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Average Price: $1,790
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Description
Unleash the full potential of your music with the Fractal Audio Axe-FX III, a powerhouse of a preamp effects processor. With its dual 1.0 GHz 'Keystone' Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), it boasts more than double the computing power of its predecessor, the Axe-FX II. This allows it to deliver stunningly authentic recreations of over 2,000 cabinets, 250 amplifiers, and 100 effects. Crafted with the discerning musician in mind, the Axe-FX III offers a vast array of tonal options, perfect for those who are serious about chasing the perfect tone.
Key Features:
- Dual 1.0 GHz 'Keystone' Digital Signal Processors (DSPs)
- High-fidelity recreations of over 2,000 cabinets, 250 amplifiers, and 100 effects
- More than double the computing power of the Axe-FX II
- Designed for serious tone chasers
- An absolute fleet of tonal options.
Product specs
| Brand | Fractal Audio |
| Model | Axe-FX III |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2018 - 2020 |
| Categories | Guitar Modeling Amps |
| Color Family | Black |
FAQs
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What are the main connectivity options for the Fractal Audio Axe-FX III?
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The Axe-FX III offers extensive connectivity, including dual instrument inputs, XLR and 1/4" outputs, USB for audio interface capabilities, MIDI in/out/thru, and S/PDIF/AES digital connections, making it versatile for both studio and live settings.
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Is the Fractal Audio Axe-FX III suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Axe-FX III is designed for both studio and live use, offering robust amp modeling and effects processing with extensive connectivity options for seamless integration into live rigs.
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Can the Axe-FX III be used as an audio interface with a DAW?
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Absolutely, the Axe-FX III functions as a high-quality audio interface, connecting via USB to work seamlessly with popular DAWs, allowing for direct recording and playback.
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How does the Axe-FX III compare to previous models in terms of processing power?
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The Axe-FX III features significantly enhanced processing power over its predecessors, with dual DSPs that enable more complex signal chains and higher-quality amp modeling and effects.
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What types of guitar tones can the Axe-FX III produce?
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The Axe-FX III offers a vast range of tones, from pristine cleans to high-gain distortion, thanks to its comprehensive amp modeling and extensive library of effects, making it suitable for various music genres.
Videos
Ola Englund
WILL IT CHUG? - AXE FX III
WILL IT CHUG? - AXE FX III
Ola Englund
The Axe-FX III Has One MAJOR Problem (non metal player’s review)
Rhett Shull
Review Demo - Fractal Audio Axe-Fx III
Premier Guitar
Fractal Axe-Fx III - Demo
Riffs, Beards & Gear
Fractal Audio Axe FX III | Review
Guitar Interactive Magazine
What Happens When You Put a PCM70 Inside an Axe-FX III
Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional range of amp models with realistic feel
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High-quality effects, particularly for metal rhythm and lead tones
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Able to simulate virtually any amp available on the market
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Extensive tone tweaking capabilities
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Significant processing power allows for complex dual amp patches
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Works well with FRFR powered speakers for optimal sound
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Provides a comprehensive, all-in-one solution for effects and amp modeling
CONS
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High cost may not justify the investment for all users
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Lack of actual tubes may deter purists seeking authentic tube amp sound
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fractal Audio Axe-FX III Preamp/FX Processor.
Features and functionality
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Quadrophonic presets are possible due to multiple outputs, although no effects are specifically designed for quadrophonic sound.
Source -
The Axe-FX III can output both mic'd cabinet and raw amplifier signals, which can be routed through PA systems or guitar cabs for versatile sound applications.
Source -
No option for a customized screensaver, such as a band logo, on the Axe-FX III.
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The Axe-FX III's software editor, AxeEdit, is highly regarded for ease of use but the front panel interface is considered clunky with menu-heavy navigation.
Source -
The MFC can be used with the Axe-FX III in general MIDI mode but lacks deep integration, and the FAS-Link is unsupported.
