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　This is a guitar-oriented audio interface released by IK Multimedia. It has 2 inputs / 3 outputs. I obtained it for about 7,000 yen. For guitar use, it is equipped with a groundbreaking input adjustment function. There is also a compact product called axe i/o one, which is about 1 input / 2 outputs and is ideal for people who only play guitar. It is also reasonably priced. For people who play and sing, this axe i/o solo would probably be a perfect fit.

For people who record bands in a studio, however, this will not be sufficient. They would probably need something with around 10 inputs / 10 outputs. But nowadays recording is often done one person at a time, so I feel like this might actually be enough. For live performances, you would likely rely on the venue's equipment anyway. I wonder how recordings of amateur live performances are usually handled.

　The groundbreaking feature is a knob called Z-TONE, which allows the input impedance to be varied. It introduces a new concept where Active pickups tend toward Low-Z and Passive pickups tend toward Hi-Z, allowing input adjustments that match the pickup type. Since matching the input to the signal level naturally improves signal transfer, it makes you wonder why this kind of feature was not implemented earlier.

There is also an ACTIVE/PASSIVE pickup switch, which seems to reflect the same focus on input configuration. However, I don’t fully understand the purpose of having both the Z-TONE knob and the switch. Even though I own it, I still don’t completely understand it.

Input level matching is actually quite subtle, and with my poor ears I cannot really perceive the difference clearly. It's probably what people call “a treasure that goes unused.” That’s exactly it. So I cannot really adjust it properly. Since I cannot clearly hear the difference, I just set it somewhat toward the Low side.

　If I ever manage to fully master it, I might write another article about it.

　Below is an explanation of the specifications and technical details.

■Guitar TS Input INPUT1

• At the bottom left on the front panel there is an Input for ch.1, designed for guitar. It is a TS jack optimized for instruments such as guitars and basses, equipped with an instrument preamp that has multiple circuit configurations. A TS connector uses an unbalanced connection with two contacts (Tip-Sleeve).

• Pickup mode switch(Active or Passive)

　In passive pickup mode (standard pickups that do not require batteries), the input impedance can be adjusted from 1[MΩ] to 2.2[kΩ], allowing optimal impedance matching according to the characteristics of the instrument. This prevents tone loss and reproduces the original sound.

　Active pickup mode provides an input impedance of 10[kΩ] for pickups that require batteries. According to the specification sheet, switching to active mode may simply fix the impedance at 10[kΩ].

• The Z-TONE knob, according to the above description, can be adjusted from 1[MΩ] to 2.2[kΩ].

• On the upper left of the front panel there is a ch.1 input level (minimum gain) knob. Its performance is as follows.

　When the gain is set to minimum, the analog signal level required to reach the maximum digital signal value (0[dBFS], where FS means Full Scale) is +12.5[dBu]. When the gain is set to maximum, the analog signal level required to reach 0[dBFS] is -19[dBu].

　0[dBFS] corresponds to 0.775[V] RMS. Historically this voltage was chosen as the level that produces 1 mW of power across a 600-ohm load, but modern equipment often does not use 600-ohm impedance, so the dBu unit represents a voltage reference independent of load impedance.

　In simple terms, at minimum gain the signal clips when the input reaches 12.5 dBu, and at maximum gain it clips when the input reaches -19 dBu, which is a relatively small analog signal.

　Frequency response: 6[Hz]–42[kHz] within 0.5[dB] (96[kHz] sample rate).

　Dynamic range: 117dB

• Total Harmonic Distortion Switch (PURE or JFET)

　PURE mode (THD): 0.002[%] (-1[dBFS] input). PURE mode emphasizes fidelity, transparency, and clarity.

　JFET mode (THD): 0.5[%]. JFET (Junction Field-Effect Transistor) mode produces more harmonic distortion, adding warmth and harmonic character similar to a guitar amplifier.

■Mic XLR Input INPUT2

• On the right side of the rear panel there is an XLR microphone input for ch.2. It shares the same connector as the LINE input. This type is called a combo connector.

• On the upper middle of the front panel there is the ch.2 input level (minimum gain) knob.

• Below the gain input is a 48[V] phantom power On/Off switch. Condenser microphones typically require this 48V supply.

　This is a discrete Class-A differential microphone preamp. Class-A offers high audio quality, while differential circuits provide strong noise resistance. “Pin 2 hot” means that pin 2 of the XLR connector carries the positive signal.

Amplifier circuits are commonly classified into Classes A through H.

