I actually have one of Vai's old ones, signed and all the settings he was using for his tracks! (of course he was using his Legacy amp/cab at the time, so none of the amp/cab blocks are setup in those patches)
Your point to this video is absolutely spot on. Too many of us seem to like the journey of tone and finding the next best thing... rather than exploring what we have.. and I am so insanely guilty of that as well.
Same though! New tones are fun, but there's always new tones to be found in what we already have. Even just switching around the order of some stuff will greatly change those tones!
@@TheDarkEthereal you really don’t need to worry about DSP unless you’re running 15 different delays. The processors with bothered units are actually pretty comparable, it all comes down to if you want the ability to edit presets using software (which you can with the AX8) or if you want the ability to capture amp tones (which you can with the Prime).
I started with an AX2, traded to an FM3 and now have the FM9. The only thing I noticed was the presets were more refined on the newer gear. You're right about the sound though. You can dial in a sound on the AX2 that will equal anything on the FM9. But the FM9 is a nice complete footswitch. Can't comment on the QuadC or Kemper because I've never used them, but they sound great when Kiko or Gilbert use them, so...I guess it really comes down to making money and feeding the kiddos.
Agree with all that - the newer hardware makes things easier to use / dial in. The AXE2's UI is infamously bad, especially if you try using it without a computer. Units like the QC and Helix definitely fix that. Your point about the FM9 being complete also is a huge plus, given that most people will need some sort of footswitch to use it live. Hence, why I decided to get a Helix last year instead of replacing my AXE2's MIDI controller. I'll keep the AXE at home and use the Helix live.
That's a beautiful PRS CU24. I know this is a weird question, but is the serial # 522611? I sold my 1995 years ago, and I miss it a LOT. Your guitar looks so very familiar, and I can't help but do a double-take.
I would quite like to trade my Axe FX 2 and MFC 2 for an FM9 purely to reduce size and get some more functionality. But I certainly wouldn’t expect it to sound better. The Axe 2 still sounds ace!
Completely understandable - size and transportability and all that DOES matter if you need to be mobile and can't leave the gear in a rehearsal spot or something. Fully with you.
I know that feeling. And the Quad Cortex is awesome, there is nothing wrong with it. Just, why not use the money for something we don't already have some version of?
@@mammothaudioengineering i've been wanting the quad cortex but its hella expensive, is there really any major difference between the quad cortex and the axe fx 2? cause im looking at the used market for axe fx 2s and theyre way cheaper.
@@pipespeeps5349 Yeah, there's a few major differences between the two. Here's some off the top of my head! 1) The QC is a floor unit, the AXEII is a rackmount one. If you want to use the AXE II live, you'll probably need a cheap MIDI floor unit to control the patch changes. 2) I'm a bit wary of the QC marketing. They have overpromised a lot of features and still not delivered on them. The AXE II in comparison is feature wise maxed out. It has received support for over 10 years. What you now buy is what you get. No overpromising, just the best version the unit can be. 3) Effects. While the amps sound amazing on the QC, I feel like the effects aren't quite there yet. The AXE II has an incredible variety at hand and loads of ways to adjust them in depth, even for a unit as old as it is. 4) the QC can do rig cloning, which the AXE cannot. I don't know how to factor that in, though, because if you need a modeller, chances are you don't have much analog gear that you would want to even clone. The other points would appear more important to most users, I believe. I hope that helps!
Fair question. Here's what you should ask yourself: do you see real benefits for yourself with the upgrade, aside from the tones (ease of use, new effects, updates from Line6 etc.)? If that is all positive, then I'd say go for it, since the POD isn't quite on the same level as the Helix stuff, especially because you can use third party IRs on the Helix. The HX Stomp is incredible, tbh. I've a friend who has built his whole live set up around it and integrated it into his pedalboard with MIDI changes and all sorts of crazy stuff.
@@jconner3891 I've been using HX stomp XL for a while now and that is the best gear purchase I've made as a small guitarist. I don't need anything more than this, the tone is top notch, everywhere I play ( I usually play in churches and wedding gigs) the sound guy says my tone is good and it cuts well through the mix. It's easy to carry around if I'm traveling too.
