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GMC Forum _ GEAR & PRODUCTION _ Fractal Audio Fx8

Posted by: AK Rich Mar 19 2016, 05:45 PM

Hey everyone,

Yesterday I ran across a product from Fractal that I didn't know about. The FX8 is an FX only floor unit that is basically a massive pedal board in one unit. It seems it is geared for folks who like the FX of the AX FX but are not really interested in the amp modeling. I was only able to find a handful of demos and reviews but most of what I am hearing sounds positive. One thing I thought was handy is that you can set it up to for channel switching on your amp or whatever else is switchable. It also has options to put some FX in front of the amp (overdrive, crybaby etc) and other FX into the FX loop of an amp (delays reverbs etc). Or you can just run the unit in front of an amp like an overdrive stomp.
I thought it might compliment the Orange Rockerverb I just ordered nicely. Anyone here own one of these or have any info on the unit hat they could share? Or even comparisons to similar units? Any info or opinions you could add are greatly appreciated. Thanks! smile.gif

http://www.fractalaudio.com/p-fx8-multi-effects-pedalboard.php

FX8 Manual: http://www.fractalaudio.com/downloads/manuals/FX8/FX8-Owners-Manual.pdf


Posted by: fzalfa Mar 19 2016, 05:56 PM

Hi

i'm thinking about replacing my BOSS GT100, os i take a look at the line 6 HELIX and to this FX8....

is it really a good idea ? did these two pedalboard are better than my GT ?

Laurent

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Mar 19 2016, 06:18 PM

QUOTE (fzalfa @ Mar 19 2016, 12:56 PM) *
i'm thinking about replacing my BOSS GT100, os i take a look at the line 6 HELIX and to this FX8


There's a good thread comparing the Helix and the AX8 on the Line 6 forum which may help.

http://line6.com/support/topic/19199-helix-vs-ax8/

Personally I have been using Line 6 for nearly 10 years and I think they finally got it right with the Helix - I love mine!

Posted by: AK Rich Mar 19 2016, 06:22 PM

QUOTE (fzalfa @ Mar 19 2016, 07:56 AM) *
Hi

i'm thinking about replacing my BOSS GT100, os i take a look at the line 6 HELIX and to this FX8....

is it really a good idea ? did these two pedalboard are better than my GT ?

Laurent


I don't know much about the GT 100 but if I had to guess I would think that either the Helix or the FX8 would have superior quality to it.
One thing to consider is that the Helix I believe is an amp modeler as well as an FX processor so if that's what you are looking for it might be better to compare the Helix to the AX8 or the AX FX or a Kemper as these are amp modelers and the FX8 is not.

http://www.fractalaudio.com/ax8-amp-modeler-multi-effects.php


Posted by: PosterBoy Mar 19 2016, 07:44 PM

The Fx8 has really stepped up the game when it comes to being suited for 4 cable method, it has lowered the noise floor that is the usual problem with this set up.

Posted by: Rammikin Mar 19 2016, 07:46 PM

I think Andrew and fzalfa are confusing the AX8 with the FX8. Those are two very different things. The AX8 is comparable to a Helix, the FX8 is not. I have not used an FX8, but it has the effects from an AxeFXII, which I do have, and can tell you those effects are uniformly excellent.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 19 2016, 08:01 PM

this is a tough call. I"d say buy from a vendor you can return from and try both.The AX8 offers amp models as well as fx so it's really an axe fx just in a floor unit (with a bit more limited DSP e.g. one AMP block instead of two) which means you don't have to spent and extra thousand bux on a axe fx foot controller and wah /volume controller. wink.gif

The more I read the more I'd like one myself smile.gif The ax8 does have a bit more limited hardware dsp than the flagship axefxII but it will has all the great amps/fx etc. from the rack unit flag ship and it's only 50 bux more than the fx8 which is fx only. Also, it's a recording interface via usb. Not to mention the massive patch bay on the back.

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Mar 19 2016, 08:03 PM

QUOTE (Rammikin @ Mar 19 2016, 02:46 PM) *
I think Andrew and fzalfa are confusing the AX8 with the FX8.


Yeah, I know they are different but I didn't really call it out in my post, you are right. The link does go into details about ease of use and other stuff which still should be relevant but I have never used any Fractal Audio gear myself.

