European Direct Distributor for Fractal Audio & Atomic
Thomas Muche aus Rangsdorf - Ultra
This is the wickedest thing I’ve ever owned!
Von: Thomas Muche Gesendet: Dienstag, 29. Dezember 2009 16:23 An: Jacques Isler Betreff: Yet another gratified guitarist
Hi Jacques,
I’ve finally managed to drag myself away from the Axe-Fx for 15 minutes so that I can thank you and your team for the quick delivery, the surprise under the Axe-Fx :) and the friendly treatment! About 10 minutes after I sent off my order on Sunday evening your personal confirmation arrived.
It’s the first time I’ve experienced something like that. Couldn’t be better. Just like the G66 website. Very informative. There seems to be a general feeling of euphoria concerning the Axe-Fx.
Having played nothing but tube amps over the last twelve years I was completely convinced of their superiority and had flatly refused to consider anything else, so I was extremely sceptical about digital stuff. Then I discovered the Axe-Fx in the Gratified Guitarists advert.
I was on the lookout for a new amp anyway, as the Marshall amps I’ve played up to now no longer cover the full spectrum of our music style. For solos they’re great but for tight, high-gain rhythm sounds they just sound too harsh and compress too much (all a matter of taste, of course). So the Axe-Fx appeared right on time, as I really had no idea how I was going to implement our new album 1:1 live with a Marshall. I used so many different EQ and gain settings that it wouldn’t have been possible with just one amp.
When I then had it in front of me and hooked it up to my Yamaha studio monitors I just found it nice, as the simulated cab and the effects sounds were unusual for me. Over a PA I’m sure it sounds impressive. I’ve yet to test it. Then I played it through a 2x12 guitar cabinet with vintage 30s, like I’m used to and I was completely convinced. I have to say, this is the wickedest thing I’ve ever owned. As far as guitar goes, there’s nothing the Axe-Fx can’t do!!!
You can combine any of the amps with any of the cabs and then use the extra fine-tuning controls, which you won’t find on any analogue amp, to create your own sound. I don’t think of the Axe-Fx as a simulator of well-known amps but much more a workshop for creating personal sounds. The parameters are so comprehensive that, along with the sheer number of amps it’s easy to get lost, but anyone who can’t find their sound here should give up playing the guitar.
About four weeks before the Axe-Fx I bought an Engl Screamer (50 watt head) as a contrast to the mid-heavy, scratchy Marshall sound. I then chose an Engl in the Axe-Fx Ultra and played around with the many settings for a while and after about 10 minutes I had an exact copy of the Engl Screamer! I then sent the Axe-Fx Ultra to the left speaker of my 2x 12 cab and the original Engl to the right speaker and made an A/B comparison.
It was 100% identical in everything that a tube amp should be able to do. Dynamics, attack, decay, power stage compression… After a while I started to forget which one was actually active – the real one or the simulation.
Then to get a neutral opinion I showed my girlfriend, who said what was coming out of the left speaker sounded better. Of course, she didn’t know what was connected to where.
I then tried the same thing with the TSL 601 and a TSL 100 and after a while I had these sounds down too. One of my amps then had to go the same week, as I no longer had any use for it.
Unfortunately I haven’t been able to try out the Axe-Fx at high volume through an Engl 4x12 yet, as we are just moving to a new rehearsal room, but I’m looking forward to that especially. And to the looks on my band colleagues’ faces, as they just laughed when I told them about the Axe-Fx. I don’t think they’ll laugh anymore.
The Axe-Fx really is a salvation! When I think how much money I’ve spent over the last few years and how much I would have still spent and time invested in looking for the perfect sound.
It’s really too bad that we’ve just finished our CD. Everything recorded with real amps and mic’d boxes. Very complicated and full of compromises. The next CD will definitely be recorded with the Axe-Fx!
As I’m curious about a comparison, I want to re-record one of the tracks from our new album, but it won’t be until the end of January – I’ve just got too much to do in the next few weeks. This particular track has the great Simon Phillips on drums and I’ll send it too you when it’s done.
At the moment my favourite sound is the Euro 2. It’s exactly the sound I’ve always been looking for. And about €3500 saved, too.
The amp manufacturers are in for a rough time.
I wish you and your entire team a very Happy New Year!
Just under four weeks later Thomas kept his promise
Von: Thomas Muche Gesendet: Montag, 25. Januar 2010 22:22 An: jacques Betreff: Panopticon-Song recorded with Axe-fx
Hi Jacques, As promised, here is a track from our new CD, due to be released at the beginning of March. There are two versions, one with the original guitar tracks recorded with a real amp, and one where I have re-recorded all the guitars using the Axe-Fx.
I didn’t try to simply reproduce the sound of the Marshall TSL100 + Engl 4x12, but rather set up the sound that I hadn’t been able to get with the TSL. That’s what the Axe-Fx is for, after all. While you can hear the crispness and compression of the Marshall, the Axe-fx recording is much more open and has a much broader frequency response. It also makes the track sound much fresher and more modern. I won’t even mention the time it saves. I’d never guess that it’s not a ‘real’ amp!
I used the Euro2 with a slight spring reverb + 2 German 4x12 cabs + 67Condenser mic and played a Gibson Les Paul Custom with EMG81 (left) and a Gibson Les Paul Classic with a 500T (right).
The drum track was laid down by Simon Phillips. Anyone who knows him will recognize his sound and style straight away – it’s unmistakable. I could listen to him for hours. Amazing!
All the best, Thomas
Panopticon-Confused mit Axe-Fx:
Panopticon-Confused mit Marshall TSL100:
Roland from Pforzhein - Axe-Fx
Returned it in frustration – ordered again 1 year later: "The best purchase I’ve made for years!"
