Guitar Amp vs Modeler - Can You Tell The Difference

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 พ.ย. 2022
  • In today's video, I'm trying to find out if we can hear the difference between a real amplifier and an amp modeler. For this experiment, I'm using an AXE FX 3 and a Matchless Independence 35 Valve guitar amplifier.
    The Studio Rats are core band members Paul Drew on guitar/production/mixing, drummer James Ivey and Dan Hawkins on bass. They collaborate with singers and musicians to produce radio-ready songs.
    #matchlessamplifiers #axefx #axefx3
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ความคิดเห็น • 361

  • @HumanThoughtExpression
    @HumanThoughtExpression 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    I thought the AXE FX 3 sounded markedly better in every example but was expecting it to be the amp, amazing!

  • @soundstorm9508
    @soundstorm9508 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Wow. I was dead wrong. Thought for sure the Matchless was source 1 because of how harmonically rich and responsive it was. I thought to myself, if ever a day comes that modelers sound that good, I'm selling all my amps. Well I have an FM-9 on order!

    • @JDStone20
      @JDStone20 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      same here, I thought the exact same thing.

    • @jongonzalez6917
      @jongonzalez6917 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Mine just came in. Excited to try.

    • @GuitarsAndSynths
      @GuitarsAndSynths 23 วันที่ผ่านมา

      I plan to get one after my HX stomp dies.

    • @EJH-jn6mo
      @EJH-jn6mo 19 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      The difference is when you are playing in the room. You will hear and feel the difference.

    • @soundstorm9508
      @soundstorm9508 18 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@EJH-jn6mo I agree. In the room and on stage, tubes are still king. But when recording, it's gotten really hard to tell the difference.

  • @CliveBarnesMusic
    @CliveBarnesMusic ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I own an Axe Fx 3 and an FM9. I recently sold all my amps, two Mesa Boogie Roadsters, a Mesa Stiletto Ace, a Mesa Express 5:50 head with Mesa 2x12 cab, a Mesa Tremoverb, a Victory V40 Deluxe , a Victory Sheriff 44 and a Fender Princeton.
    I used the funds of the sales to buy more guitars.
    The Axe Fx units are unmatched. Tonally they're just perfect. Live, they're flawless. As a creative tool, Fractal, even in the world of modelling, is unbeatable. You're only limited by the ceiling of your own imagination.
    My first Fractal was the AX8 which I toured since 2018. All the time playing certain shows with amps, other shows with the Fractal. Eventually the Fractal completely won out.
    I still adore amps, but for me, the Axe Fx wins out.
    Thanks for a great video.

  • @PhilWilliams3
    @PhilWilliams3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video, thank you for taking the time to create and publish.

  • @fbettr2627
    @fbettr2627 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    I also prefer the sound of performance no.1 (and I was convinced based on my ear that no.1 was the Matchless tube amp). Thank you for this A/B comparison. Subscribed to your channel based on this video.

  • @paulpeters9602
    @paulpeters9602 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Cant wait for the video comparing the axe fx to the gx100! I dont have a lot of money, so I'm probably gonna get the gx100. Your videos about it are such a blessing and they're really helping me already, so thanks for that Paul!

  • @DBroce
    @DBroce ปีที่แล้ว +19

    I felt the Matchless still pulled some midrange tones that the Ax didn’t in your example. Still is very cool because of the ease of taking that out live. Living in Texas affords me to play outside a lot and most places we play have never heard of “quiet stages”. Praise Jesse.

    • @ksharpe10
      @ksharpe10 ปีที่แล้ว

      And one can tweak that midrange on the Capture to match it too, if one had the desire to. I liked both examples actually, had to crank it louder to hear the amp. differences. This Neural Tech. is astonishing, digital going into a stage 3 or generation 3. stage 1, the original stuff, Pods/Vox tonelabs, stage 2 kemper, and now generation 3 using Neural Capture.

  • @garywaddell6309
    @garywaddell6309 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great video Paul. As much as I was totally wrong about Choice 1 being the Matchless, I think you are bang-on when you mention the inconvenience of lugging an amp around, micing etc etc. I bought a new Marshall combo over the past year but I think my money would have been better invested in the Axe FX; I'll settle with my GX 100 for now since you proved it's also a great unit. I'd love to see anything more you have to show on the GX 100. Thanks for taking the time to do this video Paul!

  • @troydownwardmusic
    @troydownwardmusic 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This is a great video. Well done!

