A little tweaking on the axefx and you could match the real deal in a heartbeat. Even 2 soldano's dont sound identical. Set a lowpass filter block on axefx at like 10khz and i bet that "digital" sound disappears.
@@sylvainbiensur7370 There's a buildup or "honk" in the upper mids. I've heard this on nearly all modeling units. I own an AXE II and they are locked in at 48k. So, I've always wondered how much aliasing is happening considering guitarists, unlike most other musicians, craft tone WITH high amounts of saturation. Should manufacturers, in that case, pay closer attention to running units at higher sample rates??? It's crazy how that's not yet happening. So, this buildup/honk could actually be aliasing; non-musical "reflected" pitches that have "bounced off of" (been misinterpreted by) the Nyquist limit. For recording, I sometimes use Neural plugins as they oversample and I can use them at 96k thus mitigating aliasing. Yes, it DOES make a noticeable cumulative effect on tone.
Honestly, the biggest difference is when you play LIVE at a gig. We have played with many bands that use either the Axe Fx, Kemper or Quad Core. All of those bands use a cab btw because when you run those units with no cab they sound inferior to using and micing a cab. We use Engl (Savage 120 MK II and a Powerball II). Those same bands that use the modelers (and in some cases they were using profiles of our actual amps) told us they preferred the real amp we were playing out of after watching our set. It had more body and girth. And we do not ask them, they came up to us and stated what they heard, and i agree. When in the room, at a gig through a PA, there is a noticable difference when compared to each other. The 2 things that make me laugh are people that that say "You cannot tell the difference". Well actually you can when it is compared to the real tube amp. And secondly and most OVERLOOKED thing is, when digital guys say "I dont like lugging all of that gear around, the digital setup is much better to gig with". That is another line of BS. When you have an Axe Fx, you need a power amp, foot controller, 2x12 or 4x12 cab. You literally are lugging around the same amount of gear that the guy using the real amp is lugging around. So if you are carrying the same amount of gear, why not use the real thing and sound better? The ONLY way a digital setup is easier to use live is if you go direct with no cab. But as i stated, that direct tone is not as good/not desirable, which is why they use cabs. I am just giving real world/in the trenches feedback. I do believe that digital has a place for quick and silent recording if you find profiles that you like. No doubt. But people need to stop saying there is no difference live at a gig. That is a different scenario, and the tube amp shines brighter there.
For what its worth, for my band I go direct to FOH. I find it easier on my back and transporting is a breeze. This is a convenience thing, so the digital guy lugging gear around, its a true notion! - I agree with you that nothing will beat tube amp tone, this video isnt to highlight either side of that debate and to prove any sort of point - it is more to say 'look how far weve come with digital technology'. Thanks for the comment man, this is the type of measured discussion I really enjoy with people who watch my videos! :) I am just a fan of gear and a fan of technology and I am privileged enough to be in the position that I am, where I have access to those things.
I highly agree with you. In a studio or at home when you use studio monitors, the axe fx, kemper or quad cortex are absolutly insane. Even if you hear a diffrence to the tube amps you can´t really say that some unit sounds better or worse. The big difference always comes when you play live. I played a lot of gigs in many different music genres with my kemper and for me it gets really obvious when you have a second guitar player in your band who plays a tube amp. Tube amps are WAY MORE punchy and gets way better through the mix than modellers. Its kinda OK when you play in a country, folk or even a a pop setting but you simple get smoked when it comes to distortion guitars. It´s also a big problem when you use modellers only over the PA without a cab behind you (what is kind of the selling point form modellers, that you don´t need to carry a lot of gear). Due to the fact that modellers don´t cut good though the mix espacially on the stage (even with good monitors) you have to use in ear otherwise you simple hear nothing what you play.
"You literally are lugging around the same amount of gear that the guy using the real amp is lugging around." You forgot that a digital guy can have several different amps/presets in the same unit... and several different pedal in the same unit. All controlled by one single small pedalboard. The truth is game is over for amps. In a few years no one will be carrying those monsters. Big 100W heads are getting obsolete everyday. We can see that most amp brands have small/lunchbox versions. I am not a digital guy. I have a few heads and preamp/poweramps. But I am happy that things are changing. When I start playing I had a small 15W combo and no pedals for a long time. I was dreaming with effect pedals and such. And when I got some, they were not so high quality. I was extremely happy anyway Now every kid can have everything with a very convincing quality in their computer.
