Artists Using the Axe-Fx and Other Products from Fractal Audio
Artists using Fractal Audio can be found across genres, generations, and geographies. From jazz to junk, pop to punk, folk to funk, metal to monk… from secret studios to stadium stages, our diverse endorsers have at least one thing in common: they tell us that the sound of Fractal Audio helps them make great music. You can read their words below.
Solo Artist
I'm using the Axe-Fx II relentlessly in the studio and have easily replicated all of my favourite tube amps into simple-to-use presets, ready for recording anytime and anywhere. From the most authentic vintage correct details to modern metal tones of the future and beyond, it can do it all.
Facebook
Bandcamp
YouTube
George Michael, Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark, Paula Cole, Suzanne Vega, East Village Opera Company, etc.
Thanks to Fractal Audio, digital modeling has finally become a tool you can use in the studio and live without compromising tone and feel. This is hands down the best sounding and most powerful guitar processor available!."
www.benbutlermusic.com
Sam Hill Band, YouTube Sensation
Finally something that sounds and FEELS real!! The breathtaking effects are the icing on the cake!! I am blown away!
Mark Day's Channel on YouTube
The Dillinger Escape Plan, Producer, Engineer
I've been backing these units from their inception and have been using them in the studio and live for years. The ability to craft your tone from such a large palette of amps and FX is essential to my playing and producing style. Being limited to just one or two tones for a song would be like looking at a Rembrandt in black and white. When you factor in how reliable and recall-able the sounds are, you really can't beat it.
Dillinger Escape Plan site
Solo Artist, Red Rider
In the studio we prepared two vintage amp rigs with tried-and-true configurations and then I dialed in similar settings on the Axe-Fx II in minutes and recorded them all. I could not believe that when I A/B'ed all three in the mix the Axe-Fx was simply better!
www.tomcochrane.com
Guitarist, Composer, Arranger, Producer, Sound Magic
I used the Ultra on "Sounds of Freedom" to create the best guitar sounds I have ever recorded (after 14 solo albums!) The Axe-Fx II is even more fantastic... with even more body, complexity and presence... even more purity, width and warmth. This is virtuosity in technology.
www.nguyen-le.com
Animals As Leaders
Upon getting the Axe-FX I promptly got rid of all of my other amps and pedals. Now, the Axe Fx II inspires me to create sounds that transcend the conventional guitar amp. I consider it another instrument, and indispensable.
www.myspace.com/animalsasleaders
Cee Lo Green, 2NE1
The Axe FX II is simply unreal. It has a ton of capabilities that I never imagined could be found in a single unit. It totally rocks!
facebook.com/SharonAguilarRocks
Keith Urban
The Axe-FX II is absolutely the most useful and flexible tone tool you could ever have. It is custom made for everyone.
Solo Artist, Guitarist, Producer, Engineer
I have tried many systems looking for the elusive dream tone. Once I found the Axe-FX II, I knew I was done searching. The unbelievable flexibility, deep, rich tones and limitless combinations of sounds and FX make the Axe-FX II XL a true game changer.
Visit Christopher on Facebook
Styx
There is a world of possibilities in that little box and I am enjoying getting to know it.
www.tommyshaw.com
Zappa Plays Zappa
The new Axe-Fx II made my head spin. Amazing amp feel and endless tone. It truly is a quantum leap... a major milestone in guitar technology.
www.dweezilzappaworld.com
Solo & Collaborative Artist
The new Axe-FX II has all the functionality and tonal quality of the Axe-FX I, and then some. The introduction of the Axe-FX 1 unit into the pantheons of guitar FX processors was akin to the invention of the wheel. The Axe-FX two is like having 4 wheels and racing into the abyss.
www.vai.com
Film Score Composer, Solo Artist
It's just that simple, when it comes to recording for my CDs, laying tracks for the TV shows I am scoring, or making electric guitar (or acoustic guitar with a pickup) sound design for my various projects the Axe-Fx II is my first call device. It is by far the best piece of guitar gear I have ever owned.
http://scoredog.tv/
Solo Artist, Instructor
Man!!! The Axe-Fx II with v10 is absolutely a huge game changer. I though I would never say this but “NO MORE GUITAR AMPS FOR ME BABY!!!” I'm completely done searching. I can definitely nail all the lead tones and the cleans are to die for.