  • @mingury
    @mingury ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I vastly preferred no.1 to no.2. Very happy with my FM3 now. thanks for the comparison video.

  • @less2worryabout
    @less2worryabout ปีที่แล้ว

    i learned alot just from your first riffs thanks so much subbed

  • @lukelarrea7605
    @lukelarrea7605 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Great video! As a Fractal user, and I mainly use the Matchless models, I could pick the 1 and 2; it's not a perfect replica as you say, but it sounds awesome, so great. And the AXE FX is 1000% more practical than amps and a pedalboard in every way. I was so impressed with the Boss unit, that was a real suprise. Massive value for money.

  • @sam80pr
    @sam80pr 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Wow, thanks for the video. I was sure that source one was the matchless! What a nice surprise. The Fractal folks seem to have done something very special. I wish they had native plugins for daw too.

  • @stevengrimes8737
    @stevengrimes8737 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I love your reviews and comparison videos. i quite often use them to compare and contrast sounds in my modeler when I'm trying to dial them in.Thank you for that! So, I got my tele out and grabbed my Matchless setting in my modeler and proceeded to play along with you to hear the differences between all three. At first i wasn't sure which was which, because mine had subtle differences in verbs and delays. Mine sounded more like example 2. The individual notes had the same body to them and the same darker transients in the high end. When i heard the GX-100, i pretty much knew for sure example 1 was the Axe FX. The upper end of the GX was closer to the Axe, those transients seem to be a common thing between most modelers. What am i using? The far too often kicked to the curb Headrush pedalboard. I must have it dialed in fairly well, and in a large part, thanks to you Paul. You always have great tones to listen to.

  • @woodeye0
    @woodeye0 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I preferred number one. I thought it was the Matchless. Awesome.

    • @NickWaine
      @NickWaine ปีที่แล้ว

      Ditto

    • @riheg
      @riheg ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah, I thought so too. Wow never thought I would prefer a modeler just based on the sound😮

    • @livem18
      @livem18 ปีที่แล้ว

      Bullshit with some of these people that say " i could hear the harmonics better on source 2" or the midrange, yea my ass. Im with u guys , the axe fx sounded superior and im not a fan of the axe fx. One of the most famous bands that use it is metallica and their sound live just sucks, to me personally at least. I dont know maybe its just the way they dial their tone. But anyways great video

  • @mendelrocks
    @mendelrocks ปีที่แล้ว

    Cheers, Excellent video & both excellent tones! Source #1 was generally the brighter than source #2, except in the first playing example. Looking forward to the upcoming AXE (hovering) over the Boss.

  • @socrateselguitarrista
    @socrateselguitarrista ปีที่แล้ว

    what a beautiful chords man!!! really nice!

  • @mjr5426
    @mjr5426 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Hi Paul, great video. For what’s it worth my ears guessed right on an iPhone. But what really confirmed it was watching your face and body language. You smiled way more playing the amp and generally looked to enjoy playing it more and played more carefully and dynamically on the amp. And hit the axe harder and less carefully. I own a HC30 and a quad cortex and love both for what they are and reckon the axe/modeller sounds better in studio or mix, but the feel and enjoyment that comes from playing an amp, especially a matchless, is well, matchless!

    • @GuitarsAndSynths
      @GuitarsAndSynths 23 วันที่ผ่านมา

      tube amp in room feeling the amp wins but for recording and travel the Axe FX is the way to go as well as less maintenance issues.

  • @robert_starling
    @robert_starling 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great show! I love how you always keep your videos short and to the point. You said: "the way I can connect up my IEMs to the AxeFX just makes it a no brainer". Are you referring to simply coming out of the headphone jack in the back or some other configuration sir? I just got an FM9 this week and have not configured my EIMs for my home studio yet.

  • @PaulLembo
    @PaulLembo ปีที่แล้ว +4

    The few small differences come down to small changes in settings, not a fundamental tone difference, where the Axe and Match sound so alike it’s uncanny.
    Amazing the tools we have in 2022😀

  • @dan82dare
    @dan82dare ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I preferred source 1 but I could hear some additional harmonics and compression which led me to predict that source 2 was the amp plus the hum was more convincing but was a very interesting comparison. Defo would like to hear a comparison between the axe fx and boss as it sounded really good 👍🏻

  • @SdruhCram
    @SdruhCram ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Yay! I managed to guess correctly, although in my case, having owned an Independence, Avalon and HC30, I’ve been fortunate to spend a lot of time with Matchless amps. I am currently getting my head around the recently acquired FM9 Turbo and despite being a skeptic (I fully believed I’d get it, plug it in, play around with it and then box it up and send it back), I’ve been blown away with the quality of the tones. The patches are useable straight out of the box. The Bogner Ecstasy patch was a litmus test for me. The chewiness I associate with the Bogner blue channel was there and instantly sounded familiar.

