Playing the Axe-Fx II Direct to FOH & with Onstage Cabs

Learn how to set up this popular live rig in just a few easy steps to get the best of both worlds! A very common question, with a very easy answer!

[@joshsizemoremusic]

Wow, he is not only a crazy smart dude on the Axe knowledge but a killer player. Thanks for the content.

[@1122Genesis]

Turn Off The Background Music So I Can Understand What You Are Saying !

[@adam872]

Love that tone at the beginning and the playing. Nice chords!

[@user-ux4bt4tq3y]

Thankful for the things I am learning here! The knowledge of the artist and video quality are rad!

[@mrtmcmorton]

seriously helpful dude...massive thank u

[@JJDPROMEDIAPRODUCTION]

Sweet tone Cooper!!!

[@tensago]

3:09 regarding this, I would advice that the matrix is actually set 9/10 and you use the out level as the control. Your suggestion does create a better snr ratio but the axe fx 2 is already so huge that there is virtually no noise. Running the out very high as in this video you are at risk of clipping the matrix input circuits with that hot signal. I used to run it like this video suggests until I spoke with the designer himself and he recommended what I’ve suggested here in this comment.

[@nbnguitar]

Fabulous tutorial! Thank you.

[@langsfordmusicltd283]

clear as mud,thanks.

[@matthewf9500]

you have no idea what you’re talking about.

[@FearCycle]

Super informative. Thanks.

[@buzz_cooksey]

Can't wait to give this a go

[@Jaxisagod5]

Thanks for the great vid. So if you have Out 1 to PA, what setting in global do you change for OUt 2 to FRFR speaker?

[@wearelifelike58]

hey!! im have a really hard time setting up my axe fx xl I want to use my ux2 (i understand that the axefx can act as a interface but i dont want to disconnect all ux2 set up any tips?

[@THUNDERWORX]

Great video.

[@Rugarus]

What is that box he has around the axe?

[@miguelwelvaert7493]

how do you connect your axe fx? are you using xlr cables or jack!!? Thx!

[@supravatdebnath9464]

Which version of JP series are you using??

[@MarinhoPonci]

Hi Cooper could you tell me which monitors are you using ? Wich the best Matrix Q12A or FR212 wich you prefer ?

[@blastbeatdown]

How do the Global Settings affect this? There is a Cab active/bypass function on there

[@ZackSeifMusic]

Where can I find this clean preset?

[@geronimosantacruz4110]

So, just like that? by adding an ex loop with no end of output, will send that signal automatically through Output 2?

[@christopherlees1134]

My old Marshall doesn't have an fx loop. It just has inputs and that's it. It's a 1977. What to do?

[@timeagan893]

Sir I hope you can shed some light on this: I am interested in using the PS-100's tube power amp with a AxeFX II and through a Marshall 4X12 greenback loaded cab. Now the AxeFX has several adjustments/options one can make if you are using a Solid state power amp or a tube power amp. Now the difficulty is (as you remarked in your video) is that the fryette's tube power amp is more "clean" or "neutral" so as to not add much "color/personality)....BUT it still is a "Tube amp and I would guess that you would not make the AxeFX "settings adjustment that you would pick for "when using a solid state power amp" For instance for solid state power amp you might want to leave the AxeFX "power amp emulation on (because the solid state power amp is too "sterile" but is the Fryette ENOUGH of a "Tube power amp that you/I should leave the power amp emulation "Off". There are also other settings that are easier to guess (since I'm using a "Real" cab I should turn the "cab sim block off. So I guess I'm asking you: When using the fryette "tube power amp" even though it is actually a "Tube amp"...but still it is so "flat/neutral" as a power amp one should still leave "power amp simulation "ON".....YOUR THOUGHTS????

[@JasonWB007]

The problem with this approach is that putting the effects after the cabinet provides a vastly different sound than putting the cabinet after the effects. There's a big difference between echo and reverb into a cabinet and a cabinet in a room with reverb and delay. The latter is much more realistic. Also, there's a LOT to deal with on every patch that you want to do this with.

[@coopercarter]

No. The cabinet block in the Axe-Fx is linear. Time based effects like delay and reverb sound the same before or after.

[@Kay_Hangman]

Thank you sooooo much

[@moderneagle310d]

I use AXE-FX, too. I only have a hard fight for the making of sound. I am troubled whether I should use the power amp of VHT whether I should employ a studio monitor. Please advise it.

[@moderneagle310d]

n addition, please tell me by all means if there are the studio monitor of the errand and a recommended article.

[@IamTheHira]

Funny cut at 5:46! xD

[@thegudstuffbs1549]

Can you run this just through a regular guitar amp, like a Boss Katana 50? or do you need other stuff?

[@mrtmcmorton]

yes just dont use the amp and cab sims

[@wholelottaglove]

My issue is the preset tone changes to FOH when you add a FX loop block. It becomes thin and buzzy

[@Slicklickz]

Are you using balanced cables?

