Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Alembic Basses & Guitars => Topic started by: moongerm on October 08, 2017, 07:13:53 AM

Title: Alembic instruments with the latest amp modeling/multi effects all in one pedals
Post by: moongerm on October 08, 2017, 07:13:53 AM
Anyone give the latest multi effects and amp modeling all in one units a whirl with their Alembic, especially in a stereo setup? Specifically referring to the new Eleven/Avid Headrush & the Helix pedals.  There are also the Torpedo, AxeFX, Kemper, and other high end units some of which don't have any effects.
Title: Re: Alembic instruments with the latest amp modeling/multi effects all in one pedals
Post by: David Houck on October 08, 2017, 11:43:37 AM
I use the Fractal AX8.  You can hear how I use it here (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=22953.0).
Title: Re: Alembic instruments with the latest amp modeling/multi effects all in one pedals
Post by: moongerm on October 08, 2017, 02:30:32 PM
Wow Dave.  Love the warm attack and rich tones, how did I miss this post! Nice playing! Was the AX8 a recent purchase and did you compare it against the Helix by chance?
Title: Re: Alembic instruments with the latest amp modeling/multi effects all in one pedals
Post by: David Houck on October 08, 2017, 03:21:21 PM
I picked it up a little over a year ago.  I did a lot of research at the time, but can't recall what it was.  But at the time, I thought the AX8 was by far the best thing for what I wanted to do at that price.  A full Axe-FX with a controller is a lot more expensive, but has more processing power and capabilities.  The ability to program it with a computer in real time really appealed to me; and that on-screen layout has enabled me to learn a lot more about setting up delays, reverbs, etc.  I still have a lot to learn, but I'm able to do so much more than I was with the rack units.
Title: Re: Alembic instruments with the latest amp modeling/multi effects all in one pedals
Post by: moongerm on October 08, 2017, 05:08:12 PM
I have been using Eventide H9s which are fine and was looking to add the TC Electronics G System just for the bridge pickup. I had to stop myself from jumping on a used G System and see what else is out there since it is over 10 year old technology. Looking for something more inspiring, better sounding, and flexible for a stereo bass so my search has led me to now the AX8, Helix, and Headrush. I like the I/O capabilities of the Helix. The Headrush has 4 DSPs being the latest addition to the competition and a neat looking touchscreen but seems to be lacking in the amount of modeling, efx and i/o features that the AX8 and Helix already have.
Title: Re: Alembic instruments with the latest amp modeling/multi effects all in one pedals
Post by: David Houck on October 08, 2017, 06:19:24 PM
The AX8 has only a mono input, but there are stereo versions of most of the effects, like chorus, delay, reverb, etc, and when they are at the end of the signal chain, the output will be stereo.

But if you want to maintain the separation of the neck and bridge pickups on your bass, the AX8 won't work for that.
Title: Re: Alembic instruments with the latest amp modeling/multi effects all in one pedals
Post by: moongerm on October 08, 2017, 08:05:11 PM
 I bet with your playing and your bass you could achieve similar tones on any of the others. If you wind up recording more with the AX8 please do share :). 
Title: Re: Alembic instruments with the latest amp modeling/multi effects all in one pedals
Post by: David Houck on October 08, 2017, 09:39:07 PM
Thank you, Brian.  Much appreciated.
Title: Re: Alembic instruments with the latest amp modeling/multi effects all in one pedals
Post by: edwin on October 09, 2017, 03:20:32 PM
I've been thinking about the FX-8 to replace my aging Lexicon MPX G2. I'm not so much interested in amp modeling, so it seems like a good way to go.
Title: Re: Alembic instruments with the latest amp modeling/multi effects all in one pedals
Post by: David Houck on October 09, 2017, 03:29:51 PM
Edwin; I'm no expert, but in my view the effects are very programmable, and to my ears sound very good.  Of course, my ears are somewhat the worse for wear.
Title: Re: Alembic instruments with the latest amp modeling/multi effects all in one pedals
Post by: edwin on October 10, 2017, 07:38:09 AM
Edwin; I'm no expert, but in my view the effects are very programmable, and to my ears sound very good.  Of course, my ears are somewhat the worse for wear.

I'm sure they are in much better shape than mine!
Title: Re: Alembic instruments with the latest amp modeling/multi effects all in one pedals
Post by: moongerm on October 10, 2017, 08:06:11 PM
So I decided today to pull the trigger on the Flagship Helix. I will report back with any interesting info. If it doesn't work out then it's on to the AX8 most likely. 
Title: Re: Alembic instruments with the latest amp modeling/multi effects all in one pedals
Post by: edwin on October 11, 2017, 07:17:30 PM
So I decided today to pull the trigger on the Flagship Helix. I will report back with any interesting info. If it doesn't work out then it's on to the AX8 most likely. 

Looking forward to hearing about it!