  • @brandonfeils6883
    @brandonfeils6883 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Glad to know I preferred the axe fx3 as I’m waiting on one to arrive in the next few days. Getting exciting!

  • @robertj1303
    @robertj1303 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    A year old, I preferred one every time and therefore the Axe as it was more open. Great video Paul I continue to watch you as I am up for eithre a Marshall studio JTM or Boss Katana artist II. I do have an Axe Fx III and sold most of my pedals which paid for it. I do studio mainly and I use the J45 a lot as I like that sound compared to a Vox. I am also playing with Mooer and Nux to see if they can be similar as sometimes I get really close with the Prime P1 and Mighty air. The Axe to me if people used would put TPS out of business as Mick is anti modellers. I love that you are open and actually show comparisons I shall continue to support you

  • @kylecravens6501
    @kylecravens6501 ปีที่แล้ว

    Yes would love to see Axe FX and Boss GX-1000 comparison video!

  • @stevegough9798
    @stevegough9798 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love your vids Paul. I've used modellers with Atomic CLR behind me. Playing live is the main problem, dialing them into the room at a gig is close to impossible. A great demo for you to demonstrate is to plug your Matchless amp and cab with the same settings you had at previous gig and TURN the amp to low low volumes (dont touch the eq)
    I've done this with my Friedman Smallbox 50 that proves to me real amps win playing live because of the dealing in quick process. Most amp guys fiddle with the eq before every gig try doing that with the Axe FX. Why don't more people bring up this dilemma ?? Super playing great vids love your stuff. Love to hear your thoughts.

  • @Tone-Quest
    @Tone-Quest ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Great video !!!
    They both sounded good but I thought sample 1 always sounded a little better.
    I would super appreciate a comparison between the Axe-FX III and the Boss GX-100.

    • @ksharpe10
      @ksharpe10 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I thought that was the amp. So fooled me. LOL.

  • @markblagdon
    @markblagdon ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for doing this . Loved the sound of 1 on all clips - so glad it was axefX (as I have one) - perhaps Im more used to the sound. It sits in the space better in headphones - though that might be the reverb and cab block room settings. Did you send the Matchless through the axefx for reverb? Would you post the preset?

  • @floswallow4828
    @floswallow4828 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hello everyone. I have been working as a guitar technician for a long time. And first of all, I love analog amps and effects. But I think devices like the kemper or the Axe-FX are simply more reliable and above all, less susceptible to local problems such as electricity and weather. A wet speaker just sounds different and if tube amps that don't get enough power they just sound like sh.. and what we all want is always the same sound. So it was a real relief for me as a technician to have the same sound ready every day and almost every sound engineer was happier with the signal.
    The difference I perceive for myself is the sound behavior of the low end. Tubes give the bass more punch and warmth. Here it helps to send the DI output of the AXE-FX or Kemper or any other digital amp through a tube DI or preamp again. It gave the sound a rounder and warmer overall ton and a little less digital on certain sounds.
    But in the end there isn't an amp for everyone and there are professionals and amateur musicians and everyone needs the right tool for their area and the ideas of how an amp should sound are also very different. Therefore everyone should play the amp he wants. None of us invented playing the guitar ;)
    Best greats from Germany BRS

  • @botisi
    @botisi ปีที่แล้ว

    When somebody says “To tell the difference” that statement is aimed for the listener… as to “To feel the difference” is for the player; and its a completely different ballgame…
    Great playing and video!

  • @magicruss1173
    @magicruss1173 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I actually preferred #2 for the clarity and the chime. I don't think I would have been able to tell the difference in a live room with a drummer and bass player though.
    I'd also like to hear a comparison between Boss and AXE.

    • @sircharles7323
      @sircharles7323 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I think the clarity and chime of the am (2) is the thing, that also helps to give the guitarist the transparency of his tone within the band, so you will hear him better.

  • @justinTime077
    @justinTime077 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you Pole!

