Ola, thank you for this wonderful comment… and I really enjoy watching your channel! I feel like I know you, you have such a warmth on your videos… hope to meet you in person someday tim
That’s an older Def Leppard rig in the pic. We’re currently using the AxeFx 3 for everything (amp modeling and effects) for both guitars and bass. The older rigs had Marshall JMP-1s for amp tones and the AxeFx 2 for fx. The AxeFx 3 has been amazing - A, B, and C rigs all over the world and the tones are the same wherever we are. Rock solid reliability as well.
Just bought a Mesa Mark V 25 and gigged with it a couple of weeks ago. Halfway up with the volume. Too loud. Ended up on 10w mode with the volume on 2-3. Sounded great. Light and has a built in load for silent/direct out. Just a couple sounds from that worked for me. Now to try and replicate it with my modeler, a Zoom G11, and see how it goes. Nice job with the video. Inspiring.
Fractal user since 2013 and now beta tester. I still use pedals and amps too. Rhett nailed it. The argument of what is better than what is silly. Theyre all great tools and all sound great!
its not silly because many many people cannot afford a lot of gear. I have never played a tube amp in my life and if I could muster together the money for one, wouldn't I rather buy a fractal? This also trickles down to more budget friendly modellers too. So you will see more and more guitarists who will go without touching a point amp and traditional pedal board kind of setup.
I’ve been using my FM9 live all month and it’s been incredible. I toured the entire summer with just my FM3 and didn’t regret keeping the Mesa half stack at home one bit. I get almost the exact same tone that I would’ve dialed in with the amp, but it’s exactly the same every night and it’s a lot less gear to bring around.
@@TheAerovons I have owned them all and now have the FM9 and still have my FM3. They don't sound "different" per say. But the FM9 does a lot more. Their is something I feel is "different" about the sound , for the better, but so suttle I could not tell you what it is. Just my personal opinion.
it took me years to come around.. it started with me asking Burgs his opinion back in 2018.. he said he was totally happy using the Axe Fx live and there was no looking back for him.. so earlier this year I took the plunge with latest Axe Fx and the FC-12 running through a pair of FRFRs (currently QSC10.2 x2) on stage.. I've done a bunch of gigs with the Axe Fx and I'm totally happy with it.. my 1981 Boogie Mark II-B has been resting comfortably on the shelf enjoying a well earned retirement.
Great overview of the latest and greatest from Fractal. As a bass player, I toured for years using a Fractal AX8. It just made things simple to emulate my Ampeg V-4b with an 8x10 cab without having to haul 400 lbs of equipment. Great to see the next level of evolution from Fractal.
Tube amp guy here but I've been playing modelers since the 2.0 version of the kidney bean. Guitarists are blessed by the number of great options available to them at the moment. I love using my amps, both mic'd and using my Captor X. I carry an HX Stomp for fly gigs and use it for both guitar and bass. Fractal, Line6, and Kemper are amazing companies in the industry and are doing a lot to drive things forward. I think the guys that will only play tube amps are missing out on some amazing tools.
Been using a stomp for a couple of years. I love it so much a bought a second one to leave at my practice space. On my main rig I use an EP and a midi controller. The midi controller allows me to do pretty much anything I can imagine.
Also, stuff like nux 300 is insane. That + harley benton guitar and for 300 eur you have: Decent guitar with active pickups and 24 frets All typical amps and effects modeled Wah, volume pedal Looper, tuner, drum machine Audio interface IR loader I use this exact setup for practice and stuff and i dont really miss anything in this context. Maybe a rehearsal space with no volume limitations, a 100w engl and a 412, but thats a different thing. Unfathomable when i started out, had a fender 10w with nothing, no reverb, no gain channel. Got a korg ax30g after a while, but yeah, things have moved on.
@@Art-zs6sl All the digital gear in that 15-25 year old bracket has some good sounds and a whole lot of bad ones. It's mostly a matter of finding the good ones, and whether or not those are useful sounds for you. If the bean didn't have any sounds that were both pleasant and useful for you, then yeah, I can see why it would suck. I have a Digitech RP-90 and try to use it only for purposes where it actually sounds good: volume, wah, pitch shifting, and one of the following at any given time: reverb/chorus/flanger/delay. Since these are at opposite ends of your typical signal chain, I basically have to choose whether to use it at the beginning or at the end of the chain. I don't find it sufficiently useful to drop another $80 for a second one, so I'm only able to fill one role or the other with it.
Everyone always says it's almost as good as my real stuff. It's almost as good as my real rig. It's a substitute. Will never be more than a substitute for your real things. It will seem faded somehow by comparison.
This is a tremendous review of an amazing product, and Tim’s playing is, as always, fantastic. I agree with Cooper, the goal is to play more. Thank you!
Cover band club warrior here. Touring has always been a glamorous fantasy but I weep at the thought of in-ears for my guitar. In the honky tonks I play as long as the bar staff can hear the drink orders we can be pretty loud. I am most at home when the instrument can hear its own amp. I'll be extra mindful of how blessed I am at tonight's gig.
@@joetowers4804 It's a blast, and good thing too since there's not enough money in it to support the household. I don't expect riches but I will not do it for free. I've been at it 40+ years and still love everything about it! th-cam.com/video/GXFManGK2Nc/w-d-xo.html
@@bobbyosborne2375 Welcome to my shoes! I hope you find them warm and comfortable. Playing fun songs good and loud for a tipsy audience is one of the best things we can do for our minds, bodies and spirits.
I’ve been a Fractal user since 2009 and am currently using an Axe-Fx III. I never got on with any of the factory sounds, but I create my own presets that work for me. I play in a live covers band, and send an FRFR signal to the PA & monitors, whilst also using a solid state power amp and real guitar cabinet because I like having some air moving behind me on stage. Best of both worlds for live use I think.
@@kayakttt I have a couple of Marshall cabs, and I shot an IR of my 4x12 which has a mix of V30's and G12T75's. That's the IR that i use on my presets for the PA and monitors. But for convenience, i tend to do gigs with a small 2x12 (1922) cab. That one has V30's in it. So that's my 'stage' sound, as opposed to the PA/FOH. It's important to match the low resonant frequency of all presets to match the cab in use, so the Axe-Fx knows what cab is attached to it. ;-) Leon Todd has an excellent video on how to do that.
@@chs7516 If I go this route will probably use a similar cab as 1922 as its an easy to physically manage cab ,however unsure which solid state amp to go with ,my onstage amps at present are small powered tube combos , a 1974x hand wired 18 watt marshall and a Cornell Romany 12 watt ,best of Marshall and Tweed covers most of my 60,s to mid 70,s classic rock
@@kayakttt I previously used a Mesa, and then a Fryette power amp with the Axe-Fx but i realised it does all the power amp modelling as well, so i don’t need a separate tube driven device after it. I settled on a Matrix GT1000FX and it’s great. It’s got tons of power, and it’s totally neutral so doesn’t affect the sounds I have created within the Axe. I’m happy with that 👍 Also, by design, it’s got a slightly slowed response which creates that squishy sag you would normally expect from a guitar power amp in terms of ‘feel’.
I got an old Axe Fx II about two years ago and I love it. I use a Fender model for my super clean sounds then I use the Dirty Shirley model with varying degrees of boosts in front for my dirty sounds and it works for 90% of the gigs I do. If I need anything heavier, I just switch the DS model to the BE model and it works great!
Tim, I love your channel! I almost exclusively use my Fractal gear now. I keep a few tube amps that are special to me, but the portability, consistency, and diversity are hard to argue with when the model sounds just as good as the original gear. And then using headphones while kids sleep is just magical. When you factor cost of those capabilities it’s almost no contest.
Playing since the mid 70s, gigging most of that, still have and love ten tube amps. But I’ve been gigging Fractal Audio gear since 2011 and there really is no beating it for me. If you’re a big time artist with roadies playing in big places or a home player that can play as loud as you want, choices are wide open. But if you’ve got to gig with others, deal with quiet or silent stages, face lots of dodgy power or festival generators, then this gives you everything in an uber-portable setup. I use the Axe Fx III Turbo these days, but will get a FM9 for tight travel gigs when I can. Fractal Audio is not only the best sounding digital gear, it’s the best supported… by far. After a decade of real use, I’m still sold.
I remember people saying "oh amps are heavy" and I always said "i'm a big guy I don't mind" - but THEN I bought a 300W Randall GH300 behemoth. That thing made blisters on my hands just from going to my car to my rehearsal space. I eventually sold it and bought a Mooer GE 300 Lite. Best decision I've ever made
@@pedrosilvaproductions before I got my AX8, I had a JCM800 2x12 combo. It was heavy as all get out and I could never get it to a good volume for the small bars we play. I got the AX8, traded the JCM for a guitar and haven't missed it since.
Long-time Fractal user, going back to the AxeFx Ultra. I'm set with my AxeFx III, but I was glad to see Fractal release the FM9 because I know how useful it will be for people who regularly gig.
I stopped using amplifiers as a touring professional in 1988. From the Rockman rackmount system to finishing touring after 18 years with a Digitech RP20 always run straight to the house system. I did all my studio gigs with processors straight to the desks from 1988 on and have never gone back. Guitar sound that matters is what is in the mix, not the amp and speaker. My processor patches, regardless of the processor in use were always crafted in mixes.
