[XiVa] How to Recreate the Fairy Empire Sound + Guitar Gear and Tone Settings [Effects & Amps]

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Introduction (Overview of Tone)

XiVa, the guitarist of Fairy Empire, is renowned for crafting a sound that is both heavy and dazzling. The band’s music is rich in symphonic metal and industrial elements, characterized by a fusion of aggressive riffs and beautiful orchestration. At the heart of this sound is XiVa’s guitar tone, built upon powerful low-end riffs played on a 7-string guitar, combined with the meticulous amp simulation of the Fractal Axe-Fx II XL+. This setup achieves a sound that balances weight with clarity.

In iconic tracks like “Patriot Anthem” and “空想メソロギヰ,” powerful riffs from the drop-tuned 7-string guitar blend seamlessly with synthesizers and strings, creating a rich texture. Live performances often feature Marshall amps on stage, but it is believed that the main sound comes from the Fractal Axe-Fx, providing a stable output and allowing for instant switching between diverse tones for each song.

XiVa’s playing style emphasizes fast picking and technical elements, while focusing on riff work and rhythmic backing. This approach is essential to support the symphonic and heavy atmosphere of Fairy Empire’s music, adhering to a philosophy of producing “only the necessary sounds accurately” without excessive embellishments.

This sound design philosophy sets XiVa apart from other bands in the same scene, making Fairy Empire’s music a unique entity. As we delve into the characteristics of each piece of gear, it would be beneficial to check out XiVa’s official videos for a deeper understanding.

▶ Search official YouTube videos of Fairy Empire

List of Amplifiers and Features

The foundation of XiVa’s sound is the Fractal Axe-Fx II XL+, used in both live performances and recordings. This professional-grade amp simulator and multi-effects unit is equipped with a vast array of amp models and effects, making it a versatile tool that covers everything from stage to studio. It is perfectly suited for the sound of Fairy Empire, which requires a solid low-end while also demanding high-end brilliance, making it indispensable in discussing XiVa’s guitar sound.

Live photos confirm the presence of a Marshall JVM series head and 1960 cabinet on stage. Information from official blogs suggests that these are used as part of the visual presentation and to enhance the sound’s impact. However, the core of the sound is primarily derived from the line out of the Fractal Axe-Fx, indicating that the Marshall setup likely serves a supplementary and visual role.

The setup centered around the Fractal Axe-Fx II XL+ allows for all spatial effects like delay and reverb to be processed internally, reducing the need for a large pedalboard. This benefit aligns well with Fairy Empire’s intricate and symphonic song structures, enabling seamless scene changes. Moreover, the stable volume and quality from direct line connections make it ideal for maintaining consistency in varying PA environments, such as during international tours or large festivals.

As XiVa primarily uses a 7-string guitar, the amp must handle deep low-end frequencies while retaining the tightness characteristic of modern metal. It is likely that he fine-tunes the EQ and gate settings based on high-gain amp models like the Mesa/Boogie Rectifier and ENGL Savage within the Fractal Axe-Fx.

In summary, XiVa’s amp configuration appears to be “centered around the Fractal Axe-Fx II XL+ with the Marshall JVM series used as a supplementary tool,” supporting a sound that is both heavy and delicate, fitting the world of Fairy Empire.

Types of Guitars Used and Features

XiVa’s main guitar is the E-II ARROW-7 (Black). This flagship model from ESP’s high-end brand “E-II” features an aggressive arrowhead shape and is equipped with a Floyd Rose tremolo system. The specific model used by XiVa is a 7-string version, essential for supporting the low-end riffs and drop tunings commonly found in Fairy Empire’s music. His official profile confirms the use of the “E-II Arrow,” and the 7-string variant has been observed on stage.

The thick sound produced by the low B string of the 7-string guitar enhances the heaviness of the music while blending well with the symphonic arrangements. Additionally, XiVa has equipped the guitar with an EVH D-Tuna, allowing for instant switching to drop tuning as needed. This feature enables him to adapt flexibly to the varying atmospheres of different songs during live performances. However, he prioritizes stability by blocking the tremolo arm with a wooden piece between the tremolo block and the body.

On the performance side, the Floyd Rose system allows for aggressive whammy bar techniques, but XiVa focuses on maintaining a stable rhythmic play, emphasizing the weight of the riffs over extreme pitch shifts. He uses a JAZZ-type/Polyacetal/1.0mm pick, which facilitates nuanced playing and stable picking even during fast phrases.