  • @lawsiesteve1649
    @lawsiesteve1649 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have tried both at Gigs. I spent 12 Months with an Axe FX and currently use a Friedman Twin Sister. The axe fx was great but it doesn't sound like a real amp. Its 90% of the way there. The Friedman comes alive at certain volume levels that I just couldn't get from the Axe FX. Nothing wrong with the Axe-FX. I think there is a real difference between playing at the volumes you regularly hear on TH-cam and the volume levels that are used at a gig. Playing both in a live mix is where the Amp really shone through. Thanks for the video:)

    • @GuitarsAndSynths
      @GuitarsAndSynths 23 วันที่ผ่านมา

      how do they both sit in a mix? That is real test at least for recording purposes. Miking amps is a pain and maintenance of tubes as well as space required.

  • @wretch1
    @wretch1 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Wow! I was convinced that the first one was the amp. I'm very impressed

  • @JagStar
    @JagStar ปีที่แล้ว

    WOW! I loved source one and am super surprised it was the AxeFX!
    Your recent videos on the IK Tonex have sold me on that unit!
    Thanks for your great videos!

    • @ksharpe10
      @ksharpe10 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Myself I am keeping an Eye on how this Tonex goes, I suspect that they may come up with a PRO model pedal, since so many are gripeing that it does not have fx loop, and stereo capabilites, among a couple others, also watching what capabilities or compatibilities with the software between amplitube 5 and Tonex. You could sure tell when the release of the tonex pedal was by how many reviews there have been.

    • @JagStar
      @JagStar ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@ksharpe10 I don’t mind that there isn’t an effects loop or stereo (I believe the reverbs are stereo). I kind of think of it like my real amps. When I use my real amps, I always use them with my Captor X and run the amp/Captor combo either in a loop on the HX Effects or put a stereo delay/reverb and modulation after the amp and use the HX in front. I don’t mind doing post effects after the “cab” and I also have the option to put my Cab M after the post effects. For me, it’s never been a problem in terms of tones.

    • @ksharpe10
      @ksharpe10 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@JagStar The tech. is just astonishingly Good.

    • @JagStar
      @JagStar ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@ksharpe10 Mine arrived last Friday but I haven’t had time to open it up yet. Hoping to get to it in the next day or so. I’ve been playing with the free version of the ToneX software and can honestly say I am super excited for the hardware. The plug-in sounds and feels so authentic. Can’t wait to profile my amps.

    • @ksharpe10
      @ksharpe10 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@JagStar Supposedly the term Profile is a Kemper patent term. Most guys are using Capture, when the Tonex Capture is being processed you can turn the sound on, and hear it being processed, and later in the process it sounds like a person playing the guitar thru it, this Neural stuff is really amazing. It is why the Tonex is more advanced than a Kemper, I think in a year or so you might not even be able to give away a kemper, they should have updated their stuff, now they will have to play catchup to be competitive again. They had 10 plus years, so they had a good run.

  • @monicasmith7050
    @monicasmith7050 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    That first riff example Blew My Mind…

  • @Samueldonovan2007
    @Samueldonovan2007 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I love when people do these videos. I used to be a purist and once the fractal stuff started getting REALLY good i stopped being able to tell…and when they somehow managed to make it FEEL like a tube amp, well the battle was won (for my needs of course haha). I just upgraded from Axe8 to FM9. Can’t wait to use it live in my u2 tribute.

  • @aguitarhero007
    @aguitarhero007 ปีที่แล้ว

    You make me so proud to be a Fractal user!

  • @domrh1
    @domrh1 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow. Done me there. I preferred fx.I have a lightning reverb so, a bit surprised.
    All the best

  • @CiaoGibson
    @CiaoGibson ปีที่แล้ว

    Wonderful review. Thx. IMO it is difficult to compare audio wise only. Based in my experience I find it more practical to try them and also weigh in the responsiveness and dynamics while playing. Audio wise….they both sound wonderful but to me sure I would rather play the guitar and then see If i feel a difference.

  • @johnbach2380
    @johnbach2380 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have quite a bit of tube amps including soldanos and a fender twin. Used to have fun running them through my boss tae and recording tones.
    The fractal is just so good and a breeze to get sounds in terms of the simplest tones to the most complex. And the feel difference to me was kinda negligible. My tube amps are kind of there to look pretty in my studio these days. But to each their own.
    The axe fx iii sounds fantastic in this video.

