I would love one of these but I'm the type of guy that would have 3,000 presets and I would find 1 high gain tone I liked and one clean channel I liked and then only use those 2 settings 99.9% of the time.
That doesn't mean you would be under-utilising it though. A lot of people, myself included, just stick to a few basic sounds. The point of the Axe Fx is just to explore the possibilities in ways that wouldn't be possible in the real world. Once you find your holy grail sound that's all you need, but if you wake up one morning and don't like it anymore you can always change it. Just because it comes with 3000 presets doesn't mean you must use all of them or you're not getting your money's worth.
I own one and have that same feeling. But knowing that I have the freedom to create and sculpt virtually ANY guitar tone possible makes it 100 worth it.
When you consider the fact that there are some amp heads that cost more than an Axe FX, the price really isn't too bad. Still, by the time I can afford one there'll probably be an Axe FX 4
I purchased an AxeFX2 a couple of years ago and it's the best/most indispensable piece of gear I've ever owned. I highly recommend Fractal products to any guitarist.
It may look and sound awesome but units like this that offer SO many features i always fine myself tweaking more then i am playing.. I love amps and pedals for simplicity and being straight to the point.
@VapnFagan If I agree, more options make the decision more difficult, and Axe fx exaggerates his prices by the ingenuity of naive guitarists who think that a color screen, a more powerful processor or additional Knobs will offer a much more real and higher quality tone. When Fractal launched its Axe ultra they said that it was an exact replica of 100% of the amplifiers to valves and effects, now it is an obsolete product and in each new product they improve subtle things almost imperceptible and the Dumd buy it and justify their purchase in the most idiotic way possible, then Fractal earns more money and so the business continues with ridiculous prices. In the supply and demand there is a law and is that the higher demand must lower prices and the customer receive better products for the same price, but thanks to the stupid who support the prices of kemper, Axe and helix instead of every time find better products at a lower price, on the contrary they rise shamelessly to more than 1500 usd.
Just exercise some discipline and don't go diving into sub-menus and the like. There's literally an "authentic" tab which only shows the controls that exist on the actual amp. You could build your entire sound without ever leaving that tab just like in the real world.
12ealDeal what do use for a cab? How does that work? I would buy one for the ability to have all the tones and amps and cabs etc but what is the best way to hear it in the room? Do I use a regular guitar cab? Frfr cab? Any insight would be appreciated.
@@guyfromnj I have it routed through my KRK mains and sub at my mixing desk since nearly 100% of the work I do is recording (Ax8, stereo, into a Saffire Pro40 via twin XLRs, then firewire to computer). I use AxEdit on my second monitor so I don't have to reach over and twist any knobs on the AX8. When my friends come over and want to play it, I run from the XLR outs into a QSC GX5 power amp into an Egnater Tourmaster 212 with Elite-80s, then turn the cab emulation off under global settings on the Ax8. I want to buy the Friedman power cab so I don't have to keep using the qsc and egnater, for no other reason than the convenience of having a wedge shaped cab and not having to turn off cab emulation.
@@guyfromnj not guy above, but I've used both. Started with an frfr monitor just jamming in my room. Changed to a Matrix power amp and Celestion v30 2x12 cab for playing live. Both sound amazing, but I personally prefer the power amp/cab setup.
@@karateka56 I always hear people say stuff like this with modelers but it's not like you have to buy the next one??!?!?!?!?!? it's like if you had an OG 5150 and then a newer version (ie: 6505, 6534, EVH 5150, etc) came out. you don't have to buy the new one?
had Axe Fx II XL + for almost 2 years. Decided to give real amps a try again. Found a 6505+ head and cab on Craigslist recently. One strum and I was sold. Axe Fx and Matrix now for sale on Reverb lol.
I'm not surprised. I bought an Ultra back in the day and I still have it. I've only kept it because it would work well as an effect unit in tube amp loop. I've been leery of jumping back on board the Fractal bandwagon mostly due to cost, and I think they need to do full circuit board modeling of the amp and dynamic Impulse response would be the next more difficult step after that, then maybe I'll consider one. I mostly just don't care for speaker tweeter crossover sound, but if they could at least nail the preamp sound so you could at least push your own real cab that might be doable. It is hard to get away from a good tube amp though.
@@torchlord11 yeah thats def one of my issues is using it with a real cab. I read all the time where people are doing it and love it but I just can't seem to get a good tone out of it. I wonder if the III is any better
@@theaustralianhulk It's hard to say if the Axe Fx 3 is any better, but they do have a 15 day tryout period for them I believe. With you having the Matrix amp already that might be something to keep in the event you wanted to try a Modeller out again down the road. That being said the price of the Seymour Duncan power stage 170 is a cheaper amp option you could go with and the might just have better options down the road anyways I personally think they should start going with Class AB solid state amp like the Katana amps have, which is much closer to hoe tube amps work.
@@sqlb3rn Oh I was referring to the Axe Fx Ultra, not the Ultra 120. I don't know every tube amp out there. I've considered getting a Peavey 6505 type amp before and looked into the Peavey Invectus most recently, but amps are expensive so I just stick with the Coreblade and Switchblade amps at the moment. I've been doing more playing around with preamp tube swapping and speaker/ cab changing when money permits with the amps to see if I can get the sound I'm after. It is a slow tweaker system, but unlike AX FX most all changes in a tube amp via a speaker, preamp, and power tubes generally will sound good via a twist of a knob. I did try out the Peavey Revalver VST before. It was ok but still, the experience was much like Ax FX, which works well for recording, but not so well for the player experience. Tube amps are pretty pricey and the more you have the more they may cost you in repairs. I have however finally found an excellent tube repair guy about an hour away from where I live that actually knows what the F*ck he is doing, after going through like 2-3 guys.
