IK Multimedia AXE I/O

And AXE I/O seamlessly integrates with the included AmpliTube 4 Deluxe to select presets and control values via the front input knob, and lets you connect pedals and switches to get the most from your virtual rig without ever taking your hands off your axe.

We even included an onboard tuner so you can be ready to record in an instant whenever inspiration strikes.

Every element of AXE I/O has been created with no-compromise quality and real-world usefulness.

It’s the interface we wish we’d had all along.

A truly high-end audio interface for everybody

117 dB dynamic range, 3 Hz – 32 kHz frequency response – these aren’t the specs you typically find on instrument inputs. But they’re essential to capturing the most accurate details of your performance, for coaxing the best performance from your instrument, and for keeping your sound pure and transparent.

AXE I/O provides 2 Hi-Z front ¼" inputs for guitars and basses, 2 rear combo inputs with phantom power to connect mics and line instruments, and clear precision front peak meters to conveniently monitor the signal level at the channels input. Two floating balanced outputs, two unbalanced and one floating unbalanced Amp out plus a high-current headphone out let you connect monitors, mains and headphones, with independent volume for both. A Monitor knob makes it easy to blend direct monitoring and the audio from your computer for zero latency monitoring.

24-bit, 192 kHz conversion and an ultra-stable, low jitter internal clock ensures the highest fidelity, whether you’re capturing vocals, acoustic instruments, amplified guitar or just direct signal for use with AmpliTube.

But that’s just scratching the surface.

Your guitar’s golden channel

AXE I/O’s main channel offers 3 different circuit topologies – that means you have 3 different options to adapt to any type of guitar, pick-up and style so you can always dial in the perfect tone from any instrument.

PURE: a completely transparent and ultra-accurate instrument preamp that won’t color
your sound in any way.

JFET: a Class A JFET input buffer to add subtle harmonic enhancement. A slight midrange focus adds warmth, giving you more tonal options from the same instrument.

ACTIVE: bypasses unnecessary gain stages when using active pick-ups, to keep your signal path as direct, transparent and clean as possible.

All three stages offer 117 dB dynamic range to ensure the cleanest signal. And the 3 Hz – 32 kHz frequency response preserves the full sonic impact of your instrument. Unlike the 20 Hz bass response in budget interfaces, AXE I/O captures the full impact of even the deepest bass and won’t artificially cut off sounds above 20 kHz.

Tone and feel like you’ve never heard

Guitar pickups can dramatically change their character depending on the impedance of your preamp. Many guitar amps offer a load of 1 MOhms, while pedals can run much lower. That’s why the tone and responsiveness of your guitar can change so much when plugging into different gear.

AXE I/O’s patent pending Z-TONE® circuit lets you dial in impedance from 1 MOhm (“sharp”) down to 2.2 kOhms (“bold”) that interacts with your pick-ups.

At the maximum impedance, you’ll find your sound tighter, sharper and more precise. Increase the load and the sound becomes more thick and bold.

You’ll quickly find yourself using this to give your guitars even more sonic character – with just a few minutes’ experimentation you can dial in a sound that fits the mix beautifully,
as if it's been EQ’d.

PURE mic preamps for transparent recording

When it comes to recording with microphones, AXE I/O offers two PURE mic preamps designed for transparent and clean recording.

These mic pres offer a wide, flat frequency response: 5 Hz to 32 kHz, ± 0.5 dB (at 96 kHz) to avoid unwanted coloration and perfectly preserve the sonic character of your acoustic guitar, piano or other instrument, and maintain the signature of whichever mics you connect.

They offer 116 dB of dynamic range, for ultra-quiet sound perfect for recording even the most delicate instruments, but make it easy to also pull back and record the loudest amp stack.

Re-amplification made easier than ever

Many guitarists have tried to integrate their amps and stomps with recording setups only to discover it’s not an easy task! You used to need a DI box, a ground loop interrupter to prevent buzz and hum, and still have to constantly dis-connect and re-connect every time you switch between recording direct and recording your amp.

AXE I/O makes this all easier than ever with its Amp Out. It features a dedicated ground-isolated low noise ¼” output right on the front panel for easy access.

Just record a track with a clean copy of your guitar’s signal. Now you can use the Amp out to experiment with different amp, stompbox and microphone settings, or swap out a whole new rig!

AXE I/O offers a simple, streamlined re-amplification setup in a single box, to save you time, money and energy and open up unlimited sonic flexibility for all your guitar recordings.

Seamless AmpliTube integration - and more

For those who prefer in-the-box modeling, AXE I/O also offers a range of useful features.

First, a Preset knob lets you quickly and easily scroll through AmpliTube presets. Just push the knob to select and load one. You can find the perfect preset without ever having to grab a mouse. And if you use any other software, the Preset knob can be freely assigned to any CC so you can have direct control of your preferred virtual rig.

Second, two dedicated controller inputs let you connect up to two expression pedals or two single/double switches to control AmpliTube, or any other software, in real-time while playing. With AmpliTube’s MIDI Learn function, just right-click on any parameter you want to control, move the pedal, and it’s assigned. You can do up to 6 different controller configurations with AXE I/O, mixing pedals and switches, to suit your needs.

You can also use AXE I/O’s MIDI input and output to connect floor controllers or iRig Stomp I/O to add even more real-time controls - or use it with regular keyboards and other standard MIDI gear. There’s also a dedicated tuner on the front panel, making it easier to tune in between takes.

And we’ve worked hard to ensure AXE I/O offers minimal latency, giving you the tightest response and feel while tracking.