Melofty Axom Max Audio Processor: Modeler, Guitar Synth, and So, So Much More
New modeling technology, vocal effects processor, guitar synth and much more!
Melofty Axom Max Audio Processor: Modeler, Guitar Synth, and So, So Much More · Source: Melofty
Given everything the Melofty Axom Max Audio Processor offers, we’ll likely be hearing a lot about this brand-new company and brand-new modeler very soon. New modeling technology, a guitar synth with “real-time” tracking, an AI assistant for creating new rigs, (likely) NAM-A2 support – it won’t help you with the merch stand (yet).
This is Axom:
First Impression
The days when people might have turned up their noses at music gear from the “Far East” or “China” are long gone. For one thing, much of what we’re familiar with from the major brands is often built there in the same or very similar factories. On the other hand, the build quality of budget gear—whether guitars, pedals, or multi-effects units—has improved significantly in recent years.
And the Melofty Axom brings so many new and unique features to the table, without the baggage of sky-high expectations associated with brands like Kemper, Neural DSP, or Line 6, so this could turn out really well. On the other hand, so much that’s new and unique might also mean just as much fine-tuning and adjustment…
Melofty Axom Max Audio Processor
It’s interesting that the manufacturer omitted the word “Guitar” from the product name. Seems like they’re aiming to appeal to a broader musician audience than just string players. On paper, the Axom is absolutely impressive.
With proprietary MFIM (Multidimensional Fusion Inverse Modeling) technology, amp and pedal captures are supposed to sound even more realistic: each capture contains up to 9,856 parameter points. And if you’d rather just want to get started with a rig, you can choose from over 400 amps, over 130 effects, and over 200 IRs.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all of this, just use the AI assistant via your smartphone to automatically prompt rigs—either by typing or even just using voice commands. “80s British Stadium Rock,” “70s Psychedelic,” and so on. And just like that, you’ll get a signal chain consisting of virtual pedals, an amp, and an IR that attempts to get you close to the tone.
DeepSynth and Dual Use
Axom offers even more. It features a guitar and bass synth called DeepSynth, that offers real-time pitch tracking without the need for a MIDI pickup. DeepSynth includes over 50 synth sounds and an instrument-modeling feature (similar to the one on the Boss VG-800) that makes the guitar sound like other instruments.
When building a signal chain, you can chain up to 19 (!) effects within a single preset in the Melofty Axom. Or you can skip the stereo signal flow, route the two input signals separately (similar to the Tonex Board), and play bass and guitar simultaneously through one Axom! The modeler offers 504 memory slots for presets, by the way.
Plus, you can create up to 6 scenes (subpatches in Axom terminology) per preset for quick switching between effect settings on stage.
Looper, Vocal Effects, and More
The Melofty Axom is so packed with features that it almost goes beyond the scope of a short Gearnews article. Here are a few of the most important features: the Axom includes a stereo looper with up to 60 minutes of recording time, complete with Undo/Redo, Reverse, Half-Speed, and Auto-Record.
The Axom can also function as a vocal effect processor, including tuning effects, a harmonizer, reverb, and more. The modeler is controlled not only via the smartphone app but primarily via the 7-inch touchscreen.
Thomann lists NAM-A2 compatibility on the product page, but I haven’t found any further details on the manufacturer’s website so far. In other words, it remains to be seen whether compatibility is built-in (or will come later through a firmware update) and whether it’s going to be Lite or Full.
Connections and Audio
A multi-modeler as ambitious as the Melofty Axom naturally doesn’t skimp on connections and controls. For operation, you get eight footswitches for switching presets or activating effects (depending on the mode), plus four rotary knobs for adjusting parameters and an expression pedal. You can connect a second expression pedal if needed.
In addition to the guitar input, there’s a combo jack as a second signal input, which can even be connected to 48-volt phantom power if needed. Headphone output, two FX loops, jack outputs, stereo XLR output with ground lift, 5-pin MIDI in and out, USB-C… the only thing missing is a coffee maker.
On the wireless front, too, the Axom offers all the essential features with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. When connected to a computer, it becomes an audio interface with eight inputs and eight outputs (presumably virtual, given the various signal paths in the modeler).
Price and Availability of the Melofty Axom Max Audio Processor
The Melofty Axom Max Audio Processor is now available for order for 1,299 euros at Thomann*. It will be available in about two to three weeks.
My view on the Axom
At this price point, the Axom goes head-to-head with the Tonex, Helix Stadium, and Quad Coretex right out of the gate. In other words, it’s aims for the highest league. That’s bold. Even bolder is the sheer amount of features. This unit can replace several rigs.
Of course, with this kind of versatility, there’s always the risk that if one feature ceases to work, you’ll suddenly find yourself without any gear at all. On the other hand, if Thomann’s information is correct, the Axom is the first high-end multi-effects unit in this price range—after Fractal Audio’s Gear—to offer the NAM A2. And a guitar synth. And vocal effects. And, and, and. I can’t wait to see the first reviews.
More on the new modeler from Melofty
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