I've had one since Thanksgiving and I absolutely love it! As an apartment guitarist, it does everything I'd ever need. Replaced a Pod HD 500 and will never look back!
First time I setup a ax-fx rig it was amazing. Hookup ye old midi controller build breakout box for artist to plug in. Light bulb moment Convinced artists to go wireless and his rack lived then moved to monitor world. Artist was happy I was happy not to worry about cabs or amps. Saved a lot of truck space and man power to setup. Guitar tech was like a kid in candyland.
I have a Helix and love it. I know this isn’t the same, but digital processing is starting to win. Nothing compares to a tube amp tone, but convenience, weight, portability, and matching tone across venues sure wins it for me.
For me personally, I cannot be around so much options. Ill never play my guitar, I just constantly tweak. I’m just learning now to get your sound and improve your playing. So a simple tube and a few pedals make me happy. But for some one who loves to tweak or has better self control than me, this is awesome.
Way too many people focus on "Does this modeler sound exactly like Amp A?" instead of "Does it sound good?" Hell you could take two old Plexis from the same year and they will most likely sound different from each other
@Sean Huntley I understand your point bro and I think that's how most people should think, does it sound good? Applies to any piece of gear like a Pod X3 that in the hands of someone who knows how to use it and get all its qualities can sound the same or better than Ax FX III, the problem is when the phrase: "SOUNDS GOOD, ONLY APPLY TO KEMPER, AXE AND HELIX ". Many who use Peavey 6505 real with a Mesa 4x12 cab want to be sure that Ax FX III sounds like its rig and that is impossible since each sound is unique and as you say two amplifiers even if they are the same will not sound the same. Your today with all the tools we have available, IRs, IR loader as mooer radar etc, you no longer need a Kemper or helix, to sound professional or spend thousands of dollars.
how does it compare against the Helix rack to use in the studio? both of them sound awesome, but how versatile are they in terms of being used as interfaces? I think that would be an interesting video...
I've heard people say that the AxeFx is more usable out of the box, in that every amp is good at any EQ setting. The Helix needs some tweaking to find the sweet spot you need. I haven't played the AxeFx myself, but my experience with the Helix was exactly that.
@@shehranazim4784 I agree. I have a Helix Rack and I also had the same experience out of the box... but then I started watching videos for tones, started to copy other users settings to use as a starting point and I pretty much got the hang of it by now... But yeah, right out of the box it's not really "stellar".
For those that are on the fence with this unit, just somehow save the money and get one if you can. , it will probably stand as the best purchase you’ve made for many years and the enjoyment in your playing will also multiply. Amazing unit.
I had an FX 3 and a Kemper. I liked the ease of finding good sounds with the kemper profiles, like Mbritt, etc but the interface and pc program to edit rigs/chains in axe FX 3 can't be beat. Sound on kemper "feels" better for just amp modeling, but damn I miss the interface on the Axe FX 3. Just for me, the amount of editing you can do on every little damn thing wasn't needed so the Kemper made more sense as I wanted something I just plugged in and got the amp I needed for the job loaded.. I already have an effects board. Still, If you are on the fence, and want something you can tinker with I'd go with the Axe FX 3 all day.
Dude I have an X3 Live. It's pretty usable for live. In cheap-ass spots, I use the "stereo" feature as dual mono to mask the modeler's limitations but you can bypass the preamp and cab models and route everything through good amps whenever possible using the same ruotings and effects. This is the first thing that made me want to switch honestly. Having the power to sound design the whole rock band from the ground up is pretty hype, at least for me.
Reminded me of when I had my first multi effects pedal, a DigiTech rp. It was fun and it inspired me to play more because I wanted to try all their different versions of amp's and cab's without spending thousands of dollars. Of course all my friends with tube amp's and huge pedal boards thought I was crazy! But at the time I couldn't afford the gear they had. I've always heard why have hundreds of sounds when only about 2 or 3 of them sound good? I enjoyed having the variety of amp's at my fingertips. The quality has improved dramatically since my little pedal years ago.
I love my tube amps but I've also loved my Fractals since their first release. The AxeIII is what all other units wish they could be. Just a great product!
Price always has to be a factor when it comes to gear. Everything I've heard from the AxFX3 is amazing. But as a shitty Canadian, to get the unit, and an FC6, you're looking at $4000CN ($4400 with an FC12), not including shipping. It's THE reason I've never dug into Fractal stuff, and stayed with Line 6. I've always loved my L6 gear, and for my money, I'll take a Helix LT for $1500CN, and use the other $2500 on other gear, guitars and food. haha
@Zed Chuva I understand bro, but the good news is that you do not need the Kemper, helix, Axe fx lll to sound professional and have the tone you want, at home you can use ignite amps emissary and your Nadir, with some eq and mix knowledge you can have equal or better tones than kemper, helix and Axe fx. Already for live performances you can use a Pod X3 Live and a mooer Radar to use IRs and have an excellent tone and only spend 400 usd in the process. As they say there "It is not the arrow but the Indian". The tone is more a matter of your technique, guitar mid range and knowledge than you have of mixing that something else. Also keep in mind that in a concert "THE AUDIENCE NEVER GOES TO NOTING A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN AMPLIFIER TO VALVES, A PLUGIN OR A POD" and for them we played and it is they who buy the tickets. Sometimes we are the guitarists who exaggerated everything and we worry about stupid things like amp in the room, real feel cab etc and the audience has always listened to Amp Miced either at home with their favorite bands or in live
@@butcher_0392 Trust me. Even tho I use Line 6 stuff (still use my X3), I use Emissary and NadIR for all my recording tones. Until I can afford a Helix (which I would like to get one day), I'll be using those two for pretty much everything. It's more of "I want that, cause I like it", than "I need it to chase my tone." Emissary gives me exactly what I need for recording.
