Fractal Audio Axe-FX
Fractal Audio Systems Axe-Fx is an all-in-one electric guitar preamplifier/effects processor made by Fractal Audio Systems LLC., in Plaistow, New Hampshire. The processor is a two-space rack unit. The first version, called simply Axe-Fx, was introduced in 2006. Axe-Fx Ultra was introduced in 2008. Both of these models were discontinued in June 2011 when a new unit, the Axe-Fx II was introduced. The Axe-Fx is what is considered a modeling preamp, simulating the sound of other well-known guitar and bass amplifiers, as well as including some original amplifier sounds and designs, as well as speaker cabinets, guitar effect pedals and studio effects. The Axe-FX has gained a steadily increasing reputation through online guitar forums such as sevenstring.org and usage by musicians such as Fredrik Thordendal, John Petrucci, Steve Vai, Devin Townsend, Dweezil Zappa and Periphery, amongst others.
Features
The Axe-FX is a digital preamplifier and effects processor for electric guitar and other instruments. The unit consolidates a collection of amplifier simulations, guitar speaker cabinet simulations, and effects into a portable hardware format that can be used for music performance, studio recording, or other applications.
The unit was originally introduced in 2006 simply as "Axe-Fx." A model released in 2008 as "Axe-Fx Ultra" contained more DSP processing power and onboard memory. In June 2011, Fractal Audio Systems discontinued both products in favor of the "Axe-Fx II" which bundled additional upgrades and improvements, announcing that the new unit has "twice the power of the former flagship, Axe-Fx Ultra."
The programmable Axe-Fx offers flexibility through a large number of adjustable parameters and various routing capabilities.
Fractal Audio Systems also created accompanying computer-based editing software called Axe-Edit and a MIDI foot controller called the MFC-101. The graphical user interface of Axe-Edit allows users to create their own "patches" and save or share them with other users.
Notable Musicians who use the Axe-FX
Some notable guitarists and bands which use the Axe-FX include:
Steve Vai
Christian Münzner
John Petrucci/John Myung (Dream Theater)
Alex Lifeson (Rush)
Dweezil Zappa
Guthrie Govan
Neal Schon (Journey)
Peter Thorn (Chris Cornell)
Mikael Akerfeldt (Opeth)
Lincoln Brewster
Dave Mustaine (Megadeth)
Chris Broderick (Megadeth)
Marty Friedman (Megadeth)
James Hetfield (Metallica)
Kirk Hammett (Metallica)
Robert Trujillo (Metallica)
Matt Bellamy (Muse)
Matt Heafy (Trivium)
Corey Beaulieu (Trivium)
Vernon Reid (Living Colour)
Tosin Abasi (Animals As Leaders)
Misha Mansoor (Periphery)
Jake Bowen (Periphery)
Devin Townsend (Strapping Young Lad, The Devin Townsend Project)
Chris Traynor (Bush)
Dean Parks
Adrian Belew
Steve Stevens
Ty Tabor(King's X)
Doug Pinnick(King's X)
Jeff Loomis (Nevermore)
Greg Howe
Leroy Miller
Tommy Shaw
Ricky Phillips
Stephen Carpenter (Deftones)
Sergio Vega (Quicksand, Deftones)
Mark Tremonti (Alter Bridge)
Chris Hannah (Propagandhi)
Phil Demmel (Machine Head)
Jeph Jacques
Coheed and Cambria
Wintersun (Live only)
Chris Letchford and Travis LeVrier (Scale the Summit)
Blues Saraceno
Tom Quayle
Kurt Rosenwinkel