IK Multimedia AXE I/O – 2-in/5-out audio interface with Z-TONE, Amp Out and control for guitarists

IK Multimedia AXE I/O – 2-in/5-out audio interface with Z-TONE, Amp Out and control for guitarists

AXE I/O is IK Multimedia ’s audio interface and controller , designed from the ground up for guitar and bass. It combines 2 inputs / 5 outputs with 24-bit/192 kHz conversion and a “ golden channel ” instrument channel with Z-TONE (variable impedance), ACTIVE/PASSIVE selector, and two PURE/JFET preamp topologies for instantly switching from maximum transparency to tube-like warmth. It features a floating Amp Out with ground lift for re-amplifying or creating Tone Models with TONEX without external speakers, a tuner on the front panel, and two pedal/footswitch inputs for controlling AmpliTube or other plugins.

In addition to the two front Hi-Z speakers , it offers two rear combo speakers with Class-A mic/line preamps (with 48 V ), balanced 1/2 , line 3/4 , and high-current headphone outputs. Direct monitor control and a preset encoder streamline your workflow in the studio and on stage. With a dynamic range of up to 117 dB and extended response (up to 3 Hz–32 kHz on instrument), it captures every nuance of your performance. Includes AmpliTube 5 SE and TONEX SE to start recording and modeling from day one.

Main features

• Advanced Instrument Input with Z-TONE : Adjusts impedance from 1 MΩ (Sharp) to 2.2 kΩ (Bold) to shape attack and body on passive pickups; ACTIVE mode (10 kΩ) is optimized for active pickups.
• Triple topology on channel 1: PURE (transparent) / JFET (class A, harmonics) + ACTIVE (direct path for active pickups).
• Dedicated Amp Out (floating with ground lift ) for re-amping and Tone Modeling without accessories.
• 2 Class-A mic preamps with 5 Hz–32 kHz response (±0.5 dB @96 kHz) and 48 V for capacitors.
• Premium Conversion : 24-bit/192 kHz, 117 dB(A) dynamic range (instrument), ultra-low jitter internal clock.
• Real-time control : assignable preset encoder , 2 expression/footswitch inputs, MIDI I/O DIN and integrated tuner .
• 2-in/5-out connectivity : 2 selectable simultaneous inputs (2 front Hi-Z and 2 rear mic/line combos); balanced XLR/TRS outputs 1/2 , line 3/4 , Amp Out , and headphones .
• Included software : AmpliTube 5 SE + TONEX SE for Mac/PC.
• Compact metal chassis , powered by DC adapter and USB 2.0 interface (Mac/PC).

Benefits for the guitarist

• Better tone from the input : Z-TONE, ACTIVE/PASSIVE and PURE/JFET let you “break in” your guitar before the plugin or amp.
• Reamp and TONEX made simple : Silent Amp Out with ground lift eliminates ground loops and speeds up tone crafting .
• Fast Flow : Direct monitoring with mix control, 5-segment meters, and a preset knob for mouse-free navigation in AmpliTube.

Use cases

• DI + Mic Recording : Split the signal to record your DI and amp simultaneously; re-amp later without re-recording.
• Hybrid home studio : guitars/basses via Hi-Z, vocals via Class-A preamps and synths via line.
• Live/Streaming : Control parameters with pedals/footswitches, use Loopback in your DAW, and send mixes to 1/2 and 3/4 simultaneously.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many inputs does it record at once? 2 simultaneous channels (2-in/5-out). You can choose between the 2 front Hi-Z inputs or the 2 rear mic/line combo inputs.
• Does it have phantom power? Yes, +48 V switchable for both mic preamps.
• Does it include software? Yes: AmpliTube 5 SE and TONEX SE for Mac/PC.

Description for projects

2-in/5-out USB guitar/bass audio interface with Amp Out . Conversion: 24-bit/44.1–192 kHz . Inputs: 2 front Hi-Z (IN1 multi-topology with Z-TONE 1 MΩ→2.2 kΩ PASSIVE / 10 kΩ ACTIVE; IN2 Hi-Z 1 MΩ) and 2 rear XLR/TRS combo jacks (mic/line, Class-A preamps, 48 ​​V ). Outputs: 1/2 balanced floating (+21 dBu @0 dBFS), 3/4 unbalanced (+16 dBu), Amp Out floating (–6 dBu @0 dBFS) with ground lift , 1/4” headphone . Performance: Instrument response 3 Hz–32 kHz (±0.5 dB @96 kHz), Mic/Line 5 Hz–32 kHz (±0.5 dB), DR up to 117 dB(A) ; THD (IN1 PURE) 0.0015 %. Controls: monitor blend , 5-segment meters, tuner , preset encoder. Control: 2 TRS pedal/footswitch inputs , MIDI I/O DIN. Connection: USB 2.0 Type-B . Dimensions: 23.8 × 21.1 × 5.3 cm . Weight: 1.3 kg . Includes DC power supply and USB-A↔USB-B cable.