6/18/2010 - Firmware 10.0 for the Axe-Fx is released

Firmware version 10.0 has been released for the Axe-Fx Standard and Axe-Fx Ultra. New features in firmware 10.0 include 5 all-new amplifier models, 2 new drive pedal types, key improvements to the existing amp and effect tone capabilities, and more.

The New “Marsha HB” and “Marsha HBE ” amp types represent the cooperation of renowned rig builder/amp modder/amp designer Dave Friedman of LA-based Rack Systems LTD., who himself sanctioned and approved the new Axe-Fx models.

More information can be found in the Firmware 10 Press Release.

Firmware 10 can be downloaded at the Fractal Audio Support/Downloads Page

6/17/2010 - Andee Blacksugar's Sheer Velocity and the Axe-Fx Ultra

Brooklyn guitarist/composer/producer Andee Blacksugar has released an album called Sheer Velocity Volume 1 : Crop Circles. The collection is an all-instrumental, guitar-centric extravaganza that veers unsettlingly between exotic beauty and nightmare soundscapes. Daredevil fretboard virtuosity is offset by unpredictable, bizarre and often linear arrangements and a whole world of textures & moods. Perhaps most interestingly, the entire album was recorded using the Axe-Fx Ultra. More...

5/24/2010 - Fractal Audio Welcomes Steve Vai

Fractal Audio is pleased to welcome Steve Vai to its family of Axe-Fx artists. Mr. Vai is a veritable force of nature when it comes to today's guitar-driven music. He is well-known for his broadly acclaimed solo recordings, DVDs, soundtracks, plus stage and studio collaborations across a spectrum spanning from Frank Zappa to Mary J. Blige. Highlights include work with David Lee Roth, Whitesnake, G3, Devin Townsend, and many more.

Steve recently shared his satisfaction with the Axe-Fx with us."The flexibility of the Axe-Fx is supreme. I did extensive tone testing with it and found it to be flawless. It's all I need now. It makes me feel like every day is Christmas. It's exceptional and I'm grateful."

We take special pride in hearing such praise from an artist who has not only achieved greatness on his instrument, but also played a role in shaping today's guitar gear landscape. See www.Vai.com for more information about Steve Vai.

5/23/2010 - Fractal Audio & Atomic Amps at the 2010 NY AMP SHOW, June 5-6th

Join Fractal Audio and Atomic Amps at The 2010 New York Amp Show on June 5th & 6th. Come try the Axe-Fx Ultra and Atomic Reactor FR (Feel free to bring your own guitar!) We'll be demonstrating the MFC-101 midi foot controller and making an announcement at the show about its imminent availability. Get your free Fractal or Atomic T-shirt by being the first person each day to mention our "secret password", posted to Twitter and Facebook the morning of the show.

5/3/2010 - Fractal and Atomic Welcome John Petrucci to our Roster of Artists

Fractal Audio officially welcomes the virtuosic John Petrucci to the ranks of the "converted". John, who is best known as a founding member of the band Dream Theater, told us, “The Axe-Fx has completely and forever changed the way I look at guitar processing. This box does an incredible number of things astonishingly well.” Hrm... One could easily say the same thing about you, John!

4/17/2010 - Dweezil Zappa with Atomic Wedges at Jeff Beck/ZPZ

Zappa Plays Zappa band leader and namesake Dweezil Zappa has added four Atomic Reactor Active Wedges to his dual Axe-Fx powered guitar rig, unveiled at the double header Jeff Beck with Zappa Plays Zappa show in Los Angeles last night. His tech Thomas Nordeggg describes the rig as a "B-A-A-B" dual stereo configuration, adding that it is "Awesome. fantastically flexible, and sounds unbelievable, not only for those listening to the house system but also for people right down in front. To experience this... it's incredible". This web site offers more information about the Atomic Reactor Active Wedges.

4/09/10 - Axe-Fx Version 9.03 Firmware Released

Version 9.03 firmware for the Axe-Fx and Axe-Fx Ultra is now available. This new firmware contains significant improvements to power amp modelling and is a recommended for all customers. As always, Axe-Fx firmware is available free-of-charge on our support page.

