Power adapter information 3
AXE I/O 3
Register your AXE I/O 4
Front panel 4
Rear panel 6
1 Installation and setup 7
1.1 Software installation 7
1.2 Setup 7
2 Dedicated guitar features 11
2.1 Direct amplifier output & Re-Amplification 11
2.2 JFET / PURE input (only for Instrument Input 1) 12
2.3 Pick-Up selector (only for Instrument Input 1) 13
2.4 Variable impedance (Z-TONE™) control (only for Instrument Input 1) 14
2.5 Tuner 15
2.6 External control 15
2.7 Preset browsing 16
3 Setup your DAW 18
4 Connecting microphones 18
4.1 Condenser microphones 18
4.2 Dynamic microphones 19
4.3 Ribbon microphones 19
5 Connecting instruments 20
6 Connecting loudspeakers and headphones 20
7 Direct monitoring 21
8 Control software 21
8.1 Interface view 22
8.2 Controller tab 24
9 Specifications 25
Warranty 27
Support and more info 27
Regulatory 28
2
English
Power adapter information
Use only the specified AC adaptor and make sure the line voltage at the installation matches the input voltage
specified on the AC adaptor’s body.
IK Multimedia will not be responsible of any damage caused by usage of any AC adaptor other than the
specified one.
The usage of AC adaptors other than the specified one could compromise the user experience in terms of:
• Safety risk
• Noise performances
AXE I/O
Thank you for purchasing AXE I/O.
Your package contains:
• AXE I/O
• USB cable
• PSU
• Quick Start Guide
• Registration Card
1x
1x
1x
AXE I/O is a 2in/5out audio/midi interface capable of a resolution up to 24/192kHz.
It has been designed from the ground up with the goal of providing the best possible interface for guitar players,
with dedicated features such as: Re-amplification IN/OUT, JFET/Pure input selector, Pick-up selector, Z-TONE™
control, Preset browser, external control inputs and tuner.
AXE I/O is a superior all-around audio interface too, thanks to the 192kHz sampling resolution at 24bit, the
outstanding dynamic range and the asynchronous USB audio, for ultra low conversion jitter for premium audio
performance.
3
English
Register your AXE I/O
By registering, you can access technical support, activate your warranty and receive free JamPoints™ which will
be added to your account. JamPoints™ allow you to obtain discounts on future IK purchases! Registering also
keeps you informed of all the latest software updates and IK products.
Register at: www.ikmultimedia.com/registration
Front panel
223351314151610
4
1
67
4
117
89
11
12
1. Instrument inputs 1 and 2 - 1/4” (6.35mm) jack type - Connect your instruments here (e.g., guitar).
2. GAIN 1 and GAIN 2 - adjust the input gain for the signals at Inputs 1 and 2 respectively.
3. Peak Meters - each input has a dedicated 5-segments peak meter, with 1-second hold on CLIP, that
indicates the level of the input signal.
4. INST, LINE, MIC LEDs - active input indication with auto select. If no connection is made, or if an XLR is
connected to the back Combo input, the MIC input will be activated, and the corresponding LED will light
up; if an 1/4” jack (line level) is connected at the back Combo input, the LINE input will be selected and the
corresponding LED will light up; if an instrument is connected to the front input, the INSTRUMENT input will
be selected and the corresponding LED will light up. The front Instrument input has always priority over back
connected XLR or 1/4” jacks.
5. Z-TONE™ - Variable impedance control - the front control named Z-TONE™ allows you to change the input
impedance on the instrument input 1 allowing for a unique possibility for tone shaping on your instruments.
6. PASSIVE/ACTIVE - Pick-Up selector - this selector allows you to match the type of pick-up installed on the
connected instrument. This control will act exclusively on the instrument input 1.
7. JFET/PURE - Preamp topology selector - this selector allows you to select two different preamp topologies
for your connected instrument: JFET preamp type and Pure preamp type. This control will act exclusively on
the instrument input 1.
