Fractal Audio AX8 Review

Here's that write-up I was talking about: forum.fractalau...
The background song is a cover I made of Animals as Leaders' "Another Year"
At the time of recording, the AX8 was loaded with Quantum firmware 2.02.
Gear list:
-2004 Ernie Ball Music Man JP6 John Petrucci signature non-piezo in mystic dream
-Epiphone Vintage G-400 with Seymour Duncan Jazz/JB Pickups
-Fractal Audio AX8 (XLR out)
-Audio-Technica AT3035 (for voice)
-Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
-Cockos Reaper (as my DAW)
-Open Broadcaster Software (for screen capture)
-Canon T3i
-Sigma 20mm f/1.8 lens
-Sony Movie Studio Platinum (for video editing)

[@ericmartinez4053]

I have watched a million reviews ever since KZbin started, and most cannot get right. All talk, pointless rabbit trails, etc. This is what a GREAT review looks like. Excellent, non-shaky camera work, to-the-point commentary, and real tones recorded with more than a cell phone camera. VERY well done!

[@238839]

Been watching reviews on You Tube for years and I have to say this is by far the best review ever. Please keep them coming...and please someone hire this guy to do all reviews!

[@nbnguitar]

Great review bro. First time that I've seen a lot of the glitches/issues explained so well or even mentioned at all. Keep em coming.

[@coopercarter]

just hit pause on the editor. no glitches.

[@nbnguitar]

Awesome. Thanks for that Cooper.

[@BG-zv8ed]

One of the best reviews I've ever seen! Very informative and objective.

[@neilprakasam3398]

Wow dude really awesome and intuitive review! It didn't even make me want to skip to the demo part. Wish more reviews were like this.

[@j15shop]

Great review! I like that you balanced your comments, didn't hold punches, but were objective in your descriptions.

[@axmancometh5959]

I spent $1099 on my AX8. I cannot think of a way to have spent it any better. It's not the perfect answer for my every wants but again I spent $1099 directly from the Fractal website. This has been an incredible bang for my dollar.

[@Bridging_the_Political_Divide]

Fractals are too of the food chain. 😉

[@FrancezcoVai]

This is what i was looking for as a review!

[@ZakRahman]

When the review and presentation is so good that you notice those things instead of the things being reviewed... I jest I jest. Extremely informative and extremely useful. Thank you.

Very nice review, and refreshingly neutral. Thanks.

[@rolibrother]

Far the best Ax8 review i saw so far on KZbin. Thank you.

[@TheJazzyDex]

Just wanted to say, I enjoy your reviews very much, your comparison of the ax8 to the Helix convinced me to buy my own. You obviously put a lot of time and effort into these vids, keep up the good work!

[@CARLOSGALVEZMUSIC]

Thanks for this demo! I think this is one of the best reviews about the AX8...

[@NickMavromatis]

thanks bro!! very nice review :D I really found out everything I wanted to know!!

[@delam]

Great review. Hits all of the high spots without getting bogged down in unnecessary minutiae.

[@jacobthunell9231]

Haha, that Periphery T-shirt and Another Year in the background! You got a good taste in music! ;) Great review and keep on making videos.

[@mikemartin6554]

just subscribed to your channel last week....great stuff,Informative,very well done.Keep up the great work young man! great playing too.

[@almosteasy4901]

Fantastic job, Mitch! You are a refreshingly level-headed young dude...

[@itsjohnnymillion]

I have to admit, the sock-footed pedal dance made me smile.

[@saulrivera2114]

Awesome job! I hadn't heard of this AX8 until now. I am now interested in finding out more about this! What I heard sounds and looks great so far!!

[@joshairhart7080]

Excellent review! Clear, concise, unbiased. Normally I skip the talking because reviewers can be verbose and a little annoying but you were great. Really good editing too. Looking forward to more.

[@ronnieparfait]

I'm glad you really are weighting the pros and cons, I own a Helix and love it but I have to say this AX8 sounds really awesome. When I got my helix fractal had just released the fx8 but I wanted the amp models, I had no idea the AX8 was in the works. Great vid bro.

[@Tremonti78]

Great review as always. Your hands are freakish large man!

[@Cigarsnguitars]

Awesome review. I'm in the market trying to compare several of these being available. Thanks for making this.

[@Vreth6]

Thanks for a good, short video about this product. I like the production too!

