Hey Birdie, I completely respect your opinions and I'm glad you found some cool units. You peaked my curiosity so I went and checked the manual on the amplifier.

My perspective (based on the manual and not playing the unit):
Amplifier effects loop mono send / 11R effects loop stereo send = + 11R
Amplifier FX loop static placement in chain / 11R FX loop moveable = + 11R
Amplifier FX moveable BUT to select locations / 11R FX moveable anywhere = + 11R

It looks like it has some extra knobs in the amp/cab models for "deep editing" of the amp models (sag, air, etc) so I'd put that as a plus towards the amplifier.

Also, loading IRs I would put as a plus, although I personally would not get much benefit from that. I've gone down the IR path using an IR loader on my PC and found that I like the 11R cabinets and mic options. I can see why people want that flexibility though.

Anyways, they are different units, it looks like aimed at slightly different usage models (I would say 11R more studio use, amplifier more integrated into live rig). I hope to try one someday.

I have to say that i'm very happy with the axe-fx II. i dialed in a Friedman BE and HBE preset pretty quickly and captured the tone that i've always wanted.

i will try to duplicate that tone on the eleven rack of course.

clips or it didnt happen!

calling me too..
looking at the new 2015 unit.
lol hard to break loose with the cash!!
question wanting to do close to the devin sounds..
like from the unplugged funeral.
devin funeral youtube
that clean sound is cool, but I want the delay verb echo.
does your unit come close??

I have the AmpliFIRE also... so I'll chime in.

From the perspective of amps/tone - I think the AmpliFIRE and 11R went for a similar strategy - quality over quantity. Both units have a smaller amp model list compared to other MFX - and smaller effect offerings as well. That said, everything in both AF and 11R are of excellent quality.

I do feel the amp modeling in the AF is better - but not a HUGE improvement over the 11R. For me, the bigger difference is the IR vs the 11R cab/mic block. I always struggled finding the cab/mic combination in the 11R that was what I really wanted. I did audition a number of IRs - but found the one that was the what I was looking for. I was able to cast a broader net than a limited offering - which is what, for me at least, was the difference maker.

The other things I feel are benefits of the AF are:
- it fits on my pedal board - the 11R required a rack bag - which was another thing to carry around. Not a huge deal - but one less thing
- it is being actively developed/expanded. There has been a firmware update since the AF was released. Another is in the works. Granted they're not coming fast - but they are doing firmware updates - and listening to user feedback to do so
- it has more horsepower from a DSP perspective - so they can do more with the unit overall
- very powerful EQ options. The cab block has EQ options. There are 3 para EQ blocks that can be assigned pre or post amp model. There is a graphic EQ, also with pre/post assignment. They have an additional "pre-EQ" with a built-in low-cut parameter.
- it has XLR and 1/4" outputs - you can independently assign the cabinet block so you can send the IR out the XLR but not the 1/4" - so you can run direct to FOH and use a power amp/cab on stage.

Let me conclude by stating that I used my 11R exclusively for several years - REALLY like it and fully believe it is an awesome piece of equipment! I see the AF as being an improved 11R in a floor based unit - but that is simply my opinion - YMMV.

I wish I could get one. I know I Dont need it and am pretty convinced the tone I am getting now with the 11r/logidy setup is on par with what i have heard from the axe ii but I still freaking want one.

Next year....

I was running the 11R/Torpedo CAB - excellent tones, to be sure! What was driving me nuts was that I was back to tap dancing around to switch everything when I'd change presets (I probably could have gotten my MIDI controller to do it - but just never got there) - but also the constant struggle with levels. That is the one thing I'm far happier about with the AmpliFIRE - the simplicity. It's all in one box - it all switches together naturally.

However - I agree with you - the tones of the 11R + Logidy/CAB are excellent.

i am trying out for a band this week and i'm running into my first "problem". what rig do i use? obviously i want to use the axe-fx II, but i hate to drag out that much money for a tryout.

i still have an eleven rack and a behringer midi pedal, but i would need to dial up some new tones to match the axe-fx II to be happy. it's what i do, so no problem there i guess.

option 3: girlfriend was watching me as i watched a video from Chappers on the AmpliFire pedal. she says "why don't you get one of those?" i say "why don't you buy it for me?" she says "ok, baby". lol. so do i take her up on that offer? she does make a bunch of money, so it won't hurt her finances at all. seems like that one piece of gear could work for me. i really only need to switch between 3 presets, so i might not even need a midi pedal?

somebody with the amplifire please chime in.

GET IT.

I REALLY like the AmpliFIRE! To me, it is what the 11R wanted to be, but also in a floor based implementation. They took the same approach - fewer amp models, fewer effects, but everything is of high quality. The ability to load your favorite IR makes it what I always felt the 11R tried to be.

I like having any effect I tend to typically use available on any preset - so I run a M-9 with mine. Makes things really easy with regard to bouncing between a cover band and playing at church - primarily with some specific dotted 8th delays and trems I use at church that I don't with a cover band. Aside from that - I've decided I prefer direct preset access by banks of 4 so I got a Disaster Area DMC-8d midi controller.

But yeah - it's pretty awesome, IMO. And... it's an active product so they're going to continue to add amp models/features.

Haha, you at least have to buy her some shoes or something, make it a good trade!!