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.
Firehouse, Solo Artist
The Axe-Fx II is the greatest thing that's happened to the electric guitar since the pickup.
www.leverty.com
Periphery
I've seen the Axe FX turn the most hardened tone snob into a believer in a matter of minutes. There are no substitutes, no equals... I've completed my tone journey and the destination is most definitely the Axe FX.
www.myspace.com/periphery
Solo Artist
Keith Urban's masterful guitar playing and magnetic energy are accompanied by a true dedication to great tone. It's an honor that he is preparing to use our amp modeling in his live rig, and that he chose to be listed here. We previously worked with Keith's personal Twin to produce a cab pack and an amp model now featured in the Axe-Fx II and AX8.
Solo Artist
The quintessential preamp for every guitarist, no matter the genre or gig.
See Angel on Facebook
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/
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
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
Dream Theater
The Ultra completely and forever changed the way I look at guitar processing. The Axe-Fx II takes everything I love about the Ultra to the next level. All of the FX sound richer and the new interface makes it even easier to use. My rig has a new openness and clarity and sounds so much better as a result.
www.johnpetrucci.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
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
Goo Goo Dolls
The Axe-Fx II took my live sound to a depth I could previously get only in the studio. The effects are incredible and the unit is intuitive to use.
Goo Goo Dolls
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!
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
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!
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
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
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/
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
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 Artist
The vast array of endless sonic possibilities make my Fractal Axe-Fx II a hot-ticket item in the studio!
www.bluessaraceno.com
I Built the Sky
Fractal Audio has been an absolute game changer to the industry, especially for independent artists such as myself. While versatility and portability alone are enough, the tonal authenticity is second to none. The ability to take my incredible studio tones with me on the road and knowing that I never have to worry about inconsistencies with mics, rooms, cabs and engineers makes playing live nothing but a pleasurable experience.
ibuiltthesky.bandcamp.com
Chicago, Rick Springfield, Warren Hill, Secret Agent Orange
I've been a tone purist and gear snob my whole life, and was recently introduced to the Axe-Fx II - to say I was impressed is an understatement! It's replaced my 20k/800 pound rig. I'm sold - an amazing intuitive tone machine!
Chicago's Site
The Other Ones, Rat Dog with Bob Weir, Jemimah Puddleduck, Solo Artist
A "dyed-in-the-wool" tube freak, I didn't even WANT to believe the Axe/Fx could be a realistic option for me... boy was i wrong. It delivers on all-important FEEL and VIBE. and can effectively take the place of my entire multi-amp touring rig."
www.walkthroughthefire.com/
Studio Musician, Steely Dan, Michael Jackson, +many more
The Axe-Fx has the amp sounds, the effects collection, and the controls and routing to let you make this virtual guitar rig the one you want. Soulful and smart, that's a good combination.
www.deanparks.com
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
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
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.
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
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
Solo Artist
The possibilities the Axe FX offer are endless. From pristine cleans to high gain searing leads and everything in between, I can control every single detail of my tone with an almost embarassing ease. And the effects are awesome as well. Simply unbelievable.
www.marcosfogli.com
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
Scale The Summit
The Axe-Fx II allows you to bring any sound out there in any genre to your studio or live environment. Anyone who tells me they can't get a good sound out of the Axe-Fx just simply hasn't tried.
www.chrisletchford.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
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.
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
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
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
Whitesnake, Night Ranger, Trans-Siberian Orchestra
The Fractal Audio Axe-Fx II is a go-to piece of gear. Killer tones! Pristine effects! I've used it on more gigs and sessions than I can count.
www.joelhoekstra.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
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
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
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
My Axe-Fx has not only replaced all my rack gear and channel switching amps, but for the first time I have a consistent tone night after night regardless of venue.
www.eddegenaro.com
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
Pray for Sound
The Axe-Fx II completely changed how I feel about digital guitar processors. Having hundreds of amps and routing options that actually sound and feel real in such a small package is a game changer for both live and studio settings. With the Axe-Fx, there's no digital harshness. All the tube character is there. I can finally focus my time on creating music, rather than building the ultimate do-all rig.
