Metropoulos Forum

This may not go over well here but here goes:

Im selling my last 1/2 stack and getting the Fractal audio AX8.

They have finally got the tube amp modeling right and I just cant ignore the
technology any more.

Endless possibility's, great tone and no more tubes to fail and replace.

The perimeters you can adjust in the amp model itself is just mind numbing.

Ok you guys can kill me now.

Jimmy

That notion has crossed my mind recently too. I have no personal experience with the Fractals and the Kempers but looking at all the reviews out there, it's pretty scary what these things can do now. So have you personally demoed the Fractal? Or do you already have it?

No not yet but Ive seen tons of vids and reviews and I'm sold.


Jimmy

Even this local guy here in my hometown is going all-in for the Fractal AxeFX II. He sold me his Mesa/Boogie EV/Celestion halfback cab because he just uses the PA and a couple 1x12 floor monitors live..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9XRYHqdvQc

I've seen a lot of the modelers come in, then a year or so later, they get sold. Not for everyone obviously, but it may work for you. Good luck.

I think it's cool what they can do today with modeling, but I can't afford one of those, and I haven't yet achieved my life-long dream of duplicating the EVH/Donn Landee 1981 studio sound...

Check this out:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04lWiqFfl2o

I watched the video. The tone wasn't in EVH land until the effects came in at the end. The core tone sounded more like a Mesa to my ears until then. Goes to show how important effect are to the overall sound. I've read these don't cut through the mix very well live. Of course that could all be bogus. Still, give me a my 68 any day. Best investment I ever made.

I always wonder how these sound at stage levels or with a band. They always sound great at room level demo stuff.

Funny you say this. I think for live, I will stick with tube amps, but now that I am diving into home recording, it is remarkable what is available to the producer/engineer/hobbyist. I plan on buying the Mercuriall Spark plug in because what it can do is simply stunning and the demo proves it is every bit as good as the real thing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NGrERQswWU&t

I have 2 Ax8's and love them! I also have a Friedman JJ and use the Ax8 in the loop for Fx so it's the best of both worlds. I use an Atomic CLR neo and a Xitone (powered FRFR's). Plenty loud and sound great -light and portable too!