Thus, the combination of the E-II ARROW-7 and the EVH D-Tuna perfectly aligns with XiVa’s guitar style and the music of Fairy Empire. With its sharp appearance and practical stability, this guitar is assumed to be a primary instrument used consistently in both live and recording settings.

Effects and Pedalboard Setup

XiVa’s effects system is notably simple and efficient, primarily centered around the Fractal Axe-Fx II XL+. Unlike traditional metal guitarists who often use individual pedals for distortion and spatial effects, XiVa relies on the Axe-Fx to handle everything from amp simulation to delay, reverb, and noise gate in one unit. This minimizes the size of his pedalboard, and live performances typically involve using a foot controller to switch presets.

The Axe-Fx contains models of various high-gain amps, including Marshall, Mesa/Boogie, and ENGL, allowing XiVa to switch between amp types suited to each Fairy Empire song. For instance, in heavy riff tracks like “空想メソロギヰ,” he likely uses a Rectifier model, while for tight rhythm songs like “Patriot Anthem,” he probably opts for an ENGL simulation.

Given the orchestral and synth layers in Fairy Empire’s music, it is crucial that the guitar’s reverb is not too overwhelming, maintaining clarity. The delay and reverb settings within the Axe-Fx are likely adjusted to enhance space without burying the guitar in the mix. Noise reduction is also processed within the unit, effectively cutting out low-end string noise while preserving attack.

Additionally, pitch shifting and octave effects are likely managed through the Axe-Fx’s internal functions, designed to blend seamlessly with Fairy Empire’s symphonic sound. By consolidating effects into the Axe-Fx, XiVa achieves both reproducibility and efficiency.

XiVa’s pedalboard setup is characterized by “one multi-effects unit plus a MIDI foot controller,” representing a modern and streamlined approach. This rational style can serve as a model for many metal guitarists, maximizing creative freedom in sound design. Thus, it is assumed that the effects are primarily concentrated in the Fractal Axe-Fx, with no additional standalone pedals observed.

Tone Settings, EQ, and Mixing Approaches

XiVa’s sound design emphasizes the low-end characteristics of the 7-string guitar while maintaining a balance that prevents it from being buried in the complex arrangements of symphonic music. Centered around the Fractal Axe-Fx II XL+, he meticulously adjusts amp simulations and EQ settings to achieve consistent sound quality in both live and recording contexts. Here, we will delve into specific EQ settings, song-specific adjustments, and mixing techniques from the perspective of PA and engineers.

Starting with the low-end, the low frequencies of the 7-string can easily become bloated. It is likely that XiVa cuts around 80Hz while boosting between 100-120Hz to achieve a balance of “thickness” and “tightness.” This EQ balance is crucial for heavy riff-centric tracks like “Patriot Anthem,” determining the overall impact of the song.

The midrange is carefully shaped between 500Hz and 1kHz to ensure separation from synthesizers and orchestral elements. While XiVa’s guitar may sound somewhat hard and tight when heard alone, it is adjusted to maintain its definition in the full band mix. In tracks like “空想メソロギヰ,” the midrange is slightly emphasized to enhance the presence of the intricate riffs.

For the high-end, a gentle boost in the 4kHz to 6kHz range emphasizes attack and picking nuances. To avoid clashing with cymbals and strings, frequencies above 8kHz are kept relatively subdued. This adjustment allows the guitar to retain brilliance while providing a mellow tone that is not piercing to the ears.

Regarding distortion settings, XiVa does not rely solely on high gain; he likely keeps the gain around 60-70% to prioritize a clear, articulated distortion. Based on ENGL and Rectifier amp models, he sets the noise gate tightly to ensure clarity in staccato phrases. This results in a sound that is “aggressive yet clear,” a hallmark of XiVa’s tone.

In terms of spatial processing, the delay and reverb within the Axe-Fx are used sparingly, with shorter decay times. In theatrical tracks like “Stigma,” the delay is synchronized with the song’s tempo to enhance the performance. It is highly likely that a plate reverb is used rather than a hall reverb, creating an airy feel that blends well with the overall band sound.

