Technology News, Reviews and Buying Guides review, monitor review, tablet review, laptop review, mobile review, smartphone review, buying guide,
IK Multimedia has released a heart for beginners and a budget-friendly version of its USB audio interface. The AXE I/O Solo Guitar Interface may have fewer inputs than its big brother. Nevertheless, it retains almost all the great functions and is also cheaper. It is a premium compact MIDI interface for connecting a guitar. According to the manufacturer, a feature of the device is the advanced tone shaping functions.
The interface connects to the USB 2.0 bus, using it both for data transfer and as a power source. The device configuration includes not only an instrument input with proprietary tone-shaping options but also a line input and an IKE Pure mic preamp. The interface uses 24-bit converters supporting a sampling rate of 192 kHz. They provide a wide dynamic range for first-class recording in all genres of music. For connecting analog equipment and monitoring there are line outputs, an Amp Out, and a headphone output.
The advantages of the AXE I/O Solo Guitar Interface include the ability to work with active and passive pickup selectors – the interface instantly adapts to any instrument. The active channel bypasses unneeded gain stages, ensuring the signal is always as direct and uncolored as possible. It also offers the PURE circuit for pristine, transparent sound, and a JFET circuit for adding warmth and harmonics, all within a single device. IK’s patented Z-Tone impedance-adapting circuit lets users adjust the input impedance to interact with their guitar’s pickups. Changing the input impedance allows you to change the character of the sound.
On the back, there is a second input in the form of an XLR combo socket. This can also output phantom power. Other connections include MIDI sockets and line outputs. In addition, two external footswitches can be connected, for example, to control virtual effects.
Of course, a headphone output should not be missing. We really like the integration of a reamp box. The output is available directly to your guitar amplifier via a jack on the front. So you can both rip DI tracks and mic signals into the DAW at the same time, as well as a chase through your favorite effects or borrowed amps.
To get you started right away, the manufacturer gives you its renowned virtual guitar amplifiers in the form of AmpliTube 4 Deluxe for free. So then, grab the guitar, and let’s go!
Price and availability
The IK Multimedia AXE I/O Solo Guitar Interface can be pre-ordered through the Bhphptovideo.com and Bestbuy.com online stores, the recommended retail price is $249.99 only.
IKMultimedia at NAMM 2020, has also introduced the iRig Pro Duo I/O 2-channel MIDI Interface, which can also be operated on iOS and Android devices. And Z-TONE Buffer Boost Preamp and DI Stompbox for guitar and bass extend your live setup with the Z-TONE sound shaping and Z-TONE DI Box with a 20dB PAD switch.
