@clarkkentjob It sounds really good to me man. I got my axe fx 2 last week and now love it. It takes time to get used to it just like any piece of gear, and it really comes down to your guitar and the pickups too. Anyone that is not immediately blown away by it needs to spend more time with it because after a few days getting used to it you really can get sounds that would rival any studio recording you could do with a real amp.
I find that the models aren't necessarily worse, just different. Your favorite amp IRL might not be your favorite on the Axe-Fx, but an amp you wouldn't normally like might be perfected.
hell all I needs is one kick ass tone to clone and model off of. A nice clean with chorus,maybe some other effects like a flange and some delays. And a good crunch tone for rythm and leads with the same effects choices..Why would any1 need anymore than that for a live application. These units do not sound digital like most processors do and seem to be worth every penny. I would have no use for the ultra with all the synthesized effects. But the standard could be useful to me live
Why do you care if it doesn't sound identical to what it modulates? They sound amazing and are usable for any situation that is why these are highly rated. Also they have their own fucking amps too you know? Honestly some of the simulations on the axe fx sound better then the real things, tubes or not these are amazing period. And its also probably the cheapest for FX only as well.. 1300$ compared to the tc electronics stuff.
Actually, if we're going to be honest, I have always thought modelers are great...
...if you're a 14 year old kid who has his parents buy him a POD for christmas because he can't just go out and buy the amp he wants, so he gets a cheap imitation of it.
I bought an axe-fx, hoping it was worth all the hype.. and it was far from it.. Sold it, Bought a Mesa Roadster, couldn't be happier.
I sent the Axe Fx back. The high-gain amp models were crap. The Recto was close, but everything else was not. The real Mark IV is WAY better than the Axe. My Diezel VH4 and Diezel Herbert destroy it. no contest. Axe to replace a high-end tube amp = FAIL.
So because amps have tubes in them, that makes them real? A solid state is just as real as a tube. Except one uses outdated technology. tubes are hype, axe fx is the best unit u can have.
@ForTheLoveOfGod There's no one general good amp that is the best choice for everyone. The Axe-Fx has amazing effects and probably the best modeling out there but still... it's a modeler. It's a box trying to sound like something that it's not. That's how I felt when I had it. I mostly used the Recto and I had a hard time getting it to sound like a Recto. I just bought a Single Recto which has a blackface clean and the real Recto gain channel. However I do miss the djentness of the Axe-Fx.
@ForTheLoveOfGod I've owned the Axe, Diezel Herbert, Diezel VH4, Mesa Mark V, and Mesa Mark IV. The Axe sounds like a toy next to those real amps. I don't play with toys.
@specialbru My thoughts exactly. I've played most of these amps in real life and I have to say that they do not sound this much alike IMO. The Axe-Fx modeling is very good but there are some characters that are lacking. F.ex. Diezel/Mesa/Peavey all have a different gain breakup character but that's not how it was with the Axe-Fx. I'm still saying that real amps are ALWAYS better.
@clarkkentjob Do you know perhaps my these models sound nothing like the amps you've played? It could be the fact that we all sound different through any gear. You could line up 10 different guitarist, all with the same amp, or the same axe-fx and they would all sound different. But again, it's all about the feel and individual preference, but I still think the axe-fx is an amazing piece of gear, and that it in the right hands can rival any amp
@AndyTrenton But if it was ME playing the real life amps and it's ME playing "the best" modeler "in the world", shouldn't they sound/feel the same? :) It's an amazing modeler but the amps don't really sound like the real amps. F.ex. many of the Axe-Fx users don't know that the MESA RECTIFIER that was modeled in the Axe-Fx was a modded RECTO with ~12dB less low end when compared to a normal Rectifier. No one seems to be talking about the fine print when it's all about hype you know...
@clarkkentjob No argument there, but like you say, it's really an incredible piece of gear, and now the Axe-Fx 2 is here aswell. Haven't tried that one, but everyone, even the "tube-fanatics" say that it really doesn't get better than this. Besides, Steve Vai and Neal Schon uses them as well, so they have to be good for something i guess ;) 12dB less low end you say? Well, I guess they just made a choise, and as for me, less low end isn't really a bad thing, so we don't kill the bass guitar ;)
@Steviepth Sure, I created a bass patch in the Axe-Fx but you can do the same thing in your DAW. What I did was I actually played the bass with my raw guitar tone mainly using the thickest strings. After I recorded the dull sounding guitar track I just pitch shift that guitar track an octave down. Remember to use a quality pitch shift to avoid glitching sounds. Then you'll probably have to compress it quite a bit.