@ricardopereira9262 I did not forget anything. Let's be real, how many amps, effects, presets are you REALLY using at an average gig? If you have a 3 or 4 channel head that will cover most of what you need in an average setting. That is a weak point. Yes the modelers have more options, but how many presets do you REALLY use? Unless you are the Edge in U2? Lol I mean, come on now. Secondly, YOU seem to forget that modelers are mimicking REAL AMPS. Not the other way around. If you truly think that real amps will go extinct completely, the joke is on you. What will modelers then be influenced by in the future, other modelers? If that happens on a permanent basis, modelers will then sound more fake in a live setting as time goes because there will not be anything to push the boundaries of real guitar tones. Tube amps will be used less sure, but extinct? It will never happen. Some bands are already abandoning modelers and going BACK to tube amps. Third, here is the ugly secret behind modelers, you are buying, in many cases, an expensive PC. What happens to a PC? It is obsolete in a few years. How many people who bought an Axe FX or Axe FX 2 and spent good money on them, are getting a return on their investment? You can find old Axe FX for $400 or $500 in some cases. They are now paper weights because new updated units that will take the firmware updates will come out sooner or later. A good quality tube amp? It will always have a resell value and will last DECADES longer than a modeler. Just swap out the tubes and do maintenance. Oh and let's not forget, word around town is, companies want to start charging for firmware updates in the future. WOW that is a kick in the balls isn't it? And like I said, you are STILL carrying around the same amount of gear live in many cases. An Axe Fx or Kemper, foot controller and a cabinet. It's reality, so carrying around a "Monster" head may weigh a bit more than an Axe FX or Kemper, but let's be real, if you are in average physical condition and cannot lift a head, as opposed to a modeler set up, you need to seriously hit the gym, its an amp head, not a 450 pound bench press, another weak point. Is there a use for modelers to record with? Absolutely, but live is a different story.
@@daveciccone3319 Sorry you are wrong in many parts. And history can easily show you that. Amps will always have a good resell value ? Thats not entirely true . They do maintain a better resell value because high tech products them to be obsolete quickly. And you know why dont you ? Because newer ones are better. How different will be a new real amp in 20 years ? It can have lots of lights and whistles but they will sound like a guitar amp. Old floorboards like Korg, Digitech, Zoom etc are long absolete and were never close to amps. But technology is evolving super fast. What comes out of an real amp is sound... just that. Coming from wave sounds. Whatever the room sound EVERYBODY will listen to music thru a replicating device (Hi-FI, computer, phone, etc) or Live. And those sounds were all captured with mics. Doesnt that bother you ? Whatever can be captured with a mic can be replicated. And now amp sims and doing that better than ever (and no AI was used yet ). Soon it will be 100,00000% exact match. I will wait to see how many new real amp designers will keep on business... knowing that (IFFFF) then come with a new magic circuit it will be cloned in minutes. You are also wrong about sim amps require to carry the same amount of gear. NOT EVEN CLOSE. I totally agree that most of us are using just a few different sounds. If you are a headbanger with a tube head and tube scream.. a amp sim has hundreds of features you dont need. But if you are one of those guys with huge pedal boards (or old racks) and play a cover band or so... sim amps is a brave new world. Just for the record... I do own 3 amp heads, several tube preamps , several big sized cabinets and... a fractal
@@tusharsarmet3771 sorry I don't actually have it stored anywhere, I might be able to find a very old (10+ years) recording of it, if i do I will let you know!
I have amps that sound noticeably better than my MP1. ........but dang it, I always have a good time playing it and can't part with it. There's just something about it.
@@BenBreard speaking honestly. I only recently picked up the Ada and I plan on doing a deep dive on it in a few weeks, any tips for me? I'll give you a mention when I upload if you give me the pro tips 😜👍😊
A is a real thing? Edit: I liked the B better but my real amps always sound worse than plugins and modellers so I wanted to check my theory. It didn't work lol. I liked Axe FX Mesa boogie more than the real thing in a few tests. Yes, B sounds much better. I have also found that real amps cut better through a mix. But it looks like it is all different and really unpredictable. Thank you for the test.
