IK Multimedia Z-TONE DI - Active Preamplifier/DI with Z-TONE, PURE/JFET and Balanced Output

IK Multimedia Z-TONE DI (IPZTONE) - Active Preamplifier/DI with Z-TONE, PURE/JFET and Balanced Output

The IK Multimedia Z-TONE DI is an instrument preamp/DI designed to capture your guitar or bass signal with studio-quality performance and complete control of the input signal. It features the Z-TONE circuit—derived from AXE I/O—that varies the impedance to shape the character of your pickups, an ACTIVE/PASSIVE switch, two preamp routes: PURE (transparent) and JFET (harmonics and warmth), plus a −20 dB PAD for expanding the operating headroom with other sources. Its architecture offers a dynamic range of >114 dB(A) and a frequency response of 5 Hz–30 kHz (−1 dB) , preserving every nuance of your performance. Designed for both studio and live applications, it adds a balanced XLR output with transformer isolation and ground lift , an unbalanced output, and a LINK OUT for splitting the signal to pedals or an amplifier. It is powered by a 9 V battery or +48 V phantom power from the mixer/interface, and is made in Italy . Includes AmpliTube 5 SE license to complete your recording workflow.

Main features

• Z-TONE with variable impedance: from 1 MΩ to 2.2 kΩ (PASSIVE mode) and ~ 20 kΩ (ACTIVE mode) to adjust attack and thickness from the source.
• Two preamp voices : PURE (maximum transparency) or JFET (Class A with subtle harmonic enhancement).
• ACTIVE/PASSIVE selector and adjustable GAIN ( −8 dB to +8 dB ); PAD −20 dB for instruments and other higher-level sources.
• Professional outputs : Balanced XLR with galvanically isolated transformer and ground lift ; low-impedance unbalanced output and LINK OUT for amps/pedalboard.
• Reference Audio : >114 dB(A) dynamic range; 5 Hz–30 kHz (−1 dB) ; phase 0° ±10° (20 Hz–20 kHz).
• Versatile power supply : +48 V phantom power via XLR or 9 V battery (approx. 6.5 mA consumption from phantom power).
• Includes software : AmpliTube 5 SE to process the DI and create mix-ready presets.

Product benefits

• Better tone from the input : Matches the impedance to the instrument and defines the character before any pedal or interface.
• Flexible recording : split your signal with LINK OUT to capture both amp/pedals and a clean DI ready for re-amping.
• Quiet and stable : ground lift and isolated XLR output reduce hum and ground loops in real-world settings.

Use cases

• Studio : Record the processed take and DI simultaneously; adjust Z-TONE to sit the guitar in the mix without additional EQ.
• Direct : Send XLR to the mixer and LINK to your amp; use PAD for hot keys or sources.
• Reamping : Preserves full-range DI (5 Hz–30 kHz) and accurately reamps when you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I power it with phantom power? Yes, it accepts +48 V through the XLR output; it also runs on a 9 V battery .
• What are the differences between PURE and JFET? PURE is completely transparent; JFET adds warmth and Class A harmonics.
• Does it include software? Yes, AmpliTube 5 SE for processing your DI with amps, cabinets, and effects.

Description for projects

Active preamp/DI with Z-TONE control (variable impedance 1 MΩ → 2.2 kΩ PASSIVE / ~ 20 kΩ ACTIVE), ACTIVE/PASSIVE switch, PURE/JFET paths, GAIN −8 to +8 dB and PAD −20 dB . Audio: >114 dB(A) DR, 5 Hz–30 kHz (−1 dB), phase 0° ±10° (20 Hz–20 kHz). Outputs: Transformer -balanced XLR with ground lift , unbalanced 1/4" and LINK OUT . Power: +48 V phantom or 9 V (battery). Dimensions: 13.7 × 15.8 × 4.5 cm ; weight: 950 g . Includes AmpliTube 5 SE . Made in Italy.