Fractal Audio "AXE-FX-2"

[chrisn1]

Hi Everyone,
I have been on the waiting list for a "AXE-FX-2" for about 5 months now and should be getting it pretty soon, now I am lucky enough to own a decent bit of "Edge" gear in my rack, SDD-3000, SDD-200(x2) Pod Pro, a Korg A3, various pedals (tube-screamer/dyna-comp/big muff/ boss FA-1, and a Pod HD500, got a GCX/Ground control Pro to switch it all, I am a bit of a "Gear Head" do you think it would be a good idea to sell all my "Real-Edge" equipment now that i'm getting the AXE 2, i'm not in a tribute band as such I just like to record at home for pleasure but i'm obsessed with the Edge's guitar tones, and the kudos of owning the real thing is great but the thought of being able to have it all in one box is very appealing.... does anyone have the AXE-FX-2 and how good do you think it will be at reproducing most of every "U2' song out there, or is it a case of "The Emperors' new Clothes" if they are so good wouldn't Edge be using them by now!!!!!!!!! I have heard a lot of tribute bands are using them, just how good is it, is it "Even better than the Real Thing" (pardon the pun" i would love to hear from "Edge Orchestra and Eventide" your opinions will mean so much to me, thanks
Chris.
England

 

[Edge_Orchestra]

It seems that even The Edge owns a Fractal Audio Axe FX2.

I'd talked to Dallas Schoo about the Axe FX during the summer of 2010. I was working for a tribute guitarist at the time. I hold him how we used it, the amp models and various speaker sims one can DL. I told him I'd forward the information and did so. By October, they had one.

A friend in NY told me that you hear Edge talk about it in the soundcheck IEM from Coimbra (October 3, 2010).

Some of the recording involves Edge running through different presets and discussing his setup with Joe O'Herlihy his long time sound engineer. Some parts of the conversation are at a lower volume than the guitar, so at first I couldnt hear it well. At one point I thought I heard the word "Fractal" and replayed that part a few times. It almost made me fall off my chair, but indeed if you listen carefully that is exactly what they are discussing!. The rest of the conversation then came into focus. I believe you can hear Edge A/B'ing Axe-Fx presets with his regular setup and trying to EQ it to be comparable. He says things to Joe along the lines of "welcome to the future", that they could potentially reduce the rig to a couple of boxes, "vox in a box", about the sound being different but great, that it would involve a lot of initial work but be possible etc. I think they were not just testing out the effects on the Axe but also the amp models; as we know it might be difficult for the Axe to exactly replicate a very unique 1964 AC30, and maybe that will never happen but certainly it's a surprise to me and probably others that he was soundchecking with an Axe-Fx and very positive about the results.


The Axe FX will cover a tone of Edge tone. But I wouldn't say sell ALL of your other gear.

You could probably do without the SDD-2000. The delays in the AXE are good. But I wouldn't get rid of your SDD-3000. The pre-amp in that unit and it's warmth are tone gold.

Yes, you can program a Whammy in the Axe but it isn't as gritty as a WH-1.

Ground Control is a good controller. That said I know a few Tribute Edge's that prefer the Liquid Foot controllers.

FAMC, Inc.

• Chas (Joshua Tree - LA) uses (or was last I heard) a Liquid Foot Pro. When I worked with Joshua Tree, we'd used an Axe FX Ultra for years. It was only this year that he sold the ultra opting for a vintage AC30, pedals, TC Electronics 2290... instead of the Axe FX Ultra.
• Mick (Unforgettable Fire - NY) uses a Liquid Foot Jr. and still has enough flexibility to run an Edge worthy rig. (Check his clips on YouTube - They guy is a genius)

PS - Legend has it, Edge has the newer Pod HD Pro (rack version). So you might want to upgrade your POD - Or swap out for the Axe FX.

