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.
Engineer, Producer
The Axe-Fx II performs beautifully! Many of the guitarists I produce are amp-tone purists. They can be reluctant to try a unit like this but in no time at all they love working with it! I always get in there and work with microphone, amplifier and pedal combinations, and the Axe-Fx puts it all at your fingertips. The tones are easy to fit into the mix and the FX processing opens doors for artist creativity. I love it!
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
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
Periphery
The Ultra was a game changer for us both live and in the studio. The Axefx II takes the unit to an unprecedented level of realism and control. This is beyond modeling or effects processing, this is the new standard for guitarists.
facebook.com/misha.mansoor
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
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/
PLINI
Thanks to Fractal, I get the amazingly surreal experience of being able to carry hundreds of high-end amps, cabs and pedals, all in a small suitcase, around the world, to play music I wrote in my bedroom with people I met on the Internet. If that's not a sign of living in the future, I don't know what is.
PLINI Web Site
Session Guitarist, Avril Lavigne, David Cook
The quality of amp modeling and effects in the Axe FX 2 are insane! I find it to be perfect for tracking and inspiring for just sitting and writing.
www.devinbronson.com
I Wrestled A Bear Once
Not only is the AXE FX II the best tool on Earth for shaping your dream tones and fx, but you get to bring them with you everywhere you go in only 2 rack spaces! I ditched giant flight cases and a huge pedal board in favor of one easy-to-carry rack and an MFC-101, and I couldn't be happier.
www.iwrestledabearonce.com
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
Solo Artist, Composer, Author
The Axe-Fx is the best piece of equipment I've ever had. I’ve always dreamed of having a guitar device that had all the sounds possibilities and features I wanted. With the Axe-Fx, my dream came true. Thanks for making my life on stage and at studio easier!
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!!!
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.
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
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.
Nashville session and touring dude
Fractal didn't change my love of great amps and stomp box tones; it INCREASED it by letting me have it ALL with me in a compact, dependable footprint. My crew digs me again because I reduced the mountain of gear to haul! Fractal is my new musical DNA.
www.instagram.com/bjameslowryofficial/
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!
Rush
The quality of all the effects is superb. There is great depth and transparency, and excellent imaging that makes listening with in-ear monitoring a wonderful aural experience.The choices are limitless and it's fully loaded with all the options you'd ever need. Take it for a test drive, you won't be disappointed.
http://www.rush.com/
Megadeth
We have all heard manufacturers advertise being able to reproduce any tone, but Fractal is the first to actually live up to that statement. From the dynamic response to how the gain clips, it responds to my playing instead of altering it. The all-in-one must have unit.
www.chrisbroderick.com
Within the Ruins
The Axe-Fx II is an amazing unit. It has completely changed our entire live rig for the better. It has become one of the most important pieces of gear in my touring and home studio setup. Possibilities are endless - nothing can match the quality or tone that the Axe-Fx produces.
Within the Ruins site
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
Guru Ganesha Band
I've been on a 45-year quest for the perfect electric guitar sounds and had almost given up hope when I recently was turned onto the Axe-Fx II. Now I've been able to dial in sounds that I couldn't even conjure up in my dreams. You've proven to me that there must be a God!
www.guruganesha.com
Solo Artist, Guns n Roses, Art of Anarchy
As a recording artist, performer, producer, and teacher traveling the world continuously, I've always longed for the seemingly impossible - a variety of quality sounds with endless possibilities that can be saved and recalled flawlessly, and all that you can carry with one hand. Fractal made it possible. THANK YOU for allowing me to give audiences a better listening experience than I ever could before.
Bumblefoot Web Site
Ghost
The Axe-Fx II provides consistently great tone, no matter where or when our ritual takes place.
Ghost 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
Guitarist/Producer
I nevered expected that an all-in-one digital unit could replace my real amp rig, but the Fractal Audio Axe-Fx II did. It's a dream come true!
www.youtube.com/user/guitarholy
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
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
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, King Crimson, Frank Zappa, many more...
Powerful, pristine, flexible, deep, monstrous and dead quiet... The Axe-Fx is world-class processing at its best. It is literally everything I need.
www.adrianbelew.net
U2
The Edge is known for his signature sound—a combination of musical elegance, exquisite core tone, and innovative effects—especially echo. For him to trust this illustrious sonic asset to the Axe-Fx II expresses that it meets his exacting needs, but also demonstrates that this guitarist is a veritable force at the forefront of both music and technology. We're proud that he chose to be listed here.
www.u2.com
Danny Danzi Band, Van Halen Nation, Skeleton Crew
The Axe-Fx is the most powerful processors I have ever used, and is the only thing I am using these days. I don’t even miss my amp rack! They not only make the best, most realistic processors in the world - they support what they sell! Fractal Audio for life!
Danny's Site
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
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
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
John Farnham, T. J. Helmerich, Nelson, Derek Sherinian
The Axe Fx-II is everything I need in one package. The possibilities are quite literally endless.
Brett's Web Site
Manowar, David Shankle Group
The Axe Fx II is a guitar player's dream. It is the most versatile and real sounding unit on the market. My tone is killer, and the pitch harmonizing is excellent.
http://www.davidshankle.com/
http://www.facebook.com/dave.shankle
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
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
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.
Solo Artist
The Axe-Fx doesn't only sound like my favourite amps, it "feels" like them too. All the pros of the real thing without any of the cons. In fact, what am I talking about? It IS the real thing.