  • @r.c.262
    @r.c.262 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Paul,
    first of all: I love to listen to you. You are a such great inspiration: I love ur playing, Ur tone. So beautiful. Thank You.
    I´m in the "modeller-theme" since the first standard, then the kemper, the II-XL now the AXE-III. - I am old. I´ve owned many Tubeamps over the years before modelers came up.
    When comparing the Axe with cheaper/other units, I think, that it is impotant to look, what an AXE III can do beside all tweaking the best "tube-like-tone":
    I dont need a mixer in a small studio. The Axe III is the perfect 8in-8out audiointerface intergrated into any DAW, with an awesome ASIO Driver, no latency,. With Axe Edit it is the most versatile gear I´ve ever owned. Its an audiointerface -superunit. From this perspective the Modeller is an Addon. UAD has unison. - In terms of Amps: nothing compares to the AxeIII. - Take a good mic, the Tube Pre from the Axe, tweak a lill with some other block. No hum, no noise, give the singer a lill reverb and compression and record the Pure signal without, right into the DAW, with a scable GUI in Axe Edit III and save every setup in a Preset, scene, block...
    Thanks for Ur work. Ruben

  • @Fabiozenarii
    @Fabiozenarii ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice video! Share with us this patch☺️

  • @Dan_XF07
    @Dan_XF07 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Paul. Your videos are incredible! I always follow the channel and learn a lot. In your opinion, although the ax fx3 sounds great, do you think the Boss gx100 delivers good drives that approach the quality of the ax fx3? I've always been curious about the Boss product as I've never owned one. And I realize that a lot of people have it. And a lot of people speak ill of the drives. They say it sounds too digital and not organic at all. But watching you play, I thought the drive was excellent! Do you think Boss has as good drives as line 6. Headrush and others in the same category?
    Cheers!

  • @Jacen13
    @Jacen13 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I got it right! I’ve just been using tube amps for far too long to not get it right & so knew example 1 was not the Matchless immediately.

  • @EhsanVahidinia
    @EhsanVahidinia ปีที่แล้ว +1

    sir, please do the comparison between fractal AXE FX3 and GX-100. I recently purchased a GX-100 and I love to learn more about it.

  • @kmjansen
    @kmjansen ปีที่แล้ว

    I feel like they're different enough that I would be able to tell a big difference if the amp was my day-to-day which I think is the measure by which we should judge modelers (of course that is only my opinion). Wow I just made it to the place where you said that you prefer the AxeFX -- I guess my assumption was dead wrong. Thanks for the content. Cheers mate.

  • @javiermp81
    @javiermp81 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I would love the comparison with the Boss GX-100. I tried one today at the store and I hated it. Not necessarily the sounds, but the user experience. I sat there for 15 minutes and couldn’t manage to modify or create a preset. But if it in fact is as amazing as you claim and if it sounds decent in comparison tot eh Axe Fx, I would give it another chance 😉.

  • @christianwalsh7082
    @christianwalsh7082 ปีที่แล้ว

    Ace! Would love to see the shootout with the boss too

  • @417altavista
    @417altavista ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I definitely want to see a comparison with Axe and Boss GX

  • @DavidSL2H
    @DavidSL2H ปีที่แล้ว

    In a post in the FA Forum the main developer of the Firmware gave some reasons also for the differences in tone, like values/quality in electronic components from one production round to another on real amps. Also I guess the whole tone chain has an impact on the final result. I love my AFX3 and while it is not cheap and still for some uses u need to spend some money for example in good monitors, the versatility that provides in unparalleled, plus it offers mind blowing effects. I honestly do not know how it can get much better tone wise.

  • @williampintor1286
    @williampintor1286 ปีที่แล้ว

    I was wrong as well, I was thinking source 1 was the amp. Nice..... Thanks for the info, making me think twice about buying a modeler. Modeler seems to be the better choice.

  • @rustyleeleonard
    @rustyleeleonard ปีที่แล้ว

    You're such a great player. I think you'd make any amp sound great.

  • @steveforwarduk
    @steveforwarduk 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    700th like. love my FM3. keep on rockin!

  • @guitarchitect66
    @guitarchitect66 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Paul, I would love to hear the GX-100 compared to the Axe-FX model. I love your playing. Keep up the great work!

  • @lorenzofortunati
    @lorenzofortunati 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Could hear the real from the first notes, listening from the speakers of a Samsung smartphone. But have to admit these modelers have made a big progress. Good content mate! Also the first riff is hot. Now the advice: is there any modeler with the same tone quality but even way more essential in features, in the $1000 range?