I had my 100 watt tube amp blow up at a huge festival gig after 3 songs into a 12 song set list. After a short panic attack I thought, well there's only one way to finish the gig, I plugged into a Digitech rp pedal, dialed up a 70's Marshall amp sim into a 412 cab sim and went direct into their massive sound system. Was surprised at how good it sounded! Lol. That modeling pedal saved me that day. Now there are so many better sounding modeling pedals, so even while using real amps there's always a modeling pedal ready to go just in case. 😊
I've played tube amps for almost four decades and as much as I dig a good tube amp I've always known the less stage volume the better the sound. It makes it easier for the soundman to get an ideal sound for the venue. I discovered this when I switched to combos like Boogies and Fenders and other amps I used around 1987. I love the idea of just going direct in and using cab/speaker simulation.
I'm an AX8 user...and have been for about 6 years. Love it, built like a tank, never let me down. These FM9 presets that are being showcased are really really good. Most manufacturer presets are looking for mostly high gain tones. For me, those are the last tones I go for...so I appreciate having lots of tonal variations. I'm sure I'll upgrade to the FM9.
I used to tour with Badcats and Victorias. I loved those amps. They sounded glorious and I never believed I could do without them. About 5 years ago we went full IEMs and no amps on stage. I fought it like hell. I hated it. Especially getting used to the different "feel" of my Strymon and Walrus pedal amps and pedal boards. I am now getting ready to get either the Fractal or the QC. I've gone from 95% hatred for the amp less environment to 95% embracement. The positives have grabed me hard.....set up is a breeze, maybe 5-6 minutes and is ESPECIALLY nice for the throw and go style festival gigs The amp less environment does not care about humidity, or temperature. You could be playing on the moon or 100 feet underwater and it sounds the same. No tubes issues or cold solder joints that decide to become an issue at the most inopportune time. I say bring on the technology. The tradeoffs are minimal. I will always own my sweet amps and cabs, safe at home, ready for me when I come home.
Bad power was just such a common thing from club to club. The Fractal (Axe-Fx II) was a huge help, and weighed about 1/100th of an old rig. Looking forward to trying the F9. Cooper's advice is the best. I found what maxes out what I do and that's mostly it. There are 100 patches I barely know about on what I use now.
Yeah...I don't even have a price from my distributor but I expect something like $3,299.99 NZD. It's both incredibly affordable but also not...very confusing, I know.
1700 dollars for every amp you could want and every effect you can want. The ability to stack so many effects and even run multiple amps. I’d say 1700 is affordable in stead of paying for even 3 tube amps and multiple pedals of each type. You have to take big picture in.
@@adamricard9410 I think that value-for-money is different from affordable. To me affordable is an amount of money you can easily spend, you don't have to save a while for it. Depends on your income, of course.
Rhett definitely nails it talking about the convenience of using modelers for playing live. Yes, we all prefer tube amps but for many like me, the majority of our gigs are in smaller venues. And most of mine are solo gigs so simplification is almost as important as having a great sound. So this really helps mix those two needs. LOVE that delay and reverb towards the end! Thank you for this video!!
I play an "old" Line6 Pod X3 Live for about 15 years now. It was my choice because I wanted all these different sounds of all my guitar heroes sounding as close to the Original as possible when I play it - crazy somehow. Although it has not the "newest" technique, the best chip-setting and parametres anymore, I still love and use it.
Those PODs are great! I did a lot of work with the HD500. I recently picked up the POD Go for my solo gigs, wanting to simplify my stage setup and that’s worked really well so far (for both acoustic and electric)
i own a killer Kemper live rig, as well as a very cool Boss GT-1000 for acoustic and DI/no-amp shows, but i honestly play on my HD Pod Pro rack unit that's in my simple recording desk the most. it's always on and hooked up to my active reference monitors and ready to go at a moment's notice. i built about 10 sounds when i got it used/like-new for like $350 about 8 years ago. i've tried to replicate those killer blended/dual-amp presets on my other devices, but i can never get it to sound exactly right. the delays also blend into the tone of the Line6 better than anything else i've ever used. it's a great unit, and good tone never becomes obsolete.
I don’t know one single mediocre player that sounds great with High End gear but I know tons of great players with mid of the road equipment that blow my mind out. What I mean is, aren’t we wasting too much time and money on tools rather than skill ?
Bottom line based on 30 years touring experience: In a small club with a bad PA, questionable power, and a house guy who may or may not care about you/your/band/your sound, these sound just as good or better than your tube amp. In a theater/arena/stadium with a touring/trusted FOH engineer that you are paying a lot of money, no one can tell the difference between this and a tube amp in the context of a full mix. FACT
Well written, but I’ve wondered about the many small bars/taverns, that don’t have a PA, at least not for anyone but the singer(s). I suppose, if one has the $, Flat Response powered cabs of your own, would work ok. But I still wonder about having a amp, rehearsals also being questionably equipped.
As far as guitar skills at all -- amp or no amp, if Clapton didn't get his name announced or get recognized, no one would know or care. (His songs and singing of course would make a difference).
If you are a popular singer/songwriter and know how to hold a guitar, you are automatically a guitar hero, just like JM, no matter how cool your rig is. In that context a rig is just an organ to support the vocals
I know this is not the Glen Campbell crowd, but he was once a mega superstar and became such years before anyone found out he was also country music's best conventional guitar player. Because nobody in 1965 nor 2021 ever cared just so long as you got a guitar in your hands, have a great song and can sing like bloody murder. Only for a couple of years here and there has a guitar ever really mattered. So the smaller footprint your gear has the better.
Venues are usually made up of people with a wide variety of musical tastes of which guitar skills are almost an insignificant part of the mix. So, a tube amp versus a modeling amp isn't going make much difference. A great modeler will be more convenient and provide more options, volume control and effects per square foot.
Great video! I just got my Axe-Fx III a couple of weeks ago. I absolutely love it. I also have a Helix and an HX Stomp which I love too. I look at them like you would having different amplifiers. Even though they're modelers they sound different. On thing that wasn't addressed in the video is pedal emulation. We all have our favorite pedals but building a pedalboard can be a real headache. All pedals don't play well with each other, then there's the cable routing and power supplies and if you're like me you make all your own cables. Maybe you need a buffer and maybe you don't. I put a small board together and it took me three days. With the Axe-FX (and other modelers) these are built in so there's no problem with cables, routing and what goes where in the signal chain because if you don't like the positions you just change it with Axe-Edit. There's no extra power supply to worry about. Another thing is that all pedals don't sound good with all amplifiers. Again this is a mute point with the Axe. While you might like one emulator over the other they all work with all the amps and sound good. I think as time goes on more and more people will be switching to modelers. They're getting so good now. At present I'm running my Axe into two Quilter Steelaire amps ( similar to a Fender Twin Reverb with JBL's) so I'm getting the best of both worlds.
I love how, when you "interview" someone, you allow them to talk and don't interrupt them. You can tell that you're interested with what they have to say, and leave your talking to your guitar. 👍🎸🇦🇺
Cool. I'm a longtime Fractal user/owner/beta tester/fan, having used them as my rig centerpiece since 2007. The Fractal guys in your video are among my friends; the company and team behind the faces are all very cool guitar people. There is a negative aspect of the term modeling where people think it's an 'either/or' proposition - if you go the modeling route, you must foreswear tube amps. I've never subscribed to that and have always felt it's a falsehood on merit. These are tools, just as amps, and having to run directly to FOH for silent stages for whatever reason (mine are medical, tinnitus to be specific), it works. The Fractal units can work consistently, reliably, and scalable from the smallest room to the biggest stadium every night. Its power is fantastic, but the strength, IMHO, has always been the core tones. It's musical, it sings. I have the FM9, and it is fantastic.
so to hear the fractal in a home environment, what would you use to run the fractal through as a speaker/amp instead of me plugging into my Deville 212. Not sure if I am using the correct terminology.
I started playing guitar back in the late 50s. I got my first electric guitar in 1965, a Gretsch Corsair with a pickup. I have never liked loud stage volume. And as a lead guitar player I would usually get as far away from my amplifier as I could. So when these processors came out I really liked them. The first one that I ever personally owned was an SGX 2000 Xpress. I put in my order for one while they were still in development. I still have serial number 12. And it has since been updated to an SGX 2000 E. When I retired I sold my vox AC 30. I just had nowhere I could use it. But I still record and I use a variety of different processors. And as for loud age volume, I have had my ears tested regularly and my hearing is still excellent even at the age of 70
I had a nice conversation with Cliff way back before I bought my 1st AXE-FX (an Ultra). We talked for about 15 minutes on dedicated hardware vs software VST type plug ins, and I suggested using multiple dedicated processors for amps, effects, reverb, and storage. Also developing a hexaphonic pickup system to work with the units (like Roland). Great products and success. I'm still rocking Fractal, waiting on my FM9!
Fun interviews, Tim. Cooper’s classes are great, and I really appreciated discovering Roslin’s TH-cam channel and his generosity with wisdom during the pandemic. Cheers gentlemen! Best, Daniel
Very clever gear, having access to different options is always a plus! I have definitely simplified my rig, dare I say the Katana 100 watt gives me just about everything I need - I know that is a very 2018 thing to say.
