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Description
The Fractal Audio Axe-Fx Ultra Guitar Effects Processor is a powerhouse in the world of signal processors, offering musicians an unparalleled range of effects and tonal flexibility. This multi-effects processor is designed for both stage and studio use, providing a comprehensive suite of virtual effects and amp modeling. With its extensive library, it allows guitarists to explore everything from vintage tones to modern soundscapes, making it a versatile tool for any genre.
At its core, the Axe-Fx Ultra is powered by a high-performance DSP chip, which enables it to deliver pristine sound quality and zero-latency performance. This ensures that every nuance of your playing is captured and enhanced, whether you're laying down tracks in the studio or performing live. The processor's intuitive interface makes it easy to navigate through its vast array of features, allowing for quick adjustments and on-the-fly creativity.
Musicians will appreciate its robust build quality and the range of connectivity options, including MIDI, USB, and multiple audio outputs. This makes the Axe-Fx Ultra not only a versatile effects processor but also a reliable component of any professional setup.
Key Features:
- High-performance DSP chip for superior audio processing
- Extensive library of virtual effects and amp models
- Intuitive user interface for easy navigation and control
- Zero-latency performance ideal for live and studio settings
- Multiple connectivity options, including MIDI and USB
- Rugged design suitable for professional use
Product specs
| Brand | Fractal Audio |
| Model | Axe-FX Ultra |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2007 - 2011 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Guitar Modeling Amps |
| Color Family | Black |
| Pedal Format | Rackmount |
FAQs
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What is the main difference between the Axe-Fx Ultra and previous models?
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The Axe-Fx Ultra offers twice the processing power and more memory than the Standard model, along with additional Ultra-only effects, making it a more powerful option for complex signal processing.
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Is the Fractal Audio Axe-Fx Ultra suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Axe-Fx Ultra is widely used by professional guitarists for live performances due to its high-quality amp modeling and effects, offering a versatile and reliable solution for stage use.
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Can the Axe-Fx Ultra be used with bass guitars?
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Absolutely, the Axe-Fx Ultra is compatible with bass guitars, providing a wide range of effects and amp models that cater to bassists looking for high-fidelity sound processing.
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Does the Axe-Fx Ultra require an external power supply?
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The Axe-Fx Ultra is a rackmount unit that requires a standard AC power connection, eliminating the need for an external power supply or batteries.
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How does the Axe-Fx Ultra integrate with a home studio setup?
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The Axe-Fx Ultra can be seamlessly integrated into a home studio via its multiple input/output options, offering flexibility for recording and re-amping guitar tracks with professional-grade effects and amp models.
Videos
David Wallimann
Axe FX Ultra vs Axe FX II vs Eleven Rack
Axe FX Ultra vs Axe FX II vs Eleven Rack
David Wallimann
Fractal Audio Systems Axe-Fx Ultra Pre-amp Effect Processor
Guitar World
Fractal Audio Axe FX Ultra Sound Clips
David Wallimann
Fractal Audio Axe Fx Ultra, VHT 2/50/2, Carvin 4x12 Demo
whatcharockin
Axe Fx Ultra - Best "Budget" Amp Modeler in 2020?
Ozz Guitar
Axe-Fx Ultra presets
thibderob
Fractal Audio Axe-Fx Ultra - Tone Test (10 Stock Presets)
Witch Diaries
Reviews
PROS
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Unmatched sound modeling feels like real amplifiers
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World-class effects quality
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Limitless routing options
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No signature sound, fully customizable
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Useful across various music genres
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Ideal for small venues with stereo rig capabilities
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Reduces need for multiple amps and effects
CONS
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Delay effect might dampen sound quality
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Requires extensive programming effort
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May feel outdated to some users
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fractal Audio Axe-Fx Ultra Guitar Effects Processor.
Features and functionality
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The Axe-Fx Ultra supports simultaneous use of bass and guitar by configuring each input independently, optimizing tone and effects for each instrument.
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The Axe-Fx Ultra lacks a USB port, complicating direct recording and looper use compared to newer models like the Axe-Fx II.
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The Axe-Fx II XL+ is noted to have a DSP that supports ARES firmware, providing access to additional amp models.