GaloRivera.com
Composer, Arranger, Orchestrator, Conductor, Guitarist
As a go-to box, it's insane. In my world, it paid for itself in a couple sessions. The pitch is: it doesn't need a pitch. Play it. Listen to it. Like it? Buy it.
View Carl's IMDB credits
Glass Casket
The sound and feel are undeniable... I feel tube heads are going to become as relevant as VHS tapes. There’s no stopping this train.
myspace.com/thefaceless
Solo Artist
I can safely say this is the unit I've been waiting for for the last 25 years. It's a tonechaser's dream come true!
www.willschut.com
Almanak, Solo Artist
As an all-time tube user, I never thought that I could be SO INTO this kind of equipement. This magic box can bring any tone I want, in any situation I need with REAL FEEL... Fractal, thanks for bringing to us the next step of technology for live and studio players.
Almanak Site
Neal Morse Band, Solo Artist
The Axe-Fx is the single best piece of gear I have ever owned. It's everything I've wanted since I began playing the guitar. My tone is consistent from night to night, no matter where I am playing. It is powerful, dependable, and makes touring much easier. I am a Fractal fan and user for life!
Eric's Web Site
Styx, The Babys
I've always felt the quest for creating and finding the perfect sound was forever and ongoing. Fractal Audio has closed the gap...with multiple choices!
www.rickyphillips.com
Cynic
The Axe-Fx does everything well, but most importantly it articulates the science of great tone with an organic sensibility and utter precision!
www.cyniconline.com
Guns N' Roses
The Axe-FX II has been a total game-changer for me. Hard for me to admit to, after all the money I've spent collecting vintage amps! I've redone my entire live rig around it and it's now less than 1/2 the size it used to be. It's become an essential part of my studio rig as well. It's the first modeling technology I've heard that actually works for me.
richardfortus.com
Solo Artist
The vast array of endless sonic possibilities make my Fractal Axe-Fx II a hot-ticket item in the studio!
www.bluessaraceno.com
Psyckadeli, Video Tutorials
The Axe Fx is truly a wet dream for a guitarist. I can finally create what I have always wanted. Making the Axe Fx Tips & Tricks videos on Youtube has made me realize what a beast the Axe Fx is. I can’t see myself going back to gear like the ones that I had before. Now I can concentrate on playing instead of searching for gear.
YouTube
Facebook
Peter Murphy, Black Sugar Transmission, Sheer Velocity, p0p*stAr*kiDs
The AxeFX changed everything. I haven't set a mic in front of an amp since I got it. It makes dialing up tones ridiculously quick and easy. It's a wonderful creative tool, The fidelity, flexibility and facility of this unit make it a godsend for guitarists.
Andee on MySpace
A Perfect Circle, Ashes Divide
I went from 16U of beloved gear to an Axe-Fx II and a Marshall head with no compromises! (...and I'm a very picky motherf**k'r) It's an impressive piece that lets me reproduce old favorite sounds but more importantly, inspires new ideas. I've finally found a single FX unit that bypasses distracting limitations and lets me get straight to the creative process.
www.aperfectcircle.com
Chris Cornell, Melissa Etheridge, LA Session Player
The Axe-Fx is just an amazing tool in your arsenal and it's getting more and more amazing all the time. It's fantastic. I can basically get the sound of my studio now -- both with the impulse response capture and the tone match feature -- ...and take it with me!
www.peterthorn.com
Billy Idol, Atomic Playboys
To say that my AxeFX is a guitar FX unit is laughable… It's become a sonic religion to me.
www.stevestevens.net
Def Leggend
"I've been a "tube head" guy until now. The first time I heard the AX8, I knew it was time to put the past (amps) behind me, and make Fractal my primary live weapon." - Mike Hamill
"I run straight to P.A. with my AX8, and 240 dates a year I'm reminded why I don't need a traditional amp/rig and guess what? So are the sound men." - John Inman
See Def Leggend on Facebook
Alustrium / Galactic Empire
The Axe-Fx is the pinnacle of tonal technology. In its many forms it has been the centerpiece of my rig, both live and in the studio for a number of years and I expect it to remain so for years to come. Nothing comes close.