Posted by: AK Rich Mar 19 2016, 08:35 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Mar 19 2016, 10:01 AM) *
this is a tough call. I"d say buy from a vendor you can return from and try both.


QUOTE (Andrew Cockburn @ Mar 19 2016, 10:03 AM) *
I have never used any Fractal Audio gear myself.


Fractal offers a 15 day money back guarantee, which is the only vendor for the US and Canada as far as I can tell. There is a list of international dealers which I assume offer something similar.

http://www.fractalaudio.com/purchase.php

I have never used any Fractal Audio gear either. Probably the biggest reason for this imo is that you can't try one , unless you buy one (As far as I know) Unless you are lucky enough to know someone that has one already, it's probably rare to even see one in the wild unless you are at a concert maybe.
It's hard on a guy like me who likes to try everything like guitars, amps and processors before I buy them. smile.gif

Posted by: Rammikin Mar 19 2016, 08:36 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Mar 19 2016, 07:01 PM) *
The more I read the more I'd like one myself smile.gif The ax8 does have a bit more limited hardware dsp than the flagship axefxII but it will has all the great amps/fx etc. from the rack unit flag ship and it's only 50 bux more than the fx8 which is fx only. Also, it's a recording interface via usb.


Alas, no. There is no usb audio interface on the AX8. And it does not have all the effects from the AxeFX.

Everyone keeps mentioning the AX8 when AKRich is asking about the FX8 smile.gif.

Posted by: AK Rich Mar 19 2016, 08:45 PM

QUOTE (PosterBoy @ Mar 19 2016, 09:44 AM) *
The Fx8 has really stepped up the game when it comes to being suited for 4 cable method, it has lowered the noise floor that is the usual problem with this set up.


This is something I found impressive. Being able to place the fx in front of the amp, or in the loop using the 4 cable method and keep the noise down as well. Very cool cool.gif

Posted by: Rammikin Mar 19 2016, 08:58 PM

QUOTE (AK Rich @ Mar 19 2016, 07:35 PM) *
you can't try one , unless you buy one (As far as I know)


Yep, that's the deal. You buy it, try it for two weeks, and either send it back for a refund or keep it.

I'll warn you right now, that's an indication of how different/odd Fractal Audio is. It's not like the usual experience of buying a polished, finished product at Guitar Center. Instead, it's like you have a friend who tinkers with an audio processor. You can't buy your friend's product in a store, you have to put your name on a waiting list when you want one, it looks like somebody made it in their garage, and he's constantly improving it and giving you firmware updates smile.gif.

It's hard to say what waitlist time is right now for an FX8, but it's probably in the neighborhood of two months.

Posted by: AK Rich Mar 19 2016, 09:10 PM

QUOTE (Rammikin @ Mar 19 2016, 10:58 AM) *
Yep, that's the deal. You buy it, try it for two weeks, and either send it back for a refund or keep it.

I'll warn you right now, that's an indication of how different/odd Fractal Audio is. It's not like the usual experience of buying a polished, finished product at Guitar Center. Instead, it's like you have a friend who tinkers with an audio processor. You can't buy your friend's product in a store, you have to put your name on a waiting list when you want one, it looks like somebody made it in their garage, and he's constantly improving it and giving you firmware updates smile.gif.

It's hard to say what waitlist time is right now for an FX8, but it's probably in the neighborhood of two months.


biggrin.gif Good one! Yeah, this is something I am not at all used to so it kind of goes into the con list since for me it's uncharted waters. Good God I hope it doesn't look like it was made in somebodies garage! Thanks Rammikin smile.gif

Posted by: nikeman64 Mar 19 2016, 09:12 PM

Hey guys, I can only speak from my experience. Over a period of 25 years, I have bought lots and lots of gear, Always searching for the ultimate (could be a nice tread : the search for the ultimate tone...). Anyway, a couple of years ago I ordered an Axe FX II and had to wait for it for 7 months. That was a mighty long time but I have never regrated that decision afterwords. Fractal delivers BIG TIME equipement and I'm proud to have one. So, I don't know about the floorboard, but if it is in the same league as the FX II, then it's pure quality !!! smile.gif

Posted by: Rammikin Mar 19 2016, 09:27 PM

QUOTE (AK Rich @ Mar 19 2016, 08:10 PM) *
: Good God I hope it doesn't look like it was made in somebodies garage!