So is it essentially a complex multi-effects pedal with a lot more customisability and input/output options? Not trying to downplay it, just trying to work out if its worth it
Yay! Great stuff, Fluff. Fun, enlightening, honest and straight up. I spend at least two hours with mine EVERY night (the Axe-FX III). Legacy, schmegacy ... it means nothing once you've slipped over the event horizon. Not a cheap slip, but a good one. And at the time of writing, the best. Thanks for a great view. It's awesome, and so is your vid.
I personally use a tube amp as the tones I have been able to get the best of are from a tube amp with pedals goin in the front. But if I had the money this is definitely the way to go
Sounds Killer. I'm super happy with my Kemper, but I feel there's definitely room for both. I feel no rush, but might swing for one down the road in the used market. The digital world is so good, I don't think I'll be going back to the ol' tubes much anymore.
Those comments will surely come, but I really hope people start realizing it's not just down to tubes and "feel" and depends on the individual's situation. I love me the feel and sound of a good monster tube head but I would rather own a Fractal since I mostly record at home and can still plug it through a cab lmao
@@TobyKBTY whoever talks about "feel" has never actually played with these things... the feel is exactly the same. you just find a sound you like, start playing and you forget you're using a digital modeler... now, i don't think i'll get rid of my tube amps (mesa roadster head and vox ac30) but since i got a helix i found myself playing with that instead... partly because of convenience, and partly because i never felt any different playing with it. I believe that any difference in feel is simply a placebo. As soon as you do a blind test, suddenly you can't tell if you are playing through a modeler or a real tube amp anymore.
Lots of options for silent recording with tube amps nowadays boys, the "i cant play my tube amp at home its just too loud" isnt a factor anymore, axfx is amazing but you can still get a brand new tube amp head, a few pedals, and a load box in leu of a cab, and still be much easier on your wallet than the axfx, that being said i fully intend to get one at some point lol but honestly id almost rather have my pick of 3 diffirent tube amps over the axfx, it may be the best modeler on the market, but thats the thing, its a modeler, why spend more on the fake thing when you can have the real deal, modelers have their use but if you a b them modelers still lack that extra something a tube amp gives you, its irreplaceable to someone who knows their amps
I'd certainly love to find out by playing the Axe FX III. I love the sound and the feel of a tube amp head but I couldn't honestly say bc I've never played through the Fractal. Judging by the videos I've seen on the Axe FX III, I think it would give any amp a run for it's money. But I think it's more like Fluff said, once u plug in and play it you won't give a shit that it's not a tube amp. I know I'd get lost for hours with that bad mofo
How does this sound compared to the headrush pedalboard? I own the HR pedalboard and like the portability and ease of use, but not feeling the sound 100%. I play anything from classic rock, to punk, to metal and everything between...
I think the issue isn't the tonal quality vs a tube amp but more related to the actual "feel". How do you move air, how do you feel the tubes in the room, how do you feel all the air molecules in the room moving back and forth pounding every inch of your body as you chug away in drop D? I think that's the issue, not the tonal quality but literally "the feel"? Once you experience that, you can't go back. Something will always be missing,,, The feel.....
Ty!! I will definitely be upgrading to AFXII Have the 1 now (nice to learn on) and sounds killer! But definitely want the 3 now! My biggest question is…Can you plug this directly in a speaker cab? Or still need to go through and “amp” first? TY!
Man, I've got to get one of those.. it's killing me bc it'll probably be another year or two before I get one (I just bought a brand new head and cab lol)
One of my deciding factors on getting a Helix is because the Axe-FX III is so overwhelming with sounds and features I would be spending all my time programming instead of playing. I added a bunch of quality IRs to it and my cab sounds are just fine.
Ron Gillespie I know that all too well buddy, I’ll never sell my tube amps. This axe 3 just blows me away and with the fc12 foot controller, man operating it is soooo easy . I will say RUclips videos don’t do the axe justice, it sounds sooo much better in person
Yes. Depends on what you wanna do. Its equally at home in either scenario. It can replace any piece of gear in the chain except guitars. The craziest way to use it is with BOTH real cabs and FRFR monitors in WDW or crazy stereo in 5 cable method with two amps. That way you get the best of Fractal Effects, pre and post with a real amp, full amp and cab modelling through monitors and all in glorious stereo or WDW.
I have a brand new one I bought in early 2020, it’s mid October and I haven’t used it or plugged it in yet, currently sitting in an argosy desk. Sad. Hopefully soon I’ll finish what I started but this year has kinda hijacked my brain.
I have a II still but found my sound in the Kemper... I would have bought a III if it had selectable sample rates.. Mainly to conitnue using it as an interface.. But I need flexibility there so.. I need a new interface instead.
My one gripe about cab irs, is that they never really sound like how it would standing in front of the actual cab since most cabs are mic'd on the one best sounding speaker.
Yeah, bare IR's on stage sounds weak, in my opinion. You do feel kinda stupid if you are playing right after a dude with a 4x12. However, with my Axe FX 2, I use a solid state power amp and a cab, while also sending the IR to the front. Best of both worlds. Though, in a stadium, or some other places, the audience can't hear the cab either way, so I just bring my axe FX.
@@pauliusmscichauskas558 I like what John Petrucci did making a sub box with that bar that vibrates so he can feel the responsive feedback to his playing.
How freaking big is the users manual, or users Book. LOL Fluff, after being subscribed to your channel I just noticed your scar on your Right knee, total knee correct? How did you damage that bad boy?
I'm very tempted to buy one of these, or even an FX8 but I can't get over the price point. It's like buying an Apple (or any high end electronic equipment) and the value drops as new versions are released, ultimately becoming undesirable vs say, an actual classic tube head. Which who knows, tube heads sort of seem to be less desirable now already. More so likely if modeler technology becomes less expensive and easily obtainable to most consumers.
