The Korg AX3G is a compact multi-effects floor pedal with amp simulation and a built-in tuner, aimed at home recording and practice as much as at a pedalboard. It runs on Korg's REMS digital modeling technology, the same approach the company uses in its Pandora personal processors, the Ampworks units and the larger AX series floor pedals1. Korg is well known for packing amp simulation and effects into small, portable packages, and the AX3G sits in that family while staying small enough for a tabletop or a board1.
What it does and how it is organized
Each program on the AX3G is a chain of editable effects blocks: pre-FX, drive/amp, cabinet, noise reduction, modulation, and delay/reverb. For each block you choose the specific effect from an onboard total of 57 varieties1. One of the Amp sub-parameters lets you set the output EQ curve to match a line input or one of three generic amp types, which is how the unit tailors its output to whatever it is feeding1.
MusicRadar's reviewer described the range of sounds this way:
"contained within each is a comprehensive range of usable sounds ranging from excessive high-gain metal amps to acoustic simulations"1
with modulation effects described as crisp and floaty, and the wah, pitch and filter options offering grittier choices1.
Controls and footswitches
Editing is handled with a pair of cursors, a rotary switch and a rotary knob1. The two footswitches change function depending on the mode, but their main job is moving up or down through presets1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Two footswitches | Move up or down through presets; other uses depend on mode1 |
| Both footswitches together | Engages the chromatic tuner; a momentary press bypasses the unit, holding for a second mutes the complete signal; a single push on either switch disengages the mode1 |
| Footswitches in edit mode | Bring up the current effect type and parameter value for quick reference1 |
| Pair of cursors, rotary switch, rotary knob | Handle the editing functions1 |
| Expression pedal socket | Accepts an expression pedal to control volume or wah among other parameters1 |
An additional socket allows the use of an expression pedal to control volume or wah among other parameters. If you are shopping for one, the expression pedals page covers what to look for1.
Outputs: stereo or mono
Output is via a single TRS jack socket. It can send a stereo signal to headphones or a mixer, or, used with a standard mono lead, a mono signal to an amplifier1. That single-socket arrangement is what lets the same unit serve as a silent practice tool on headphones and as an effects supplement in front of an amp.
Build and where it fits
Physically the AX3G is presented in stompbox style with footswitches, but it is smaller than previous AX pedals and as much at home on a tabletop as on a board1. The casing is plastic, which MusicRadar's reviewer found solid though not in the same league as diecast metal for ruggedness1. Players comparing it with the larger Korg AX3000G should expect a smaller, lighter unit built around the same modeling family1.
What reviewers said
MusicRadar's verdict centerd on flexibility:
"Versatility is what the AX3G is about and Korg has come up with a unit that can be all things to all users1."
The reviewer saw it as usable at home and on a pedalboard as a tuner and effects supplement, and closed with: "Okay, there may be minor issues about build and editing but for £59, what's not to like?"1 The £59 figure is the UK price quoted in that review; no US dollar price is given there.
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Questions
Does the Korg AX3G have a built-in tuner?
Yes. Pressing both footswitches together engages a chromatic tuner. In that mode a momentary press bypasses the unit, and holding for a second mutes the complete signal for silent tuning. A single push on either footswitch disengages the tuner mode and returns you to playing.
Can the Korg AX3G run on batteries?
Yes. MusicRadar describes the AX3G as a battery-powered pedal, in line with Korg's compact practice and recording products. That makes it usable away from a power supply, at home or on the move.
How many presets does the Korg AX3G have?
The AX3G has 80 programs onboard, and 40 of them are user-editable, so you can store your own sounds in half of the memory while the other half carries factory settings.
Can I connect an expression pedal to the Korg AX3G?
Yes. An additional socket allows the use of an expression pedal to control volume or wah, among other parameters, adding hands-free control on top of the two onboard footswitches.
Is the Korg AX3G stereo or mono?
Output is via a single TRS jack socket. It can send a stereo signal to headphones or a mixer, or, used with a standard mono lead, a mono signal to an amplifier.
Is the Korg AX3G case metal or plastic?
The AX3G has a plastic casing. MusicRadar's reviewer noted that while it is not in the same league as diecast metal for ruggedness, it feels solid.
Sources (1)
- Korg AX3G review, MusicRadar, 2008-01-03