Von: Roland xx.de Gesendet: Mittwoch, 23. Dezember 2009 08:47 An: Jacques Isler Betreff: Re: AXE-FX
Morning Jacques,
Having used the Axe-Fx for 2 weeks now it’s time to make a few comments.
First a few words on my previous history: about a year ago I had my first attempt at using the Axe-Fx and in frustration I returned it after only 3 days. All the programming was just too much for me and the sounds I managed to get were rather disappointing.
Due to the continuing hype I decided to give the Axe-Fx a “second chance”, flogged my Marshall and got down to some serious programming.
And I have to say the hype really is absolutely justified. More than that, the Axe-Fx is simply the business! If you take a little time to understand how it all goes together, programming sounds becomes child’s play. The sounds you can then get are so good that the Axe-Fx supports your creative playing.
It’s unbelievable; you really start to play better. And the crazy thing is that with the Axe-Fx you get a full palette of perfect-sounding boutique amps that you otherwise could only dream of. So, all in all the Axe-Fx is the best purchase I’ve made for years (I’ve just put a quick pair of videos on the Web).
Unbelievable that what is "actually a computer" can feel like a tube amp!
Von: Uli Mueller Gesendet: Dienstag, 22. Dezember 2009 09:00 An: Jacques Isler Betreff: Axe Fx
Hello Jacques,
I’ve now tested the Axe-Fx comprehensively in the studio with a colleague – it’s unbelievable that what is "actually a computer" can feel like a tube amp! The pre-programmed sounds are generally great – the names of the presets tell you straight away where the ideas came from and you can actually get great results without too much effort. I’m looking forward to seeing how the Axe-Fx performs in a live setting – hope I don’t forget to play the guitar… More on using it live in the New Year.
Unfortunately the flight case for the Axe-Fx hasn’t arrived yet, but it should be getting here tomorrow, so I’ll be able to use it on stage on New Year’s Eve. Our roadie still doesn’t believe that such a small (in comparison) 19 inch thing can replace my amps and cabs. It should be easy to convince him though, given the variety of sounds on offer.
I’m wondering whether I should re-record one or two parts of our new album, Shady, with the Axe-Fx, as the sounds are really first class.
Here’s wishing you and your staff at G66 and Fractal Audio a quiet and contemplative Christmas.
Greetings from the wild south Uli
A few days later
I didn’t miss ONE of my much-loved amps on stage!
Von: Uli Mueller Gesendet: Montag, 4. Januar 2010 14:24 An: Jacques Isler Betreff: Axe Fx Live :
Hi Jacques
As promised, a few words on using the Axe-Fx live:
The Axe-Fx really can’t be topped – that’s my summing up. I didn’t miss ONE of my much-loved amps on stage! The feeling with the Axe was just like playing a tube amp (which surprised me most of all) and our roadie is now one of the happiest people in the world!
No more cabs to carry, no more mics to adjust and the sound is better and more transparent than ever before. Fantastic piece of equipment and I can recommend it without any reservations. Haven’t had time to look into the depths of the Axe’s settings but the works sounds are so good that it makes your jaw drop and it was no problem making a quick custom map in the I/O midi menu.
And another thing I wanted to mention, your service is simply exceptional: Jochen always replies to my mails quickly and helpfully and his tips are always easy to put into practice and get the required result. Great.
Von: Mundish Band [mailto:xx-mundish.ch] Gesendet: Samstag, 19. Dezember 2009 20:33 An: 'Jacques Isler' Betreff: FR Atomic Feedback
Hi Jacques,
I’ve been an FR Atomic user for almost a month now, so it’s time for some feedback.
I don’t need to say anything about your service; it’s simply top and super fast.
In the time I’ve had the Axe-Fx I’ve tried out a few combinations: first the Axe purely as an effects box with my amp, then with the Axe’s preamps into my amp’s power stage and most recently with just a stage monitor. The more I began to rely on the Axe’s tone-shaping capabilities (and my own tweaking) the more willing to experiment and satisfied with my sound I became. However, I never really felt happy with my monitor on the floor. I was on the lookout for a suitable amplification system.
With the Atomic this search has come to an end. At last I’ve got the amp that combines all the attributes I was looking for..
- Looks like a guitar amp - Real tubes - I can take full advantage of all the Axe’s possibilities (amp and cab simulations) - Great sound - Easy to carry and transport - Robustly built
Further small advantages, such as the option of sending the signal on to the PA or attaching a 'real guitar cab', I find are well-implemented. With its 50 Watts it’s pretty loud, but on its own it will be at it its limits sooner or later. For more you’d need to get a second FR Atomic. But for me one FR Atomic is most certainly enough.
My sum up: the Axe and the Atomic are a perfect match. I congratulate the amp’s developers and am really happy to have finally found a way of amplifying my Axe in the manner it deserves.
Wishing you all the best from your 'old homeland', Markus
Ultra Sound, ultra-natural, ultra-dynamic, ultra playing feel, ultra simple to use, ultra-unlimited possibilities, makes me ultra-creative!
Von: Michel Stadler Gesendet: Freitag, 11. Dezember 2009 00:57 An: Jacques Isler Betreff: Re: ULTRA IM SWISS-ANFLUG
Hey Jacques
Yesterday my new box of tricks arrived safe and sound! :-) Thanks a lot!
Your service and engagement really are top! I really do feel like I’m in the best hands as far as support goes!
So, what can I say about the Ultra……..ultra sound, ultra-natural, ultra-dynamic, ultra playing feel, ultra-simple to use, ultra-unlimited possibilities, makes me ultra-creative, etc etc! I can’t be much more detailed than that yet and nor do I want to be, as I won’t really be able to judge what the Axe is capable of until I’ve been using it for 2 or 3 months. From experience I know that the more intensively I work with a piece of equipment, the more I can get out of it! But as I said, the possibilities are really infinite… all the different combinations etc etc…
The sound quality is really excellent and for me as a 'Space' fan it’s an absolute dream come true! The Ultra is going to make unbelievable soundscapes a reality!