Many times you can get mega creative with limited options. I know I own a mustang 2 which has served me well for many many years, and the simple options it has made me do some creative manoeuvers to make it sound great. I've even modded a 2x12 set up with the board so I could gig with it and it's wonderful
@@pedrosilvaproductions u see all that matters is what makes you wanna pick up that thang and play! I have had many boards, configurations. All I ever try to do is sound the best on whatever gear I’m playing, that’s what matters. I just saw a Billy Idol tribute, no amps like one of those silent listening parties, it was great. All the guitar player had was an AX 8 and Boss dd3. Granted, AX is great, but if he didn’t know the licks, it wouldn’t have mattered anyway 🤣🤘🏾
Beautiful stuff as usual. Great players and subjects. I'm 72. Been playing out since early seventies. But I gotta say, if I walked into that studio you sit in, I would walk right out again. Yeah, four or five created sounds will do, But, that room presents about 3 or 4 million sounds. Bam! I would be gone to my room with one amp and my selected sounds. Whew! Now I can relax.....
I've played through them all and I really feel that Fractal has the best sounds. I started with the AX8 and now I'm using that as well as the FM3. I play through FRFR monitors mainly (usually QSC K12's and K10's) and occasionally in-ears. I purchased the FM3 master course from Cooper Carter and it was very informative and helpful. Worth every penny in my opinion. I'm so happy to see the Fractal units getting attention on TH-cam. I live in Maryland where it's mandatory to play PRS guitars and I've been using mine through tube amps since the mid-80's until I got the AX8. From that point on it was Fractal for live and studio playing and nothing else. I'll never go back. The units are lightweight and rugged, the sounds are consistent wherever you go, there is never a problem with volume or mic placement or anything else that comes with loud tube amps. Thanks for all your videos Tim.
@@Bridging_the_Political_Divide you can make a pretty good argument that there is a tonal difference, but I suppose it can be credited to better software with a newer units. I don't really know though. I think you could EQ both units really well if you know what you're doing.
Good video. When the FM9 came out I was hot for one but then I saw the waiting list. So I "settled" for a Helix floor. The Fractal's presets are better than the Helix by far. The folks at Line 6 need to take lessons on factory presets. The one thing that I use however that the Fractal doesn't have is the expression pedal. I assign mine for overall volume on everything and it keeps me from having to assign another parameter and carry another pedal which is important in short setup times. I also use a half dozen presets on everything...no need to have a different amp for every song. No doubt Fractal rules but I'm still thrilled with my Helix.
I use my fm3 mostly with a clean model and some verbs and delays. The effects sound amazing, and honestly buying few strymon pedals will probably cost over $1k.. if you only use a clean/ crunch and rhythm sound for each song the fm3 is plenty enough and will blow your mind. If you need more effects and foot switches the FM9 is still a great deal, too bad they are so slow filling the orders on their waitlist.
The crystal echos preset, is unreal, i have never heard anything that beautiful on a preset ever. thanks Mr Tim and i always learn something new on your channel my good friend.....My number one Bass is a Music man 91 Bass guitar and my number one guitar is a ocean blue Charvel heavy metal flake ocean Blue T.Y and i am 60 Years old.......
I have a couple of amazing tube amps at home, and when I am home, they’re what I play. I travel for a living, and I pack an FM3 in my carry on bag. It’s the perfect hotel room practice unit, and I record right into my DAW with it.
We are very lucky to live in an age where we can play through such realistic simulations of all the classic real amps. It's amazing now and will only get better from here. Personally, at present, I use the Kemper. It's also awesome and keeps getting better with every software update. When I bought it, it was version 2 and we're currently on version 8. The support for this product has been beyond my expectations. I haven't tried the AxeFX, but, from what I've heard, it also sounds amazing.
I got a helix and a couple QSC K-10.2's a few yrs ago as Im over 60 and got tired of lugging a Marshall around and stage volume was an issue in small clubs , my old pedal board was huge and heavy and prone to connection issues sometimes plus Im the lead vox and guitar in a rock trio and also running a L=6 Voice Live 2 . I was just to friggen busy . The Helix , with its snapshots has made my life much easier . It did take awhile to get my sets set up in it but its pretty awesome being able to actually achieve the sounds of the Amps used in the songs we cover . At my age its all about light weight . My how things have changed .
Thank you Tim, this was a real down to earth simple explanation of the Fractal 9 for the working musician or home studio hobbyist, its definitely on my list , I was at a Fractal seminar /demo a few years ago and was very impressed by the tones , but out of my budget
I own a GNX-3 and Revv 3 & 4. I was so overwhelmed by the GNX-3 that I actually only used 2 or 3 settings and then started moving away from processing and cut down to more tone centric with my Marshall with a tube screamer and REVVs 3 & 4 to push my tubes to higher distorted and clean. I wanted to have options but playing very stripped down, straight forward is the way to go. Thank you for showing this and that even very skillful professional musicians turn to people to set up rigs for them. It can be a daunting task to narrow down to a few things you want.
Right on. NOTHING like tube tone ..Modeling and effects have a place...but the older I get my ears enjoy simplicity ..clean, to break up tone and melodic lines that are not buried in gain....a cable, tube amp ,my 335 ,and strat , SMALL board /basic modulation, delay ,verb ,comp ,and a tuner ..and I'm good to play what we play....42 years of playing , I have tried so many different setups, processors now im full circle back to basics..and digging it.
I've been using my Atomic AmpliFire 12 almost exclusively for recording and touring since 2017. First-rate modeling and a simple, rugged stompbox format.
Tim, you should get a Joyo American Sound pedal to demo on your channel to use it to 'go direct' to recording as well as into a clean amp or PA system and show it's versatility of covering practically every Fender tube amp out there (that you likely have). Then work on a board of $25 mini pedals that can cover all the tones a player may need. Many of your subscribers are going to be beginner and intermediate players.
Great video for all levels of guitar players, tools and options for all situations, explore and use what makes you feel most comfortable, especially in live events were you need to adapt quickly and focus without mind restrictions! Ciao, Aldo
Lovely tones and a very good presentation, thank you! :) The power today to mix analog with the digital domain is mind blowing and I think you haven't seen the end of it.
Tim, please an episode talking about and playing parts from One Desire. Thank you for that beautiful performance and hope we can see you go through some of it!
Dinosaur here. I still play through my Line6 AX2 modeling amp. I just use about half dozen presets and a few I built. Playing mostly in medium stage/auditorium, the amp is always too loud for the venue, so I'm really interested in scale down capability. Oh yes, Ive searched for the old Clapton live tone from Wheels of Fire: Crossroads, Spoonful, Goodbye Cream: Im So Glad et al, but never could duplicate it unless I plugged SG into a Marshall stack and turned the volume to 10. It's definitely past time to upgrade and I'd like to know more about this.
I spent a few decades learning about guitar effects, buying, borrowing and selling (actually virtually giving away) many dozens of such and have come up with a board that works perfectly for me, is versatile and has pedals on it that are interchangeable with new, "better" ones if and when they come along. That, plugged into an FX "Ruby" (I'm thinking of adding an FX "Dream '65), and that into a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, 3rd generation interface into my computer, listening with Sennheiser HD600 headphones for around-the-clock playing without disturbing anyone, is all I need for the foreseeable future. I need no pre-sets, no scroll windows, no option paralysis. I just like to play guitar. Ruby is the amp, the board is the board, my guitar(s) is/are my guitar(s). I'm happy.
Love this Channel! I get the utility factor for sure. When I was 15-20 yrs old I would of been all over this stuff.. but I've taken a philosophical 180 degree turn the last few years. I think we've become way too obsessed as players, with trying to sound like someone or something else. I love chasing tones but find it way more interesting doing that within the confines of my own gear and playing technique. Ultimately you end up sounding very unique and being more invested. If you know what your unique sound is and this can get you there without all the lugging around of gear etc. then I agree that can be a super useful tool as Rhett pointed out.
as far as live, we need stage volume. the drums are loud, the monitors are usually facing back at you. I don't care how close these things sound, I'm bringing my tube amps. another thing to consider if you are playing clubs and festivals, there's the "no mans land" between the mains. that's where the people who really like your band are at. without an amp they just won't hear you correctly. a small tube amp is not that hard to transport. there's no reason for me to consider modelers. I don't record, I play for people. not buying what they're selling.
I'm on the FM9 waitlist - have been for months now. It's taken so long for Fractal/the distributor to pull my name out of the hat that I've built a Neural DSP rig in the meantime. By that I mean I bought two Yamaha HS8's that I'll use with the FM9. Galaxy brain. Anyway, the Soldano SLO100 plugin is really helping to tide me over until I get the greenlight.
My rig is the best of both worlds. I use a Kemper Profiler (my choice in the computerized amp market) into the effects return of two amps. Each amp has its own corner, one gets left, one gets right - absolutely stunning sound. I use the KPA for everything - amps & effects, and have built performances, one for each of my favorite six amps, with each of the five patches in the performance increasing in amp gain and the same effects on the efferent s switches. If anything, it’s made me love the Kemper, but also get interested and want to try/buy the real Morgan Abbey of Friedman Dirty Shirley.
