Category: IK Multimedia

“A well-designed, clean sounding, guitar-friendly interface”

Sound on Sound‘s editor-in-chief, Paul White, has been getting up close and personal with the new AXE I/O. He was impressed by its design, audio quality, guitar friendliness and its great included software bundle.

Here are some of Paul’s comments:

“The overall tech spec is impressive, with a quoted 117dB dynamic range and a 3Hz-32kHz frequency response, through 24-bit low-jitter converters at up to 192kHz sample rates.”

“When re-amping, the ground isolation of the amp output really helps, as a clean recording can be played back via the amp out jack and then fed to an amplifier or chain of pedals without provoking ground-loop induced hum.”

“As a straightforward interface, AXE I/O sounds very clean both for playback and for recording.”

“The Z-Tone knob gradually darkens the sound as the impedance is lowered – sometimes lowering it just a small way from maximum helps take away the brittle edge from some guitars.”

“Using the included AmpliTube, you can recreate a wide range of classic guitar sounds without ever turning on an amplifier while the T-Racks studio processors are good to have on your side during a mix. The free Lite version of Ableton’s Live is also a great way to get into composing.”

“AmpliTube Presets and the controls of software rigs can be accessed using the input knob rather than a mouse: push and turn the knob to select and load presets, with the option to assign the knob to any parameter as required.”

Paul’s final verdict is:

“All in all, the Axe l/O represents exceptional value as you get a well-designed, clean-sounding, guitar-friendly interface along with a very serious bundle of software.”

Key Plusses -+ Easy to use
+ Clean signal path with good ground-loop isolation where needed
+ Generous pack of bundled software

Visit Sound on Sound
Learn more about AXE I/O

“This could be a tremendous asset”

MusicTech has been taking a close look at iKlip 3 Deluxe, courtesy of editor, Will Betts.
Here are some of his key comments:

“The iKlip 3 is an update to the company’s successful iKlip Xpand mic-stand support for tablets. The design means it can be mounted quickly and securely to the boom arm in front of a singer, or on the upright of a mic stand, either on the front (for effects) or out to the side (for sheet music).”

“iKlip 3’s main new feature is a new quick-locking reorientation function that’s achieved with a pull-and-twist motion. The mechanics of this are really quite clever.“

“It gets you from portrait to landscape, or thereabouts, in a blink. In theory, there’s no screwing or unscrewing required to change orientation, just a pull and twist.”

“When fully tightened, the ball-and-socket joint holds the tablet bracket sturdily, with no noticeable sag.”

“The new tablet bracket is certainly an improvement on the previous design. The new design has two, large rubberised inserts for gripping your tablet and these are glued securely in place, preventing scuffs.”

Will’s final verdict is:

“If you’re a performer making use of a tablet on stage, then the new quick-lock reorientation function could make it a worthy upgrade. Equally, if you’re using tablets in the studio for lyrics as well as control over personal monitoring, this could be a tremendous asset.”

Read the full review on MusicTech
Learn more about iKlip 3 Deluxe

“The UNO is a very capable synth that sits perfectly in any DJ/producer’s studio”

DJ Mag has been taking a close look at UNO Synth, courtesy of tech editor Mick Wilson. He was immediately impressed by its sound quality and programmability.

Here are some of his key comments:

“It’s a true analogue beast, and behind the all-plastic casing, there’s a true monster sound.”

“The sound – which is probably the most important factor – is incredibly good.”

 “When fired up, the UNO sounds pretty impressive and covers a surprisingly large range of sounds with aplomb – the 100 presets do a good job in showcasing what the synth is all about, from deep dirty basses to gritty top leads.”

“Getting results is easy and quick, especially when using the cutoff knob – a standard go-to for instant sound-shaping gratification.”

“The fact that the editor can be used on iOS devices is great as the UNO can also be powered by batteries, making it a very compact and portable synth.”

“The keyboard can be used to program the built-in sequencer, in real-time or step-time modes. For something so small and compact we have to say the synth really is feature rich.”

Mick’s final verdict is:

“The UNO is a very capable synth that would sit perfectly in any DJ/producer’s studio – we highly recommend it for anyone looking for a cost-effective way to get into the world of hardware analogue synths.”

Final Score:
9/10 – Ease of Use
9/10 – Features
9/10 – Value for Money
9/10 – Sound quality

Visit DJ Mag
Learn more about UNO Synth

The new librarian feature now makes it easier to manage presets on iOS!

The new UNO Synth Editor for iOS update is available now!  The latest update to version 1.1.0 includes the new librarian feature from the UNO Synth Editor for Mac/PC. With this update, you can now browse, organize, manage, and transfer presets between iOS, Mac/PC, and your hardware unit faster and easier than ever. In addition, it provides a faster way to access and use UNO Synth’s ongoing series of custom presets from celebrated synth artists and influencers.

