Fractal Axe-FX/ Ultra

[stillbornmutilation]

I've heard a lot about this processor unit, and i was wondering with a power amp like a VHT 2/90/2 combined with just that unit, would it be a great death metal rig.

this is the pic if no one knows what im talking about..
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r14/stillborn_bucket/glamour1.gif

[INCINERATE]

Well, the best and only person I know of that could answer this would be Mike from Severed Savior as he has one.

But I have heard from many others on the Fractal forum that the amp models in this unit are the best around. Many diehard tube head users have gotten rid of their tube heads and have opted to just use the amp models in this unit instead.

But yeah, I sure with just a power amp and a Fractal, it would make a great death metal rig for sure.

I'm on the waiting list for an Ultra, but won't have it until March 2008. I don't see myself getting rid of my Engl head when this arrives though. But we'll see.

[Miscreant]

Looks badass

[stillbornmutilation]

well, Mike can you tell me about the amps this things got. I really wanna know.

[M.Gilbert]

The Axe-FX can definitely do it. It's "modeling" abilities are leaps and bounds above anything else you can buy, period. Also, the effects section is world class. Eventide's are known as the industry standard for top of the line effects processors. And the Axe-FX is as powerful, if not more so than Eventide units.
But we're talking about the preamp aspects here. So, let's get back to that.
The Axe-FX not only sounds like a real amp, but it also FEELS like a real amp. Which is where other modelers fail miserably. It also cuts through well in a band situation. Another area where most modelers fall short. There is a large variety of high quality amp models to choose from. Not only are there clean models, crunch/low gain, and high gain. But there are several of each. All have unique characteristics/tone and feel.
This unit is extremely programmable/tweakable. If you want it to be simple, it is. But if you want to get into some serious tweaking. You can do anything you want. In the amp sims alone, you can adjust things such as plate voltages, tonestack frequencies, tonestack location, transformer low frequencies/high frequencies, and the list goes on. Not only does it do amp simulation, but there is power amp simulation, drive pedal simulation, cabinet simulation, and mic simulation (many of each catagory you can choose from, or blend multiple different types).
For example, you can blend 2 different amp models, 2 different types of speaker cabinets, 2 different types of mics per cabinet sim, etc. You can pan any of them any way you want, even adding a controller which is pick attack activated that will pan across between 2 different amp/cab/mic combinations depending on how hard you hit the strings, or have it activated by a number of other factors. As you can see, this is getting ridiculous. But like I said, you can do anything you want with this box.
Bottom line is, this unit was designed by a fucking GENIUS who is a guitar player, that wanted to have a unit that tailors specifically to guitar players needs, whatever they may be. Also, he is constantly updating the software which is available for download. The updates include new features like amp models, effects parameters, fixes, etc. and he does these based on feedback from the community of Axe-FX owners. He has actually fixed a thing or two based on my feedback personally. So as you can tell, I'm extremely happy with the unit and the continued service I will receive for it.
I should also point out that the Axe-FX SHOULD cost about $3000.
But thankfully, this is a very small company that has no desire to sell out to big businesses. He makes very little money per unit, and spends zero on advertising. Which means the $1400 price tag of a standard unit is a steal.
Yeah, the waiting list sucks. I had to wait 6 months for mine. But it is worth it.
Anyways, having said all that. I still use my Engl e570 preamp and Engl 850/100 poweramp live, with the Axe-FX just for effects. If the Axe-FX had an Engl SE model (which is what my preamp is) I would consider switching to the Axe-FX as a preamp. But for now, I do prefer the Engl preamp just slightly more than the Axe-FX when playing live.
But the Axe-FX is more than capable of doing it all, and doing it extremely well. And the VHT 2/90/2 (which I previously owned) would be an excellent match for it. KT88 tubes are very sterile as far as power tubes go, and they reproduce faithfully what you put into them with little coloring.
I hope that all made sense. If you have any other questions about it, just let me know. In the meantime, I suggest you download the manual so you get a better feel for what the unit is capable of. Because I only discussed the tip of the iceberg.
Also, on my bands next cd we are currently recording, I only used the Axe-FX for all guitars. Recorded direct to pc, and the outcome is quite good.
Here is a sample....
http://www.zshare.net/audio/4539205ad52098/

[seedsofthesuffering]

Sounds awesome. Just like a tube amp on that recording to me.
Did you get the Ultra version or the standard one? I'm about to apply for one of those as I need to upgrade my effects anyway, can't decide which model to get :confused:

[InertialGrind]

Thats crazy. Id feel bad that I didn`t use the engl haha.

[deformity]

this Axe-FX seems really a good unit...
The sound from Severed Savior clips is great

[InertialGrind]

Are you gonna be using it live ?

[seedsofthesuffering]

Are you gonna be using it live ?
I think M.Gilbert says in there that he uses it live for its effects - not the preamp as he prefers his Engl live at the moment. What an awesome backup to have (the Fractal FX amp modelling), if the Engl gets a problem on stage.

[Goaters]

the thing i like about this unit is, no matter where you are in the world you can plug it into the wall and run it through what ever power that country supplied through the mains. which means that like if Mike were to go on tour of europe, he could take his Axe-fx with him and use it at every show, and pretty much have his own sound and not worry about any transformers or power converters and the like.. it's a pain when you can't order electrical good from American due the the voltage requirements and stuff and or having to get a converter onto of a unit.
if any of my bands or just my self in person bog big enough to justify having such an amazing unit.. i'd totally throw myself on the waiting list

[stillbornmutilation]

Thanks a lot Mike, that clip is all i need to know if i wanna buy that preamp. As soon as i get the money im going on that waiting list.

[M.Gilbert]

Thanks a lot Mike, that clip is all i need to know if i wanna buy that preamp. As soon as i get the money im going on that waiting list.

No problem! Just remember, you're not going to get that particular tone with any of the presets. You will have to tweak it a bit.

[Shred The Ganja]

Thanks a lot Mike, that clip is all i need to know if i wanna buy that preamp. As soon as i get the money im going on that waiting list.

That clip is all i need to know to pre-order the new severed savior album ASAP!

[stabwound]

That clip is all i need to know to pre-order the new severed savior album ASAP!

[Goaters]

i've already pre-ordered it!!

[stabwound]

From where? Willowtip?

[Cpt.DeathROT!!!]

Looks pretty cool. I'd be interested in trying one of them out for sure. Though I'm pretty set on my Mesa Triple Rec. Love my Tubes!!!!

[Goaters]

From where? Willowtip?

haha naa i traveled forward in time and preorderd it

[stabwound]

I should have suspected this.

[stillbornmutilation]

lol
I'm dying to hear the new album.