I’m just a once-in-a while gigger now. I just bought a Joyo American Dream and stuck it on my little board. Worked fine for my gig Friday night, sounded as good as miced amp, and great cheap option.
Love the lessons, the wonderful use of many different amps and effects, different guitars, tips and descriptions about being a pro and showing all of us how this looks and works with other pros - but WTF! The first Fractal unit came out in 2006. Yep, more presets, more models, more IRs, even more computing power - but these things - with the right approach, EQ, knowledge have been "game changers" since then; especially using with a few selected specific old-school pieces - weird pedals, speaker boxes, power amps. I watch these videos because of all of the above, and the tweaking/using/hearing all of the quality analog stuff that most of us either can't afford (for everything) and/or couldn't physically carry or use at small gig. But using one of these as a big revelation, a game changer? Purists (don't we all lean that way), big money folks (pros or just us wannabes), people with roadies might insist it's all worth it for a huge, complicated rig. But with Fractal, and many other companies that offer the same types of units now, a player with a good ear for what they want and the willingness to dive in, can get AT LEAST 90% of the exact same sound/feel through the digital stuff. True blind straight up comparisons have "fooled" thousands of people - which is it, tubes/transistors or digital? Just think it's a little funny about this eureka moment. This isn't meant to be a rag job, or criticism, just a personal observation. Given the choice with unlimited money, roomy stages, and a dedicated assistant/roadie/tech, I'd pick the roomful of stuff, because that part is cool. Pros with mad skills (like Tim) that show up with awesome boutique analog rigs are certainly no surprise. But given reality (at least my reality), playing with a guitar, a suitcase and MAYBE a speaker box is pretty efficient and can sound almost exactly the same (almost exactly). Hoping Tim works Fractal, or whatever else, into the mix of his awesome videos. One more way that someone like Tim could really rock with. As a long-time user of the digital stuff (along with my "must keep for whatever reason" pedals etc.), glad to see Tim putting his influencer stamp of approval on using the digital stuff as a valuable tool, and for some, all that's needed. Thanks, Tim, for all of it.
The FM9 looks like a really nice unit. It can do it all. Just add an expression pedal for volume/wah. But the problem is: it's not really all that "affordable" at $1,600. But if you add up all the amps, cabs, and pedals it emulates... then you could say it is a bargain. I wouldn't mind getting one in the near future. For now... you gotta get on the waiting-list.
I’ve seen plenty of FM3 on the used market since the FM9 came out. I just got one in great condition for 900$cad (around 700$us), it’s quite a good price considering it sounds almost the same.
I have the FM9 and AxeFX3 Mk II Turbo. Great units! 200+ amps, so tons of choices, most of which I have never encountered IRL. Love the Dumble HRM and the Trainwrecks. Can't afford to even drive through those neighborhoods where people who can afford those live, so Fractal delivers the impossible in a box....
Recently ventured into the Fractal world with an FM3. What a game changer! But even though it has amazing delays built in, when tracking I like to record dry for obvious mixing reasons and choices later etc. You have recommended the Echoboy on another vid. Just bought it this weekend (in Logic). Wow! What a great plugin! My new favourite thing to muck around with! Really liking Dirt Echo and the Revox. Very cool, thanks for the recommendation!
Tim- an unrelated shout-out. I was introducing a friend to "Soul Driver" from Springsteen's Human Touch album. I recognized your name in the liner notes from seeing you on Beato's channel a few times. After looking over your resume, I had no idea how much of your work I already had in my library. Wow!! =D
Regarding presets... There is a thing with a lot of gear where people will say, "the presets aren't great, but you can get it to do what you want". I remember reading an article that hit me in the right way years ago. Roger Nichols talked about how basically if manufacturers can't get their gear to sound great, toss them aside and find one that does. It made me think of gear that automatically clicked for me, where presets immediately were beautiful AND usable. So much easier and quicker to get to work. It became something that I've had in my process ever since.
i agree completely. after years of playing modeling amps, I have gone back to combo amps. I realized that the problem with modeling isn't that digital can't do what a tube does, but it frankly is too flexible because there is too much tweakability. you can dupe yourself into thinking it makes an audible difference when it doesn't. coupled with the ear fatigue that comes with spending hours at a time engaged in detailed cork sniffing, and you can end up wasting too much time doing stuff that sounds terrible. That's often why factory presets suck and custom presets don't sound much better.There are other problems but, frankly, that is the problem that makes it not worth it to me. Either you pay for a bunch of functionality you don't need that wastes your time, or you pay for a bunch of functionality that you don't use. Either way, the simplicity and limitations of a well maintained combo amp is the thing that I have come to prefer while finding the idea of trying to be as satisfied with a model just exhausting to even contemplate.
dear tim...dont even know ya...but im always bragging on ya ...saying to people they would not believe all the songs u played and ur amazing guitar ability...ive just using native instruments guiar rig 6...its got really sweet stuff...pete thorn did a vid on it...i would like to see u and joe satriani get together...that would be an epic video...!!
My only gig is the local club has an open mic night every Thursday and you have 15 to 20 minutes to do your thing. Some karaoke, some just sing, some do a stand up comedy routine, whatever. As long as it’s entertaining, the owner doesn’t care. So I have 3 backing tracks on a looper pedal that I play over with my guitar. Each week I do 3 new songs. My “rig” is the Thomas Blug Amp 1 with a Helix into a 1x12 Boogie cab. The Boss Looper is going into the PA. And as simple as that gig is, you could scale that up to any venue and be golden. And it sounds great. The cab is on casters and I can use that as a transporter for everything including the guitar. Roll in, power, a few xlr and cables and that’s it. So easy
Awesome talk, meanwhile I am still stuck in the 80's, using my Digitech 2120 Artist Valve Guitar tube preamp/processor rack..lol ..but who doesnt think the 80's - 90's had the best times for rock guitar tones??
@@Caged63Man I just need to get a good power amp to pair it with. I have a vintage B200, but one channel is dead. The funny part is, I got the MP-1 as a "throw in" on a trade. I traded a Les Paul for a Marshall combo and the guy at my store said he could give a little more, so I got the MP-1 in the deal, as well. I still regret trading the Les Paul, and the Marshall was ditched in favor of my AX8, but at least I have still have the MP-1.
Occasionally I actually watch TH-cam and I end up on your channel, it's a pure bliss to listen to you both talk and play. Thank you.
Ola, thank you for this wonderful comment… and I really enjoy watching your channel! I feel like I know you, you have such a warmth on your videos… hope to meet you in person someday tim
Love this. Two great channels coming together.
An Ola/TP collab is what the world needs right now...
Yeah, I mean, I could see it in your eyes Ola.
Amen Ola your channel as well brother
Thanks for having me Tim! I could talk about this stuff all day.
Rhett ….your knowledge in this area was extremely valuable for the video, you added so much! thanks for joining in…
And you do!
That Clapton shirt hasn't aged well (sadly)...
That’s an older Def Leppard rig in the pic. We’re currently using the AxeFx 3 for everything (amp modeling and effects) for both guitars and bass. The older rigs had Marshall JMP-1s for amp tones and the AxeFx 2 for fx. The AxeFx 3 has been amazing - A, B, and C rigs all over the world and the tones are the same wherever we are. Rock solid reliability as well.
Hey thanks very much for this comment! Look forward to seeing one of your shows sometime:)
Just bought a Mesa Mark V 25 and gigged with it a couple of weeks ago. Halfway up with the volume. Too loud. Ended up on 10w mode with the volume on 2-3. Sounded great. Light and has a built in load for silent/direct out. Just a couple sounds from that worked for me. Now to try and replicate it with my modeler, a Zoom G11, and see how it goes. Nice job with the video. Inspiring.
Fractal user since 2013 and now beta tester. I still use pedals and amps too. Rhett nailed it. The argument of what is better than what is silly. Theyre all great tools and all sound great!
its not silly because many many people cannot afford a lot of gear. I have never played a tube amp in my life and if I could muster together the money for one, wouldn't I rather buy a fractal? This also trickles down to more budget friendly modellers too. So you will see more and more guitarists who will go without touching a point amp and traditional pedal board kind of setup.
Camiloooo!! What’s up brotha? Long time don’t see, hope all’s well 😊
I’ve been using my FM9 live all month and it’s been incredible. I toured the entire summer with just my FM3 and didn’t regret keeping the Mesa half stack at home one bit. I get almost the exact same tone that I would’ve dialed in with the amp, but it’s exactly the same every night and it’s a lot less gear to bring around.
I have the FM3, does the 9 sound a lot better? I love the FM3...
@@TheAerovons I have owned them all and now have the FM9 and still have my FM3. They don't sound "different" per say. But the FM9 does a lot more. Their is something I feel is "different" about the sound , for the better, but so suttle I could not tell you what it is. Just my personal opinion.
@@Stratster68 Cool thanks!
