IK Multimedia TONEX

[Richard_G]

Yeah - thanks for the report, @yek

 

[Antipodes]

Yes, one that could run all of Amplitubes effects.

It will be interesting to see how they go. Boss gives some access to all of their FX programs on their full fat modellers but not everything in terms of editable parameters that you will find on their dedicated 500 series FX boxes. So will IK give everything or will they hold back a fair amount of what they have in the way of FX code/algos or maybe even have (shudder) paid upgrades?

 

[EOengineer]

Yes, one that could run all of Amplitubes effects.

The FX that are there now are not my cup of tea at all. It’s been a LONG time since I’ve fired up amplitube but I think I liked the FX more than the amps.

It does feel like the IK effects boxes they put out a few years ago fizzled though. Are there particular models you are fond of?

 

[StratsoundFan]

I like Amplitube modulation and time based effects a lot, compressors, some overdrive pedals, as well as EQs. Amplitube 5 sounds a lot better than older versions.

 

[DrewJD82]

I'm going to be snagging either an iRig or a Axe I/O later today, I haven't paid attention to what's available for iPad/iPhone jamming since I first got an iPhone and the OG iRIg. I have no clue what happened to that thing but since I'll be (involuntarily) be spending a couple days in a hotel without access to my studio I looked what my options were and I'll happily use the caps I have for this!

 

[MirrorProfiles]

I'm going to be snagging either an iRig or a Axe I/O

I'd probably swerve the Axe I/O if you're intending on using it to reamp with as the specs are pretty bad for that (the reamp signal is beyond weak and it'll be very hard to hit unity gain). iRig is fine as a small portable device but there's no benefit at all to sticking with IK branded products - I'd personally grab whatever fits the bill which is on offer as so many interfaces in that price bracket get bundled with loads of free software and other stuff. I grabbed a UA Volt and it came with over £100's worth of free plugins (that I would have happily paid for but it was cheaper to buy the interface too) and it works great with the iPad/iPhone (as will most devices these days).

 

[EOengineer]

I'm going to be snagging either an iRig or a Axe I/O later today, I haven't paid attention to what's available for iPad/iPhone jamming since I first got an iPhone and the OG iRIg. I have no clue what happened to that thing but since I'll be (involuntarily) be spending a couple days in a hotel without access to my studio I looked what my options were and I'll happily use the caps I have for this!

I've had the Axe I/O One for a couple years now. It has a great sounding input circuit for DI guitar. I've used it to track direct in scenarios where I had access to interfaces priced an order of magnitude higher but preferred the IK for that specific purpose. I can't speak to the quality of the mic pre as I don't use it.

I've just started delving into the iOS Tonex app and as far as I can find you need an iPad OR one of the newer gen iPhones with the USB-c connection or iOS won't see the interface. I'm not sure about Android compatibility but suspect its probably more forgiving than Apple.

I generally agree with @MirrorProfiles advice regarding avoiding it for capture work. It can do captures but its comically bad. I've read that the line outs might fare better than the amp out but haven't tried it.

 

[Progressive_disclosure]

I've had the Axe I/O One for a couple years now. It has a great sounding input circuit for DI guitar. I've used it to track direct in scenarios where I had access to interfaces priced an order of magnitude higher but preferred the IK for that specific purpose. I can't speak to the quality of the mic pre as I don't use it.

I've just started delving into the iOS Tonex app and as far as I can find you need an iPad OR one of the newer gen iPhones with the USB-c connection or iOS won't see the interface. I'm not sure about Android compatibility but suspect its probably more forgiving than Apple.

I generally agree with @MirrorProfiles advice regarding avoiding it for capture work. It can do captures but its comically bad. I've read that the line outs might fare better than the amp out but haven't tried it.

Yeah older iPhones need the audio interface on external power in some cases. I had the iRig 2 HD for a minute and it worked well with TONEX directly connected to my phone with the lightning cable. My Volt interface needs power though.


I’ve been thinking of getting a Positive Grid Riff interface since they are dirt cheap atm in Europe from Thomann, like 50 euros.

 

[DrewJD82]

I'd probably swerve the Axe I/O if you're intending on using it to reamp with as the specs are pretty bad for that (the reamp signal is beyond weak and it'll be very hard to hit unity gain). iRig is fine as a small portable device but there's no benefit at all to sticking with IK branded products - I'd personally grab whatever fits the bill which is on offer as so many interfaces in that price bracket get bundled with loads of free software and other stuff. I grabbed a UA Volt and it came with over £100's worth of free plugins (that I would have happily paid for but it was cheaper to buy the interface too) and it works great with the iPad/iPhone (as will most devices these days).

I've had the Axe I/O One for a couple years now. It has a great sounding input circuit for DI guitar. I've used it to track direct in scenarios where I had access to interfaces priced an order of magnitude higher but preferred the IK for that specific purpose. I can't speak to the quality of the mic pre as I don't use it.

I've just started delving into the iOS Tonex app and as far as I can find you need an iPad OR one of the newer gen iPhones with the USB-c connection or iOS won't see the interface. I'm not sure about Android compatibility but suspect its probably more forgiving than Apple.

I generally agree with @MirrorProfiles advice regarding avoiding it for capture work. It can do captures but its comically bad. I've read that the line outs might fare better than the amp out but haven't tried it.

Thanks guys, the iRig is pretty ideal for what I want to do with it. I already have a small interface with my Scarlett Solo, I just want something super small/portable to plug into my iPad and jam out/record into Garageband with some headphones. Once I’m back home I’m going to velcro it under my coffee table since most of the stuff I write these days comes from couch riffs.

 

[EOengineer]

Thanks guys, the iRig is pretty ideal for what I want to do with it. I already have a small interface with my Scarlett Solo, I just want something super small/portable to plug into my iPad and jam out/record into Garageband with some headphones. Once I’m back home I’m going to velcro it under my coffee table since most of the stuff I write these days comes from couch riffs.

Also a couch writer. Couch riffs are life.

Let us know how it works out. I’m likely not far behind you.