Are you able to run the Axe FX 3 through a real amps FX loop? I want to get one, but for my own tone just use it as a huge ass pedal board, but for fun at home, use its amp sims
Being an AX8 user. Feedback are mixed. There's always the one if not a couple of people that try to tell me things I already know. It can be annoying. While they're carrying amp heads and 4x12. All I have to do is go to FoH. And sometimes I'll have a 2x12 Orange cab. Less is more.
Let’s put it this way. For years I was a “Tubes amp only” kind of guy. I crapped on anything digital any chance I got. I’ve had incredible amps too, Soldano SLO, high end Marshalls, Randalls, Boogie Road King 2, lots of stuff. Now, I no longer have tube amps, just my Axe FX 3 & a Mission FRFR. I also have my old Gallien 2100 SEL solid state amp for my Iron Maiden Seventh Son stuff. Tube amps are heavy & require a lot of maintenance. Not to mention, having a great tube amp meant I was stuck with that amp sound only. Quite limited when compared to the endless sounds I get with the Fractal. Not to mention it is awesome for recording....& it does bass, & you can use it with multiple guitars at the same time....just no tube amp can do all of this stuff.
People balk at the price of this but drop 3k on Friedman’s all day. Anyways, I borrowed an AxeIII for a week and the core sound and feel of a bone dry amp sound vs the Kemper goes to the kemper all day but the tools and options and software and mountains of effects in the AxeIII are staggering. I’d say it’s worth it or maybe a 2nd gen AxeFX to have an amazing effects processor.
I have an Axe-FX II, not a III, but I can tell you that the II is so close to the tube amps it models that if you are putting down the Fractal then you're not paying attention or you're just being a jerkoff. My AFII caused me to go out and buy MORE tube amps. Because I found out what those amps would sound like because of the AFII. The Fractal is a truly awesome unit and it's reliable and will always sound the same night after night as long as you have the right presets loaded and selected. Don't take your vintage tube amps out on the gig, save them for use at home or in the studio. Gig the Fractal and know that if something should happen to it, you just get another Fractal, load your presets into it, and you're completely back up and running with the SAME exact sounds.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
I would love one of these but I'm the type of guy that would have 3,000 presets and I would find 1 high gain tone I liked and one clean channel I liked and then only use those 2 settings 99.9% of the time.
Pitdog360 same af
That doesn't mean you would be under-utilising it though. A lot of people, myself included, just stick to a few basic sounds. The point of the Axe Fx is just to explore the possibilities in ways that wouldn't be possible in the real world. Once you find your holy grail sound that's all you need, but if you wake up one morning and don't like it anymore you can always change it. Just because it comes with 3000 presets doesn't mean you must use all of them or you're not getting your money's worth.
@@tanshaomala very good perspective on that
That’s kind of the point
I own one and have that same feeling. But knowing that I have the freedom to create and sculpt virtually ANY guitar tone possible makes it 100 worth it.
A 3 hour video on cabinets? Hold my beer!
Leon Todd I would watch it
Joey Lightsey and me
When you consider the fact that there are some amp heads that cost more than an Axe FX, the price really isn't too bad. Still, by the time I can afford one there'll probably be an Axe FX 4
I purchased an AxeFX2 a couple of years ago and it's the best/most indispensable piece of gear I've ever owned. I highly recommend Fractal products to any guitarist.
It may look and sound awesome but units like this that offer SO many features i always fine myself tweaking more then i am playing.. I love amps and pedals for simplicity and being straight to the point.
@VapnFagan
If I agree, more options make the decision more difficult, and Axe fx exaggerates his prices by the ingenuity of naive guitarists who think that a color screen, a more powerful processor or additional Knobs will offer a much more real and higher quality tone.
When Fractal launched its Axe ultra they said that it was an exact replica of 100% of the amplifiers to valves and effects, now it is an obsolete product and in each new product they improve subtle things almost imperceptible and the Dumd buy it and justify their purchase in the most idiotic way possible, then Fractal earns more money and so the business continues with ridiculous prices.
In the supply and demand there is a law and is that the higher demand must lower prices and the customer receive better products for the same price, but thanks to the stupid who support the prices of kemper, Axe and helix instead of every time find better products at a lower price, on the contrary they rise shamelessly to more than 1500 usd.
@@butcher_0392 Says someone who has obviously not played a Kemper, Axe or Helix. and is bitter because they can't buy one.
just get to know it..
Just exercise some discipline and don't go diving into sub-menus and the like. There's literally an "authentic" tab which only shows the controls that exist on the actual amp. You could build your entire sound without ever leaving that tab just like in the real world.
@@justmehere6094 Nailed it.
*THE* review I was waiting from you! Finally! 😉👍
Every time I hear an axfx I'm blown away by the tones. I think it's time...
I bought an AX8 with my tax returns last year. Never looked back. Every time I plug in, which is daily, I smile.
12ealDeal what do use for a cab? How does that work? I would buy one for the ability to have all the tones and amps and cabs etc but what is the best way to hear it in the room? Do I use a regular guitar cab? Frfr cab? Any insight would be appreciated.
@@guyfromnj I have it routed through my KRK mains and sub at my mixing desk since nearly 100% of the work I do is recording (Ax8, stereo, into a Saffire Pro40 via twin XLRs, then firewire to computer). I use AxEdit on my second monitor so I don't have to reach over and twist any knobs on the AX8. When my friends come over and want to play it, I run from the XLR outs into a QSC GX5 power amp into an Egnater Tourmaster 212 with Elite-80s, then turn the cab emulation off under global settings on the Ax8.
I want to buy the Friedman power cab so I don't have to keep using the qsc and egnater, for no other reason than the convenience of having a wedge shaped cab and not having to turn off cab emulation.