8. 48V - This switch enables 48V phantom power on both microphone inputs. The switch illuminates when
phantom power is selected.
9. TUNER - this switch activates the built in tuner. The switch illuminates when tuner is active.
10. Tuner’s display and LEDs - 7-segments display shows the note played, plus three segments tuning
indication.
4
English
11. USB LED - this LED illuminates when the unit is recognised by the computer to which it is connected.
12. MIDI IN/OUT LEDs - these LEDs illuminate when MIDI data is received from/transmitted to the MIDI port.
13. PRESET - this push-encoder allows you to browse between AmpliTube’s presets. This control can also be
customized to send any MIDI CC to control other functions or other software.
14. MONITOR - the Monitor knob allows you to blend your input signals with the playback streams from your
computer. This allows you to monitor your input signal with zero latency. If the knob is positioned at 12
o’clock, the input signal and the playback stream will be equally balanced. Turning the knob to the left will
increase the level of the direct signal; turning to the right will increase the level of the playback stream from
the DAW. This control works both for Outputs 1-2 and Headphones.
15. HEADPHONES - connect one pair of headphones to the 1⁄4” (6.35 mm) TRS jack sockets below the
headphone volume controls. The headphone outputs always carry the signals that are currently routed to
outputs 1 & 2.
16. MASTER - main output level control – this control adjusts the level at Outputs 1 and 2 on the rear panel.
17. AMP OUT - this is a fifth 1/4” physical unbalanced, floating output with selectable ground lift (controlled with
software). It’s independent from main Outputs 1-2 and 3-4. This output is specifically designed to allow the
interface to feed guitar amps or stomps without the typically associated risk or hum or buzz noises caused
by ground loops or mismatched levels and impedances.
5
English
Rear panel
2
3
1
4
5
6
87
1. Power On/Off switch.
2. Kensington security lock - secure your AXE I/O to a suitable structure if desired.
3. External DC power input - 2-pole barrel socket. 9V DC, 1.75A (max), positive on the external pole.
4. MIDI IN/OUT - standard 5-pin DIN sockets for connection of external MIDI equipment.
5. USB 2.0 port - Type B connector - connect the AXE I/O to your computer with the supplied cable.
6. EXTERNAL CONTROL - use these 1/4” (6.35mm) jacks to connect external controller pedals (single or dual
switches, continuous expression pedals). MIDI messages sent are freely assignable from the “Control app”.
7. LINE OUTPUTS 1 to 4 - Outputs 1/L and 2/R are balanced and floating analogue line outputs on 1⁄4” (6.35
mm) jack sockets; Outputs 3 and 4 are unbalanced line outputs; use TRS jacks for a balanced connection or
TS jacks for unbalanced. Outputs 1/L and 2/R will normally be used to drive the primary monitoring system.
8. MIC/LINE IN 1 and 2 - XLR Combo type input sockets - connect microphones or line level signals. Input 1
can also be used as a re-amp input.
6
English
1 Installation and setup
1.1 Software installation
All software required by the AXE I/O are available for download from the IK Multimedia website (www.
ikmultimedia.com/products/axeio). By downloading the “AXE I/O Drivers and Control Software” you’ll find:
MAC users: the installer contains the AXE I/O Control App.
Windows users: the package includes the AXE I/O Control App and the necessary drivers for the interface.
1. Using your web browser, go to www.ikmultimedia.com/products/axeio and go to the Downloads section.
2. You can now download the “AXE I/O Drivers and Control Software” file (Mac and Windows versions available).
4. Download and install the “AXE I/O Drivers and Control Software” version (Mac or Windows) appropriate for
your computer and follow all on-screen instructions.
