Good rack mount multi-fx units? (that won't make me go broke)

[eascott333]

Been looking to get my feet wet with rack mount effects processors and I don't really have the money to drop on a Helix or AFX III, would the original Axe FX (i.e. Axe FX I, Axe FX Ultra) be worth getting so could get familiar with the whole idea? I intend use them solely for 4 cable method type setups.

 

[MaxOfMetal]

Yeah, I still have my old AxeFx Standard and Ultra, the effects totally hold up. Considering how cheap they are now, it's a great deal. The interface is a bit "dated" to say the least, but it's not terrible and you can always hook it up to a laptop or something and use Axe Edit.

Even cheaper are older TC units like the G-Major or even G-Force. Not as flexible or polished as the Axe, IMO, but still really solid if you're looking strictly for certain verb or delay tones.

 

[HeHasTheJazzHands]

Effects only or amp sims as well?

For effects you can't beat the old Rocktron units. Replifex, Intellifex, Xpression, etc. I got an Axe 3 but still keep a Replifex on hand. The G-Force goes pretty cheap.

Otherwise if you need amp sims, Digitech GSP1101 and the old Axe FXs still sound good for how cheap they go.

 

[MaxOfMetal]

Effects only or amp sims as well?

For effects you can't beat the old Rocktron units. Replifex, Intellifex, Xpression, etc. I got an Axe 3 but still keep a Replifex on hand. The G-Force and the G-System (it's actually rackmountable) goes pretty cheap.

Otherwise if you need amp sims, Digitech GSP1101 and the old Axe FXs still sound good for how cheap they go.

Stay away from the G-System, the ADA converters were outdated like 20 years ago, and it's one of the few units that really doesn't hold up. Which is weird because it was supposed to be an upgrade to the G-Force. The Nova was way better, but not rack.

 

[HeHasTheJazzHands]

Stay away from the G-System, the ADA converters were outdated like 20 years ago, and it's one of the few units that really doesn't hold up. Which is weird because it was supposed to be an upgrade to the G-Force. The Nova was way better, but not rack.

I thought they updated everything after the IB modified one was released?

 

[eascott333]

I intend to use it solely for effects, I like my 6505 too much to just use it as a glorified power amp. Also, would I be able to run analogue pedals such as drive pedals with an Axe FX standard/ultra? The more I research the more likely it seems I'll settle with one of the two.

 

[eascott333]

The pedals I plan to use are a Fortin Grind and an EHX Soul Food

 

[MaxOfMetal]

I thought they updated everything after the IB modified one was released?

They updated them...to like 15 year old hardware and gave it some algorithm to try and fix the major patch delay and spill over issues, and it did help, but it's definitely not totally fixed and for the price you can get much better units, even from TC. They just sort of abandoned it.

 

[MaxOfMetal]

I intend to use it solely for effects, I like my 6505 too much to just use it as a glorified power amp. Also, would I be able to run analogue pedals such as drive pedals with an Axe FX standard/ultra? The more I research the more likely it seems I'll settle with one of the two.

Yeah, the Axe plays nice with outboard stuff.

 

[HeHasTheJazzHands]

They updated them...to like 15 year old hardware and gave it some algorithm to try and fix the major patch delay and spill over issues, and it did help, but it's definitely not totally fixed and for the price you can get much better units, even from TC. They just sort of abandoned it.

Welp nevermind then.

 

[MaxOfMetal]

Welp nevermind then.

It's a shame because it was a really slick product, great interface (for the time) and innovative form factor and controller.

They just couldn't get it just right, and when Vai dropped it the writing was on the wall.

 

[eascott333]

Yeah, the Axe plays nice with outboard stuff.

Awesome! Seems like I've narrowed my options down quite a bit

 

[eascott333]

One more quick question though, can I connect the midi out to my amp for channel switching?

 

[HeHasTheJazzHands]

One more quick question though, can I connect the midi out to my amp for channel switching?

Nah, the 6505(+) uses analog relay switching. You'd need some kinda MIDI amp switcher. Some multi-FX use relay switching but it isn't super common.

Suhr had a cheap and simple solution but it's out of stock ATM.

 

[MaxOfMetal]

One more quick question though, can I connect the midi out to my amp for channel switching?

The 6505 doesn't have MIDI, so no.

 

[eascott333]

Mine is a plus model, and the input on the amp for the channel switcher is 7 prong. I thought it was midi

 

[HeHasTheJazzHands]

Mine is a plus model, and the input on the amp for the channel switcher is 7 prong. I thought it was midi

It's still analog relay switching. So not only would you need to get a proper MIDI relay switcher, but you'd need a custom cable that works for it.

 

[MaxOfMetal]

Mine is a plus model, and the input on the amp for the channel switcher is 7 prong. I thought it was midi

Unfortunately not.

 

[eascott333]

It's still analog relay switching. So not only would you need to get a proper MIDI relay switcher, but you'd need a custom cable that works for it.

Damn well in that case any that you'd recommend?

 

[MaxOfMetal]

Damn well in that case any that you'd recommend?

Voodoo Lab will set you up with a Control Switcher and custom cable. Good quality, great customer service, would recommend.