@@guyfromnj not guy above, but I've used both. Started with an frfr monitor just jamming in my room. Changed to a Matrix power amp and Celestion v30 2x12 cab for playing live. Both sound amazing, but I personally prefer the power amp/cab setup.
Sean Dennis good to know. Thank you for the response man.
Pricey. Yet it will be the last amp you would ever need to buy.
This sums up my whole Axe Fx II experience for, oh wow 5 years already
until Afe Fx IV
@@karateka56 only if the Axe FX IV will have an integrated fridge
That's the price for like every amp in existence, I guess that's fair
@@karateka56 I always hear people say stuff like this with modelers but it's not like you have to buy the next one??!?!?!?!?!?
it's like if you had an OG 5150 and then a newer version (ie: 6505, 6534, EVH 5150, etc) came out. you don't have to buy the new one?
For a second I thought the Axe-FX was 4 feet wide during the sound demo lmfao
Me to
69th like
Its just that the fluffer is like 4 ft tall in a lumberjack outfit
So did i lol I almost turned the video off because I was thought why the fuck would they not make that smaller
🤣holyshit me to
had Axe Fx II XL + for almost 2 years. Decided to give real amps a try again. Found a 6505+ head and cab on Craigslist recently. One strum and I was sold. Axe Fx and Matrix now for sale on Reverb lol.
I'm not surprised. I bought an Ultra back in the day and I still have it. I've only kept it because it would work well as an effect unit in tube amp loop.
I've been leery of jumping back on board the Fractal bandwagon mostly due to cost, and I think they need to do full circuit board modeling of the amp and dynamic Impulse response would be the next more difficult step after that, then maybe I'll consider one.
I mostly just don't care for speaker tweeter crossover sound, but if they could at least nail the preamp sound so you could at least push your own real cab that might be doable.
It is hard to get away from a good tube amp though.
@@torchlord11 the peavey ultra 120 is still a great sounding high gain amp. I love peavey amps, I don't give a fuck.
@@torchlord11 yeah thats def one of my issues is using it with a real cab. I read all the time where people are doing it and love it but I just can't seem to get a good tone out of it. I wonder if the III is any better
@@theaustralianhulk It's hard to say if the Axe Fx 3 is any better, but they do have a 15 day tryout period for them I believe. With you having the Matrix amp already that might be something to keep in the event you wanted to try a Modeller out again down the road. That being said the price of the Seymour Duncan power stage 170 is a cheaper amp option you could go with and the might just have better options down the road anyways
I personally think they should start going with Class AB solid state amp like the Katana amps have, which is much closer to hoe tube amps work.
@@sqlb3rn Oh I was referring to the Axe Fx Ultra, not the Ultra 120. I don't know every tube amp out there. I've considered getting a Peavey 6505 type amp before and looked into the Peavey Invectus most recently, but amps are expensive so I just stick with the Coreblade and Switchblade amps at the moment. I've been doing more playing around with preamp tube swapping and speaker/ cab changing when money permits with the amps to see if I can get the sound I'm after. It is a slow tweaker system, but unlike AX FX most all changes in a tube amp via a speaker, preamp, and power tubes generally will sound good via a twist of a knob.
I did try out the Peavey Revalver VST before. It was ok but still, the experience was much like Ax FX, which works well for recording, but not so well for the player experience.
Tube amps are pretty pricey and the more you have the more they may cost you in repairs. I have however finally found an excellent tube repair guy about an hour away from where I live that actually knows what the F*ck he is doing, after going through like 2-3 guys.
I've had one since Thanksgiving and I absolutely love it! As an apartment guitarist, it does everything I'd ever need. Replaced a Pod HD 500 and will never look back!
What monitors do you use / recommend for apartment use?
First time I setup a ax-fx rig it was amazing. Hookup ye old midi controller build breakout box for artist to plug in. Light bulb moment Convinced artists to go wireless and his rack lived then moved to monitor world. Artist was happy I was happy not to worry about cabs or amps. Saved a lot of truck space and man power to setup. Guitar tech was like a kid in candyland.
I have a Helix and love it. I know this isn’t the same, but digital processing is starting to win. Nothing compares to a tube amp tone, but convenience, weight, portability, and matching tone across venues sure wins it for me.
Here's my demo of Axe_fx 3... There is no demo! I'll say it's cool and call it a day. Fluff putting in the OT
Wish he could play to save his life...
I'm ordering it and the fc12 tomorrow...can't wait...
For me personally, I cannot be around so much options. Ill never play my guitar, I just constantly tweak. I’m just learning now to get your sound and improve your playing. So a simple tube and a few pedals make me happy. But for some one who loves to tweak or has better self control than me, this is awesome.
Ya same with me it would probably make me worse lol
Haha that's why I'm selling mine lol. Spent hours dialing in tones and noodling. Haven't learned a song in forever
@@theaustralianhulk Then just play the hundreds of presets. Thetweaking is there only if you want it.
Way too many people focus on "Does this modeler sound exactly like Amp A?" instead of "Does it sound good?" Hell you could take two old Plexis from the same year and they will most likely sound different from each other
@Sean Huntley
I understand your point bro and I think that's how most people should think, does it sound good? Applies to any piece of gear like a Pod X3 that in the hands of someone who knows how to use it and get all its qualities can sound the same or better than Ax FX III, the problem is when the phrase: "SOUNDS GOOD, ONLY APPLY TO KEMPER, AXE AND HELIX ".
Many who use Peavey 6505 real with a Mesa 4x12 cab want to be sure that Ax FX III sounds like its rig and that is impossible since each sound is unique and as you say two amplifiers even if they are the same will not sound the same.
Your today with all the tools we have available, IRs, IR loader as mooer radar etc, you no longer need a Kemper or helix, to sound professional or spend thousands of dollars.
