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Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $700
High-end/Boutique
$100
$501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
Delve into the world of limitless sonic possibilities with the Fractal Axe-Fx II Guitar Effects Processor. This rackmounted system takes your guitar's tone to new heights by leveraging the power of two cutting-edge Analog Devices TigerSHARC DSPs. One DSP is purely dedicated to amp modeling, capturing every nuance of the original gear, while the other handles a plethora of effects. Renowned for its superior sound quality, flexibility, and an extensive library of presets, the Axe-Fx II stands as a testament to Fractal's commitment to innovation and excellence in guitar technology.
Key Features:
- Dual Analog Devices TigerSHARC DSPs for separate amp modeling and effects processing
- Extensive preset library for a wide range of sonic possibilities
- Superior sound quality and flexibility
- Rackmounted design for easy integration with existing gear
- Award-winning guitar technology from Fractal
Product specs
| Brand | Fractal Audio |
| Model | Axe-FX II |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2011 - 2012 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Guitar Modeling Amps |
| Color Family | Black |
| Pedal Format | Rackmount |
FAQs
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What are the main features of the Fractal Axe-Fx II Guitar Effects Processor?
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The Fractal Axe-Fx II offers extensive amp modeling, a wide array of effects, and advanced signal processing capabilities, making it a versatile tool for both live performances and studio recording.
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How does the Axe-Fx II compare to traditional guitar amps?
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The Axe-Fx II provides digital emulation of various amp models and effects, offering flexibility and convenience that traditional amps may lack, while maintaining high sound quality.
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Can the Axe-Fx II be used as a standalone preamp?
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Yes, the Axe-Fx II functions as an all-in-one preamp/effects processor, capable of handling both amp modeling and effects processing without the need for additional gear.
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Does the Axe-Fx II support firmware updates for new features?
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Yes, the Axe-Fx II supports firmware updates, allowing users to access new features and improvements as they are released by Fractal Audio.
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Is the Fractal Axe-Fx II suitable for live performances?
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Absolutely, the Axe-Fx II is designed for both studio and live use, offering robust performance capabilities and a wide range of sounds to suit various musical styles.
Videos
Guitar Interactive Magazine
Fractal Audio AXE FX II Review With Tom Quayle - iGuitar Magzine Issue 10
Fractal Audio AXE FX II Review With Tom Quayle - iGuitar Magzine Issue 10
Guitar Interactive Magazine
NY Amp Show '11 - Fractal Audio Axe-Fx II Preamp / FX Processor Demo
Premier Guitar
Fractal Axe FX II Demo with Carl Roa
Guitar World
Trevor Rabin - Fractal Axe-Fx II Soundcheck Clip
Mr. French's Music Lab
Fractal Audio Systems Axe-Fx II Preamp/Fx Processor Heavy Metal Demo Review
Tech of Tomorrow
Reviews
PROS
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Superior cabinet emulations and songwriting tool
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Great for both recording and live use
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Vast array of amp sounds, responsive and lifelike
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High-end components, FX surpass Eventide quality
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Infinite flexibility in sound creation
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Constant updates add value
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Integrates well with digital recording setups
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Noticeable difference in sound and feel compared to other processors
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Allows complete control over tone
CONS
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High learning curve for those not familiar with signal chains
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Durability concerns; issues with DSP no longer being manufactured
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Some users find it doesn't compare favorably to physical amps
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fractal Axe-Fx II Guitar Effects Processor.
Features and functionality
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The Axe-Fx II XL+ allows use of ARES firmware, enhancing DSP capabilities and expanding available amp models.
Source -
The Axe-Fx II models the entire signal path, including components like resistors and transistors, resulting in natural sound dynamics not found in simpler EQ-based modelers.
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The processor's capability to connect with a GroundControl pedal board allows seamless switching between tones like a 5150 and an AC30 Top Boost within a single performance.
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The Axe-Fx II allows for over 90 adjustable parameters within the amp block, offering extensive customization for those who want to delve deep into sound tweaking.
Source
Comparisons
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Some users prefer the tonal character of the Axe-Fx II XL+ over the Axe-Fx III for specific amp models like Bogner, Diezel, and Friedman.
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In high-gain settings, the Axe-Fx II is preferred over Line 6 products, which struggle with distortion dynamics, especially for metal music production.
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Though the Helix has a more intuitive hardware UI, the Axe-Fx II is noted for its mature platform with a broad range of features and amp models.
Source
Software and compatibility
Value and pricing
Build quality
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A user experienced a screen failure on an Axe-Fx II XL+, and Fractal no longer provides parts for this model, posing a risk for buyers.
Source
User experience
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Despite being older, the Axe-Fx II is still favored for its ability to produce tones comparable to the Axe-Fx III in some scenarios.
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The Axe-Fx II can simulate a 5150 mod with precision, eliminating hum and noise compared to the real amp and offering consistency across different venues.
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Owners appreciate the continued free updates from Fractal Audio, enhancing amp modeling and adding new effects, maintaining the unit's relevance over time.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 10 Reviews and 79 Ratings
389
Рабочая лошадка
Фрактал это мечта скорее всего большинства гитаристов. Но у меня есть одно большое НО.
Вроде и крутой аппарат и звучит всегда о везде. Хоть в стэк, хоть в линию. Но совершенно нет желания сидеть с ним часами и крутить вертеть - неинтересно. Это мой третий по счету фрактал, и с каждым из них я поступал так: настроил один раз и больше не лез в настройки. То ли дело другие девайсы.