Thank you!! one more question, by raw guitar tone do you mean a clean, undistorted tone?
My band is trying to release our ep but our bassist left right before we were supposed to record him so we're stuck without bass and we NEED it for our ep
oh true haha well thanks a lot! I'm, gonna try that and see how it comes out.. if all else fails I GUESS i could just pick up the bass and play some simple stufff
@crate718 Umm... depends on many things. Some solid state amps suck.. some rock. I'd say a real tube amp will always sound best. It will kill the Axe-Fx. If you are just talking about power amps then a tube power amp will be better in my opinion.
@clarkkentjob From what I have heard with the axe fx yes say you use the exact same setting on the 5150 with a real 5150 the real tube one will sound better BUT people say you can make it sound better by tweaking it to there likings, all the videos I see at the same settings on each the axe will sound darker and cleaner but u can easily eq that to make it sound better + the part 2 of the rusty cooley demo was to die for, best harmonizer tone ever.
@stonepearce If you tried out the actual amps and dialed them to match your sound using the same guitar n' what not, they should all sound fairly similar when cranked n' miked up.
I agree... they shouldn't sound so much alike. Ofcourse it's simulating being played through the same mic position and same power amp too so... that's probably the reason.
ive noticed there not enough of chug in ur patches, is it ur gain or what???, im in a dilemma, i want to buy and amp but i live in India where il have to pay shipping+import customs, so i though ill get an axe fx, can u make a video for really brutal distortion??? and im still kinda confused on what to buy, real amp vs kickass modulator.
I really wish I ever thought the axe sounded good.. It'd be so convenient but I haven't heard any sounds I like come out of it.. The only thing I think it does pretty well is the djent stuff which I'm not into at all anyway.
@WoWandMetalFTW The Axe-Fx is not for everyone. These are all taste issues and I believe you can get pretty much any sound you want out of the Axe-Fx if you tweak it right. Be sure to try one before you make your decision. These overcompressed YouTube clips aren't giving you the 100% real picture. If you compare the Axe-Fx clips on YouTube to the "real tube amp" clips you'll have a hard time finding a clip that's better than the Axe-Fx. So... order one and return it if you don't like it. :)
@clarkkentjob I might try to get one and run it side by side with my uber and my recto's through their power amps.. I didn't mean to sound harsh or like I was directly targeting your video, if it came off the wrong way I'm sorry.
Hey man what was the mix that you used? I can't find the thread on the board anymore and have the cab and will just edit it myself. I think I remember the below 250 part but not the high mic and position. This is one of the best balanced high gain IRs I've heard.
@mrbeatdoctor It's the Mesa cab. L47 CapEdge 0in and 421 OffAxisCapEdge 0in in a 50/50 mix. Special thanks to Zorran for sharing his recipe. I changed the distances on the mics though. The close mic'ed tone sounded better to me. I'm pretty sure there's nothing much happening in post-processing. Maybe some lowcut but not sure.
imo,the axe fx amp sims sound very simular,its the power amp sims that change the tone,but i don`t think alot of the amp sims are accurate..thats to my ear..with that said i think its a great piece of gear for sound and flexibility..but how could a 1500 preamp really replace 30,000 dollars worth of tube amps and cabs..its a great live rig,your sound never changes like a tube amp,you know one day your amp is great and the next it sucks..not with this preamp..
@dwg116 I sold all my tube gear so the Axe-Fx is the only amp I've got. Works great live... better than real amps because of zero bleed and stage sound.
They do sound pretty similar the recto has the metalic twinge which stood out. 5150 sounds staple just all around kinda metal sound most everything else sounded like the 5150 with the tone knob up or down except for the Marsha which was the fatest and chimiest tone of the bunch
All i ever use is the solo100 was hoping you'd hit the main crunch riff on time with it, favorite amp in the axe except the marsha now that it's been added. Axe saved me from buying some heads that i would not like.
very cool vid Clarke. its surprising just how similar they sound to each other, obviously the cab plays a huge part on the tone. for my own tastes i like the marsha the best. which one do you like the most? i sold my ultra but this is giving me gas for another axe fx as i miss the ampsims a lot
@Brankoguitar Yeah, it's the same IR in every patch which compares to using the same cabinet and mic setup with real amps. Your tone was okay. It's just hard to tell when it's recorded with a bad mic in the room.
peavey SISO
jokkeviio 1 month ago
what kind of irs are you running here?
crayonsrcool9 4 months ago
@crayonsrcool9 Just my own Redwirez Mesa IR blend. If I remember correctly it's got all the mics at capedge 0" mic'ed.
clarkkentjob 4 months ago
@clarkkentjob It sounds really good to me man. I got my axe fx 2 last week and now love it. It takes time to get used to it just like any piece of gear, and it really comes down to your guitar and the pickups too. Anyone that is not immediately blown away by it needs to spend more time with it because after a few days getting used to it you really can get sounds that would rival any studio recording you could do with a real amp.