@@john.jr_ I’m glad you are getting great Tones. I’m struggling with the fm3. I’m still learning the low and high pass filters ect. I have tube amps but wanted to play through monitors and not use all the equipment. Keep rocking friend. ✌️❤️
Personally FM3 for a few reasons: 1) I like the fractal stuff and have been using their stuff for ages and 2) I don‘t like that the QC is being sold for years now with promises on things it will be able to do made before release that they still haven‘t come through on. 3) It doesn‘t sound better than the fractal stuff, even if the hype machine wants you to believe it. Both sound amazing, I just way prefer the effects on the fractal units. Hope that helps!
I use a Headrush and don't even own an amp. If it's good enough for Tracii Guns its definitely good enough for me Metallica toured the world with the Axe FX 2, its just fine for us mere mortals even in 2024 and realisfically even in 2044 😅
Bro this is most honest video everyone needed to see. Sick tone. Also Outer wilds 🤙
If it was OK for Metallica Steve Vai and JP a few ears ago, then I think it shoul be enought for moste of us😄
Good video👍
I actually have one of Vai's old ones, signed and all the settings he was using for his tracks! (of course he was using his Legacy amp/cab at the time, so none of the amp/cab blocks are setup in those patches)
Your point to this video is absolutely spot on. Too many of us seem to like the journey of tone and finding the next best thing... rather than exploring what we have.. and I am so insanely guilty of that as well.
Same though! New tones are fun, but there's always new tones to be found in what we already have. Even just switching around the order of some stuff will greatly change those tones!
I was originally going to get the Headrush Prime, but I opted for a used AX8. This reassured my decision.
I think you'll be super happy with the AX8 and what it can do. I'm glad my video reassured you a bit!
Yeah... That's until you run out of DSP on all these old modellers then you will want the newer stuff
@@TheDarkEthereal you really don’t need to worry about DSP unless you’re running 15 different delays. The processors with bothered units are actually pretty comparable, it all comes down to if you want the ability to edit presets using software (which you can with the AX8) or if you want the ability to capture amp tones (which you can with the Prime).
I started with an AX2, traded to an FM3 and now have the FM9. The only thing I noticed was the presets were more refined on the newer gear. You're right about the sound though. You can dial in a sound on the AX2 that will equal anything on the FM9. But the FM9 is a nice complete footswitch. Can't comment on the QuadC or Kemper because I've never used them, but they sound great when Kiko or Gilbert use them, so...I guess it really comes down to making money and feeding the kiddos.
Agree with all that - the newer hardware makes things easier to use / dial in. The AXE2's UI is infamously bad, especially if you try using it without a computer. Units like the QC and Helix definitely fix that. Your point about the FM9 being complete also is a huge plus, given that most people will need some sort of footswitch to use it live. Hence, why I decided to get a Helix last year instead of replacing my AXE2's MIDI controller. I'll keep the AXE at home and use the Helix live.
Thank you bro. This help me in my goal in my country for church God bless
I'm very happy to hear that!
That's a beautiful PRS CU24. I know this is a weird question, but is the serial # 522611? I sold my 1995 years ago, and I miss it a LOT. Your guitar looks so very familiar, and I can't help but do a double-take.
I have to disappoint you, it's not that! It is a great guitar, though.
I would quite like to trade my Axe FX 2 and MFC 2 for an FM9 purely to reduce size and get some more functionality. But I certainly wouldn’t expect it to sound better. The Axe 2 still sounds ace!
Completely understandable - size and transportability and all that DOES matter if you need to be mobile and can't leave the gear in a rehearsal spot or something. Fully with you.
Great video and your playing too
What are you using for the dirty tone? It is awesome
Thank you so much! I recently did a video on that, if you're interested. It's up on my channel and you can have the preset for free, as well :)
I see what you're saying. I should be buying vintage gear!
Haha yes - only 60s Marshalls for you!
I actually needed this video 😂 I was itching for the new quad cortex for a while now 😁👍
I know that feeling. And the Quad Cortex is awesome, there is nothing wrong with it. Just, why not use the money for something we don't already have some version of?
@@mammothaudioengineering i've been wanting the quad cortex but its hella expensive, is there really any major difference between the quad cortex and the axe fx 2? cause im looking at the used market for axe fx 2s and theyre way cheaper.