  • @davidmbas
    @davidmbas ปีที่แล้ว

    Please make that video, that AXE FX vs GX 100 might be the push I need to get one lol!

  • @markszolga6265
    @markszolga6265 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just recently subscribed to the channel and new to guitars, love the channel. What speakers do you hook up to your modeler, if not a dumb question?

    • @TheStudioRats
      @TheStudioRats  ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi Mark it’s going straight into my audio interface. I’m listening to the modeller through my studio monitors

  • @michaelarthurmusic307
    @michaelarthurmusic307 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have the AXE FX3 and use it 95% of the time. I mostly preferred the Matchless tone but not by much. Any chance you could post the AXE FX preset on Fractal's Axe Change?

  • @thisandthat176
    @thisandthat176 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Hey Paul. First of all, fantastic playing and super cool voicings which I have figered out and so I'm very happy having added those to my repertoire.
    And thank you for the video of course.
    I think the boss sounds fine and sounds somewhat like it should sound like. If I prepare a Burger at home and try to recreate a BigMac, you would recognise, that what I made should be the recreation of a BigMac, but you definitely know also, that it isn't the real deal. (Sorry for the analogy, not saying that the BigMac would ever be better than a home made one...)
    The fractal and the Matchless though are indistinguishable. Yet there are differences, but I wouldn't be able to tell them apart and that makes the fractal so desirable. Speaking of the price, the fractal is still a reasonably priced unit. One beautiful Tubeamp could not be bought with almost twice the money, a fractal costs. And, the fractal's tubes don't blow, the pedalboard cables don't have intermittend contacts, I can carry it without pain, if it get's stolen or rained on, that would be annoying, but not heartbreaking.
    Don't get me wrong. I love amps. The engineering, the warmth of the tubes, the hum, the smell, the feel, the way the look, the history - everything. But a fractal makes live so much easier... Unfortunately...
    By the way: I so hoped, that #1 was the Matchless, because I liked it better, but it was the fractal. That was a surprise to me...

    • @trevor4533
      @trevor4533 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Dude, same. I thought the Matchless was the first and was like "yeah, it sounds a little better" Absolute shocker lol.

  • @smellytele9629
    @smellytele9629 ปีที่แล้ว

    I think both sounded great (as did the Boss), but I preferred source 2. I'm a Fractal guy and I honestly did guess correctly on which was which. I've gone through a lot of this; comparing the real amps to the models. Truthfully, most times I prefer the Fractal models since you can tweak them to do what you want them to do. I still love my amps, as I'm sure you do as well, but the digital realm offers so much in tones and flexibility. I'm lucky to have both.

  • @cdcorry86
    @cdcorry86 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow that matchless is something special. To be completely honest on every example i could tell. However, I still bought an fm3 for its versatility.

  • @mikeallen5291
    @mikeallen5291 ปีที่แล้ว

    The Axe FX III is AMAZING! I have top dollar earphones and I noticed a lot of balance and fullness from the Axe FX, especially in the 90-120 hz area, seemed lacking in the real amp. I wonder, did you record using a direct out on the amp or did you mic a cab. Next, if the cab was mic'd could it be losses from the mic or perhaps a dead spot in driver response curve?

  • @billboyce4178
    @billboyce4178 ปีที่แล้ว

    @The Studio Rats Which amp model and cabs did you use in the Axe III?

  • @nylesforsyth7341
    @nylesforsyth7341 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Awesome video I guessed correctly and prefer the modeler

  • @fabriceregnaut3540
    @fabriceregnaut3540 ปีที่แล้ว

    I got the guess right by noticing the spike in the mids that the n°2 had , which is usual when using real amps

  • @RobvandenBoogaard
    @RobvandenBoogaard ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I was absolutely convinced that number 1 was the Matchless! The way it compresses, glassy sounds and even the hum in the quiet parts made me so sure of myself. The AxeFX is sooooo very convincing, it’s scary! Both great sounds, but I proud myself in being an audiofile, boy was I wrong on this

    • @dnast01
      @dnast01 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I was the same I loved example 1 better than 2 just sounded warmer was so surprised it wasn’t the tube amp

    • @ZekeMan62
      @ZekeMan62 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @Brett
      Yup.

    • @tanshaomala
      @tanshaomala ปีที่แล้ว

      @Brett It's easy to get caught up in the whole "exactly by what percentage does this modeler copy this sound", but at the end of the day a good sound is a good sound. It might not be 100% but that's not the point, the point is that a lot of people (Paul included, evidently) may actually prefer the sound of the modeler. Nothing wrong with that and it doesn't make the real amp any less great.

