Axe-Fx III Reviews

… and that’s not an exaggeration. The Axe-FX III replaced all my other guitar electronics with one convenient rackmount unit. I was able to sell off all my pedals and get rid of my amp. It really does it all, and sounds amazing in the process. There possibilities are virtually unlimited and the amp models and effects sound amazing. The regular firmware updates just make it better and better. The customer service and support is the best in the business. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend an Axe-FX III to anyone.

The Axe-Fx III is by far the best gear investment I’ve made in the 40+ years of playing guitar. The quality of effects and amp tones are simply amazing! I’m a semi-pro player and am not willing to compromise on my tone, either live or in studio. I made a decision a few years ago to play what sounds best, no matter how complicated, heavy or inconvenient. I stumbled on the AX8 when needing a fly rig and was completely blown away by the quality of effects and amp tones. When the Axe III was released, I decided to take the plunge and couldn’t be happier with it, there has not been a tone I haven’t been able to replicate. The biggest thing that’s impressed me is the interaction with the amps, they’re very dynamic and responsive. There’s nothing I miss from a playability or feel perspective compared to “real” amps. Great job FAS, you’ve converted someone who had sworn never to use modelers, let alone going direct live. Can’t recommend this piece of gear more highly, regardless of your experience level or status.

Plug in and play and it’s as simply as anything else. Dive deep and it is the abyss by comparison to all I have played. Some companies sell you a device and never even fix bugs let alone add functionality… Axe folks are constantly adding functionality/improvements. They even listen to their customers! It is everything they say it is and more. Top notch – top to bottom.

I was constantly flipping pedals, and had just replaced my Peavey Classic 50 410 with a PRS Archon 25. I had the big Strymon delay, reverb, and modulation pedals. Noise issues in the loop made me get a buffer.

I then got a Boss ES8 and was programming the presets by hand on the clunky interface. The Strymon pedals required programming and midi commands to change presets. Showing up to gigs still required going through every sound to try to match volume levels between drives and other effects. The pedalboard was huge and almost self-aware. There were too many points of failure. I started thinking there had to be an easier way.

I remember when the first Axe-Fx was released. At the time I thought it was too expensive, but it sounded amazing. Now with the cost of my pedalboard and amp this concern seemed laughable. In my search for a solution I happened upon the newly released FX8. It seemed to be the answer to all my problems. I purchased the FX8 and it was awesome loading in with an amp, the FX8, and an expression pedal or two. The best part was having peace of mind volume levels would be consistent between presets. I also didn’t have 15+ patch cables/power supplies that could go bad.

I soon became curious about the AX8. I purchased one. The amp modeling was amazing! I rarely touched the Archon anymore. No more 4+ cables running all over stage! I finally found the amp sounds I had been seeking when I was flipping drive pedals. I sold the AX8 to a bandmate, sold the FX8 on Reverb, and upgraded to the Axe-Fx II XL+ and MFC. I got a Xitone cab. Life was as good as I thought it could get. Enter the III!

I mainly upgraded to the III because I can see the scene names on the FC12 and don’t have to memorize what each switch does on the controller. I can run 80+ songs from 8 presets. I have more time to spend with family, more efficient practice, and spend less time programming and memorizing nuances of presets thanks to the LED displays on the FC12. The modeling sounds amazing as always. This has truly been the answer to all my needs and I am so thankful to have Fractal in my life!

P.S. While waiting for the FM3 my buddy sold his AX8 and we have been running shows with both guitars through the III. I have him on a 4 button switch connected to the expression inputs on the III. It works great!

Well here we are 18 months since I bought the Axe FX III, after 7 years with the Axe FX II – a revolutionary product itself and one that allowed me to produce shows of superior quality with rave comments from fans and sound engineers alike.
I actually thought that the II could not be better. Yes, maybe a more powerful version with more complex algorithms or a longer looper or more delays – but better tone? Not likely. After over 25 major software upgrades, the sound was there and I was not expecting any thing drastic.
But the Axe FX III surprised me. It’s not that the amps sounded hugely different, it was the ease of dialing in great tone. It was how it FELT to play and – I don’t know, it’s hard to put into words – something was just “more right”.
Yes, I got more complex algorithms, routing improvements, some of the effects were obviously reworked and some great effects were added, a longer looper too, but what got me the most was how EASY it was to dial in a perfect tone.
I made a preset that I can use for Jazz, Funk, Rock, Blues and Pop in less than 4 minutes with absolutely zero effort and it sounds glorious. I do entire shows with that one preset – and it has only one amp!
From a user interface viewpoint, the III is miles ahead of the II. The screen is sharp and easy to read, colorful and easy to orient oneself on. The navigation is sublimely simple and like I said, putting together a preset is a piece of cake.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the FC foot controller here. It’s only fitting because all of the FC programming is IN the III, not the FC. I was concerned at first that 12 buttons would not be enough. Fool that I was! It’s not only plenty, it’s luxury. The design of the foot controller interface is so badass that it’s actually more like having 24 switches at your feet and then you can have 8 completely different layouts that can be accessed with 1 or 2 clicks! I’m very enthusiastic about this product and the level of care and support I get from Fractal Audio. It’s not often that you can converse directly with the designers and owners of a company and have your wishes granted. I feel like I contributed to the greatness of the Axe FX III, even if just a little bit.
Thanks for a total winner.

Hands down – the best purchase I’ve ever made in my 30 years of playing guitar. I have a studio with a PILE of amp heads and a variety of world renown cabs as well , that now sit collecting dust. I may never play a traditional amplifier again in my lifetime. The III has every amp model , cab , and effect that anyone could possibly want , at their fingertips , and they ALL sound and feel amazing. I am blown away by the cost of this unit. It should cost TENS of THOUSANDS of dollars. If you are serious about the tone and feel of electric guitar , do yourself a favor and get one. There’s a reason that a growing number of touring musicians are using Fractal.
….The support from the company itself , is unreal. I’ve met the owner himself , along with most of the staff ( while at an amp show ) and they are truly great people. The Fractal forum is another great reason to own their gear. Immediate answers to questions , from good , intelligent people.
– Back to the Axe-Fx III , …if you’re reading this review , just buy one. It’s a steal , even at 5 times the cost. A single , quality guitar alone , costs as much or more. If you’re on the fence – DO IT ! I never write reviews. Never. For the Axe-Fx III , I had to. It’s that good. Whether you are recording ( there are a ton of routing options via SPDIF , USB , etc , reamping , you name it ) or playing live , it just doesn’t get any better.

I have owned an Axe-Fx-III since it’s inception and the joy it brings me increases daily, between regular firmware improvements and additions, and learning and sharing new techniques and abilities from other knowledgeable users is the best. I have owned all the major Guitar Modelers and the III still is King.

This is unequivocally the most incredible piece of guitar equipment I’ve ever owned or played through. It’s forever changed how I record at home, in the studio and how I play live! It’s the most powerful all in one processor for guitar on the planet, and it’s tones are just incredible. I’ve been a Fractal Audio user since 2009 and I’ll never go back to the old way of recording or lugging around equipment. The Axe-Fx III is the complete solution for any serious musician.

Here are the reasons why the III and Fractal as a company are the best choice for me.
I came from the first generation Axe-Fx II, and just when I started looking for a h/w replacement, the III came out; perfect timing! My overwhelmingly positive experience with the II made the III a straightforward choice.
I play in a Pearl Jam tribute that also plays other 90’s grunge music when necessary. There’s lots of different amp sounds and effects to cover if you want to do the music justice. Not having to drag around a big heavy tube amp and large pedal board (and the cost of all that), and the convenience and practicality of having all those different sounds organized in presets and scenes, are my main reasons for a modeler setup. Not having to compromise in sound quality is the main reason for the III.
I had no issues ever with any of the Fractal gear I had.
I appreciate how Fractal constantly improves the quality of their products, even after purchase, and doesn’t nickel-and-dime the customers by charging for firmware upgrades.
I also appreciate the company to host the blog web site, and the community support we all get on that site.

