The Fractal Audio Axe-Fx III, released in 2018, is the flagship modeler and effects processor from Fractal Audio Systems. Building on the success of its predecessors, the Axe-Fx III introduced unparalleled processing power, advanced amp modeling technology, and a user-friendly interface, solidifying its position as one of the most advanced digital platforms for guitarists and bassists. It remains a top choice for professional musicians and tone enthusiasts.
The Ampeg B-15NF Portaflex is one of the most iconic and influential bass amplifiers in music history, renowned for its innovative design, warm tube tone, and enduring legacy in studio and live settings.
The Ampeg SVT (Super Vacuum Tube) is one of the most iconic bass amplifiers in history, celebrated for its unmatched power, tonal versatility, and enduring legacy in live and studio settings.
The Bogner Ecstasy 101B is a renowned guitar amplifier that has made a significant impact on the music industry, particularly among rock and metal musicians.
The Bogner Shiva is a celebrated guitar amplifier known for its versatility and tonal richness, making it a favorite among musicians across various genres.
The Bogner Uberschall is a highly acclaimed guitar amplifier known for its powerful sound and versatility, particularly favored in the metal and hard rock genres.
The Diezel Herbert is a high-performance guitar amplifier head renowned for its immense power, tonal versatility, and innovative features. Below is a synopsis of its history, popular settings, and notable players.
The Diezel VH4 is a highly regarded guitar amplifier known for its versatility, high-gain capabilities, and exceptional sound quality.
The Dr. Z Route 66 is a highly regarded guitar amplifier known for its rich tonal characteristics and versatility, making it a favorite among professional musicians.
The Dumble Overdrive Special (ODS) is one of the most iconic and sought-after guitar amplifiers in history, celebrated for its unique tone, meticulous craftsmanship, and association with legendary players. Below is a synopsis of its history, popular settings, and notable users.
The EVH 5150 is a prominent guitar amplifier that has become synonymous with the sound of rock and metal, particularly due to its association with legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen.
The Fender Bassman is one of the most iconic amplifiers in music history, known for its versatility, tone, and influence on amplifier design. Here's a synopsis of its history, popular settings, and notable players:
The Fender Champ is a legendary amplifier with a storied history, known for its simplicity, portability, and distinctive tone.
The Fender Deluxe is a legendary guitar amplifier with a rich history, renowned for its tonal versatility and enduring popularity among musicians. Here's an overview of its evolution, Popular Settings, and Notable Players:
The Fender Princeton is a highly regarded guitar amplifier with a rich history, known for its compact size and warm, versatile tone.
The Fender Super is a celebrated guitar amplifier with a rich history, known for its warm tones and versatility.
The Fender Twin is one of the most iconic guitar amplifiers in music history, known for its powerful sound and versatility.
The Friedman BE-100 is a highly regarded guitar amplifier known for its exceptional tonal versatility and high-gain capabilities, making it a favorite among rock and metal musicians.
The Hiwatt DR-103, also known as the Custom 100, is one of the most revered amplifiers in rock history, celebrated for its exceptional build quality, tonal clarity, and immense power.
The Marshall JCM-800 is a legendary amplifier that has become synonymous with the sound of hard rock and heavy metal since its introduction in the early 1980s.
The Marshall JTM-45 is a legendary guitar amplifier that has played a pivotal role in the development of rock music since its introduction.
The Marshall Plexi is one of the most iconic guitar amplifiers in rock history, known for its powerful sound and significant influence on the music scene.
The Marshall Super Lead, officially known as the Model 1959, is one of the most iconic guitar amplifiers in rock history, renowned for its powerful sound and significant influence on the genre. It is widely known as a Marshall Plexi which comes from the clear plastic faceplate used on early models.
The Matchless DC30 is a highly regarded guitar amplifier known for its exceptional tone and versatility, making it a favorite among musicians across various genres.
The Mesa/Boogie Bass 400+ is a legendary all-tube bass amplifier head, celebrated for its immense power, tonal versatility, and durability.
The Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier is an iconic guitar amplifier that has played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of rock and metal since its introduction.
The Mesa/Boogie Lone Star is a renowned guitar amplifier celebrated for its versatility and tonal richness, making it a popular choice among musicians across various genres.
The Mesa/Boogie Mark IV is a legendary guitar amplifier that has become a staple in the world of high-gain music, known for its versatility and powerful sound.
The Morgan AC20 is a highly regarded boutique amplifier known for its exceptional tonal versatility, vintage-inspired design, and ability to handle both studio and stage applications. Below is a synopsis of its history, popular settings, and notable players.
The Orange AD200 is a flagship bass amplifier head celebrated for its simplicity, powerful tone, and versatility across genres.
The Orange Rockerverb is a celebrated guitar amplifier known for its powerful sound and versatility, making it a favorite among musicians in various genres.
The PRS Archon is a powerful guitar amplifier known for its versatility and high-gain capabilities, making it a favorite among modern rock and metal musicians.
The Peavey 6505, originally named the Peavey 5150, is a legendary guitar amplifier that has made a significant impact on the rock and metal music scenes since its introduction.
The Revv Generator 120 is a modern guitar amplifier that has gained acclaim for its versatility and high-gain capabilities, particularly in rock and metal genres.
The Roland JC-120, also known as the Jazz Chorus, is a legendary solid-state guitar amplifier that has made a significant impact on the music world since its introduction.
The Soldano SLO-100, known as the Super Lead Overdrive, is a legendary guitar amplifier that has significantly influenced the high-gain sound in rock and metal music.
The Trainwreck Circuits Express is a legendary boutique guitar amplifier known for its unique tonal characteristics and touch sensitivity.
The Vox AC15 is a legendary amplifier celebrated for its rich history, distinctive tone, and enduring appeal among guitarists.
The Vox AC30 is one of the most iconic guitar amplifiers in music history, celebrated for its distinctive "chimey" tone and association with legendary artists.
The Axe-Fx III offers an extensive library of effects, including:
Key innovations of the Axe-Fx III include:
The Axe-Fx III has been adopted by some of the most renowned guitarists in the world. Artists such as Steve Vai, John Petrucci (Dream Theater), Tosin Abasi (Animals as Leaders), and Devin Townsend rely on it for both live performances and studio work. Its versatility also makes it a favorite among session players.
The Axe-Fx III represents a pinnacle in digital modeling technology. With its Cygnus Amp Modeling updates (introduced in 2021), it continues to set industry standards for realism and flexibility. Its influence extends beyond the rack-mounted unit to Fractal's floor-based FM9 and FM3 processors, ensuring its legacy as a cornerstone of modern guitar tone.