USB audio interface with
advanced guitar tone shaping
USER MANUAL
Contents
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Table of Contents
Contents 2
English 3
AXE I/O ONE 3
Register your AXE I/O ONE 3
1. AXE I/O ONE overview 4
1.1 Top panel 4
1.2 Front panel 5
1.3 Rear panel 6
2. Installation and setup 7
2.1 Software installation 7
2.2 Setup 7
3 Dedicated guitar features 9
3.1 Direct amplifier output & Re-Amplification 9
3.2 JFET / PURE input (only for Instrument Input) 10
3.3 Pick-Up selector (only for Instrument Input) 11
3.4 Variable impedance (Z-TONE™) control (only for Instrument Input) 12
3.6 External control 13
4 Setup your DAW 13
5 Connecting microphone 13
5.1 Condenser microphone 13
5.2 Dynamic microphone 13
5.3 Ribbon microphone 13
6 Connecting instrument 14
7 Connecting loudspeakers and headphones 14
8 Direct monitoring 15
9 Control software 15
9.1 Interface view 16
9.2 Controller tab 17
10 Specifications 18
Warranty 20
Support and more info 20
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AXE I/O ONE
Thank you for purchasing AXE I/O ONE.
Your package contains:
• AXE I/O ONE
• USB-A to USB-C cable
IK Multimedia’s award-winning AXE I/O premium audio interface sets a new standard for guitar-oriented
recording, with powerful tone shaping and revolutionary ways to integrate with your real pedals and amps.
AXE I/O ONE delivers the same great features in a super-compact 1 in / 3 out audio interface. Track pristine
vocals through the included PURE mic preamp, explore a massive range of electric guitar tones via IK’s ground-
breaking Z-TONE instrument input, and enjoy easy reamplification with the onboard AMP out.
AXE I/O ONE combined with the massive included software bundle, is a world-class studio that fits into your
guitar case.
Register your AXE I/O ONE
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
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1. AXE I/O ONE overview
1.1 Top panel
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1. GAIN - adjusts the input gain for the signal at the input.
2. Peak Meters - the input has a dedicated 5-segment peak meter, with 1-second hold on CLIP, that indicates
the level of the input signal.
3. Z-TONE™ - Variable impedance control - the front control named Z-TONE™ allows you to change the input
impedance on the instrument input allowing for unique possibilities for tone shaping your instruments.
4. 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.
5. PASSIVE/ACTIVE - Pick-Up selector - this selector allows you to match the type of pick-up installed on the
connected instrument.
6. MIDI IN/OUT LEDs - these LEDs illuminate when MIDI data is received from/transmitted to the MIDI port.
USB LED - this LED illuminates when the unit is recognised by the computer to which it is connected.
INST, MIC LEDs - active input indication with auto select. If no connection is made, or if an XLR is
connected to the Combo input, the MIC input will be activated, and the corresponding LED will light up; if an
instrument is connected to the Combo input, the INSTRUMENT input will be selected and the corresponding
LED will light up.
7. 48V - This switch enables 48V phantom power for the XLR microphone input. The switch illuminates when
phantom power is selected.
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8. 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.
9. HEADPHONES - allows you to control the headphone volume.
10. MASTER - main output level control – this control adjusts the level at Outputs 1 and 2 on the rear panel.
1.2 Front panel
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1. MIC/INST IN - XLR Combo type input socket - connect microphone or instrument (e.g., guitar).
2. HEADPHONE OUT-connectonepairofheadphonestothe1⁄4”(6.35mm)TRSjacksockets.The
headphone outputs always carry the signals that are currently routed to outputs 1 & 2.
3. AMP OUT -thisisathird1/4”physicalunbalanced,floatingoutputwithselectablegroundlift(controlled
with software). It is independent from main Outputs 1-2. This output is specifically designed to allow the
interface to feed guitar amps or stomp pedals without the typically associated risk or hum or buzzing noises
caused by ground loops or mismatched levels and impedances.
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1.3 Rear panel
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1. USB port - Type C connector - connect the AXE I/O ONE to your computer with the supplied cable
2. Kensington security lock - secure your AXE I/O ONE to a suitable structure if desired.
3. MIDI IN/OUT - standard 5-pin DIN sockets for connection to external MIDI equipment.
4. EXTERNAL CONTROL-usethese1/4”(6.35mm)jackstoconnectexternalcontrollerpedals(singleor
dual switches, continuous expression pedals). MIDI messages sent are freely assignable from the “Control
Software”.
5. LINE OUTPUTS1/Land2/R-Outputs1/Land2/Rarebalancedandfloatinganaloguelineoutputson1⁄4”
(6.35 mm) jack sockets; use TRS jacks for a balanced connection. Outputs 1/L and 2/R will normally be
used to drive the primary monitoring system.
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2. Installation and setup
2.1 Software installation
All software required by the AXE I/O ONE is available for download from the IK Multimedia website (www.
ikmultimedia.com/products/axeioone).Bydownloadingthe“AXEI/OONEDriversandControlSoftware”youwill
find:
MAC users: the installer containing the AXE I/O ONE Control Software.