VRTXofficial3 2 months ago
I find that the models aren't necessarily worse, just different. Your favorite amp IRL might not be your favorite on the Axe-Fx, but an amp you wouldn't normally like might be perfected.
FiestyMclovin 7 months ago
Great shootout,Axe sounds amasing)))
Can you tab the cord on 1:17?
Or it's just extenden power cord?
thanks)))
Vodkypei 7 months ago
Comment removed
Vodkypei 7 months ago
hell all I needs is one kick ass tone to clone and model off of. A nice clean with chorus,maybe some other effects like a flange and some delays. And a good crunch tone for rythm and leads with the same effects choices..Why would any1 need anymore than that for a live application. These units do not sound digital like most processors do and seem to be worth every penny. I would have no use for the ultra with all the synthesized effects. But the standard could be useful to me live
shreddinjoe 7 months ago
Why do you care if it doesn't sound identical to what it modulates? They sound amazing and are usable for any situation that is why these are highly rated. Also they have their own fucking amps too you know? Honestly some of the simulations on the axe fx sound better then the real things, tubes or not these are amazing period. And its also probably the cheapest for FX only as well.. 1300$ compared to the tc electronics stuff.
FirePower3006 7 months ago
nice prs
EpicGuitarSolo4Ever 7 months ago
Modelers are so 2010... ;)
clarkkentjob 8 months ago
@clarkkentjob "Modelers are so 2010"
Couldn't agree more. lmao
Actually, if we're going to be honest, I have always thought modelers are great...
...if you're a 14 year old kid who has his parents buy him a POD for christmas because he can't just go out and buy the amp he wants, so he gets a cheap imitation of it.
I bought an axe-fx, hoping it was worth all the hype.. and it was far from it.. Sold it, Bought a Mesa Roadster, couldn't be happier.
22dgod 7 months ago
I sent the Axe Fx back. The high-gain amp models were crap. The Recto was close, but everything else was not. The real Mark IV is WAY better than the Axe. My Diezel VH4 and Diezel Herbert destroy it. no contest. Axe to replace a high-end tube amp = FAIL.
squirttilithurts 8 months ago
So because amps have tubes in them, that makes them real? A solid state is just as real as a tube. Except one uses outdated technology. tubes are hype, axe fx is the best unit u can have.
ForTheLoveOfGod 8 months ago
@ForTheLoveOfGod There's no one general good amp that is the best choice for everyone. The Axe-Fx has amazing effects and probably the best modeling out there but still... it's a modeler. It's a box trying to sound like something that it's not. That's how I felt when I had it. I mostly used the Recto and I had a hard time getting it to sound like a Recto. I just bought a Single Recto which has a blackface clean and the real Recto gain channel. However I do miss the djentness of the Axe-Fx.
clarkkentjob 8 months ago
@ForTheLoveOfGod I've owned the Axe, Diezel Herbert, Diezel VH4, Mesa Mark V, and Mesa Mark IV. The Axe sounds like a toy next to those real amps. I don't play with toys.
squirttilithurts 8 months ago
Wow, I need that backing track ;)
Feileiks 9 months ago
Gotta love that Überschall sound!
AndyTrenton 9 months ago
that sounds nothing like my vh4 :(
specialbru 9 months ago
@specialbru My thoughts exactly. I've played most of these amps in real life and I have to say that they do not sound this much alike IMO. The Axe-Fx modeling is very good but there are some characters that are lacking. F.ex. Diezel/Mesa/Peavey all have a different gain breakup character but that's not how it was with the Axe-Fx. I'm still saying that real amps are ALWAYS better.
clarkkentjob 9 months ago
@clarkkentjob Do you know perhaps my these models sound nothing like the amps you've played? It could be the fact that we all sound different through any gear. You could line up 10 different guitarist, all with the same amp, or the same axe-fx and they would all sound different. But again, it's all about the feel and individual preference, but I still think the axe-fx is an amazing piece of gear, and that it in the right hands can rival any amp
AndyTrenton 5 months ago
Comment removed
KoaliaBand 5 months ago
@AndyTrenton But if it was ME playing the real life amps and it's ME playing "the best" modeler "in the world", shouldn't they sound/feel the same? :) It's an amazing modeler but the amps don't really sound like the real amps. F.ex. many of the Axe-Fx users don't know that the MESA RECTIFIER that was modeled in the Axe-Fx was a modded RECTO with ~12dB less low end when compared to a normal Rectifier. No one seems to be talking about the fine print when it's all about hype you know...