Hi Everyone,
I have been on the waiting list for a "AXE-FX-2" for about 5 months now and should be getting it pretty soon, now I am lucky enough to own a decent bit of "Edge" gear in my rack, SDD-3000, SDD-200(x2) Pod Pro, a Korg A3, various pedals (tube-screamer/dyna-comp/big muff/ boss FA-1, and a Pod HD500, got a GCX/Ground control Pro to switch it all, I am a bit of a "Gear Head" do you think it would be a good idea to sell all my "Real-Edge" equipment now that i'm getting the AXE 2, i'm not in a tribute band as such I just like to record at home for pleasure but i'm obsessed with the Edge's guitar tones, and the kudos of owning the real thing is great but the thought of being able to have it all in one box is very appealing.... does anyone have the AXE-FX-2 and how good do you think it will be at reproducing most of every "U2' song out there, or is it a case of "The Emperors' new Clothes" if they are so good wouldn't Edge be using them by now!!!!!!!!! I have heard a lot of tribute bands are using them, just how good is it, is it "Even better than the Real Thing" (pardon the pun" i would love to hear from "Edge Orchestra and Eventide" your opinions will mean so much to me, thanks
Chris.
England

 

[chrisn1]

Thanks "E.O" I think I will keep my "Vintage" Edge gear, maybe sell one of my SDD2000,
and the old "Pod Pro" your right nothing seems to come close to a good "SDD3000" I have ordered a pre-amp pedal from "Trabantland" as well to go in front of the 2000, it seem's everyone was blown away by the "AXE-FX" but these are only simulations, i'm still excited to be getting one though, it will be great to complie a load of presets, and I can still use the A3 in the AXE-FX's loop for recording, With the AXE-2 im hoping thats the last bit of kit I will ever need, to much choice can be bad, Once everything is hooked up I am hoping to post some sounds on line, your right "Mick" is amazing he is the best out there, hands down.

 

[Edge_Orchestra]

Side note: I have one of Trabantlands SDD-3K pedals. Fantastic pedal.

Thanks "E.O" I think I will keep my "Vintage" Edge gear, maybe sell one of my SDD2000,
and the old "Pod Pro" your right nothing seems to come close to a good "SDD3000" I have ordered a pre-amp pedal from "Trabantland" as well to go in front of the 2000, it seem's everyone was blown away by the "AXE-FX" but these are only simulations, i'm still excited to be getting one though, it will be great to complie a load of presets, and I can still use the A3 in the AXE-FX's loop for recording, With the AXE-2 im hoping thats the last bit of kit I will ever need, to much choice can be bad, Once everything is hooked up I am hoping to post some sounds on line, your right "Mick" is amazing he is the best out there, hands down.

 

[SteveUK]

I have an Axe Fx Ultra with a TC2290 going into the Ultras FX Loop, Then I have a SDD2000 & an A3 going into loops 4 & 5 of the TC2290.
Delay wise I could get away with just using the Ultra as the delays in it are fantastic but to my ears I still prefer kicking in the old units.
Been looking for an SDD3000 for a while now for that "preamp" sound but the prices on them have been slighty out of my reach at the moment & so for now I am using the Fet Boost in the Ultra to try & replicate it!
I was thinking about the Triad or as you the Trabantland pedal but again due to cost I think I would rather keep the cash & put it towards an SDD3000 when one shows itself again!
I wouldn't sell your old gear, Personally I like mixing the old with the new & have in the past sold old gear only to end up buying it back a few years later at a higher price!

 

[mick3b1g]

yea I own all the gear you mentioned including the sdd-2 and 3000,tc2290,hd500 and hdpro, M13 and axe Ultra as well as the axe 2. Im new to the axe2 but so far its a really nice unit. I suggest keeping your gear until you are certain its worth selling. Nobody has your ears and all gear is different in some way..

