5 Reasons Why Guitarists Need This: IK Multimedia AXE I/O

[@atlantaguitar9689]

Thanks for talking about how you started out - When I started the home recording thing, I used an Alesis Quadraverb GT (which I still have and feel has usable sounds) along with Tascam Portastudio 4 Track which I later upgraded to an 8 track. I had more cables than a power company. Next, I almost bought an ADAT but decided to move to Cubase VST 32 (the first version) and an Event Electronics Gina sound card on a Quantex computer. I also got an Akai S2000 sampler and fed that using chopped up samples from using the ReCycle program to send sampels over SCSI. That was quite a while back. I also had an Alesis HR-16 drum machine and used that thing on numerous productions. Also employed a Yamaha QY-20 to fill out the sound with MIDI programmed instruments (programming on that tiny screen drove me to drink many times !). These days I also like Amplitube and in particular their Hendrix and Fender 2 packages. For bass recording, I still think my SansAmp DI pedal is great for capturing the signal. I might color it with some of the Ampeg plugin from Amplitube but usually just use some basic compression and EQ because the SansAmp does a great job

[@navinadv]

How does the Axe IO compare with the SSL2+ or Audient ID14 or Native Instruments? How is the latency on the monitor and headphones output? I found the latency with my Steinberg UR44 with Cubase lot be irritating to say the least.

[@sciencemansandera]

Thanks for posting this I just ordered mine yesterday as an open box from Sweetwater I got another 50 bucks off they got a hell of a deal with the amplitude five max and you get the cords and the AC adapter so you’re ready to get started. I heard it also works good with garage band if you like garage band I think in the future at least I’m going to talk to Apple about building us musicians computers so rather than a skinny USB cord we have like a heavy cord plugged into the computer have a dedicated SSD for music recording and sound card more like they do on the Apollo twin. That way a major portion of the computer is dedicated strictly to making music I think that’s where the technology is going to lead to because everybody is starting to build killer home studios whether are you doing commercials writing music or just using stuff as Internet creators etc. I am hoping someday I can make me some killer backing tracks for really good sci-fi movies I have a book idea for one I’d like to write myself. It’s totally bizarre at the great pyramid in Egypt etc.

[@Smurf431]

I don't have this unit, but I own most of IK's software, and can say over the decade I have used it the software has been rock solid, even thru updates!

[@pvbaelen]

The tuner is the favorite feature of an audio interface? I'm not sure if that's an endorsement. lol

[@5urg3x]

The tuner is useless, lol. I’ve got one of these and it only tells you if it’s sharp or flat, not by how much.

[@goldenretrogames]

@@5urg3x How do you like it as an interface though? Was it worth the price?

[@5urg3x]

@@goldenretrogames I don’t use it anymore. I got an Axe FX 3 about a month ago and that’s what I use currently,,.In fact I’m selling the IK Axe IO right now, lol. Been on Facebook marketplace for awhile, no one seems to be interested in it 🤷‍♂️. Probably because the newer one, the Solo, is much more reasonably priced brand new, and most people don’t need the extra inputs? Idk.

[@5urg3x]

@@goldenretrogames Also to answer your second question, the only thing I don’t like about it is that it doesn’t have SPDIF (digital) in or out, which kinda sucks. If it had that, I’d still be using it, and I’d get the digital out from the Axe FX into it, and the digital IN I would send that to the Axe FX and use the Z-tone circuitry DI, instead of plugging the guitar direct into the Axe FX. But yeah, no digital ins or outs! Other than that it’s great though. No problems with drivers or firmware or software in general, it works very well.

[@panama1942]

@@5urg3x Multimedia currently has a good deal with Amplitube 5 and the Axe I/O solo for $300. How much of an upgrade is it from a FocusRite Solo interface?

[@TrantaLocked]

After trying Amplitube it hit me how much work it must have taken meticulously emulating the sound of the hundreds of different amps and pedals. I tend to shy away from paid software that looks like it should cost a tenth as much as it does, but it's clear that Amplitube deserves it. I also don't have a proper interface, so I went with the AXE I/O and Amplitube bundle with both being the first of each I've ever purchased (interface and guitar effects software).

[@GeoZero]

I use DAWGS. Digital Audio Workstation Gear System.

[@recurrencetheorem4264]

Is the AMP out a "pass-through"" for my guitar signal so I can mic my amp at the same time? This is not clear from the video what the amp out signal actually is. Otherwise I would need a Radial product anyway to hear my "pure" amp tone, not something altered by the axe/io. Please clarify this.