[@thehottuna9940]

this is the best god damn review on an amp sim in existence.

[@lowpowermodelife]

Fantastic Review Mitch, thank you for posting!

[@PaulOuzounov]

Dude 10/10 review !!!!!!!

[@MitchBakerMusic]

Thanks Paul, I appreciate it!

[@guero1422]

Very thorough review. Thanks!

[@scottplamondon1042]

Excellent presentation. Nice guitar work too!

[@GP-mk5tj]

I have both the helix and I just purchased the AX8 at 2 weeks ago. What I noticed right away was how clean and the pleasantness of the tones coming out of the ax8. The amps sounded to clean and not enough on the heavier amps, however I find it when I start tweaking around with some of the stuff it became clear how much a difference it was from the helix the tones were amazing. Helix is fun to play with. Every once in awhile I get to squirrely's and some of the Highgain amps don't sound great. Some do and with a little bit of tweaking I can get a good sound quick. At this point I don't need to let go one or the other so just experimenting still.

[@bjcanham]

Fantastic review , also young fella you have got it going on... well done 🏆

[@starsini1494]

I use it live. This pedal makes the concert easier and you have more time for the audience :-)

[@MarcelDreta]

I like it too!!! Super

[@tripletrouble30]

Great Review... Thanks I just sold my FX8 mainly because I really don't have a lot of time to sit at the computer and set up all of the patches.. And trying to create on the unit itself is a real pain.. Back to pedals for me

[@ZakSounds]

Hello Mitch i was hesitant between helix lt and ax8 and based on you reviews ive decided to go with the ax8 but ive heard it has a big issue with CPU limitations is that a big deal since its you fav modeler too ? Shall i wait for the next generation i dont want to regret specially i won't get the chance tl sell it or buy a different thing im really digging it despite the interface but very limited CPU ? Thank you

[@ZakSounds]

And btw how do you compare it to the eleven rack my 11r just broke 10ndays ago thats why im considering a new modeler :)

[@ChrisEQStudio]

Good stuff buddy! Really like your videos!

[@keithbuck8046]

Love your reviews and your a Really nice player. But you do these so well So thanks

[@jasonhall2753]

how would it sound to use the fractal with the helix. could you get the better sound of the fractal in a loop on the helix to get the flexibility? what they put us through.....

[@MusicWhizz0]

Really great review. Thanks

[@gjm1971]

Very nice, at the point, review!!!!

[@mitchjams]

Dude - great review, succinct and to the point. Love it. Also I'm a fan of your JP6 guitar choice - I have two of the older JP6 models without the "Petrucci Shield" and prefer the small dots. I like seeing more of those... :)

[@HanOnkel]

Good review. Had a good laugh of your struggle with connecting the USB :)

[@mikeaustin4138]

Does the Ax8 and the Helix have the problem with rig output balancing that the Eleven Rack (and Headrush) suffer from? I really like my Headrush but the rig output balancing is a PITA. I'd consider switching to a Helix or Ax8, but not if they have the rig output balancing deficiencies of the HR and ER.

[@Voxman5]

Hiya Mitch, refreshingly grown-up review that comes across as very fair and balanced, and isn't afraid to point out the down sides as well as the upsides. Manufacturers of course only tell you the good stuff, but especially when spending this type of money, prospective customers really do want to know about the not so great stuff too. For example, it didn't even occur to me that something at this price point wouldn't have a headphone out for quiet practice which IMHO is a major omission and from a 'family harmony' perspective could make the AX8 a 'no-no' for me. I'd love to see you review the Line 6 Helix and then do a separate 'head to head' AX8 v Helix. I very much take your point re 'paying for what you don't need' on the Helix but it also has a lot of stuff I do need eg expression pedal, headphone out, nice UI, two amps at once etc. But I certainly don't need hundreds of amp models in the AX8 and I suspect that once you've got this many, a lot will likely sound somewhat similar anyway. I'd really value your review of these units from the perspective of live gigging players rather than studio use, including ease of switching/tweaking live, and look forward to seeing more of your reviews. Big thumbs up on this first AX8 review, & I've subscribed to your channel. BTW - just came across this user review which again I thought was a very balanced appraisal of the AX8 & Helix: line6.com/support/topic/19199-helix-vs-ax8/

[@occasionalcrunch]

I am potential buyer of this unit or Helix.But lack of headphone output (which It can be solved by running output into small mixer so you can plug in headphones) and those hick-ups is major problem to me.That is why long time a go I sold my Line 6 Pod XT Live. I am pressing something and tone has to be delayed????!! I cannot believe that this company would even produce unit which this ridiculous problem....