Trivium
You will hear and read a lot of things about the Axe-Fx, but nothing will prepare you for the sounds that come from this unit! The sonic possibilities are mind-blowing... Worth every #@{!\! penny!
Trivium official web site
Andy Grammer, Bridgit Mendler, Fifth Harmony, Session Musician, Solo Artist
I'm a tube junkie and a purist, but the Axe-Fx has forever changed the game. It is both a blank canvas and a palette of tonal colors that is beyond expansive. If you can dream it, you can do it....all within 2 rack spaces!
Greg's Web Site
Yes, ARW, Solo Artist
The Axe-Fx II is just ridiculous. The modeling is just great, and it was really the only product of its kind that I could bond with. On tour, it’s been trouble-free and has replaced my entire rig: big stereo amps, pedals, effects, a switching rig. It’s just great…really great!
trevorrabin.net
Film Composer, Oingo Boingo
I add guitar to my scores a lot. The quick access to my favorite presets when I get an idea and want to jump right in is exactly what I need. And, the Axe-Fx II sounds great!!
Danny on IMDB
Solo Artist
Any tone I imagine can be created with ease, all while sounding and feeling like I am plugged into a tube amp. With zero tonal compromise, countless high quality effects, and ultimate flexibility both live and in the studio, theAxe-Fx II has absolutely transformed the way I approach guitar tone.
www.seanasheguitar.com
The Human Abstract
Axe-fx changed the spectrum of sound for myself and many other modern metal players - i was sold the second i started toying around with one, and now im hooked! I use it in the studio and on tour.
The Human Abstract on Facebook
Fighting Friday, Studio Musician
A very well respected sound engineer gave me the look of death when I showed up with just my Axe-Fx. At the end of the night he came up and said “That thing sounded so good it made me angry”. No limitations, no compromises. The future is now I am honored to be part of it.
www.fightingfriday.com
We struggled with tube amp inconsistency for years, especially with in-ears. The Axe-Fx eliminates this problem completely for us…it sounds consistently great every time and you cannot beat the support from the Fractal team!
Volbeat Web Site
Solo Artist, Tom Kurlander & Pale Blue Sound, Morph Kings
I've fallen in love with the Axe-Fx II. The tonal power is amazing - so many different amps and effects, and everything is updatable. I can program all of my signal chains just the way I want them, and be able to recall those sounds at any time. I don't have to worry ever again about recreating my studio tones for live performance.
Quantum Mechanics, Solo Artist
The Axe-FX is the most musically inspiring piece of equipment I have ever plugged into. The tone has a clarity that allows me a greater level of expression. It is a true extension of my playing. It is simply amazing!
http://ericwollman.com
Rammstein
Paul uses the Axe-Fx II in Rammstein. "Hi Paul. Do you want to tell us anything about your setup?" Paul: "No."
Rammstein Web Site
Katy Perry
With the Axe-Fx, I don't ever have to say 'no'. We can select whatever gear we want to use on-stage with Katy, but we have to be able to achieve the sounds she and the musical director are looking for. The Axe-Fx II met our needs for the show and sounds incredible.
Follow Casey on Twitter
The Eagles, Solo Artist
The Fractal system is like having over 100 guitar setups in one...Different amps, speakers, and effects in every combination you could imagine. It is so helpful in the studio to recreate or redo a guitar part... No setting up, no microphones or tweaking to match sounds. It’s just right there where you left it. I’m loving this unit and having a blast exploring all of it’s possibilities.
www.donfelder.com
Saigon Kick, Owl Stretching, Solo Artist
The Axe-Fx II has changed everything for me! The previous amp emulators just never had that percussiveness or the responsiveness like a real tube amp until the Axe-Fx - it lets me get to the creative part quicker... it's like cheating. Plus, successful and attractive women have begun stalking me coyly asking about my "huge" tone.
www.jasonbieler.com
Mr. Pollack
I had been strugling on stage with tube amps for ages before my Axe II arrived.No headaches anymore! I recorded my most recent album "Seven Sources" with the Axe II as my main amp and it's the best sound of my career. Thank you Fractal Audio that you exist!