The superficial things on the outside like the enclosure and graphics are utilitarian and all business, especially the AxeFX. No fancy graphics. No fancy multicolored display. Inside the box though, it's all top-notch components and workmanship.

Posted by: GregH Mar 20 2016, 01:10 AM

Yeah, the Fractal products look like they are built for professionals while a lot of their competitors gear looks like toys (graphics for people with short attention spans).

Fractal products are hard to try ahead of time due to their factory-direct policy. But on the other hand, I have never seen another product with as good a resale price. Quite often, the used ones on EBay go for slightly more than new price.

Fractal has very good quality in their products. They have good factory help and a large (if sometimes overly loyal) forum with usually good support.

The learning curve on the Axe FX can be somewhat long (I don't know about the FX8 from personal experience) but I was able to get sound quality that far exceeded anything I could get from my Line 6 or plug-ins right out of the box. Then, by playing with it further, it got better.

That's not to say that other people are not doing phenomenal things with other brands of equipment.

Whatever works for you.


Posted by: AK Rich Mar 20 2016, 05:43 PM

QUOTE (nikeman64 @ Mar 19 2016, 11:12 AM) *
Hey guys, I can only speak from my experience. Over a period of 25 years, I have bought lots and lots of gear, Always searching for the ultimate (could be a nice tread : the search for the ultimate tone...). Anyway, a couple of years ago I ordered an Axe FX II and had to wait for it for 7 months. That was a mighty long time but I have never regrated that decision afterwords. Fractal delivers BIG TIME equipement and I'm proud to have one. So, I don't know about the floorboard, but if it is in the same league as the FX II, then it's pure quality !!! smile.gif


Thanks a lot for weighing in with your experience with Fractal, Nikeman. It appears the FX8 has all the quality of the Axe Fx II but with a bit less of the processing power. So far from what I have read, this is only a problem if you are really heavy on the fx. I don't think it should be a problem for me since I usually keep the fx down to things like overdrive, compression,delay and reverb in most cases. Man, I sure hope I don't have to wait that long. I went ahead and put myself on the waiting list yesterday. let the waiting begin. cool.gif

QUOTE (Rammikin @ Mar 19 2016, 11:27 AM) *
The superficial things on the outside like the enclosure and graphics are utilitarian and all business, especially the AxeFX. No fancy graphics. No fancy multicolored display. Inside the box though, it's all top-notch components and workmanship.


Now that makes me feel much better and sounds like it is as it should be. Thanks again Rammikin smile.gif

QUOTE (GregH @ Mar 19 2016, 03:10 PM) *
Yeah, the Fractal products look like they are built for professionals while a lot of their competitors gear looks like toys (graphics for people with short attention spans).

Fractal products are hard to try ahead of time due to their factory-direct policy. But on the other hand, I have never seen another product with as good a resale price. Quite often, the used ones on EBay go for slightly more than new price.

Fractal has very good quality in their products. They have good factory help and a large (if sometimes overly loyal) forum with usually good support.

The learning curve on the Axe FX can be somewhat long (I don't know about the FX8 from personal experience) but I was able to get sound quality that far exceeded anything I could get from my Line 6 or plug-ins right out of the box. Then, by playing with it further, it got better.

That's not to say that other people are not doing phenomenal things with other brands of equipment.

Whatever works for you.


Thanks Greg. I remember you got yourself an Axe Fx a little while back. I am happy to hear that you are still digging it and it sounds like they age like fine wine. It only gets better. smile.gif

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 21 2016, 06:11 PM

The AXE FX is a boutique piece of kit. The line 6 is a mass produced bit of kit. So as far as resale, it's axe fx all the way. They just make great stuff and people are willing to pay top dollar for it. The line 6 stuff drops quite a bit in price on the used market as it's made in mass quantity.

The axe fx is used by pros all over the world. I"m sure the line 6 is a nice unit and it sounds great in the vids. But it would probably take a bigger hit on resale if you ever did resell and the axe does seem to go with the orange amp pretty well as I've seen that combination more times than I can count. Orange is one of the few amps/cabs that has enough low frequency response to handle full range signals. Maybe thats why smile.gif

The orange amps are along the boutique vibe as well despite being prolific, they are no where near as mass produced as say, line 6 amps. You may be happier with the axe fx.