Source -
The pitch block was overhauled with separate detectors, allowing it to respond to any preset element, significantly improving polyphonic detection.
Source
User experience
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It has been noted that the learning curve for the Axe-FX III is steep, especially for those unfamiliar with channel switching or advanced digital modeling.
Source -
Long-term owners report a shift to using the Axe-FX III more frequently than tube amps due to its quality at low volumes and convenience for recording or headphone use.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The Axe-FX III is ideal for users who need multiple presets and cab simulations, rather than those using a single clean and overdrive tone.
Source -
To bypass speaker cab simulation, users often connect the Axe-FX III to a dedicated solid-state power amp like Matrix GT or Seymour Duncan PowerStage, then to a guitar cab.
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The Axe-FX III is noted for its ability to inspire creativity due to the vast array of high-quality effects, leading to more experimentation in music writing.
Source -
Owners note that Axe-FX III excels in diverse genres from death metal to weddings, offering versatile tone solutions without needing multiple physical amps.
Source
Comparisons
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Some users suggest software alternatives like Amplitube or Positive Grid for similar tone emulation at a lower cost, despite the Axe-FX's extensive modeling capabilities.
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Compared to the Neural DSP Quad Cortex, the Axe-FX III is praised for superior sound quality but has a steeper learning curve, making it less user-friendly.
Source
Value and pricing
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Current high resale prices for the AX8 are maintained due to stock shortages and Fractal not shipping internationally, despite a nominal price drop.
Source -
The smaller, less powerful FM3 can handle about 80% of the Axe-FX III's capabilities, offering a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing too much functionality.
Source
Software and compatibility
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Concerns exist about future support for older models like the AX8, given past discontinuation of Axe-Edit support for previous models.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 17 Ratings
336
Outstanding "Won't Live Without" Favorite Piece of Gear
I started with the Fractal Audio AX-8 floor model, transitioned to the AXE-III and never looked back. I am still perplexed why this isn't everyone's go to amp unit, the range of amps to carry around to gigs or recording sessions is mind blowing.
The solid build construction is flawless and has performed literally without fail.
96
Artist usage
Add artist
In this article, it is mentioned that John Mayer used the Axe-FX III for live performances.
According to fractal audio all live Metallica tones are made by using the Axe-fx III
In this video, Steve Vai is shown powering up his newly acquired Fractal Axe-FX III.
In this tutorial, John's rig is shown to consist of a Fractal Axe-FX III.
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“A lot of my peers have turned to Fractals as a smaller and inexpensive way to get close to their sound... I’ve done a few gigs outside of the US with those things and it still feels like a fuckin’ electronic toy to me.”
Tom's guitar tech states that he started playing fractal on the 2019 angels and airwaves tour. He opts to use it as he would a standard amp and pedalboard rather than a dedicated patch for each song. His main tone is based on a modded marshall plexi and a soldono for his dirty. His clean is based on a rackmounted ca3+. He puts his clean through a ac30 ir, and a marshall cab ir on the unit itself
In this video, Synyster Gates is shown to demo his Fractal Axe-FX III.
During the Queens of the Stone Age live performance in Tokyo on February 7, 2024, Troy Van Leeuwen is seen using the Fractal Audio Axe-FX III Preamp/FX Processor on his pedalboard.
In Rick Beato's YouTube interview titled "The Alex Lifeson Interview," Alex Lifeson confirms at the 13:28 mark that he uses the Fractal Audio Axe-FX III Preamp/FX Processor for touring.
In this YouTube video you can see Dave Murray has switched to a Axe-FX 3. We can still see his JMP-1 under it but his tech (Colin Price) explained that they just copied the settings from his JMP-1 to the Axe-FX 3 and have now swapped to using the Axe-FX 3 as his primary. This is being used for The Future Pass Tour.
Album Usage
The Fractal Audio Axe-FX III Preamp/FX Processor has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fractal Audio Axe-FX III Preamp/FX Processor, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Community setups
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