What I already love about the Ultra, besides the super amps, cabs and mics of course, are the really luxurious options for EQ! For me EQ is one of the most important sound-shaping tools!
On thing’s for sure, the Ultra will be a constant companion for me over the next few years and I’ll be in for a few “Ah-yeah!” experiences!!! :-)
I wish you and your team a really great Christmas! You’ll certainly be getting some more feedback from me!
As for my Ultra: I love it!!! (That says pretty much everything, doesn’t it?) …after over 11 years of Line6 (AX212, all the PODs, Vetta 2…) I am now over the moon that I can now have all the advantages of compact digital equipment in a new level of quality – namely absolutely perfect! After months of fiddling around with the Vetta I managed to get good results, but it still sounded a little plasticky (same goes for the PODs).
With the Ultra it’s much more fun, as everything sounds and feels so unbelievably real - there’s no trace of plastic! And on the flexibility front the Ultra provides quite a bit more freedom than the Vetta did! It really is unbelievable what you can get up to with this box of tricks!!! It’s simply a pleasure to use and it’s such a nice feeling to know that I can create all my personal dream sounds without having to make any compromises!!!
Thanks once again for all your efforts and don’t forget to take a holiday sometime… :-)
Best regards from Switzerland, Michel
Dietmar aus Düsseldorf - Axe-Fx
Fractal Audio is the only tone smith that has really worked it out!
Von: xx.de Gesendet: Donnerstag, 3. Dezember 2009 21:45 An: jacques Betreff: Re: AXE-FX IM ANFLUG
Evenin’ Jaques,
Wow, everything’s running like clockwork and my hands are sweating, I’m so excited. Over the last few months I’ve been getting by on not much sleep (normal for over 50s?/ ha ha) and hope to get my eyes closed for at least a few hours ;-))
I have to agree with you, the POD was a groundbreaker and started a new era, and that’s something we have to respect and appreciate. We “tube junkies” are hard to impress however, and there were some aspects and characteristics of amps that we were missing.
What still surprises me personally, though I’ve been making my living in a high-tech field for nearly 25 years, is the continuing belief in technology that had its heyday back in the 60s. I have to do with CNC technology for tooling machines in a world-wide leading Japanese company. Our first system was as big as a wardrobe and the current series is about the size of half a shoebox. The performance has increased by a factor of over 100. Only we guitarists still believe in the power of the vacuum tube and it simply sounds MAGICAL ;-))
What bothers me though, is the ever decreasing quality of the tubes, which is hardly surprising. I reckon the days are numbered. These days we can simulate everything, why not the sound of a tube? I think Fractal Audio is the only tone smith that has really worked it out and has eliminated the disadvantages of tube amps while keeping tone as the primary objective. But I’ll be able to say more about it in a few days.
By the way, I find your support, customer relations and online documentation to be quite simply EXEMPLARY. There are quite a few big-name firms that could take a page out of your book. Oh, and I’m a manager in an EU-wide service department for these CNC devices. When people talk about Germany’s service desert I know what they mean. At G66 it’s anything but a desert. I’m really very impressed. Aside from my job, my great passion for the last 35 years has been music.-))
There’ll definitely be more to follow, thanks and good night, Dietmar
Two days later:
Von: [mailto:xx.de] Gesendet: Samstag, 5. Dezember 2009 16:35 An: jacques Betreff: Ja wie... It seems to give wings to your playing and your creativity!
....horny is that ;-)?
Afternoon Jaques,
On Friday at half past one the friendy DDP driver arrived and gave me the magic parcel. Having freed the contents from the doubled packaging I had a second surprise. How did you know I love eating exactly these Merci chocolates? Thanks very much for that – in the already perfect service chain it was a real satisfier!
So, anyway, I grabbed a quick marzipan choccie to calm my nerves and then set about integrating the device into my home studio (iMac, Cubase 5, Yamaha/Steinberg 8channel interface and various other subtleties. The Axe-Fx now has pride of place at the top of the rack ;-))
Then I got down to testing some of the presets, quite nice. I then set about rebuilding Preset 1 to suit my preferences. I immediately chose something expensive from the arsenal, Howy D.’s OD Special (though I don’t think he likes being addressed with this nickname). A bit of reverb and some delay and Bob’s your uncle. Tweaked V, T, M, B, M to suit my ears and tuned the Damping and Sag slightly.
With this sound I re-recorded the guitar track of an almost complete project. => Check out the MP3! Here we have a “Weimann Blues Bird” and I deliberately played around with the dynamics; gentle and aggressive picking, volume and tone pots, PUs separately and combined. What can I say? I’m really impressed and you, my dear Jacques, can definitely count me as one of the gratified guitarists! It’s just crazy how the virtual tubes react and how the dynamics and power come across comfortably and better(!!!) than before. It seems to give wings to your playing and your creativity. Then I tried with the Gibson 57 Les Paul Gold Top and the Firebird. There’s no “ironing out” of the guitars’ individual characteristics – they really come out. Just how it should be! ;-))
Up to now I’ve just scratched the surface a bit and still have a murderously good sound. What’s it going to be like when I really understand the Axe-Fx? In the past I have built some tube amps, but now I have a complete building set at home and don’t need to bother about buying spares or heating up the soldering iron. Simply brilliant ;-)) Oh, and the effects I haven’t even looked at yet, but what I heard in the presets was great.
All the rest will come as the next few weeks go by. Thanks very much and send my compliments to the USA.
Von: Markus Beck [mailto:beckyguitar.de] Gesendet: Freitag, 21. August 2009 20:19 An: Jacques Isler Betreff: Re: ULTRA THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT
Hallo Jaques,
Thanks a lot fort he great news :-))))) I’ve never waited so impatiently for a mail :-) Looking forward to the Ultra like a little kid.
