Axe FX 3

guitarfishbay · February 2018

It sounds like a typical ‘Axe FX’ tone to me. You can make them very tight and hard edged sounding if you want to, or get a thicker fatter vibe if you prefer... actually before I got my Axe FX 2 I thought it only really did that super tight modern kind of sound but that’s just how people were dialling it in.

There are 250+ models so it’s a bit hard to judge from a single clip too.

DefaultM · February 2018

If I went by clips I'd never have bought an axe fx ii. The majority are tones that make my teeth itch. The tone in that last video is particularly horrible, but I'm sure it's been posted on the Fractal forum and everyone will be going mad over it.

TeleMaster · June 2021

This thread should be revived. I've got one @FarleyUK has one, all you guys have one, Cyngus is out. How you guys finding it?

FarleyUK · June 2021

Really liking mine. Took a while to get a live sound I’m happy with, but I’m about 80% there now.

The power of this thing is amazing. Kind of overwhelming, but everything sounds great. The FC12 is amazing as well - so much functionality!

TeleMaster · June 2021

@FarleyUK Do you find the front panel soft buttons to be a bit sticky at all?

I've been messing around with the global amp stuff. It's so powerful. I've got 30 song presets with the same amp block that can be tweaked in one go. So cool.

FarleyUK · June 2021

TeleMaster said:

@FarleyUK Do you find the front panel soft buttons to be a bit sticky at all?

I've been messing around with the global amp stuff. It's so powerful. I've got 30 song presets with the same amp block that can be tweaked in one go. So cool.

Seems to be ok for me, although I mostly use Axe Edit.

Also, tried using Fracpad - what a load of rubbish. Very buggy, slow and very expensive. Wouldn’t bother wasting your time with it if you were thinking about getting it.

Agree about the global blocks - very useful! I’ve got the input gate, lead delay (multiplex) and PEQ on global blocks. Only created a couple of presets so far, but it’s very handy.

octatonic · June 2021

It is still my main guitar processor/modeller.
Haven't come close to exhausting the power of the AFX3, where the 2 was exhausted quite quickly.

I have only 4 presets- scenes work so well that I don't really need more than that.

TeleMaster · June 2021

I've got Fracpad. I used it with my FM3 and I've found its okay. For quick, remote adjustments it's really useful if you have an ipad on a stand. I use it eith this Yamaha Bluetooth MIDI thing.

FarleyUK · June 2021

TeleMaster said:

I've got Fracpad. I used it with my FM3 and I've found its okay. For quick, remote adjustments it's really useful if you have an ipad on a stand. I use it eith this Yamaha Bluetooth MIDI thing.

I find it a buggy mess. Only opens half the time, seems the names of the presets don’t match up, and various other issues.

TeleMaster · June 2021

FarleyUK said:

TeleMaster said:

I've got Fracpad. I used it with my FM3 and I've found its okay. For quick, remote adjustments it's really useful if you have an ipad on a stand. I use it eith this Yamaha Bluetooth MIDI thing.

I find it a buggy mess. Only opens half the time, seems the names of the presets don’t match up, and various other issues.

Hmm I've not had that experience. I think it's not the easiest to navigate but now I'm used to it I just connect to the ipad and set it aside. If I want to change anything I can do it via that. None of those issues with me mate.

FarleyUK · June 2021

Had the first band rehearsal using in ears and the AFX3 last night - sounded great, and pretty easy to use. I was just using the FC12 layout from the AustinBuddy packs, but I think I'll tweak them; not keen on having to tap dance between layouts to change scenes and FX.

However, FracPad.... yet again, would not load for me. Constant crashes when I try to connect. The creator of it is proving pretty 'sassy' in his responses to my requests for help as well. The good news is that I had to quickly learn how to use the front panel controls, which is fairly straightforward once you're used to where everything is.

TeleMaster · June 2021

I'm using mine with the effects on the top row, and bottom row with scenes. How have you got yours setup?

How are you connecting Fracpad?

I can now use the front panel but it's definitely fiddly. If you want to start adding scene controllers to things or add an expression pedal to a parameter it becomes a deep dive maze.

FarleyUK · June 2021

TeleMaster said:

I'm using mine with the effects on the top row, and bottom row with scenes. How have you got yours setup?

How are you connecting Fracpad?

I can now use the front panel but it's definitely fiddly. If you want to start adding scene controllers to things or add an expression pedal to a parameter it becomes a deep dive maze.

That's true, but it's nowhere near as bad as the old AX8 days!

