IK Multimedia Z-TONE Buffer Boost - Instrument Preamp/DI with Boost and Impedance Control Z-TONE

IK Multimedia Z-TONE Buffer Boost (IPZTONEBB) - Instrument Preamp/DI with Boost and Z-TONE Impedance Control

The IK Multimedia Z-TONE Buffer Boost is a preamp/DI pedal designed to be placed at the beginning of your chain and optimize the guitar or bass signal from the source. It incorporates the Z-TONE circuit—inherited from AXE I/O—that allows you to vary the input impedance to shape the character of the instrument from 1 MΩ to 2.2 kΩ , going from a tight and bright attack to a thicker and full-bodied tone. It has an ACTIVE/PASSIVE selector for pickups, two input topologies: PURE (transparent) and JFET (harmonics and warmth), GAIN control and a footswitchable BOOST to add up to +10 dB of push. As a professional DI , it offers a balanced XLR output with transformer isolation and ground lift , as well as unbalanced and Link outputs for amplifiers/pedals. It features a low-noise, high-bandwidth path ( 5 Hz–30 kHz, −1 dB ) with a dynamic range >114 dB(A) , and supports true bypass when disabled. It can be powered by 9 V DC , 9 V batteries , or even +48 V phantom power via the XLR output. Designed and manufactured in Italy, it includes an AmpliTube 5 SE license to integrate into your studio workflow.

Main features

• Z-TONE control : Variable impedance (1 MΩ → 2.2 kΩ in PASSIVE mode; ~20 kΩ in ACTIVE mode) to adjust “attack” and thickness from the input.
• Two input voices : PURE (maximum transparency) or JFET (class A with subtle harmonic enhancement).
• ACTIVE/PASSIVE selector to adapt the route to active or passive pickups.
• Switchable boost up to +10 dB for pushing pedals or the amp preamp; GAIN control (−8 dB to +8 dB).
• Premium Buffer and DI : Balanced XLR output with transformer , ground lift and unbalanced outputs + Link for amps/pedalboard.
• Reference Audio : 5 Hz–30 kHz (−1 dB) , >114 dB(A) dynamic range, ultra-low THD at PURE.
• True bypass and transparent buffer to preserve tone on long chains.
• Versatile power supply : 9V DC (center negative), 9V batteries or +48V via XLR (phantom).
• Includes software : AmpliTube 5 SE license for recording and re-amping with clean DI/amp.

Product benefits

• Better tone from the source : Match the impedance to your instrument and define the character before any pedal or interface.
• More punch when you need it : Activate BOOST for solos or to drive the amp preamp without changing the base setting.
• Flexible connectivity : output to a PA/table via balanced XLR, to your amp via Link , and record clean DI and processed signal in parallel.
• Silence and stability : high-quality buffer for long chains and ground lift to eliminate hum caused by ground loops.

Use cases

• Direct : Place it first to standardize the “feel” between guitars and have instant boost.
• Studio : Record DI via XLR and your amp simultaneously; re-amp precisely by adjusting Z-TONE.
• Bass and acoustics : transformer-balanced output with ample headroom for stages and studios.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does the boost only add volume or also drive? Depending on the setting, the BOOST can increase volume and/or push subsequent stages for more saturation.
• Can I power it with phantom power? Yes, it accepts +48 V via the XLR output in addition to 9 V DC or a 9 V battery .
• Is it true bypass? Yes, it features true bypass when disabled.

Description for projects

Z-TONE instrument preamp/DI with impedance control , ACTIVE/PASSIVE switch, PURE/JFET stages, GAIN (−8 to +8 dB) and switchable BOOST (0 to +10 dB). Response 5 Hz–30 kHz (−1 dB) ; dynamic range >114 dB(A) ; true bypass . Outputs: transformer -balanced XLR with ground lift , unbalanced 1/4" and Link 1/4". Power: 9 V DC (center negative), 9 V battery or +48 V phantom power via XLR. Dimensions: 10.8 × 12 × 5.8 cm ; weight: 600 g . Includes AmpliTube 5 SE . Made in Italy.