Once again thank you and I promise I’ll keep you up to date on my experiences with the Ultra.
Best regards to you and Sussi, Markus ;-)
Two month later :
Exactly what I’ve been looking for all these years – in every way!!
Von: Markus Beck [mailto:beckyguitar.de] Gesendet: Sonntag, 22. November 2009 14:11 An: Jacques Isler Betreff: AXE FX Ultra
Hi Jaques,
Yeah, I know, it’s taken a while to get my feedback to you , but you can probably imagine why. I’ve no idea where I should start :-)
To cut a long story short, after I got the Ultra in August I practically didn’t have a home anymore – lol. Simply fantastic and exactly what I’ve been looking for all these years – in every way.
When I think that previously I worked with 4-5 basic sounds and did the rest with different guitars (live too) everything has changed. I actually only use one guitar now and the variety of my sounds has increased dramatically. Not least thanks to the incredible ease of use and the fabulous sounds inside the AXE.
You discover something new every time and “I’m just off to the practice room for an hour to try something out” often becomes a session of several hours with the AXE :-) – that fits here or this would be cool for that… etc.
So, once again many thanks for the super support – it really was worth the wait :-)))))
Have a great day and I expect you’ll be hearing from me again.
It’s the purest of pleasures creating new sounds with it...
Von: Paco Casanovas [mailto:info@ch] Gesendet: Montag, 23. November 2009 22:25 An: Jacques Isler Betreff: Glücksgitarrist
Hi Jacques
You mentioned 66 gratified guitarists and really… the Axe-Fx truly has made me very gratified, as you can hear in the following sound file:
(By the way, interesting comments on this file can be found in the American forum TheGearPage)
Things always start to get really exciting when you get into that dynamic interplay where your musical ideas become influenced by the nuances and details of the guitar sound – and my Axe-Fx gives me exactly this depth of sound in countless variations. It’s the purest of pleasures creating new, inspirational sounds with it.
Well, it arrived the day after you sent it off, safe and sound. Since then the only question has been: “Ultra or not?”
My fears as to whether a “digital box” could keep up with my much-loved tubes in the sound department were laid to rest after the first few minutes. And that was with the Axe-Fx going into my hi-fi! Just as I had read on the forum, it sounded like an amp going into a mic and not, of course, as if I was standing in front of a 4x12 cabinet. How could it? =)
When I connected it to my Engl stack at the rehearsal room last weekend (as a pre-amp, of course) my eyes nearly popped out of my head. Despite the good sound and playing feel through the hi-fi I still hadn’t expected it to feel and sound so authentic.
I should also mention the really quiet fan and the effects, which are by far the best I’ve ever used.
To sum up, you’ve won a very satisfied customer. I’m almost a little bit sorry that the Standard is actually sufficient for me at the moment.
Regards, Olaf
Christian Schweyda - Ultra
No way – this is really addictive!
Von: Christian Schweyda [mailto:xx@de] Gesendet: Mittwoch, 11. November 2009 22:10 An: Jacques Isler Betreff: Re: ULTRA IM ANFLUG
Hello Jacques,
The ULTRA pre-amp arrived today. I’ve been testing it for a good eight hours now and I’m completely happy with it. This sound is really addictive! If I had to sum up the Axe-Fx Ultra with one sentence I don’t think I could think of anything other than “No way!”
I’ve quickly knocked up a track to show what sort of sounds you can get out of the Axe-Fx after just a short time getting to know it:
I’d especially like to thank you and your crew for the kind words, fast delivery and tasty chocolates. Customer support like yours is something I haven’t experienced in a very long time. Really first class! Keep it up!
Von: H. Krause [mailto:xx.de] Gesendet: Dienstag, 10. November 2009 23:02 An: 'Jacques Isler' Betreff: AW: AUF DEM NACHHAUSEWEG
Abend Jacques,
danke für die gute Nachricht und für einen Service der Superlative - an den ich mich gewöhnen könnte, wenn ich nicht genau wüsste dass der wohl einzigartig ist.
Ich werde weiter für Dich und den Axe FX Werbung machen und so helfen den unaufhaltsamen Siegeszug voran zu treiben.
Und sobald auch alle anderen Gitarristen wissen wie man so einen tollen Sound bekommt, dann werde ich wohl wieder anfangen müssen mehr zu üben…
Liebe Grüße aus dem Süden der Republik, und herzlichen Dank Harry
The usual first ULTRA-craziness – gives you goose bumps!
-----Ursprüngliche Nachricht----- Von: Michael [mailto:xx@de] Gesendet: Donnerstag, 12. November 2009 00:49 An: Jacques Isler Betreff: Re: HEUTE IST ULTRA
MorningJaques,
Even though it’s night time again already ;) Ultra Day 1:
My first thought was that I could only speak the Ultra language. Ultra! Ultra ultra ultra!!! Ultra? Ultra!
But seeing as no-one understands that let’s forget it quickly… First off: Merci for the thank you – or vice versa ;) The Ultra arrived safe and perfectly packed. Your “service and everything” certainly feels good to me!
I didn’t have much time as I had a couple of appointments so it was a case of a quick 20-30 minute check. Where’s the headphone socket, I asked myself and of course didn’t find one.
So I quickly plugged the SP/DIF into the stereo (pretty good setup with a high-end tube amp, high-end DAC, blah blah). The first sound (preset 3 or something) didn’t blow me away but sounded good, perhaps a bit muffled, which was probably due to it being connected to the wrong socket (with a very rigorous current filter for video stuff). Quick change to a PS Audio generator (just for use with the stereo, not for normal use). That sounded much better.