I have one and I absolutely love it. It sounds amazing and it is so easy to record with
I have an AX8, now saving for this bad boy
Waist down, SUMMERTIME! Waist up, BRRRRRRRRRRRR WINTER TIME!!
how does it compare against the Helix rack to use in the studio? both of them sound awesome, but how versatile are they in terms of being used as interfaces? I think that would be an interesting video...
I've heard people say that the AxeFx is more usable out of the box, in that every amp is good at any EQ setting. The Helix needs some tweaking to find the sweet spot you need. I haven't played the AxeFx myself, but my experience with the Helix was exactly that.
@@shehranazim4784 I agree. I have a Helix Rack and I also had the same experience out of the box... but then I started watching videos for tones, started to copy other users settings to use as a starting point and I pretty much got the hang of it by now... But yeah, right out of the box it's not really "stellar".
For those that are on the fence with this unit, just somehow save the money and get one if you can. , it will probably stand as the best purchase you’ve made for many years and the enjoyment in your playing will also multiply. Amazing unit.
I had an FX 3 and a Kemper. I liked the ease of finding good sounds with the kemper profiles, like Mbritt, etc but the interface and pc program to edit rigs/chains in axe FX 3 can't be beat. Sound on kemper "feels" better for just amp modeling, but damn I miss the interface on the Axe FX 3. Just for me, the amount of editing you can do on every little damn thing wasn't needed so the Kemper made more sense as I wanted something I just plugged in and got the amp I needed for the job loaded.. I already have an effects board. Still, If you are on the fence, and want something you can tinker with I'd go with the Axe FX 3 all day.
Dude I have an X3 Live. It's pretty usable for live. In cheap-ass spots, I use the "stereo" feature as dual mono to mask the modeler's limitations but you can bypass the preamp and cab models and route everything through good amps whenever possible using the same ruotings and effects.
This is the first thing that made me want to switch honestly. Having the power to sound design the whole rock band from the ground up is pretty hype, at least for me.
A deeper dive into the unit would be awesome! Hope you make that video as well!
Reminded me of when I had my first multi effects pedal, a DigiTech rp. It was fun and it inspired me to play more because I wanted to try all their different versions of amp's and cab's without spending thousands of dollars. Of course all my friends with tube amp's and huge pedal boards thought I was crazy! But at the time I couldn't afford the gear they had. I've always heard why have hundreds of sounds when only about 2 or 3 of them sound good? I enjoyed having the variety of amp's at my fingertips. The quality has improved dramatically since my little pedal years ago.
I love my tube amps but I've also loved my Fractals since their first release. The AxeIII is what all other units wish they could be. Just a great product!
Price always has to be a factor when it comes to gear. Everything I've heard from the AxFX3 is amazing. But as a shitty Canadian, to get the unit, and an FC6, you're looking at $4000CN ($4400 with an FC12), not including shipping. It's THE reason I've never dug into Fractal stuff, and stayed with Line 6. I've always loved my L6 gear, and for my money, I'll take a Helix LT for $1500CN, and use the other $2500 on other gear, guitars and food. haha
$5135AUD here for the III+FC12 combo, I feel your pain.
@Zed Chuva
I understand bro, but the good news is that you do not need the Kemper, helix, Axe fx lll to sound professional and have the tone you want, at home you can use ignite amps emissary and your Nadir, with some eq and mix knowledge you can have equal or better tones than kemper, helix and Axe fx.
Already for live performances you can use a Pod X3 Live and a mooer Radar to use IRs and have an excellent tone and only spend 400 usd in the process.
As they say there "It is not the arrow but the Indian". The tone is more a matter of your technique, guitar mid range and knowledge than you have of mixing that something else.
Also keep in mind that in a concert "THE AUDIENCE NEVER GOES TO NOTING A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN AMPLIFIER TO VALVES, A PLUGIN OR A POD" and for them we played and it is they who buy the tickets.
Sometimes we are the guitarists who exaggerated everything and we worry about stupid things like amp in the room, real feel cab etc and the audience has always listened to Amp Miced either at home with their favorite bands or in live
@@butcher_0392 Trust me. Even tho I use Line 6 stuff (still use my X3), I use Emissary and NadIR for all my recording tones. Until I can afford a Helix (which I would like to get one day), I'll be using those two for pretty much everything. It's more of "I want that, cause I like it", than "I need it to chase my tone." Emissary gives me exactly what I need for recording.
So is it essentially a complex multi-effects pedal with a lot more customisability and input/output options? Not trying to downplay it, just trying to work out if its worth it
Yeah. The fun factor and the quick learning curve on the AxeFx III is a 100/10. I adore this unit.
Hi, this replace the normal amplifier? Thanks.
Yay! Great stuff, Fluff. Fun, enlightening, honest and straight up. I spend at least two hours with mine EVERY night (the Axe-FX III). Legacy, schmegacy ... it means nothing once you've slipped over the event horizon. Not a cheap slip, but a good one. And at the time of writing, the best. Thanks for a great view. It's awesome, and so is your vid.
I personally use a tube amp as the tones I have been able to get the best of are from a tube amp with pedals goin in the front. But if I had the money this is definitely the way to go
I thought for a second the first plugin he played with was named " big chungus" .
Sounds Killer. I'm super happy with my Kemper, but I feel there's definitely room for both. I feel no rush, but might swing for one down the road in the used market. The digital world is so good, I don't think I'll be going back to the ol' tubes much anymore.
I love my Kemper and were still on version #1 and it's built extremely well.
@@connorsme71 That is one thing I greatly appreciate. The Kemper was vastly future proofed upon inception and has only gotten better with each update.
Soooo Axe III vs. Helix Rack ? What's your opinion Fluff ?
@MorbidManMusic your names morbidmanmusic, not fluff. Silly
Axe Fx Standard came out in 2006 btw.