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Setup and maintenance
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Some users initially misremembered input capabilities, highlighting the importance of verifying input configurations for specific models like the Ultra.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The ability to connect both bass and guitar simultaneously on the Axe-Fx Ultra is ideal for live performances, offering flexibility in using multiple instruments interchangeably.
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The Axe-Fx Ultra is considered sufficient for bass players not needing the extensive effects or recording capabilities provided by the Axe-Fx II.
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The Axe-Fx II is still favored for live gigs and recording, offering a versatile solution despite its age.
Source
Comparisons
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Axe-Fx II offers significantly higher cab simulation quality, with 8000 sample points per IR compared to the Ultra's 1024.
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Users note that the Axe-Fx Ultra may suffice if primarily seeking cab tones, but lacks the broader functionality of the II.
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Some users suggest the Pod X3 as a cost-effective alternative for bass tones, noting it has more bass amp simulations than newer Pod HD models.
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Some users find the Axe-Fx II's tones preferable in specific amp models compared to the Axe-Fx III, despite the latter's advancements.
Source
Software and compatibility
Build quality
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Some users experienced screen failures due to discontinued parts support, highlighting potential risks when buying used units.
Source
User experience
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Owners appreciate the Axe-Fx II's ability to recreate tones from specific records, enhancing the creative experience.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 18 Ratings
46
fantastic unit that makes using a stereo rig live a piece of cake
I run a stereo rig 95% of the time and doing small venues trying to run two heads and two cabs would just be a nightmare. This allows me to do so with incredible ease and sounds fantastic. I play a lot of In Flames and Katatonia styled tunes so being able to have sounds covering their entire back catalogue in a small package is incredibly useful.
Simply the BEST Pre-Amp/Multi Effects
Ive been playing and using gear since I was a kid back in 1977. Ive owned just about every multi effects/Preamp out there and AxeFx is the best. The amplifies sound just like their tube counterparts with no digitizing at all. The effects are awesoome and really sound authentic. I sold off most of my amps and my AxeFx is my main rig
Artist usage
Add artist
In this video at 12:05, John Petrucci's rig can be shown to be consisted of an Axe-FX Ultra.
At 8:30 in this "Rig Rundown" with Premier Guitar, Rush's Alex Lifeson's tech Scott Appleton shows us a Fractal Audio Axe-Fx Ultra which they use as a back up.
In this video, Tosin Abasi used a Fractal Axe-FX Ultra for the EMGtv demonstration of the EMG808X pickups.
In this video, Misha Mansoor uses a Fractal Axe-FX Ultra into the Atomic MB-50 Power amp.
At 4:05, Myung's tech, John Zocco explains that the Ultra handles his processing, such as overdrive, chorus, reverb, flange, etc. For "As I Am" Myung uses the Ultra for the harmonized intro.
You can see that he uses Axe-Fx Ultra . He states he preferes it to Axe-Fx II : "Then all of a sudden I went in with Fractal and I used their product, the Axe-Fx, and there’s nothing else I need. It’s as simple as that. Live, I run it direct to the board, studio I run it direct to the board. It took me a year to get a sound I was satisfied with. I just received the Axe Fx II and it’ll probably take me another year to get to the point where I’m 100% satisfied with that, but it’s the end of the rainbow for me. In a lot of ways it’s disappointing because I used to like going on Harmony-Central.com and looking up tons of vintage, old stupid amps. "
In this biography, it is confirmed that Mikael Akerfeldt uses a Fractal Audio Axe-Fx Ultra Guitar Effects Processor.
In this video, Mark Holcomb's Axe-FX rack collection is shown to consist of an Axe-FX Ultra.
According to this Premier Guitar Rig Rundown at (20:11), "Belew uses a 50-watt Atomic Reactor active wedge to monitor the more straightforward tones from his Fractal Audio Axe-Fx Ultra, while he routes aural “snippets” and other loops from his laptop through a Bose L1 portable loudspeaker system."
At 11:55 in this Rig Rundown for Fredrik Thordendal of Meshuggah, his gear is displayed, showing a Fractal Audio Axe-Fx Ultra Guitar Effects Processor.
This article companion to Neal Schon's video rig rundown mentions Schon's Fractal Audio Axe-Fx processors, of which he has two, one as a spare.
Album Usage
The Fractal Audio Axe-Fx Ultra Guitar Effects 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 Ultra Guitar Effects Processor, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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