The default layouts I've got are Presets on 1, scenes on 2, FX1 on 3, FX 2 on 4, amp controllers on 5 etc. I'll be adjusting it to the same as you though - just makes more sense. So much functionality on the FC12 though, it's amazing.

I've tried using both a USB cable and the BT-MD01 Yamaha dongle. It worked for a week, and now is back to crapping out for no reason.

FarleyUK · June 2021

I've been thinking of getting a 'backup' rig, just in case - and I think it makes most sense to get an FM3. Just means I can have the exact same patches on both units, and don't have to 're-learn' anything. Plus, it's portability means I can just carry it around with me and take it to the spare room to jam and practice with, instead of disconnecting everything in the rack case with the AFX3, haul it into the house etc.

Now I just need to wait for G66 to get stock....!

TeleMaster · June 2021

Or get one used? G66 will honour the warranty.

Just be aware that there's no dual amps, the signal path is shorter and you can't drop the presets into the FM3 from the Axe.

FarleyUK · June 2021

TeleMaster said:

Or get one used? G66 will honour the warranty.

Just be aware that there's no dual amps, the signal path is shorter and you can't drop the presets into the FM3 from the Axe.

Yep, just about to ask in the classifieds

And not a problem - I never use dual amps or a complex chain. Good to know though.

TeleMaster · June 2021

And no global blocks. Eek!

Roland · August 2021

Thread revival because I’ve got an AxeFX III and FC12 inbound from G66. What’s the advice on upgrading from an AxeFX II and MFC?

Live I use 5 patches, each with 5 scenes: Clean, Edge, Crunch, Lead, and Acoustic. My first priority would be to create direct replacements for these. I know that I could reduce the number of patches, but that’s not important.

What have you learned on your Fractal journey? What would you do differently if you were starting again?

TeleMaster · August 2021

I’d have got the 3 straight away and not the FM3. But the FM3 is still amazing.

Not that relevant to you probably

paulmapp8306 · August 2021

Roland said:

Thread revival because I’ve got an AxeFX III and FC12 inbound from G66. What’s the advice on upgrading from an AxeFX II and MFC?

Live I use 5 patches, each with 5 scenes: Clean, Edge, Crunch, Lead, and Acoustic. My first priority would be to create direct replacements for these. I know that I could reduce the number of patches, but that’s not important.

What have you learned on your Fractal journey? What would you do differently if you were starting again?

well chat SUNDAY

However, id suggest 1 pre-set with clean, edge, crunch and lead (as you have 4 channels of pretty much everything) , then have different presets for different flavours of that range - rather than 5 scenes of clean on one preset and 5 of crunch on another (for instance). Does depend how you want your FX to switch as to if you use scenes or channels to achieve that.

Acoustic will need its own pre-set of course.

octatonic · August 2021

Roland said:

Thread revival because I’ve got an AxeFX III and FC12 inbound from G66. What’s the advice on upgrading from an AxeFX II and MFC?

Live I use 5 patches, each with 5 scenes: Clean, Edge, Crunch, Lead, and Acoustic. My first priority would be to create direct replacements for these. I know that I could reduce the number of patches, but that’s not important.

What have you learned on your Fractal journey? What would you do differently if you were starting again?

This is pretty much how I would do it.

Use scenes to give you the sounds for most situations.
The main thing is to develop a methodology that you carry through to all your patches.

The FC12 is massive.
I would suggest the FC6 for most people.

DavusPG · August 2021

Given your experience with the AxeFx2 I would think the transition would be pretty straightforward, but my advice would be to focus on nailing 1 preset and then use that as the basis for the other 4.

In terms of the FC12 I don't think it's that massive - I've not measured, but it looks to me like it's the same size as my bandmate's Helix, the only difference is my expression pedals are separate units. I started with the FC6 but sold it (to @TeleMaster) as I wanted to make use of having everything at my feet with minimum presses of footswitches. Layouts on the FC are a hugely powerful tool and fully customisable, I would recommend familiarising yourself with those as they open up a limitless number of options.

I have a kitchen sink preset with scenes for clean, edge, crunch, boosted crunch, and lead tones, but also have switches for drive, amp boost, +/- 2db and usually a few effects. I then have a footswitch that takes me to the effects layout where I have access to all effects in the preset. The 3 is so powerful that you can comfortably have a preset with drive, pitch, phaser, flanger, chorus, rotary, a couple of delays, plex verb, couple of reverbs and anything else you can think of. It's rare that I do, but it's nice to know that a phaser pedal is only a tap away should I feel the urge to get my EVH on. That preset is my go to and the basis for most new ones. I have variations of it for certain songs where I want some scenes different volumes, levels of gain etc but I can get through the lion's share of our set with that main preset.