5. When the installation is complete, restart your computer.
6. After restart, connect the AXE I/O to your computer with the supplied USB cable.
1.2 Setup
1. Download and install the AXE I/O Drivers and Control Software as described above.
AXE I/O Control Software
AmpliTube Deluxe
10 T-RackS plug-ins
Ableton Live Lite
FREE DOWNLOAD
ikdownloads.com/axeio
7
English
2. Connect the AXE I/O to your computer with the supplied USB cable.
3. Connect the supplied PSU to the AXE I/O and switch on the unit
ON
3
2
1
4. You can connect microphones or line level signal to the back combo XLR inputs 1 and 2, or instrument
signal to the front Jack 1/4” Instrument inputs 1 and 2.
INSTRUMENT
MIC / LINE IN
IN
8
English
5. Connect speakers, amplifiers or other line devices to the four line output jack 1/4” on the rear panel of AXE
I/O. Out 1/L and 2/R are balanced outputs.
9
English
6. If needed, you can connect external MIDI devices to the physical MIDI ports (Input/Output).
MIDI OUT
MIDI IN
10
English
2 Dedicated guitar features
2.1 Direct amplifier output & Re-Amplification
RE-AMPLIFICATION
Among the features that make AXE I/O the definitive guitarist interface is the Re-Amplification feature. The “AMP
OUT” is a fifth physical output which is independent from main Output 1-2 and 3-4. With this output, you can
feed a DI recorded guitar to external analogue stomps or a real amplifier, still being able to monitor the session
from main Output (1-2). The external stomps (or the miked amplifier) will be connected back to Input to return
into the DAW on a newly recorded track.
The AMP OUT is a floating unbalanced output topology specifically designed to properly interface with guitar
or bass amplifiers of any kind for maximum signal fidelity and integrity. This ensures the immunity from noises
caused by ground loops with the Amps, so actually allowing reamping without the typical associated noise/hum
issues.
in from MIC
11
English
2.2 JFET / PURE input (only for Instrument Input 1)
Thanks to the front panel selector it is possible to select two different preamp topologies for your connected
instrument: JFET preamp type and Pure preamp type.
The discrete JFET (field-effect transistor) circuitry adds a tiny bit of color and harmonics to the signal, giving your
instruments a bit of added warmth.
Pure circuitry results in a more linear response featuring the absolutely cleaner signal path possible, for best
transparency and clarity.
Each amplifier topology offers complimentary sonic performance to the other, and both are widely used in
professional recording and stage work. Note: this control only works when the Pickup selector is on the Passive
position.
12
English
2.3 Pick-Up selector (only for Instrument Input 1)
PICK-UP
AXE I/O works perfectly with both Passive and Active guitar or bass pickups, having independent circuitry that
suits perfectly both topologies. Passive electric guitar pickups exhibit significantly higher output impedance than
the active counterpart, among other significant tone differences, but neither of the two is “better” or “worse”
than the other: indeed they have different behaviors. To properly couple this diversity of guitar pickups in the
most musically pleasing manner, AXE I/O offers a pickup selector that allows the artist to select between Active
(when using an active pickup) and Passive (when using a passive pickup).
13
English
2.4 Variable impedance (Z-TONE™) control (only for Instrument Input 1)
All passive pickups (being them single coil, humbucker, split, etc..) have a certain sound character that is also
determined by the loading impedance. The Z-TONE™ front control allows you to change the input impedance
on the instrument input 1 therefore allowing for a very creative way of shaping the tone of your instruments.
The beauty of this system is that it allows you to discover tonal shades from your instruments that you never
heard before, by shaping the tone right at the source, within the pickups, instead of what is normally done with
post-processing tools of any kind.
Feel free to experiment without rules with this knob! You will find your tone becomes generally more thick and
bold by reducing the impedance (control is moved clockwise) and, on the other hand, more crisp and sharp
when rotated counter-clockwise.
For example if you find your high gain tones to be too harsh, try setting this control at mid position, and you’ll
experience what the Z-TONE can magically do.
If you’re recording a bass (with passive pickups) and find it sounds a bit thin, try the same. The sound will
immediately feel more bold, solid and bigger.
The key here is experimentation! Feel free to check it out on your instruments, on various configurations, the
possibilities are really endless.