[@rztricky]

Cooper, the cabinet placement in the chain doesn’t effect the tone of the effects if they are before or behind? It’s assumed that post cabinet the FX emulate pre or within studio outboard. Putting the cabinet after Reverb is something I’ve never done, it operates the same regardless of arrangement?

[@rztricky]

To clarify a little further, I think of cabinets catching color of the head, and mics throwing that color to the recording. In this assessment for routing, you are throwing FX at the cabinet. Wonderful concept but is there a nuance to tone or gain staging in that sequence?

[@Andurst]

Great video! But quick question... Can I just send my axe fx to FOH so they can just send it to the PA system? So... no power amps, no amp heads and no cabs. Is it possible?

[@Andurst]

+Camden Boren Thank you so much!

[@MikaTarkela]

What do I need to do if I want to use a power amp and a guitar cabinet with my Axe FX II ?

[@jankruger9106]

Mika Tarkela You have to connect your power amp to your Axe Fx output and connect your cab to your power amp ;D .....aaand don’t use a cab block in your FX chain

[@elicarter4165]

Hey i have a question? the video somewhat answers the question but just to be 100% sure. Okay, im planning on getting an Axe Fx(either the ultra or the two) and i don't have like a mixing board or mics or any of that stuff. Could i just get the Axe Fx and hook it into like a guitar cabinet and be done with it? Im just really planning on using it for effects and/or to simulate a specific amp. Maybe later on i could use it as a power amp or whatever with a head and cab and all but i just want to know if i can JUST run the axe fx into a cab and use it that way for now. - Thank you \m/

[@snapascrew]

Kyle Bentzinger no, you would need a power amp before you hit the cab.

[@elicarter4165]

Oh ok, Thanks man

[@brandonweinmann5700]

Is there a way to run an axe effects through a vox ac 30?

[@mrtmcmorton]

i think just take out the simulated amp and cab

[@misterkenova6695]

Do you always run stereo? It's it wrong to run mono to front of house and mono to guitar cab?

[@OtherTheDave]

Mister Kenova I mean, it’s not like running your rig in mono is _morally_ wrong, but if you’ve never played through a stereo rig (even if it’s just one amp with two mics on it panned in your IEMs) I highly recommend finding a way to try it out. Maybe it won’t be for you, but IIRC everyone I’ve talked into trying it has stayed stereo.

[@mallit]

What model Ernie BAll is that please. ??? it`s really nice.

[@marcelomartinez6482]

JPXI

[@LegionDe75]

Putting reverb before the cab instead of after won't cause noticeable sound change?

[@ekedout]

LegionDe75 Yes, it causes a severely noticeable sound change, and it's for the worse. Quick story: When I first started using the Axe Fx 2 I use to have my personal patches set up so that the cab was at the end of the chain in an attempt to mimic a real rig. All the FX and overall tone(s) were just dull. As a result, I ended up spending/wasting countless hours adjusting stuff trying to compensate and overcome the dullness. After getting frustrated I looked at the factory patches and realized most, if not all, of them have a theme which is: AMP -> CAB -> FX. I decided to follow suit and the whole problem cleared itself up instantly. With respects to this video I'm assuming if you put the FX LOOP all the way at the end of everything, your tone won't change.

[@ekedout]

^ "*..your tone won't change." ...which is what you'd want if you're running to FRFR speakers from both outputs. However, it's probably not what you want if you're running to a real amp and cab while also sending a line to FOH. I think his thinking in this video with putting the CAB IR at the end of the chain is: since one line already ends up coming out of a real guitar cab, the other line (FOH line) should have a CAB IR at the end of it to replicate the real guitar cab. I guess in that scenario it makes sense to put the cab after everything. I run FRFR speakers and as I stated in my previous reply, putting the CAB IR at the end of the chain after FX with FRFR speakers really hurt my tone(s).

[@bibekrulez]

is there a foot control that can be connected with axe fx

[@mrtmcmorton]

fractal audio mcf 101

[@tanmay9268]

Delay before the reverb? That’s disturbing

[@jules.b9202]

Can you use the axe fx on it’s own, not connecting to any cab ( real cab ) or pc monitors

[@IanHarrisOfficial]

No, its basically a VCR box, you have to plug it into a cab or some kind of speaker system

[@jules.b9202]

Thank you, can you plug it into a real cab and a PC at the same time

[@IanHarrisOfficial]

@@jules.b9202 That I am not sure, I would assume so but you would need to check their site and see their port selection

[@slickcross]

What the purpose of even buying a amp these days when you can get this monster lol

[@itaymalik4964]

Yeah i know it sounds just like you whatever you want it to sound like, its easy to record with and you dont need any pedals as well

[@THUNDERWORX]

@@itaymalik4964Tube emulation has finally reached a point to where it makes more sense to use software. The advantages of a processor vs a big, heavy tube amp that needs repairs often are obvious. The only advantage that I can see for tube amps at this point is resale value. The software platforms like Axe FX, is that Axe FX Three isn't going to be worth a whole lot when Axe FX Ten is coming out, whereas, amps generally increase in value with age. I do think many of the platforms are way overpriced.

