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Fractal Audio Systems Axe-Fx
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Fractal Audio Systems Axe-Fx
Reiep Reiep
Published on 01/06/10 at 06:05
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<div> The Axe FX is a digital simulator amplification chain, the very first guitar effect in exit to the transplanted microphone (included!). It thus simulates the amplifiers, speakers and microphones transplanted and moved moult effects. For a complete list, the best is still Wiki Pages section of interests (http://axefxwiki.guitarlogic.org/index.php?title=Main_Page). </div>

<div> In entries: </div>

<div> - Front-panel guitar input </div>

<div> - Input 1 (left / right mono +) </div>

<div> - Inout 2 / FX return (left / right mono +) </div>

<div> - MIDI in </div>

<div> - SPDIF in </div>

<div> - 2 inputs for expression pedal </div>

<div> - 9V AC Adaptor to power via a MIDI pedal pins 6 & 7 </div>

<div> Output: </div>

<div> - Output 1 (left + right, jack and XLR synchronous) </div>

<div> - Output 2 / FX send (left + right) </div>

<div> - SPDIF Out </div>

<div> - AES out </div>

<div> - MIDI out </div>

<div> - MIDI through </div>

<div> Surprisingly, no headphone jack ... So headphone amp / audio interface or tinkering required. </div>

<div> The Standard of interest here supports 256 presets. A new official publisher of Fractal Audio is under development (public beta), but it is also possible to use commercial classical MIDI as MIDI-OX or Send SX (which I recommend by the way). It is also possible to load 10 IR additional speakers for your favorite forum available. </div>

<div> The digital I / O is 48khz/24bits only, with the Axis managing the clock. Thing to be careful when using the Axis digital connection, otherwise it gives a result not very beautiful (beautiful moment of fright the first hour of use <img class="smiley" src="/images/audiofanzine/interface/smileys/icon_biggrin.gif" alt="" /> ) </div>

<div> Please note that many updates to the firmware can either add functionality or to improve the sound quality of the device. The latest firmware (v 9.00) was a real slap. </div>

<div> Note: 8. The absence of extremely regrettable headphones and to a lesser extent I / O USB or Firewire to equip require additional hardware. </div>

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UTILIZATION

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<div> The general configuration is simple? Editing sounds and effects is easy? The manual is clear and sufficient? ... </div>

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<div> First, my use: Axis SPDIF plugged into a TC Electronic Konnekt 8, which comes out to headphones AKG K240, or otherwise a Tech 21 Power Engine 60 connected to the Output 1 of the Axis. </div>

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<div> In the first case j&#39;uilise a complete chain (with cabinet simulator and possibly microwave) in the second I turn off the speaker and microphone, and a slight compensation for the low PE 60 directly addresses the shooting ( because when we move from a closed to 4 * 12 1 * 12 open you lose some low). But that&#39;s all, all my other settings remain the same and it&#39;s fun! </div>

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<div> Creating a preset is not complicated, I personally do my settings directly from the Axis and not via the editor. It was a few minutes a basic sound that sounds REALLY good. Then comes the hack ... and the only real "fault" of the Axis: its wealth! There are so many parameters that you can work (but not required) to sculpt its 100% custom, someone nitpicking may spend some time tweaking. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it may repel those who are frightened by more than 5 buttons on an amp. Fortunately with the experience and knowledge sharing on the forum Fractal we arrive to find the "tricks" that are okay and slowly it goes. But it is clear that there is a great time learning: controlling the Axe FX at 100% is not immediate, but what a joy when you start to get there! </div>

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<div> The manual is sufficient to start to attack the most sensitive points Fractal forum is a gold mine with a lot of experienced users (although sometimes a bit on the edge of fanaticism, m&#39;enfin ...). </div>

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<div> Note: 9. The use of the device is very simple, but requires a large learning curve to master all the parameters. </div>

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SOUND QUALITY

<div> The effects are they effective, responsive and realistic enough? Which instruments do you use? Which ones do you prefer, you hate? </div>

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<div> We enter the heart of the matter. I&#39;m not really a big user of effects, so I&#39;ll concentrate on the amp simulation. And it&#39;s very good. Having owned / tested many devices modeling, one enters a completely different league, it&#39;s incomparable. The difference is huge, the sound is much more alive and dynamic. I do not want to start a debate better / worse than the lamps, but know that with the Axe FX Unlike analog to digital has been very greatly reduced, especially since the firmware 9. </div>

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<div> I play primarily on high gain amps, you can sculpt sounds of every era and always high quality. The equalizer is effective (on blocks of effects, amps, effects and EQ blocks themselves). </div>

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<div> The IR speakers are perhaps the low point when one compares what is available on the net, without being bad. In the 10 worst locations IR user offset this small gap. </div>

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<div> I use mainly effects level block Drive to overdrive and distortion. This block has been redesigned recently and offer higher quality and a behavior similar to a conventional pedal (used in boosters, etc.). </div>

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<div> The reverbs, delays, chorus offer enormous opportunities, but I&#39;m just very simple settings. Ditto for the Wah function with great self-imposed cuts the effect if the expression pedal heel rest position a certain period of time (it works on other effects as wah). I hardly use the other effects ... for now. </div>

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<div> Note: 10. The Axe is such a step forward for modeling amps than a 9 seems too little. Add to that its excellent effects section (which I use too little) ... </div>

OVERALL OPINION

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<div> For how long have you been using it? What thing do you like most/least about it? Did you try many other models before getting this one? What is your opinion about the value for the price? Knowing what you know now, would you make the same choice? ... </div>

<div> I have the Axe FX for almost a year, ordered via the European importer G66 (which I salute in passing an exceptional quality of service!). I&#39;ve tested many cameras before modeling to almost crack a Pod X3 ... but I&#39;m tempted by the Axis FX (note the possibility of the return within 15 days if not suitable!), and I did well. Since that day in March, no more buying Envo amp or effect. For cons, I had to do a lot of expenses on an audio interface, a good headphone, a MIDI footswitch, etc.. I went from 0 in this field, it makes a certain budget to forecast. </div>

<div> So it&#39;s somewhat leaden value for money as to use the Axe FX as it should be provided a budget of EUR 500 in rab &#39;if one has no hardware. That said, I do not plainds final solution because I really thunder. </div>

<div> In case of trouble so I do it again this election, but certainly an Ultra, or perhaps by then the Axe FX 2 <img class="smiley" src="/images/audiofanzine/interface/smileys/icon_lol.gif" alt="" /></div>

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Overall rating: the average of previous notes = 9. </div>

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