PLATINUM AWARD
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Considering that the Fractal Audio AX8 is packed with enough amp and speaker cabinet models and multieffects capability to last a lifetime, is packaged inPLATINUM AWARD
Considering that the Fractal Audio AX8 is packed with enough amp and speaker cabinet models and multieffects capability to last a lifetime, is packaged in a powerful, industrial-strength floor pedalboard controller and costs a little more half the price of Fractal’s flagship Axe-FX II processor, it’s no surprise that more and more players are ditching traditional amp and effects rack/pedalboard rigs.
While the convenience of this compact yet incredibly versatile product is certainly one of its biggest selling points, Fractal also makes the initial investment in an AX8 one that consistently generates generous returns by providing a steady stream of firmware upgrades that expand available models and performance alike.
The latest AX8 upgrade—Quantum version 8.02—offers such a significant leap in quality that I’d advise anyone who has ever (or never) tried an AX8 to take a deeper look.
FEATURES
For those not familiar with the AX8 (where have you been?), here is a quick feature rundown. The selection of amp and speaker cabinet models is vast and consists of pretty much every vintage classic from the Fifties onward, recent workhorses and numerous boutique amps, as well as every conceivable speaker configuration and a wide variety of speaker brands and models.
Ditto goes for the effects, offering instant access to pedal and rack processor effects that would take a lifetime and a fortune to accumulate. All of these incredible tones and textures are housed in a rugged, pro-quality pedalboard controller with silent relay footswitches and rock solid knobs built to last forever. The AX8 sounds best when connected to a sound system via a mixer or to a recording console and monitors, but it also sounds great connected to a standard guitar amp with the speaker emulation disabled.
Inside the AX8 is a super-powerful processor,