For song-specific adjustments, it is assumed that XiVa selects a Rectifier model for heavy low-end riff tracks and a Marshall simulation for lead solos or arpeggios, utilizing preset switching effectively. The footswitch’s scene changes are crucial for ensuring live reproducibility.

From a PA and engineer’s perspective, XiVa’s sound is meticulously separated from the bass and kick drum in the low-end and the synths and strings in the high-end. During mixing, the guitar’s midrange is slightly elevated to secure a position that does not compete with other instruments. As a result, Fairy Empire’s music maintains the guitar’s presence, even within large arrangements.

These adjustments and considerations allow XiVa’s guitar sound to overcome the contradiction of achieving both “heaviness and clarity.” Future guitarists aiming to replicate XiVa’s sound should focus on meticulous EQ balancing and the effective use of presets tailored to different scenes.

Affordable Alternatives to Recreate the Tone

While XiVa’s sound is supported by high-end gear like the Fractal Axe-Fx II XL+ and E-II ARROW-7, there are ways for beginners and intermediate players to achieve a similar tone at a more affordable price. The key points are “expressing low-end with a 7-string guitar,” “high-gain amp simulation,” and “simple effects processing.” By using cost-effective products available on the market, one can experience the heavy sound of Fairy Empire.

For guitars, while the ESP E-II series can be pricey, a recommended alternative is the Ibanez RG7421 (7-string model). Priced around $500, it can reproduce the tight low-end necessary for modern metal. Although it does not come with a Floyd Rose, it maintains stable tuning, making it suitable for drop tuning. If you wish to use an EVH D-Tuna like XiVa, you would need to select a model with a Floyd Rose, but the RG7421 is practical as a first guitar.

For amps and effects, realistic alternatives to the Fractal Axe-Fx include the BOSS GX-100 and Line 6 POD Go. Both can be purchased for around $500-$800 and feature modeling of Mesa/Boogie Rectifier and Marshall amps. As multi-effects units, they also include delay, reverb, and noise gate, allowing for a setup that closely mimics XiVa’s live performance style. The GX-100, in particular, is user-friendly, making it accessible for beginners in sound design.

Additionally, picks and accessories can also be replicated. The JAZZ-type 1.0mm pick used by XiVa has many similar options available from various manufacturers, including ESP, Jim Dunlop, and Ibanez. Using this type of pick can stabilize picking nuances and enhance sound clarity, significantly contributing to achieving a similar tone.

In summary, a combination of a “7-string guitar (around $500) + mid-range multi-effects unit ($500-$800) + JAZZ pick” can allow you to easily recreate the essence of XiVa’s sound. Before investing in high-end gear like the Fractal, these options can help you learn sound design and deepen your understanding before stepping up to more advanced equipment.

Summary and Conclusion

XiVa’s sound design may initially appear to be a simple structure of “high gain and 7-string,” but it conceals intricate details. The system centered around the Fractal Axe-Fx II XL+ is not chosen merely for its cost but is utilized as the optimal solution to accommodate Fairy Empire’s symphonic and complex sound. The consistency in reproducing the same sound in both live and studio settings is a significant strength of his sound design.

Moreover, using the sharp-looking E-II ARROW-7, XiVa constructs a low-end that fills the gaps not just with heavy metal tones but also with orchestral and synth sounds. The practical methods of using the EVH D-Tuna and blocking the tremolo arm demonstrate a balance of stability and responsiveness. This is not merely about gear selection; it reflects a philosophy directly tied to his playing style.

The essence of XiVa’s sound design lies in achieving a balance between “heaviness and clarity.” While many guitarists struggle with the contradiction of making their sound heavy without losing definition, XiVa meticulously explores EQ and modeling choices to find the ideal balance. This approach is a crucial point of reference for guitarists who may not have access to high-end gear.

For readers seeking to experience XiVa’s sound, it is vital to first consider “which frequency range should be covered in your band ensemble.” From there, utilizing a multi-effects unit to create presets and getting accustomed to switching sounds for different scenes will enable you to adopt XiVa’s rational and practical approach.

The sound that supports Fairy Empire’s grand compositions is not solely built on the luxury of gear. It is the synergy of playing style, gear selection, and settings that ultimately creates the tone. Therefore, the most important aspect of replicating this sound is to maintain the perspective of “why this sound design is necessary.” By keeping this in mind, anyone can approach their own version of the “XiVa sound.”