5150 vs the AxeFX - Shootout!

[TheDude]

I've miked my EnglXXL with an SM57 and thought I'd see how close I could get, comparing a 5150 with the same model in the AxeFX (PVH 5105). Since I know that the AFX model is the red channel, I used that. The AxeFX goes through a Solid State poweramp and I matched the volume for consistency.

The settings used (don't pay any attention to the Diezel Herbert underneath ):

First I started with the "exact" same settings (well, the 5150 doesn't have decimals on the pots so...) and the result wasn't...good. So I tweaked the advanced settings and when I changed the Bias (lowered the value = colder) then things started to happen. I raised the Transformer Match and got to the point where I felt it could be fun to post it here.

http://files.getdropbox.com/u/315378/projekt/Crankitup/Peavey/Peavey5150_SM57-solo%20A.mp3

http://files.getdropbox.com/u/315378/projekt/Crankitup/Peavey/Peavey5150_SM57-solo%20D.mp3

No pedal in front. HP/LP at 75Hz/10Khz.

Gentlemen, pick the 5150. If you're extra friendly, explain why.

//Jocke

 

[Sickan]

I think D is the 5150, A sounds more metallic - more djenty.

 

[Splat88]

The real 5150 is clip 2. It has a thicker pre gain bass that sounds very familiar to me. I actually liked clip 1 better though.

 

[JonWormwood]

Meh, sounds the same to me.

 

[TheDude]

Meh, sounds the same to me.

That's not a bad thing, my friend.

 

[Melodeath]

Cool thread.

They sound pretty similar. Similar enough that I have no real opinion on which is "real." It's also sort of hard for me to judge though because, to be very honest, I don't like the tone in either clip. haha

A sounds a little bassier/muddier, and D sounds a little more metallic, in a strange way. IMO

 

[Erik Monsonis]

Clip D is the Axe, sounds muddier on palm mutes, just as any digital modeller.

 

[Jackal_Strain]

I think A is the 5150. D sounds a bit more direct to me... To be honest, it's almost pure guesswork...

 

[Cacoph0ny]

I think D is the Axefx

 

[Keregioz]

They sound pretty similar. Similar enough that I have no real opinion on which is "real." It's also sort of hard for me to judge though because, to be very honest, I don't like the tone in either clip. haha

+1

 

[Rex Rocker]

It sounds EXTREMELY close to my ears.

I think what little difference comes thru in this could very well be the SS poweramp's doing.

 

[JeffTD]

I'm going to say D is the Axe, but I don't like either tone really - definitely not what I go for out of my 5150.

 

[John_C]

A is the 5150, D sounds like there's some nasty digital clip overtones happening, i.e. digital amp modelling

 

[Soundlurker]

A is 5150 because it sounds smoother and more ..hm..alive.

 

[Sean in Silence]

Interesting thread
I have limited experience with a real 5150
but
I'm going to have to say that clip D sounds slightly more digital to me
I think
hahaha
either way the difference is so minuscule it wouldn't matter in the mix
great job!
Still doesn't justify that enormous price tag on the axe for me unfortunately:/

 

[Wild Hades]

Not that similar imho...
A>>>D
I'm liking the saturation a lot more on A, expecially on the mids. The palm mutes are more powerfull and tight too...
D sounds weaker, not saturated enough and muddy on the palm mutes...

Gotta try with A being the 5150...

 

[rlcramer]

I won't embarrass myself by guessing, but I will say that I have a 6505 and an AxeFX and I've never gotten them to sound THAT close. The AxeFX really is a groundbreaking beast IMHO, especially in the hands of someone who really knows how to tweak.

Bobby

 

[GarethSE]

I'd say D is the real one
that rumbly bass sounds 5150 as fuck to me.

 

[ParsonsMatt]

D is for Digital, A is for Analog?

I think that clip A sounds a lot better. D seems to have a really cloudy and digital response, reminds me of my HD147 head...

 

[Sora01]

Im going to say D is the axe fx, A the 5150 I own the axe fx and have owned the 5150, gotta say its close though, pretty hard to know for sure...