Axe-Fx III MKII Preamp/FX Processor

I've been a Fractal user for about 10 years. I've tried the other products and the Axe-FX really is a cut above. Previously, I built and sold tube guitar amps. The Axe-FX products cured me of that. While other companies produce good products capable of great sounds, its always been easier for me to get my sound on the Axe-FX products, even going back to the Ultra. I've bought and sold the other products multiple times in an effort to see how far they've come but nothing can replace the Axe-FX experience for me. The Axe-FX III has the extra i/o to satisfy all kinds of uses and routing requirements. Its hard to imagine just having a regular FX loop now. There is almost nothing that you can't build inside the Axe-FX III. The easiest transition from a tube amp is Axe-FX III -> poweramp -> guitar cab. That will sound and feel amazing with zero effort or adjustment. If you prefer running with cabinet sims into a full range cabinet, the Axe-FX III can build whatever configuration you want. Of course it can also do both at the same time. You can run multiple amps and cabs at the same time. The I/O options are just stunning. This is it. This is the thing you've been hoping for. My background: I play rock guitar. Plug me into a modded marshall with a couple of pedals and I'm floating. I'm retired from gigging now but previously played for money in front of small crowds up to 5,000 or so.

This is unequivocally the most incredible piece of guitar equipment I've ever owned or played through. It's forever changed how I record at home, in the studio and how I play live! It's the most powerful all in one processor for guitar on the planet, and it's tones are just incredible. I've been a Fractal Audio user since 2009 and I'll never go back to the old way of recording or lugging around equipment. The Axe-Fx III is the complete solution for any serious musician.

Here are the reasons why the III and Fractal as a company are the best choice for me. I came from the first generation Axe-Fx II, and just when I started looking for a h/w replacement, the III came out; perfect timing! My overwhelmingly positive experience with the II made the III a straightforward choice. I play in a Pearl Jam tribute that also plays other 90's grunge music when necessary. There's lots of different amp sounds and effects to cover if you want to do the music justice. Not having to drag around a big heavy tube amp and large pedal board (and the cost of all that), and the convenience and practicality of having all those different sounds organized in presets and scenes, are my main reasons for a modeler setup. Not having to compromise in sound quality is the main reason for the III. I had no issues ever with any of the Fractal gear I had. I appreciate how Fractal constantly improves the quality of their products, even after purchase, and doesn't nickel-and-dime the customers by charging for firmware upgrades. I also appreciate the company to host the blog web site, and the community support we all get on that site.

I've owned an AX8, an AXE-FX II XL and now the III. I can hear the improvements that come with added DSP: lower noise floor, more detail and nuance in the tones. I play jazz, jambient and a little blues. I run an archtop, a semi-hollow, two solid bodies with preamps, a flat-top acoustic and a nylon-string through the III. I've been able to get all of them to sound great, in all styles. Reading the manual, getting tips from the forums, trying others' presets all help, as does lots of tweaking. My small FRFR speaker is a Bose S1 Pro and the large one is a Bose L1 system. I get great definition through either one, meaning that I can clearly hear what my fingers and pick are doing with the strings - how each note is attacked and held, bent, muffled, vibratoed, etc. I can hear each voice within complex close-voiced chords. The effects are spectacular in both range and power. I use a GameChanger Plus Pedal through an outboard loop: other than that I can think of very few pedals that the AXE-FX III doesn't replicate with more options, equal or better character, and much less noise. I've been able to dispense with a separate audio interface because the III integrates so well with my Macbook Pro. My solo rig uses Ableton Live and my guitar running through the III and sounds great, with inaudible latency. I also appreciate the way that Fractal stands behind its product. I was a waitlist purchaser for both the III and the FC6. The steady stream of firmware updates for both devices has made both of them more powerful and useful. This is one life decision I will never regret making.

I will not waste many words explaining the quality of sound. It is raved about by some of the most discerning musicians in the profession. Suffice to say, the tones are accurate and indistinguishable from the "real thing." What sets this unit apart is the customer service and continuing support that comes with every purchase. Something that sounds this awesome and is this flexible is already worth the up front cost. That it keeps on getting better with regular free upgrades is incredible. A company of musicians that stays in contact with their musician customers and keeps evolving the product to suit them. So whether you need the best amps, the best effects, the best routing options, or the best service, this is your answer. It simply doesn't get better than the Fractal Audio Systems Axe FX III.

Once you understand all this device can do, listen to the sound quality and experience how much simpler and organized your “sound” will be to manage...IMHO it's the only game in town.

Highly recommended. I use for recording guitar/bass, as well as effects for vocals. The amps, IRs, and effects are top notch. Large selection of amps and cabs. Great sounds are easy to dial in. Excellent customer service and frequent firmware enhancements. Also a great community on the forums.

I purchased an Axe Fx II mkII in 2013 after deciding that my excellent sounding but very large analog rig was just too big. I gave myself 6 months to either love it and sell my old rig or sell it. The old rig has been history for almost 6 years and I have zero regrets. Along the way I upgraded to the Axe Fx II XL+ and now the Axe Fx III. Everything about the Axe Fx is well thought out, flexible and extremely usable... and the sounds of all the amp models and effects is really incredible. But, the real killer is the FEEL! You can make lots of things sound good, but the Axe Fx modeling responds to touch and dynamics like a real tube amp. On top of all that, there is an amazing Fractal Forum community, and the staff at Fractal are not only top notch, but they are very active there. Owner / Creator Cliff Chase and crew not only participate but actively take suggestions and feedback to constantly improve the system thru firmware updates that are frequent and free of charge. All in all, the Axe Fx III (and before that the II) and hands-down THE BEST gear purchase I have made in 35 years as a musician!

From build quality to sound quality, from firmware updates to stellar service, this magical black box is worth it's weight in gold....seriously.