IK Multimedia Launches AXE I/O SOLO

US Compact edition of IK's premium guitar interface with advanced tone-shaping 16/07/20

IK Multimedia says that the AXE I/O SOLO is the latest addition to its range of AXE I/O high-end guitar interfaces with advanced tone-shaping features. They tell us that it maintains the award-winning, best-in-class tone from the original while offering a more budget-friendly, mobile format. Here's the details in their own words...

AXE I/O SOLO is a compact, bus-powered 2-in/3-out USB audio interface that features IK's high-end PURE microphone preamp; an instrument input with proprietary tone-shaping options; an exclusive Amp Out to incorporate real gear into a recording setup; and 24-bit, 192 kHz converters with a wide dynamic range, for pristine recordings in all musical genres.

AXE I/O SOLO can also act as a controller for use with IK's included AmpliTube® or other favourite guitar-friendly software, offering a complete, affordable solution for players who want the best possible tone for their tracks.

A crystal-clear mic preamp
AXE I/O SOLO offers IK's high-definition, Class A PURE mic preamp, designed for transparent and clean recording. An extended, flat frequency response captures the full tonal range of voices and instruments without colouring the sound. A best-in-class dynamic range ensures ultra-quiet recordings.

Exclusive guitar tone shaping
Proprietary tone-shaping options let users dial in the perfect settings for their instruments or coax a wider range of tones from a single instrument:

First, an active & passive pickup selector adapts instantly to any instrument. The active channel bypasses unneeded gain stages, ensuring the signal is always as direct and uncoloured as possible.

Next, AXE I/O SOLO offers both a PURE circuit for pristine, transparent sound and a JFET circuit for adding warmth and harmonics, all within a single device.

Finally, IK's proprietary Z-TONE® impedance-adapting circuit lets users adjust the input impedance to interact with their guitar's pickups: at the maximum impedance, sounds are tighter, sharper and more precise, and at lower impedances the sound becomes thicker and bolder.

These controls give guitars even more sonic character - with just a few minutes' experimentation, users can dial in a sound that perfectly fits the mix.

Hassle-free re-amplification
AXE I/O SOLO offers a streamlined re-amplification setup in a single box. A front panel Amp Out lets guitar and bass players incorporate real amplifiers and stompboxes without the need for an external conversion box. This low-noise out also eliminates ground loops, to keep even the highest-gain re-amplification as quiet as possible.

Premium sound throughout
AXE I/O SOLO preserves the best-in-class dynamic range, ultra-low self noise and wide, extended frequency response of the original AXE I/O, ensuring premium sound quality for recording both instruments and vocals.

Convenient connectivity and control
1/4" balanced outputs and a headphones out provide comprehensive connections, and a "blend" knob mixes direct and processed signal for zero-latency monitoring. In addition, AXE I/O SOLO also features two dedicated inputs for controller pedals and switches, plus MIDI In/Out, offering a range of options for real-time control over amp modelling plug-ins or recording software.

A massive software bundle
For seamless, out-of-the-box recording and processing, AXE I/O SOLO comes bundled with AmpliTube 4 Deluxe, IK's powerful guitar and bass tone studio for Mac/PC, as well as a suite of T-RackS mixing & mastering plug-ins and Ableton Live 10 Lite recording software.

Pricing and Availability:

AXE I/O SOLO is now available from the IK Multimedia online store and from IK authorized dealers worldwide for $/€249.99 (excluding taxes).