Windows users: the package includes the AXE I/O ONE Control Software and the necessary drivers for the
interface.
1. Using your web browser, go to www.ikmultimedia.com/products/axeioone and go to the Downloads section.
2. Youcannowdownloadthe“AXEI/OONEDriversandControlSoftware”file(MacandWindowsversions
available).
3. Downloadandinstallthe“AXEI/OONEDriversandControlSoftware”version(MacorWindows)appropriate
for your computer and follow all on-screen instructions.
4. When the installation is complete, restart your computer.
5. After restart, connect the AXE I/O ONE to your computer with the supplied USB cable.
2.2 Setup
1. Download and install the AXE I/O ONE Drivers and Control Software as described above.
AXE I/O ONE Control Software
FREE DOWNLOAD
ikdownloads.com/axeioone
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2. Connect the AXE I/O ONE to your computer with the supplied USB cable.
3. You can connect instrument or microphone to the Combo input and set its gain with the gain knob on the
top of the interface.
4. Connect speakers, amplifiers or other line devices to the balanced outputs on the rear panel of AXE I/O
ONE.
5. If needed, you can connect external MIDI devices to the physical MIDI ports (Input/Output).
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3 Dedicated guitar features
3.1 Direct amplifier output & Re-Amplification
RE-AMPLIFICATION
in from MIC
Among the features that make AXE I/O ONE the definitive guitarist interface is the re-amplification feature. The
“AMPOUT”isathirdphysicaloutputwhichisindependentfrommainOutput1-2.Withthisoutput,youcan
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 re-amping without the typical associated noise/hum
issues.
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3.2 JFET / PURE input (only for Instrument Input)
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 some added warmth.
Pure circuitry results in a more linear response featuring the absolutely cleanest 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 in the Passive
position.
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3.3 Pick-Up selector (only for Instrument Input)
PICK-UP
AXE I/O ONE 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
thantheactivecounterpart,amongothersignificanttonedifferences,butneitherofthetwois“better”or
“worse”thantheother:indeedtheyhavedifferentbehaviors.Toproperlycouplethisdiversityofguitarpickups
in the most musically pleasing manner, AXE I/O ONE offers a pickup selector that allows the artist to select
between Active (when using an active pickup) and Passive (when using a passive pickup).
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3.4 Variable impedance (Z-TONE™) control (only for Instrument Input)
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™ control allows you to change the input impedance on the
instrument input therefore providing 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 have
never heard before, by shaping the tone right at the source, within the pickups, instead of what is normally done
by using 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.
Settingsstartfromthehighestimpedancevalue(named“Sharp”)tothelowestimpedancevalue(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 I/O ONE is very useful for feeding analogue stomp boxes from DAW tracks using the AMP output.
The best way to get the Stomp signal back into the DAW is by using the Instrument input. 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.
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3.6 External control
Connect up to two external controllers here to send MIDI control messages. You can use any available
“momentary”or“sustainpedal”typefootswitchthatincludesa1/4inchconnector.Bothnormallyopenand
normally closed switches are supported. AXE I/O ONE also support continuous expression pedals for controlling
realtimeparameterslikeWah,Volume,FXdepthetc.Any1/4”TRSconnectorexpressionpedalwillwork
with AXE I/O ONE. MIDI messages associated with these controllers are freely assignable from the “Control
Software”.
4 Setup your DAW
The AXE I/O ONE is compatible with any Windows-based DAW that supports ASIO or any Mac-based DAW
that uses Core Audio. After installing AXE I/O ONE Control Software and connecting the hardware, you can start
using your AXE I/O ONE with your DAW.
It is possible that your DAW may not automatically select the AXE I/O ONE as its default I/O device. In this case,
you must manually select the AXE I/O ONE 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 ONE is set as the preferred Audio Device in your DAW, the single input and the 3 outputs will
appear in your DAW’s Audio I/O preferences.
5 Connecting microphone
Always connect microphones to AXE I/O ONE with XLR-to-XLR balanced cables. This will ensure a pristine and
clean performance from your microphone with AXE I/O ONE.
NOTE: In your audio software, select the AXE I/O ONE as the input source of the track you will be recording to.
Adjust the channel gain knob until you have a sufficient audio signal without clipping.
5.1 Condenser microphone
Most condenser microphones require external 48V 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.
5.2 Dynamic microphone
Before connecting dynamic microphones make sure that phantom power is turned OFF. Check that the
Phantom LED is turned off.
5.3 Ribbon microphone
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.
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6 Connecting instrument
Connectyourguitar,bassoranyothermonoinstrumenttotheinstrumentinputonAXEI/OONEusinga1⁄4”
plugunbalanced(TSor“mono”)guitarcable.
Please refer to Section 3 of this manual for the complete description of features dedicated to the instrument
input.
NOTE: In your audio software, select the AXE I/O ONE as the input source of the track you will be recording to.