Settings start from the highest impedance value (named “Sharp”) to the lowest impedance value (named “Bold”)
The Z-TONE circuit only works with passive pickups of any kind.
Using it on active pickups will not provide any significant useful change to the sonics of the instrument.
Note: AXE IO is very useful to feed analogue stomp boxes from DAW tracks using the AMP output.
The perfect way to get the Stomp signal back into the DAW is using Instrument input 1. This way the Z-TONE
circuit will also be very useful because most vintage stomps can actually change the way they sound depending
on the load impedance, so experimentation in this usage is very welcome as well.
14
English
2.5 Tuner
23
1
A built-in tuner with bright LED indicators clearly shows any tuning discrepancy. To access the tuner, just press
the tuner button on the front panel. This is another feature not commonly found on audio interfaces which allows
the artist to seamlessly tune their instruments on the fly without having to use external tuners or dedicated plugins.
2.6 External control
Connect up to two external controller here to send MIDI control messages. You can use any available
15
English
“momentary” or “sustain pedal” type foot switch that includes a 1/4 inch connector. Both normally open and
normally closed switches are supported. AXE IO also support continuous expression pedals for controlling
realtime parameters like Wah, Volume, FX depth etc. Any 1/4” TRS connector expression pedal will work with
AXE IO. MIDI messages associated with these controllers are freely assignable from the “Control app”.
2.7 Preset browsing
1
2
By default this control is setup to directly control presets browsing on AmpliTube (from version 4.8.1), however
the MIDI CC that are assigned to this control can be freely assigned to make it useful for other type of controls
by using the “Control App”.
Of course, by doing so, you will no longer be able to browse AmpliTube presets.
Default MIDI CC# are:
Rotation -> CC#22 Relative mode
Push -> CC#23
To load a preset in AmpliTube:
PUSH
16
English
PUSH
PUSH
To go back on the previous level of the preset menu, push and hold the control:
ROTATE
PUSH
and
HOLD
17
English
3 Setup your DAW
The AXE I/O is compatible with any Windows-based DAW that supports ASIO or any Mac-based DAW that uses
Core Audio. After installing AXE I/O Control Software and connecting the hardware, you can start using your
AXE I/O with the your DAW.
It is possible that your DAW may not automatically select the AXE I/O as its default I/O device. In this case, you
must manually select the AXE IO as the audio hardware on your DAW’s Audio Setup page. Please refer to your
DAW’s documentation (or Help files) if you are unsure where to select the ASIO/Core Audio driver.
Once the AXE I/O is set as the preferred Audio Device in your DAW, all 2 inputs and 5 outputs will appear in your
DAW’s Audio I/O preferences.
4 Connecting microphones
Always connect microphones to AXE I/O with XLR-to-XLR balanced cables. This will ensure a pristine and clean
performance from your microphone with AXE I/O.
NOTE: In your audio software, select the appropriate AXE I/O input (1 or 2) as the source of the track you will be
recording to. Adjust the channel gain knob until you have a sufficient audio signal without clipping.
4.1 Condenser microphones
1
2
48V ON
XLR
Most condenser microphones require external phantom power. If phantom power is ON, switch it OFF, and then
connect your microphone. Turn phantom power ON only after the microphone is connected. Once it’s turned
ON, check that the phantom power LED has become red.
18
English
4.2 Dynamic microphones
48V OFF
XLR
Before connecting dynamic microphones make sure phantom power is turned OFF. Check that the Phantom
LED is turned off.
4.3 Ribbon microphones
Before connecting a ribbon microphone, turn OFF phantom power and check the microphone’s operating
instruction manual to see if it requires it. Most ribbon microphones don’t require phantom power, and some can
even be damaged by it. If you’re in doubt just leave it OFF. If the microphone won’t work, check its user manual,
it may need phantom power. Please note that when 48V phantom power is turned on, it works on both channels
simultaneously.
