IK Multimedia AXE I/O
Particularities of the IK Multimedia
- An audio interface especially designed for guitarists
- 2 Inputs for instrument, line and microphone signals
- With discrete Class A preamplifiers and switchable 48 V phantom power
- Front-panel Hi-Z instrument inputs, including input 1 with Z-Tone (variable impedance)
- JFET circuit for subtle harmonic additions and active switching for optimal operation with active pickups
- Rear mic / line inputs via XLR / jack combo jacks
- 1 Front panel amp output for re-amping
- 4 Rear balanced line outputs on 1/4″ TRS jack
- 1 Stereo headphone jack on 6.3 mm stereo jack with its own control
- Monitor and master volume controls
- Built-in guitar tuner
- Preset knob for controlling plugin parameters
- 2 Inputs for expression pedals or footswitches for real-time control of virtual guitar effects
- AD / DA conversion with 24 bit / 192 kHz
- 117 dB dynamic range
- MIDI in/out
- With extensive software package (download) with AmpliTube 4 Deluxe, AmpliTube 5 SE, 10 T-RackS processors and Ableton Live Lite
- System requirements: Windows 7 (64 bit), Mac OSX 10.11 (64 bit)
- Weight: 1.3 kg
- Dimensions: 238 x 211 x 53 mm
- 1.5 m USB cable and power supply unit included
Images
Additional Information
Customer Review Summary
The IK Multimedia AXE I/O is an outstanding audio interface, particularly designed for guitarists, offering exceptional clarity and superb sound quality. The guitar input is remarkably clear, and the “Z-TONE” feature genuinely enhances the tonal variety, allowing for a warm or sharp sound depending on your preference.
The re-amping output is equipped with a ground lift option, making it highly useful for connecting effect pedals in a loop, with virtually no latency and minimal noise. This is a significant advantage over many other interfaces in its class. The headphone output is neutral, providing an accurate representation of the sound, ideal for monitoring with quality studio headphones.
In terms of performance, the AXE I/O impresses with its low latency and stability, even while working with demanding projects. Users appreciate the versatile input options, including settings for active and passive pickups, which optimise the signal for a rich sound. The interface also features high-quality microphone inputs that deliver great results for vocal recordings.
While the device lacks Thunderbolt connectivity, its USB2 interface performs surprisingly well, often outpacing competitors with USB-C. The build quality is robust, with smooth, responsive knobs and a sturdy casing. However, some users have noted that the bundled software, particularly Amplitube, could be more refined, with issues in usability and a limited selection of modules.
The integrated tuner, while a nice touch, may not be the most reliable, and there are occasional concerns regarding driver stability when switching between ASIO mode and other applications. Despite these minor drawbacks, the AXE I/O stands out as a comprehensive solution for guitar and bass recording, making it a worthwhile investment for both home studios and professional setups.
Overall, this interface offers a fantastic blend of features, quality, and value for guitarists, making it an essential tool for recording and re-amping.
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