All user reviews for the Fractal Audio Systems Axe-Fx II

Great effects, the best I have ever used.
Simu pedal overdrive / disto...très blah.
Simu amps ... very good!
Complete connectivity.

UTILIZATION

I was flying with a FC 300.
Ct1 for the tuner.
Ct2 to increment the scenes.
Exp1 for volume
Ep2 for wha.
The scenes are a strong point of this bike BIG!

The program was quite simple with the manual, it takes some getting used to and after this protocol is a breeze.

The only thing that can scare the departure is the impressive number of settings in the AMP section, we touch all we can do improbable things but in the end ... what good quality is not dependent on number possible and I prefer to have fewer settings but ready adjusting settings, I think especially the tab end of the AMP block.

SOUND QUALITY

Matrix then plugged into a power amp Marshall so the simulation PA was always off to avoid distorting the sound of the preamp.
the result is good even very good, but after several months I took out my old Marshall head and I took a slap! With that said ... I must admit that the couple Matrix / Fractal brings a presence in the mids in a mix experiencing very comfortable live.
You can spend hours programming, search, experiment ect, this is a great tool.
From my side after the tour I served amps offered me only a JCM 800 simulation for drives and a Fender for cleans.
Then I tested with my head 4MC Marshall will serve me as FX preamp and keep my head, what a pain!
Where my gt-10 requires virtually no adjustment to regain its original 4CM with the Fractal had to be very precise adjustments to the volume of the loop to return to normal sound of my head and again ... I have not found it so transparent, so I would say that for about 2300 € have a device that is not 100% transparent 4CM is still not normal.
I did not need all that was in it, I did not use me 100% of the functionality is one of the reasons why I sold.

OVERALL OPINION

Used for 1 year in live and studio again.
Before I never used simulation whatsoever on my pedals or on a PC.
I always used the distortion of tube amps and I think if I went back to the config (like others elsewhere) it is not by chance.
With that said, I not spit on the product, it's very upscale!
For the home studio is just perfect!
Big advantage in a rack that is lightweight and very convenient.
In my rack there was Furman / Axis / Matrix, all plugged into a 2x12.

Before buying I think we need to ask a question;
Do I need all this?

The most advanced and realistic of his generation with the MIMIC technology (exclusive fractal) digital preamp, all conceivable effects are available (chorus, delay, eq, comp, wah ...) with many routing options and professional quality; it can be used in many ways with a wide variety of configurations (see manual).

Connectivity is comprehensive because the fx axis 2 has 2 stereo ouput, the first xlr and trs and deuximème in very, noon, SPDIF, USB and Ethernet for fractal pedals.

Many programs exist to take advantage of all these functions (mostly free) as the axis edit the fractal bot, cab and many other lab created by users or studios IRs as ownhammer.

Everything is editable by on PC and it is also very convenient, the fx axis 2 can also act as a sound card.

UTILIZATION

The unit is very comprehensive and allows many options settings. Although it is very well designed, it will take a while before understanding all the parameters; extremely clear and well translate manual will be a great help and a bedside book for a long time.

The edition of the sounds is quite simple via the device itself and even better through the axis edit.

A good pair of speakers monitorings or wedges (Mackie HD1221 in my case) in a room acoustically treated a minimum is greatly advised to ensure that all sounds sound everywhere.

SOUND QUALITY

Everything sounds little we spend some time on it.

I use it with six strings, seven-string, eight-string bass and all in very modern idea and each instrument is respected possible with a dynamic never seen before for a device of this type.

In the sounds that I love, all the presets I created mainly (because they suit me at once), I hate those mainly presets made with too much gain or IRs too serious. But anyone can find a sound he likes as long as he knows what to look for without this machine offered by ocean of possibilities.

OVERALL OPINION

That's positive, it will be two years that I use and I never learned as much about sound since I use both in guitar as low.

It is suitable for all those who like to build a staff and defined but appear inaccessible to those who have never touched a pod or who prefers a very simple sound and leave the rest of the work to sound engineer. With ears monitors, it's just fun because no repisse and perfect return stroke.

The price / quality ratio is insane if you judge the price of a single heads present in the fx axis 2.