As @octatonic said a consistent methodology really helps. I also find that making a just few tweaks at a time and trying those at a rehearsal or two is more helpful than changing a tonne of stuff at once.

Roland · August 2021

DavusPG said:

As @octatonic said a consistent methodology really helps. I also find that making a just few tweaks at a time and trying those at a rehearsal or two is more helpful than changing a tonne of stuff at once.

I agree. Consistency is key, and it’s important to check changes at volume. My three main patches all use the same layout. Only the amp types change. The other two patches are copies with effect changes which I just can’t fit into the main three patches. Hitting CPU limits is the main reason for upgrading. I’m expecting to build one patch, using a similar layout to what I already have, and then produce copies with different amp types.

octatonic said:

The FC12 is massive.
I would suggest the FC6 for most people.

That was a conscious choice. I want everything available at the touch of one button. No double or combination tapping whilst playing. No patch hunting if the singer changes the set list on the fly. Twelve buttons gives me five patches, five scenes, tuner/mute, and tap tempo. I suspect that I’ll end up changing this, but that’s what I’ll start with.

One of the reasons I want it simple is that I also control our lights. To avoid tap dancing I’ve programmed my MFC to send midi messages. I’m hoping the use Midi blocks to do this in future, once I’ve sorted out how to send midi tempo messages.

paulmapp8306 · August 2021

Roland said:

DavusPG said:

As @octatonic said a consistent methodology really helps. I also find that making a just few tweaks at a time and trying those at a rehearsal or two is more helpful than changing a tonne of stuff at once.

My three main patches all use the same layout. Only the amp types change. The other two patches are copies with effect changes which I just can’t fit into the main three patches. Hitting CPU limits is the main reason for upgrading. I’m expecting to build one patch, using a similar layout to what I already have, and then produce copies with different amp types.

you can do all that in one patch... 4 channels give you the amp/cab changes and scenes select FX combinations. Its immensely powerful in this way.

I used to run 15 patches on the AFX 2... a bank of 5 would run clean through to high gain - and 3 banks offered different flavour. With the AFX3 and FC12 I can do each bank in a single patch.

FarleyUK · August 2021

paulmapp8306 said:

Roland said:

DavusPG said:

As @octatonic said a consistent methodology really helps. I also find that making a just few tweaks at a time and trying those at a rehearsal or two is more helpful than changing a tonne of stuff at once.

My three main patches all use the same layout. Only the amp types change. The other two patches are copies with effect changes which I just can’t fit into the main three patches. Hitting CPU limits is the main reason for upgrading. I’m expecting to build one patch, using a similar layout to what I already have, and then produce copies with different amp types.

you can do all that in one patch... 4 channels give you the amp/cab changes and scenes select FX combinations. Its immensely powerful in this way.

I used to run 15 patches on the AFX 2... a bank of 5 would run clean through to high gain - and 3 banks offered different flavour. With the AFX3 and FC12 I can do each bank in a single patch.

Just remember there's a VERY slight delay when changing channels in the amp block.

paulmapp8306 · August 2021

not enough for me to notice. I am changing amp, cab and drive block channels all from a single button - and its fine.

FarleyUK · August 2021

paulmapp8306 said:

not enough for me to notice. I am changing amp, cab and drive block channels all from a single button - and its fine.

Yeah, it's very very small - especially compared to other modellers - but just wanted to point out it's there.

Roland · August 2021

The delay does irritate me because I sometimes have to switch very quickly from rhythm to lead. I have several solutions to this delay:
1. Use two amp blocks, one rhythm and one lead. I used to do this on the II, but had to discontinue when I ran out of CPU cycles.
2. Use scene controllers to change amp settings. This is OK when the amp type stays the same.
3. Put up with it. On some songs there is a gap of one or two beats between the rhythm and lead parts.

At the end of a solo I’m looking forward to having the capacity to run two delays, one on the rhythm and t’other on lead, and let the lead delay continue ringing out when I switch back to rhythm. Currently I tend to hang onto the final note of a solo, and am late back into the rhythm part. Having a dedicated lead delay will allow me to move my hand a bit earlier and still have the lead sound still ringing as I restart playing rhythm.

Roland · August 2021

Just watching Marco Fanton, I’m wondering about toggling some of the scene buttons so that I can go in and out of a solo using the same button, or maybe get a little more volume for those times where the band has got too loud.

WiresDreamDisasters · August 2021

I'm gonna crack on with my Quad Cortex for now. But I suspect by the end of the year, I will order an Axe3 and a FC6, possibly 12.

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