• Class A: highest sound quality, but inefficient and generates more heat.
• Class B: more efficient but produces crossover distortion.
• Class AB: hybrid between A and B.
• Class C: high efficiency, used mainly for RF transmitters.
• Class D: switching amplifier using PWM, very efficient (~90%).
• Class E/F: used for RF applications.
• Class G/H: improved AB designs with variable supply voltage.

Input impedance: 4[kΩ] balanced differential.

　Minimum gain requires +9[dBu] analog input to reach 0[dBFS], while maximum gain requires -44[dBu].

　Frequency response: 7[Hz]–32[kHz] within 0.5[dB] (96[kHz])

　Dynamic range: 116dB

　THD+N: -104dB

　at -10[dBFS]

■Mic Line Input INPUT2

• On the rear right side there is a LINE input for ch.2, sharing the same combo connector as the XLR input.

• The ch.2 input level knob on the front panel controls this input.

　Discrete Class-A differential line receiver suitable for synthesizers or drum machines.

　Input impedance: 20[kΩ] balanced differential

　Minimum gain clips at +26[dBu], maximum gain clips at -27[dBu].

　Frequency response: 7[Hz]–32[kHz] within 0.5[dB]

　Dynamic range: 117dB

　THD+N: -104dB

　at -10[dBFS]

※INPUT2 supports XLR microphone connections (balanced) and TRS balanced or TS unbalanced mono signals through the combo connector.

■MONITOR Knob

　This knob adjusts the balance between the DAW return signal (with latency) and the Direct monitoring signal (no latency, only through the preamp and AD converter). This allows comfortable monitoring while playing.

It affects the Headphone output and LINE L/R outputs. The AMP OUT outputs 100% DAW signal.

■HEADPHONES Knob

　This knob adjusts the output volume to the HEADPHONE jack.

■MASTER Knob

　This knob adjusts the output volume to the LINE L/R outputs.

■HEADPHONE teminal

　This output is not counted among the output channels, likely because it simply monitors LINE L and LINE R.

It uses a 6.35 mm (1/4-inch) TRS plug and outputs stereo audio.

When monitoring guitar performance, the input mono signal is sent equally to both left and right channels (dual-mono).

Output impedance: approximately 0Ω until clipping.

Maximum output level: +9[dBu] into 50Ω load (~95 mW).

Frequency response: 1[Hz]–42[kHz] within 0.5[dB] (96kHz).

Dynamic range: 111dB

THD+N: -102dB

Overall, it is a high-performance output stage.

■LINE L/LINE R Terminal OUTPUT1/OUTPUT2

　These are 6.35 mm (1/4-inch) TRS or TS outputs for mono signals, typically connected to the left and right speakers.

Using TRS-compatible monitor speakers helps reduce noise.

• Configuration: electronically balanced floating output

Automatically supports balanced and unbalanced connections.

Tip Hot signal configuration.

• Output impedance

Balanced: 150Ω

Unbalanced: 75Ω

• Output level

0 dBFS corresponds to +13.5 dBu

• Frequency response

1 Hz – 46 kHz within ±0.5 dB (96 kHz sampling)

• Dynamic range

113 dB(A)

• Distortion

THD @ -1 dBFS: 0.001%

THD+N: -103 dB(A)

• Channel crosstalk

112 dB(A)

This means the left and right channels remain very well separated.

■AMP OUT Terminal OUTPUT3

　Uses a 6.35 mm (1/4-inch) TS plug and can be connected to a guitar amplifier or used for re-amping:

DAW → AXE I/O Solo (AMP OUT) → external amp/effects → AXE I/O Solo (INPUT1/2) → DAW

It includes a ground lift function, which can eliminate ground loop noise.

Output impedance: 75Ω

Output level: 0 dBFS = -3 dBu (~0.55 V RMS)

Frequency response: 20 Hz – 42 kHz ±0.5 dB

Dynamic range: 106 dB(A)

THD+N: -93 dB(A)

■Externalcontrol Terminalx2

　These allow analog pedals or switches to be converted into MIDI control signals. The conversion can be configured in the Control Panel.

Supported devices include:

Volume pedals

Wah pedals

1-way switches

2-way switches

■5 Pin MIDI IN/5 Pin MIDI OUT Terminal

　Supports standard DIN 5-pin MIDI plugs.

One MIDI channel can be controlled directly. If channel conflicts are avoided, daisy-chain connections using MIDI thru are also possible.

　

Related Info

• Official Site
• IK Multimedia AXE I/O Solo

　

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