[@wadecrowaudio1441]

good review i'm looking between a second hand ax8 and an axe fx2. I prefer a rack unit as its just for recording. One other thing, as a sound engineer, you don't want to change amp sims in one track as your recording, but after all these years im guessing you have discovered that already. its better to have each amp on its own track for mixing and post production. good review it has helped, cheers mate!

[@yamitanomura]

Great review, well explained and great playing.

[@BasBach]

Awesome I felt this was a true review. Thanks.

[@bremsnix]

I would have liked some bass soundsamples for the ax8 but may be you just planned to that in another video.

[@MitchBakerMusic]

yep, planning on it!

[@MrKevinWilliamsmusic]

Honest and good review! thx

[@bigdbrew]

Nicely done!

[@aciek]

Great work! There's not much so professionally prepared videos on YT. :)

[@japhethebe]

A very honest review. Would love see ur take on a Helix AX8 and Kemper Profiler comparision...

[@pascalboutrin1032]

Great review. Nice job!!!

[@antman2826]

Good review. If you don't like the audio cut out when making changes simply pause communication with the editing software. Problem solved.

[@MitchBakerMusic]

+Ant Man Regardless, this NEVER happens with my Eleven Rack, and you could buy like 5 used Eleven Racks for the price of one AX8. It shouldn't be an issue at all for something this high-end, in my opinion.

[@antman2826]

Pausing comms shouldn't be a problem. There's a pause comms button at the very top of the editor window or simply press F8 on your keyboard. Not sure if you knew this or not but really not a big deal.

[@MitchBakerMusic]

+Ant Man I am aware of how it works and I use that function frequently, however, I remain disappointed that it's necessary on a unit this expensive and highly regarded when it is unnecessary on a much cheaper unit like the Eleven Rack. I think you should be able to use the software editing freely while using the footswitches to instantly change sounds handsfree as you would at a gig. I know it's not too much to ask, because it's been done before. Perhaps that comes with the CPU limitations of the AX8, perhaps it isn't an issue with the Axe-FX, but regardless, it is definitely an issue to me because it puts one more roadblock in the way of using this unit to make the sounds and perform the functions I want it to do.

[@mrtheroan]

Great review. One note though is comparing the amp models between the AX and Helix isn't really fair at this point since the AX has a jump start. The Helix just came out and is already adding more amps.

[@MitchBakerMusic]

From what I've gathered, people started receiving their Helixes the first week of October. Since then, the only models that have been added to the Helix have been 3 modes of one amp, the Matchless DC30. Since the first week of October, when Quantum 1.01 dropped, Fractal has added 18 new amp models to their firmware. (Deluxe Verb Nrm, Bludojai Ld 2, Double Verb SF, Plexi 50W 6550, FAS Hot Rod, PVH 6160+ Rhy, PVH 6160+ Rhy B, Class-A 30W Brt, Spawn Nitrous 1, AC-20 12AX7 B, Ruby Rocket, Plexi 100W 1970, Plexi Hi 2, Friedman BE V1, Friedman BE V2, Friedman HBE V1, Friedman HBE V2, USA Lead IIC++) If Line 6 is trying to play catch up, they need to be moving a little bit faster.

[@petermaroney]

Is the beginning background music animals as leaders song?

[@brpadington]

The Helix has more bells and whistles but the Ax8 beats it in sound quality. EVERY demo of the Helix has the same digital noise line 6 is famous for.

[@yoshiheavy]

Good review man!

[@pixel4u]

You killed it man.

[@smaragdboa]

Does anyone know if I would be able to hook one of these guys up to my audio interface and record with just as I can with my standard rack mounted one? Just curious, because if I can it would make life even easier when it comes to just writing in my daw, and playing shows! Any help is appreciated!

[@KrispyCoins]

Very professional video

[@Scias]

Good job sir nice honest review

[@MrBlank0907]

im kinda torn between the ax8 and the helix. the helix sounds great and has a ton of features that i love, but the ax8 flat out sounds better. so i have to decide between ease of use and great features or a wider selection of better sounding amps. alot of people would immediately go for the better sound and rightly so, but i absolutely love the helix user interface and how easy it is to use and understand.

