Kemper/AxeFX FRFR

[SethTheGreat]

So I recently learned that people use the term "FRFR" (meaning Full Range Full Response) basically referring to using some sort of PA setup to amplify a Kemper or Axe FX instead of using a guitar cab.

My question is: Is this as common in our genres? Or do most folks use a guitar cab?

If this is common, what types of setups are people using?

 

[Matt-Steele]

Yes it is more than common. It allows the user to take full advantage of the impulse speaker modeling in these units. If you use a guitar cab, your rig will always have the sound of that speaker, (which isn't bad if you love that particular cabinet) but you won't be able to take full advantage of all the different cabinet impulses that can give you a greater range of tones to select from.

The Matrix amps are probably the go-to for the modelers and there are tons of FRFR speakers to choose from. Take your pick.

 

[kass]

Do they have that same punch you get with a regular amp and cab? Thats what I miss with the Kemper

 

[SethTheGreat]

Yes it is more than common. It allows the user to take full advantage of the impulse speaker modeling in these units. If you use a guitar cab, your rig will always have the sound of that speaker, (which isn't bad if you love that particular cabinet) but you won't be able to take full advantage of all the different cabinet impulses that can give you a greater range of tones to select from.

The Matrix amps are probably the go-to for the modelers and there are tons of FRFR speakers to choose from. Take your pick.

Are there qualities that I need to look for that are specific to this application? Or do I basically just look for a nice 'Full Range' setup?

I've been looking at the QSC k-series. Zzounds is currently offering a 12 payment plan for this whole line, so it's looking pretty good

Do they have that same punch you get with a regular amp and cab? Thats what I miss with the Kemper

I'm under the impression that they do... Anyone with first-hand experience?

 

[FrancescoFiligoi]

I've had various VHT/Atomic poweramps and various cabs coupled with my Axe Fx, and Axe + Mackie HD1221 FRFR was by far the best, most punchy and with the most headroom. Those speakers are LOUD.

 

[SethTheGreat]

I've had various VHT/Atomic poweramps and various cabs coupled with my Axe Fx, and Axe + Mackie HD1221 FRFR was by far the best, most punchy and with the most headroom. Those speakers are LOUD.

Thank you for the suggestion. Would you mind going into specifics on the setups you've tried? Is the mackie HD1221 the only FRFR you've used? I'm very curious because I've never heard one of these setups in person and all the other folks talking about this stuff are on forums that I don't particularly trust.

 

[Matt-Steele]

Thank you for the suggestion. Would you mind going into specifics on the setups you've tried? Is the mackie HD1221 the only FRFR you've used? I'm very curious because I've never heard one of these setups in person and all the other folks talking about this stuff are on forums that I don't particularly trust.

I suggest trying everything for yourself before you buy. Do a ton of research, it's your money, make sure to get what works best for you.

For me, if I play live, which isn't often, I play through a Mesa Boogie 2x12 Recto cab and my GT1000FX power amp and I turn the speaker emulation off. But in my studio, I'm running into a UA Apollo into my DAW then my monitors. If I played live more, I would probably go full out FRFR because it sounds so good and is so versatile, but I usually use impulses of my 4/12 for recording anyway, so for me, it's not a big issue. FRFR is the way to go IMHO.

 

[Aceshighhhh]

I would recommend looking at the Atomic CLR FRFR monitors. I have one and it's the best FRFR solution I've ever heard.

They have a nearly flat frequency response and a 90 degree dispersion angle. This means you're getting no hyped frequencies and as you walk around the speaker in the room you won't hear as much frequency loss as you would with other guitar cabinets and monitors.