    • @ZekeMan62
      @ZekeMan62 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Brett
      It can be said that the best modelers sound pretty close to good tube amps, but the feel is never the same. The dynamics and immediacy of tube amps, the even ordered harmonics and overtones, and the magic "singing" quality of tube rectifier sag will never be perfectly mimicked in the digital realm.

    • @seanmiller7889
      @seanmiller7889 ปีที่แล้ว

      Same here. Thought source 1 filled the room better. However I'm not a professional musician not sure that matters.

  • @bruceharding4986
    @bruceharding4986 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I could tell, had no doubts. I admit the difference is tiny. But tiny differences make a big deal to how comfortable or inspired I am. I would totaly use that moderler to do a job but for my own enjoyment it would have to be the valve amp. Shame as I wanted to be fooled so I can convert to digital full time for the practicality but the tech is not there yet. I had the Boss gx100 and it was good but I could feel the latency and it annoys me. I have a Helix Stopm now and use it when I can't fit the half stack in the band van. Maybe in another 20 years they will nail it. I hope so. BTW Paul you play great and if I was at one of your gigs I would enjoy it either way.

  • @russdunton2103
    @russdunton2103 23 วันที่ผ่านมา

    I hear you.. but
    Sold all my valve amps except my favorite, added an FM9 ( for my live rig) with a powered full range wedge and keep my AxFX III in my studio. Same tone any where I go. Never been happier with my setup or sound. Fractal is the way to go. The guys in the band agree. Bass player just switched to a AX8. He loves it.

  • @cryptoking8060
    @cryptoking8060 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I boguth the FM-9 two months ago and my jaw remains planted on the floor every time I play. It is off the hook impressive for it's range of capabilities and top tier tones. Hundreds of amps and hundred of cabs allow endless combinations to personalize tone in ways totally impossible in the "real" world. 3/k is peanuts for what this thing does and allows you to do and experience. Best music gear I've purchased in my lifetime bar none.

  • @djolestefanovic
    @djolestefanovic ปีที่แล้ว

    Oh man... I was also "tricked" by the AxeFX... I thought the clarity of highs are tweaked on the AxeFX. Both sound great!!! Thanks Paul

  • @guitarswril
    @guitarswril ปีที่แล้ว

    Man if you could it would be great for you to make that comparison video between the fractal and the gx-100

  • @andrewz8605
    @andrewz8605 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Paul,
    I'm flabbergasted by finding out that I was all wrong guessing what's what ... to me the first versions of all the riffs and runs you played sounded livelier, more transparent, and punchier. I would have betted the farm on those being the real amp examples - but as it were those were the Axe Efx emulations. And I know how good your Matchless sounds...
    Andreas from Germany

  • @martyshwaartz971
    @martyshwaartz971 ปีที่แล้ว

    What this really shows: they all sound great, what interface do you want to use? Especially the boss!

  • @ianparr1533
    @ianparr1533 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I could hear the difference on earbuds and I thought 2 was the Matchless (but I wouldn't have been surprised if it had turned out to be the other way round). I've never used either unit personally, but I thought 2 had more "Voxiness" and 1 sounded stiffer.

  • @timhopkins3810
    @timhopkins3810 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Paul. Helix user here so I’m a bit biased but I think that modellers have come on leaps in the last few years and when recorded they sound just like when you would compare 2 different amps of the same make. Slightly different but hard to tell what the real amp is 👍

  • @virtuososo
    @virtuososo ปีที่แล้ว

    One more comparison I would have liked to hear: how each one cleans up with the guitar volume knob. ... I did guess correctly, even though one example almost made me go the other way. They sound very close. I am a Fractal fan, and have a II in my little studio. But I have noticed some sounds don't clean up real well, but that's almost a non-issue for the studio IMO. But live? Hmmm.

  • @gangrenebob7281
    @gangrenebob7281 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice video. Would love to see a setup for gigs and also not using ears. What would you play thru for amp in room feel on fractal in a rehearsal space with nobody using ears?

    • @TheStudioRats
      @TheStudioRats  ปีที่แล้ว

      Id just go straight into the PA, with a monitor at my feet.

  • @jeffshirkey3085
    @jeffshirkey3085 ปีที่แล้ว

    Both sound great, but it was pretty easy for me to tell which was which in the comparison.