I’ve owned an AX8, an AXE-FX II XL and now the III. I can hear the improvements that come with added DSP: lower noise floor, more detail and nuance in the tones. I play jazz, jambient and a little blues. I run an archtop, a semi-hollow, two solid bodies with preamps, a flat-top acoustic and a nylon-string through the III. I’ve been able to get all of them to sound great, in all styles. Reading the manual, getting tips from the forums, trying others’ presets all help, as does lots of tweaking. My small FRFR speaker is a Bose S1 Pro and the large one is a Bose L1 system. I get great definition through either one, meaning that I can clearly hear what my fingers and pick are doing with the strings – how each note is attacked and held, bent, muffled, vibratoed, etc. I can hear each voice within complex close-voiced chords. The effects are spectacular in both range and power. I use a GameChanger Plus Pedal through an outboard loop: other than that I can think of very few pedals that the AXE-FX III doesn’t replicate with more options, equal or better character, and much less noise. I’ve been able to dispense with a separate audio interface because the III integrates so well with my Macbook Pro. My solo rig uses Ableton Live and my guitar running through the III and sounds great, with inaudible latency. I also appreciate the way that Fractal stands behind its product. I was a waitlist purchaser for both the III and the FC6. The steady stream of firmware updates for both devices has made both of them more powerful and useful. This is one life decision I will never regret making.

I will not waste many words explaining the quality of sound. It is raved about by some of the most discerning musicians in the profession. Suffice to say, the tones are accurate and indistinguishable from the “real thing.” What sets this unit apart is the customer service and continuing support that comes with every purchase. Something that sounds this awesome and is this flexible is already worth the up front cost. That it keeps on getting better with regular free upgrades is incredible. A company of musicians that stays in contact with their musician customers and keeps evolving the product to suit them. So whether you need the best amps, the best effects, the best routing options, or the best service, this is your answer. It simply doesn’t get better than the Fractal Audio Systems Axe FX III.

Once you understand all this device can do, listen to the sound quality and experience how much simpler and organized your sound will be to manage…IMHO it’s the only game in town.

Highly recommended. I use for recording guitar/bass, as well as effects for vocals. The amps, IRs, and effects are top notch. Large selection of amps and cabs. Great sounds are easy to dial in. Excellent customer service and frequent firmware enhancements. Also a great community on the forums.

I purchased an Axe Fx II MKII in 2013 after deciding that my excellent sounding but very large analog rig was just too big.
I gave myself 6 months to either love it and sell my old rig or sell it. The old rig has been history for almost 6 years and I have zero regrets. Along the way I upgraded to the Axe Fx II XL+ and now the Axe Fx III. Everything about the Axe Fx is well thought out, flexible and extremely usable… and the sounds of all the amp models and effects is really incredible.
But, the real killer is the FEEL!
You can make lots of things sound good, but the Axe Fx modeling responds to touch and dynamics like a real tube amp.
On top of all that, there is an amazing Fractal Forum community, and the staff at Fractal are not only top notch, but they are very active there.
Owner / Creator Cliff Chase and crew not only participate but actively take suggestions and feedback to constantly improve the system thru firmware updates that are frequent and free of charge.
All in all, the Axe Fx III (and before that the II) and hands-down THE BEST gear purchase I have made in 35 years as a musician!

From build quality to sound quality, from firmware updates to stellar service, this magical black box is worth it’s weight in gold….seriously.

I’ve been a Fractal user for about 10 years. I’ve tried the other products and the Axe-FX really is a cut above. Previously, I built and sold tube guitar amps. The Axe-FX products cured me of that.

While other companies produce good products capable of great sounds, its always been easier for me to get my sound on the Axe-FX products, even going back to the Ultra. I’ve bought and sold the other products multiple times in an effort to see how far they’ve come but nothing can replace the Axe-FX experience for me.

The Axe-FX III has the extra I/o to satisfy all kinds of uses and routing requirements. Its hard to imagine just having a regular FX loop now. There is almost nothing that you can’t build inside the Axe-FX III.

The easiest transition from a tube amp is Axe-FX III -> poweramp -> guitar cab. That will sound and feel amazing with zero effort or adjustment.

If you prefer running with cabinet sims into a full range cabinet, the Axe-FX III can build whatever configuration you want. Of course it can also do both at the same time. You can run multiple amps and cabs at the same time. The I/O options are just stunning.

This is it. This is the thing you’ve been hoping for.

My background: I play rock guitar. Plug me into a modded Marshal with a couple of pedals and I’m floating. I’m retired from gigging now but previously played for money in front of small crowds up to 5,000 or so.

If you want the best, you’ve found it! I won’t go into all the details about how amazing this product is… I will say that I’ve sold off all but one of my amps and most of my effects pedals… my tone has never been better and the AxeFX3 is a constant source of inspiration.

You’ll find plenty of info about the quality of the AxeFX3 online. Check out the major awards its won, or reviews by music industry publications… Or just look at their Artists List page to get an idea of who’s using the AxeFX3… everyone from major studios and professional touring bands.

What I will add here is that Fractal Audio, the company, is just amazing. I have never dealt with any other company, in any industry, that has the same dedication to customer service and support. When you purchase a Fractal Audio product, you’re not just buying the hardware, you’re buying into “the Fractal experience”, which includes virtually endless, ongoing updates and upgrades improving the hardware, giving you extra effects, amps and cabs, and thoughtful features. You can tell that they love what they do at Fractal, and their whole customer base reaps the rewards.

This is the best digital amp and effects modeler on the planet — period, full stop. It’s deep, and with skill or tapping into the Fractal community’s great resources for help, you can pull any guitar tone you can dream of out of it, whether for live use or recording. I have dreamed of such a unit for decades, and Cliff Chase and his team/company made my dream reality! They are the most responsive small company I have ever encountered in the music business — they listen to customer feedback carefully, and make the product better and better each iteration of updated firmware. Love the Axe-Fx III so much I own two – one for studio, one for live use!

I have been using Fractal products for over a decade now. 1st with the Axe Fx Standard and then the Axe Fx II. Both were amazing but now with the III it is absolutely stellar. Fast amp tones to dial in, mix multiple cabs together, crazy amount of CPU power for complex routing and rigs, endless fantastic effects that can be routed however and super flexible switching with the FC-12 floorboard. Nothing beats this and I have used complex and expensive tube amp and rack systems as well as the latest modeling from others. The Axe Fx III beats all with true feel of a tube amp and flexibility that is easy to do whatever you want. There is no down side and the cost of this unit is a great value with all that it provides. Purchase and enjoy what we’ve been loving , all these years. There is a reason that Steve Vai, John Petrucci, Def Leppard, Avenged 7x and many others have chosen this unit…..they can afford the best and this is what they want!

Just wanted to let you know I’m really enjoying the Axe III!

I hesitated for quite a while, since I liked the Axe II so much … but it was definitely a worthwhile upgrade … the scenes combined with channels give you so much flexibility. The amps (particularly the vintage Fenders) sound so much more punchy. I didn’t convert my old patches because I want to see how much better I can make them starting from scratch. It’s an adventure to go back and recreate the patches I loved in the II.

Fractal has made going to the music store a lesson in futility, I’ll try a nice amp, get the urge to buy, but I never do because I know the Fractal has me covered and then some.

I just saw Cliff post about the big improvements in the latest fw. I haven’t had it a week and a major update has been released!

Mike, Fractal owner since 2007.

What else can I say? This is an amazing product. I have been using Fractal since Axe Standard. I sold it and bought Axe 2 in 2013, and I just sold my 2 to buy the 3. It’s just so much easier to get the sounds in my head with minimal tweaking and I love the built in cabs. There’s so many to choose from. The overdrives, effects, and overall joy of playing have been more improved than I could have imagined. We always say we don’t know how Cliff is going to make it better because we are already are so happy, but then he finds a way to wow us all again. The feel and response are the biggest upgrades I immediately noticed when I first got it. So glad I’m back on the constant holy $#!+b@))$ firmware update train. 🙂