100% agree... just got one myself. It makes you WANT to play!
Did anyone say tube amps are better yet ?
Those comments will surely come, but I really hope people start realizing it's not just down to tubes and "feel" and depends on the individual's situation. I love me the feel and sound of a good monster tube head but I would rather own a Fractal since I mostly record at home and can still plug it through a cab lmao
Of course still will be better sonically. But that's not the point. They are two completely different thing to compare to as products.
@@TobyKBTY whoever talks about "feel" has never actually played with these things... the feel is exactly the same. you just find a sound you like, start playing and you forget you're using a digital modeler... now, i don't think i'll get rid of my tube amps (mesa roadster head and vox ac30) but since i got a helix i found myself playing with that instead... partly because of convenience, and partly because i never felt any different playing with it. I believe that any difference in feel is simply a placebo. As soon as you do a blind test, suddenly you can't tell if you are playing through a modeler or a real tube amp anymore.
Lots of options for silent recording with tube amps nowadays boys, the "i cant play my tube amp at home its just too loud" isnt a factor anymore, axfx is amazing but you can still get a brand new tube amp head, a few pedals, and a load box in leu of a cab, and still be much easier on your wallet than the axfx, that being said i fully intend to get one at some point lol but honestly id almost rather have my pick of 3 diffirent tube amps over the axfx, it may be the best modeler on the market, but thats the thing, its a modeler, why spend more on the fake thing when you can have the real deal, modelers have their use but if you a b them modelers still lack that extra something a tube amp gives you, its irreplaceable to someone who knows their amps
I'd certainly love to find out by playing the Axe FX III. I love the sound and the feel of a tube amp head but I couldn't honestly say bc I've never played through the Fractal. Judging by the videos I've seen on the Axe FX III, I think it would give any amp a run for it's money. But I think it's more like Fluff said, once u plug in and play it you won't give a shit that it's not a tube amp. I know I'd get lost for hours with that bad mofo
Fractal Audio needs to release a single rack space FX only unit .
This is actually a demo, just a few amazingly good tones that demonstrate how it sounds + his opinion on the question. Is it worth it? Good video man.
How does this sound compared to the headrush pedalboard? I own the HR pedalboard and like the portability and ease of use, but not feeling the sound 100%. I play anything from classic rock, to punk, to metal and everything between...
I think the issue isn't the tonal quality vs a tube amp but more related to the actual "feel".
How do you move air, how do you feel the tubes in the room, how do you feel all the air molecules in the room moving back and forth pounding every inch of your body as you chug away in drop D?
I think that's the issue, not the tonal quality but literally "the feel"?
Once you experience that, you can't go back. Something will always be missing,,,
The feel.....
what is the FX III connected to? to a universal audio and then to Speakers?
i like that youre using one of the guitars i own. it helps me picture the sound its going to make.
I remember late 90's early 2000's, some people found amps like Mesa Mark to long to tweak. Damn, it's like playing synthesizer today.
YES....YES..YES...NEW STUFF ROXX..!!
You're videos are awesome. Thanks brotha.
You finally got one ! Gratz !!!
Im a Kemper guy but even I can say this thing is freaking sweet!
Ty!! I will definitely be upgrading to AFXII
Have the 1 now (nice to learn on) and sounds killer! But definitely want the 3 now!
My biggest question is…Can you plug this directly in a speaker cab? Or still need to go through and “amp” first?
TY!
I remember having the joy of playing on a axe fx II. I can only imagine the sweet possibilitys of this things dual 1Ghz processors
no you can't
don't tell me how to live! or live vicariously through Fluff :D
How is the screen view in Argosy?
What's better about this than just using a laptop with the multitude of daws, modelers, and vst plugins out there?
Man, I've got to get one of those.. it's killing me bc it'll probably be another year or two before I get one (I just bought a brand new head and cab lol)
They will have V4 out by then.. and then v5, 6, 7,............. When will the madness end???
@@RGMDG yeah, ikr! It's gonna be a never ending cycle. But honestly, what more could they possibly do?! I'm sure they can think of some shit..
One of my deciding factors on getting a Helix is because the Axe-FX III is so overwhelming with sounds and features I would be spending all my time programming instead of playing. I added a bunch of quality IRs to it and my cab sounds are just fine.
It seems like a lot more $$$ than a boss katana 50 but it doesnt come with a cab /speaker? AND NO TUBES?
Well I mean Fluff likes a Line 6 Spider 15watt combo but not a Blackstar Series One SOOOO take his opinion with a grain of salt
What do you prefer Fluff, Axe-Fx or Kemper?
Clearly the Fractal.
Kemper - much closer to the sound and feel of the real deal, limitless amps library
Fractal - routing capabilities and FX
I know it's tough to say on a Fractal specific video, but has this given you any pause when it comes to your helix live rig?
I love my axe 3 , was a tube purists for a long time , not anymore axe fx 3 all the way
Ron Gillespie I know that all too well buddy, I’ll never sell my tube amps. This axe 3 just blows me away and with the fc12 foot controller, man operating it is soooo easy . I will say RUclips videos don’t do the axe justice, it sounds sooo much better in person
So ideally would u hook it up to a guitar can or a PA system since it has cabs and IRs?
Yes. Depends on what you wanna do. Its equally at home in either scenario. It can replace any piece of gear in the chain except guitars. The craziest way to use it is with BOTH real cabs and FRFR monitors in WDW or crazy stereo in 5 cable method with two amps. That way you get the best of Fractal Effects, pre and post with a real amp, full amp and cab modelling through monitors and all in glorious stereo or WDW.
Is this easy to use?what are you plugged into?
How does it compare to the helix, now that you have had time with both? Comparison video?
