Axe-FX question

fretmeister

I notice that the Axe-FX has got a few tasty bass models now, and that has me thinking. A lot.

I know nothing about the unit other than it sounds great bro.

So - idiot question. Is it possible to split the signal in 2, to use 2 models at the same time, but 1 of them will remain a constant while the other gets changed for drive & FX and stuff AND set each path to output to a separate power amp channel so I can make specific real life cab choices for each part of the signal path?

My current bass rig is built around a split signal system where there is an always-on super deep and compressed dub/reggae type sound and the mids / treble are dealt with separately, and it's only the mids & treble that get the FX.

If I can do that properly in the Axe-FX then I might be out of excuses!

octatonic

Yes, no problem at all.

Drew_TNBD

Yup. Easy peasy.

fretmeister

Anyone want to buy a Suhr Badger 30?

octatonic

One thing- don't think you necessarily have to keep your existing signal flow when you get the Axe FX.

It can do what you want but also it can do a lot more.

Have fun exploring that and you might find a new method that inspires you.

Or not- it is all good.

fretmeister

I once had a 4 signal rack system where each was processed separately.

The rack weighed about 8 stone though when the power amps were in it.

It was cool, but never again!

Drew_TNBD

You could do something like this...


The main output has 1+2 and 3+4 hard-panned, meaning you could take output 1 of the unit and send stuff just to the left output and stuff just to the right output. Take each one to its own dedicated poweramp or channel on a mixer.

The FX loop corresponds to the Axe's 2nd output, which you could again send to two different poweramp channels and out into two different cabs. Again, everything is hard-panned in this block.

This is just an example. There is a lot of stuff you could do.

fretmeister

Wow!

Interface looks pretty easy to follow too!

Drew_TNBD

Piece o' piss bruv.

You'd like the USA 400 1 and 400 2 models. Based on Mesa Boogie 400+ bass heads. They're my favourites. There is also an Orange AD200B, SV Bass (Ampeg SVT),  and the FAS Bass which is their own bass amp model.

fretmeister

What's the difference between the FX2 and the FX2XL?

Drew_TNBD

XL has more memory for more presets, some of the effects blocks now support X/Y switching too, and some of the footswitch connectors are newer. DSP resources are exactly the same mind you.

I didn't feel the need to spend the extra!

fretmeister

Yeah, but there's no waiting list on the XL...

axisus

fretmeister said:

Wow!

Interface looks pretty easy to follow too!

I found the computer software pretty unstable. Kept crashing all the time. I found the tiny window interface on the AxeFx a bit of a pain, but I probably didn't devote enough time to it.

Drew_TNBD

It's been very stable here on Windows. When I had a Hackintosh it wasn't that stable and kept taking out the driver for my MOTU card - which is why I went back to a Windows based machine.

You can also make the interface very huge these days.

octatonic

axisus said:

fretmeister said:

Wow!

Interface looks pretty easy to follow too!

I found the computer software pretty unstable. Kept crashing all the time. I found the tiny window interface on the AxeFx a bit of a pain, but I probably didn't devote enough time to it.

How long ago was this?

It has been very stable for me on OSX for the last year or so.

fretmeister

I have Mac and PC.

Can I run it on both? (Mac is a lappie and PC is desktop)

octatonic

Yes.

ChrisMusic

Hasn't the XL version got the ability to revert to previous version when doing upgrades.  If I am right then octatonic or clarky can explain the benefits better than I.   I see an AxeFX in my future somewhere, so I am following these discussions with interest.  Good to know it works well for bass too.

What are you thinking of driving with it fretmeister ?

Handsome_Chris

ChrisMusic said:

Hasn't the XL version got the ability to revert to previous version when doing upgrades.

My advice on this is DON'T.  Interrupting an upgrade can cause a fkn nightmare, and more so for the AF2. Although the AF2XL has a recovery facility that not all AF2s have, it can still be a long winded PITA.

Van_Hayden

You've also got crossovers to play with, then process the frequency bands separately and out to your power amps and then you can have lots of fun getting the most out if your cabs.

fretmeister

ChrisMusic said:

Hasn't the XL version got the ability to revert to previous version when doing upgrades.  If I am right then octatonic or clarky can explain the benefits better than I.   I see an AxeFX in my future somewhere, so I am following these discussions with interest.  Good to know it works well for bass too.

What are you thinking of driving with it fretmeister ?

A mate is selling his big Matrix power amp so I'm thinking about that as he's been using it very successfully on guitar and bass.

Cabs - my bass cabs are Bergantino CN112. They have a very even response so I'm hoping that I will be able to use them for guitar and bass, if I get the cab model selection on the FX2 right.

Obviously turn it off when using bass, but then tweak something to suit when using guitar.