Posted by: Rammikin Mar 21 2016, 06:52 PM

QUOTE (AK Rich @ Mar 20 2016, 04:43 PM) *
I went ahead and put myself on the waiting list yesterday. let the waiting begin. cool.gif


Glad to hear it! Next, you'll have to start thinking about getting an AxeFX smile.gif.

Posted by: fzalfa Mar 21 2016, 07:28 PM

i agree

but what is the cost of an AXE FX II + pedalboard (volume and/or wah)......

Laurent

Posted by: AK Rich Mar 21 2016, 09:10 PM

QUOTE (fzalfa @ Mar 21 2016, 09:28 AM) *
i agree

but what is the cost of an AXE FX II + pedalboard (volume and/or wah)......

Laurent


The Ax-Fx II XL+ Preamp/Fx processor is listed at $2,249.95

And the MFC-101 Mark III Midi Foot Controller is listed at $649.95 direct

For a grand total of $2,899.90 not including shipping I assume.

By comparison the FX8 is $1,349.95 direct.

The EV-1 expression/volume pedal is $139.95

http://shop.fractalaudio.com/

Posted by: George Hlio Mar 21 2016, 09:52 PM

Are there any VST plugins that can simulate the sound of AX-FX and can be incorporated in the DAW?

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 21 2016, 11:00 PM

Sadly not exactly sad.gif There have been requests for a plugin version of axe fx for years. But no luck yet. There are plenty of god plugins though for home recording like BIAS FX and OVERLOUD TH3, and GUITAR RIG, etc. These all do something similar to axe fx but in their own way.

The owner of axe fx has been very reluctant to put out a software version of his product. He probably feels it would eat his market share for the boxes/floor units. The plugin would probably be cheaper and then people would start to share/bootleg his work. BY staying in hardware he makes it very tough for folks to duplicate what he is doing.

QUOTE (George Hlio @ Mar 21 2016, 03:52 PM) *
Are there any VST plugins that can simulate the sound of AX-FX and can be incorporated in the DAW?


Posted by: George Hlio Mar 21 2016, 11:21 PM

You are right Todd!!! Of course he would not put a plugin, he'll lose his money, right? I mean everybody that has some bucks aside, buys an Ax-Fx...

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 22 2016, 04:55 AM

I keep hoping for a plugin smile.gif Maybe someday!!

[

quote name='George Hlio' date='Mar 21 2016, 05:21 PM' post='729343']
You are right Todd!!! Of course he would not put a plugin, he'll lose his money, right? I mean everybody that has some bucks aside, buys an Ax-Fx...
[/quote]

Posted by: GregH Mar 22 2016, 05:47 AM

Part of the problem with coming up with a plug-in is that the software for the Axe FX is written for a specific microprocessor and the sound quality will vary depending on the processer used (and also the D to A converters used). Cliff (the creator of this thing) is kind of obsessed with sound quality.

Posted by: fzalfa Mar 22 2016, 12:14 PM

QUOTE
the sound quality will vary depending on the processer used


Cpu is not involved with audio quality, except about computer power, AD/DA qualit & dynamics, algotrythms of modelisation etc are more important.

CPU used in GT100, FX-8 ect are similar, SHARK dsp design or something near.....

Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 22 2016, 03:06 PM

I get that. The axe fx is based on the shark microprocessor which is also used by the United Audio for their processing cards that run their plugins. So he could use the UA platform and even require a certain number of cores if he wanted and have the same code running on the same chips. He could even limit it to run on UA accellerators that are are also audio interfaces (great converters) so he could do it. He knows he could make it a plugin for UA at least. but I think it has more to do with market share and keeping his brand tied to the hardware. He is running a business after all smile.gif

http://www.uaudio.com/uad-plug-ins/uad-2-pcie.html

QUOTE (GregH @ Mar 21 2016, 11:47 PM) *
Part of the problem with coming up with a plug-in is that the software for the Axe FX is written for a specific microprocessor and the sound quality will vary depending on the processer used (and also the D to A converters used). Cliff (the creator of this thing) is kind of obsessed with sound quality.


