, the shit is next level here. No time to hesitate. Get the tone and go!
Have a few really good amps, JVM, Silver Jubillee Re-issue and a Friedman BE-100. Had a Jubilee mini head, sold it to get the FM-3 . Hard to look back as you get every amp, cab, speaker effect and complete control over everything. Would never tell anyone to go all in and get rid of things. Nice tool to have.
Absolutely love them first 2 tones 👊🏼…… great vid as always Leon 👍🏼
Glad you like them!
Awesome video. Love these thoughtful pieces. You're a gem.
:D
Enjoying your content! I'm currently working with preset 380 Leon's Live! A lot of cool things under the hood for sure. Now to make it work for P&W! : )
Fractal makes the premiere modeling units. It's all about knowing how to get your sound. It takes time to learn, but once you get a handle on it, there is no sound it can't emulate. And I get stank face by watching YOUR stank face, LOL. Awesome video, brother!
Sympathetic Stank Face Syndrome :p
Yes! THANK YOU for spelling out the need for personal discipline. Hearing some people claim the notion of "option paralysis" is garbage IMO. You have to have a basic idea of what you want to begin with.
I used to have the cheaper Sans Amp and got sick to death of the sounds, I knew them so well.
There are so many usable amps and sounds in the Axe fx I never tire of it.
I really enjoy how easy it is to kero your ears fresh with this thing
the theme going around 18:40 is eeeepic! loved the vid and agree with so much of it, your monitors become your next limiting factor after getting an axe in my opinion. Which is huuuge :D Jumping over a barrier that takes some people a lifetime (finding an amp you like that fits you)
I totally love my Axe-Fx III.. it took me forever to finally take the leap.. and I am so glad I did.. p.s. the FC-12 enhances the experience so much I would be lost without it.. p.s.s. your LT channel and your Tuesday Tone Tips on G66 are a constant resource of learning.. thanks!
I love the AxeFX because all the stock sounds/presets sound so good I don't have to deep dive if I don't want to and I usually don't. With the HX Stomp I could never seem to get a sound I was totally happy with and was endlessly tweaking. I had the stomp for over a year and never gigged with it. I had the AxeFX for maybe a few weeks and haven't stopped gigging with it. Amazing product. My 0.02.
That's awesome to hear. Try the "Pitch Follower" factory preset I wrote if you want to hear a fine tuned version of the pitch follower stuff I noodled around with in this vid.
I think you do great review and information based videos. And your playing style and tastes are similar to mine. Which is why I subscribe to your channel Leon. You can't make everyone happy. Oh well. This is another cool video on the AXE FX III. I know I'd like one down the road, but don't even use a fraction of what is there in my FM3. I find these days I still basically like and want to play Mesa tones. Which is why, while waiting for my turn on a FM9, I realized this and just decided to stay using my Mesa Boogie Mark V with Line 6 HX Effects and the FM3 with my ISP FS8 for while.
I love the tweakability of the Fractal processors. They let you get it down to the almost perfect tone. But I only need a few tones. And then I use them for everything and only want to play them. I know that comes from the old hard rock guitarist mentality that drove me to start playing as a kid. And these days other than what I will be forced to play, having enrolled and decided to go back to school for music and finish my music degree, I only care about writing original music and continue to develop my style and unique tone. Somewhere down the road here, I will get a AXE FX III rig built. And that has been heavily influenced by the great videos you make.
Imagine a small pedal that only does Fractal amp and cab modeling. I'd gig that.
@@LeonTodd That would be very cool. And it would be cool to see Fractal make some individual pedals too for their effects. And a dedicated, small easy to use effects processor to use with amps like their old FX model. But updated with current cpu and modeling. I considered a FX8 to use with my Mesa, but there all used on the market for crazy prices and I prefer new gear as possible.
I guess you are completely right. Option paralysis is something I‘m very familiar with - that’s the reason why I didn’t buy a digital solution yet. The sound is superb nonetheless.
You know I got the axe 3 a few years ago and wanted to love it. I dove all the way in and I’ve always been a tweaker so I thought I would be in heaven.
It sounded good, great at times to my ears, but ultimately I didn’t enjoy it or the sounds I was getting as much as my actual amps. I also felt some of my rack hear effects, pedal effects and plug in effects were just as effective, if not preferred, over some of the axe 3 stuff. Again, just my personal preference.
