Question for Axe-FX Users

[Si.]

I'm not liking the Matrix amp at all... I've been trying to get it to sound decent for a few days and thought I just about had it, then I plugged the Axe back into the power section my Jubilee and it blew the matrix out of the water.. the proper valve section of my Jubilee is MUCH better sounding than the Matrix, the GT800fx sounds dull and lifeless in comparison.. very disappointed.

Are there any tips for getting the Matrix to sound better? no matter what I try to do with the global EQ I can't get it to sound decent.

[clarky]

jeez...
just realised that this is a copy of the thread on the Axe forum...

for the benefit of you guys that don't go there I'll post the same answer
because it's quite interesting [well at least I thought so.. ok... maybe not.. I'll get me coat]

-----------------

you cannot create a preset for monitoring situation X and compare it to monitoring situation Y and expect everything to be ok..
and you can't do this and expect to make a good judgement call..

we did the "FRFR comparison" thing at Axe-Fest UK to find the best monitor..
with one Axe, it was obvious which monitor was 'best'
then we replaced the original Axe with mine and all the results reversed..

so to be honest, most of these CFR v CLR v RFC v 4x12 comparisons are pretty useless
because the "winner" will be determined not by the best monitor, but by the monitor that just happens to fit best with the preset being used to run the test....

you need to create presets to match your monitoring situation if you want to get the best out of it...
and this is the reason I have a set of presets tuned to my headphones [for practice purposes], and a copy of these presets tuned to my backline [GT1000FX driving a pair of 1960b cabs] - which btw are also tuned / optimised for high volume usage

so.... your presets right now are tuned to your Marshall...
make copies of them, and dial these into your Matrix...
you may find that in the amp block, you need to drive the MV a little harder, and / or use a different amount of drive [in addition to EQ changes etc]

[paulmapp8306]

Have to agree with Clarky.

The tweeks I have on the Matrix site will help get the tonality closer, BUT it was based on a VHT 2:50:2 rack power amp which will be a a lot more linear/neutral than a power section of any amp - AND it doesnt really help with the dynamics/feel aspec. EQ alone coant do that, you need to get into the dynamics tabs of the AFX.

Thers also the fact that no two solutions will efver be the same. You know that well Si as its true of amps as well. No two Marshalls will be exactly the same even if there the same model, let alone different models and different brands. you amplify (if you pardon the pun) the issues using a head to power the AXF as well, as any amp head (or combo) is designed so the pre and power sections work together to give the final result. Using half of that (the Power amp) to amplify the AFX means you giving the patches that flavour. If you then use a pwoer amp that has no flavour your going to be missing something.

Its a PITA but you really need to start apatch from scratch with a new power solution. You may also need to think what it is about the Jubile you like (both the amp and the power section) and zone in on those aspects of the patch.

I think you have a potential issue running the AFX power amp sims with the jubile as well. you effectively running a pre through two power sections. Yes at low volumes it helps because the Jubile isnt adding its cranked dynamics - but it will still be imprinting its basic characture on the amp sims from the AFX. Its not natural even if you like the result, and a SS power amp - which ever one it is - and likely valve power amps as well wont be the same.

[Si.]

Quick update.

used the setup for the first time with the band tonight. I'v spent some time creating a few patches to get my core sounds and they all sound good at loud bedroom volumes but tonight was the test..


.. and it failed... they all sounded thin (although my clean wasn't too bad if a bit toppy). playing alongside our other guitarist they sounded weak, thin and without character, and that was compared to him using some zoom thing from the 80s through the rehearsal rooms crappy Marshall MG head. Very disappointing.

Im far from throwing the towel in (again) at this early stage but it's defiantly out of the cupboard draw.. I have a gig on 23rd Feb and I'm not confident it will be up to the job so I'll likely still be using my standard valve rig, which Is a disappointment.

On the plus side, it was nice to be able to get all my gear out of the car and into the practice room in 1 trip.

[ChrisJordan]

I'm glad you're sticking with it, I'm sure your dedication will pay off; especially once Mapps gives you a few tweaks.

[paulmapp8306]

I'm glad you're sticking with it, I'm sure your dedication will pay off; especially once Mapps gives you a few tweaks.

Yeh, but as were hooking up 22nd I doubt Si will be comfortable for the gig.

Im guessing the old FM curve is a lot to blame for the live issues, but well sort that out with a couple of global EQs for live/bedroom settings - and some propper gain staging into the Matrix (if Si hasnt got that nailed).

[Si.]

Well, 2 band practices in and another tomorrow and it's getting there, although slowly.. I've got a gig this weekend and going to be brave and use it and see how I get on. I've done some new patches I'll try out tomorrow night but failing that I have a fairly basic pair of patches I can use for everything for the gig (a JCM800 and a crunchy AC30). I'm meeting up with paulmapp at the weekend (after the gig unfortunately) and hopefully he can help me with some setup tips.

I'm still having an issue with my WAH I can't fix but I'll have to live with that for now. basically it's turning on automatically fine, but doesn't go into bypass unless I go heal down on the controller. Not a big problem but I often hit it by mistake when going for the volume on my FB1010 so things can sound a bit strange until I realise and tap it down

One question for the experts. Is it possible to have the CAB sims on for Output2, but OFF for Output1? I've got a recording session in a few weeks and wanted to try going direct to the desk with the AxeFX but still need to use my cab so the rest of the band can her me (it's a live recording thing so the rest of the band need to still hear me).

[octatonic]

One question for the experts. Is it possible to have the CAB sims on for Output2, but OFF for Output1? I've got a recording session in a few weeks and wanted to try going direct to the desk with the AxeFX but still need to use my cab so the rest of the band can her me (it's a live recording thing so the rest of the band need to still hear me).

Yes, you can do this by instantiating the 'FX Loop' block and putting the cab just before that.

So, something like this:



This will send the amp without cab modelling to the main outputs (to send to an amp then to guitar speakers) and the cab emulation to output 2.

[Si.]

Ah, cool. Thanks.

[RolandG]

I'm still having an issue with my WAH I can't fix but I'll have to live with that for now. basically it's turning on automatically fine, but doesn't go into bypass unless I go heal down on the controller. Not a big problem but I often hit it by mistake when going for the volume on my FB1010 so things can sound a bit strange until I realise and tap it down

How have you set the OFF VAL% parameter? It should be around 5% for off at heel down, and 95% for toe down. Sometimes the FCB1010 pedal isn't calibrated correctly, and doesn't reach the required value. Mine doesn't reach as low as 5%, but since I use "toe down" for off this doesn't matter.