clarkkentjob 5 months ago
@clarkkentjob No argument there, but like you say, it's really an incredible piece of gear, and now the Axe-Fx 2 is here aswell. Haven't tried that one, but everyone, even the "tube-fanatics" say that it really doesn't get better than this. Besides, Steve Vai and Neal Schon uses them as well, so they have to be good for something i guess ;) 12dB less low end you say? Well, I guess they just made a choise, and as for me, less low end isn't really a bad thing, so we don't kill the bass guitar ;)
AndyTrenton 5 months ago
@specialbru and the 5150 also doesnt sound like a 5150 ^^
doktorlindblood 9 months ago
@specialbru
Thats probabaly a good thing
mapatton 5 months ago
hey can you please explain for me in detail how you did the bass for this?
Steviepth 10 months ago
@Steviepth Sure, I created a bass patch in the Axe-Fx but you can do the same thing in your DAW. What I did was I actually played the bass with my raw guitar tone mainly using the thickest strings. After I recorded the dull sounding guitar track I just pitch shift that guitar track an octave down. Remember to use a quality pitch shift to avoid glitching sounds. Then you'll probably have to compress it quite a bit.
clarkkentjob 10 months ago
@clarkkentjob
Thank you!! one more question, by raw guitar tone do you mean a clean, undistorted tone?
My band is trying to release our ep but our bassist left right before we were supposed to record him so we're stuck without bass and we NEED it for our ep
Steviepth 10 months ago
@Steviepth With raw I mean that there's no amp model on. So it's just how the guitar sounds naturally. Clean... no clean amp. :)
clarkkentjob 10 months ago
@clarkkentjob
oh true haha well thanks a lot! I'm, gonna try that and see how it comes out.. if all else fails I GUESS i could just pick up the bass and play some simple stufff
Steviepth 10 months ago
if you put the axe fx, through a tube amp, would the axe fx sound better then a solid state amp?
crate718 10 months ago
@crate718 Umm... depends on many things. Some solid state amps suck.. some rock. I'd say a real tube amp will always sound best. It will kill the Axe-Fx. If you are just talking about power amps then a tube power amp will be better in my opinion.
clarkkentjob 10 months ago
@clarkkentjob From what I have heard with the axe fx yes say you use the exact same setting on the 5150 with a real 5150 the real tube one will sound better BUT people say you can make it sound better by tweaking it to there likings, all the videos I see at the same settings on each the axe will sound darker and cleaner but u can easily eq that to make it sound better + the part 2 of the rusty cooley demo was to die for, best harmonizer tone ever.
FirePower3006 9 months ago
Wow they all sound the same... For $2,000 I would expect more..
stonepearce 10 months ago
@stonepearce If you tried out the actual amps and dialed them to match your sound using the same guitar n' what not, they should all sound fairly similar when cranked n' miked up.
sevensillhouettes 9 months ago
Clark Kent? SUPERMAN
Uhmsters 11 months ago
Thanks for subscribing. :) I'll check you out too.
clarkkentjob 11 months ago
Sunscribed! Awesome video dude!
Check out some of my Axe fx stuff on my channel!
MrPatrickFallon 11 months ago
GREAT JOB MEN!!!!!!
nachoscud 1 year ago
You are using a Fractal Standard unit, yes?
Laskyman7 1 year ago
@Laskyman7
Yeah, the Standard and Ultra sound exactly the same. The Standard doesn't have synth and a bunch of other effects I'd never use.
clarkkentjob 1 year ago
I don't know why so many people deny you..
but i think you did are great job.
look forward more axe-fx video from you
neo69hk 1 year ago
To be honest, they all sound the same.... I think AXE Fx is a bit useless...
Digging the PRS CU 24 tho.
ericsleepless 1 year ago 2
@ericsleepless
I agree... they shouldn't sound so much alike. Ofcourse it's simulating being played through the same mic position and same power amp too so... that's probably the reason.
clarkkentjob 1 year ago
ive noticed there not enough of chug in ur patches, is it ur gain or what???, im in a dilemma, i want to buy and amp but i live in India where il have to pay shipping+import customs, so i though ill get an axe fx, can u make a video for really brutal distortion??? and im still kinda confused on what to buy, real amp vs kickass modulator.
thanks man
moneymoney220666 1 year ago
@moneymoney220666
Sure you can get chuggs if you want to. I just don't want any of the low end chugging.
clarkkentjob 1 year ago
how many guitar tracks are there in the engl fireball part?