So I sold it. But if I were still playing live all the time like I used to I would probably for sure be using the unit in a live setting to prevent lugging a bunch of heat around.
I will tell you I have been super impressed with the neural plug-ins like the Petrucci and Imperial. Those things have drawn me back into using things other than my amps more often recently.
"Lugging a bunch of heat around" - I feel you there!
@@LeonTodd lol. Good grief. I didn’t spell check. I meant lugging gear obviously. Lol. But Siri I guess thought I needed to lug some guns around!!!!! Some of the places I’ve played over the years that would have actually been true.
@@masque1313 hahaha I interpreted it as lugging a rack full of tubes and power supplies that need cooling!
I just got an FM3 and I am already certain it is going to have a large part of my workflow. The other device I have that is a real bread and butter for me is the WAZA Tube Amp expander. I can actually use and enjoy my tube amps in my Townhouse, and it makes recording a breeze, as well as great for delays and amp control. One area where my perspective has changed is I used to be kind of 'all or nothing'. Tube amps OR modelers. Pedals OR rack gear. I feel kind of slow to come to the realization it all coexists nicely and I can actually enjoy each of them. Maybe it's an ADHD thing or something, but yeah, I really used to go just 'all in' on whatever I was using at the time.
Nearly all in on nearly everything now :D
Derryl Gabel turned me on to the utility of the AxeFx IIxl+. Haven’t looked back since. Craft indeed. It’s a power tool and I love it. The giant analog pedalboard and real Band-Master just don’t fit in a backpack. The Simul 2:90 and Rectifier cabs don’t travel well to a jazz gig. I’ll be playing with friends today with zero tube worries between us. Priceless. Cheers Todorovich, D
When not interested in flipping on the bits, the Princeton reissue w/12” speaker is my instant gratification piece for sure. That verb… 😎👍🏼
Derryl is such a beast.
@@LeonTodd That he is! Takes one to know one buddy. Have a great rest of the weekend.
Awesome video! I would love to have one but in the past, with rack units, I found I spent too much time programming and experimenting with overwhelmingly awesome options and not playing.
I do like that you can easily go amp-cab-delay on this and have a pretty great time
Definitely agree with your point on the “option paralysis” I play a Helix not Axe-FX but the principal is the same. At one point I found myself JUST comparing amp models instead of writing songs. Eventually I’m a Recto guy, always have, so I use the Rectifier model with 2 IRs and that basically is my ideal sound. It CAN get overwhelming these pieces of gear… if you allow it to be.
Anyway great video again, even tho like I said I don’t own an Axe-FX myself, I always enjoy your demos of it =P
Having virtually everything I could ever imagine at my fingertips has been the best thing ever. Yeah you could go down the rabbit hole and paralyze yourself, but the ability to go "yes this sounds good" and rock that for a period kicks ass. Even better when a time later you can tweak it based on what you learned from using that sound is even better. You're never locked in. 🤘🤘
Yes!
I'm glad everyone is enjoying their fractal audio products. Sadly I had my fm3 for a year and I tried everything and couldn't get a high gain tone I liked so I sold it and I'm going back to tube amps. I love the fx and the cleans and is a great product but I guess isn't for me.
I recently bought an Ampero stomp 2. high gain heaven! and feel! got the camper switch with to to navigate. no looking back!
Hey Leon great vid. your stuff on what can be done on the axe blows me away. I have one and also use a kemper powered version with my band but it drives me nuts. i find it so way too tricky to get it working as i want but the axe is so much easier but as i have it at home i really need to swap them out but working full time at something completely different time gets away to program and set up my presets but i will. anyway thanks for the inspirational vids and would love to know how you did all that stuff too
It's always an ongoing process hey!
In this video we can see my favorite feature of this unit, which is that you can actually tweak the controls using your mind while you play
😂
I find myself somewhere in the middle of the tweaking thing…I don’t have an uncontrollable urge to try every single IR/mic’combination in the AxeFXIII…I generally just stick with what I know…but…I started playing in the mid 80’s,and I was always trying to do wet/dry/wet,and crazy parallel routings with physical pedals,…That’s what I love about the AxeFXIII..You can do stuff that is near impossible to do in the analog realm…but it’s as simple…or..as complex as you want it to be….As far as subjective,completely biased opinions on gear,for me,is my 1992 Marshall 9005 Rack power amp,and 87 Jubilee 4x12 with original V30’s…Run the AxeFXIII,or anything else into those two pieces,and it’s absolute magic…That power amp just sounds and feels better than anything I have ever used…Tone is such a personal thing,and we all like different things,but that combo does it for me….