Posted by: Rammikin Mar 22 2016, 06:44 PM

fyi, I think you're confusing Sharc with Tigersharc. They are actually quite different. Doesn't matter though. Hell will freeze over before you see an AxeFX on a device from Universal Audio smile.gif. A native plugin of the full AxeFX is even less likely.

And yes, GregH is correct...the architecture of the TigerSharc is a factor in the audio quality of the AxeFX.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 22 2016, 06:47 PM

Here is Marty Friedman using BIAS FX vst/plugin for a demo. Sounds pretty decent smile.gif He's got a small audio interface and probably has the input turned up a decent bit to help drive the amp sims. Also notice his picking technique. Nothing short of bizarre but it works for him!


QUOTE (George Hlio @ Mar 21 2016, 03:52 PM) *
Are there any VST plugins that can simulate the sound of AX-FX and can be incorporated in the DAW?


Posted by: fzalfa Mar 22 2016, 07:33 PM

The Line 6 Helix have Two Shark DSP



inside organisation



in short: 2700 Mflops @ 450Mhz...... nice, so Helix have 5400 Mflops with the two Shark

you can read this very interesting article here

http://"%20the article

GT 100 specs are more obscure, because of a ESC2 COSM custom chip, perhaps a little less powerfull than the both Shark combination...

Laurent


Posted by: Rammikin Mar 22 2016, 08:44 PM

Interesting story about Tony McKenzie: he bought the fractalaudio.co.uk domain, then tried to sell it to Fractal Audio (that's called domain squatting and there are laws against that). Fractal Audio refused to pay. Shortly after that, McKenzie wrote a nasty review about the AxeFX. Makes you wonder about how objective his reviews are smile.gif.

Posted by: AK Rich Mar 22 2016, 09:52 PM

QUOTE (fzalfa @ Mar 22 2016, 09:33 AM) *
The Line 6 Helix have Two Shark DSP
Laurent

The latest version of the Ax Fx has 2 processors as well , any more than that I couldn't tell you though.

Posted by: Rammikin Mar 22 2016, 09:58 PM

QUOTE (AK Rich @ Mar 22 2016, 08:52 PM) *
The latest version of the Ax Fx has 2 processors as well , any more than that I couldn't tell you though.


The AxeFX II uses a pair of TigerSharcs, which are more powerful (and more expensive) than Sharcs.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 23 2016, 07:27 PM

The UA hardware accellerator has up to 8 shark processors so it has plenty of overheadthat could run AXE FX as a plugin. I'm suprised they have not licensed the plugin to UA for use with their hardware. Requiring this hardware would prevent people bootlegging the plugin as it's a dongle essentially. Sort of like ilok.


QUOTE (Rammikin @ Mar 22 2016, 03:58 PM) *
The AxeFX II uses a pair of TigerSharcs, which are more powerful (and more expensive) than Sharcs.


Posted by: AK Rich Aug 28 2016, 04:03 PM

QUOTE (Rammikin @ Mar 21 2016, 09:52 AM) *
Glad to hear it! Next, you'll have to start thinking about getting an AxeFX smile.gif.

Still waiting sad.gif I called them up a while back to make sure they hadn't forgotten about me or if I somehow missed a notification. I just don't understand why this has to take so long. It's been over 5 months now.

Posted by: Mertay Aug 28 2016, 04:43 PM

QUOTE (AK Rich @ Aug 28 2016, 03:03 PM) *
Still waiting sad.gif I called them up a while back to make sure they hadn't forgotten about me or if I somehow missed a notification. I just don't understand why this has to take so long. It's been over 5 months now.


!!! thats just crazy, what did they say?

Posted by: AK Rich Aug 28 2016, 04:52 PM

QUOTE (Mertay @ Aug 28 2016, 07:43 AM) *
!!! thats just crazy, what did they say?

They confirmed that I was still on the wait list but couldn't tell me how much longer the wait would be. That was at least a month ago.
I was hoping to have it for a gig at the Alaska State Fair I have on Monday but obviously this isn't going to happen.

Posted by: Mertay Aug 28 2016, 04:59 PM

QUOTE (AK Rich @ Aug 28 2016, 03:52 PM) *
They confirmed that I was still on the wait list but couldn't tell me how much longer the wait would be. That was at least a month ago.
I was hoping to have it for a gig at the Alaska State Fair I have on Monday but obviously this isn't going to happen.


