The NAMM Show, January 16, 2020 - IK Multimedia proudly announces AXE I/O SOLO, a new entry in its range of AXE I/O® high-end guitar interfaces with advanced tone-shaping features.
Developed for guitar players who want to record the best possible sound on a budget or on the go, AXE I/O SOLO is a compact 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 favorite 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 coloring 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 uncolored 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 modeling 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/iPhone/iPad, 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 will be available Q2 from the IK Multimedia online store and from IK authorized dealers worldwide for $/€249.99*, and is now available for pre-order.
* Price excluding taxes