The feature I really like is the tone match function to clone its very accurately (even better than the kemper which is the main selling point) and that is great for sound album in two minutes; the re-amping is also something that obsesses me with the fx axis 2.

I had not tried before buying and if it again, I would blindfold because this wonderful little black box has no equal and the surrounding community is super friendly and welcoming which Moreover.

In short, a must have for modern guitar sound.

Let us agree on the fact that such a tool can not be fully described in writing without being a fog of information and uses such capabilities are breathtaking. In short, not having t either leisure (to my regret) to practice daily, I will only describe the simplest and give a feeling to be in as you change later.

Amp simulator and cab and comprehensive multi-purpose. Performs the most complex things as simple burr.
Multiple connections and configurations possible (amp + + computer + sound effect loop -effet/préamp etc.)
MIDI, Jack, XLR and of course ethernet.
Editing software and update (regular) computer all bikes.

For the ram beast must want .... Even other very well known multi leveled instead.

UTILIZATION

Everything is simple, very simple and complicated at the same time. Manual handy essential! Very simple but yet he must know what you want and how to achieve programming. In any case, a real muse for the creation.

SOUND QUALITY

As in any modern tools, it is modern. This is where the bluffing is that if you want to go old school without having to buy 4 amps, lights, cab not to mention storage and noise level (it would be a shame to be angry with the neighbor for a solo! ) and bah it is possible!
Far from wanting a volume: sound / hot grain, accurate amp as on the headphone (oh my 4h sessions at 10am on Sunday morning while sleeping lady above!).
Another element IR capture to record an amp and simulate thereafter!
The looper!
The funny thing is that if you want a historically different guitar sound ...... The fx axis is for you!

OVERALL OPINION

An extraordinary machine, I tried other more expensive as rare events and axis II fx appeared.
Nothing to say except that if I had not had my bases on midi programming and sound, there is something resign quickly: big big stuff. Recklessness you can be your Holy Grail and bring happiness.
I love the blog side, forum and exchange of fractal platform that really moves forward.
Tool as useful on stage and in studio (pro models without worries). In my case, the fx axis II is an ultra versatile tool that allows me to spend or associate has my system and this is a real strong point. Eg pedals upstream 1,2,3 + + preamp fx axis II + + amp effect loop 1, 2 + cab or axis fx pedals simulates upstream + preamp etc ... You understood or axis fx + preamp in loop etc etc etc.

The answer is I do not pass me over this mobile tool. But happiness at a price especially today .... And obviously this may increase. I will return my change specify non-exhaustive statements and another highlight of the Beast (evolutionary).

Good to you.

This preamp / digital multi-effects is currently the most comprehensive and "pro" device available on the market, it contains all the classic effects (reverbs, delays, chorus, flanger, phaser, pitch, wah-wah, compressor, gate, etc ...) an exceptional and other curiosities for unprecedented sound quality.

The preamp is even more impressive because it emulates more than one hundred types of amps and cabinets as many dedicated, which allows you to create a tailored sound by selecting the amp model and cabinets that best fit your expectations, there is almost no limit, especially as updates banks are regularly available on the net.

The connection via PC / Mac is more than recommended for programming via the small screen and the relative simplicity of the control panel requires to navigate in menus and submenus, while the software "Axis edit" (free download) makes things much easier and visual, very intuitive.

UTILIZATION

The device requires a little time to adapt if you're not used to this kind of ultra complete system, but on the whole and with the help of Axe Edit software, we do not take a lot of pleasure to configure a sound bank is well, it is relatively simple, even without reading the manual, which is very big well done also.

SOUND QUALITY

In terms of quality this is nirvana! I never heard a digital camera send distos also realistic emulated amps are impressive realism, just to get an idea simply to switch different types of amps on a config identical speakers and intends color for each brand: the slamming of JC120, the lens slightly crunchy with a Twin Reverb, the fuzzy crunch of Vox, the greasy drives home Marshall, rich saturations of a Soldano or Dual rectify to extreme amps like Diezel, Engl, 5150, Carvin Legacy, etc ... brief ... everything goes with absolute realism!

So it becomes quite difficult to make a choice, it should end up getting a few sounds right and select "type" ... waiting to find out more!