[@ferensickrecs3942]

I was wondering the same thing... not clear in this video - I found this vid that explains the re-amp: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXeYcqmFrbCVd8k

[@milew81]

I have this and it is sitting in the box. I have no clue about home recording and doesn't seem very easy so I may return it. The software is okay but if you aren't familiar with recording it is frustrating.

[@fullmoonfool]

You again? Thank God ! and just when I needed ya !!!I just spent around 5 hours on IKM's website checking out all the Black Friday offerings and I was somewhat intrigued by the AXE but was more interested in the software and virtual instruments sounds loops etc which I am fairly new at. After watching your video which I happened to stumble on at IKM gI think I'm all about tthe AXE now which is something I need more at present and that I had no idea came with a lot of what I'm interested in learning about anyway. Great job RJ as always

[@theonlyegg]

Seen a lot of comments and reviews that the tuner isn't reliable/accurate. Thoughts?

[@stephenlennartz3466]

I still have a Fostex 8-track & 2-track along with the Fostex 20 channel board---all from the 80s! LOL! It has a special place ... ... in my basement. Maybe I'll dig it out someday. I do have some interesting music on the 1/4" tape format--A duo guitarist and harpist from Paraguay, South America--phenominal. There was a kid I recorded named Will, too. At 15 years old his mom had to drop him off for the recording session. Will was a natural killer shredder doing his own songs ala Eddie. I programmed the drums on a Roland TR707 and borrowed a buddy's Precision bass that we put direct through the board. Ahhh memories. Hope I still have those tapes .... and so many others.

[@MichaelZola]

Thanks RJ. This was the best overview of the Axe IO. I love IK Multimedia and so glad they created this desktop interface.

[@MetalHeadHippie]

RJ what are the disadvantages of the system? Any? Are there things this doesn't do or do well compared to other interfaces you used? Is it Missing something? Thanks.

[@ThomasLiberoRock]

Great t-shirt man!

[@thinkingape7655]

Yeah their products and software are getting better. However, the one MAJOR flaw in all their gear for guitarist, is their I/O design. None of their ports have enough weight support. Once you get a heavy cable plugged in or a few cables, the ports separate from the PCB board and cut signal. Its a easy fix and I dont understand why they haven't installed any support. All they need is to look at every guitar pedal out there and use a metal 1/2" nut like every other pedal manufacture.

[@JohnBrown-z2u]

I kind of miss the Tascam and Fostex cassette recorders sometimes.

[@PcGameGold]

I had the Yam 1tx.

[@kingstumble]

I still have the Tascam 244 Portastudio. Works perfectly and is simple to use. I can't be doing with all this digital stuff.

[@tomcoryell]

Me too. Still have my Yamaha mt44!

[@MrSongwriter2]

Too right, me too, I bought one of those mini tascam sd card 4 tracks it’s so much quicker for getting something down without getting sidetracked in the how of recording

[@nilsonbarbaro]

It's possible to use this interface with IPhone Amplitube 4, Garageband ou Bias FX, 1 channel before the preamp head and 2 channel after the preamp, in the effect loop, like 4 cable method ? Will have sound "Latency" problem ? I would like to replace my effects processor rack. Could you make a demonstration video ?

[@evanseymour4172]

I have the same question 🙋‍♂️. Anybody have the answer?

[@SaintKines]

Answering a decade later but yes all interfaces will work with any software like that. They're not all equal in how good they are at it though. This particular interface is not only geared towards guitar players but it's designed to be better at working with software/programs like that.

[@prophet8photo]

RJ or anyone else have any experience recording with one of these for vocals as well as guitar and bass?

[@ddpphoto]

Thanks R.J., I was just wondering if you have had a chance to compare the (sound) quality of the AXE I/O with your Apollo and if one is better than the other when it comes to latency? Cheers. :-)

[@buraktulbentci1787]

I had the Frehley's solo album in vinyl. The good old days. Good video as usual.

[@teriakamoto]

Rocket Ride.

[@davidbaines7330]

Subbed for the shirt, stayed for the content. Awesome stuff.

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

Nice slippers!

[@DJSmoothie]

I wish I had it now - I ordered it from IK's website and even req. 2Day delivery and its been over a week. Was informed its gonna be a minute. :/

[@brandondowning7262]

I've waited over a month so far but should be here Friday, Lord willing.

[@SaintKines]

@@brandondowning7262 did you guys ever get them? Just ordered one on Amazon.