Sorry about that sad.gif if you're in need of an fx quickly, check out the zoom ms50g as its sort of a joker card among guitar players for quick needs.

Posted by: Rammikin Aug 28 2016, 04:59 PM

QUOTE (AK Rich @ Aug 28 2016, 03:52 PM) *
They confirmed that I was still on the wait list but couldn't tell me how much longer the wait would be. That was at least a month ago.


Unfortunately, your timing is unlucky. Their production efforts are focused on the newer AX8 right now. The AxeFX is still the flagship, but the FX8 doesn't have very high priority these days. Fractal Audio is a small outfit and they have frustrating idiosyncrasies like this.

Posted by: AK Rich Aug 28 2016, 05:15 PM

QUOTE (Mertay @ Aug 28 2016, 07:59 AM) *
Sorry about that sad.gif if you're in need of an fx quickly, check out the zoom ms50g as its sort of a joker card among guitar players for quick needs.

Thanks Mertay. I am ok though. I will just continue to use my minimalist stomp box setup like I have been doing all summer. Tube Screamer, Delay, Phase 90, Crybaby and Rockerverb.

QUOTE (Rammikin @ Aug 28 2016, 07:59 AM) *
Unfortunately, your timing is unlucky. Their production efforts are focused on the newer AX8 right now. The AxeFX is still the flagship, but the FX8 doesn't have very high priority these days. Fractal Audio is a small outfit and they have frustrating idiosyncrasies like this.

Thanks Rammikin. Yeah it sucks. I have this mental image of one guy in a big room assembling fx units with an adjacent room of the same size filled to the ceiling with back orders. dry.gif

Posted by: Rammikin Aug 28 2016, 05:30 PM

If you don't mind a version 1 FX8, they announced a few days ago they have a few last ones in stock remaining at a close out price. Otherwise, you're probably in for a lengthy wait for version 2.


An by "lengthy", I mean it might be next year before version II is available.

Posted by: AK Rich Aug 28 2016, 05:35 PM

QUOTE (Rammikin @ Aug 28 2016, 08:27 AM) *
If you don't mind a version 1 FX8, they announced a few days ago they have a few last ones in stock remaining at a close out price. Otherwise, you're probably in for a lengthy wait for version 2.

Good grief! I have to wonder how many folks have bailed on the waiting and just bought something else like a Line 6 or whatever. I think I am just going to continue to hold out and get a unit that is somewhat current and hopefully has any bugs worked out from the previous version.

Posted by: Rammikin Aug 28 2016, 05:43 PM

Yeah, you just had bad luck with your timing. You put yourself on the waitlist shortly before they discontinued the version 1 FX8. They automatically switched you to the version 2 waitlist, but because version 2 isn't available yet, you're now in for a much longer wait.

I'm not aware of any bugs in version 1 and the new features in version 2 are rather modest, so it might be worth considering buying one of those version 1 models, especially since you'll save some money.


Posted by: AK Rich Aug 28 2016, 06:06 PM

QUOTE (Rammikin @ Aug 28 2016, 08:43 AM) *
Yeah, you just had bad luck with your timing. You put yourself on the waitlist shortly before they discontinued the version 1 FX8. They automatically switched you to the version 2 waitlist, but because version 2 isn't available yet, you're now in for a much longer wait.

I'm not aware of any bugs in version 1 and the new features in version 2 are rather modest, so it might be worth considering buying one of those version 1 models, especially since you'll save some money.


I just checked the Fractal website. It appears that the Mark II version will start shipping sometime in the last quarter of this year. I would hope that by that time I would be close to the top of the waitlist but who knows. It looks like the discontinued version is only $150 less than the Mark II so I don't think I will go for that especially since there are no returns for the discontinued version. Maybe if it was $500 less I would go for it.

http://shop.fractalaudio.com/FX8_Multi_Effects_Pedalboard_s/61.htm

Now I am tossing around the idea of maybe trying to find a used Axe FX at Reverb.com or Ebay.

Posted by: Rammikin Aug 28 2016, 06:20 PM

Buying a used AxeFX can be a good idea. I'll warn you though, people who sell one on ebay/reverb often charge *more* than Fractal Audio does for a new one because....you guessed it...there's no waiting list smile.gif.