Dude those 9000 series power amps are AMAZING - a buddy has one and it just adds pure punch and power to whatever you hit it with.
@@LeonTodd it’s hands down the best sounding power amp I have ever tried….it absolutely kills with the AxeFXIII….
Did you know that Richard Edlund who invented the Pignose amplifier was the same guy who designed the Millennium Falcon models for the first Star Wars movies and he also designed the Iconic Star Trek logo that is still used to this day?
Get. Out!!!!
If anyone is on the fence about a Fractal modeler, dive in you won't be sorry. I had mine for years and it still keeps getting better and is built like a tank in every aspect. Don't let the deep tweakbility intimidate you because just dragging in amp, cab, and delay will get you there with the basic gain, bass, mid, treble.
I'm rocking a Helix Floor as my main rig. I want to get something really portable next, thinking either HX Stomp or maybe dipping that toe into the fractal world with an FM3.
I got a Krk Rockit8 monitor. The pawn shop only had one, so one is what I have for now. I ordered a NUX MG300 used. It should arrive in a few days.
This is my low budget starting point for modeling. If I enjoy it, I will continue to upgrade.
If I don’t like it, I will just have to settle for my JCM2000 dsl100 and my MP1. Poor me.😂😂😂😂
12:21 whoa!!😯👍
What is the difference in sound comparing a say $250 guitar with a $2500 guitar after the Axe-Fx has finished polishing the input?
I think the whole point of FAS is their commitment to innovation. There is no guitar product out there that has the depth to dive/edit and range of possibilities the Axe fx has. It can also be pretty basic if needs be.
I feel the same about my axefx, even though I only use like 10% of it 🤣
Woah sounds great
Cheers mate!
Great video! I'm curious what spdif coax to optical converter you're using? I've had bad luck with the cheap ones on amazon.
Tendak is the brand if I'm not mistaken - one of the cheap Amazon ones but i must have got lucky.
Hi Leon, when following your video's it all sound beter there by you, i have a AXE FX iii, connected to my Audio interface ( Behringer UMC1820) and a pair Active Tannoy monitors. what i'm i doing wrong? i suppose that you are using also the FX amp sounds etc. Kind Regards Marc
Thanks Leon for this great video. At one point you mentioned you use the SPDIF output from the Ax FX III via the wired to optical SPDIF and so entrained in the optical input from the main audio interface. Did I understand well and if so can you recommend an SPDIF wired to optical converter model for this purpose?
I'm using the cheap "tendak" one from Amazon
Hi Leon - thx for the tutorial - ive just gone fractal from headrush with an FX2. Love that Lukather tone at the beginning. Is it something i can purchase by downlaod
You can get the IR for free (vid description) and then just pop the Soldano Lead model and a delay in and you'll be sweet!
I like my Boss Katana gear for that exact reason.. obsession.
The Katana is one of the best value products ever released for guitar players IMO
I'm horrible with technology but you have me about sold on one of these .I wouldn't even look at them until recently because I heard every one say their not a amp they are a computer .
First half of the vid I was like 'ah yes even a simpleton can dial in a sweet tone'. Then half way in Leon launches the space ship...LFO, UFO rabbit holes indeed :) Like Seadoo jetskis have a beginner key that restricts speed, maybe Fractal need a newbie mode (Logic have an advanced mode)...just a thought to ease new users in. I still want one.
Factory presets and the amp/effect "authentic" tabs do that, and the controllers section will be familiar to anyone who has ever noodled around on synths. Still, a little bit more involved than plugging a Les paul into a Marshall :p
@@LeonTodd Thanks for the reply Leon and certainly an epic piece of gear. I know it might be a tricky answer for you being a long time fractal user, however how would you rate the Axe FX versus neural DSP quad cortex for a first time modeler?
Can you do a short video on the Univibes in the Axe FX III??
Yeah I'll do a whole phaser block breakdown soon!
@@LeonTodd That’s Awesome!!!
