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It seems used prices are 200 quid off new
I much prefer the fx8 effects Iver the helix but I am yet to get hands on with the amps
Don’t get me wrong I’ve been extremely happy with my Helix LT and it’s never let me down, but I always had one eye on the Fractal stuff.
I just never had enough cash to buy. However after selling a couple of things recently I finally have the funds in place to buy an AX8. Looking forward to getting my hands on it.
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It sounds lovely in the IEM’s. Pete Thorn talks about a similar thing on one of his pedalboard build videos. He uses one of his H9’s for the same effect.
Basically you set delay 1 to 35ms and delay 2 to 45ms. Feedback at 0% and set the mix so the effect just becomes noticeable. On my Helix that was around 30%.
I’m guessing I can use the multidelay for the same effect on the AX8.
First impressions are it does sound more real, but more importantly it feels more real. Compared to my Helix LT the AX8 just has more weight behind the notes. I read in another comparison of the two units someone describe the Helix as ‘plasticky’. I would have to agree with that, there is a slight brittleness to single notes and an artificial undercurrent to the sound on the Helix. It’s very subtle but it’s there.
Not that the Helix sounds bad by any means, the AX8 just sounds better to me. I was using the same Celestion IR with the same amp and settings for this comparison (Plexi 2204)
I tried a few presets but with all modellers I prefer to dial in my own sounds with my preferred IR’s (Celestion)
I ended up using the Shiva clean, and the Satriani JVM amp on the Red crunch mode for my drives and lead. I just stuck an OD808 in front for my leads. Classic settings of gain at 0, level at max. I figured out scene controllers to vary the amps gain control per scene.
I tried to setup the delay trick I use primarily for IEM’s that I mentioned earlier in the thread, but I was struggling to get the effect I wanted using the dual delay. I spent a good few hours on this, then I stumbled across the Enhancer block, which basically did the exact thing I needed!! Doh!!
I just rolled back the mix to 35% and rolled back to low cut to minimum and the high cut to maximum.
So I’m getting ready to tweak a few things this morning and I’m already contemplating taking it out to my gig tonight.
I've read so many reviews where people prefer the axefx to the helix now.
I think I'm going to make the jump
Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com
Football is rubbish.
I know the Kemper gets strong praise but it always sounds bass heavy and a bit flubby when I've heard it.
But I have only ever heard it in a metal context really...
If you can learn one you can learn all of them- it isn't rocket surgery.
I don't find the Kemper bass heavy or flubby- quite the opposite- it is the closest to the hardware amp of any of the current crop of modellers.
The criticism I have with the Kemper is its effects architecture isn't as flexible as the Fractal stuff, or the Helix- but if you mostly want guitar tones that you can achieve with a typical pedalboard + amp scenario then it shouldn't be an issue.
Plus you can profile your own amps/cabs which is nice.
Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com
Football is rubbish.
so if the original profile is good and matched the sound you want it should be perfect, but if you can’t find the profile you want it will be a frustrating tweak session.
ive only used Fractal products, so am not sure where the profiling vs modelling gets defined with the Kemper. Can anyone fill in my knowledge gap?
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https://www.kemper-amps.com/forum/index.php?thread/8982-kpa-irs-and-math-mumbojumbo/&pageNo=2
What we know is Kemper is a snapshot of an amp at a particular setting.
If you want to EQ it after the fact then you can- Kemper has EQ controls in the amp and again at the output stage.
It isn't quite like turning the knobs of the amp- it is more direct than that and has a greater impact- more like what you would do with outboard EQ, but not quite.
I find it very powerful and not an impediment to getting a good sound.
It is nice to have dedicated knobs you can reach out and turn, rather than menus to dive.
I'd strongly suggesting spending time with the Kemper if you want the best modelling available, rather than just jumping into the Fractal thing.
FWIW If I had to give up any of the devices it would be the Helix.
Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com
Football is rubbish.
Fractal is awesome though, and I agree, it sounds better than the Helix.
View my feedback at www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/comment/1201922