Korg: Ax 1000G | home
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Breve em português....
Warren from Zero reviews the KORG AX-1000G effects processor also used by Chandresh from Freedom and Wispy from Sceptre
The Korg ax1000g is a versatile multieffects unit for guitar. Essentially it emulates various stompboxes, amps and such which have become classics over the years.I have rated it in the foll. categories -
1. Features
2. Sound
3. Reliability/Ease of use
4. VFM
1. Features - the processor is divided into 5 sections - drive, cab, modulation, pedal,and ambience.
Drive is the distortion section which models classic distortion/compression pedals including the ibanez tubescreamer,ratt overdrive,boss metal zone, mxr dynacomp. Also included in this section are a simulations of a marshall stack, soldano, and an accoustic guitar simulator. All these are accessed via a single knob selector. Parameters [drive, bass, mid, treble, level] are accessed thru knobs or cursor. The same applies for all other sections ... this is a very simple processor to suss out. Note that you can either use compression or distortion....not both...bummer.
Cab is the speaker simulator section, to be used for direct recording. Configurations suck as 1x12, 2x12, 4x10, 4x12 in various combinations [vintage, modern, etc] are available.
Modulation section has chorus, flangers, phasers, modulated delays,pitch shift, tremolo. parameters include vary per effect. A with the drive section, you can only use one at a time.
Pedal section is for use with the in built pedal on the unit. featured are volume, chorus/flange, wah, talk box [Bon Jovi ahoy]. Also here is a decent simulation of the univibe pedal [as used by hendrix on 'the star spangled banner' and pearl jam on the 'alive' solo]. An interesting feature in an 8 second sampler. With this you can sample a lick and trigger it anytime using the pedal. [once power is turned off, your lick is history, so you have to resample each time.] Whammy effects are also available courtesy of the pitch shift. Note that if you use the pedal section, either the modulation or ambience section becomes unavailable, depending on which pedal effect is used. Only the volume pedal can be used with no side effect [pun unintended].
Ambience section includes tape echo, delays and spring, hall and room reverbs. Note that precisely timed delays are unavailable. The delay times go from eg. 320 to 360 to 400 ms and so on. So if you want precise delays in time with the song, look elsewhere ... but for general delays they more than suffice.
Also featured are a phrase sampler [lets you record and slow down music], tuner, and a metronome. It also has a phones output.
2. Sound - This processor shines when plugged into a good amp. Even thru a stranger amp, it sounds impressive. As with most processors, how you tweak it will make a big difference. Most of the factory presets are exagerrated and unusable. A good way to start is to find a good basic dry tone, and then add effects to taste. The clean tones are bold and punchy [using the compressor], and the distortions can be agressive or smooth and bluesy. All ye metalheads will zero in on the 'metal dist' setting, but the 'brit stack' [marshall] and 'american stack' are worth a try, in my opinion they sound fuller on leads. Played thru a marshall head and 4x12 it sounds really professional. The modulations sound above average and are usable in most contexts. The wahs are placed before the distortion section and sound pretty authentic. The whammies and talkbox are average and provide some fun. Delays and reverbs are really impressive, and enhance the overall sound.
For direct recording, the unit requires extensive tweaking, particularly with the cab settings. However, it does not sound half as good as through an amp. If using it live, get the soundguy to mike your amp.
3. Reliability - It has a metal chassis, and looks like it will survive a lot of beating. One cool thing about it is that tweaking on the fly [like in the middle of a song] is really easy, thanks to the knobs. Any parameter is but a button hit and a knob tweak away. Also, the manual is rather well written.
4. VFM - Considering its versatility and good sounds, the ax1000g promises major VFM. Any beginner guitarist is well advised to give this unit a spin ... it should last you a while.
Warren is the lead guitarist of Zero and won best guitarist at Livewire 2000.