@@TheAerovons They sound exactly the same. The FM9 has more buttons and processing power. It's all about how much you want/need :D
@@TheAerovons No - it´s got the same Firmware and the same algorhythms. But you can use two amps at one time - it has the double CPU Power.
it took me years to come around.. it started with me asking Burgs his opinion back in 2018.. he said he was totally happy using the Axe Fx live and there was no looking back for him.. so earlier this year I took the plunge with latest Axe Fx and the FC-12 running through a pair of FRFRs (currently QSC10.2 x2) on stage.. I've done a bunch of gigs with the Axe Fx and I'm totally happy with it.. my 1981 Boogie Mark II-B has been resting comfortably on the shelf enjoying a well earned retirement.
Great overview of the latest and greatest from Fractal. As a bass player, I toured for years using a Fractal AX8. It just made things simple to emulate my Ampeg V-4b with an 8x10 cab without having to haul 400 lbs of equipment. Great to see the next level of evolution from Fractal.
I can't imagine picking up that 8x10 LMAO
Excellent summation of how modern tech can work to complement your rig. Great to see some familiar faces make a cameo!
Tube amp guy here but I've been playing modelers since the 2.0 version of the kidney bean. Guitarists are blessed by the number of great options available to them at the moment. I love using my amps, both mic'd and using my Captor X. I carry an HX Stomp for fly gigs and use it for both guitar and bass. Fractal, Line6, and Kemper are amazing companies in the industry and are doing a lot to drive things forward. I think the guys that will only play tube amps are missing out on some amazing tools.
Been using a stomp for a couple of years. I love it so much a bought a second one to leave at my practice space. On my main rig I use an EP and a midi controller. The midi controller allows me to do pretty much anything I can imagine.
I'm with your sentiment, but that kidney bean was always awful for me.
Also, stuff like nux 300 is insane. That + harley benton guitar and for 300 eur you have:
Decent guitar with active pickups and 24 frets
All typical amps and effects modeled
Wah, volume pedal
Looper, tuner, drum machine
Audio interface
IR loader
I use this exact setup for practice and stuff and i dont really miss anything in this context. Maybe a rehearsal space with no volume limitations, a 100w engl and a 412, but thats a different thing.
Unfathomable when i started out, had a fender 10w with nothing, no reverb, no gain channel. Got a korg ax30g after a while, but yeah, things have moved on.
@@Art-zs6sl All the digital gear in that 15-25 year old bracket has some good sounds and a whole lot of bad ones. It's mostly a matter of finding the good ones, and whether or not those are useful sounds for you. If the bean didn't have any sounds that were both pleasant and useful for you, then yeah, I can see why it would suck. I have a Digitech RP-90 and try to use it only for purposes where it actually sounds good: volume, wah, pitch shifting, and one of the following at any given time: reverb/chorus/flanger/delay. Since these are at opposite ends of your typical signal chain, I basically have to choose whether to use it at the beginning or at the end of the chain. I don't find it sufficiently useful to drop another $80 for a second one, so I'm only able to fill one role or the other with it.
Everyone always says it's almost as good as my real stuff. It's almost as good as my real rig. It's a substitute. Will never be more than a substitute for your real things. It will seem faded somehow by comparison.
those little example interludes were lit Tim 🔥🙌
This is a tremendous review of an amazing product, and Tim’s playing is, as always, fantastic. I agree with Cooper, the goal is to play more. Thank you!
The little piece Tim plays at the 5:00 minute mark on the baritone guitar with the alternate tuning is MAGICAL.
Yes! It is and would love to know what that tuning was. Does anyone have a clue? Thx
Axe-Fx makes a great church rig. Multiple players can dial in their tone and it sits in the mix so well.
Everything Tim plays is just so wonderful and creative.
Logged in to my computer, saw a new Tim Pierce video....I'm set for the next 15 minutes. Thanks Tim!!!
Hey thanks! Appreciate it
Cover band club warrior here. Touring has always been a glamorous fantasy but I weep at the thought of in-ears for my guitar. In the honky tonks I play as long as the bar staff can hear the drink orders we can be pretty loud. I am most at home when the instrument can hear its own amp. I'll be extra mindful of how blessed I am at tonight's gig.
Having fun making music is all that matters in the end.
I'm in your shoes.
@@joetowers4804 It's a blast, and good thing too since there's not enough money in it to support the household. I don't expect riches but I will not do it for free. I've been at it 40+ years and still love everything about it! th-cam.com/video/GXFManGK2Nc/w-d-xo.html
@@bobbyosborne2375 Welcome to my shoes! I hope you find them warm and comfortable. Playing fun songs good and loud for a tipsy audience is one of the best things we can do for our minds, bodies and spirits.
@@tinman5322 true. Is your drummer a little off the rails when he plays?
I’ve been a Fractal user since 2009 and am currently using an Axe-Fx III. I never got on with any of the factory sounds, but I create my own presets that work for me. I play in a live covers band, and send an FRFR signal to the PA & monitors, whilst also using a solid state power amp and real guitar cabinet because I like having some air moving behind me on stage. Best of both worlds for live use I think.
Can I ask what amp and cab you use live
@@kayakttt I have a couple of Marshall cabs, and I shot an IR of my 4x12 which has a mix of V30's and G12T75's. That's the IR that i use on my presets for the PA and monitors. But for convenience, i tend to do gigs with a small 2x12 (1922) cab. That one has V30's in it. So that's my 'stage' sound, as opposed to the PA/FOH. It's important to match the low resonant frequency of all presets to match the cab in use, so the Axe-Fx knows what cab is attached to it. ;-) Leon Todd has an excellent video on how to do that.
@@chs7516 If I go this route will probably use a similar cab as 1922 as its an easy to physically manage cab ,however unsure which solid state amp to go with ,my onstage amps at present are small powered tube combos , a 1974x hand wired 18 watt marshall and a Cornell Romany 12 watt ,best of Marshall and Tweed covers most of my 60,s to mid 70,s classic rock
@@kayakttt I previously used a Mesa, and then a Fryette power amp with the Axe-Fx but i realised it does all the power amp modelling as well, so i don’t need a separate tube driven device after it. I settled on a Matrix GT1000FX and it’s great. It’s got tons of power, and it’s totally neutral so doesn’t affect the sounds I have created within the Axe. I’m happy with that 👍 Also, by design, it’s got a slightly slowed response which creates that squishy sag you would normally expect from a guitar power amp in terms of ‘feel’.
Lovely opening solo Tim. Tim.for President. Oh the Runaway solo. Still gives me goose bumps.
Sublime playing, Tim! Love your phrasing and choice of notes. More, please!
I got an old Axe Fx II about two years ago and I love it. I use a Fender model for my super clean sounds then I use the Dirty Shirley model with varying degrees of boosts in front for my dirty sounds and it works for 90% of the gigs I do. If I need anything heavier, I just switch the DS model to the BE model and it works great!
Tim...you make it all sound good but, this was extra impressive. Really great video as always!
Tim is so incredible charismatic and charming, and it is genuine too. Rock on.
Tim, I love your channel! I almost exclusively use my Fractal gear now. I keep a few tube amps that are special to me, but the portability, consistency, and diversity are hard to argue with when the model sounds just as good as the original gear. And then using headphones while kids sleep is just magical. When you factor cost of those capabilities it’s almost no contest.
Playing since the mid 70s, gigging most of that, still have and love ten tube amps. But I’ve been gigging Fractal Audio gear since 2011 and there really is no beating it for me. If you’re a big time artist with roadies playing in big places or a home player that can play as loud as you want, choices are wide open. But if you’ve got to gig with others, deal with quiet or silent stages, face lots of dodgy power or festival generators, then this gives you everything in an uber-portable setup. I use the Axe Fx III Turbo these days, but will get a FM9 for tight travel gigs when I can. Fractal Audio is not only the best sounding digital gear, it’s the best supported… by far. After a decade of real use, I’m still sold.
I remember people saying "oh amps are heavy" and I always said "i'm a big guy I don't mind" - but THEN I bought a 300W Randall GH300 behemoth. That thing made blisters on my hands just from going to my car to my rehearsal space. I eventually sold it and bought a Mooer GE 300 Lite. Best decision I've ever made
@@pedrosilvaproductions before I got my AX8, I had a JCM800 2x12 combo. It was heavy as all get out and I could never get it to a good volume for the small bars we play. I got the AX8, traded the JCM for a guitar and haven't missed it since.
Long-time Fractal user, going back to the AxeFx Ultra. I'm set with my AxeFx III, but I was glad to see Fractal release the FM9 because I know how useful it will be for people who regularly gig.
Cooper, you're spot on find what makes you happy and just play
I stopped using amplifiers as a touring professional in 1988. From the Rockman rackmount system to finishing touring after 18 years with a Digitech RP20 always run straight to the house system. I did all my studio gigs with processors straight to the desks from 1988 on and have never gone back. Guitar sound that matters is what is in the mix, not the amp and speaker. My processor patches, regardless of the processor in use were always crafted in mixes.
Fantastic video! Thanks for having me on!
I had my 100 watt tube amp blow up at a huge festival gig after 3 songs into a 12 song set list. After a short panic attack I thought, well there's only one way to finish the gig, I plugged into a Digitech rp pedal, dialed up a 70's Marshall amp sim into a 412 cab sim and went direct into their massive sound system. Was surprised at how good it sounded! Lol. That modeling pedal saved me that day. Now there are so many better sounding modeling pedals, so even while using real amps there's always a modeling pedal ready to go just in case. 😊
I was on the wait list, but then I just went with the fm3 instead. The Cygnus profiling is next level.