The sound was nevertheless not really my cup of tea, so I checked through the presets. When one of them gave me real goose bumps it was clear to me that I was playing something really special. That was something I’d had playing with a band but never on my own! Cool, very cool!
After a good hour (appointment postponed slightly) and at preset 127 I started ‘skipping’ through the presets, just to see how many there actually were (I hadn’t ‘learned’ the manual off by heart beforehand and thus didn’t know. By the time I got to 300, I was starting to think that you/Fractal Audio were a few bricks short of a full load ;)
Tomorrow I’ll be back for more. More preset checking, different guitar, more goose bumps ;) And then some sounds of my own and perhaps a bit of recording… The Mark IV sound seemed very familiar :) though it was missing the V-Boogie EQ thump. But that can certainly be sorted out when I’ve got used to tweaking it.
So far, so horny!
All the best, Michael
The next day
Hi Jaques, Addendum Ultra Day1:
1 o’clock – night shift... Made a headphone out by creating an Axe-Fx patch for my POD X3 Live. Simply plugged the Ultra into the effects return and I was good to go. It seemed to ‘damage’ the sound, because there were no more goose bumps – but that speaks very much for the Ultra and against the rather oversized headphones preamp ;) I’ve found lots of inspiring presets, had lots of ideas and haven’t played this much for ages. It’s 3 in the morning – I’m knackered… I need to get some sleep and get my head around all these impressions :) Tomorrow I’ll build a Vai solo sound :)
Good night, Ultra Regards,
Two days later
Evening Jacques,
Couldn’t get to sleep just now – but I love this kind of positive time-wasting. The sounds are so fantastically inspiring. The same reason why I wanted to get my Boogie ;) I haven’t even had time to study the manual properly. I will though – pretty soon. Or should I just play?! :D
Apart from all that I still can’t believe how good the Ultra sounds and feels. Just now I’m playing through the computer and listening through K+H O110s that I’m checking out. It’s crazy how good it sounds :)
Thanks for the nice wishes and my regards to all, Michael
Von: Adrian Reinländer. [mailto: xx@ .de] Gesendet: Montag, 2. November 2009 12:40 An: jacques Betreff: AXE-FX
Hej Jacques,
Meanwhile I’ve been spending some very intensive time with the AXE-Fx and I’m going from one high to the next. It’s just indescribable, from high gain to chiming clean sounds (and everything inbetween…) Everything sounds lively, dynamic and powerful, and reacts with whatever guitar you’re playing – it’s fantastic. And I’ve just uncovered the tip of the iceberg…
For me it’s like a dream come true – the AXE-FX makes the guitar sound I hear in my head come out of my speakers. The powerful, creamy warmth, vibrancy and dynamics are second to none. No more compromises, just pure, heavenly guitar sounds.
If you consider the search for the personal ‘perfect guitar sound’ as being a journey, I’ve just reached my destination.
Outstanding playing feel – compared with my tube amp benchmark!
Von: Sven Gatterman [mailto:xx@.de] Gesendet: Dienstag, 6. Oktober 2009 10:06 An: Jacques Isler Betreff: Re: MORGEN IST ULTRA
Hello Jacques, So now, at last, my first impressions: brilliant!
To be honest, my first trip through the presets was a bit disappointing, simply because the “pure” amp sounds weren’t really recognisable and I thought I’d heard sounds like that already from the GT-8. But: let’s turn it off and start again.
And what a revelation; I’d like to see someone get a sound like this with a real amp and cab and mic over our band’s PA. And even the first attempts with a db monitor (M10-2 Plus) sound so powerful that I can easily imagine playing live without a guitar cab. The playing feel is outstanding and certainly as good as through my tube amp.
I think getting to know the Axe-Fx the way Bernd Kiltz describes in his Axe-Fx Tutorials 1-3 is an excellent way. The delay and reverb sounds are then simply the icing on the cake (I haven’t really tried the other effects at all yet).
In short I’m very happy with it and now I’m off to the cellar again (our rehearsal room is down there) to do some more playing (around). Regards, Sven
A couple of weeks later & and after the addition of two FR-Atomics
Hallo Jacques,
So, now I’ve had time to test everything: great!
Yesterday I decided to have some fun and compared my favourite combo (a 3 channel tube Thomsen 40W, with a 12 inch Celestion Vintage 30, that has so far left every Boogie, Marshall, Koch etc. for dead) one on one via an A/B box with the Ultra and the Reactor and tried to reproduce the Thomsen amp sound (my benchmark).
It didn’t take long before I was pretty close to all three channels – the differences are very small and I can’t even say which I like better. The Thomsen sounds maybe a little more open and smooth, while the Ultra-Reactor is a bit more powerful and has a tighter bass response.
Based on this result I can safely say that, considering the versatility of the Ultra, it was definitely a good investment buying the two Reactors and they’ve exceeded my expectations.
Thanks once again, also for the friendly service. Regards, Sven
PS: talking of the Axe-Fx ULTRA: the thing is the business and I’m no longer on the lookout for new equipment. This has never happened before in the 21 years I’ve been playing the guitar.
Your promise was no exaggeration – the ULTRA sounds fabulous!
Von: Peter [mailto:xx@de] Gesendet: Mittwoch, 28. Oktober 2009 10:33 An: jacques Betreff: ULTRA ist ULTRA - Wann kommt das Bodenpedal?
Hi Jacques,
Some quick feedback after four weeks of use:
You didn’t promise too much. The ULTRA sounds fantastic. I’m yet another of those tube junkies (Fender Twin clean / Mesa Boogie Mark IV). The BOSS GT 10 that I recently sold on ebay was always just a necessary evil for my living room
At the rehearsal room I play the ULTRA over the PA. Sounds perfect. In my living room I go into the AUX input of a Roland Cube 30 Transistor. Also wonderful, says my whole family!
