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IK Multimedia AXE I/O Audio Interface

Briton

Briton

Apr 4, 2009
1,181
2,099
London,England
#1
Well I currently use an Audient id14 for home recording, but I am looking to buy another Interface just in case the Audient decides to pack up. I have read a lot of good reviews on the IK Axe I/O Interface which would suit me down to the ground as I am already a user of Amplitube.
There are many great features on this Interface and it comes with AmpliTube 4 Deluxe software suite, which includes 140 class-leading amp models, virtual stomps, and cabinets plus 10 of IK Multimedia’s T-RackS FX plug-ins.
This is relatively new and I wonder if anyone on TB who owns one can give their honest opinion on it.

 
#5
This is not a DI, and it doesn't actually come with a DAW. The DAW it claims to come with is free to anybody. You don't need to buy anything to get it.

If you want to experiment with a wide variety of guitar and bass tones, then this might be a good deal for you, as it comes with Amplitube. If you don't need Amplitube it's way too expensive.
 
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#6
guts said:
This is not a DI, and it doesn't actually come with a DAW. The DAW it claims to come with is free to anybody. You don't need to buy anything to get it.

If you want to experiment with a wide variety of guitar and bass tones, then this might be a good deal for you, as it comes with Amplitube. If you don't need Amplitube it's way too expensive.
Click to expand...

Thanks.

I just want to record my bass to my computer. This has been an impossible task for me.

I had a m-audio that was not satisfactory. Bad sound, and an annoying lag.

I bought a used Apogee duet firewire. Can't get it working, it needs an ancient OSX and I can't get a way to downgrade my OS.

I have a Zoom B2N, can't get it to work with a Daw. I plug it in to my amp, it only has sound on the left speaker.


I'm getting very frustrated with something that seems so easy for everyone but me.

I just want to plug the bass, play and record.
 
#8
silky smoove said:
This sounds like a case of using the wrong cable, not the interface itself. Are you using a 1/4" cable? If so, is it TS or TRS?
Click to expand...

I'm doing this:

Line out (amp) to line in (recorder).
XLR-1/4 cable with adapter.

IMG_20190503_203654.jpg


IMG_20190503_205334.jpg


IMG_20190503_204528.jpg


IMG_20190503_204536.jpg


IMG_20190503_204453.jpg


No signal on the right side.
 
#10
silky smoove said:
You're sending a mono signal (your bass amp's output) to a stereo input (the interface's input). One side of stereo is to be expected. Either the interface has an option for mono or you're using the wrong tool for the job.
Click to expand...

Thanks.

This is very frustrating, I feel so stupid.

I don't know if should buy another interface.

M-audio 2x2, Focusrite, Presonus, Irig 2hd, everything I read about these say they have that lag.
 
#13
Np.

You can also just record it as mono in the first place, most likely.

When you go to create the track you want to record on in your DAW, you'll probably see some kind of pop up that lets you change the settings for the track. Just change where it says stereo to say mono instead. Then you have to make sure you choose the correct input. You should have two different ones coming from your Zoom. One of them will have your bass and the other one will just be silence.

You can record directly to your computer hard drive like this instead of recording the the SD card first. You'd just be using the Zoom as an interface. I'm not sure about your model but it's a common feature for the Zoom products.
 
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#14
If you purchase the IK Multimedia Axe I/O Interface it comes with Amplitube Deluxe 4 which has a built in DAW when you open up Amplitube. The DAW is very good and simple to use, and not over complexed like some DAW's are. You will get really good recordings as the Axe I/O is obviously made to run with Amplitube. Also if you use Amplitubes built in DAW you don't have to bother with plug ins as you will already have them at your fingertips, and you can easily change amps,cabs, mics, stomps or anything else. I use mine all of the time now and my Audient is in a drawer in its box feeling lonely.
 
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#16
I have been using IK Multimedia's Amplitube for over 10 years now. I am heavily invested in IK. I just received my Axe I/O last Friday. My first impression is very positive. It is very easy to use and has a list of comprehensive features. At first, the tuner would not work. I just applied a firmware update and that fixed the problem instantly. I purchased the Axe I/O because my previous audio interface was dying on me, a Zoom TAC-2. The Axe I/O is far superior. All types of hum or noises have disappeared with the Axe I/O. Even though, the Axe I/O uses USB versus Thunderbolt for the Zoom TAC-2, I can run the Axe I/O with a higher sampling rate as well. Out of the box, it just works with minimal hassle. Overall, I am completely satisfied with my purchase.
 
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#17
LoTone said:
I just received my Axe I/O last Friday.
Click to expand...

It is a great interface and MusicRadar has it rated as #1
The 10 best guitar audio interfaces 2019: top hardware for recording your guitar at home | MusicRadar

For Bass and Guitar I'd say it has unique features not found anywhere else. Especially interesting to me is the interaction with Passive bass' and guitar's

It sure has me thinking about adding one! :)
And I already have Amplitube 4 - it's a better deal for people who don't yet.
 
#18
I am still figuring out what each knobs are doing. The last thing to figure out is that Z-Tone feature.

There is an Active vs Passive toggle that hands up being just some kind of -10dB pad. Then, there is another toggle that has two states: JFET vs PURE.

PURE is what you would think, an unfiltered input mode. JFET is some kind of analog pre-amp tubish-like circuit that provides some higher end harmonics along with some overdrive if pushed hard.

Also, there is some baked in EQ filter in there that the more you crank that Z-Tone dial, the more you cut the Treble according to some predefined EQ curve. I think that this is a feature to make a guitar sound thicker and less shrill. For bass, well, I have not played with it much. I think that I would rather use the EQ on my virtual amp to shape my tone as needed.

For more details: AXE I/O
 

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