www.mrpollack.pl
SoloAWeek, Hannah Thomas, The Swear, Solo Artist
Live or in the studio, the Axe-Fx II is the most potent artistic tool a guitarist can own. I've never captured such beautiful, full guitar sounds so easily, whether I'm dialing in a famous tone for an episode of SoloAWeek or my own dream tone I've always heard in my head. The Axe-Fx II inspires me to create every day.
www.CooperCarter.com
Kobra and the Lotus
Fractal Audio are ahead of the game in the world of amp and FX modeling, with sound and feel like the real deal in a way that was unfathomable not long ago. This is the future. I feel like a kid in a candy store.
kobraandthelotus.com
Solo Artist, Session Guitarist
After 40 years as a musician/guitarist I´ve had lots of experiences with awesome gear. The Axe-Fx is pure inspiration to me. The sound is just stellar and it´s so easy to use. To me the Axe-Fx II is “THE REAL THING”.
Frank's Web Site
Rascal Flatts, Solo Artist
The Axe-Fx is hands down, the most powerful and best sounding guitar unit to date. The effects in it are beautiful, the amp models retain the feel of a real amp, and the ability to create your own IRs is fantastic! This unit really has no limitations!
Andywoodmusic.com
Cowboy Mouth
My Fractal Axe-Fx II is a godsend. The tones I am able to recreate and also create are endless. Having all of it at my disposal on the road is priceless.
Cowboy Mouth Web Site
Solo Artist
The Axe-Fx II is at the very pinnacle of tone for the cutting-edge musician. It not only offers any sound imaginable, but also gives depth to a visceral level of aural spectrums. A truly inspiring creation.
Visit Zac on YouTube
Chris Isaak Band, Solo Artist
Fractal Audio has matched and even beaten the old school effects, tubes, speakers and microphones approach with digital technology. Not only have they created a device which captures the nuance, mojo and fidelity of the real thing, but it's like having hundreds of real things, stock and custom, in two rack spaces. It is soulful, rich and alive. To me the Axe-Fx II is the new real thing.
www.hershelyatovitz.com
Mixer, Engineer (Rush, Dream Theater, Aerosmith, Def Leppard)
The Axe-fx II is a powerful processor offering an innovative way to capture and create guitar tones that are instantly recallable at any time. Using the Axe-Fx II is truly an inspirational experience.
www.richardchycki.com
Metallica
We wanted to hate the Fractal. All that work formulating and honing the Metallica guitar sounds was going to be lost. We couldn't have been more wrong! It opened the door to way more options than we had ever had before. In short, WOW. — “Big Mick” Hughes, Engineer, Metallica.
Metallica.com
Solo Artist, Bryan Ferry
The Axe-Fx II XL continues to blow my mind as I get more and more familiar with it. It is supremely versatile and delivers tones that make it difficult to ever put the guitar down. This beautiful beast has unlocked a whole new level of awesome!
Quist Web Site
McRocklin
Having access to so many amazing amps and cabs that sound, feel and behave like the real deal has blown my mind. I've been on a tone quest this last year, and the first time I plugged into the Axe-Fx I knew I had found exactly what I was searching for. The complementing effects are also world class, which means I can keep my rig small and portable, without compromises.
www.facebook.com/mcrocklin
Public Alchemy, YouTube Sensation
The Axe FX II is everything I ever wished for. It inspires me to play more while making me sound better. I highly recommend it to anyone serious about tone.
Walliman's Channel on YouTube
King's X, Xenuphobe, The Jelly Jam
At first I used is strictly as effects. Tremendous! It's insane how powerful it is. Now, I am also using the amp modelling as well. The entire sound of my rig is the Axe-Fx. Amazing!
ww.tytabor.com
Kansas
After playing through the Axe-Fx II for a while I went back to my rig to compare, and it just felt like it was fighting me. You guys have really closed the gap here on both the amps and the effects. This is just incredible technology.
www.kansasband.com/
Grammy-Winning Producer & Guitarist
One my best purchases ever. With my Axe-Fx I can now tour the world with my ultimate tone rig – and it's a carry-on!
www.larrymitchell.com
The Devin Townsend Band, Strapping Young Lad
You've heard rumors about this new alien black box… Believe them! My two most recent records and live sound are direct Axe-Fx. Future now. It allows the culmination of all I've learned about amps and effects to happen in two rackspaces with uncompromised, unbelievable quality and accuracy. Words fail me... and that's rare.
www.hevydevy.com
Ghost
The Axe-Fx II provides consistently great tone, no matter where or when our ritual takes place.