1/1/10 - Axe Edit Beta Released

Axe-Edit is the companion editor/manager for the Axe-Fx. It offers a faster, smarter, easier way to edit and manage your Axe-Fx, as well as providing a basis for our future software products. You can download Axe-Edit from this web site.

9/09/09 - Axe-Fx Version 8.05 Firmware Released

Version 8.05 firmware for the Axe-Fx and Axe-Fx Ultra is now available.

3/7/09 - Ultra Wins Guitarist Magazine's Highest Honor

Guitarist UK has awarded the Axe-Fx Ultra its coveted "Gold Award". The Ultra scored 5 out of 5 stars in every category. Guitarist says: "...Quality of sound, not to mention performance, is what the Axe-Fx Ultra is all about. Prepare to be stunned!"

2/9/09 - Axe-Fx Version 7 Firmware Released

Fractal Audio Systems is proud to announce the release of Version 7 firmware for the award-winning Axe-Fx and Axe-Fx Ultra Effects Processors. Version 7 brings a wealth of new features, amp models and improvements. As always, firmware is available free-of-charge to all Axe-Fx customers.

11/24/08 - Atomic & Fractal Join Forces

Fractal Audio Systems & Atomic Amplifiers are pleased to announce that they are now operating as one.  The pairing unites two rapidly growing musical instrument industry innovators with highly complementary products and skill sets.
   
Fractal’s peerless amp simulation and effects processing technology combined with Atomic’s established reputation for being the premier solution for amplifying amp modeling devices, sets the stage for truly exciting collaborations.
   
Both brands will remain intact but will benefit from shared product development, engineering, sales, service, marketing, artist relations and distribution efforts.
   
Atomic and Fractal are both known for their relentless customer focus and outstanding service acumen.  This shared philosophy of putting the customer first will only strengthen with the combined resources of both companies.
   
New offerings will not be bound by one specific design philosophy.  Regardless of whether the platform is tube, digital, solid state, hybrid or otherwise, Fractal and Atomic will work hard to earn the respect of guitarists, producers and musicians alike by creating ground-breaking, top quality gear that utilizes the technology that works best for the given application. The companies offer a sincere “thank you” to their customers for their inspiring support.

11/24/08 - Axe-Fx Ultra Goes Platinum

Hot off the press - The featured review in [the November 2008 issue of] Guitar World entitled “Big Audio Dynamite!” bestows the magazine’s most prestigious award on Fractal’s Axe-Fx Ultra.  Seasoned writer, Chris Gill states “[The Axe-Fx] delivers stunning, expressive tones and effects that most players would have difficulty achieving with even the finest analog gear” and “it may be the last guitar processor many players will ever need to buy”.
If you’re not already a subscriber, go out and get a copy.  It’s a great read.

11/24/08 - Fractal Gets “Picked”

In Guitar Players December '08 Issue, veteran gear reviewer and GP Associate Editor, Barry Cleveland, taps Fractal’s Axe-Fx Ultra for the magazine’s coveted “Editor’s Pick”. “… the Axe-Fx Ultra is easily the most touch sensitive and responsive [amp simulator] in my experience” Cleveland writes “don’t be surprised if you see me using one on my next gig!”
 
To see all of Barry’s thorough write-up, grab a copy before they are sold out!

11/24/08 - Tone Merchants Gets the Axe

Fractal Audio Systems is pleased to announce Tone Merchants of Orange, CA as its first showroom/dealer.

“Tone Merchants is internationally renowned for stocking a collection the some of the finest guitar gear available.” Fractal’s Tom King states, “They offer an intimate environment to learn about, test and purchase our products as well as provide outstanding customer service.  We are very excited to be working with them.”

So, for all you Southern CA folks (as well as those who travel there) who are looking to check out an Axe-Fx or the Atomic Reactor Series, Tone Merchants has a demo rig ready to dazzle you.