[Christopher]

Got it in yesterday at about 3pm. Went down into the studio and hooked it up and started with the factory presets. The next thing I knew it was 5pm and it felt like I hadn't blinked.

I'll reserve my review until I've had more time to really dig in and some of the honeymoon phase wears off but my first impressions are very, very good.

Some early thoughts:

1. The effects are jaw dropping. Even without editing the presets much I'd go to the next preset and there would be something special programed and I'd just say WOW!

2. The models are as good or better than the Vetta, just using the factory presets. Once I go in and edit I have little doubt that this is the real deal.

3. From the very beginning, the "feel" IS very real and IS very tube like. While running it direct into my Pro Tools rig (how I started off) it was very impressive and the feel was there. It was much warmer and 3-d than my Vetta's DO's and this was connected through the analog outs.

4. The next configuration I tried was through my Classic 50/50 and into my Recto 4x12. I don't know if it was the way the presets were set up or the transparency in the classic 50/50 but I actually liked the power amp sim left on better than off. I did turn the cab sims off and that was much better.

5. The units reaction to slight changes was amazing. I forgot how much subtlety the Vetta lacks. Turn the volume down on the guitar and it react very much like a tube amp. I noticed huge changes in tone when selected a split humbucker on my guitar (when compared to my Vetta) and I could more clearly hear the difference between different guitars (same patch).

So far, it's definitely lived up to the hype.

[theunforgiven246]

is this that preamp thats supposed to be like the best modling amp with like a g-force for the effects thats also over a grand?

[jaredowty]

Originally Posted by theunforgiven246

is this that preamp thats supposed to be like the best modling amp with like a g-force for the effects thats also over a grand?

From what I've heard, the effects on this are better than the g-force.

[Code001]

The effects are considered to sound on par with an Eventide and the flexibility is supposed to be greater than a G-Force. Simply put, the thing has a lot of hype around it, and much deserved hype at that. I know I'll get one as soon as I can afford it.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by theunforgiven246

is this that preamp thats supposed to be like the best modling amp with like a g-force for the effects thats also over a grand?

http://store.fractalaudio.com/axefx.html

It's $1800.

[jaredowty]

Originally Posted by Chris

http://store.fractalaudio.com/axefx.html

It's $1800.

List is $1800, I think it's more around $1400 street.

[Alpo]

Looks pretty interesting. I demand clips.

[Christopher]

Originally Posted by Chris

http://store.fractalaudio.com/axefx.html

It's $1800.

It's $1400. There is a waiting list a mile long. In order for them to get them out in order of the waiting list he raised the price to $1800. As soon as your name comes up on the waiting list, you get an email with a coupon code for $1400. The $1800 is just to discourage those not on the list from cutting in line.

Clips coming soon.

[jacksonplayer]

I'm also on the list for one of these, but rather far down, so it'll be awhile before I get mine.

Christopher, I've read your review on some of the other boards where the Axe-FX has come up, and I'll be curious to read your comparison of the modeling with the Vetta.

I ditched my PODxt (basically half a Vetta for direct recording purposes) because of the scratchiness and terrible-sounding palm mutes and am currently using a Zoom G9.2tt, which sounds like a somewhat better PODxt. I'm not expecting perfection, but the clips I've heard seem like a different world from other modelers.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by Christopher

It's $1400. There is a waiting list a mile long. In order for them to get them out in order of the waiting list he raised the price to $1800. As soon as your name comes up on the waiting list, you get an email with a coupon code for $1400. The $1800 is just to discourage those not on the list from cutting in line.

Clips coming soon.

Aah right on. Interesting business tactic.

The clips on the website sound fantastic.