A quick shout-out to the Fractal team for what is arguably the most impressive piece of music technology that I’ve had to opportunity to come across.
I have played guitar for the better part of 30 years. Guitar-wise, I grew up during the virtuoso/metal/hair metal period. I play classical guitar, rock, metal, fusion, blues, funk and a combination thereof. I’ve always had a thing for modded-M type amps, clean and dirty. Over the years, I’ve surrounded myself with stellar tube amps and rather nice boutique effects, in my quests to nail all these tones. I must say that I succeeded to do so, and that I’m extremely satisfied with the level of tonal fidelity I’ve been able to coax with classic equipment. So no qualms there.
With two teen-aged kids, a busy job, many other commitments in my extracurricular life, I’ve come to dread band practice. Loading/unloading, hauling HEAVY all-tube heads and 412 cabs (one of my ”classic” combos, the Boogie Mark IV, weighs 1 pound for everyone of the 85 glorious watts it produces!), what a pain. With this in mind, I started looking out for a simpler, lighter, more portable solution, one that would absolutely not compromise on the stellar amp tones and effects that I’ve been accustomed to. Enter the usual suspects: Helix, Kemper, and of course, the mighty Axe FX III. I tested the first two in my local music store, and I must say that I was instantly floored by the level of precision and authenticity conferred by modern technology and clever programming. Of the two in-store try-outs, I preferred the Kemper tonally, but was disappointed with the interface, effects and above all, the unit’s philosophy. I knew that I would have to buy the Axe sight-unseen and trust that all the hype was real.
And boy, is it ever!!! I must say, ever since this thing landed a week ago, I have not stopped playing with and exploring its MANY, MANY brilliant features. Fans of other systems will say that it is complex, and goes very deep. I can say, as a total novice (one week ago), that one can simply plug the Axe and play it without concerning oneself with the finer tweaking. The factory settings are amazing, and usable out-of-the-box. The foot controller (I bought the FC-12) is simply brilliant. Plug and play, and the master layout allows practical, no-nonsense use that confers so much flexibility without any additional configuration headaches.
I have said it on day one, and I will repeat it: The Axe III lives up to its reputation. It is an intelligently ENGINEERED solution to a plethora of musical applications, ranging from home playing, to jamming, to recording, and particularly to live use, and any professional level. The designer’s attention to detail brings a bag of smiles at every use. Nothing is further than a simple tap, a press or a turn away. Most importantly, the Axe delivers TONE. Authoritative, authentic tones with no glitches. One can spend hours lost in a simple AC-20 preset, playing an LP and a Tele, and reveling in their glorious characteristics. I know I have, to say nothing about the simply breath-taking higher-gain, fire-breathing amps. All the tones I craved for, I needed (and a LOT I did not know I needed) are packed into the Axe, to be delivered anywhere, at any volume…
A quick word on software integration: in general, I simply hate it. No time to waste with it whatsoever. So, before purchase, I dreaded that instead of being providential life-changers, the many free upgrades that Cliff & team are constantly pushing out to improve an already great product would prove a royal PITA. Well, I must say this: I have never experienced a more transparent environment that the one Fractal puts forth. The AXE III Editor / Fractal Bot were a breeze to install, and from there on, everything proceeded to run on its own. Moving from F/W 9,01 to 10 beta? One click away, no hassles. Access the editor and start exploring the design of presets/scenes? A question of minutes, and it’s all intuitive. Great software design, robust operation and the same level of attention to detail as in the hardware. Great job.
I love the warmth and glow of fat sizzling tubes. I’ll always enjoy my tube amps, and never part ways with them. The Axe simply allows me to bring them with me and make them sing everywhere I go. Thanks to Cliff and Fractal for the most fun I’ve had in a while. But I do miss sleep…

I’ve been playing guitar off and on for about 10 years. My main type of music I like to play is dropped tuning progressive type metal. I’ve had the axe for about a week now and I’m 100% happy with the tone and the amp models. It’s great because I can get very close to the tone of a cranked amp with a speaker moving, but at lower bedroom volume. I’ve tried other modeling methods such as plugins for my DAW and had issues with latency, static, tone quality. Some were very good but just didn’t feel as good when playing. Also, I got the Ownhammer mesa 4×12 can IR. It’s amazing with the Axe iii!! I was shocked how good it sounds. Lastly, with the axe 3 , I have had to do very little tweaking beyond factory settings to get the tones I want. Do not get hung up on what the internet tone heroes claim. The unit ships with excellent usable tones. Get some IRs and it’s even better.

This thing is a beast….it’s a game changer.

I have purchased 5 AXE FX units (3 AXE FX II XL+, 2 AXE FX III), starting with the AXE FX II XL+. We mainly use the AXE FX units for live performances. The quality of these units is second to none. And coming from tube amps, I can tell you, they sound authentic and cut through the mix perfectly. Even our sound engineers remark about how easy it is for them to dial in through the FOH, and they love the fact that we go direct and eliminate the cab mic. The support is a 10 all the way, not only from the Fractal staff, but the community is loaded with experts, donating their knowledge in the forum. The future is now and the AXE FX III proves it.
No I’m not a spokesman, but I feel like one, as I’m always demonstrating my guitar rigs to anyone who asks. Upgrading to the AXE FX III was worth every penny and is a worthwhile upgrade from the II. Thanks Fractal Audio!

Hands down the best guitar modeling/processor system ever created. Period.

The best modeler period. Others are good but Axe-fx III is in another class.

The FC12 and the Axe III is the greatest piece of gear you could buy if you need a modular, A+++ solution for getting killer guitar sounds for every style of music.

I’ve owned both Kemper-Helix as well and they are great… but the Axe III is the best modeler IMHO. Most gigs I’m happy with using a Plexi, FTR37, Fryette Deliverance and a High Powered Tweed Twin… those amps enable me to get all the sounds I want. The fact I have tons more amps and cabs for experimentation and fun is just icing on the cake.

The FC12 is the easiest foot controller to use in anyway you see fit, just incredible.

The initial investment may not seem cheap, but considering it’s everything you could want or need… it a bargain!!

WOW OH WOW… I AM COMPLETELY BLOWN AWAY WITH THE LEVEL OF DETAIL AND REALISM INVOLVED. I AM A KEMPER USER AND NOW I AM PROUD TO SAY I AM A Fractal USER. CLIFF HAS HIT ANOTHER HOMERUN. YOU GUYS HAVE FOUND ANOTHER Fractal FANATIC FOR LIFE!!

I am a violinist/cellist/guitarist/bassist and keyboard player….the Axe 3 has made any and everything I do possible with ease for writing, recording and touring. I am so very thankful a unit like this exist. I wonder if the people at Fractal audio are even human haha

For those of you who are reading reviews in order to determine if an AXE III is for you bear in mind that this review is from a very new user of Fractal products and especially the Fractal AXE III. While I am somewhat versed in ‚Modelers’ going back to the original ROCKMAN these devices were primarily obtained for the excitement of a new sound and the added benefit of multiple stomp boxes in a single piece of equipment.
The AXE III represents, as far as I’m concerned, the best the digital world can emulate the analog domain and having said that, Fractals’ AXE III is its’ own unique domain. Every aspect of sound reproduction and reinforcement is superbly taken into consideration.
Initially I wanted to take the AXE III right out of the box and within a day get it ready for a gig. Upon more reasoned and seasoned advice, it became apparent that a little more time should be given to understanding the capabilities and enormity of this technological work of art.
While creating patches should be old school to most of us by now, it is frustrating that just when the tweak you thought would be perfect is completed another tweak simply blows you away. This is evidenced by the almost limitless combinations of sound that can be achieved.
If you are familiar with modelers you should be able to dive right in and explore without a second thought after some basic familiarization with the controls. You will probably find yourself creating a layout only to find a better way to do it. Have patience and give yourself a little time while enjoying the glorious pallet of sound at your disposal.
The purchase of the AXE III is justified in my case for many reasons, not having to lug a seventy pound amplifier being just one of them. Live or studio work and other possibilities which I haven’t even entertained yet make me quite certain that the AXE III represents the future of musical expression and inspiration.

I got nothing…. This thing is an absolute beast. Must buy.

I thought that I was gonna eventually return the AXE-FX III, boy was I wrong! All I have ever heard about Fractal products is that you need to be a tweaker to enjoy them, or rather if you don’t like messing with parameters for hours to get the best tone you won’t enjoy it. FALSE! I have owned a helix before and though it was a great piece of gear, I had to tweak forever with it to get what I wanted (and even then I couldn’t get it to sound just right). But with the Fractal, I picked a stock preset, tweaked just the eq, (turned the bass down a bit and the mids up a little) and it was the best sound I’ve ever gotten with a modeler. All the things that you’ve heard are correct. This is the best solution for someone who needs a jack of all trades unit. I can’t recommend it enough!

This has been a life changing piece of gear – I thought the AX8 was incredible – but the III is beyond incredible. Never before have I been so happy and content with my tone….and just inspired to play. I am not the only one to share how time seems to fly by and you realize you have played one preset for an hour. This processor is at home in bars, in church, and in my home practice space. Consistent and incredible tone leads to better playing and more fun.