@@pipespeeps5349 Yeah, there's a few major differences between the two. Here's some off the top of my head!
1) The QC is a floor unit, the AXEII is a rackmount one. If you want to use the AXE II live, you'll probably need a cheap MIDI floor unit to control the patch changes.
2) I'm a bit wary of the QC marketing. They have overpromised a lot of features and still not delivered on them. The AXE II in comparison is feature wise maxed out. It has received support for over 10 years. What you now buy is what you get. No overpromising, just the best version the unit can be.
3) Effects. While the amps sound amazing on the QC, I feel like the effects aren't quite there yet. The AXE II has an incredible variety at hand and loads of ways to adjust them in depth, even for a unit as old as it is.
4) the QC can do rig cloning, which the AXE cannot. I don't know how to factor that in, though, because if you need a modeller, chances are you don't have much analog gear that you would want to even clone. The other points would appear more important to most users, I believe.
I hope that helps!
But maybe with new gear I'll spontaneously develop good tone!
🥲
NO. WE LOST HIM. NOOOOO.
just got the axe2 brotha but im struggling to get it to sound like this any advice what to check for
Man do I have a video for you
You need custom Impulse Responses
Bogren has great IR ‘s Ola Englund as well
On what amp does your heavy rythm tone at 4min55 is based? also what IR?
Probably the Friedman BE V2, it's one of my go-to's. I also love the 5150 Red channel!
I have the same Axe Fx as you do could help me out with making a preset like you do ?
Could you explain your method of creating presets
Yes! How about I make you a video? Might be easiest. I'll go from scratch!
Im actually using a POD HD500X and Im planning to upgrade to an hx stomp xl. Shall I proceed?
Fair question. Here's what you should ask yourself: do you see real benefits for yourself with the upgrade, aside from the tones (ease of use, new effects, updates from Line6 etc.)? If that is all positive, then I'd say go for it, since the POD isn't quite on the same level as the Helix stuff, especially because you can use third party IRs on the Helix.
The HX Stomp is incredible, tbh. I've a friend who has built his whole live set up around it and integrated it into his pedalboard with MIDI changes and all sorts of crazy stuff.
Do you need better sound !??!? Is that what you look for !?!?
Fm3
@@jconner3891 I've been using HX stomp XL for a while now and that is the best gear purchase I've made as a small guitarist. I don't need anything more than this, the tone is top notch, everywhere I play ( I usually play in churches and wedding gigs) the sound guy says my tone is good and it cuts well through the mix. It's easy to carry around if I'm traveling too.
@@john.jr_ I’m glad you are getting great Tones. I’m struggling with the fm3. I’m still learning the low and high pass filters ect. I have tube amps but wanted to play through monitors and not use all the equipment. Keep rocking friend. ✌️❤️
YES! MORE 🔥🔥🔥
SOON!!
Quard cortex or Fm3 ? I dont have anyone of the cool gear
Personally FM3 for a few reasons: 1) I like the fractal stuff and have been using their stuff for ages and 2) I don‘t like that the QC is being sold for years now with promises on things it will be able to do made before release that they still haven‘t come through on. 3) It doesn‘t sound better than the fractal stuff, even if the hype machine wants you to believe it. Both sound amazing, I just way prefer the effects on the fractal units.
Hope that helps!
Would you care to share these presets?
I'll try and get something going. Is there anything specific you liked about those presets?
How do we get these tones?😇
There's a step by step video on my channel explaining how - check that out and feel free to ask me questions about that if anything is unclear!
@@mammothaudioengineering Thank you
I use a Headrush and don't even own an amp. If it's good enough for Tracii Guns its definitely good enough for me
Metallica toured the world with the Axe FX 2, its just fine for us mere mortals even in 2024 and realisfically even in 2044 😅
100% agree. Sure, Metallica have amazing engineers that make it all work for them, but that doesn't have to stop anyone from trying.
TRUUUUUUU based video based video based video
Thank you so much!
Feel called out to when I need to tell myself "dude guitars aren't even that important to your sound" 😄
I am specifically calling you out, now. It's for your own good.
@@mammothaudioengineering *sigh*