Mick

 

[chrisn1]

Hi Steve, Yes I think I am gonna keep all my gear, the real thing just cannot be replicated, I am thinking of not getting the Axe Fx 2 at the moment due to financial restraints, but I know what you mean about selling stuff and regretting it,
I sold recently my Deluxe Memory Man, the early 90's re-issue !!!! wish I had kept that one, I once sold a Roland TB303 for £300, you see them on eBay for £1500!

 

[chrisn1]

Hi Mick,
Your right we all have our own ears Mick, I know I would regret getting rid of the stuff its taken me so long to build up, I know with you and your band Mick it's a must to keep all your sonic possibilities open so stock-pilling gear is a must, I am building my own small Edge rig and I am almost there in getting the tones I want, the AXE FX 2 is more for recording, and it's a nice piece of kit, another thing to have everything in one box but I do like the look of my rack with the SDD's, Korg A3, Korg tuner and Pod Pro all lighted up, Do you think a 2290 is essential for recreating a lot of U2, if the SDD3000 would have had midi and more flexibility would Edge have stuck with these, because I think the delay and mod on the sdd's is the best in the world, The Tone I am after is like your demo of the DTS "Trabantland" pedal tone, that is as good as the Edge's tone as anything I have ever heard, come to think of it all your tones are Mick,
You seem to have a very accurate perception of the sounds, Would it be ok for me to contact you Mick regards setting some of my gear up, I have the FA-1 and TS9 and a DTS 3K on its way, I have the GCX and Ground Control, and 2 Vox AC15's so when all this is set up I want to run the 2 delays into separate amps with shimmer (verbzilla) I know you are really busy with Uf but any help will be very appreciated Mick,
Chris
England.

 

[mick3b1g]

I think Edge would still have used both. There are plenty of sound checks where you hear him ask Dallas for the add then to try the TC. within the same song so he can hear a difference. The TC delay is the king of delays Its so pristine in sound and is what in my opinion Edge likes. I do believe you can get very close with other gear axe fx,even line six stuff but its all within the players perception of what sounds good. I hear a lot of people say the line six stuff sounds like a toy...Im not sure what a toy is suppose to sound like but my opinion is to ignore the make and model of whatever it is and go with the feel and sound. cheesy answer but its true.

The add pedal from Dave is a fine pedal as well as the Triad They both sound great and do there thing. I think more important is the guitar and amp. Get your base tone and then color it with a delay drive ect. Keeping your old gear is smart at least until your 100% happy then sell.

I will try and help ya no problem..Im no expert either btw I just try all sorts of combos until I find something I like Edge or noEdge approved

Mick

M

 

[chrisn1]

Cheers Mick,
My SDD-3KP came yesterday, I am very impressed indeed, the build quality and sound are fantastic, I was going to sell my "SDD-2000" because of the AXE-FX2, but now I am going to keep it as a back up to my SDD-3000, I can put the "Trabantland" pedal in front and its basically another 3000, I am beginning to doubt buying an AXE2, and concentrate spending the money on more stuff for my rig, I am going to use the SDD-3KP in the Loop of my Pod HD500 to see if I can get a good base "Edge-AC-30-Tone" for recording
the AXE-FX2 is pretty expensive and I have my eye on a beautiful "Grestch" instead,
Like you say Mick, setting off with good quality Guitars and Amps is the key, I have some good Fender's and Gibson's going into a 90's re-issue AC15 and a newAC15C with an alnico speaker going into a 2x12 vox cab with blues, I am sure you know what its like when a new piece of gear comes onto the market, you instantly want it (GAS) but taking a look at what I already have and the comments on this forum have made me seriously think again about selling. Cheers Fellas.
Chris.

 

[SteveUK]

Finally got an SDD 3000, Plugged it into the loop 3 of my TC2290 - The +4 db attentuator is just killer & brings all my U2 patches to life!

 

[chrisn1]

Sdd3000

Hi Steve,
Glad you got a 3000, it makes the world of difference the 4db, I have all so recently got a "dts sdd-3kp" pedal from "Dave "Trabantland" which is amazing,
would love to get a 2290 to use the loops, (fa-1 and sdd) I better get saving!