Ghost Site
Digital Tape Machine, Solo Artist
Since switching to Fractal Audio Axe-Fx II, I love the ease of achieving any tones I need with lightweight compatibility on the road or in the studio. I get my electronic dance/rock-style sounds that I would need racks-upon-racks to achieve otherwise with a set up time of seven minutes or less.
Facebook
State Line Empire
I am constantly blown away by the feel and tone.The Axe-Fx provides the tools to inspire you to explore, and to find your true musical voice.
www.statelineempire.com
Smash Mouth, Rob Cavallo, Jack Joseph Puig, John Mayer
I'm now living in Nashville TN and I've been blowing people away with my Axe-Fx. I love this thing!
www.leroymillermusic.com
Dirty Loops
The Axe-Fx II is the most powerful unit out there with the least limitations. I talked to a lot of people and tried other products. The Axe-Fx II was the best sound processor I found and it was a very easy decision to go with the Fractal.
www.dirty-loops.com
The Aristocrats
Finally, a digital panacea for guitar tone which actually works: I never thought the day would come, but the sound and feel of this magic black box are so "real" that witchcraft would appear to be the only logical explanation... Most pleasing!
guthriegovan.co.uk
Solo Artist, Session Musician, Teacher
For live or studio use the Axe-Fx II is the best tool ever! This is really the ultimate 21st-century unit for the guitarist. A year ago I couldn't see myself playing without a tube amp, now I just can't see myself without my Axe-Fx II.
www.anouck-andre.com
www.youtube.com/anouckandreguitar
Intervals
The Axe Fx II is one of the most essential guitar-related tools I've ever experienced. Both in, and out of the studio, the Axe Fx II consistently surprises and inspires me. The benchmark for digital guitar processing. Period.
Intervals Facebook site
Solo Artist
The Axe Fx II is the perfect solution for that guitar tone I've always had in my head. It has revolutionized my recording and production. Don't know what I would do without it!
http://www.myspace.com/austinwoodward
Megadeth, Cacophony
The Axe-Fx is unreal... amazing, unique, and most importantly, totally usable tone in every situation.
www.martyfriedman.com
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Solo Artist
After years of tone chasing, with the Axe-Fx II I’m now finally able to get the tone I have in my head. With every firmware update the unit keeps getting better with more enhancements and additions. The Axe-Fx II will be the king of my setup for many years to come.
Visit Richard's site
Solo Artist
The Axe-Fx II has completely revolutionized my world. I finally found my tone, which I researched for many years. The quality of the sound and the feeling you have is amazing. All with a simple interface that makes things even easier and faster. The Axe-Fx II has no limits, no boundaries.
Andrea's YouTube channel
Def Leppard
I have lost track of how many times I have looked at my Guitar Tech and said "this sounds f#$%ing amazing!!
www.defleppard.com
Anthrax, Red Lamb
I had many dreams of a mad scientist inputting vintage amp blueprints into computer chips, and giving me the ability to somehow mod the circuits without a soldering gun. I'm alive and it's here. How the $#&% did they do it? We've just turned the corner big time.
www.redlambofficial.com
Megadeth
With the Fractal Axe-Fx II, you can literally do anything. For me that means recreateing an intense history of crushing metal tones spanning three definitive decades, so that is saying a lot -- and beyond -- this is the new state-of-the-art.
www.megadeth.com
Polyphia
The Axe-Fx has changed the way I look at digital amplification. It takes no time at all to dial in astounding tones, and gives an endless amount of tweaking options. I have everything I need and more all in one unit.
facebook.com/Polyphia
Living Colour
I have heard the future and it ROCKS! The Axe-Fx gives you outstanding tone and almost limitless programming possibilities. Plug in and freak out!
Vernon Reid on MySpace
Solo Artist
The Axe-Fx II is everything I’ve been looking for and more. It is a completely limitless unit that has the ability to make what you hear in your head into a reality. The Axe-Fx II is the now and the future!