[@brandondowning7262]

@@SaintKines got mine a couple of weeks ago. Surpassed expectations! Great little unit...where have I heard that before!?!

[@glenncarr4514]

I really don't get it when demoing subtle tone differences like the jfet switch that you'd swamp the sound with distortion. I literally could not tell the difference.!

[@StaticTeaz]

I was sold upon hearing the Solano and Mesa models, which I believe are add-ons, in other vids. The audio interface will be great for live performance too, actually.

[@mslush47]

Orange here, incredible and Soldano for the brown tone.

[@BTL400]

3:02 "in another part of the house" Me: haha good thing I've got mine next to my interface. My clip-on tuner: haha you wished! Now go and try to find me!

[@DaveTaste]

I've got an SSL. What would the difference be?

[@djenk12345]

It has no Spdif in and out :(

[@drake1636]

gotta say this is a great idea from IK. Amplitube is terrific and this gives you total convenience for very competitive price.

[@BartBuist]

Thanks for the great review and the Ace Frehley shirt!

[@BenOnuMuDiyorum]

I know it may sound silly, but is Axe I/O solo capable of recording with the mic input (which is placed behind) and line input at the same time?

[@henkehakansson2004]

Me wonders too. And if the line input in the back is mono only or can take a stereo signal like on a TRS tele jack. The XLR I know has three pins though.

[@stipeur]

Wow, this is a perfect demo...congrats RJ!

[@outdatedgear5036]

I have a interface im satisfied with. But im a guitarist and I'm thinking about getting this.

[@1969MARKETING]

I can't get my bookshelf speakers to play equally as loud L/R. One speaker is much louder than the other. No idea how to fix it.

[@huambo]

Hello. Does this unit act as your primary sound card also? I.e if I plug in my headphones will I be hearing system sounds too, and games etc? My Line 6 Ux2 does this, but I'm unsure whether that's a feature of all audio interfaces.

[@SaintKines]

As long as they have the right outputs for your monitors then you're good. More often than not the interface sound card is going to be around as good or better than your computer sound card.

[@TheRobGuard]

Afaik yes!

[@STF_YVR]

A USB-C IOS/IPADOS compatible version would be interesting

[@AntonovichHicksenbrau]

Dude !! Where did you get that shirt !!!!?

[@danpeabody5687]

Okay I have a tablet I don't have a computer. My garage is there up the band m in rehearses. On a budget what should I get to record a rehearsal that's a good enough quality you could double as a demo? In a perfect world I want to take the vocals out of the back of the mixing board so I have control over them and I'm thinking possibly using the room mic maybe a couple over the drums and one in the center of the room to pick up guitars what do you think or should I go in a different direction what can I get that would give me more control? I know in a perfect world by Mic the bass amp and the two guitar amps. but this is a garage and my budget is limited suggestions for the budget-minded

[@veguillar1]

i must not be doing something right. I get no sound out of my monitors when i plug this into my laptop. but if i plug my headphones into the interface it works? ive tried messing around with the input settings but still nothing

[@aerialdude]

Does anyone know if this works with the latest macbook pros? I'm talking about the m1 processors with macOS Monterey.

[@cercvideosvarios]

As far as i Know, the control panel works under roseta 2

[@DLMguitars]

Great video and demonstrations of the features - and that shirt is frickin awesome!!

[@26ruben1]

I love the fact that you start the demo with a cool, distorted, crunchy tone .... with over a million demos out there where everyone is playing SVR licks, this was a welcome change. There are a few of us out there who play more rhythm than lead and spend more time on the gain channel than the clean channel. Great video R.J.

[@joshmuz9018]

Srv licks?? Must be clicking on very different videos to me all I ever heard is shred

[@painkilla1972]

Nice! Thanks RJ. Would be nice if you could do a video of you recording a track or something with it. Coud be quite informative. Cheers.

[@nkojima]

I'm sold, take my money. great review bro

[@djffe8597]

How would this function if I want to use it with helix native for sounds also

[@mrrnrob]

How are the Pres and A/D Converters?

[@michaelmattson3515]

Will it work with my iPad 12.9 2017 pro.?

[@darrendavidson3269]

Great video RJ. Short sharp and concise. I only just discovered this unit the other day while looking for an audio interface for travelling with my Macbook Pro. Was originally looking at Focusrite, but the features on this are too good to pass by. 👌 Cheers

[@aplanebagel]

Thanks for the great video ! Would you still recommend it 4 years later or I should look for something else in 2024 ? Rock on ! :)

[@thechronicnoizeco.6675]

Those are good options. It looks like it could do 4 inputs at once.

