Guitarist UK

March 2009 - "Still not convinced that nothing can replace a real amp? Stand by to be blown away."

"Unsurpassed quality of amp-simulation; pro-quality effects. Prepare to be stunned”

"The Axe-Fx Ultra is unlike any other modelling/Fx unit we've ever tried. Apart from the fact that there's so much more processing power, there's also the incredible attention to detail and ... determination to create the very best tones."

"Just the effects section in the Axe-Fx Ultra could rival units from TC Electronic or Eventide, and can be used independently for various studio tasks. Then you've got the amp simulations, with more levels of control than we've ever seen, and by far the most realistic recreations of real amp tones we've ever heard. On a practical level, the unit is suited to many live and studio applications."

"As you've probably gathered by now, the Axe-Fx Ultra is unlike any other modelling/Fx unit we've ever tried. Apart from the fact that there's so much more processing power, there's also the incredible attention to detail and Cliff Chase's determination to create the very best tones."

Guitar World Magazine - Platinum Award

January 2009 - "Stunning, expressive guitar-oriented tones and effects; versatile live controller functions; easy editing"

"For less than the cost of a boutique amplifier, Axe-Fx provides a complete selection of just about every amp and speaker combination a player could ever need, for tones that range from jazzy solid-state clean to classic overdriven tweed to modern high gain. The Axe-Fx’s sophisticated processing power allows the amp and cabinet-simulation programs to deliver the feel and response of playing through the “real thing.” The tones that I heard coming through my JBL 6328P monitors actually sounded better and more lively than tones I’ve captured using various combinations of high-end mics and classic amps in the studio."

"The Axe-Fx effectively destroys any notions that guitars and digital processing don’t mix. This powerful processor delivers stunning, expressive tones and effects that most players would have difficulty achieving with even the finest analog gear. Considering the vast universe of sounds residing in this unit, it’s an exceptional bargain for anyone who wants to simplify their studio and live performance rigs without making any sacrifices whatsoever. In fact, it may be the last guitar processor many players will ever need to buy."

Guitar Player (USA) - Editor's Pick Award

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!”

Premier Guitar - Editor's Pick Award

"I can’t say enough good things about this box. Top to bottom, the box itself is extremely tough. Electronics-wise, it has headroom and processing power to spare. The models of the amps, speakers, mics and all the FX are top-notch. Listen to the audio examples on the fractal audio website and you'll see what I mean."