19
English
5 Connecting instruments
INSTRUMENT
IN
Connect your guitars, basses or any other mono instruments to the instrument inputs on AXE I/O using an 1⁄4”
plug unbalanced (TS or “mono”) guitar cable.
Please refer to Section 2 of this manual for the complete description of features dedicated to the instrument
input.
6 Connecting loudspeakers and headphones
The 1/4” jack outputs 1/L and 2/R on the rear panel will normally be used to drive monitoring speakers. Selfpowered (active) monitors incorporate internal amplifiers, and may be connected directly. Passive loudspeakers
20
English
will require a separate stereo amplifier; in this case, the rear panel outputs should be connected to the amplifier’s inputs.
Line outputs 1/L and 2R are electronically balanced and floating and will automatically compensates level when
connection is balanced or unbalanced. For this reason these outputs are also ideal for use onstage, when
directly feeding the FOH without any need for isolators or DI boxes. The AXE IO has a solid strong signal free
from ground loops that will work perfectly in these situations. Line outputs 3 and 4 are unbalanced.
On the front panel of AXE I/O is present one 1/4” (6.35mm) jack sockets where to connect a pair of headphones
whose level can be controlled with the headphones knob.
7 Direct monitoring
When recording an audio signal into your audio software, there is often a slight delay before it reaches the
outputs. This delay, called latency, is caused by the computer processing required to process the audio. Since
this delay can be distracting, AXE I/O provides a direct monitoring path from the inputs to the outputs, and this
is controlled by the Monitor knob. The Monitor knob allows you to blend your input signals with the playback
streams from your computer. This allows you to monitor your input signal with zero latency. If the knob is
positioned at 12 o’clock, the input signal and the playback stream will be equally balanced. Turning the knob to
the left will increase the level of the direct signal; turning to the right will increase the level of the playback stream
from the DAW.
When Monitor is set to DIRECT, make sure any software monitoring option for direct (or “low latency”)
monitoring is disabled. Disabling low latency monitoring prevents “double-monitoring” of input audio signals
when using the Direct Monitoring feature. When “double-monitoring” occurs, there will be an increase in volume
and an undesirable “phasing” sound. For more details about its monitoring function, refer to the documentation
for your audio software.
IMPORTANT: Always makes sure MONITOR knob is set fully clockwise (DAW) when connecting microphones.
This is because even if your DAW is not running or does not have an active recording track, loud feedback could
occur if your monitoring level is high and the MONITOR knob is set on DIRECT.
8 Control software
This is a macOS and Windows applet that controls all the functionalities for the AXE I/O, also presenting
additional information from the status of AXE I/O. From this applet you will have extended and comprehensive
metering, have control over output levels, sample rate, MIDI setup, and other important AXE IO options.
To open the Control software:
After installing the Control software on your computer (refer to section 1.1 of this manual for more information)
click the icon on your desktop to launch it.
Assuming that your AXE I/O interface is connected to your computer with the USB cable, the Control app GUI
(Graphical User Interface) will appear as shown on the sections below. The green State ‘LED’ at the screen top
left should be illuminated; this confirms that the AXE I/O interface is connected and properly working.
21
English
8.1 Interface view
INTERFACE view:
Configuration section:
State:
This LED shows when an AXE I/O unit is connected and active.
MIDI IN, OUT: these LEDs shows when there is MIDI activity on the AXE I/O physical MIDI ports.
Sample Rate:
Here you can set the working sample rate for the AXE IO unit, from 44.1 to 192 kHz.
Remember than in most cases, DAWS and host applications will likely control this value by their end, not
allowing it to be forced differently. For this reason, you might see this value to go back to its previous state when
you attempt changing it.
Direct Monitoring:
Here you can determine how the two input channels are mixed on the Direct monitoring path.
“Mono” means that both channels are mixed to mono. This is the most useful setting when you want to monitor
one channel per time as this way the input channel will be monitored on both channels of your monitors or
headphones.