Cole's YouTube Channel
Béla Fleck & the Flecktones
The Axe-Fx is a really great sounding box. It has improved my electric banjo sound considerably.
www.belafleck.com
Cry Venom, Falling In Reverse
When it comes to bringing the guitar sound in my imagination to real life on stage or in the studio - the Axe-Fx is simply essential. Its easy to use and portable, I wont go anywhere without it.
Solo Recording Artist, Justin Timberlake, Michael Jackson
The Axe-Fx is arguably the most impressive guitar related item I've ever owned.
www.greghowe.com
Solo Artist, Session Player
I've been using my AX8 endlessly on live gigs, tours and sessions. The sound, the tone and the feel is so mindblowing and unreal! So inspiring! Thanks Fractal!
Solo Artist, Studio Musician, Professional Sideman
The Fractal is an absolute dream machine. They've stuffed every effect, head, cabinet, and more into a 2-space rack, and now floor unit! I've been using Fractal products for every gig, lesson, rehearsal, and recording session since 2009 and I couldn't be happier with the results.
Nick's Facebook Page
Pink, Solo Artist
The Fractal is one of the coolest pieces of gear I've come across in years. The presets are awesome! Super fun and inspiring. Totally convenient and bottom line sounds and feels great.
Justin's Facebook Page
Ultraje, Pad
First time I saw and heard an AX8 I thought...Take me to your leader! The second thing was to get one at home. I do not get tired of being stunned by this wonderful equipment!
Marcos' Web Site
Solo Artist
The Axe FX II is the perfect device for any multi-output instrument such as the Chapman Stick, Warr Guitar, 14-string guitar, regular guitars with piezo, doubleneck 6/12 string, etc. I'm basically using different effects for each one of the 4 outputs of my guitar, having the greatest sound quality. Amazing, and ready to go!
www.felixmartin.net
Youtube's thibderob, Feedback, Solo Artist
Getting a terrific tone has never been so easy, and I've never sounded so good live or in the studio. From dry amp tones to complex sophisticated effects, the Axe Fx has it all.
http://www.facebook.com/fremen.mu
http://www.youtube.com/thibderob
Jimmy Kimmel House Guitarist, Producer
I've used my Fractal gear for both live and studio work. It's just beyond great...with punchy amp sounds and awesome effects. Very versatile and super cool... handy on the road too!
Magic Elf, Carl Roa Band
The Axe-FX II is magic in a box! An incredible array of tones from the small 2 rack space unit. Just about every amp known to man, with a seemingly endless choice of mics, cabs and effects. This amazing technology easily competes with the sonic arsenals found at most top end studios. Simply awesome!
www.CarlRoa.com
Solo Artist, Justin Hayward (Moody Blues)
The AX8 is everything and more for my electric guitar setup. I honestly can’t see any reason for players not to use this on stage and in the studio. It is superbly practical with a minimal learning curve and the amp models are just unbelievable, not to mention the ridiculous amount of high quality effects that you can tweak for days. I’ve barely scratched the surface with this thing but I can’t wait to dive deeper.
Mike's Web Site
Failure, Producer/Mixer (Paramore, Beck)
The Axe-Fx II has changed everything for me in terms of electric guitar. The amazing fidelity and stability that we get to hear in our IEMs every night is really a dream come true for live guitar and bass.
www.kenandrews.com
Brit Floyd
I’ve never been happy with the transparency and the quality of multi-effect until now! I need a wide variety of tones at my disposal with no tap-dancing. Using a pick or my fingers on passive or active basses, with or without frets, or even Chapman Stick, it sounds great and delivers a consistently clean signal.
Ian's Web Site
Brit Floyd Web Site
Solo Artist
My Axe-Fx II and MFC-101 are a guitar player's dream. I have access to limitless, amazing tones and effects with superb quality. Live setup is a breeze too... no more over-sized pedal boards! My rig survived 2012 Warped Tour last summer without any glitches whatsoever, and still going strong. Fractal Rocks!!!
OZZ
The Axe-Fx and AX8 are hands down the best pieces of gear I've ever owned. My amps now collect dust. I've been able to completely recreate my stereo tube amp setup with my Fractal gear and have it sound even better. Gig after gig my tone is always there and never fails me.
OZZ Web Site
OZZ Facebook Page
Independent Artist
Fractal Audio Systems gives me all the best amplifiers and effects I ever wanted in a single unit! Under my feet, on stage!
www.marcofanton.it