 

[SteveUK]

Hi Chris, Yes the TC2290 is a crucial part of the set up for me, Not only because its a fantastic delay but because of those 5 switching loops!
I believe that the Edge actually runs his SDD3000's into the loop of the TC2290 so to be able to control the volume of it as its quite a kick with the +4 db setting.
If i'm honest I could have quite easily got away with the "dts sdd-3kp" pedal as due to its lack of midi I am currently only using the SDD3000 for its preamp & still useing the SDD2000 & 2290 for delays.
My SDD3000 does have a few issues on its delay side & i'm looking into getting the parts to fix it but I just had to have one!

If you don't mind me asking Chris what was the cost of the "dts sdd-3kp" pedal from "Dave "Trabantland" I've seen his site on the net but not a price?

 

[agocont]

does anybody tested a yamaha ud-stomp delay pedal? I have 1 of it for my delay and i think it is a fantastic pedal delay, with this machine you can select many parameters and you can combine until 8 differents delay with each differents options and you can choose if do you want to work in serial or parallel delay..... i think sound is between sdd-3000 and tc-2290, do you have experciences about this machine too?

 

[chrisn1]

Hi Steve,
I know what your saying about the "2290" and I will get one as soon as funds allow me,
The "SDD-3KP" was about £130, and all I can say is that its absolute Quality on every level, the build and sound and attention to detail, even the colour scheme and silk printing are top notch, Dave even signs and numbers them! they have that heavy build feel to them and I am sure it will be around when my Korg has died, and then I will use It with my SDD-2000's and get the same results, The delays on the 2000 are smoother and I prefer the Modulation, and when used with Dave's pedal it sounds sublime, I would invest in one Steve as a back up to you'r no doubt "Expensive and fragile 3000"

 

[SteveUK]

I must admit to prefering the SDD 2000 aswell Chris! After paying a premium to get an SDD 3000 I found that I am just using it for the preamp!! & my unit does have issues which are going to cost me to fix!
I have emailed Dave about getting an SDD pedal after hearing the real thing in the SDD 3000 its a must!

 

[chrisn1]

Hi Steve,
Hope you manage to secure a "dts-sdd-3kp" they really are the mutts nutts, I know its almost sacrilege in some circles to claim preference of the 2000 over the 3000, but the former has midi control, more preset space and its cheaper, and what Dave has done by making this fantastic bit of kit is putting "That Tone" in the reaches of people who cannot get their hands on the fabled '3000, my 3000 is in fine condition but I seem to be using my 2 sdd-2000's with the pedal more and more, guess its just down to that most elusive of things "Taste"

 

[SteveUK]

Well took the SDD 3000's top off today & every single cap has either leaked or bulged & some have even blackned around the main board!
Power supply board is even worse & the battery has seriously leaked all over, I guess this all explains why my SDD has been palying up so much!
Lucky for me there is enough info on the net from people who have repaired these things & a good run down of what to check for on the Slemmons web site.
Also lucky for me is that I have a great friend who is an amp/electronics tech who is to die for!
Any one who has tips on where to get spare chips etc. would be much appreciated as Slemmons do not seem to be answering my emails

 

[SteveUK]

Just got my SDD 3000 back & its all fixed & working perfectly!!! Just before I took it to the engineer it died completley & I really feared the worst!
After a complete re-cap, battery change & broken traces repaired on the power supply pcb all was good.
If your in the UK or Europe & need a SDD 3000 repaired or serviced but don't want to pay the cost of shipping your unit to Slemmons in the USA then I can highley recommend Godden & Curtis here in Sherborne, Dorset UK.
Simon who owns the company allready has a great reputaion for fixing amps & he specialises in the vintage valve variety!
Nothing against Slemmons but the cost of shipping a unit for repair to the US & back again really puts the cost up for us over here! Plus they must be very busy as I emailed them 2 weeks ago about there services & never even received a reply!