Adjust the channel gain knob until you have a sufficient audio signal without clipping.
7 Connecting loudspeakers and headphones
The1/4”jackoutputs1/Land2/Rontherearpanelwillnormallybeusedtodrivemonitorspeakers.Self-
powered (active) monitors incorporate internal amplifiers, and may be connected directly. Passive loudspeakers
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 compensate the level
when connection is balanced or unbalanced.
OnthefrontpanelofAXEI/OONEispresentone1/4”(6.35mm)jacksocketwhereyouconnectapairof
headphones whose level can be controlled with the headphone knob.
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8 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 time required to process the audio.
Since this delay can be distracting, AXE I/O ONE 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.
WhenMonitorissettoDIRECT,makesurethatanysoftwaremonitoringoptionfordirect(or“lowlatency”)
monitoringisdisabled.Disablinglowlatencymonitoringprevents“double-monitoring”ofinputaudiosignals
whenusingtheDirectMonitoringfeature.When“double-monitoring”occurs,therewillbeanincreaseinvolume
andanundesirable“phasing”sound.Formoredetailsaboutitsmonitoringfunction,refertothedocumentation
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.
9 Control software
This is a macOS and Windows software program that controls all the functions of the AXE I/O ONE, also
providing additional information about the status of AXE I/O ONE. From this software you will have extended
and comprehensive metering, have control over output levels, sample rate, MIDI setup, and other important AXE
I/O ONE options.
To open the Control software:
After installing the Control software on your computer (refer to Section 2.1 of this manual for more information)
click the icon on your desktop to launch it.
Assuming that your AXE I/O ONE interface is connected to your computer with the USB cable, the Control
software 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 ONE interface is connected and properly
working.
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9.1 Interface view
State. This LED shows when an AXE I/O ONE unit is connected and active.
MIDI In/Out. these LEDs shows when there is MIDI activity on the AXE I/O ONE physical MIDI ports.
Sample Rate. Here you can set the working sample rate for the AXE I/O ONE unit, from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz.
Remember that 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 return to its previous state when you
attempt changing it.
To Amp Out. When activated, this button routes the Instrument Input directly to the Amp Out with zero latency.
Audio Input section. Here you can see the input channel active source (Instruments or Mic) and monitor the
level on high precision peak meters. You can also switch 48V phantom power on and off. Remember that
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.
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 ONE 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, but if you
hear some buzz or noise when connecting an high gain guitar amp, try switching off the GND LIFT.
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9.2 Controller tab
The Controller tab gives you control over the 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.
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10 Specifications
Common
AD and DA resolution: 24-bit
Sampling rate: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz and 192 kHz
Host connection: USB Type-C socket
Mic Input
Configuration: Class-A discrete differential microphone preamp, pin 2 hot
Input impedance: 4 kOhms differential
Input level, min gain: 0 dBFS is obtained with a +7 dBu signal at the XLR input
Input level, max gain: 0 dBFS is obtained with a -42 dBu signal at the XLR input
Frequency response: From 9 Hz to 45 kHz within 0.5 dB (96 kHz sample rate)
Dynamic range: 108 dB(A)
THD+N: -104 dB(A) at -10 dBFS
Instrument Input
Configuration: Multiple topology instrument preamp
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 +10.5 dBu signal at the TS input
Input level, max gain: 0 dBFS is obtained with a -19 dBu signal at the TS input
Frequency response: From 11 Hz to 45 kHz within 0.5 dB (96 kHz sample rate)
Dynamic range: 108 dB(A)
THD, PURE mode: 0.0018 % (-1 dBFS input)
THD, JFET mode: 0.42 %
Line Outputs 1-2 (Monitor)
Configuration: Electronically balanced
Output impedance: 150 Ohms balanced, 75 Ohms unbalanced
Output level: 0 dBFS corresponds to +12.8 dBu
Frequency response: From 10 Hz to 42 kHz within 0.5 dB (96 kHz sample rate)
Dynamic range: 108 dB(A)
THD @ -1 dBFS: 0.0015%
THD+N: -95 dB(A) at -1 dBFS
Channels 1-2 crosstalk: 109 dB(A)
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Output 3 (Amp output)
Configuration: Unbalanced, floating, with selectable ground lift
Output impedance: 75 Ohms
Output level: 0 dBFS corresponds to -3.5 dBu
Frequency response: From 20 Hz to 44 kHz within 1 dB (96 kHz sample rate)
Dynamic range: 108 dB(A)
THD+N: -93 dB(A)
Headphone Output
Output impedance: Virtually ideal source (zero Ohms) until clipping
Maximum output level: +5 dBu into 50 Ohms load (approx 40 mW)
Frequency response: From 1 Hz to 44 kHz within 1 dB (96 kHz sample rate)
Dynamic range: 108 dB(A)
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Warranty
Please visit:
www.ikmultimedia.com/warranty for the complete warranty policy.
Support and more info
www.ikmultimedia.com/support
https://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/axeioone
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