Nik Kershaw
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
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
Silversun Pickups
Fractal Audio has given me the ability to shatter the creative ceiling I've been living under for years. I feel free.
silversunpickups.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
Sebastian Bach, Solo Artist
The Axe-Fx… Prepare yourself to be totally consumed! This unit is the future and beyond. Amazing!
find Nick Sterling on Facebook
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
Solo Artist
For the stage, you can sell all the gear you have! The AX8 gives you what you want and beyond…with top-notch tone.
Kenny's Facebook Page
OneRepublic
The Ax-Fx II for me is all about the most amount of options on stage and in the studio for the absolute least amount of space, unreliable technical hassle, and cost. There is nothing else available with this kind of quality and reliability but with such a wide assortment of options. I have probably only tapped into about 30% of what this thing can do and I'm already sold.
onerepublic.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!
A.N.I.M.A.L., De La Tierra
My Fractal gear sounds amazing! Pure, real and versatile. It's a fundamental part of my rig, both live and in the studio. Fractal Audio frees me to create all the tones I can imagine.
Animal Web Site
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
Nevermore
I am able to create the exact guitar sound and touch dynamics I want from the ground up with my Axe-Fx. Need I say more?
www.jeffloomis.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
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
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
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
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
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, 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
Mastodon
Welcome to the future, people! The Axe-Fx is the answer to so many limitations I've faced with amps and pedals. The future is now and its name is Axe-Fx!
Visit Mastodon's Web Site
Online Instructor, Solo Artist
The Axe-Fx has totally changed the way I work and my perception of great tone! The ability to have so many incredible tones and effects at your fingertips for both live and studio work seems too good to be true, but with the Axe-Fx you really can have it all.
www.tomquayle.co.uk
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
Periphery
The AxeFx achieves literally every tone I want for our music, and then some. From all the tones on the new record, to everything we use live - it's all AxeFX. I've never played through such a diverse, dynamic, yet straightforward unit. It re-shaped the way I think about guitar tone and I honestly can't see myself ever going back.
www.myspace.com/periphery
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
The Black Eyed Peas
I freakin' love this thing! I haven't used an amp in the studio for months, and now I've built a live rig around it too. The tone is second to none!
www.blackeyedpeas.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
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
Solo Artist, Chickenfoot
The Axe-Fx ll is a tone generating powerhouse. I’ve been using it for writing, recording and live performance. It always delivers the goods. Mike Keneally and I both have them integrated into our live rigs. They’re rock solid, and sound great every night. The shows wouldn’t be as fun and exciting without them.
www.satriani.com
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
Steve Vai band, Solo Artist, Visible At Night
The Axe Fx is the most exciting thing in the guitar world today. I use the plethora of amps for direct recording in the studio and it's also integral part of my live rig. Plus the people at Fractal have set the new standard for customer service and constantly pushing the technology forward.
www.daveweiner.com/
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
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
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/
Trivium
I've always believed that the least amount of gear between a guitarist's fingers the ears of the listener. That's been difficult to say the least... up until the Axe-Fx. My rig today is guitar, power conditioner, wireless, Fractal. That's it -- and my tone sounds better than ever. Minimal. Modern.
Trivium official web site
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
Linkin Park
The Fractal is insanely ingenious. Captures all the magic in one reliable place. If I could live in the Fractal I just might.
www.linkinpark.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 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
Nine Inch Nails
I've reprogrammed the whole NIN show using the Fractal. I have never sounded better and I’m psyched with each preset for every song. Really love the thing!
www.robinfinck.com
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
Eminem, Dr. Dre, Adam Blackstone
Ever found something that does EVERYTHING a guitarist would imagine? Fractal Audio Nation!!!!!
Curt's website
Blondie, Blue Man Group. Rock of Ages
Fractal Audio is the real deal...Real tone, real portable, real easy. The possibilities of this unit would require an endless amount of amps, pedals and rack gear to achieve.
www.tommykessler.com
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
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
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
Living Legend; Guitar Tech to the Stars (Frank AND Dweezil. S. Vai, S. Lukather, Y. Malmsteen, W. Cuccurullo, etc. etc.)
Beyond beyond. Really wonderful performance, total world class. No wonder they're sold before they're even made! Really amazed by ... everything!
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
The vast array of endless sonic possibilities make my Fractal Axe-Fx II a hot-ticket item in the studio!
www.bluessaraceno.com
Mors Principium Est, Solo Artist, Producer, Composer
Every sound and effect I could ever need in the studio or live fits into a unit small enough to sit under my monitor, or to be carried onto a flight to my next gig. The Axe-FX II is the silver bullet to the tube-amp purist’s argument against digital amps.
Andy's Facebook Page
Every Hour Kills
The Axe-Fx finally fulfilled the promise of the multi-Fx amp modeler. Live or in the studio, every tone you can imagine in stunning quality, without sacrificing usability. I replaced entire fridge racks and pedalboards and haven't mic'd up a cab in months. Fractal brings my audio chaos to life.
Web Site
Solo artist, Session Player, Sideman
Fractal Audio opens an infinite universe of musical possibilities. I've never felt so comfortable with a unit on stage and in the studio.
Sus's Web Site
Solo Artist, Axis, Two Roads East
When I'm recording for EFX or projects 2 ROADS EAST and AXIS, I'm always looking for organic sounds—greasy, soulful rhythm-and-blues gut-bucket real-vibe. I want to hear the air around the notes. Fractal Audio delivers exactly that and then some. The amp models are reactive and alive. The reverbs lush, deep and complex. It's essential for killer guitar sounds quickly and easily.
www.electricfactoryX.com
www.jonbutcher.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
Breaking Benjamin
A "must own" for any guitar player! Whether you're a pro or just jamming for fun, this beast does it all! It's all over our new record. Live I use amp, cabs and effects in the box, straight to FOH and wedges. It just sounds GREAT.
Breaking Benjamin website