Posted by: Mertay Aug 28 2016, 06:42 PM

QUOTE (AK Rich @ Aug 28 2016, 05:06 PM) *
...


They could at least notify you about this change mad.gif

Last year I had the chance to play around one of the first axe fx units (can't remember the model but the owner said it was like 10 years old). It had a gazzilion parameters but didn't sound any better than todays vst stuff so I'd say aim for something newer if you want used.

On the other hand, if you don't care for amp sim.s in a processor brands that you mention like line 6 etc. does make sense too (for fx only, personally I'm even convinced with moderate priced boss stuff if the amp is nice real tube based design)

Posted by: AK Rich Aug 29 2016, 06:01 AM

QUOTE (Rammikin @ Aug 28 2016, 09:20 AM) *
Buying a used AxeFX can be a good idea. I'll warn you though, people who sell one on ebay/reverb often charge *more* than Fractal Audio does for a new one because....you guessed it...there's no waiting list smile.gif.


Ha! Yeah I noticed. In the end I'll probably just hold out unless maybe one happens to pop up here locally. Having one within my grasp could change the game. biggrin.gif

QUOTE (Mertay @ Aug 28 2016, 09:42 AM) *
They could at least notify you about this change mad.gif

Last year I had the chance to play around one of the first axe fx units (can't remember the model but the owner said it was like 10 years old). It had a gazzilion parameters but didn't sound any better than todays vst stuff so I'd say aim for something newer if you want used.

On the other hand, if you don't care for amp sim.s in a processor brands that you mention like line 6 etc. does make sense too (for fx only, personally I'm even convinced with moderate priced boss stuff if the amp is nice real tube based design)


Yeah man! I agree. It's interesting that I had to learn of this situation from Rammikin rather than Fractal. I guess I am supposed to be hovering over their website to find out about such things. I am surprised that the closeout deals were not mentioned to me when I inquired about my waitlist standing.
Although I am not that interested in the amp sims that the Axe Fx offers, I do like that one can record directly out of it. Something I can not do with an FX8.
Anyway, I am not ready to jump ship and go with a Line 6 or something else just yet but that possibility certainly exists.

Posted by: Darius Wave Aug 29 2016, 02:08 PM

I agree with their "no plug-in" policy. I can understand someone want's to be recognizable by 100% of his work, not affected by any unpredictable, additional devices, such as audio interface, audio DSP type etc.

Second thing is....if there would be a plug-in, a lot of people would start to discuss if the physical AXE FX is still needed. We would see posts like "why to buy real one if there is no difference". Why not to use plug-in and Your smarphone, tablet or anything similar. Of course there would be a difference but maybe non-audible for a lot of players. Non mentioning how many people would start to cark the plug-in taking away huge part of current Fractal's income.

These are things I can understand, watching how World is these days smile.gif

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 31 2016, 06:54 AM

This is quite true smile.gif As soon as they release the plugin version (probably happen eventually tied to ilok or something like that, as it's getting harder to find Tigersharc chips as they are being discontinued) people will start to pirate and crack it. The key is to sell more plugins and make more money than was possible by selling a finite number of units and losing sales by keeping folks on a "wait list".

They are in a bit of a pickle just now. They have a GREAT product but can't make enough to satisfy demand. So some folks just get a Helix or a Kemper or a used axe fx. Each one of those is a lost sale. sad.gif They don't seem to be scaling up well with the demand curve IMHO. Kemper seems to have done a fine job of scaling up and even expanding their product line while doing so. Line 6 of course make massive amounts of gear so no shortage there. It will be interesting to see how fractal handles all this.

Todd



QUOTE (Darius Wave @ Aug 29 2016, 09:08 AM) *
I agree with their "no plug-in" policy. I can understand someone want's to be recognizable by 100% of his work, not affected by any unpredictable, additional devices, such as audio interface, audio DSP type etc.

Second thing is....if there would be a plug-in, a lot of people would start to discuss if the physical AXE FX is still needed. We would see posts like "why to buy real one if there is no difference". Why not to use plug-in and Your smarphone, tablet or anything similar. Of course there would be a difference but maybe non-audible for a lot of players. Non mentioning how many people would start to cark the plug-in taking away huge part of current Fractal's income.

These are things I can understand, watching how World is these days smile.gif


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