111
Highly suggested
If you have a good understanding of signal chains and frequencies the axe fx will do you wonders. If you dont know what your doing you may get fustrated with. Its great for recording and live use. Some people dont think its $2000 better than other affordable effects/processors (the pod hd500 and the boss gt 100 to be exact) but any real professional will tell you there is a noticeable difference in sound and feel.
252
the future is now
I don't know if there's a better option out there...I'm still very new to this unit, but the Axe Fx is truly the best sounding box available, this thing came from the future. Impossible amounts of amp sounds, all of which are responsive and lifelike. I haven't broken it in live yet, but I'm sure it'll be a joy when that day comes. Can't believe I was farting around with a POD HD for so long when the future was out there the whole time. It's complicated, make no mistake - there's a lot of buttons and knobs and submenus, you can get beyond granular with all of it, but even the presets sound great for hobbyists who just want to plug and play.
I will never settle for less in my digital boxes, ever again.
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Great studio tool
99% of the time I use the Axe-FX. Just to put some context on that, I have 11 tube amplifiers in the studio... from a '69 Superlead, CAA-PT-100, a collection of Dr Z and 65 Amps boutique amps, and some Mesa Boogie amps that I've modded myself. The Fractal is just so convenient and convincing.
41029
finally someone with a real superlead reviews the Fractal! thanks man. I am reall picky about 4 holer sounds having owned, toured and recorded with a number of them, all with their own special flavors and I just never hear anything but a well made clone copping any of those sounds convincingly, but I never see a Fractal in person around here to try one.... do you use the cab impulses or run it into a power amp driving a cab?
Hi Jim. Well, I never use the Axe-FX live - I prefer to drag a head and cab. In my studio, however, the Axe-FX II gets me 99% of the way there in just seconds. I'm using TAF and OwnHammer IRs straight to the DAW (usually SPDIF).
86
Best equipment for guitar nowadays
Every component is high end in this processor. The FX are incredible, better than Eventide. The Amp simulations are extremely close to original, you can't distinguish them, when doing A/B
60
The source of all my toan
Infinite flexibility and incredible sound. What more could I want (oh yeah an AX8 so I can actually take it places)
403
Cant live without my Fractal Axe-Fx II
I highly recommend the Fractal Axe-Fx II I use it for recording and live. this is my secret weapon for sure!
46
A must have
The Axe-Fx allows me, as a musician, to have complete control over my tone and to create any sound I want. It's pretty much a box of inspiration.
334
Artist usage
Add artist
"Myung uses a Shure UR4D wireless. From there the signal goes into a switcher, then to a Radial JD-7 splitter that splits into three signals. The first goes straight to a Demeter Tube DI, while the second goes through a Demeter Optical Compressor, Demeter Preamp, then Demeter VTHF-300M into a Radial JDX speaker simulator. The third output goes into the Fractal Audio Axe-FX II, which handles overdrive, chorus, reverb, and any other effects processing," states this rig rundown article, by Premier Guitar.
"We started using new effects. We’re both using Fractal Axe-FX IIs. We wanted to get some of the original sounds back, but also see if we could make things bigger, crazier, or more exaggerated than the original effects," says James Iha, in this article.
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In an Instagram post made by Ichika on October 16th, 2017, his rig is shown to consist of a Fractal Axe-FX II going direct to the FOH.
Sitting on top of Plini's desk is an Axe-Fx II. He uses this in this teaser video.
"That runs into my Fractal Audio Axe-FX II, which is just an amazing unit. With the new updates which allow what's called scene controls I've actually only got to use one preset for the whole show that we do," says Nolly, in this rig rundown, at 8:30.
As of 2:30 in this video, Devin talks about the Fractal Axe-Fx saying "I have got a very hodgepodge set-up currently that I am experimenting with and the centre of that is Fractal. And I have been using the Axe-Fx now for [...] four years since the Ultra." The unit can be seen at 2:36.
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Jeff ha usato Axe fx nel periodo della registrazione di Zero Order Phase nel 2011.
Mick replied about what equipment he used to process the bass in the track 'At Doom's Gate'
In this accompanying article Premier Guitar writes "A Fractal Audio Axe-Fx II handles all of Urban’s delays, reverbs, and modulation effects." At 26:33 of this “Rig Rundown”, Chris Miller, Keith Urban’s Guitar Tech shows us the Fractal Audio Axe-Fx II.
The members of Polyphia have mentioned multiple times that the main source of their tone comes from the Axe-FX ii. It can be seen in almost all of Tim's videos but is rarely seen in frame with Scott due to the camera angles that he uses and his overall lack of an online presence in regards to posting himself playing.
Album Usage
The Fractal Axe-Fx II Guitar Effects Processor has been featured on the following albums:
The Silver Scream
Ice Nine Kills (2018)
The Life Code
IAMONE (2018)
The Desaturating Seven
Primus (2017)
Gore
Deftones (2016)
The Guilt & The Grief
Polaris (2016)
Immortalized
Disturbed (2015)
Beyond the Wall of Sleep
Christian Muenzner (2014)
Muse
Polyphia (2014)
Songs Of Innocence
U2 (2014)
Primus & the Chocolate Factory with the Fungi Ensemble
Primus (2014)
Eternal Enemies
Emmure (2014)
VESICA PISCES
Sugizo (2013)
Rhythm of Life
Larry Mitchell (2013)
Subsume
Cloudkicker (2013)
Zero Order Phase
Jeff Loomis (2008)
Hysteria
Def Leppard (1987)
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 Axe-Fx II Guitar Effects Processor, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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