IK Multimedia Axe I/O is what every emerging musician needs. Think about it: if you’re embarking on music production or home recording these days, you will likely be using a PC or laptop. The picture widens: you’ll need to be taking advantage of the absolute richness of the facilities provided by a modern DAW. For instance, you do so by mastering softwares like Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, or Reaper, just to name a few. Another option, perhaps, are using amp sim plugins like Amplitube, Guitar Rig, or BIAS. But, like the ancient recording engineers saying goes, you can’t polish a turd. Although there’s plenty you can do to your guitar tone once you record it as digital data on your hard drive, it makes sense to record the signal the best you can. In other words, you need optimal conditions.
The Problem / The Solution
What you need is a decent audio interface that can take the signal from your plugged-in guitar and send it directly to your Digital Audio Workstation. This is not only a matter of having quality A/D conversion on board for your music production. Specifically, the front end of the interface must handle it in the most sympathetic way. IK Multimedia believes that is has solved this with its new AXE I/O audio interface. The company says they designed it from the ground up. And that its main goal is providing the best possible audio interface for guitar players.
IK Multimedia AXE I/O: the Best Resource at the Best Price
You can set the IK Multimedia AXE I/O optimally for passive or active pickups. This means that it has a choice of two preamp topologies. For example, such topologies include JFET. Plus, it has variable input impedance that you can dial in with a know to set how the unit can interact with your pickups. Also included in the interface are extra amp out sockets for easy reamping. That is, it sends previously recorded guitar sounds to an amp to be re-recorded with amp tone. Additionally, there is also a built-in tuner and a knob. With them, you directly access presets in AmpliTube.
One of the most important features of IK Multimedia AXE I/O device is its sound quality—it more than exceeds expectations. The instrument inputs boast 117dB dynamic range and 3Hz-32kHz frequency response. In turn, this exceeds the typical 20Hz-20kHz range to provide incredible detail and dynamics that you need to hear to believe. Another feature that is outstanding is the Z Tone control, which is a tool for shaping a guitar’s tone. This allows the user to change the load on their single-coil or humbucking pickups. Moreover, the JFET input buffer enhances the harmonic depth of distorted tones, which adds subtle analogue warmth.
(Image credit: IK Multimedia)