You’ll never have to buy anything again for your guitar playing. So much better than any other hardware or software I tried, and it can easily be taken on the road. An investment, but one of the best you could make as a musician. Easy updates + tons of factory presets that are awesome + thousands of community made sounds + easy preset creation and choice among thousand of cabs and amps and…basically all you could imagine.

I was blown away!

I can’t believe the magic of the axe fx 3, I wanted to get one for months and finally got the chance to do so and I couldn’t be happier, it is an all in one solution for any guitarist no matter the level of experience, with the new interface and software editing capabilities you can create your desired tone in minutes, this is a perfect addition to any rig and quite honestly it is the best out there. Fractal audio systems does not disappoint !

The effects and tones are excellent.

I’ve been sitting on getting an Axe-Fx III for a while, and I’m so glad I finally went through with it. I’ve never experienced a modeler that sounded as rich and hifi as the Axe III. There is so much excellent low end resonance and string definition. I play 8 string, and it’s the best the guitar has sounded. Effects-wise, I’ve been able to get rid of most of my pedals, not only because it’s convenient to have an all-in-one unit, but it’s easy to duplicate the qualities of my favorite pedals with better sounding results. As well, my bandmate and I have tested running outboard pedals into it, in the effects loop, and to be honest, it’s made every piece of gear sound better.

While it’s easy to tweak, I often don’t have to do much adjusting because every amp and preset sounds good to go from the get-go. Even then, tweaking the basic and expert settings are easy to figure out. I’m just stunned I waited so long to try this.

Just perfect

This was such a great investment. The Axe FX 3 sounds like a million bucks! I am floored!!

I’ve been playing Fractal gear exclusively live and in the studio since 2012. I had never been happier, but now I’m over the moon!
I bought the AXE FX III and FC-6 and I’m stunned at how great this system performs and sounds. The sounds are SO freakin’ real! The FEEL is EXACTLY like a real amp.

With the FC-6, I can set up a rig for the studio and for the live gig and I can easily see what I’m doing. The editing software is so slick and easy to use as well. Very well done. Everything is solid as a rock.
This is the best investment in gear I’ve ever made, hands down. Thanks Fractal!

Congratulations on such an amazing piece of technology. I’m a hobby guitarist who just retook the habit after an extended hiatus that had to do with not experiencing much joy playing my electric. The AXE-FX III brings only smiles because of the great tones from a variety of modeled amplifiers, as well as some incredible sounding effects. And I haven’t gone thru all the v11 presets. Just wow! Given all that’s packed in this unit, you guys left me in awe with this efficiency, I never thought so much could be crammed into a product. You are artists in this digital modeling discipline. Looking forward to see how you keep pushing things, because I know you won’t rest still, this is you passion. Congratulations again.

If you want an end all be all guitar solution then the Axe-Fx 3 is what you seek. Boundless tonal possibilities await you. Like many people I based my purchase on some of the reviews and videos I saw on YouTube. I assumed that I would be thoroughly prepared for what was being delivered to me. Boy was I wrong. This is “the sound”. Tonal bliss.

The Axe-Fx will blend into your existing rig or it can easily replace it entirely. If you like to tweak and fine tune your sound to the most minute detail you won’t be disappointed. As an added bonus sound guys will love you.

The amp models on this product are on another level. As are the quality of the effects. For example, on a lot of devices, running a virtual OD into a virtual amp on most modelers doesn’t quite seem to respond the way you would expect. With the Axe FX 3 it’s incredibly realistic.

Even though the interface can be complicated until you get familiar with the product, dialing in a great tone is easy just because you’re starting with a great tone, so a few minor tweaks to suit your pickups and you’re done.

There’s a learning curve to get into the deeper features but that’s the cost of having a device that is super flexible.

My only gripe is the fact that it doesn’t do midi in and out over USB and doesn’t appear to pass the midi in signal from the USB IN to the through or out midi DIN ports on the back of the Axe FX 3. This is presenting challenges trying to integrate it into my live rig which relies heavily on my iPad. I’m hopeful that this will be addressed in the near future. But again as far as straight up amp modelling quality, this is the best device I’ve ever played through… I absolutely love it.

The Axe-Fx III surpasses my wildest dreams. I’ve purchased and built a lot of amps in my lifetime, searching for the ultimate tone. This product has them all.

There are a few notable events in my life. My first Stratocaster at age 14. My first sold out gig in my twenties. That 1983 Precision Bass that I found the day after receiving my tax refund.

And now this product. Anyone want to buy my huge pedalboard? I don’t need it anymore.

Having a great time so far, but still just trying out amps and cabs mostly. The clarity of the lead tones and reverbs is a great improvement over my Ultra, and I still think my Ultra is pretty darn good.
I love the patch/ scene/ channel feature. Having clean to dirty sounds with different fx in a single patch is great.

If it’s not the best guitar sound you ever heard your not using it properly.

Amp modeling and all in one effects units have always been attractive to me from a theoretical standpoint but the products that I’ve tried over the years (Line6 POD 2.0, pocket POD, and POD HD400) have left me unsatisfied. The modeling units lacked in dynamic range and amp-like response to pick attack and guitar volume adjustments, the effects were acceptable but not great, and the interfaces (HD400) were clunky and convoluted. The end result was an uninspiring musical experience especially when compared to my tube amplifiers and pedals. Those products all ended up collecting dust and were eventually sold.

Fast forward several years and I the Axe-Fx III has provided a very different experience. Adjustments to pick attack and guitar volume knob changes cause a response that I’ve only previously experienced with tube amplifiers with respect to gain, volume, and compression. The effects (particularly the reverb and delay algorithms) are jaw dropping good. The end result is an immersive playing experience that makes you forget you’re plugged into a digital device. I honestly think it sounds just as good (possibly even better) than one of my tube amps into a reactive load box with an IR. The Axe-Fx III has left me nothing to be desired in terms of raw tone.

The routing possibilities and unique effects combinations possible with the Axe-Fx III are pretty much only limited by your imagination. This unit is flexible enough to fit almost any use case. The processing headroom for building complicated presets is plentiful as well.

The only real drawback of this unit is the user interface. The software editor is very good and I expect that most users will prefer to edit their sounds on a computer because the on unit interface is more difficult to navigate. The color display and five soft button / knobs are great, but some of the navigation through the menus is not intuitive and has taken some time to get used to. I still find myself instinctively reaching for the large value knob when I actually need the nav arrows for what I am trying to accomplish. I hope that the Fractal team consider a re-design of their hardware interface for the next generation of the Axe-Fx.

The build quality of the hardware is at a level that you would expect given the price point. The jacks are and knobs are well seated and fell like they’ll be reliable for years of use.

My overall conclusion is that this black box is truly a modern marvel. I can understand why so many people have sold all of their amplifiers and converted to an Axe-Fx rig. The theoretical advantages of an all in one modeling rig have finally been realized.

This unit has exceeded all expectations I had. Great tone, Great UI, Great editor ! Support from Fractal has been 1st class, and the forum is an incredible resource. Most of all GREAT TONE!!

Why spend thousands of dollars on a tube amplifier when you can spend twenty-five hundred dollars on an Axe-Fx III and get a “laundry list” of great tube amplifiers and more; much more. Anyone who says the Axe-Fx III doesn’t compare with an “amp in the room” isn’t pairing it with the right equipment. The Axe-Fx III checks all the important boxes: eliminate high gain fizz – done; gain structure analysis and control – done; delay and reverb tail spill over – done; seamless signal chain switching – done; cabinet impulse responses – done; flexible signal chain routing – done; many exquisite and complimentary effects – done; full featured computer interface – done; world class support – done. If ever there were a “no brainer” for the modern guitarist the Axe-Fx III is it. Seriously, whether for studio or stage, sell all of your tube amps and cabinets then use the money to buy an Axe-Fx III and some good quality powered speakers and never look back …

So many beautiful sounds. The textures are richer than the II. The user interface is much easier to navigate though you still have the awesome Axe Edit to utilize. I love this tool and it was worth every penny. I had never owned a great amp and had spent many years without one, period, largely playing unplugged with acoustic and electric. I owned the Axe FX II for a year but had to sell it during some tough times. So obtaining the III was that much better. I’m not bad just strings and me, but with all the sonic possibilities you can expand your self expression to limitless dimensions. If you are seeking a one stop source for all your guitar sounds then this is it. Perfect for the musician working from home or going on the road. Thank you Fractal Audio, this is truly a powerful device.

