One thing to note is that the software editor available in beta from http://fractalaudio.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=27 is still pretty beta and can crash a lot, and it can be pretty picky on the midi interface used to connect to the axe-fx (all midi, no usb

I can send you a ton of cab sim files, (even some patches to get you started if you want) which are a lot better for recording than the built in ones IMO. but since you are going to be running through a power amp and cab, that might not be so necessary. Having said that some people have had some good results even keeping the power amp sim of the unit turned on when running through an external power amp, as well as the cab sims in some cases.
The editor also has a connection to the axexchange site, where anyone can put their patches up and you can very easily download them and try out the vast number of user created patches and cab sims.
Make sure to check out the awesome wiki site http://axefxwiki.guitarlogic.org/index. ... =Main_Page
the forums are really good too, good and knowledgeable people http://fractalaudio.com/forum
It's an insane unit, so many options. the quality of the effects is amazing, I think you will like it. Gonna take you a couple of hours to get a sound you will like though.