“Stereo” mean that channel 1 will be routed to the left side of your monitors or headphones, and channel 2 on
the right side. This is the most useful setting when you need to monitor stereo sources, like stereo microphones,
keyboards, sound modules etc.
22
English
“Channel 1” makes only input 1 channel to reach the direct monitoring path on both L and R sides.
“Channel 2” makes only input 2 channel to reach the direct monitoring path on both L and R sides.
These are useful when only one input is normally used and you don’t want even the slightest amount of noise
coming from the other channel to be mixed into the monitoring path.
Audio Input section:
Here you can see the input channels active source (Instruments, Mic or Line) and monitor the level on high
precision peak meters.
You can also switch phantom power on and off. Remember that phantom power is activated on both channels
at the same time. It is NOT possible to enable phantom power on one input channel only.
However, phantom power will only be applied to the XLR input.
Audio Output section:
Here you can see the output channels levels on precision peak meters, you can adjust the output levels of all
outputs with the large sliders, or you can quickly mute each output individually.
Amp Output GND LIFT:
The Amp Output is a specially designed floating output made to drive amplifiers and sensitive vintage stomps
without the typically associated ground loop noises, hum and buzzes. Depending on what else is connected to
the AXE I/O and what grounding scheme is implemented in the setup the amp connection can be cleaner with
GND LIFT active or not active.
The default position is GND LIFT, with lift active, in case you hear some buzz or noise when connecting an high
gain guitar amp, try switching off the GND LIFT.
23
English
8.2 Controller tab
The CONTROLLER tab gives you control over the preset knob and 2 controller inputs. Set behavior, MIDI
channel, MIDI CC #, minimum and maximum values, and more, to dial in the best settings for whatever
application you want to control.
Input impedance, PASSIVE mode: Variable from 1 MOhms down to 2.2 kOhms
Input impedance, ACTIVE mode: 10 kOhms
Input level, min gain: 0 dBFS is obtained with a +14 dBu signal at the TS input
Input level, max gain: 0 dBFS is obtained with a -17 dBu signal at the TS input
Frequency response: From 3 Hz to 32 kHz within 0.5 dB (96 kHz sample rate)
Dynamic Range: 117 dB(A)
THD, PURE mode: 0.0015 %
THD, JFET mode: 0.5 %
Instrument Inputs 2
Configuration: Hi-Z instrument preamp
Input impedance: 1 MOhms
Input level, min gain: 0 dBFS is obtained with a +14 dBu signal at the TS input
Input level, max gain: 0 dBFS is obtained with a -17 dBu signal at the TS input
Frequency response: From 3 Hz to 32 kHz within 0.5 dB (96 kHz sample rate)
Dynamic Range: 117 dB(A)
THD: 0.006%
26
English
Warranty
For detail on your product’s warranty, please visit:
www.ikmultimedia.com/warranty
for the complete warranty policy.
Support and more info
www.ikmultimedia.com/support
www.ikmultimedia.com/products/axeio
27
Regulatory
FCC statement
This device complies with Part 15.107 and 15.109 Class B of the FCC Rules CFR47:
October 2010.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Changes or modications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
AXE I/O, AmpliTube and SampleTank® are trademarks property of IK Multimedia Production Srl. All other product names and images, trademarks and artists names are the property of their respective
owners, which are in no way associated or afliated with IK Multimedia. iPad, iPhone, iPod touch Mac and Mac logo are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Lightning is a trademark of Apple Inc. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
AXE I/O, AmpliTube and SampleTank® are trademarks property of IK Multimedia Production Srl. All other product names and images, trademarks and artists names are the property of their respective
owners, which are in no way associated or afliated with IK Multimedia. iPad, iPhone, iPod touch Mac and Mac logo are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Lightning is a trademark of Apple Inc. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.
AXE I/O, AmpliTubeおよびSampleTank®は、IK Multimedia Production Srlの登録商標です。その他の製品名、画像、アーティスト名はその権利帰属者の所有物であり、IK Multimediaとは協賛または契約関係には