I have a brand new one I bought in early 2020, it’s mid October and I haven’t used it or plugged it in yet, currently sitting in an argosy desk. Sad. Hopefully soon I’ll finish what I started but this year has kinda hijacked my brain.
Now it’s August of 2024… still nothing omg I need to get movin
Is the mark 1? Thanks!
I have a II still but found my sound in the Kemper... I would have bought a III if it had selectable sample rates.. Mainly to conitnue using it as an interface.. But I need flexibility there so.. I need a new interface instead.
How many amps can you run at the same time in the axe fx?
Good review. Firmware 16 ... Cygnus , another step up
how does the sound compare to the helix and the kemper?
My one gripe about cab irs, is that they never really sound like how it would standing in front of the actual cab since most cabs are mic'd on the one best sounding speaker.
Yeah, bare IR's on stage sounds weak, in my opinion.
You do feel kinda stupid if you are playing right after a dude with a 4x12.
However, with my Axe FX 2, I use a solid state power amp and a cab, while also sending the IR to the front. Best of both worlds.
Though, in a stadium, or some other places, the audience can't hear the cab either way, so I just bring my axe FX.
@@pauliusmscichauskas558 I like what John Petrucci did making a sub box with that bar that vibrates so he can feel the responsive feedback to his playing.
Fluff didn't have to go all out on that _nasty_ new intro but he sure did. It really kicks ass.
Not sure if you will answer this, but would u recommend an owner of Axe Fx2 to sell his and get 3? Like is it that much more different?
How freaking big is the users manual, or users Book. LOL Fluff, after being subscribed to your channel I just noticed your scar on your Right knee, total knee correct? How did you damage that bad boy?
Do you know why fractals products are not sold in europe?
But they are.
google for "g66.eu"
However, unfortunately, they are quite more expensive in europe because of import taxes...
I'm very tempted to buy one of these, or even an FX8 but I can't get over the price point. It's like buying an Apple (or any high end electronic equipment) and the value drops as new versions are released, ultimately becoming undesirable vs say, an actual classic tube head. Which who knows, tube heads sort of seem to be less desirable now already. More so likely if modeler technology becomes less expensive and easily obtainable to most consumers.
I'll wait until the Axe-FX IV comes out.
Compared to the helix which one do you prefer? :)
A/B comparison between Helix and axe fx3 please ✌️😎✌️
David Maxim Micic did one on his channel
How can i get one
Are you able to run the Axe FX 3 through a real amps FX loop? I want to get one, but for my own tone just use it as a huge ass pedal board, but for fun at home, use its amp sims
Yes.
Ideally, you could also get yourself a loadbox and that way use your real amp, and axe FX's cab simulation for silent recording.
@@pauliusmscichauskas558 THANK YOU. you have no clue how long I've been waiting to get an answer for this
I am so close to getting a Axe Fx III.. Love my II and not sure I could get rid of it... So I would end up with a Axe FX V... Oh yeah... I will do it.
Maybe an Axe fx 3 - high gain demo?
How do you think it stacks up against the competition? (Helix, Kemper, etc)
I wish this came with an built in poweramp. Kinda annoying to buy this very expensive thing and then need something to power it..
Kemper does but it's 500 dollars extra.
that bass tone was shweet
Being an AX8 user. Feedback are mixed. There's always the one if not a couple of people that try to tell me things I already know. It can be annoying. While they're carrying amp heads and 4x12. All I have to do is go to FoH. And sometimes I'll have a 2x12 Orange cab. Less is more.
Wow that does sound great
❤❤ amaxing. Kelak saya harus memilikinya. Apakah ini cocok untuk gigs kecil hingga menengah?
price?
$2,250 on sale currently as stated in the video.
Please review the Warm Audio WA-47jr
That thing is huge! I've never heard anything bad about the axe fx.
Let’s put it this way. For years I was a “Tubes amp only” kind of guy. I crapped on anything digital any chance I got. I’ve had incredible amps too, Soldano SLO, high end Marshalls, Randalls, Boogie Road King 2, lots of stuff. Now, I no longer have tube amps, just my Axe FX 3 & a Mission FRFR. I also have my old Gallien 2100 SEL solid state amp for my Iron Maiden Seventh Son stuff. Tube amps are heavy & require a lot of maintenance. Not to mention, having a great tube amp meant I was stuck with that amp sound only. Quite limited when compared to the endless sounds I get with the Fractal. Not to mention it is awesome for recording....& it does bass, & you can use it with multiple guitars at the same time....just no tube amp can do all of this stuff.
How is the feel of Axe FX 3 through the Mission FRFR compared to an actual guitar cab?
Do you still prefer the Helix though?
Love all those basstraps!!
Was 1:23 a song or is that improv?
People balk at the price of this but drop 3k on Friedman’s all day. Anyways, I borrowed an AxeIII for a week and the core sound and feel of a bone dry amp sound vs the Kemper goes to the kemper all day but the tools and options and software and mountains of effects in the AxeIII are staggering. I’d say it’s worth it or maybe a 2nd gen AxeFX to have an amazing effects processor.
Would you use this instead of your Helix?
That's a nice piece iof gear...do u prefer this over a Kemper
Kemper freakn rules. And the Line 6 Helix floor is better than the AXE 3 also
I have an Axe-FX II, not a III, but I can tell you that the II is so close to the tube amps it models that if you are putting down the Fractal then you're not paying attention or you're just being a jerkoff.
My AFII caused me to go out and buy MORE tube amps. Because I found out what those amps would sound like because of the AFII. The Fractal is a truly awesome unit and it's reliable and will always sound the same night after night as long as you have the right presets loaded and selected. Don't take your vintage tube amps out on the gig, save them for use at home or in the studio. Gig the Fractal and know that if something should happen to it, you just get another Fractal, load your presets into it, and you're completely back up and running with the SAME exact sounds.