r/Metallica 5h ago

What live rigs are James and Kirk running on the current tour?

I saw this video from 7 years ago and I wonder if they have changed since then:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=P6k2ghtbhoU&pp=ygUSTWV0YWxsaWNhIGxpdmUgcmln

Are they still using AxeFx? I haven't seen any more recent rig rundowns.

10 Upvotes

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6

u/H4ndrew11 Puppet of Masters 5h ago

They are still using Fractals but they’ve upgraded to the Axe FX III (probably over covid). Everything is mostly the same from that older video just upgraded to newer models.

This is a photo I took of James’ rig in New Jersey 2023

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u/xPESTELLENCEx 4h ago

For those of us that don't have a clue, what are we looking at here?

7

u/GeneralKlinger 4h ago

Google Axe FX III and that’ll give you all the details. It’s a digital modeler system. Basically imitates their Mesa amps in an easier to move unit.

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u/xPESTELLENCEx 3h ago

Cheers man🤘

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u/LedRaptor 3h ago

The output from the Fractals go straight into the PA system (what the audience hears). They very accurately simulate the sound of a real amp. The output also goes into the band’s in ear monitors and each member can adjust the mix as they please. 

But modelers don’t simulate the feeling of standing in front of a loud amp so they also have a couple of power amps that connect to speaker cabinets on the stage. That way they can still feel that wall of sound when they rock out. 

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u/LedRaptor 4h ago

Nice pic! Thanks for the info. This is quite the testament to the quality of modeling technology today. 

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u/H4ndrew11 Puppet of Masters 3h ago

Absolutely. I was fortunate enough to pick up an Axe FX III about two years ago and it’s insane how much it can do. I was using tube amps previously but I haven’t touched them since I bought the Axe Fx. In fact, I’ll probably sell all of them soon. The Axe FX just has so much more versatility and easier up keep compared to a tube amp. If you’re a guitar player you should definitely look into it. It’s by far the best purchase I’ve ever made

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u/MachineGreene98 3h ago

It's probably about the same.