[@jeeeeev]

what did you end up with?

[@furlong08857]

Great Demo, how about the overall latency on the switching the patch and also when picking the strings . latency really drives me nuts with floor units

[@canofnothing]

Since it has amp modeling, does this mean it can just be run with guitar -> AX8 -> cab? Just looking for a really simple "bedroom" setup.

[@RiffsByJake]

The Can of Nothing you'd need a power amp.

[@jakestewartmusic]

I'm pretty curious to hear how a Sansamp compares to the Helix and AX8. If you ever get a Flyrig or one of the Character series pedals to try out, please make a brief comparison to a similar Fender amp model in the Helix or AX8. I've been considering the AX8 but I'm wondering how much better it is than a Flyrig in terms of sound for live applications specifically

[@firmani99]

Great review!!

[@xJustinP101x]

Are you allowed to use two signal paths? I.E for Stereo effects. To possibly use it with two physical amps, and not amp modeling?

[@maheshthapaofficial9719]

Can you make a review for the line 6 pod hd400 because there's no good review video in KZbin

[@nagol5178]

Do you know if you can use an HD500 as a midi controller to have expression pedals and more buttons? I have an HD500 that I use as a midi controller for multiple units now (Don't actually use the HD500's software just happens to be a nice midi controller) Or does it have to be a single expression pedal? I seen it had the midi on the back there. I plug my HD500 into the midi on the 1101 or on my interface for Amplitube 4.

[@MitchBakerMusic]

Not sure actually, haven't heard of anyone doing that. Seems like an interesting idea. I might try that with my Helix just for the heck of it.

[@nagol5178]

That's all I use the Line 6 pedal boards for. Since the HD500 series they are good midi controllers. You can find them cheaper than midi controllers that do less. You can program them on the computer with the software too. Mine controls Amplitube 4, the 1101, it'll control a regular Axe Fx.

[@rickwilliamson9371]

Great review Mitch! What do you think of the clean sounds? Are they nice and open or do they sound compressed?

[@MitchBakerMusic]

+Rick Williamson Thank you! I think they sound pretty open, as much as real amps are at least. I've seen people talk about the cleans on the forum being too compressed, but I think that's the actual characteristic of most of the amps they're modeling. Adding reverb and keeping the master volume low helps a lot.

[@zepp3lin]

And you know what? I'm still with my ADA MP1 with an Alexis DSP running thru the Marshall 50/50 power amp and I can get any sound I want since 1992 till now, how cool is that.........

[@thelolguy007]

If the Axe8 is out a couple of years now - I wonder when will the new one be introduced?

[@ViTAR30]

thanks for the opinion.

[@ahmetayaz8131]

nice review

[@AC2237]

Nice review, please check out the Helix because I am so confused as to which one I should buy....even considering Bias Fx. I also love the Headrush

[@TheSpicerD]

Great job. Thank you.

[@joelicitra9817]

nice nice review

[@r.llynch4124]

using the ax8 can the user use the top 1/4 out to tube amp input and both xlrs out to 2 frfr cabs at same time? i guess one would need to turn off amp/cab sim for the 1/4 out to tube amp. can this be done with the ax8 like the helix?

[@axmen9]

Best review I've seen!. My real concern is a legit guitar sound with only a direct output to mixer, is it truly possible --without a major load of tweaking the eq? I would love to gig with only my PRS and AX8, leave my vertical 2x12 Mesa at home in my "upstairs" studio

[@prettynoose8497]

0:58, ha ha. Show me the musician that is *not* on a tight budget!

[@zahinzk]

Kim Cornell I know this doctor who used to play in bands back in the day and now teaches music part time. He earns a shit load of money. Over the last 15 years he has owned almost a hundred guitars. If you have a good income I'm pretty sure you're not gonna be on a tight budget lol.

[@redrhythmic]

Nice review

[@tokmakerdin]

really nice review! however some tips on the editing: don't keep footage where the camera falls or unwanted jitter is visible

[@MitchBakerMusic]

0:38 was for comedy, nothing more :) doing my best with the stabilization, but I'm a bit limited at the moment

[@tokmakerdin]

thats cool man! anyway amazing review :)

[@Bflatest]

wow that sound dropping out during recording is a show stopper isn't it????? I mean wouldn't that come into play if you were needing to change a patches effect during a solo?