This tool is amazing. “Fractal Audio” sums up the potential sound this can achieve. So many possibilities, but even if you don’t tweak, the presets are amazing out the gate. The sounds are richer than the Axe FX II and sound more so with each update. The new interface is a lot funner to navigate though the Axe Edit still works fine. Perfect for home recording and live performances, you can now record multiple instruments at once. The Axe FX III is worth every penny. It is the standard for modern guitarists. If you take your guitar playing seriously and would appreciate the amount of sounds in a compact form and a tool that allows you to shred in the quiet of your home without disturbing the neighbors, then this is perfect.

I would recommend this to any and all guitarists that want a wide array of professional quality sounds, with the possibility of endless experimentation. I especially recommend to artists who can’t play music too loud in their living environment. I haven’t traveled with it yet, but I imagine it allows for an artist/band to travel lightly. It’s a huge improvement over the Axe FX II, which I had owned for a short period of time. That’s no knock on the II, but the III is that amazing. It does have some limitations that reveal it to be digital, but that does not detract from the sound, just makes it different.

The sound is amazing, much more realistic than the II, and I imagine with future updates the sound will only be that much more lush. The navigation on the hardware unit itself is also improved over the II, however it’s still much simpler to navigate via Axe Edit if you’re working with your computer.

The unit is expensive, so be clear with your intentions if you decide to purchase. If you have the money, then it’s a no brainer, however if your tight on cash then you can still achieve amazing sounds via a used tube amp and a SM57 running into an audio interface. As far as comparable digital modelers, nothing out there sounds close in quality.

If you love playing guitar, then you will love the Axe FX III and where it can take your sound. Beyond the electric guitar this unit can be used for any instrument. It could be the only unit you need for music production, replacing plugins, audio interfaces, amps, etc. The sound is that amazing. Thank you Fractal Audio!

Axe FX 3 is simply the best guitar related purchase I’ve ever made in over 45 years of playing. I’ve owned some great amps over the years, some great effects and several other modelers. There’s really nothing quite like the Axe FX 3, the tone, feel and dynamics, it’s like playing an actual amp. Except that you can do things that are impossible with just a guitar amp. Further, the Fractal teams endless pursuit for perfection means that the Axe FX 3 you buy today will just keep getting better as time goes on. They’re continually improving what’s already there and adding new features and functions. It’s the ultimate tool for gigging and recording but more importantly, it’s just so much fun!!!

Awesome!!!

I’m impressed. Yes, it’s still a DSP, but one heck of a set of DSPs. Extremely low latency, good touch sensitivity, accurate tone modelling, and most importantly, a great workflow that helps me “push the red button” more often, while being happier with the results. Essential piece of gear for practice, and incredibly useful for a variety of commercial contexts. Thank you!!

I love the Axe-Fx III so much, that I bought a spare! Seriously, the tone, flexibility, and continued upgrades blow any other product out of the water! I still own my original Mesa Boogie II-C, and I can easily obtain this tone and feel, and that just uses one of eight scenes, in one preset. It is truly the end-all for amp or amp + cab tones, and then there is the world-class effects! Add in the FC-6 or FC-12, and you’ll also have powerful integrated control onstage or at your desk. This is truly the kind of purchase, where looking back at it in 10 years, you’ll pat yourself on the back and smile!

Several years ago I purchased the AX8. I had many modelers prior to that and Fractal was my last ditch effort at seeing if ANYONE could actually make a good modeler. I was absolutely blown away. I’m not talking minor improvements to what was out there – the AX8 was light years beyond anything I had tried.

So then, the Axe FX III comes out and my thinking was while I wanted it – I didn’t really NEED it. I just play in cover bands generally and record at home but what was appealing to me was the improved I/O section. I thought the modeling, even though it was touted as improved from the AX8, couldn’t really be that much better. I was wrong.

From the second I plugged in and started playing through the factory presets, I could instantly tell the feel, tone, responsiveness – everything about it had been improved from the AX8 which was surprising to me. Up to that point, the AX8 had been hands down the single most inspiring piece of equipment I had ever purchased – it made me want to play more (like 24×7 pretty much). Now with the Axe Fx III, after owning it for 8 months or so I would say it has surpassed my expectations, and also taken over the title of “Most Inspiring Piece of Gear” from the AX8. I now want to play 30/7, if only that were possible 🙂

The amps and cabs that are available are astounding – even just setting up a chain with an amp and cab and nothing else – you can hear and feel it. Add in the amazing effects built in to the box and you can do anything you think of doing or create any sound you want to create. I had played tube amps for years – when I decided to switch to Fractal what I gained was better reliability, more consistency in sound, more control over my sound, easier set up and tear down, more consistency to the FOH (which literally every show, I’ve been told how much THAT was appreciated!), and the ability to hit a button and change my whole rig (no more tap dancing!).

The initial reason I looked at it – for more flexible routing options provided exactly that. Being able to use it as a recording interface was a welcome feature for sure.

I could probably go on and on – but what I will say is people use Fractal for a reason and in my opinion, it’s because they want to use the best modeler available.

Add in the fact that the customer service is probably the best I’ve ever experienced from any company – you will see the Fractal team from the designer and owner on down on the Forum helping people when they have questions.

If you’re on the fence about switching to modeling and considering the III – make the investment – you will be blown away.

Brand new Axe-FX III owner and member of the Fractal Audio family! Love the unit, love the community, love the customer support. FAS is the real deal. Couldn’t be more satisfied. Thank you FAS!

If you’re here reading reviews, you’re thinking about grabbing one. If you’re like me you’ve probably been eyeing Fractal products for many years. The 3 was finally the one I couldn’t pass up any longer. I’m glad I stopped procrastinating.

The design is gorgeous. The screen, beautiful and bright. It makes editing from the unit a breeze. Axe Edit makes it even easier. The tonal possibilities are endless. The freedom to model Eric Johnson’s particular setup, complete with identical settings. Or Bonamassa, Hendrix, Slash, Knopfler, Clapton, Beck, etc., etc. Best of all you can build your own dream rigs and play them in minutes or spend hours and weeks refining every minute detail down to speaker compression, supply sag, mic selections and alignments, and room-response for cabs.

The effects are better than anything I’ve ever heard. The reverbs and delays beat Strymon and Eventide. And not just delay, but many flavors of delay from multidelays, to plex-delay and reverb, stereo enhancers, EQs and multiband compression, creating huge stereo sounds that haven’t been achieved yet. The drive pedals are outstanding, compressors, phasers, pitch shifters, the list is massive. It could take over your free time for the foreseeable future if you’re that passionate about it.

If not, it’s plug-and-play with a few simple I/O refinements and you’re off running. Presets are incredible, as you’ve probably heard. More cabs than you’d ever need, with thousands of cab/mic/speaker combos that could become their own wonderful rabbit-hole. All adjustable to personal tastes, or not.

The amps are incredible. I’ve never played through most of these amps, but I’ve heard many of them. Once you get used to the “finished” guitar sound coming off your fingers, and get over the fact you’re NOT playing through a regular guitar amp, the sky is the limit. The improvement is noteworthy. I absolutely love it. How else could you play through one of Robben Ford’s Dumbles? Or mix an Ecstasy with a Friedman BE100 through two 4x12s? It’s all here.

No looking back. I am out of the amp and pedal market for the foreseeable future, and you can be too.

I already knew this product was outstanding so there isn’t anything I can say now that would change that fact. However, it takes what feels like an eternity to get your hands on one of them. Worth the wait though.

It’s ridiculous to think that my playing is better thanks to the jaw-droppingly accurate sound of the AFX3MK2 but I can’t argue with the results. My summary: the Axe FX III Mk 2 is the single greatest purchase you can make as a musician. It’s even more important than whatever instrument you play. Budget your money to a cheaper instrument if you have to, but use this FX Processor. More refined than a Kemper, and entirely outclassing the Helix.

Excellent product and glad I purchased. Steep learning curve, but tons of valuable information on the web to help. No central complaints, worth the wait.

After using Kempers/ helix for years, I finally jumped to an axe fx and it is amazing. The user interface and tone shaping abilities are insane.

This is absolutely incredible, I have no words about my New Processor!

Absolutely love my Fractal. Blown away by the flexibility and professionalism. I’d Recommend bundling a video tutorial course that goes thru all of the incredibly useful and beautiful tones available, although it is intuitive enough to get started with so many of the great sounding presets, bundling a walk thru of the tone sculpting capabilities would be extremely beneficial.