[@nathansilveira94]

I have a Scarlett 2i4 and am wondering if having this would improve my tone.

[@fivinh0]

it wouldnt. your interface is already excelent. ztone is fine but your fine without it anyway.

[@magic-oi6pl]

Works with an iPad ?

[@fortagband8262]

The coolest shirt ever!

[@nickfigueroa6326]

Does this work with logic pro or garageband?

[@juanocybe]

is there any better device than this in 2021?

[@StivThunders]

Played with Chelsea Smiles, gotta respect that.

[@isaacjohnson.]

Thanks RJ, you covered a few points I hadn't heard in other reviews.

[@TheRobGuard]

I want that t-shirt!

[@JariMallard]

Good stuff as always

[@fgear8670]

Perfect Timing here--I was just thinking about picking one of these up--Thanks RJ!

[@futur_sunds]

Dude just found you channel and subscribed, great stuff!

[@christianm4906]

Try the XLR inputs, and you'll be disappointed with how low the pre-amp outputs the signals.

[@edwincrain986]

I had a Tascam 4 track...lol

[@edwincrain986]

And you are correct about their software!

[@Am6-9]

I had a zoom 9000 for recording guitar into the 4 track! Awesome!

[@edwincrain986]

@@Am6-9 Better than the art nitro I had..lol

[@henrytuton9403]

Enjoyed the review.

[@dougfa3515]

I still have my old Tascam 4 track recorder... those were great times. Still have my Tascam 8 track cassette recorder too! Double the tracks!!! Haha.

[@jameskfox]

The Ace Frehley T-Shirt is EPIC !!!!!

[@jameskfox]

@rj And for the record I ordered the IKE based on your recommendation. A little Black Friday gift for moi!

[@michaelmattson3515]

Is it iPad friendly?

[@grnmindead]

hi rj, great video! i really enjoyed it man and it's very informative! got subbed! i'm planning to build my small home studio and now i'm considering buying this one. however i still got some dillemas. how does the free ableton lite compared with the reaper? do you think i can ditch the ableton? or it's still makes sense to use it and upgrade later and save $60 for now? how does to mic preamp compared to a much lower priced audio interface like the 3rd gen scarlett? im looking for something that can handle vocals as well. how's the amplitube in terms of marshall like tones in general? im not looking for the closest possible to the real amp, just a convincing one. cheers!

[@davidstewart4149]

"Jfet" is Norwegian for "placebo."

[@richyriff]

Great pitch, RJ! Definitely has me thinking about my current primitive recording setup.

[@NoCoverCharge]

this is next level for the price

[@acmebrandinc]

automatic thumbs up for the Shirt!!! Ace Frehley Lead Guitar ....SHOCK ME!!!!

[@gman642]

Nice shirt! ACE!

[@jonmessenger5621]

Thank you for the great video and for wearing the Ace Frehley shirt. Really cool!!!! Stay safe and may God bless 🙏✝️

[@climber7565]

Thank you!! was great!

[@karayuschij]

MOTU M2 or M4… And live happy

[@justinellis2985]

i want it

[@6chico6]

I love your shirt!

[@octavelove]

Dope good looking RJ.

[@mheyl180]

Ace Frehley Shirt - You're the best!! :-) - great Video as always ...

[@damianchevarillo]

SPIDI and hell yeah

[@sboistan]

Inputs on this are extremely nice. My guitar sounds way better going through this than through my Duet 2...

[@mykneeshurt8393]

BEST SHIRT!

[@PooNinja]

9:40 very cool package wit dat lil IO 🤘🏽

[@Jonwsm]

I have all of this plus much more on my Pod Hd Pro X.

[@scottykingdavid]

It's this not the axe I/o solo. Is it

[@francoisbruneau6208]

Nice shirt!!

[@IPushHard]

I like it a lot, but seems to me like they overlooked a biggie... No IR's.

[@raelik777]

It's an audio interface, not a VST plugin. If you're talking about Amplitube, yes, that is a valid gripe about it, but you can use this interface with any other VST plugin.

[@IPushHard]

@@raelik777 IRs can be hosted by hardware or software. You dont necessarily need a VST to use IR's. A few companies have IR's in pedals...like the Mooer RADAR. Suhr has IRs in a tube amp head, the PST 15. They could have put IRs in this..actually they should have, which was my original point.