Otherwise a good criterion to take into account: Axis sound different depending on the system in which it is connected (guitar amp, PA, monitor speakers or headphones), so it will think optimize each bank depending on the system used, ideally avoid plugging in different config too often on pain of having to spend much time in the settings, sounds incredibly well because if it is not "plug and play".

OVERALL OPINION

I've had ten days and I've already spent 4 whole evenings (and counting!), The possibilities are amazing and breathtaking realism.

I was already playing in a rack before (Rocktron / Boss), but incommensurate with the Axis.

The price is high but justified.

If you are looking for sounds to no end and a pro quality, you're not afraid to spend time in the settings, you ideally have a home studio or a good distribution system (Baffles or amplified returns) or at least a good headphone, look no longer the Holy Grail is here!

All existing effects are available, mixable ... ca stops only the imagination of the guitarist.

The Axe edit software provided allows the wildest settings rack model.

Fully digital technology, a plethora of connection even if we expected no less.

UTILIZATION

We can play with by simply plugging into a guitar amp and browsing among the presets. But frankly, it's like using a rolls royce to go to post.

Through the screen, as it is treated, the interface is correct, but it is only if accompanied by a PC that can really enter comfortably in all imaginable possibilities.

The manual is neat. Sometimes a bit elliptic on some features, but like many things today, it's with the help of the net, forums, and videos that teach you more.

The edition is accompanied by a relatively simple PC.

SOUND QUALITY

One important thing, little said about this wonder:

paste on a vox amp, or marshall, as good as it does no interest, rendering sound goes from good to very commonplace.

No, as we do not put diesel in a rolls royce, it will demand a sound equipment at the height of his lunatic capacity: a home studio amp worthy of the name, especially a pair of speakers / en, which restiturons in the clearest way possible modeling.

Before you say "this is crunch blah / such distortion is average" sure you can test it in conditions that merit, it is not an HD pod or a Vox ToneLab is the veritrable pro gear studio .

A world separates the return of basic equipment as the real stuff. The modelisation are just perfect in my opinion, of breathtaking fidelity on all points. Go to really find something, let's say a few modeling clean sound cold, but it is hack correctly for what you want.

While investment extends the bill drastically, but the game is worth the candle, all the operations will exceed your wildest dreams.

I use it with my gibson pricipalement, sometimes with a gretsch when I just want the "blueser" a little. the differences are significant.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had about 8 months. I went directly to small simulation of effects like zoom, has a long pod economy to materialize this purchase after testing with a friend.

how not to love everything on this machine .... If, however, a Bb software for monitoring audio fractal.

SHIFT are all concrete and provide insane amount of upgrade, some things are a little spot in this idyllic picture:

reconaissance of the USB driver for win 8 is sometimes complicated, if not impossible in some cases. For use with Win XP or 7 not to be bothered. The axis edit remains in beta, fractal no precipitate is to stabilize all this.

Do not worry, it's still widely used, but freeze or stops unwanted software exist even if it is rare.

Rather greedy also a resource, do not count recycle your old laptop from 1999 to dedicate the axis, you snatch the hair .... lots of RAM and a dual core processor minimum.

The price is certainly a deterrent, especially with the full enclosure. This is a choice ... 12000 buy pedals or 50 different amp, or try all possible, simulation and sell as and measure because it does not please me / or new comes out, I made my choice: buy wholesale once and be able to make the most for years.

I do not regret anything. All who come to try my gear leave with shining eyes, foaming at the lips and one idea, to want to pay a ...

effects are so numerous that some are unknown to me!
on the other hand they are incredibly effective and music.

UTILIZATION

Simple and intuitive ergonomics. Directly on the machine or even better via an Ordinary

SOUND QUALITY

It is essential to distinguish the sounds "Cleans" sounds "Disto / overdrive"
Indeed, the purity of the cleans sounds associated with reverb / delay effects and other "classic" leaves me speechless!
I use it in stereo: Fractal/01v/Mackie SRM 450 V2
For sounds "Disto / Overdrive", the influence of "cabinets / amps" is huge. But as a basis for its clean we quickly get what you want, both for distos, the possibilities are so numerous that the search of the desired sound takes more time (at least for me!)
I mainly use a Fender David Gilmour Black Strat and a PRS Custom 24. The colors of microphones are fully respected.

