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IK Multimedia AXE I/O is a USB audio interface built around guitar recording, with 24-bit conversion to 192 kHz, Class-A discrete microphone preamps, five outputs including a dedicated amp output with ground lift, and a variable impedance instrument input. Monitor outputs reach 116 dB dynamic range with THD+N at -106 dB, in a metal chassis connecting over USB 2.0 Type-B.
The interface that treats the guitar input as the most important thing on the box.
Most interfaces treat the instrument input as a mic input with a resistor in front of it. AXE I/O does not. The instrument stage uses a multiple topology preamp with variable input impedance, sweeping from 1 MOhm down to 2.2 kOhm in passive mode or sitting at a fixed value in active mode, which changes how the pickup loads and therefore how the guitar actually sounds before anything digital happens.
Two Class-A discrete differential microphone preamps handle everything else, with 4 kOhm differential input impedance and 116 dB of dynamic range. Line inputs run through a Class-A discrete line receiver at 20 kOhm. The monitor outputs are electronically balanced and floating, compensating automatically between balanced and unbalanced connections, and hit 116 dB dynamic range with channel crosstalk at 115 dB.
Output 5 is the amp output: unbalanced, floating, with a selectable ground lift, which makes reamping a normal part of the workflow rather than an accessory purchase. Sample rates run to 192 kHz, and the headphone output is designed as a virtually ideal zero-Ohm source until clipping, delivering roughly 180 mW into 50 Ohms.
At a Glance
| Type | USB audio interface for guitar recording |
| Conversion | 24-bit A/D and D/A |
| Sample rates | 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz |
| Mic preamps | 2x Class-A discrete differential, 4 kOhm |
| Instrument input | Variable impedance, 1 MOhm down to 2.2 kOhm in passive mode |
| Monitor outputs | 116 dB dynamic range, THD+N -106 dB at -1 dBFS |
| Amp output | Unbalanced floating with selectable ground lift |
| Host connection | USB Type-B 2.0, metal enclosure |
What Does Variable Input Impedance Do to My Guitar Tone?
A pickup is a passive circuit, and what it is plugged into changes its resonant peak. Load it with 1 MOhm and it sounds open and bright. Load it with 2.2 kOhm and it darkens and compresses. AXE I/O lets you sweep that continuously in passive mode, so you are shaping tone at the source rather than trying to EQ it back afterwards.
Who Is AXE I/O For?
Guitar players recording at home or in a project studio who want the guitar path taken seriously, and anyone who reamps. The two Class-A mic preamps and 192 kHz conversion make it a competent general purpose interface as well, so it is not a single-use box.
How Much I/O Does AXE I/O Have?
Two combination mic and line inputs plus the instrument input on the front, four line outputs, a dedicated amp output with ground lift, and a headphone output. That is enough for a stereo monitor pair, a separate cue feed and a reamp send at the same time.
Can I Reamp With It?
Yes, and that is the reason output 5 exists. It is unbalanced, floating and has a selectable ground lift, so it feeds a real amplifier directly without the hum that a normal line output would cause.
Connections
| Mic inputs 1-2 | XLR, Class-A discrete, 4 kOhm differential |
| Line inputs 1-2 | TRS, Class-A discrete receiver, 20 kOhm differential |
| Line outputs 1-2 | Balanced monitor outputs, 150 Ohm balanced or 75 Ohm unbalanced |
| Line outputs 3-4 | Unbalanced, 75 Ohm |
| Output 5 | Amp output, unbalanced floating with ground lift, 100 Ohm |
| Headphones | Zero-Ohm source until clipping, +12 dBu into 50 Ohms |
| Power | DC input |
Specifications
| Monitor output level | 0 dBFS corresponds to +21 dBu |
| Monitor frequency response | 3 Hz to 32 kHz within 0.5 dB at 96 kHz |
| Outputs 3-4 dynamic range | 115 dB A-weighted, THD+N -102 dB |
| Amp output dynamic range | 110 dB A-weighted, THD+N -104 dB |
| Headphone dynamic range | 112 dB A-weighted, THD+N -100 dB |
| Mic input level range | +12 dBu at minimum gain to -37 dBu at maximum gain for 0 dBFS |
Why IK Multimedia?
IK Multimedia has been building music production hardware and software in Modena, Italy since 1996, with US operations in Sunrise, Florida. The company is behind AmpliTube, T-RackS, TONEX, the ARC room correction platform and the iLoud monitor range, and it designs its own DSP, converters and analog front ends rather than assembling reference designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a genuine IK Multimedia product?
Yes. Victory is a veteran owned dealer in Miami and units ship new in original packaging with full manufacturer support.
Is this covered by warranty?
Yes. This unit carries the full IK Multimedia manufacturer warranty, registered to you as the original purchaser. Call 844-687-4208 with the current term for your region.
Does it need external power?
Yes. AXE I/O has a DC input and is not bus powered, which is part of how it holds its headroom and drives the amp output cleanly.
Will it work with any DAW?
Yes. It is a standard class-compliant style interface on Mac and uses IK's driver on Windows for low latency ASIO operation.
What is the difference between passive and active instrument modes?
Passive mode gives continuously variable input impedance from 1 MOhm down to 2.2 kOhm for shaping how the pickup loads. Active mode presents a fixed impedance suited to instruments with onboard preamps.
Why Buy From Victory Musical Instruments?
Victory Musical Instruments is a pro audio and musical instrument dealer in Miami, Florida. We support churches, schools, studios and working musicians across South Florida and ship nationwide. Every unit is new in the original factory packaging with full manufacturer support. Call 844-687-4208 to check lead time, request a quote, or arrange local pickup.