That’s right, New Modeller Day! Sold my Helix, and received the AX8 today, and a Yamaha DXR10 FrFr speaker to replace the two TS210’s I had...
And holy cow, what a difference. I don’t know if it’s just new gear day syndrome, but this thing sounds so much more alive and realistic compared to the Helix. The amp models are amazing, and the customisation options for amp nerds like me is just phenomenal. Loads of great usability features within the editor as well.
I compared the Silver Jubilee model to my actual valve jubilee, and they’re very, very similar - so very happy with that
On the down side, I’m used to editing directly within the unit, and it’s not very easy on the AX8 compared to the Helix....!
Comments
Once the preset is set up, basic tweaks are quite easy on the unit though. Having the key "amp" controls sitting right there on top of the unit is very handy.
Sounds terrific though and for me, that outweighs everything else.
Enjoy!
As noted, most people do the bulk of their patch setup on the editor then it's not so bad tweaking on the unit as necessary (I'm on Axe FX 2).
I don't think I've ever tried the Jubilee. The Marshall I'm getting on best with at the minute is the #34 JCM 800.
From comparing Helix Native to my Axe FX I think the biggest difference is in the higher gain amps feel and tone. And choice too. The Helix sounds fine but I just get what I want from the Fractal so much more easily, I don't really use the advanced tweaks at all but there's plenty you can tinker with if you want!
Congrats on the new purchase, I completely agree with everything you say about the comparisons. It's night and day to me, but we have a lot of Helix users on here so it's definitely a case of different strokes for different folks.
View my feedback at www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/comment/1201922
View my feedback at www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/comment/1201922
Just purchased cablab as well, so I can mix the large amount of irs I have... although the ultrares cabs sound pretty sweet!
There hadn't been a FW update since May, not that there's a lack of stuff in there, but there's also a Darkglass B7K coming in the full release which I'm really looking forward to.
Axe-Fx II Quantum Firmware Release Notes
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9.00
Removed the “Motor Drive” and “Transformer Grind” algorithms and associated parameters from the Amp block. These have been replaced by the new “Speaker Compression” algorithm. This algorithm models the interaction of the power amp with the power compression of the virtual speaker. The “Spkr Comp” parameter controls the amount of virtual speaker compression. This value defaults to 3.0 when the Amp block is reset. It does not get reset when changing the model. If using the Axe-Fx II with a tube power amp and conventional guitar cab you may want to reduce this value to 0.0. The gain reduction meter shows the amount of virtual power compression (select the Spkr Comp knob to monitor the gain reduction). Typical guitar speakers compress between 3 and 6 dB depending upon construction, age, volume, etc. The default value is conservative and yields about 3 dB of compression.
Note that the Master Volume control will interact considerably with the Speaker Compression algorithm as will the Presence and Depth controls. Higher values of Master Volume will cause more virtual speaker compression.
Improved Delay block. Also reworked the Deluxe Mind Guy, Mono BBD and Stereo BBD delay models based on the improvements.
View my feedback at www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/comment/1201922
My only gripe with the unit is the lack of thought with effects. From memory, the DMM is the only modelled delay. The other algorithms are generic. Think it'd be great to see some real effort being put into that stuff, and other effects in coming FW. Good start with the DMM, sounds fantastic.
View my feedback at www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/comment/1201922
View my feedback at www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/comment/1201922
It's a good philosophy though!
Cliff's words last night "there's plenty of room for more models", so I'm not sure he's done with amps yet! Ha.
View my feedback at www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/comment/1201922
Was using the JCM 800 for quite a while, but recently discovered the Friedman Small Box
Do you guys not find the 34JCM too shrill? What am I doing wrong?!