I have kemper. Thinking about getting one of these don't know if any benefits compared to it though. Fractal any good for holdsworth tone?
Rigth the point! Perfect!☠☠🤘🤘
I have a similar approach with my Boss SY-1000 and GT-1000 + SY-300.
I know how to get what I want from the gear, and there's always something new/different to explore in various combinations...
I can readily focus on playing, composing or experimenting with sounds. I also like the sounds I'm getting from Boss, it just works well for me.
That's a KILLER setup. Love the Sy-1000
The FM9!!
Thanks, your input helped me decide to get an FM3. I have not progressed much with programming because the default presets are so fantastic. Do you have any suggestion about avoiding noise when playing single coil pickups near the FM3 in a small studio?
SOLD!!
axe fx 3 is KING
Todd, have you ever tried to create the lead tone from any of the songs from TSO? This time of year I'm listening to a lot of TSO and I am constantly reminded of their awesome lead tones.
I had Angus Clark on my podcast and he talked about what he uses for TSO - Friedman BE !
Thanks!@@LeonTodd
I want an fm9 so bad.. hopefully I'll work and get enough money this summer to get one
this video should have been 1 minute long with you appearing for 5 seconds in the beginning, saying "cause its THE FKIN BEST" then the rest is footage of the cat
😂🤘🏼
I bought an FM9 on the launch list to get into the fractal world. The problem that I have with it is that if I do not have AX Edit available, it is extremely difficult to edit a preset or build a preset from the unit itself compared to the competing units! That is the one thing that keeps me from using it live regularly. When I took it out for its first live gig, I was thrown a curve ball of a song that was not on the Setlist, and when I tried to modify one of my presets to accommodate the band, it was almost impossible! I ended up just rolling with one of my prior presets and making it work the best I could.
Yeah it's worth the investment in time to be able to navigate the onboard UI - there's been a few small but effective changes made to the FM3 and Axe-Fx III that will trickle down to the FM9 regarding that though.
@@LeonTodd Good to know! I bought the FM9 because your content really casts a great light on Fractal products! Keep up the good work!
@@robertsimpson5801 thanks mate. I've had plenty of "WTF?!" moments using this stuff over the years but the convenience and quality of Fractal gear really makes it worth the learning curve IMO.
The Axe FX III Mark II is the best piece of gear I've ever bought. And I've had a lot....
Same here
I have the axe fx3 and the fc12.. im very new to this.. i have my tube amps and pedals for days. This rhing absolutely confuses me.. trying to currently get it to spund good in my frfr monitor.
I'm still on the axe fx ii .
Would you say the upgrade to 3 is worth it?
Pricey toys
There's generally more of all the things you are going to already enjoy, plus new toys are fun.
Do you use the rack Fractal AXE-FX III live? Does it come with footboard type control for some form of "channel switching"? How hard is it to make changes on the fly? Always wondered about that.....
I've used it a bunch live with the accompanying FC6 and FC 12 controllers. My band runs guitar AND bass through parallel paths in the same unit live when we do use the rack unit. I'm lazy and take the FM3 to most gigs now though.
Axe FX 3 Through a Matrix 1000w & 4x12 Marshall Vintage, and don't forget to TURN IT UP.😉
Thanks for the share, Leon! Are you typically just running through studio monitors when jamming at home? If so what kind do you find works well with your set up, and do you ever use FRFR power cabs? Been exploring new options to find the best solution for myself
Adam A7X monitors mostly at home. i've got some Redsound MF10's for live gigs that are really punchy and I like the Atomic CLR as well!
can you do a video aboput the pitch block or delay, some of these detuned and weird sounds, so cool,
You might like this - ua-cam.com/video/SUuLQLugipM/v-deo.html
Love your videos and the focus you have on your channel. If I love the way a person's playing sounds, I want to see/hear the how and why so I can incorporate some of this into my rig and playing. I don't have a Fractal, but I'm a diehard modeler player and can incorporate what you showed into my rig and playing. Even things as simple as your effects order to achieve an even better tone. Modeling is here to stay and I love it as well as good old tube amps. God bless and keep on rockin' 👍😎🎸
Thanks mate! I do exactly the same thing.