  • @TJauernigElectronics
    @TJauernigElectronics ปีที่แล้ว

    It was all about the high frequencies for me. I was correct in my choice. I too gig with a modeler out of convenience. And, they do sound very very close

  • @mrskint55
    @mrskint55 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I would love to hear a comparison with the gx100

  • @EnvelopeFollower
    @EnvelopeFollower ปีที่แล้ว

    Any ideas for videos of controlling ace fx3 with whacky midi modulation?

  • @soundstorm9508
    @soundstorm9508 ปีที่แล้ว

    How does the modeler compare when you starting adding preamp gain or boosts within the model?

  • @craigclarke7297
    @craigclarke7297 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi, do you have a preferred solution for monítoring the FM3 in a small pub? Ie a kemper powered FRFR Cab... Putting aside the in ear monitor option.

  • @JoeM1314
    @JoeM1314 ปีที่แล้ว

    Man part of me really wanted 2 to be the axe fx but in my heart of hearts those great mids were coming from a cab speaker. It would be cool if a modeller tried to mimic the pre amp/power amp portion of the signal chain but did NOT try to mimic the speaker, and then you set it up in your own cab. I don't know if you can set it up like that but if you can would be interesting to see if that would get the two sounding closer (and frankly get the Axe sounding better). If this is already what you did, then idk it's the power of the toobs.

  • @nickjamison
    @nickjamison ปีที่แล้ว

    Caught me for sure. Which amp and IR did you use?

  • @chrisbloggs9634
    @chrisbloggs9634 ปีที่แล้ว

    I was convinced that source 2 was the modeller, and found it lacking in comparison to source 1,
    which I was sure was the amp..
    I was shocked to discover that source 1 was the modeller, as I thought it sounded
    clearly better..
    Not sure of how much was down to tweaking between the two, but the modeller is obviously excellent for recording purposes at least.
    I too would love to watch a comparison
    between the GX100 and Axe Fx 3, as I own the Boss..!
    Thanks for the videos..

  • @SidBonkers51
    @SidBonkers51 ปีที่แล้ว

    They did sound different but as for which was which its almost impossible to tell due in no small part to TH-cam's video compression. That said they both sounded great, would there be a bigger difference in the room however if both were pushed to their sweet spot, I wonder?

  • @parthmehra8630
    @parthmehra8630 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    can you please kindly reveal how you have recorded the matchless amplifier?

  • @4711shaun2
    @4711shaun2 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi Paul, did you mic the cab or use a IR for the Matchless?

  • @nobilitatus
    @nobilitatus ปีที่แล้ว

    GX-100 comparison video for sure!

  • @AverageArdvark
    @AverageArdvark ปีที่แล้ว

    the axe effects and the ndsp cortex are the only modellers that i hear that i would use instead of an amp. if only i could afford them haha.

  • @chunkydude51
    @chunkydude51 ปีที่แล้ว

    I got it right :-), I thought the AXE FX had more clarity between the strings and the Matchless compressed it more, I have no prefernce though, both sounded great.

  • @espojespo5
    @espojespo5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Fractals sound amazing. I think some of you are nuts. I love my FM9 and would not sell it until the 4 eventually comes out.

  • @fr201
    @fr201 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Do you have this Matchless model on Axe Exchange?

  • @pleasegrowabrain
    @pleasegrowabrain ปีที่แล้ว

    Playing live with the Axe FX has been an excellent experience. The MFC 101 with 3 expression pedals provides more than enough control over different presets and effects. I use a Mesa stereo tube power amp and a 4X12 Marshall cabinet wired in stereo, plus direct outs to the mixing console. I have several boutique amps (Fuchs, Cornford, Bogner, etc) but at this point haven't used any of them for a couple of years.

    • @hollandguitars7086
      @hollandguitars7086 ปีที่แล้ว

      That's what happens when you have an AxeFX🙂

  • @lastcaress83
    @lastcaress83 ปีที่แล้ว

    What firmware are you running on the Axe FX?

  • @realgearonline8279
    @realgearonline8279 ปีที่แล้ว

    Which Matchless in AXeFX are you using? Stock cab?

  • @trock536
    @trock536 ปีที่แล้ว

    For me the Matchless sounded quite muddy compared to the AxeFX (and made it easy to tell which was which), especially on the chord comparisons. However on the lead guitar one, the Matchless sounded great.

  • @gitarman666
    @gitarman666 ปีที่แล้ว

    What are the presets for each axefx3 examples you used they were impressive compared to the matchless