@@the-tone-zone I know. I've read the desription. I just wanted to post my answer before I check the answer. The difference was huge here. Normally I cannot distinguish plugins, modellers/
When you put them both through digital cab sims, it’s not really a full comparison. They both get the nasty digital hair around the edges. The Axe-Fx is just worse. Considering the price, I’d just get a Mark VII if I needed the cab emulation to go silent.
Interesting view, I still love the feel and the idea of having a bunch of guitar heads in my studio though. Being able to grab dials and push buttons is pretty cool! But the Axe FX is so convenient, I'm in neither side of the fence I just appreciate how far we've come...
Cast your thoughts below, is A real or is B real??
A = Axe FX III
B = Soldano SLO100
sooo close it's really debatable if it's worth having the real deal. Axe fxIII is expensive, but what your getting is priceless.
A little tweaking on the axefx and you could match the real deal in a heartbeat. Even 2 soldano's dont sound identical. Set a lowpass filter block on axefx at like 10khz and i bet that "digital" sound disappears.
Hint: NOBODY at a live gig can tell the difference. Nobody.
This man gets it 😁👍
I can and I didn’t pay stupid ticket prices to hear fake guitars
@@lastcaress83fake guitars ? lmaooo
Claro que si, el que toca ;)
I prefer A. It has less dirt in high mids, overall more focused sound
Interesting thoughts, I like your perspective... Thanks for the comment and watching my bro!
@@the-tone-zone I should re-listen via proper headphones though. More thump and low mids on B it seems
@@the-tone-zonewhen are you doing the reveal ? 😊
The reveal?!
@@the-tone-zone B is the real amp I guess?
B is the real deal, A sounds weird/digital
That's an understatement
We gotta start blind testing guitarists.. I love my valve head to death but solid state amps are becoming unprecedented...
What's a digital sound ?
@@sylvainbiensur7370 unnatural dynamic and attack behaviour
@@sylvainbiensur7370 There's a buildup or "honk" in the upper mids. I've heard this on nearly all modeling units. I own an AXE II and they are locked in at 48k. So, I've always wondered how much aliasing is happening considering guitarists, unlike most other musicians, craft tone WITH high amounts of saturation. Should manufacturers, in that case, pay closer attention to running units at higher sample rates??? It's crazy how that's not yet happening. So, this buildup/honk could actually be aliasing; non-musical "reflected" pitches that have "bounced off of" (been misinterpreted by) the Nyquist limit. For recording, I sometimes use Neural plugins as they oversample and I can use them at 96k thus mitigating aliasing. Yes, it DOES make a noticeable cumulative effect on tone.
Honestly, the biggest difference is when you play LIVE at a gig. We have played with many bands that use either the Axe Fx, Kemper or Quad Core. All of those bands use a cab btw because when you run those units with no cab they sound inferior to using and micing a cab. We use Engl (Savage 120 MK II and a Powerball II). Those same bands that use the modelers (and in some cases they were using profiles of our actual amps) told us they preferred the real amp we were playing out of after watching our set. It had more body and girth. And we do not ask them, they came up to us and stated what they heard, and i agree. When in the room, at a gig through a PA, there is a noticable difference when compared to each other. The 2 things that make me laugh are people that that say "You cannot tell the difference". Well actually you can when it is compared to the real tube amp. And secondly and most OVERLOOKED thing is, when digital guys say "I dont like lugging all of that gear around, the digital setup is much better to gig with". That is another line of BS. When you have an Axe Fx, you need a power amp, foot controller, 2x12 or 4x12 cab. You literally are lugging around the same amount of gear that the guy using the real amp is lugging around. So if you are carrying the same amount of gear, why not use the real thing and sound better? The ONLY way a digital setup is easier to use live is if you go direct with no cab. But as i stated, that direct tone is not as good/not desirable, which is why they use cabs. I am just giving real world/in the trenches feedback. I do believe that digital has a place for quick and silent recording if you find profiles that you like. No doubt. But people need to stop saying there is no difference live at a gig. That is a different scenario, and the tube amp shines brighter there.
For what its worth, for my band I go direct to FOH. I find it easier on my back and transporting is a breeze. This is a convenience thing, so the digital guy lugging gear around, its a true notion! - I agree with you that nothing will beat tube amp tone, this video isnt to highlight either side of that debate and to prove any sort of point - it is more to say 'look how far weve come with digital technology'. Thanks for the comment man, this is the type of measured discussion I really enjoy with people who watch my videos! :)
I am just a fan of gear and a fan of technology and I am privileged enough to be in the position that I am, where I have access to those things.