OVERALL OPINION

Previously I was using a G system and pre-amp Koch Fender HRDX
The purity and clarity of sound I was looking now gained the Fractal!
Most you know, as to - for me they are not noticeable especially with the Nx firmware V 10.
The quality / price? Hard to do when a tool exactly to your expectations!
So I would say: Perfect

Preamp / amp simulator / effects for gitarre (and it seems low), while digital

See manual, apart from very complex effects such as Moog Murf found almost everything in the box.

Everything is editable by the Axe Edit software.
Recently there is a website dedicated to the exchange of patches "Axechange", which will make a little easier the choice and development of sounds for those who do not program aimment themselves.
Features outside the huge arsenal of amps, effects and HP:
60 sec looper included with sync, I do not use very little
Sequencer included rather interesting for background sounds behind the grate
Two things I have not yet used, but also pretty amazing:
1) The most amazing thing is that there is an embedded profile, ie you set the sound closer to that of your favorite artist, you will pass the title (scratches only, anyway) on the connected device by having your Guitar and the device will create a module impulse response which makes it scratch your title question) Best of the Kemper but with more effects in all limped and all the possibilities of direct control by MIDI. .
2) Ability to create your own IIR HP .... sometimes we want to keep the sound of the amp itself.

UTILIZATION

While remaining on the parameters "standards" you get to do great things in a short time. Then, when you really love tinkering can spend days in programmable infinite variables.
The manual, I have not looked too donnné being that I already had the previous version. II on the amp settings are much more natural and with little effort you spell sounds good, unlike the ULTRA where I took a year before they know how to use it well.
Use with Behringer FCB1010 pedals without any difficulties.

SOUND QUALITY

Regarding the sound distortion, crunch and metal predecessor (Axe Std and ULTRA) were already in at V11. The big jump with the II and especially the soft V7 is that now all the nuances of amps out cad also very good clean sound & clean / crunch amp for all simulated we can edit in all directions and all tastes.
Sonts good effects, it must nevertheless invest a little before leaving the max.
Instruments used: Fender strat, humbucker + piezo Fame IV and Hollow TV and very rarely Peerless NY

OVERALL OPINION

The II since March has really convinced of the concept Fractal Audio, ULTRA after 2 years had already convinced me but for which I stayed on my hunger for clean tones.
FA before I went through a number preamp tube / tube power amps, to finish with 2 tube combos and Traynor K4 with ULTRA.
It is only after having Axis II that I ended up selling everything, everything but the K4 makes his job better than with the ULTRA II.
The feature that must realize is that interest is the use FRFR ie with direct amplification (PA or FRFR amp or foot bath amplified quality). The value for money is huge given the equipment that I could sell and the endless possibilities of the material. Finished and finished GAS back pain also.

Well it's the newest generation of the Axe-Fx. This time twice the processing power and a whole lotta goodies thrown in for good measure.
My favorite is that now you can use it as an external sound card for your computer which comes in super handy when re-amping guitar.
Also the fact that the midi controller for it now can be connected with an ethernet cable instead of midi cable and wall wart alone would've been worth it for me.
The editing with from the unit itself is easier than on the ultra now since various knobs get assigned to controls so you don't have to page and scroll through menus like you used to have to on the Ultra.
Plus there's always the editor and just do it o the computer.

UTILIZATION

Out of the box it comes set up pretty well with 40 presets to just demo the actual amp sounds.

SOUND QUALITY

The reason why I have 2 Ultras and a Axe 2. I love what the box can do sonically. Simply put if you know how to dial gear, anything in your head will come out of the speaker. there nuff said. love how it sounds

OVERALL OPINION

I've used the Ultra since 2008 and a few month back gotten the Axe-Fx 2. I didn't think I was gonna like all that much more than the Ultra but to my surprise I did. this one just goes so deep. From the way it lets you go inside the amp and virtually mod anything you'd ever want to. Kudos to the designer.

After 2 years on the Ultra with various amps gathering dust I started a big sell of. Kept a few vintage amps because they have sentimental value for me. Now I'm thinking of ditching those as well since during the recording the last album the tracks I used them on got replaced with the Axe-Fx2.