whats the best rackmount pre-amp with AMP SIM?

Larry Bressington · Post by **Larry Bressington** » 30 Jul 2014 7:44 am

Just seeing what's out there for direct stage work without an amp on stage, in rackmount configuration!!

Ron Deardorff · Post by **Ron Deardorff** » 30 Jul 2014 8:04 am

I would imagine the best is unquestionably the Fractal Axe-Fx. I know I've never looked back since I got mine.

http://www.fractalaudio.com/

Johan Jansen · Post by **Johan Jansen** » 30 Jul 2014 11:49 am

What Ron says. Best pre-amp I ever had!(And will have)
JJ

Kevin Raymer · Post by **Kevin Raymer** » 30 Jul 2014 12:20 pm

I am holding lust in my heart after one of those Fractal Audio Axe FXII units myself.
However at $3K+ my lustfull heart will have to wait...

However, In the meantime....

I am quite pleased with the Sarno Revelation that I got from another forum member.

It's sonically pleasing and has a very nice array of outputs and features.

The buffered pedal loop is most excellent and the over all tone is exceptional.

I'm not sure that I'll do away with it even after I fall victim to the need to buy the FX II.
( And yes, I do expect to succumb at some point.. )

Brad Sarno · Post by **Brad Sarno** » 30 Jul 2014 5:13 pm

We've had glowing reports about the V8 doing an amazing job direct to PA. I've never heard a preamp sound so friendly going direct, and I'm typically not a big fan of direct.

While this is a versatile preamp, it's absolutely a steel guitar preamp at its core and original intent. Minimalism and tonal purity like you've never heard. Don't let the simple EQ fool you. I'm still stunned by it. But I'm biased.

http://www.sarnomusicsolutions.com/products/V8G.html

Brad

mtulbert · Post by **mtulbert** » 30 Jul 2014 5:22 pm

If you want to hear the octal in action check out our clip of Your Cheatin Heart.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5wYeUGZlZg

This is Brad's Octal amp going direct into a Presonus board and the recorded in Pro Tools.

Use a good set of phones or speakers when you listen to this.

Brad's PreAmps are the best for pure tone IMHO.

Waisznor · Post by **Waisznor** » 31 Jul 2014 5:42 am

mtulbert,
thatÂ´s the best steelsound I've heard in a long time!

mtulbert · Post by **mtulbert** » 31 Jul 2014 12:22 pm

Thanks for those kind words. I appreciate it. Most of the credit goes to Brad's incredible Pre Amps.

Brad Sarno · Post by **Brad Sarno** » 2 Aug 2014 12:35 pm

mtulbert wrote:Thanks for those kind words. I appreciate it. Most of the credit goes to Brad's incredible Pre Amps.

Thanks Mark!

Brad

Dickie Whitley · Post by **Dickie Whitley** » 2 Aug 2014 1:03 pm

First off, I'm not trying to offend those who have the all-in-one Fractal Axe-FX, I glad they're happy with it.

I've just never liked all-in-ones in anything, be it amps, printers, what have you. In the way I look at things, if one part of an all-in-one goes, it all goes. Not so with "separates", if one goes, replace with your backup and keep on picking. I have pedals as backup for my M2000 effects unit, maybe not as good but will do the job.

But again, that's just my 2 cents and what do I know?

If you're happy with it, keep on picking.