Now I’m ying to get my hands on the MIDI pedal from Fractal Audio. Any news on when the pedal will be arriving on the market (I’ve read it’ll cost about 600 to 700 dollars) and when you’ll be distributing it?
Once again my highest praise. All the best, Peter
Stefan aus Landshut - Axe & FR-Atomic
FR Atomic & Axe-Fx = CRAZY!!!!!! 8-)
Von: Stefan [mailto:xx@de] Gesendet: Samstag, 24. Oktober 2009 21:59 An: Jacques Isler Betreff: Ich hab' mein eigenes Atomkraftwerkchen
Hello Jacques,
Thanks very much! The Reactor arrived yesterday; Susanne’s picking it up caused a bit of excitement. Susanne works on the grounds of the Technical University in Munich (where they study Physics and atoms…) and suddenly there’s an Atomic Reactor sitting in the grounds – and everybody’s eyes were suddenly wide open…
Mine too! Of course I tested the Reactor straight away: unpack – plug in – turn on (carefully) – the first tones come out… Like I said, eyes wide open: WOW!!!!! 8-)
It’s no big secret anymore that the Axe-Fx sounds great, but that it can sound sooo fantastic, well, that just might be. Now what comes out is really what the genius of an inventor who created it was intending: absolutely smooth sound with lots of low-end power and definition without humming, bawling or biting at certain frequencies.
The Axe and the Atomic harmonise perfectly. It’s pretty much irrelevant which amp or which cabinet or which effects are selected: everything sounds brilliant and the differing characteristics really come across crystal clear! So: credit where credit is due!
Von: Markus Ullrich [mailto:xx.de] Gesendet: Montag, 10. August 2009 20:00 An: 'Jacques Isler' Betreff: AW: MORGEN WIRD AXE-FX
Hey Jacques,
That’s perfect – I’m going crazy ;-) My compliments for the best pre-sales service I’ve every experienced!
All the best, Markus
One day later After 20 minutes my ENGL pre and power amp was out of the rack – ebay time!
Hey Jacques,
It arrived this morning and after 2 or 3 hours playing through my computer speakers and then 5 or 6 hours in the rehearsal room through the ART SLA-2 + cabinet and the PA (partly simultaneously) I’m completely at one with the world! I know you hear this kind of thing every day, but I just can’t believe it!
After 20 minutes I took my ENGL pre and power amp out of the rack and tomorrow its ebay time for it!
I can’t write any more at the moment (I’m too Dazed and Confused), but If you like I’ll send a detailed report in a couple of days.
All the best from Seventh Heaven, Markus
P.S. Now here’s a problem – which of the 12 perfect rhythm sounds (set up in just 2 hours!) should I use?
Six weeks later Sounds like every boutique tube amp you could ever wish for – only better!
Hey Jacques
Here at last is my promised review:
I’ve had the AXE-FX for nearly two months now and soundwise it’s a whole new era for me! Whether it’s together with a sold-state amp through my 4x12 cab, parallel direct into the PA or for recording with the computer the AXE-FX tops everything I’ve ever played. Countless amps that sound like the original or better, fantastic effects and drive pedals; the possibilities are pretty much endless. Of course I was familiar various modellers before. They can sound pretty good into the computer too, but nothing like as good as the AXE-FX.
When you then turn the thing up loud in the rehearsal room, that’s when things start to take off and the differences become really obvious. While the competition (if they can be called that) sound thin and brittle, especially with high-gain sounds, the AXE-FX sounds and reacts like a tube amp – sory, like every boutique tube amp you could ever wish for! Someone wrote that if a ‘normal’ modeller is a picture of a garden, then the AXE-FX is the garden itself – imho that describes it perfectly!
Anyone who complains about the price of the AXE-FX really doesn’t understand anything at all, as it costs less than most of the amps that are inside it plus it has effects of such a quality that they just knock you for six! My rack has shrunk to half the size it used to be, weighs half as much and is twice as good! Not to forget the expensive studio costs you can save on, as the AXE-FX contains all the amps, cabs and mics you could ever need in two rack spaces – it IS virtually a mobile studio! Another advantage: in the past I tended to mess around with control knobs without really knowing what was going on inside the amp. Since I got the AXE-FX I know more about tube amps, although I no longer play one! It’s dead easy to use and you can get first-class sounds within minutes. With time they get better and better, because you start paying more attention to your sound – this happens quite naturally, without any need to spend ages studying the manual. The forum is great too, of course, as there are countless tips and patches to try out, making daily surfing visits rather addictive! Anything else? Oh, yes, the service: as a customer I’ve honestly never been treated so well before! Or do you know a dealer who puts a box of chocolates in the package, simply because there was a long waiting list? I do, now!
Sum-up: the AXE-FX is quite simply a revolution and for the life of me I can’t imagine that any guitarist who has tested one would ever want to go back to playing anything else. There’s simply no argument against it!
All the best from the happiest picker in the sunny South, Ulle
Von: Artem [mailto:
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] Gesendet: Mittwoch, 24. Juni 2009 10:17 An: Sussi Isler Betreff: RE: Your Ultra has been shipped..
Sussi, just wanted to say that I am very very happy with the Ultra. It's an incredibly good piece of equipment, probably the best in the market. No more need to search for stompboxes etc. The only bad thing about it is that my wife has lost me for weeks..)
I will soon upload some tunes on the Fractal site. Will give you the link, if you're interested.
Best regards, Artem
And here a sound file Artem posted at netmusicians.org November 14th - The Birth of Icarus. All guitars and bass went through the Ultra.
Doug from the UK - ULTRA
The amp sims are awesome - incomparable!
Von: Doug [mailto:
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] Gesendet: Samstag, 17. Oktober 2009 13:01 An: Sussi Isler Betreff: Re: Your Ultra..
