The AXE I/O Recording Interface with AmpliTude MAX 5 Bundle from IK Multimedia is a 2-in/5-out audio interface and controller designed for the recording guitarist. It can be used with Mac or Windows computers and makes your guitar recordings faster, easier, and optimized for DAW applications.
The AXE I/O offers triple-topology, fully discrete input circuits with both PURE and JFET input stages. This allows you to go from transparent to tubelike with just a single switch. The Z-TONE impedance-adapting circuit interacts with your guitar's pickups to give you a large range of tonal flexibility. When it comes to recording with microphones, AXE I/O offers two combo XLR-1/4" inputs with +48 phantom power. The dedicated low-noise amp out eliminates ground loops and lets you experiment with an incredible array of sound chain possibilities such as using the Z-TONE knob to color a clean signal before sending it to a real amp, and then further controlling your sound with onboard microphone settings while seamlessly monitoring the session in real time.
The bundled AmpliTube 5 MAX software can be used to select presets and control values via the front input knob. Set behavior, MIDI channel, MIDI CC#, minimum and maximum values, and more, so you can dial in the best settings for whatever application you want to control. Connect pedals and switches to get the most from your virtual rig without taking your hands off your guitar. The AXE I/O Audio Interface is a full-blown analog in-the-box studio, out of the box.
Transparent to Tubelike with the Flip of a Switch
Good things come in threes, and the AXE I/O is no different with a fully discrete triple-topology input circuit, which contains both Pure and JFET input stages. JFET uses classic field-effect transistor technology to impart a small amount of color and harmonics to the signal, giving instruments a bit of tubelike warmth, while Pure results in a more linear response with the most clean and transparent signal possible. Finally, the Active switch bypasses unnecessary gain stages when active pickups are in use, keeping the signal path clear and direct.
Z-TONE Variable Impedance
When using passive pickups, the load impedance of each pickup type (single coil, humbucker, etc.) will often alter the sound character of the guitar tone. Enter the Z-TONE impedance-adapting circuit, which gives you the ability to dial in your preferred tone regardless of passive pickup type by altering the load impedance of the Instrument 1 input. Turning the knob clockwise reduces the impedance and produces a thicker, bolder tone, while turning the knob counter-clockwise increases impedance and conversely produces a crisper, sharper tone. Z-TONE can even work its magic on bass guitars (with passive pickups), injecting thin sounding bass tones with a bigger, more direct sound.
Pure Mic Preamps
The Axe I/O is as deft at recording mics as it is with guitars, and features two Class-A Pure mic preamps designed for transparent and clean recording. Offering a wide flat frequency response of 3 Hz to 32 kHz, these mic preamps avoid unwanted coloration and can preserve the sonic character of your acoustic guitar, piano, or any other instrument. Ultralow noise and 116 dB of dynamic range makes it easy to record anything from the most delicate sounds to mighty and loud amps.
I/O: It's in the Name
As the name suggests, this unit provides copious I/O options for everything from DI recording, to standard microphone recording, to complex live performances, to reamplification. Two 1/4"/XLR combo inputs with 48V of phantom power enable easy direct input or recording with any dynamic, condenser, or ribbon microphone. Special Hi-Z instrument inputs give access to the units numerous purpose-built circuits for controlling your guitar tone and feature a dedicated switch for passive or active instrument pickups. The 1/4" left and right jacks provide an easy connection to drive active monitoring speakers and feature automatic electronic balancing that make them ideal for use onstage. Two extra unbalanced outputs are also provided along with a convenient 1/4" headphone jack for reference monitoring.
Reamp with Ease
Along with the many I/O options offered by the AXE I/O, a fifth amp output is provided, which is designed specifically for sending your DI signal out to a real amplifier or stomp pedal while simultaneously monitoring the session. Independent from all other outputs, the Amp output is a floating, unbalanced output that is designed to properly interface with guitar or bass amps of any kind, providing protection from the noise and hum typically caused by reamping ground loops. Send external pedal signals or miked amps back to the AXE I/O input and return it to the DAW on a new track while still taking advantage of features like the Z-TONE control.
In-Box Modeling and MIDI Galore
For those that don't want to ever have to pick up a mouse, the AXE I/O features seamless integration with IK's AmpliTube technology, letting you scroll through numerous AmpliTude presets with the preset knob. This knob also transmits MIDI CC data, allowing it to be used to control other software. And speaking of MIDI, the unit comes with dedicated MIDI DIN inputs and outputs, which can connect to floor controllers for deep real-time controls, or other standard MIDI gear like keyboards and sequencers. Two dedicated 1/4" footswitch inputs allow connecting expression pedals or switches to control AmpliTude with custom parameter control. A tuner is even included on the front panel for easy tuning between takes without having to touch a plug.
Professional Quality AD/DA
The AXE I/O utilizes a quality AD/DA conversion system to provide flexible audio recording capabilities. With 24-bit resolution and samples rates ranging from CD quality, to 44.1 kHz, to ultrahigh 192 kHz, the unit provides a great amount of options for analog to digital recording. Asynchronous USB audio ensures minimal jitter while direct monitoring allows for seamless tracking and monitoring with zero latency.
Bundles and Bundles of Software
Besides the intuitive control applet designed to provide direct control of the device's parameters via Windows or macOS, the AXE I/O also comes bundled with the AmpliTube 5 MAX software. This software captures the sound and feel of over 400 pieces of guitar and bass gear including some of the most sought-after units. Stomps, amps, cabs, speakers, mics, rooms, and rack FX are all included in one interface, available for any kind of routing you want. IK's DIM and VIR technology ensures AmpliTube perfectly captures the tone and vibe of every piece of gear, and the software even comes with an eight-track recorder and DAW looper, as well as tools for practicing and performing live. The software is designed to function as an AAX, VST, and AU plug-in to allow the creation of killer guitar tracks in any digital ecosystem.
Specifications
| Channels of I/O | |
| Built-In DSP | |
| Maximum Sampling Rate | |
| Number of Microphone Inputs | |
| Built-In Microphone | |
| Input Level Adjustment |
Signal Processing
| Pad | |
| High-Pass Filter | |
| Solo/Mute |
Connectivity
| Analog Audio I/O | |
| Phantom Power | |
| Digital Audio I/O | |
| Host Connection | |
| Host Connection Protocol | |
| USB (Non-Host) | |
| Sync I/O | |
| Network I/O | |
| MIDI I/O | |
| Expansion Slots | |
| Other I/O |
Performance
| Frequency Response | |
| Maximum Input Level | |
| Maximum Output Level | |
| Headphone Output Power | |
| Impedance | |
| Dynamic Range | |
| THD | |
| THD+N |
Digital Audio
| Sample Rates | |
| Sample Rate Conversion | |
| Bit Depths | |
| Latency |
Audio Storage & Playback
| Media/Memory Card Slot |
Compatibility
| OS Compatibility | |
| OS Compatibility | |
| Mobile Device Compatibility | |
| Required Hardware |
Power
| Power Requirements | |
| AC/DC Power Adapter |
Physical
| Dimensions | |
| Weight |