[@iganpparamarta8813]

Many top tier guitarists in my country now using modelers for their live shows. Maybe they already achieved some degree of success where they no longer 'care' for tone but to care for how they perform, and knowing that their songs are heard not the tone of their guitars, not saying their live tone is horrible but like the geniuses in youtube comment section say "audience couldn't care less about your guitar tone".

[@Skydog3]

need to put some Axe fx of that voice recording. The audio is shit.

[@mrtmcmorton]

thanks but turn the music down when yr talkin please

[@geetargeek79]

for a second though it was Malfoy. =p one day i will have an axe fx...

[@olekcj111]

Can I do this with AX8?

[@FreddieOrtega-cr33p3rofficial]

Yes it should work the same as the Axe FX

[@chrishightower3629]

I find it interesting that you chose the background music and a room with way to much echo for this video. Maybe you should watch some youtube videos on how to record and make youtube videos :(

[@IamDanonymous]

Doesn't having the Cab block at the end of the chain affect the tone, though?

[@dciccantelli]

Its only in place for output #2 which is what you'd want for a signal going to the onstage cab. The effects aren't changed.

[@audiblecreations1]

Absolutely affects the tone on my rig. I get better sound with the cab in front of the FX send and with Cabinet simulation remaining "On" as well. Im sure this is considered "wrong" but it sounds so much more alive and beefer on my tele than with it turned off and the cab at the end of the chain and not being sent through the "Fx Send".

[@jbmusicman1]

I'm trying to get a live rig set up. Where can I find those Matrix speakers? Thx!

[@G66eu]

jbmusicman1 www.G66.eu!

[@jbmusicman1]

G66 Funny...I was at the Fractal Co in NH. and saw G66 all over their white boards. Nice baritone btw. :-)

[@yosiaandre2432]

what is FOH stands for?

[@icecreamforcrowhurst]

front of house

[@trendpimp1]

It's better to use full range monitors onstage,otherwise you are not getting the same tone as the front of the house.

[@JasonWB007]

Yes, and besides, this isn't a very good solution because you have to make this change to EVERY patch.

[@nikolajhansen15]

so would you suggest just getting the atomic clr and go directly into axe fx (do i need a power amp for this or anything else?)? and is there a good alternative to atomic clr thats a bit cheaper?

[@trendpimp1]

I think most of your standard powered monitors such as JBL or EV will be fine.You may not have the headroom of the Atomic CLRs but unless you are playing in some insanely loud band you don't need 500 watts of power.

[@danyeo]

Matter of opinion. Some of us like to hear a real cabinet behind us while playing. AX8 through a tube poweramp is my preference, but giving a sound man a full FRFR signal makes his life a lot easier.

[@VelhosNovos]

no drive sound? why?

[@VelhosNovos]

to me, yes...

[@VelhosNovos]

ohhh sorry...

[@w3rm4]

1:48 Cabinets! lol

[@genevai2893]

if that is the easier version i would d hate to see the hard version

[@bibekrulez]

this seems very difficult to use

[@shanebratton8339]

Let me teach you how to use the axefx while the basics of video audio allude me.

[@matthewf9500]

those who can’t do criticize in the comments

[@adamgrimm1523]

Holy echo! Use a lavalier lol

[@mikeallen5291]

Straight out the gate. Videos like this, we are here to hear what you have to say. The background music is very distracting.....Hate being negative, but this time, I was pretty annoyed trying to hear what you were sayong over the music. That being said, great information

[@randonladner2324]

Pretty wack there’s not a Speaker Out like there is on the Kemper. Seems like an obvious design feature to have for players that use this kind of gear.

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

too quick, didn't explain how to use the the axe fx with an amp and demo the result. rather pointless actually. This is for someone who already has experience using this set up, no good for a novice.

[@NisGaarde]

Are you doing this video in the shower? ... rough acoustics

[@mindjab]

seriously tho since when did being a guitar player become so overly complicated. ffs

[@TheZenbudda]

To a lot of people it is not complicated.

[@minisurfbanana]

barry h I’ll buy your Jubilee😬

[@batmandeltaforce]

Screw that shit. Mike your guitar speakers.

[@ZRPStudios]

Who's Mike?

[@copykon]

That background music is fucking annoying.

[@frostbeam7095]

turned it off as soon as it kicks on the lame music while you're talking.

[@mindjab]

it just feels like you have to be a sound engineer just to even play guitar these days, it feels like revenge of the nerds. like you have to join them or suffice to there never ending battle with technology to help make up for there sloppy true guitar sound. so they need shit like this just to cover themselves.

[@sendalunar2974]

Sounds like you've never played a live show before.