I highly agree with you.
In a studio or at home when you use studio monitors, the axe fx, kemper or quad cortex are absolutly insane. Even if you hear a diffrence to the tube amps you can´t really say that some unit sounds better or worse.
The big difference always comes when you play live. I played a lot of gigs in many different music genres with my kemper and for me it gets really obvious when you have a second guitar player in your band who plays a tube amp. Tube amps are WAY MORE punchy and gets way better through the mix than modellers. Its kinda OK when you play in a country, folk or even a a pop setting but you simple get smoked when it comes to distortion guitars.
It´s also a big problem when you use modellers only over the PA without a cab behind you (what is kind of the selling point form modellers, that you don´t need to carry a lot of gear). Due to the fact that modellers don´t cut good though the mix espacially on the stage (even with good monitors) you have to use in ear otherwise you simple hear nothing what you play.
"You literally are lugging around the same amount of gear that the guy using the real amp is lugging around." You forgot that a digital guy can have several different amps/presets in the same unit... and several different pedal in the same unit. All controlled by one single small pedalboard. The truth is game is over for amps. In a few years no one will be carrying those monsters. Big 100W heads are getting obsolete everyday. We can see that most amp brands have small/lunchbox versions.
I am not a digital guy. I have a few heads and preamp/poweramps. But I am happy that things are changing.
When I start playing I had a small 15W combo and no pedals for a long time. I was dreaming with effect pedals and such. And when I got some, they were not so high quality. I was extremely happy anyway
Now every kid can have everything with a very convincing quality in their computer.
@ricardopereira9262 I did not forget anything. Let's be real, how many amps, effects, presets are you REALLY using at an average gig? If you have a 3 or 4 channel head that will cover most of what you need in an average setting. That is a weak point. Yes the modelers have more options, but how many presets do you REALLY use? Unless you are the Edge in U2? Lol I mean, come on now. Secondly, YOU seem to forget that modelers are mimicking REAL AMPS. Not the other way around. If you truly think that real amps will go extinct completely, the joke is on you. What will modelers then be influenced by in the future, other modelers? If that happens on a permanent basis, modelers will then sound more fake in a live setting as time goes because there will not be anything to push the boundaries of real guitar tones. Tube amps will be used less sure, but extinct? It will never happen. Some bands are already abandoning modelers and going BACK to tube amps. Third, here is the ugly secret behind modelers, you are buying, in many cases, an expensive PC. What happens to a PC? It is obsolete in a few years. How many people who bought an Axe FX or Axe FX 2 and spent good money on them, are getting a return on their investment? You can find old Axe FX for $400 or $500 in some cases. They are now paper weights because new updated units that will take the firmware updates will come out sooner or later. A good quality tube amp? It will always have a resell value and will last DECADES longer than a modeler. Just swap out the tubes and do maintenance. Oh and let's not forget, word around town is, companies want to start charging for firmware updates in the future. WOW that is a kick in the balls isn't it? And like I said, you are STILL carrying around the same amount of gear live in many cases. An Axe Fx or Kemper, foot controller and a cabinet. It's reality, so carrying around a "Monster" head may weigh a bit more than an Axe FX or Kemper, but let's be real, if you are in average physical condition and cannot lift a head, as opposed to a modeler set up, you need to seriously hit the gym, its an amp head, not a 450 pound bench press, another weak point. Is there a use for modelers to record with? Absolutely, but live is a different story.
@@daveciccone3319 Sorry you are wrong in many parts. And history can easily show you that. Amps will always have a good resell value ? Thats not entirely true . They do maintain a better resell value because high tech products them to be obsolete quickly. And you know why dont you ? Because newer ones are better. How different will be a new real amp in 20 years ? It can have lots of lights and whistles but they will sound like a guitar amp.
Old floorboards like Korg, Digitech, Zoom etc are long absolete and were never close to amps. But technology is evolving super fast. What comes out of an real amp is sound... just that. Coming from wave sounds. Whatever the room sound EVERYBODY will listen to music thru a replicating device (Hi-FI, computer, phone, etc) or Live. And those sounds were all captured with mics. Doesnt that bother you ? Whatever can be captured with a mic can be replicated. And now amp sims and doing that better than ever (and no AI was used yet ). Soon it will be 100,00000% exact match. I will wait to see how many new real amp designers will keep on business... knowing that (IFFFF) then come with a new magic circuit it will be cloned in minutes.