The new librarian is divided into two main areas, the Presets Library and the Hardware Presets

The Presets Library now shows all presets saved on your device, to quickly browse, test, and search. Featuring a familiar and easy-to-use list view and easy folder creation, the presets library allows you to create custom preset libraries and mix and match favorite presets. Presets can be arranged by user-defined categories, and new presets can be added easily by dragging presets or folders into the Editor.

The Hardware Presets area shows a list of the presets that are currently on the UNO Synth itself. Users can quickly add and re-order presets from their Library to the device, or store presets created on the unit itself in their library. Bulk transfer makes it easy to transfer up to 80 presets at once, to quickly prepare the Synth for performances and situations.

Included with the update you will find all 80 factory presets as well as presets from well known synth artists such as haQ attaQ, Synthmania, and Blandy Music!

Download UNO Synth Editor for iOS here.

“Bursting with great sounds”

Computer Music and MusicRadar have taken an in-depth look at SampleTank 4 MAX and absolutely loved the updated interface, expressive instruments and the excellent effects section and were so impressed that their final verdict awarded it a 9/10 score plus the prestigious Performance Award.

Here are some of their key comments:

“SampleTank 4 makes an immediate good impression with its redesigned, resizeable, Retina/Hi DPI compatible GUI – the whole thing looks fabulous.”

“This venerable ROMpler is looking and sounding better than ever.”

“The workflow throughout has been enhanced in terms of logical layout and general ease of access.”

“In the processing and mixing departments,13 new effects have been added, bringing the total to 7O. They’re all built on lK’s proven T-RackS and AmpliTube technology and thus sound superb.”

“SampleTank 4 feels so much more fluid, capable and contemporary in its design than v3 that it would be worth upgrading just for the new UI, Modulation Matrix and Player modules alone –  particularly the Strummer.”

“That extraordinary sound library brings incredible sonic range to the package, too, surely qualifying it as the most expansive ROMpler ever made. Immense!”

“Recorded at numerous studios around the world, as well as IK’s new faclility in Modena, the SampleTank 4 library prioritises the depth of its headline instruments as much as it does the sheer volume of its sounds. The new Yamaha C7 grand piano, with its multiple mic setups and treatments, is absolutely beautiful.”

Computer Music’s final verdict is:
“SampleTank hits a new level of refinement and versatility with its cavernous soundbank and supercharged interface.”

Key Plusses:+ Bursting with great sounds
+ Much better interface than V3
+ Acoustic and electric instruments are amazingly expressive
+ Excellent effects
+ Arpeggiator and strummer modules

SampleTank 4 MAX wins a 9/10 score and Computer Music’s Performance Award

Read an extract of the review on MusicRadar
Learn more about SampleTank 4 MAX

New pedal and preamp with advanced guitar tone shaping.

Introducing the new Z-TONE DI and Z-TONE Buffer Boost!  Using the input circuits from our award-winning AXE I/O interface, these brand new tools let you shape your tone, route, and control your instrument better than ever before.

Z-TONE DI

After several decades of studying the entire guitar/bass signal chain, we learned that most inputs on mixers and audio interfaces leave a lot to be desired.  Out of this realization, the Z-TONE DI was born.  This premium active direct box is packed with unique features for both flexible routing and tone shaping.

First, an active/passive pickup switch adapts to any instrument to keep your signal as clean as possible.  Next, both PURE and JFET circuits give you more tonal options, from completely transparent and colorless to adding subtle midrange focus and warmth.  It’s like having two preamps in one.

Z-TONE DI puts you in control, with the same variable impedance control as our award-winning AXE I/O audio interface.  At the maximum impedance, you’ll find your sound tighter, sharper and more precise. Increase the load and the sound becomes thicker and more bold. 

Also, it offers a Hi-Z Link out, which mirrors the input signal to connect to pedals and amps.  This lets you easily record DI tracks alongside your real amp’s tone in the studio, or blend direct & amp sounds live on stage for even more sonic flexibility.

Z-TONE Buffer Boost

Z-TONE Buffer Boost offers a high-quality instrument preamp with exceptionally low noise and wide frequency response, and multiple circuit topologies to adapt to any type of guitar, pick-up and style.

Just like the Z-TONE DI, you can choose between an active and a passive pickup and a PURE or JFET channel.  You can use this control to coax a wider range of sounds from a single guitar, experiment with how the rest of your rig reacts to these changes, or dial in exactly the right vibe regardless of what comes next in your chain – live on stage or in the studio.

Z-TONE Buffer Boost offers a balanced XLR output to connect to mixers & PAs.  Skip the amp and perform direct, or mix clean and processed signals to create even more tonal options. It also runs on a standard 9V battery or 9V pedal power supply, so it’s easy to drop onto your existing pedalboard. 

Z-TONE Buffer Boost and Z-TONE DI will be available in March 2020, and are available for pre-order now from the IK Multimedia online store and from IK authorized dealers worldwide.

Z-TONE Buffer Boost: $/€169.99*
Z-TONE DI: $/€149.99*

Click here to learn more about Z-TONE DI.

Click here to learn more about Z-TONE Buffer Boost.