I have owned modeling amps before, I was never satisfied with the tone. It always left me wanting more and I could never tweak it to a point that is sounded natural. It always sounded digital. I currently am gigging using a Bogner Ecstasy Classic with a rack full of effects, sounds phenomenal, but extremely heavy and constantly re-tubing the amp. I purchased the AXE FX III to hopefully find a unit that gives me flexibility with really good tube amp sounds without all the weight to carry around and extra maintenance cost.
Success! This unit is awesome, a little difficult to navigate at first, but it did not take long and I was creating tones that I could not have created otherwise. My other guitar player in my band who has a floor pedaling modeling system from the other big competitor, is super jealous right now. In 3 days with little knowledge of the ins and outs of the unit my tones is blowing his out of the water‚ after he has been tweaking it for 2 years now. I have barely scratched the surface. He just cannot compete tone wise, and now he is going to sale his and buy and AXE FX III. So far super happy and my Bogner by January 2021 will be a studio fixture as the AXE FX III MK II will soon replace my live rig. Kudos to the Fractal Audio Team for building a great unit.

So many options. Endless capabilities

Recently received the unit and have been exploring and building. This thing is insane. You can build inspiring tone after inspiring tone with this baby. If you’re thinking about a modeler, don’t mess around, just get this one. There is no chance you won’t be happy.

FANTASTIK!!!! I’m now able to achieve the sound I wanted. Wow! Awesome!

I am pleased with my purchases of 2 units, Love the extra 512 preset banks .Was disappointed after spending almost $4500.00 ,that there wasn’t a AXE FX III tee shirt in there.

It’s definitely the best processor I’ve ever used! All of my solo album guitar tones are going to be all Axe-Fx III MKII.

Love this unit… I upgraded from Line 6 and I’ve been so surprised. This units sounds better, is easier to use and it’s basically future proof. If you want the best this is it!

This blew my mind. I started with a boss gt1000, then Kemper, Helix and now the Axe FX III. I’ve arrived. I was up and running in minutes but the fun didn’t stop there. As I grew with it and watched videos by Leon Todd and others I started doing some very powerful stuff with routing, channels, mixing amps in parallel etc, I started to unleash this units strength. The Axe FX took everything I threw at it and was still just running so smooth on the sniff of DSP! I added the FC12 and two EV pedals and my rig is complete.
Thank you Fractal! I’m now a commodity in the local music scene and new opportunities are opening up every day. I take new jobs knowing that my gear is reliable and sounds fantastic!

I was very hesitant to buy as I am old school and love the simplicity of tube amps. Just going through the stock presets made me a believer and the creativity is endless!

If you want sound quality stop looking around. Save yourself some headaches, time, frustration and money and get this unit you will not be disappointed.
I’ve tried the L6 helix unit and it is a good unit but the sound overall misses that raw feeling that moves the air and motivate you to experiment new things.

I sold my helix floor to buy the MKII and I’ve only had the MKII for two days. Best decision I’ve ever made! The amp models sound and feel real, the effects are the best I’ve heard. The possibilities are endless with this unit.

I love this thing! Its a godsend both physically and sonically. I’m done lugging heavy cabs and amps around. This thing takes their place.

It has every sound imaginable and one of my favorite features, believe it or not, is the metronome. Between the tone and that handy little gadget, I spend hours at a time practicing. Thanks team Fractal!

best unit on the planet. Blows my helix away

Simply amazing. The sound, the flexibility of this unit is amazing. To have had this 20 years ago when I was a touring musician would have been a dream come true.

I took my time learning the unit before reviewing. Love the ease of editing scenes on my pc. So easy to put together chains and tweak. Especially love axe change to download a base sound and tweak from there. Bottom line this unit is fantastic. It does everything I could ever need and has every sound I could want. The possibilities are endless with the Axe FX 3.

My new Fractal Axe FX III Mk 2 showed up a few days ago, right on schedule and less than a week after I ordered it. Four main impressions:
1) This is a very well built piece of equipment that seems to be designed to hold up to years of heavy use.
2) There are some great modelling sounds in the box, and it’s going to take some time and effort to coax them out. Aside from sorting through the demo presets, I found the Axe FX III to have so many options that it can take more time to approach my tube amps’ sound than some other digital devices I’ve worked with. It has tons of flexibility, which results in a large solution matrix for any given problem.
3) The FX blocks in this thing sound absolutely incredible. Best I’ve ever worked with in a guitar device, without a doubt.
4) The software is far more intuitive than the front panel interface, at least for the first couple of hours of working with it.

First I plowed through a bunch of the factory presets and played with adding FX blocks and tweaking them. Fantastic – this process was incredibly intuitive, and the FX sound just plain monstrous. Even building a harmony patch with the Diatonic pitch block was super simple and fast. Impression? A+!
My first attempt at building a complete sound from scratch was to bring up the Euro Blue (Bogner XTC) to try to dial in my basic sound. I built a blank preset with amp and default cab blocks, selected Euro Blue and set the dials in the vicinity of what I use on the real thing. No dice – what I got was nowhere close, and didn’t even really have what I think of as the typical Bogner character. With hundreds of cab IRs in the Axe-FX III, I decided that trying to audition them all to find what I was looking for was probably a needle-in-a-haystack problem‚ but there’s an easier way.
My next step was to capture an IR of my existing rig and put it into the cab block. This took about 5 minutes and was incredibly easy. Immediately, I was very close to my existing rig’s sound and feel. This is impressive.
I have zero doubt that the Axe-FX covers every possible FX need I can expect, and exceed my expectations for flexibility and sound quality. I foresee a good bit of short-term work to build my library of IRs and amp settings, but right now my expectation is that this thing can do a lot more than I have been able to do with even a highly versatile amp like the XTC. I think I’m hooked.

Best amp modeler I have ever used!! I couldn’t be more impressed!

Sometimes you get lucky enough to find the perfect gear. And to be honest I thought I had it before. You know, the tube amp and pedalboard stacked with boutique pedal after any pedal and on and on. Well as a (as many say they are) tried and true tube amp to pedals player In search of that perfect tone (and all the frustration that follows) I’m thrilled to have sold all the pedals (not the 1965 A/B Bassman-can’t part with that) while sitting here nightly for the last two weeks with my Fractal gear! There is nothing it can’t do and for all the purists out there, please understand, I am known for my exacting standards of what I want in tone, tweakability, my expectations vs what is delivered and the Fractal gear is the best of the best. Trust me, I never thought I’d say what I’m saying but I’m in 100% and thrilled to be! I got the package that came with the FC12 and as many have also conveyed, it makes everything that much easier and fun! I am writing more than ever and constantly inspired by the myriad possibilities/options/tones/amps/effects! I can’t thank the folks at Fractal enough! I happy to be onboard!

The Axe-Fx III has reinvigorated my love and passion for guitar. My only complaint is that now I need better monitors, and that I have a job and roommates and neighbors so I can’t just spend all day messing around with all the amp models and enjoying all the killer tones this thing has to offer. I’ve owned this thing for almost two months now and still feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface of what’s possible with the Axe-Fx III, but my tone is already so much better than my old Pod HD500X. And aside from just sounding great, the authenticity and satisfaction of being able to just try out an accurate model of so many different amps is just incredible. I’m just thrilled with this thing. My guitar is about to be in the shop for a week and I’m downright bummed that I have to wait that long to get back to playing.

The Fractal community is just as awesome as the Axe-Fx itself as well. Seeing all the online support, discussion, preset sharing and the continuous firmware upgrades and involvement from Cliff and the team really make me feel like I’ve bought into a total platform rather than just buying a piece of gear.

Fractal, you guys rule and I’m so happy to finally be an Axe-Fx user.

By far the BEST Digital Processor out there.

Of course you always get nervous dropping this kind of money on a music product wondering to yourself, is it really going to be worth it? And let me tell you the first 3 hours I was messing around with it, those fears were immediately relieved. Without even buying 3rd party tones for it what they have pre installed is absolutely amazing! And the UI is really easy to understand and learn. The first 20 minutes it was a little intimidating to understand but after that I already feel like I know the ins and outs. There’s so much it can do that’s not even advertised it’s insane. I’m absolutely in love with this thing!

I own and have gigged with the Atomic AA3 and Line6 HX Stomp. I’ve used my mini Mooer pedals at MI in Hollywood. NOTHING compares to the feel, deep editing, and authenticity of the Fractal Axe-Fx III. And the intuitive design and flexibility of Axe-Edit makes the experience of programming the Axe-Fx III so easy

I was super impressed by the sound and tweakability (is that a word?). I’ve owned most of the Line 6 modelers as well as an Axe FX Ultra. This model has, hands down, the best tones I’ve ever heard.