I cannot seem to figure out how you insert cables all the way across in a second or two. How are you doing that. Cooper Carter does it too and it’s the one thing he doesn’t explain in his course and I’ve tried looking it up and can’t figure out how, What is the trick?
On the far left block, click the right side. Then go to the far right block and click the left side
i use that trick in 13:13 with the pitch follower for gain and delay for the intro/outro of roll the fire by conception
As in the band with Roy Khan?
@@LeonTodd yea there's a riff intermingled with a melody and with that effect you can play it without even switching scenes. It's great
@@constantinosmavroyannis9409 awesome band. Tore and Roy really worked well together.
@@LeonTodd yea I really loved those three middle albums most. Flow, in your multitude and parallel minds. Some of the greatest songs. The latest wasn't so awesome as those three but still an awesome band
I'm curious about the SPDIF cable and optical converter you have and I've been thinking about doing the same thing. Any advice on what to actually look for? Also, does this connection require you to record at 48K in your DAW?
I bought the cheap "tendak" one from Amazon for 10 bucks and it hasn't broken yet!
New camera? Video looks better
New lense :)
I love the tones I’m getting from my FM3. The problem is CPU. It runs out pretty quickly. I’ve been on the list for an FM9 for 7 months. But I’m hearing that now because of the war, things are delayed longer. So I’m seriously considering biting the bullet and ordering an AXE III and FC12.
it's pretty amazing that they were able to cram the core tones into the FM3 at half the price of an Axe-Fx III - having said that, an Axe-Fx III will blow you away with how much processing power it has!
@@LeonTodd thanks for your reply. I’ve learned a lot from your videos. I live in the Phoenix, AZ area. About a year ago I saw a marquee at a resort that the band Ragdoll playing. Was that you?
I'm really convinced that I want to sell all of my pedals (I have MANY), two GigRig G2s + $1500 of GR adapters, and my $2000 worth of new Pedal Pad pedalboards and purchase an Axe-Fx III. Do you recommend and what would I use for live sound speakers? I will tell them you have convinced me! Thanks for all of your vids... My children and I almost worship you... lol! Cheers!
I would recommend selling some of your pedals and look into getting the FM3. It's like a mini axe fx III. It could also be used and incorporated into the pedalboards you already have. used in the USA they can be bought for as little as $850USD.
I'm using the RedSound MF10 FRFR's for live and Adam A7X studio monitors at home.
@@TheDarkKnightDK Thanks J. C. ,but why would you not suggest the Axe Fx III?
@@bryanlewis9575 You can certainly get the rack unit but you will have to sell more of your pedals because it is about twice as much as the FM3. I just recommended getting the FM3 because it seemed like you weren’t 100% convinced on the axe fx. It would suck to sell all your pedals and not like the axe. If you go the fm3 route you can try the axe fx modeling and see if you like it. If you don’t you could easily flip it for what you paid for it.
@@TheDarkKnightDK Understood. That IS the smart thing to do... but I am having a GAS attack lol. How much extra money will the Axe FX III cost me for add-ons?
hey leon i have a rc 505 loopstation could i come out of my ax fx 2 into that or my monitor or do i need more gear
Yeah that will work
i've been thinking about getting the axe fx 2 but im not quite sure, have you had the 2?
I had the AX8. The II is still a fantastic unit especially for the prices they go for now.
@@LeonTodd nice, can you plug any footswitch into the axe fx? cause i have a footswitcher but it belongs to a line 6 vetta 2
Hi Leon, you seem like the Axe-Fx guru and I've exhausted all of my other resources, I'm really hoping to get some help with an issue I'm having with my Axe-Fx III. I recently purchased the unit to integrate in my studio setup. It's connected via SPDIF to the Focusrite Clarett 8pre Interface into Studio One 5pro. For whatever reason, when I play on a track, there is an annoying, "vibrating/clicking sound" that comes through with the guitar. My first thought was it's the monitors because they're not isolated. I switched them off and listed thru headphones and I can still hear it. It's on the recording as well. It's on every preset. I plugged headphones directly into the Axe-Fx and that sound is not there. I am completely perplexed by this. Has anyone experienced anything like this? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
You need to set the Focusrite clock source to SPDIF in. That still gets me sometimes!
Leon, what's the rack case that the unit's in?
It's a 14U road case made by titan AV. I bought it used from a friend who was selling all their gear and moving overseas.