[@raelik777]

@@IPushHard It just doesn't make any sense to me for there to be IR support in an audio interface. That's something you'd want to do in the cab configuration, post amplifier. The RADAR is a speaker cab simulator, for example, so it makes perfect sense for it to be there.

[@IPushHard]

@@raelik777 ..an Impulse Respones IS a cab sim. Its the digitally recorded response curve of a speaker/cab. ...and IK Multimedia has "cab sims" bundled with this, but they arent IR's. They are models and they happen to be VSTs. It doesnt really matter where an IR is inserted into the signal. You could do it at the pedal level or do it inside the box using VSTs or whatever. Check the Two Notes stuff. Check the Universal Audio Stuff. So why would you not want to insert IRs at the interface level? ..but personally I like the idea of using IRs at the pedal level because then you can route the signal to anywhere from that point. If you insert the IR using a VST, then you are far more limited where the signal can be sent.

[@raelik777]

@@IPushHard I get that, and that's my exact point. An audio interface isn't a cab sim. The fact that this thing doesn't do IR means nothing, basically.

[@5urg3x]

The weird thing about this is that I’ve got a few guitars that NEED to be put in active because they clip on the passive switch, but they have passive pickups.

[@johnhill762]

Seems gimmicky, to me. Not too different from a normal interface. But for people who do like these little bells and whistles (tuner, reamper, midi controller input, etc.), it seems worth it. And I agree: Amplitube is probably the best sim overall.

[@maspesasmasperras5554]

Not better than SSL2+ or ID 4/14 mkii for example?

[@jonathondenton3376]

ACE!!!

[@peterharoldjanakjr2078]

Dammit! $349 bucks? The music industry clearly thinks musicians have a ton of money. I'll wait for the free giveaway or for a used price of $150.

[@jambajoby32]

Peter Janak Jr exactly lol !!

[@basandi4017]

Agree 100%!!! I've purchased recently Eleven Rack which has True-Z impedance feature for £185!! True-Z makes Eleven Rack feeling like you're playing real tube amp! The feeling it's incredible not to be mention the sound. ER is also very good audio interface with a lot of options including mic input and Re-amp! The price for IK Multimedia audio interface should be $150...

[@realguitarshredder]

The voice is in a phaser in this video..

[@OliverAmberg]

Sorry, but I had the feeling to watch a very biased commercial.

[@kostisk8914]

Oliver Amberg agreed. Love his vids but this felt scripted.

[@cabbycabby1770]

No one is free of bias and this is how he makes a living. Nothing new here or on any other gear channel.

[@alexanderlee896]

For real, why would you recommend this to a beginner, it’s $350. For that you can get a WHOLE rig.

[@nzcatfood]

Was a useful overview of the box and built-in tuning, reamping Z filters, etc are hardly biased, they're solutions. Anybody seekting to record guitar will go to their fav channels for reviews of competing products. Side note: is there a backing track for the first song on the JSH Unicorn review. Loved it.

[@saltspringdesign]

T-racks is great mastering software also, I've used it in the past. Takes a lot of the guess work out of mastering, though it is obviously and always will be subjective to some extent. Amplitube is great. I still like guitar rig also however, love the interface and there are certain sounds i've become accustom to that i can only get from the Psyche delay which comes with Guitar Rig. Things keep getting better and easier for the home recordist to be sure. Seriously considering this box for my studio as my old m-box has some issues at this point. For one thing, if it's cold in the morning it won't even light up and that is annoying.

[@Emehanika]

Great device! But I stay with Apollo Twin + Softube Plexi for Marshall & Mercuriall SS-11x for Fender)) + IRs

[@SirVenox]

I sold my M audio to buy this interface because all the features for guitar but more for the amp out. Big, mistake. I bought it used and it was a pain to get it working because the S/N was attached to previous owner. Beware of this when you buy this thing second hand. The original owner need to pay a fee to detach the S/N from his computer and all the software is not transferable. Later after solving all that, I completed the setup, tested amp out and it was all good until it stopped working good when reamping. I started to hear Low gain using the amp out, making this feature unusable. I tried everything IK multimedia told me to do and the don't understand what I'm trying to explain about the problem. They keep asking me what is the problem after aprox 200 emails. OHH and the tuner is the worst thing because it is almost impossible to stay green. I will never buy another IK product.

[@Philtration]

Is the "snark baby" comment a Half-Life reference?

[@danpeabody5687]

Oh yeah I'm older and low Tech