I am so happy

I owned the FX II and was very happy with it. The FX III just builds on the II and increases versatility. It’s pricey but worth it.

Love the new front panel lighting. Amazing sounds as usual.

First let me say that Andrew & Kevin from sales were outstanding. And what can I say about the AXE III. I have had many processors and this one is just over the top, I am having so many WOW moments I have lost count in the last 5 days since I received it, I just can not seem to put my guitar down. One of the best purchases I have ever made. Could not be more pleased with the AXE, Fractal has Nailed it.

WOW…. okay ! I have been on the helix platform for a long time, enough to know that it is very good, I watched a lot of video to compare the helix vs axe fx III, but now that I own the axe fx III here is my general impression .. I am completely blown away! more dynamic, presence, life what! the effects are extraordinary, it’s easy and so pleasant to work with the fx III axe! after more than 30 years in the musical field, little surprises me, fractal audio has succeeded! you cannot be disappointed with anything! the customer service is so great, I ordered from Quebec on Thursday and received the following Tuesday, very well protected and no additional cost surprises, we really have fun here! thanks the fractal team!

From the super good reviews, the videos, I thought it would be great to have an AX FX lll, I was far from it, the reviews and the videos give a good idea but seeing it and being able to play with it is just bluffing! For me it’s the holy grail of tone! thank you FAS

I have been looking for a multi-effects that I am happy with for years. Going back to the GT6B and Zoom Bass in 2003… I bought this with the package deal and out of the box I was able to put together a sound I loved in 15 minutes. I am a bassist, so there are not as many factory presets, but what they have is a great start.

Immediately connected and started editing with my computer, and fell in love.

The axe fx is a great tone machine. The quality is amazing and the build quality is fantastic. Definitely recommend.

The volume of very musical, accurate, and satisfying to play, high quality amp/cab models + fx, combined with Fractal’s dedication to continuously adding new features / improvements, makes this the best value guitar gear I’ve purchased since my journey began on the instrument.

I’ve been playing guitar since I was 12 and have had all sorts of gear (Gorilla, Silverface Deluxe, original POD, Marshall 50W, Helix). Decided to go big for my 50th birthday. Got my Axe FX III yesterday and all I can say is that I’m amazed. Sounds, interface, everything about it is top notch.

Ultra, AX2 mk1, now 3
I’m in, better than expected

I mostly play jazz music
hoping for more presets for jazz musicians.

I own all the big guitar amp sim VSTs, and while they are each great in their own way, it’s always been a challenge to dial in really great tones. The Axe-Fx 3 really surprised me. It gives such character and tone that I was really amazed. There’s just no contest between the Axe-Fx and the VST plug-ins, it completely smokes them all when it comes to great tone. Where it really shines is the amp and cabinet simulations. There is a huge selection of amps and cabinets, each with their own unique flavors. Another big bonus is the grid layout. You can easily route the signal through various blocks, and send out to external effects nicely. It includes a bunch of different effects in various categories. I haven’t tried them all yet, but the modulation effects (chorus and flanger) are really good. Those types of effects seem to be difficult to do well in software, so I was happy that there were some usable ones here. The reverbs are nice as well. The theme with reverbs, overdrives, chorus etc. is variety. There are different modules with unique sounds to them. Overdrive is another category where plugins seem to fail in my opinion. But the Axe-Fx has several different versions of overdrive that handle subtle tones and extreme tones well. The Axe-Fx3 blows away all the plugin amp sims, it’s not even close. I would have expected current premium VSTs to be better contenders, but the Axe-Fx is just shockingly better than all of them. I have yet to hear amazing metal tones from VSTs, but this one does it spectacularly. And the clean tones from just amp and cabinet, with some compression, a little EQ, etc, just sounds great. So this is a solid recommendation from me. It’s not cheap, but it’s built like a tank and sounds perfect.

This thing is unbelievable. We all have heard the stories of the quality of this, but I was still blown away upon receiving it. Built like a tank, sound quality is unmatchable and there’s more sounds than I could ever use in a lifetime. Pricey, but you are definitely getting what you pay for and then some. I’ll probably never need another piece of guitar equipment for decades besides more guitars. This is the endgame.

What can I say that hasn’t already been said? Except…..now I own one of these babies! This unit is so versatile! Looks great too! For the time being, I’m using it in the loop of my amp….but it seems as though the modeling is giving my tube amp a run for it’s money! A few years ago I owned an Ultra and that was excellent at doing the modeling but again, I used it as an effects processor. Fractal Audio is perfect for replacing “refrigerator racks” loaded with all of the bells and whistles….I know…..I carried around a 20 space shock mount! Those days are over…..the Axe-Fx iii does it all….live as an all in one rig, an all in one effects processor, and a “can’t live without” studio tool. I also own an AX8 but I think that might stay on the shelf a little bit more now that I have the iii. As always, great job Fractal Audio!

Seriously overpowered in the best possible way. It’s like the MKII…but better.

An absolutely amazing modeler, fullrez IRs take the detail to a new level

Before setting up my Axe FX III, I was playing with my old amplifier and was hesitant on selling it as it sounded amazing. After trying the Axe FX III, I couldn’t put my guitar down and could care less about keeping my old amplifier! It’s amazing how versatile this unit is, and all the presets are amazing. I have no regrets purchasing this Axe FX. Highly recommended!

Just started playing it and still discovering sounds. Looks like a very high quality processor. The only bummer is with the money I just spent, I didn’t get a Fractal Audio T-Shirt (ahem‚ Large) like the reviewers on YouTube.

This unit takes guitar tone to a whole other level. It sounds SO good, and the versatility is just outstanding. It’s the most expensive single piece of guitar/studio gear I’ve ever purchased, and wow, does it ever deliver!!!

I own all the major competitors out there, this hands down sounds the best. There is a learning curve as with any new eco system you buy into. It did have a glitch when first plugging into the first time, output was nothing but white noise. A quick email later to perform reset cleared up the issue.

The axe fx has endless options to shape your sound into something that is unique to you all the way down to the smallest nuances. I have used other modelers such as Kemper where you are emulating someone’s sound… This amp or this guitar players tone… Which is great… But eventually you realize you are emulating what has been done and creativity can somewhat be muzzled with those limitations… That is the main reason I am a Fractal Audio guy. The guys at Fractal are top of the line world-class guys… They answer and they help. They are passionate about their product. I cannot recommend this product enough….

Using the Axe FX III has been nothing short of a phenomenal experience since I received the unit. The sheer amount of options and flexibility is inspiring. Build quality is amazing, ease of use is high. Plugging into my PC and installing the proper drivers was a breeze and it works with no hiccups (Windows 10, i7-9700). Compared to my experience with interfaces in the past this was a welcome surprise. Axe Edit on the PC has also become the main way I interface with the Axe FX III, so the stability with Windows is a huge plus. I don’t believe I need to wax ad nauseum about how good the unit sounds because if you’re looking for at an Axe FX III, you already know how good it sounds.

If you’re looking for a unit that’ll do it all and stay out of your way, this is it. Massive upgrade to workflow and tone.

Incredible product. Tiny learning curve but the Axe Edit makes things a breeze to dial in whatever tone you’re after. The Cygnus technology is a game changer. I’ve already converted several other friends to Fractal Products. Top notch!

I’ve owned the Axe Effects 3 Turbo for a little less than a month, and so far I have loved this unit. While it has taken time to get used to it, time with the manual and use have connected a lot of dots. I told someone it was like going from an old flip phone to an iPhone. Once you’re used to it’s operations, you realize how much control is at your fingertips. The manual is well written and has proven to be very useful for every question thus far.

The presets are extremely good right out of the box, and most presets have multiple scenes of each preset giving you a vast selection to choose from.

I have been able to navigate all of the presets and scenes with my FC 12 controller.

I look forward to discovering even more, as I’m still learning, but I would have no fear of gigging with it right now.

I’ve owned the Axe Effects 3 Turbo for a little less than a month, and so far I have loved this unit. While it has taken time to get used to it, time with the manual and use have connected a lot of dots. I told someone it was like going from an old flip phone to an iPhone. Once you’re used to it’s operations, you realize how much control is at your fingertips. I’m also a keyboardist, and being familiar with the Korg Kronos, I was able to navigate the Axe Effects 3 relatively easy, already being used to a value wheel, paging up and down, as well as using a control panel. The manual is well written and has proven to be very useful for every question thus far. I look forward to discovering even more, as I’m still learning, but I would have no fear of gigging with it right now.