[@MitchBakerMusic]

It's only when it's connected to the computer editor application, not when the device is running on its own.

[@Bflatest]

oh that's a little better. :) But can you have the editor open editing patches as you are recording?

[@1sheldon]

has there been many updates for the software? maybe one to help with the delay in changing patches on the editor

[@Nig6tWalker]

hey man can you do a 11 Rack review?for your which one sound better AX8 or Eleven Rack?

[@basementguymusic2148]

Can you load a inpulse response from a website? Or other peoples presets?

[@HuntforMusic]

Hey guys and girls, hope you're good =). I'd like to buy an amp modeller unit for recording tracks in a make-shift studio I'm creating/potentially for delivering guitar lessons (I won't be using it live, just for these 2 uses). I was wondering if you would recommend this product, or whether something else might fit my needs better? Any help with this would be greatly appreciated =)

[@josephballew]

I have had axe fx ultra and sold it. I now have a Helix. I will tell you the difference. I love the led Squibble strips. I don't have a need for Variac or alot of the outputs. I do like having six effects loops and two control pedals. The amps in the Helix and AXE are both great. I will say axe has tons more amps, which is a short coming of helix. As far stomp effects, I will give that hands down to Helix. I would give the delays, pitch, and rack gear effects to axe. Helix is much easier to program. Axe has Tone matching and you can do it on a Helix with outboard software. You can use any routing with up to 4 amps with Helix and 4 stereo paths. I don't know what they cut out in this unit. It only does one amp, so I am guessing that it does not have the GSP power the Helix has. Does ax8 still do tone matching. DSP power is top on my list. I hate the Helix does not do Custom Scales Harmony, and I am not sure if this unit will. The Helix will also let me run speaker on stage and send xlrs to the console. For me the Helix is what I need. Helix just needs to add amps, get 10% better on rack effects and add Custom Scales and it will be the top dog. Axe cost 3000 with a controller. Helix is half of that with axe 66% more amps, 10% better rack effects, custom scales and tone matching. That difference is not worth 1500 more dollars.

[@jlynnb1]

+Joseph Ballew the Helix amps aren't nearly as good as the fractal amps. You also can't compare the Ultra which is years outdated to the newest product from a competitor. Would be like me testing the II against the Pod bean.

[@JWH91969]

+Jason Biggs That's not what I'm hearing from a lot of people. What I am hearing is that the Helix is equal from those who are indifferent & have no bias. As for the Ultra, it's not that much of a difference as you're making it seem.

[@jlynnb1]

+JWH91969 having owned and used both, it's a DRAMATIC difference. And I've heard and experienced the opposite. I have no brand allegiances...I use what works and sounds best, period. The Helix is good to very good, but it's not on the Kemper or Axe's level when it comes to amp tones.

[@JWH91969]

Jason Biggs Pete Thorn says different & that's the caliber of player I'm going to listen to.

[@josephballew]

+JWH91969 It was a long time ago I had an ultra before several updates and back then is all I know. Pete Thorn is one of my favorite on KZbin. I am happy with my Helix and can't afford to spend twice as much when the Axe is not twice as good. I like everything being on the floor, with a lot of power for effects, and easy programming and squibble strips. I never once said Helix amps sounded better. I gave the plus and the minus of both and was accurate. Both units has its pluses. I have listened to videos with Pete Thorn with both Axe Fx and Helix and he makes both sound great. He won't pick one over the other because he is a paid advertiser. He takes a product, plays an original with tons of guitars, then breaks it down how he gets the tone. I will say this: I bet Pete Thorn could make recordings with one Axe and the other Helix, and I would bet we could not pick which is which. Any good player could make either unit sound great. I would kill to have the added amp models, Custom Harmony, and better rack effects of the Axe FX, but just not willing to spend twice as much for it. If I was single, I would get the Axe FX.

[@localpm]

Good review.

[@coopercarter]

Not sure how familiar you are with Fractal products, but your section on the editor is really misleading. There is a pause button at the top left of the editor that pauses communication so there are no gaps. The reason there are gaps is that there is an enormous amount of processing going on when the editor is "live."