Hi Sussi,
The ultra arrived yesterday. I've had a quick play around on it, and I love it. I bought it primarily for use as my effects rig, but the amp sims are awesome - I used to work in a shop demoing Line 6 stuff, but the Ultra is by far the best I've ever played. Incomparable. I was planning on experiementing with recording demos with it, can't wait to do it now.
Just wanted to say thanks for the fantastic service and uber-quick postage really, best customer service ever. You even included some chocolates which helped no end to break the financial news to my girlfriend lol :P
Thanks again Doug
Nicolas Cloyd - ULTRA
Sensationell was da rauskommt !!!!
Von: Nicolas Stallard [mailto:xx@de] Gesendet: Samstag, 17. Oktober 2009 10:42 An: Jacques Isler Betreff: Fehmarn ist ULTRA
Moin Jacques,
so ungefähr gegen 15.37 Uhr ist das Ultra-Baby ausgerrollt worden, halb erfroren, aber noch lebendig, nach'ner Stunde aufwärmen gab's den ersten Schrei ,wow!!
Sensationell was da rauskommt !!!!
So ein Spielgefühl hatte ich so vor, ja äh, 30 Jahren !! und das war mit einem doppelstöckigen, voll aufgedrehten Hiwatt Turm + Rangemaster Treblebooster im Nacken. ;-))
Das Teil macht einfach nur Spass .....!!! (schade nur, dass die Finger nach so etwa 5-6 Stunden doch etwas weh tun..:-)
Ich stimme Dir zu, umso länger ich mit dem Ultra spiele, umso begeisterter bin ich, so unglaublich inspirierend, dass mich hinterher fast ärgere, dass ich das nicht geich alles aufgenommen habe. Ja, der Winter kann kommen :-))
Wenn ich mir jetzt die Sounds des Ultra so anhöre, würde ich am liebsten meine CD "Lands End" komplett neu aufnehmen, vom Sound her sind ja da Welten zwischen !!!
Von: Ragnar [mailto:
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] Gesendet: Freitag, 16. Oktober 2009 00:08 An: Sussi Isler Betreff: Re: Your Axe-Fx has been shipped..
Hi! I just recived my Axe-fx and I expected it to be awsome, but not this awsome! I'm blown away by this!
Best regards! -Ragnar
Gavin from the UK - Axe-Fx
The best service I've ever recieved!
Von: gavin [mailto:
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] Gesendet: Dienstag, 13. Oktober 2009 02:19 An:
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Betreff:
to all at g66
a big thanks to you all for your excellent service, i can safely say it's among the best i've ever recieved. the axe fx works perfectly (of course) and i'm enjoying finding my way around it. looking forward to its first live outing very soon.
thanks again gavin
Anton from Russia - ULTRA
Thanks for the greatest sound in the world!
Von: Anton [mailto:
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] Gesendet: Dienstag, 6. Oktober 2009 14:18 An: 'Sussi Isler' Cc:
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Betreff: Ultra
Hi Sussi, thanks for the greatest sound in the world, I've received my Ultra last week - it's incredible.
With kind regards, Anton
Anton from the Netherlands - ULTRA
This is by far the best investment I have ever made!
Von: Anton [mailto:
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] Gesendet: Dienstag, 6. Oktober 2009 13:21 An: Sussi Isler Betreff: Re: Your Ultra has been shipped..
Hi Sussi,
I just realized that I haven't send you an e-mail back whether I liked it or not.
In a few words: The Axe-FX is amazing!! When I play with it I get tons of motivation from only the sounds I hear. You can create an endless number of sounds from the Axe-FX and they all sound great! This is by far the best investment I have ever made. No more amps or pedals for me, it's all in this little box. I haven't used it live yet but I've recorded several things and a lot of people say that my sound is killer! Normally they rarely complement my sound but now almost everything I post, the first thing people say is "man this Axe sounds sweet".
One happy customer here and I want to thank you and G66 for your superb support and kindness.
Kind Regards, Anton
Marcus Siepen - ULTRA
¿Conoces esa sensación, cuando utilizas algo por primera vez y enseguida piensas "Sí: ¡Esto es!..."? Von: Marcus Siepen [mailto:
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] Gesendet: Sonntag, 4. Oktober 2009 22:05 An: Jacques Isler Betreff: Fazit
Hola Jacques,
Te pongo aquí mis conclusiones sobre el Axe-FX Ultra:
¿Conoces esa sensación cuando utilizas algo por primera vez y enseguida piensas "Sí: ¡Esto es!..."? Hasta ahora me había pasado dos veces con respecto a equipo, con mi primera Les Paul y con mi primer Rectifier... y hace dos semanas me volvió a pasar. El Axe-FX Ultra es la leche, estoy entusiasmado pero de verdad!
Me leí primero las instrucciones para obtener una visión general en cuanto al manejo, algo que en realidad ni siquiera hubiera sido necesario ya que todo está organizado de una manera bastante visual e intuitiva. Eso sí, no hubiera caido en lo de que "falta el cable de conexión virtual entre los bloques dentro de la parrilla de efectos", pero en ese caso hubiera echado mano de las instrucciones ;-)
Luego me pasé un buen montón de tiempo con los presets, que ya me sonaban increiblemente bien. A lo largo de los últimos años he venido utilizando algunos modeladores, desde distintos Pods hasta Guitar Rig 3. Estos cacharros lograban bastante bien los sonidos limpios pero cuando tenían que desplegar velas y dar el do de pecho en las gamas High Gain, la mayoría de los aparatos sonaban siempre completamente a plástico. El Axe-FX es el primer aparato de este tipo que conozco que logra ambos con sonidos de primera clase. Están disponibles todos los amplis importantes, y además otras "alternativas" bastante buenas (por ejemplo el Engl Powerball, o el Peavey), y por encima de todo suenan muy convincentes, escuchándose inmediatamente el carácter del ampli con el que se está tocando. Sobre todo me he alegrado de que los Rectifier suenan realmente bien, de hecho he tocado con los originales durante muchos años y hasta ahora nunca había escuchado un Rectifier modelado que realmente me gustara, siempre faltaba algo. Pero aquí tanto el sonido, la respuesta y la sensación son correctos.