I've played tube amps for almost four decades and as much as I dig a good tube amp I've always known the less stage volume the better the sound. It makes it easier for the soundman to get an ideal sound for the venue. I discovered this when I switched to combos like Boogies and Fenders and other amps I used around 1987. I love the idea of just going direct in and using cab/speaker simulation.
I'm an AX8 user...and have been for about 6 years. Love it, built like a tank, never let me down. These FM9 presets that are being showcased are really really good. Most manufacturer presets are looking for mostly high gain tones. For me, those are the last tones I go for...so I appreciate having lots of tonal variations. I'm sure I'll upgrade to the FM9.
The best thing about watching Tim’s channel is seeing the joy of playing on his face.
I used to tour with Badcats and Victorias. I loved those amps. They sounded glorious and I never believed I could do without them. About 5 years ago we went full IEMs and no amps on stage. I fought it like hell. I hated it. Especially getting used to the different "feel" of my Strymon and Walrus pedal amps and pedal boards. I am now getting ready to get either the Fractal or the QC. I've gone from 95% hatred for the amp less environment to 95% embracement. The positives have grabed me hard.....set up is a breeze, maybe 5-6 minutes and is ESPECIALLY nice for the throw and go style festival gigs The amp less environment does not care about humidity, or temperature. You could be playing on the moon or 100 feet underwater and it sounds the same. No tubes issues or cold solder joints that decide to become an issue at the most inopportune time. I say bring on the technology. The tradeoffs are minimal. I will always own my sweet amps and cabs, safe at home, ready for me when I come home.
Bad power was just such a common thing from club to club. The Fractal (Axe-Fx II) was a huge help, and weighed about 1/100th of an old rig. Looking forward to trying the F9.
Cooper's advice is the best. I found what maxes out what I do and that's mostly it. There are 100 patches I barely know about on what I use now.
I'm afraid the price range these things come in for most viewers does not qualify as 'affordable'.
Yeah...I don't even have a price from my distributor but I expect something like $3,299.99 NZD. It's both incredibly affordable but also not...very confusing, I know.
1700 dollars for every amp you could want and every effect you can want. The ability to stack so many effects and even run multiple amps. I’d say 1700 is affordable in stead of paying for even 3 tube amps and multiple pedals of each type.
You have to take big picture in.
@@adamricard9410 I think that value-for-money is different from affordable. To me affordable is an amount of money you can easily spend, you don't have to save a while for it. Depends on your income, of course.
Rhett definitely nails it talking about the convenience of using modelers for playing live. Yes, we all prefer tube amps but for many like me, the majority of our gigs are in smaller venues. And most of mine are solo gigs so simplification is almost as important as having a great sound. So this really helps mix those two needs.
LOVE that delay and reverb towards the end!
Thank you for this video!!
Great review and never knew there were fractal gurus helping top guitarist musicians to dial in their rigs 👍
I play an "old" Line6 Pod X3 Live for about 15 years now. It was my choice because I wanted all these different sounds of all my guitar heroes sounding as close to the Original as possible when I play it - crazy somehow. Although it has not the "newest" technique, the best chip-setting and parametres anymore, I still love and use it.
Those PODs are great! I did a lot of work with the HD500. I recently picked up the POD Go for my solo gigs, wanting to simplify my stage setup and that’s worked really well so far (for both acoustic and electric)
i own a killer Kemper live rig, as well as a very cool Boss GT-1000 for acoustic and DI/no-amp shows, but i honestly play on my HD Pod Pro rack unit that's in my simple recording desk the most. it's always on and hooked up to my active reference monitors and ready to go at a moment's notice. i built about 10 sounds when i got it used/like-new for like $350 about 8 years ago. i've tried to replicate those killer blended/dual-amp presets on my other devices, but i can never get it to sound exactly right. the delays also blend into the tone of the Line6 better than anything else i've ever used. it's a great unit, and good tone never becomes obsolete.
I don’t know one single mediocre player that sounds great with High End gear but I know tons of great players with mid of the road equipment that blow my mind out. What I mean is, aren’t we wasting too much time and money on tools rather than skill ?
Bottom line based on 30 years touring experience: In a small club with a bad PA, questionable power, and a house guy who may or may not care about you/your/band/your sound, these sound just as good or better than your tube amp. In a theater/arena/stadium with a touring/trusted FOH engineer that you are paying a lot of money, no one can tell the difference between this and a tube amp in the context of a full mix. FACT
Well written, but I’ve wondered about the many small bars/taverns, that don’t have a PA, at least not for anyone but the singer(s).
I suppose, if one has the $,
Flat Response powered cabs of your own, would work ok.
But I still wonder about having a amp, rehearsals also being questionably equipped.
As far as guitar skills at all -- amp or no amp, if Clapton didn't get his name announced or get recognized, no one would know or care. (His songs and singing of course would make a difference).
If you are a popular singer/songwriter and know how to hold a guitar, you are automatically a guitar hero, just like JM, no matter how cool your rig is. In that context a rig is just an organ to support the vocals
I know this is not the Glen Campbell crowd, but he was once a mega superstar and became such years before anyone found out he was also country music's best conventional guitar player. Because nobody in 1965 nor 2021 ever cared just so long as you got a guitar in your hands, have a great song and can sing like bloody murder. Only for a couple of years here and there has a guitar ever really mattered. So the smaller footprint your gear has the better.
Venues are usually made up of people with a wide variety of musical tastes of which guitar skills are almost an insignificant part of the mix. So, a tube amp versus a modeling amp isn't going make much difference. A great modeler will be more convenient and provide more options, volume control and effects per square foot.
Great video! I just got my Axe-Fx III a couple of weeks ago. I absolutely love it. I also have a Helix and an HX Stomp which I love too. I look at them like you would having different amplifiers. Even though they're modelers they sound different. On thing that wasn't addressed in the video is pedal emulation. We all have our favorite pedals but building a pedalboard can be a real headache. All pedals don't play well with each other, then there's the cable routing and power supplies and if you're like me you make all your own cables. Maybe you need a buffer and maybe you don't. I put a small board together and it took me three days. With the Axe-FX (and other modelers) these are built in so there's no problem with cables, routing and what goes where in the signal chain because if you don't like the positions you just change it with Axe-Edit. There's no extra power supply to worry about. Another thing is that all pedals don't sound good with all amplifiers. Again this is a mute point with the Axe. While you might like one emulator over the other they all work with all the amps and sound good. I think as time goes on more and more people will be switching to modelers. They're getting so good now. At present I'm running my Axe into two Quilter Steelaire amps ( similar to a Fender Twin Reverb with JBL's) so I'm getting the best of both worlds.
I love how, when you "interview" someone, you allow them to talk and don't interrupt them. You can tell that you're interested with what they have to say, and leave your talking to your guitar. 👍🎸🇦🇺
Cool. I'm a longtime Fractal user/owner/beta tester/fan, having used them as my rig centerpiece since 2007. The Fractal guys in your video are among my friends; the company and team behind the faces are all very cool guitar people. There is a negative aspect of the term modeling where people think it's an 'either/or' proposition - if you go the modeling route, you must foreswear tube amps. I've never subscribed to that and have always felt it's a falsehood on merit. These are tools, just as amps, and having to run directly to FOH for silent stages for whatever reason (mine are medical, tinnitus to be specific), it works. The Fractal units can work consistently, reliably, and scalable from the smallest room to the biggest stadium every night. Its power is fantastic, but the strength, IMHO, has always been the core tones. It's musical, it sings. I have the FM9, and it is fantastic.
Hi Scott. I have your homemade Pedal book from decades ago. Thank you for the recommendation. SOunds the best...... Fractal !
As always spot on !
so to hear the fractal in a home environment, what would you use to run the fractal through as a speaker/amp instead of me plugging into my Deville 212. Not sure if I am using the correct terminology.
@@duffy315 I use my studio monitor setup primarily but you could use a powered speaker, power amp/speaker cab, etc..
@@duffy315 I'm also curious about that Q's - I have a Deville 212 too.
I started playing guitar back in the late 50s. I got my first electric guitar in 1965, a Gretsch Corsair with a pickup. I have never liked loud stage volume. And as a lead guitar player I would usually get as far away from my amplifier as I could. So when these processors came out I really liked them. The first one that I ever personally owned was an SGX 2000 Xpress. I put in my order for one while they were still in development. I still have serial number 12. And it has since been updated to an SGX 2000 E. When I retired I sold my vox AC 30. I just had nowhere I could use it. But I still record and I use a variety of different processors. And as for loud age volume, I have had my ears tested regularly and my hearing is still excellent even at the age of 70
I had a nice conversation with Cliff way back before I bought my 1st AXE-FX (an Ultra). We talked for about 15 minutes on dedicated hardware vs software VST type plug ins, and I suggested using multiple dedicated processors for amps, effects, reverb, and storage. Also developing a hexaphonic pickup system to work with the units (like Roland). Great products and success. I'm still rocking Fractal, waiting on my FM9!