Pray for Sound Site
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
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
Stephen Carpenter & Sergio Vega
We recently purchased Axe-Fx units and as you know, it is a transcendental experience... especially for those who love developing tones with movement and textures to use for composition as we do. We feel as though we found a life partner in this system!
http://www.deftones.com/
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
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
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/
Karsh Kale, TrueFire Artist, Solo Artist
The Axe-Fx changed everything for me, a guy whose life had revolved around the good, the bad and the ugly world of pedals! From to-die-for amp and fx processing, to unlimited control, to never having to compromise anything my demented mind comes up with—I'm forever floored.
www.ChrisBuono.com
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
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
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
TOTO, Kenny Loggins, Don Felder
The Fractal is such an empowering music-making tool. We used to dream of gear capable of this. Now it's a reality and all right here in our hands!
www.shemworks.com
Twitter: @shemvonschroeck
Guns N' Roses, SixxAM
The Axe-Fx II is hands-down the most amazing guitar rig I have ever had the opportunity to plug into. In the studio or playing live it delivers nothing but quality tones and effects for days. I am simply blown away by this unit. It is every monster guitar rig all-in-one thanks guys!
djashba.com
See also DJs Rig Rundown
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!
Solo Artist, Outworld
What can I say? I am blown away by the Axe Fx. It does everything and more. What really amazes me is that the amps do not sound 'digital' at all.
www.rustycooley.com
Béla Fleck & the Flecktones
The Axe-Fx is a really great sounding box. It has improved my electric banjo sound considerably.
www.belafleck.com
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
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
Raxus Prime, Solo Artist
The Axe-Fx and MFC-101 have been the cornerstone of my recording and live-playing rig since 2008. I was hooked in about 15 minutes and I haven't looked back since. I have become a much more creative player and well-rounded artist because of this amazing device.
www.xanderdemos.com
Xander on Facebook
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, 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
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
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
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
Polyphia
I couldn't imagine my life without the Axe-Fx. This conveniently-sized box of wonder covers all of my tonal needs live and in the studio, providing endless inspiration.
facebook.com/Polyphia
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
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
Styx
There is a world of possibilities in that little box and I am enjoying getting to know it.
www.tommyshaw.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
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
Mikael Åkerfeldt, Fredrik Åkesson
Fredrik - "Simply the best guitar effects processor out there."
Mikael - "I've used the full spectrum of the Axe-Fx, from the Ultra to the XL, and it is just splendid."
Opeth Web 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
Wovenwar, As I Lay Dying
The Axe-Fx II is limitless, leaving me constantly in awe of it's wonderful potential.
Wovenwar web site
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy trio, Fender Signature Artist, Composer/Music Director
The AxeFx takes guitar into uncharted areas. It achieves the single most important thing and that is realness—be it the sound or the feel. Every serious player should get one whether for recording or live use.
www.shankarehsaanloy.com
Guitarist/Songwriter, Harem Scarem, The Stellas
I’ve been chasing my version of “The Tone" for years… I’m happy to say I finally found it. From rock to country, live and in the studio this thing delivers on every level. Thank you Fractal!
petelesperance.com
Harem Scarem on Facebook
www.haremscarem.net
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
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
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
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
Journey, Santana, Solo Artist
I've tried every modelling unit available on this planet and the Fractal is by far miles ahead in every area. It's also proven to be flawlessly dependable in the studio and live performances. So no matter who tries to get what out of me.... you're not getting my Fractal... ;)
www.schonmusic.com
Blizzard of Ozzy
Fractal Audio has inspired me to take the audience's listening experience to a new level. Whether recreating a specific tone or creating tones that set me apart from fellow artists, the Axe-Fx can do it. Getting an Axe-Fx was the best decision I've ever made.
Blizzard of Ozzy page
Alustrium
The Axe-Fx II is nothing short of a miracle in a rack unit. The endless precision that the unit offers when shaping your tone opens the door to limitless pathways to achieve any sound that your mind can conceive. There's a reason why Fractal Audio leads their industry by a wide margin...Once you plug into an Axe-FX for yourself, you'll immediately understand why.
Alustrium Facebook Page
Producer, Engineer, Living Legend
I am loving the Fractal. It's a 'must have'.
Producer, Engineer: Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Motley Crüe, Metallica, The Cult, Bush, The Offspring, Black Veil Brides
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
L.A. Studio Guitarist, Neil Diamond Band
I love my Axe-FX… So much fidelity, amp goodness & processing power under one roof. The ‘sonic bar’ has been totally recalibrated by Fractal Audio!
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
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
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
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
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