La cantidad de parámetros sobre los que se puede actuar puede asustar a veces, pero tampoco hay que modificarlo todo, y nunca está de más tener más opciones en la recámara. En este sentido yo mismo tampoco he probado tan a fondo, me queda mucho aún por descubrir. Los efectos suenan también increíblemente bien y cubren todos los ámbitos que se puedan necesitar, además de algunas marcianadas super divertidas en algunos presets, con las cuales me lo he pasado pipa, aunque no las voy a necesitar en el día a día. Pero, quién sabe si llegará el momento en el que ande buscando algún sonido extremo. En ese caso tendre todas las herramientas a mi disposición.
Las pantallas y los micrófonos suenan también geniales,
y ahora mismo caigo en que ni una sola vez he enchufado el cacharro a
mi etapa 2:90 para escucharlo a través de una pantalla real, sino que
he estado todo el tiempo tocando en casa con mi rig de Pro Tools. En
cualquier caso lo puedo hacer cualquier dia. Lo que me parece
verdaderamente óptimo es la posibilidad de montarte tus propios patches multi-amplificador. En el estudio llegamos a utilizar hasta 4 amplis cuado grabamos las guitarras, y con esta opción el Axe-FX Ultra nos viene que ni pintado, naturalmente. ¿Será posible en las actualizaciones futuras hacer funcionar más que "sólo" dos amplis a la vez? Dicho de otro modo, ¿Qué añadirán en tal actualización, nuevos amplis o efectos? Y ¿Qué pasa si ahora programo mis sonidos y en algún momento instalo una actualización? ¿Se sobreescriben mis sonidos? ¿Tengo que guardarlos antes?
Y ahora, para sorpresa total, junto a todos los elogios también hay un punto para la crítica: lo que echo en falta es una función de comparación, algo así como un botón "Compare" mediante el cual pueda ir cambiando entre el sonido almacenado y el editado. Esto facilitaría afinar la edición de sonidos, ya que ahora almaceno la versión editada de un patch en otro lugar de la memoria y a continuación voy cambiando entre los dos. Esto funciona, naturalmente, pero es bastante engorroso y se podría optimizar. Por lo demás de momento no tengo nada más que señalar, el cacharro es de primera, pero si se me ocurriera alguna cosa os lo comentaré ;-)
Blind Guardian estamos grabando ahora mismo un nuevo CD, para lo cual el Ultra nos viene 'ultra perfecto'!
¡Cada día me vuelvo a entusiasmar de nuevo con mi Ultra!
Von: Michael [mailto:michael@.at] Gesendet: Sonntag, 4. Oktober 2009 10:27 An: Jacques Isler Betreff: Ultra Feedback
Hola Jacques,
He dejado pasar algo de tiempo para mandarte mi comentario porque quería ponerme con el Ultra con total tranquilidad.
Qué puedo contarte, tendrás comentarios positivos a montones. Como usuario veterano de POD/PODxt que se encontraba fundamentalmente satisfecho con sus sonido, tenía aún más curiosidad en saber hasta qué punto sonaba el Ultra distinto/mejor.
En mi opinión, la diferencia principal de sonido así como la tan citada dinámica (la cual ya me esperaba por el entusiasmo desatado) consiste en el hecho de que el sonido del Axe-FX se impone en la mezcla de manera esencialmente mejor.
Tras tocar con él durante dos semanas he programado un sonido para solos definitivo, pero cada día me vuelvo a entusiasmar de nuevo con mi Ultra. Y eso que aún no he tocado siquiera los efectos.
En mi tiempo libre construyo guitarras eléctricas y para mí era también importante poder presentar los instrumentos con la máxima calidad y fidelidad de sonido: pues con respecto a esto ya no tengo por qué preocuparme más.
En definitiva, otro cliente super satisfecho más. En este sentido, de nuevo muchas gracias por vuestro magnífico servicio (y los bombones) y espero que volvamos a hacer negocios.
Un cordial saludo para tí y tu mujer desde Viena Michi
Mandi from the UK - Axe-Fx
It is absolutely fantastic!
Von: Mandi [mailto:
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] Gesendet: Montag, 21. September 2009 22:00 An: Sussi Isler Betreff: Re: Your Axe-Fx has been shipped..
Hi Sussi,
we recieved the Axe-FX today and my husband is still playing with it. It is absolutely fantastic! Many thanks for keeping me updated. Excellent customer service too! I would highly recommend both the Axe-FX and your company to any potential customers.
Best wishes Mandi
Charly aus Krefeld - ULTRA
¿En qué estabas pensando cuando me vendiste algo así?
Von: charlyblue [mailto:
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] Gesendet: Freitag, 18. September 2009 16:11 An: kicks G66 Betreff: cacharro infernal
Hola Jacques!
Como estaba anunciado, hoy me llegó el ULTRA éste de los demonios, con su cajita de exquisitas bombas calóricas.
Atención, pregunta!! ¿En qué estabas pensando cuando me vendiste algo así? En cuanto enchufa uno la guitarra a este cacharro ya no hay manera de parar. Los sonidos son simplemente increíbles, ¿Cómo le explico esto a mi mujer? Creo que voy a tener problemas.
Y bueno, esto es lo que os quería contar brevemente antes de volver ponerme con esta maravilla del sonido.
It’s the purest of pleasures creating new sounds with it...
The usual first ULTRA-craziness – gives you goose bumps!
Your promise was no exaggeration – the ULTRA sounds fabulous!