Fun interviews, Tim. Cooper’s classes are great, and I really appreciated discovering Roslin’s TH-cam channel and his generosity with wisdom during the pandemic. Cheers gentlemen! Best, Daniel
Very clever gear, having access to different options is always a plus! I have definitely simplified my rig, dare I say the Katana 100 watt gives me just about everything I need - I know that is a very 2018 thing to say.
Whatever works 4 u!👍🏾🤘🏾
Many times you can get mega creative with limited options. I know I own a mustang 2 which has served me well for many many years, and the simple options it has made me do some creative manoeuvers to make it sound great. I've even modded a 2x12 set up with the board so I could gig with it and it's wonderful
@@pedrosilvaproductions u see all that matters is what makes you wanna pick up that thang and play! I have had many boards, configurations. All I ever try to do is sound the best on whatever gear I’m playing, that’s what matters. I just saw a Billy Idol tribute, no amps like one of those silent listening parties, it was great. All the guitar player had was an AX 8 and Boss dd3. Granted, AX is great, but if he didn’t know the licks, it wouldn’t have mattered anyway 🤣🤘🏾
The Ampero Hotone also works fantastic live and direct at a fraction of the price.
Beautiful stuff as usual. Great players and subjects. I'm 72. Been playing out since early seventies. But I gotta say, if I walked into that studio you sit in, I would walk right out again. Yeah, four or five created sounds will do, But, that room presents about 3 or 4 million sounds. Bam! I would be gone to my room with one amp and my selected sounds. Whew! Now I can relax.....
Im always amazed by things TIM does.
I've played through them all and I really feel that Fractal has the best sounds. I started with the AX8 and now I'm using that as well as the FM3. I play through FRFR monitors mainly (usually QSC K12's and K10's) and occasionally in-ears. I purchased the FM3 master course from Cooper Carter and it was very informative and helpful. Worth every penny in my opinion. I'm so happy to see the Fractal units getting attention on TH-cam. I live in Maryland where it's mandatory to play PRS guitars and I've been using mine through tube amps since the mid-80's until I got the AX8. From that point on it was Fractal for live and studio playing and nothing else. I'll never go back. The units are lightweight and rugged, the sounds are consistent wherever you go, there is never a problem with volume or mic placement or anything else that comes with loud tube amps. Thanks for all your videos Tim.
Tonal difference btw AX8 and FM3?
@@Bridging_the_Political_Divide you can make a pretty good argument that there is a tonal difference, but I suppose it can be credited to better software with a newer units. I don't really know though. I think you could EQ both units really well if you know what you're doing.
@@frankmccreary9050. Good thoughts, appreciate it. 👍
Good video. When the FM9 came out I was hot for one but then I saw the waiting list. So I "settled" for a Helix floor. The Fractal's presets are better than the Helix by far. The folks at Line 6 need to take lessons on factory presets. The one thing that I use however that the Fractal doesn't have is the expression pedal. I assign mine for overall volume on everything and it keeps me from having to assign another parameter and carry another pedal which is important in short setup times. I also use a half dozen presets on everything...no need to have a different amp for every song. No doubt Fractal rules but I'm still thrilled with my Helix.
We do offer a top-quality expression pedal. Check out the EV-1 and EV-2
I use my fm3 mostly with a clean model and some verbs and delays. The effects sound amazing, and honestly buying few strymon pedals will probably cost over $1k.. if you only use a clean/ crunch and rhythm sound for each song the fm3 is plenty enough and will blow your mind. If you need more effects and foot switches the FM9 is still a great deal, too bad they are so slow filling the orders on their waitlist.
Kinda hard to be too angry at them when everyone else is suffering from the same chip shortage though.
@@mal2ksc agree, not really their fault, they are a smaller company
The crystal echos preset, is unreal, i have never heard anything that beautiful on a preset ever.
thanks Mr Tim and i always learn something new on your channel my good friend.....My number one Bass is a Music man 91 Bass guitar and my number one guitar is a ocean blue Charvel heavy metal flake ocean Blue T.Y and i am 60 Years old.......
I have a couple of amazing tube amps at home, and when I am home, they’re what I play. I travel for a living, and I pack an FM3 in my carry on bag. It’s the perfect hotel room practice unit, and I record right into my DAW with it.
We are very lucky to live in an age where we can play through such realistic simulations of all the classic real amps. It's amazing now and will only get better from here. Personally, at present, I use the Kemper. It's also awesome and keeps getting better with every software update. When I bought it, it was version 2 and we're currently on version 8. The support for this product has been beyond my expectations. I haven't tried the AxeFX, but, from what I've heard, it also sounds amazing.
Sounds great, and I LOVE how you feel everything you do, as ir shows on your face... I want one too!
Tim, all I can say is Thank You for talking to all of us as if we are in the midst of gathering our gear up for our next tour!
I got a helix and a couple QSC K-10.2's a few yrs ago as Im over 60 and got tired of lugging a Marshall around and stage volume was an issue in small clubs , my old pedal board was huge and heavy and prone to connection issues sometimes plus Im the lead vox and guitar in a rock trio and also running a L=6 Voice Live 2 . I was just to friggen busy . The Helix , with its snapshots has made my life much easier . It did take awhile to get my sets set up in it but its pretty awesome being able to actually achieve the sounds of the Amps used in the songs we cover . At my age its all about light weight . My how things have changed .
Thank you Tim, this was a real down to earth simple explanation of the Fractal 9 for the working musician or home studio hobbyist, its definitely on my list , I was at a Fractal seminar /demo a few years ago and was very impressed by the tones , but out of my budget
I own a GNX-3 and Revv 3 & 4. I was so overwhelmed by the GNX-3 that I actually only used 2 or 3 settings and then started moving away from processing and cut down to more tone centric with my Marshall with a tube screamer and REVVs 3 & 4 to push my tubes to higher distorted and clean. I wanted to have options but playing very stripped down, straight forward is the way to go. Thank you for showing this and that even very skillful professional musicians turn to people to set up rigs for them. It can be a daunting task to narrow down to a few things you want.
Right on. NOTHING like tube tone ..Modeling and effects have a place...but the older I get my ears enjoy simplicity ..clean, to break up tone and melodic lines that are not buried in gain....a cable, tube amp ,my 335 ,and strat , SMALL board /basic modulation, delay ,verb ,comp ,and a tuner ..and I'm good to play what we play....42 years of playing , I have tried so many different setups, processors now im full circle back to basics..and digging it.
I have the FX 2 plus AND I DO HAVE COOPER MASTER CLASS THAT REALLY HELPS.. I really enjoyed the show
That "chrystal echos" preset was quite impressive inspirational, thanks for the video.
I've been using my Atomic AmpliFire 12 almost exclusively for recording and touring since 2017. First-rate modeling and a simple, rugged stompbox format.
Tim, you should get a Joyo American Sound pedal to demo on your channel to use it to 'go direct' to recording as well as into a clean amp or PA system and show it's versatility of covering practically every Fender tube amp out there (that you likely have). Then work on a board of $25 mini pedals that can cover all the tones a player may need. Many of your subscribers are going to be beginner and intermediate players.
Thank you. Greatings from Poland.
By the way, I'm guessing DGT is probably the best PRS guitar. Reason of "guess" is that I've never seen it here in Tokyo/Japan.
It's always amazing to watch you play. Nicely done Tim.
The smile on Tim's face when he plays something cool is just... inspiring. Thank you, Tim, for sharing the joy with us mere mortals. LOL
Great video for all levels of guitar players, tools and options for all situations, explore and use what makes you feel most comfortable, especially in live events were you need to adapt quickly and focus without mind restrictions! Ciao, Aldo
Tim can play any style of music, what a Pro!!!
I see you're working on your right hand finger style...Good for you
Lovely tones and a very good presentation, thank you! :) The power today to mix analog with the digital domain is mind blowing and I think you haven't seen the end of it.
Tim, please an episode talking about and playing parts from One Desire. Thank you for that beautiful performance and hope we can see you go through some of it!
Great playing. Love your dynamics.
Spot on, Tim… super informative and practical. And stuuupidly beautiful playing and tones (as usual)!
Dinosaur here. I still play through my Line6 AX2 modeling amp. I just use about half dozen presets and a few I built. Playing mostly in medium stage/auditorium, the amp is always too loud for the venue, so I'm really interested in scale down capability. Oh yes, Ive searched for the old Clapton live tone from Wheels of Fire: Crossroads, Spoonful, Goodbye Cream: Im So Glad et al, but never could duplicate it unless I plugged SG into a Marshall stack and turned the volume to 10.
It's definitely past time to upgrade and I'd like to know more about this.
check out Rhett Shull's channel he's got a video about the whole tone and how he made the preset
I spent a few decades learning about guitar effects, buying, borrowing and selling (actually virtually giving away) many dozens of such and have come up with a board that works perfectly for me, is versatile and has pedals on it that are interchangeable with new, "better" ones if and when they come along.
That, plugged into an FX "Ruby" (I'm thinking of adding an FX "Dream '65), and that into a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, 3rd generation interface into my computer, listening with Sennheiser HD600 headphones for around-the-clock playing without disturbing anyone, is all I need for the foreseeable future.
I need no pre-sets, no scroll windows, no option paralysis. I just like to play guitar.
Ruby is the amp, the board is the board, my guitar(s) is/are my guitar(s). I'm happy.