Strakeflames 1 year ago
@Strakeflames
Dual tracking throughout the whole song...
clarkkentjob 1 year ago
I really wish I ever thought the axe sounded good.. It'd be so convenient but I haven't heard any sounds I like come out of it.. The only thing I think it does pretty well is the djent stuff which I'm not into at all anyway.
WoWandMetalFTW 1 year ago
@WoWandMetalFTW The Axe-Fx is not for everyone. These are all taste issues and I believe you can get pretty much any sound you want out of the Axe-Fx if you tweak it right. Be sure to try one before you make your decision. These overcompressed YouTube clips aren't giving you the 100% real picture. If you compare the Axe-Fx clips on YouTube to the "real tube amp" clips you'll have a hard time finding a clip that's better than the Axe-Fx. So... order one and return it if you don't like it. :)
clarkkentjob 1 year ago
@clarkkentjob I might try to get one and run it side by side with my uber and my recto's through their power amps.. I didn't mean to sound harsh or like I was directly targeting your video, if it came off the wrong way I'm sorry.
WoWandMetalFTW 1 year ago
Hey man what was the mix that you used? I can't find the thread on the board anymore and have the cab and will just edit it myself. I think I remember the below 250 part but not the high mic and position. This is one of the best balanced high gain IRs I've heard.
mrbeatdoctor 1 year ago
@mrbeatdoctor It's the Mesa cab. L47 CapEdge 0in and 421 OffAxisCapEdge 0in in a 50/50 mix. Special thanks to Zorran for sharing his recipe. I changed the distances on the mics though. The close mic'ed tone sounded better to me. I'm pretty sure there's nothing much happening in post-processing. Maybe some lowcut but not sure.
clarkkentjob 1 year ago
imo,the axe fx amp sims sound very simular,its the power amp sims that change the tone,but i don`t think alot of the amp sims are accurate..thats to my ear..with that said i think its a great piece of gear for sound and flexibility..but how could a 1500 preamp really replace 30,000 dollars worth of tube amps and cabs..its a great live rig,your sound never changes like a tube amp,you know one day your amp is great and the next it sucks..not with this preamp..
ENGL555 1 year ago
Kickass video man. do you use your axe-fx live or just for recording?
dwg116 1 year ago
@dwg116 I sold all my tube gear so the Axe-Fx is the only amp I've got. Works great live... better than real amps because of zero bleed and stage sound.
clarkkentjob 1 year ago
@clarkkentjob COOL! i always wondered how the axefx cuts through when jamming with another guitarist on a tube amp.
dwg116 1 year ago
Great vid! Fancy sharing your custom IR?
vaksengutakvalp 1 year ago
@vaksengutakvalp It's a tweaked Redwirez cab so I can't, sorry.
clarkkentjob 1 year ago
They do sound pretty similar the recto has the metalic twinge which stood out. 5150 sounds staple just all around kinda metal sound most everything else sounded like the 5150 with the tone knob up or down except for the Marsha which was the fatest and chimiest tone of the bunch
All i ever use is the solo100 was hoping you'd hit the main crunch riff on time with it, favorite amp in the axe except the marsha now that it's been added. Axe saved me from buying some heads that i would not like.
chickenbeek 1 year ago
very cool vid Clarke. its surprising just how similar they sound to each other, obviously the cab plays a huge part on the tone. for my own tastes i like the marsha the best. which one do you like the most? i sold my ultra but this is giving me gas for another axe fx as i miss the ampsims a lot
mrchrisbeaver 1 year ago
@mrchrisbeaver
Only the man who does not know how to set an axe fx would sell it. IMHO
Brankoguitar 1 year ago
I think the Diezel and the Marsha where the coolest
guitarDouchebaggery 1 year ago
NOT BAD dude but almost all "amplifiers" are very similar - ONLY your video... It can be by guitar or same box simulation...
btw. this is my Axe fx ultra Recto simulation to Marshall MG 15. :D /watch?v=kiUReufeea0
Your opinion about my video ?
Brankoguitar 1 year ago
@Brankoguitar Yeah, it's the same IR in every patch which compares to using the same cabinet and mic setup with real amps. Your tone was okay. It's just hard to tell when it's recorded with a bad mic in the room.
clarkkentjob 1 year ago