[@coopercarter]

+D Bo it pauses the editor so that you can use the unit as normal without the editor needing to take time to read what's going on

[@zepp3lin]

I think what he's trying to say is live online editing and there's gaps, pausing is not live online edit.......

[@jlynnb1]

the audio skips because you are supposed to pause Edit when using a Footswitch, or not use the switch when using edit...that's user error, not product error.

[@MitchBakerMusic]

+Jason Biggs Doesn't happen with my much cheaper Eleven Rack when changing patches, turning effects on and off, or using a MIDI controller to footswitch...

[@jlynnb1]

that's cool, i'm just saying why it happens, and it wouldn't happen during a performance. when Edit has to query over usb while also receiving information from the foot controller, it causes hiccups. that's why that little pause button is at the top left of the edit screen, you are supposed to pause edit's communication with the unit while using the controller.

[@MitchBakerMusic]

+Jason Biggs It's not just when using the foot controller. At 3:54 I simply click on the amp block to view the settings and it hiccups. Click to change X/Y and it hiccups, too. It wouldn't happen during a performance, no, but it happens all the time when you're trying to dial in tones using the software, which is much easier than trying to use the unit.

[@garykarczewski6678]

Nice Review. Looking forward to your Helix review. Question would you use this as a Amp pedal board replacement in your application?

[@phillemelin9250]

Excellent review, thanks! I'm thinking of buying the AX8 but I'm concerned about the audio skipping while changing settings. Does it also happen while changing settings directly on the pedal or is it only while editing on the computer? Thanks

[@MitchBakerMusic]

this issue has since been resolved!

[@tincupmike32]

How are the tones compared to the eleven rack? Is there a huge difference? I have an eleven rack and I am thinking about upgrading.

[@MitchBakerMusic]

I'll have a comparison video in the coming weeks, I haven't spent enough time comparing yet to say for sure! It's definitely not night and day as far as sound quality goes, but the AX8 does provide you with many more usable options.

[@joegrant413]

Nice review, and I've seen a few! Will you review the Helix?

[@MitchBakerMusic]

Thank you! I'm planning on it, and I would've done one by now, but the first Helix I bought was stolen (and returned to its rightful owner) and the second was retained by a... let's say... difficult online merchant :)

[@joegrant413]

+Mitch Baker Mitch, thanks for the reply! I'll stay tuned. BTW, I hang out at thestompbox.net, feel free to drop by. Cheers

[@maximumhorn]

For a touring muso with an axe fx and MFC 101 It WAS the easiest, cost effective, space saving, best sounding and lightest way to travel, but then they bring out this bad boy....fuck!! Excellent review btw.

[@ryanern18]

Biggest difference between this and Helix is that the AX8 actually sounds really fucking good.

[@BigRalphN]

Obviously you have not taken time with the Helix. I own an AX8 and a Helix. Both have Pros and Cons But when it comes to quality of sound they are neck and neck. I can sometimes make them sound identical. Here is the Helix con though. It takes time and tweaking to get that tone from the Helix. Line 6 did not spend enough time getting presets good enough to give the unit a fair shake(the latest major firmware update does improve the presets). It is pretty easy to fix them if one knows how. AX8 was very smart and had nice tones out of the box. Of course just like the AX8 you can get Fremens patches for the Helix. They are what should have been stock with the processor. I am not a Line 6 guy in general. I hated the HD series processors and have had terrible luck with their stuff in the past but the Helix is a winner for them. When I do side by sides of both of my units it is very hard to decide which I like better.

[@MitchBakerMusic]

I have both now as well, video comparisons are coming as soon as Quantum 4 hits the AX8 :)

[@BigRalphN]

+Mitch Baker Ya, I do not know how much of a difference 4 will make. It will be interesting.

[@MitchBakerMusic]

Ralph Niederlander Jr. Yeah I'm not expecting much either, but I don't want snobby Fractal users jumping down my throat for not being TOTALLY up to date haha

[@r.llynch4124]

i agree give the helix more amps and shore up the reverbs , delays and game over.

[@DreamingWolfsMusic]

I give this guy a 10. Thanks for revealing these critical points. I now know my decision. So are you using the Eleven Rack as your USB Audio interface??? Since you said the AX8 doesn't have this option. I have the Eleven Rack, and I could use it for USB Audio interface. I know it should work great with the AX8.