Sound quality is way much better than I expected. I love it!!

PURE HEAVEN – Enough said.

The thing with the Axe-FX III is, there’s nothing you can’t do with it. Whatever your ideal tone is or whatever your weird, complicated effects routing is, it’s right there. No matter what weird thing you want to do with your tone, you can absolutely do it with the unit; it’s basically a Bod Bradshaw system in a box, with complete accuracy. It’s not like having some dim facsimile of your favorite tube amp, pedal, or effect; it acts just like the real thing. Every kind of IR you could need is also included, plus room for a ton more, if you have favorites you already like. And everything, from the amps, to the ODs, to the IRs, to everything else, is tweakable beyond measure.

The Jose Arredondo mod? It’s there as a switch you can add to any amp.
The Shred mode on John Petrucci’s Mark Series amp? It’s there for any amp, not just his model!
You want to alter the Negative Feedback circuit in any amp? It’s a dial present for all of them.
You want to hook up virtually to an AC30 but want the power amp to respond as if it were hooked up to a Marshall Basketweave? It’s right there.
Not to mention, some of the amps are modelled from great guitarists who’ve lent their gear for that purpose, including Dweezil Zappa, Alex Lifeson, and John Petrucci.

I hesitated for a long time before buying, because this is an enormous amount of money for me to spend on anything for myself, but now, having had the unit for a long time, I feel like it’s more than paid for itself for what it does for me. I’ve been so busy in tone heaven, I just now realized I had forgotten ever to review it. I regret nothing about this purchase. It leaves me completely able to get whatever I’m looking for in the world of tone, so much so I never pine after any particular amp any more, I just dial it up, and if I feel like it, mod it to hell and back. With the mods available, you can basically make your own amp, tweaking so deeply the thing becomes unrecognizable, and perfectly fitting your guitar and your playing style.

There’s a world of stuff to learn with the unit, but you can also use it simply and effectively, just as you would the real thing. Whether you like using other people’s presets, buying professional ones, or just setting an amp’s controls just like the real thing with no modding, it’s still easy and great sounding.

On top of that, new features are added regularly, often from requests from customers through the invaluable Fractal forum. To me this really leaves any other guitar gear in the dust. I don’t know of any other company that updates their gear so often, with so many, many new features. I’m glad I bought it.

What a great processor, Will enjoy for many years.

I recently purchased the AXE FX-III. Its definitely the best modeler on the market as of current, the presets it comes with sound very good right out of the box. There’s an appetite for destruction preset (guns n roses), available on the forum that sounds identical to the album. I have a Marshall 2555x and the fractal sounds closer to the album tone than my Marshall does. I was needless to say very surprised.

The software is pretty easy to use for it. There’s a lot of instructional videos on YouTube to help learn the system. The only suggestion I can come up with is on the computer program side. It would help if there’s a UI that is a bit more visual. I have a two notes captor and there’s an actual image of a speaker cab with the mics on the computer user interface. Its helpful for setting up the mic positioning. A more visual UI would be a great addition to the current fractal interface. Also a Roland SRV 2000 effect would be a great addition as well to the effects section.

I would most certainly recommend the product to others.

I have owned and used the Axe-Fx III Mk 1 exclusively for the pat 3.5 years, both live and at home. I waited to review because my experience with modelers had long periods of happiness with the tone that faded to contentment and eventually tolerance. At that point I would go back to amps and pedals, a trend that went on for several years. I eventually got to the point that I swore I would never use another modeler. While I could get some good tones out of them, they never felt the same as an amp.

I ended up needing a modeler for fly dates and wound up with the AX8, another story for another time but that experience led me to the Axe-Fx III. Bottom line, the tonal consistency and quality of the sounds from the AX8 was something that, quite frankly, surprised me and something I couldn’t deny.

After a couple of years, I was in a position to put together a professional rig and decided the Axe III was the best option. While the AX8 was great, when the Axe III was released, there were some reverb algorithms and blocks added that made it easy to justify ‘upgrading’. One of the biggest updates was to the Cab block, adding the ability to blend up to 4 IRs, which is something I used to do with Cab Lab but the Axe III has made it so much easier.

I have owned some great amps and pedals, and am fully committed to using whatever gear provides the best tones possible regardless of size, weight or convenience. After 3.5 years, the Axe-Fx III continues to provide everything I want or need without compromising any part of my tone. I can’t say enough about the quality of the amp tones and effect sounds this unit is capable of but what’s continually blowing me away is the feel and response. The dynamics of a ‘real’ amp are definitely there! It does not feel like I’m playing through a digital device, I simply to not miss playing through a physical amp and cab.

The last thing I want to mention is the relentless support and commitment FAS has to making the Axe III the best modeler on the market and ensuring a great experience for their customers. The innovations and features they develop, and offer in free updates, is mind blowing as is their prompt response to any issues a customer experiences.

From careful packaging and QA inspection to marvelous sounds and seamless software installation, this unit does not fail its promises.
Highly recommended!

I started out really skeptical that I was going to like this thing. I had played through a friends AXEFX2 and was not super impressed. So I put aside time and made a plan on exactly what I wanted test to make sure I could send it back in time for a refund if it did not work out.
Before getting this I had never used a modeling amp (for anything I would currently use one of my tube amps for) so my point of reference has been always playing tube amps (68 Plexi 50w, 5150, 5153 100S). My goal was to downsize, simplify, and lighten my rig. I was assuming that I was going to have to weigh the compromises in sound of not using my amp heads and see if it was worth the trade off.
That did not turn out to be the case at all. To get a base point I was used to playing through, I set up my current 5153 100s head (blue channel) through an EVH 2×12 cab. I also set up the 5153 100w (blue channel) model in the Axe-Fx going into a Matrix1000gt into a second EVH 2×12 cab (I wanted to see how close I could get to the same tone through the same cabs). I was really surprised at how fast I was able to get the model to sound very close to the head. I was assuming I would not be able to get the same tight low end thump in the room I was getting from the amp head but was completely wrong. I did the same for my other two amp heads with the same results.
With what I learned figuring out how to get my main sounds dialed in it was really easy to start building new tones (using the PC app). I was able to get ALL of the tones I was currently using (with all 3 amp heads) in one preset (8 scenes) that I can easily switch between at shows.
Tips:
1) I initially went with FC-6 as it smaller and I was thinking more portable. I ended up sending that back and getting the FC-12 instead. I set up the FC-6 to do so everything I wanted but the first show that I did with it was a little challenging. I had to remember how I set everything up (I had to use both the tap and the hold features of most of the buttons to do everything I needed too). The FC-12 just did exactly what I needed out of the box without having to think about it while playing. I think for recording or just home jamming I would have no doubt kept the FC-6 but for shows the extra money the FC-12 costs is totally worth it for me. (just something to keep in mind).
2) Remember that an amp AND it’s knob settings = 1 channel (A,B,C,D) in a preset. I am not sure why I did not get this initially and spent a lot of time chasing down levels. Set your amp level where you want it and fine tune it with the output level sliders.
3) I am used to being able to adjust my amp knobs and knobs on my pedalboard quickly while playing depending on the room we are in. I wrote down what knobs I regularly adjust on the amp and the pedal board and set up a performance controls preset. It works much better than trying to see my amp/pedal knobs in the dark.
4) I was on the wait list for getting the FM9. I ended up going with AXEFX3 instead. After thinking about the cabling of how each of these units would work with what I currently have the rack mount ended up being the obvious way to go. My wireless (Guitar and In Ears) is in the rack along with the Matrix power amp. Everything stays wired in the rack so setup and tear down takes no time at all.
To sum up: After using this for around 3 weeks (at home, at practice, and 2 shows so far) there is no way I would go back to dragging my amp heads, load boxes, large pedal board, etc… around. I have not found any of the disadvantages with this unit so far that I thought would be there. It is super nice to be able to practice on my full rig with headphones. I would absolutely recommend trying one of these out.

Incredible function, incredible value. Hundreds of amps and effects that are used by some of the most respected professionals. Modeling is the future, and having access to this many features for this price is remarkable. Check it out.

The FXIII came and have hooked it up to the system. Sounds great and would recommend to anyone.