You are also wrong about sim amps require to carry the same amount of gear. NOT EVEN CLOSE.
I totally agree that most of us are using just a few different sounds. If you are a headbanger with a tube head and tube scream.. a amp sim has hundreds of features you dont need. But if you are one of those guys with huge pedal boards (or old racks) and play a cover band or so... sim amps is a brave new world.
Just for the record... I do own 3 amp heads, several tube preamps , several big sized cabinets and... a fractal
Listening on my Macbook speakers I could barely tell a difference. That's scary.
Couldn't believe my ears for a second. Duke Nukem theme? For real? Goddammit, it's like a trip back into the childhood!
Hell yes 😁😁😁
Oh man, I feel so old now 🤣
@@keeprocking3620 don't worry.
We both are 😁
Duke Nukem 3D. I spent hundreds of hours playing that game so I know that riff!
B sounds noticeably better.
To you
Hi, bro. I liked the presets from your various videos. I want to buy signals for myself. Are they suitable for Axe Fm3?
@@berbadetteclement7446I assume they're universal as I keep my patches fairly simple.
B sounds the best.
A is the real amp
A sounds like the amp
hey man what song is playing at the start of the video. please provide a link
Hello friend - this is actually an original song I made and recorded!
@@the-tone-zone can you please send me the link to the song? It was hard
@@tusharsarmet3771 sorry I don't actually have it stored anywhere, I might be able to find a very old (10+ years) recording of it, if i do I will let you know!
We really just want the ada man :).
My Brother, trust me it's coming! ❤️😜
I have amps that sound noticeably better than my MP1. ........but dang it, I always have a good time playing it and can't part with it. There's just something about it.
@@BenBreard speaking honestly. I only recently picked up the Ada and I plan on doing a deep dive on it in a few weeks, any tips for me? I'll give you a mention when I upload if you give me the pro tips 😜👍😊
A is a real thing? Edit: I liked the B better but my real amps always sound worse than plugins and modellers so I wanted to check my theory. It didn't work lol. I liked Axe FX Mesa boogie more than the real thing in a few tests.
Yes, B sounds much better. I have also found that real amps cut better through a mix. But it looks like it is all different and really unpredictable. Thank you for the test.
B is real, A is Axe FX 😁
@@the-tone-zone I know. I've read the desription. I just wanted to post my answer before I check the answer. The difference was huge here. Normally I cannot distinguish plugins, modellers/
@@tgchan I think I could get a little closer with more time dialling, as stated it was about 5 minutes or so. But I hear you!
Duke Nukem theme song 😂
B is real
Correct 😁👍
@@the-tone-zone 🙌 it had the low end you can only get from the real thing 👌
@@highsocietyskate that really spongy elastic low frequency sound!!
Megadeth from that one video game??
You're literally the only person who picked it and, I've been waiting for so long!!!
Duke Nukem theme @@the-tone-zone
@@lazarus8750 takes me back to the glory days 🙌
It’s time to kick ass and chew bubble gum! And I’m all outa gum! 💪🏼🤘🏼
Duke Nukam farrk yeah dog
When you put them both through digital cab sims, it’s not really a full comparison. They both get the nasty digital hair around the edges. The Axe-Fx is just worse. Considering the price, I’d just get a Mark VII if I needed the cab emulation to go silent.
Would love to own every cabinet in the world, but unfortunately I can't so this is my only option. Thanks for watching nonetheless 😊
Can you be more precise when you say "digital hair" in term of listening experience ? It's a new term I never heard before.
@@sylvainbiensur7370he can’t lul
Cut the myth... the difference is so small that amps almost do not make sense these days.
Interesting view, I still love the feel and the idea of having a bunch of guitar heads in my studio though. Being able to grab dials and push buttons is pretty cool! But the Axe FX is so convenient, I'm in neither side of the fence I just appreciate how far we've come...
The fractal sounds terrible in comparison to the Soldano
So tell me which is which ?
B is Soldano@@sylvainbiensur7370
any answer ? you can hear "digital fizz" lol ? or digital buzz ?