Love this Channel! I get the utility factor for sure. When I was 15-20 yrs old I would of been all over this stuff.. but I've taken a philosophical 180 degree turn the last few years. I think we've become way too obsessed as players, with trying to sound like someone or something else. I love chasing tones but find it way more interesting doing that within the confines of my own gear and playing technique. Ultimately you end up sounding very unique and being more invested. If you know what your unique sound is and this can get you there without all the lugging around of gear etc. then I agree that can be a super useful tool as Rhett pointed out.
It's already a winter wonderland here in Winnipeg. Looks pretty warm in California!
as far as live, we need stage volume. the drums are loud, the monitors are usually facing back at you. I don't care how close these things sound, I'm bringing my tube amps. another thing to consider if you are playing clubs and festivals, there's the "no mans land" between the mains. that's where the people who really like your band are at. without an amp they just won't hear you correctly. a small tube amp is not that hard to transport. there's no reason for me to consider modelers. I don't record, I play for people. not buying what they're selling.
I'm on the FM9 waitlist - have been for months now. It's taken so long for Fractal/the distributor to pull my name out of the hat that I've built a Neural DSP rig in the meantime. By that I mean I bought two Yamaha HS8's that I'll use with the FM9. Galaxy brain. Anyway, the Soldano SLO100 plugin is really helping to tide me over until I get the greenlight.
Being able to have a Roland Jazz Chorus sound without hauling a 357 pound amp is pretty cool.
My rig is the best of both worlds. I use a Kemper Profiler (my choice in the computerized amp market) into the effects return of two amps. Each amp has its own corner, one gets left, one gets right - absolutely stunning sound. I use the KPA for everything - amps & effects, and have built performances, one for each of my favorite six amps, with each of the five patches in the performance increasing in amp gain and the same effects on the efferent s switches.
If anything, it’s made me love the Kemper, but also get interested and want to try/buy the real Morgan Abbey of Friedman Dirty Shirley.
I’m just a once-in-a while gigger now. I just bought a Joyo American Dream and stuck it on my little board. Worked fine for my gig Friday night, sounded as good as miced amp, and great cheap option.
Love the lessons, the wonderful use of many different amps and effects, different guitars, tips and descriptions about being a pro and showing all of us how this looks and works with other pros - but WTF! The first Fractal unit came out in 2006. Yep, more presets, more models, more IRs, even more computing power - but these things - with the right approach, EQ, knowledge have been "game changers" since then; especially using with a few selected specific old-school pieces - weird pedals, speaker boxes, power amps. I watch these videos because of all of the above, and the tweaking/using/hearing all of the quality analog stuff that most of us either can't afford (for everything) and/or couldn't physically carry or use at small gig. But using one of these as a big revelation, a game changer? Purists (don't we all lean that way), big money folks (pros or just us wannabes), people with roadies might insist it's all worth it for a huge, complicated rig. But with Fractal, and many other companies that offer the same types of units now, a player with a good ear for what they want and the willingness to dive in, can get AT LEAST 90% of the exact same sound/feel through the digital stuff. True blind straight up comparisons have "fooled" thousands of people - which is it, tubes/transistors or digital? Just think it's a little funny about this eureka moment. This isn't meant to be a rag job, or criticism, just a personal observation. Given the choice with unlimited money, roomy stages, and a dedicated assistant/roadie/tech, I'd pick the roomful of stuff, because that part is cool. Pros with mad skills (like Tim) that show up with awesome boutique analog rigs are certainly no surprise. But given reality (at least my reality), playing with a guitar, a suitcase and MAYBE a speaker box is pretty efficient and can sound almost exactly the same (almost exactly). Hoping Tim works Fractal, or whatever else, into the mix of his awesome videos. One more way that someone like Tim could really rock with. As a long-time user of the digital stuff (along with my "must keep for whatever reason" pedals etc.), glad to see Tim putting his influencer stamp of approval on using the digital stuff as a valuable tool, and for some, all that's needed. Thanks, Tim, for all of it.
So great to see Rosh and Cooper on your channel Tim!🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻
The FM9 looks like a really nice unit. It can do it all. Just add an expression pedal for volume/wah. But the problem is: it's not really all that "affordable" at $1,600. But if you add up all the amps, cabs, and pedals it emulates... then you could say it is a bargain. I wouldn't mind getting one in the near future. For now... you gotta get on the waiting-list.
Yes you are talking about this in a very balanced way….Much appreciated
I’ve seen plenty of FM3 on the used market since the FM9 came out. I just got one in great condition for 900$cad (around 700$us), it’s quite a good price considering it sounds almost the same.
I have the FM9 and AxeFX3 Mk II Turbo. Great units! 200+ amps, so tons of choices, most of which I have never encountered IRL. Love the Dumble HRM and the Trainwrecks. Can't afford to even drive through those neighborhoods where people who can afford those live, so Fractal delivers the impossible in a box....
If you were to keep only one, which one would it be and why? Thanks for any insight you might share.
@@johnnyh64 I use the two together....
Recently ventured into the Fractal world with an FM3. What a game changer! But even though it has amazing delays built in, when tracking I like to record dry for obvious mixing reasons and choices later etc. You have recommended the Echoboy on another vid. Just bought it this weekend (in Logic). Wow! What a great plugin! My new favourite thing to muck around with! Really liking Dirt Echo and the Revox. Very cool, thanks for the recommendation!
Tim- an unrelated shout-out. I was introducing a friend to "Soul Driver" from Springsteen's Human Touch album. I recognized your name in the liner notes from seeing you on Beato's channel a few times. After looking over your resume, I had no idea how much of your work I already had in my library. Wow!! =D
Love my Dirty Shirley, Carvin Legacy and my Fenders but I have to say I Love my FM3, even more than my Axe FX II
With your talent and the ears that feel it, what I see is missing, you and Acoustic.
Look forward to that. Happy Thanks Giving. Don
Regarding presets... There is a thing with a lot of gear where people will say, "the presets aren't great, but you can get it to do what you want". I remember reading an article that hit me in the right way years ago. Roger Nichols talked about how basically if manufacturers can't get their gear to sound great, toss them aside and find one that does. It made me think of gear that automatically clicked for me, where presets immediately were beautiful AND usable. So much easier and quicker to get to work. It became something that I've had in my process ever since.
i agree completely. after years of playing modeling amps, I have gone back to combo amps. I realized that the problem with modeling isn't that digital can't do what a tube does, but it frankly is too flexible because there is too much tweakability. you can dupe yourself into thinking it makes an audible difference when it doesn't. coupled with the ear fatigue that comes with spending hours at a time engaged in detailed cork sniffing, and you can end up wasting too much time doing stuff that sounds terrible. That's often why factory presets suck and custom presets don't sound much better.There are other problems but, frankly, that is the problem that makes it not worth it to me. Either you pay for a bunch of functionality you don't need that wastes your time, or you pay for a bunch of functionality that you don't use. Either way, the simplicity and limitations of a well maintained combo amp is the thing that I have come to prefer while finding the idea of trying to be as satisfied with a model just exhausting to even contemplate.
@@JasonQuackenbushonGoogle Me too.
Strymon Iridium is a solution. Simple, sounds great and you won’t end up down a rabbit hole with endless tweaking.
The Fractal presets do sound excellent, they really do
What a great and helpful video. Tim interviewed the absolute right people to explain the reality of using a Fractal…
The best thing about this chanel is how happy old mate is after doing a cool riff. Love it 💯🔥💜
dear tim...dont even know ya...but im always bragging on ya ...saying to people they would not believe all the songs u played and ur amazing guitar ability...ive just using native instruments guiar rig 6...its got really sweet stuff...pete thorn did a vid on it...i would like to see u and joe satriani get together...that would be an epic video...!!
My only gig is the local club has an open mic night every Thursday and you have 15 to 20 minutes to do your thing. Some karaoke, some just sing, some do a stand up comedy routine, whatever. As long as it’s entertaining, the owner doesn’t care. So I have 3 backing tracks on a looper pedal that I play over with my guitar. Each week I do 3 new songs. My “rig” is the Thomas Blug Amp 1 with a Helix into a 1x12 Boogie cab. The Boss Looper is going into the PA. And as simple as that gig is, you could scale that up to any venue and be golden. And it sounds great. The cab is on casters and I can use that as a transporter for everything including the guitar. Roll in, power, a few xlr and cables and that’s it. So easy
Awesome talk, meanwhile I am still stuck in the 80's, using my Digitech 2120 Artist Valve Guitar tube preamp/processor rack..lol
..but who doesnt think the 80's - 90's had the best times for rock guitar tones??
I have an ADA MP-1 and MP-2 sitting in a rack at home. The MP-1 still has some serious mojo.
@@jameslane9537 those are sick! Truly get some vintage rock mojo from them.
Hang on to them. On Reverb they are floating around the $800 range
@@Caged63Man I just need to get a good power amp to pair it with. I have a vintage B200, but one channel is dead.
The funny part is, I got the MP-1 as a "throw in" on a trade. I traded a Les Paul for a Marshall combo and the guy at my store said he could give a little more, so I got the MP-1 in the deal, as well. I still regret trading the Les Paul, and the Marshall was ditched in favor of my AX8, but at least I have still have the MP-1.