IK Multimedia AXE I/O SOLO User manual

English
日本語
Compact audio interface with
advanced guitar tone shaping
USER MANUAL

Compact audio interface with
advanced guitar tone shaping
USER MANUAL

Contents
2
Table of Contents
Contents 2
English 3
AXE I/O SOLO 3
Register your AXE I/O SOLO 3
Front panel 4
Rear panel 5
1 Installation and setup 6
1.1 Software installation 6
1.2 Setup 6
2 Dedicated guitar features 8
2.1 Direct amplifier output & Re-Amplification 8
2.2 JFET / PURE input (only for Instrument Input 1) 9
2.3 Pick-Up selector (only for Instrument Input 1) 9
2.4 Variable impedance (Z-TONE™) control (only for Instrument Input 1) 10
2.6 External control 11
3 Setup your DAW 12
4 Connecting microphones 12
4.1 Condenser microphones 12
4.2 Dynamic microphones 12
4.3 Ribbon microphones 12
5 Connecting instrument 13
6 Connecting loudspeakers and headphones 14
7 Direct monitoring 15
8 Control software 15
8.1 Interface view 16
8.2 Controller tab 18
9 Specifications 19
Warranty 20
Support and more info 20
Regulatory 21

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AXE I/O SOLO
Thank you for purchasing AXE I/O SOLO.
Your package contains:
X1
X1
• AXE I/O SOLO
• USB cable
AXE I/O SOLO is the most compact interface in the AXE I/O family, with 2 inputs and 3 outputs.
As with the original AXE I/O, it has been created from the ground-up with the goal of designing the best possible
interface for guitar players, and sports a series of features that can’t be found individually or combined in any
other competitive audio interface today. All of this in a very compact housing.
AXE I/O SOLO is a superior all-round audio interface too, thanks to the 192kHz sampling resolution at 24bit, the
outstanding dynamic range and the asynchronous USB audio, for ultra low conversion jitter for premium audio
performance.
Register your AXE I/O SOLO
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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Front panel
1
4
65 7
9
8
2 2 10 12 11
3 3
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1. Instrument input 1 - 1/4” (6.35mm) jack type - Connect your instrument here (e.g., guitar).
2. GAIN 1 and GAIN 2 - adjust the input gain for the signals at Inputs 1 and 2 respectively.
3. Peak Meters - each input has a dedicated 5-segments peak meter, with 1-second hold on CLIP, that
indicates the level of the input signal.
4. Z-TONE™ - Variable impedance control - the front control named Z-TONE™allows you to change the input
impedance on the instrument input 1 allowing for a unique possibility for tone shaping on your instruments.
5. PASSIVE/ACTIVE - Pick-Up selector - this selector allows you to match the type of pick-up installed on the
connected instrument. This control will act exclusively on the instrument input 1.
6. 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. This control will act exclusively on
the instrument input 1.
7. 48V - This switch enables 48V phantom power on both microphone inputs. The switch illuminates when
phantom power is selected.
8. MIDI IN/OUT LEDs - these LEDs illuminate when MIDI data is received from/transmitted to the MIDI port.
9. USB LED - this LED illuminates when the unit is recognised by the computer to which it is connected.
10. 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.
11. HEADPHONES-connectonepairofheadphonestothe1⁄4”(6.35mm)TRSjacksocketsbelowthe
headphone volume controls. The headphone outputs always carry the signals that are currently routed to
outputs 1 & 2.
12. MASTER - main output level control – this control adjusts the level at Outputs 1 and 2 on the rear panel.
13. AMP OUT - this is a third 1/4” physical unbalanced, floating output with selectable ground lift (controlled
with software). It’s independent from main Outputs 1-2. This output is specifically designed to allow the
interface to feed guitar amps or stomps without the typically associated risk or hum or buzz noises caused
by ground loops or mismatched levels and impedances.

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Rear panel
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35
4
1. Kensington security lock - secure your AXE I/O SOLO to a suitable structure if desired.
2. MIDI IN/OUT - standard 5-pin DIN sockets for connection of external MIDI equipment.
3. USB 2.0 port - Type B connector - connect the AXE I/O SOLO to your computer with the supplied cable.
4. EXTERNAL CONTROL - use these 1/4” (6.35mm) jacks to connect external controller pedals (single or dual
switches, continuous expression pedals). MIDI messages sent are freely assignable from the “Control app”.
5. LINE OUTPUTS1/Land2/R-Outputs1/Land2/Rarebalancedandfloatinganaloguelineoutputson1⁄4”
(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.
6. MIC/LINE IN 2 - XLR Combo type input sockets - connect microphones or line level signals.

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1 Installation and setup
1.1 Software installation
All software required by the AXE I/O SOLO is available for download from the IK Multimedia website (www.
ikmultimedia.com/products/axeiosolo). By downloading the “AXE I/O SOLO Drivers and Control Software” you’ll
find:
MAC users: the installer contains the AXE I/O SOLO Control App.
Windows users: the package includes the AXE I/O SOLO Control App and the necessary drivers for the
interface.
1. Using your web browser, go to www.ikmultimedia.com/products/axeiosolo and go to the Downloads section.
2. You can now download the “AXE I/O SOLO Drivers and Control Software” file (Mac and Windows versions
available).
4. Download and install the “AXE I/O SOLO Drivers and Control Software” version (Mac or Windows)
appropriate for your computer and follow all on-screen instructions.
5. When the installation is complete, restart your computer.
6. After restart, connect the AXE I/O SOLO to your computer with the supplied USB cable.
1.2 Setup
1. Download and install the AXE I/O SOLO Drivers and Control Software as described above.
AmpliTube Deluxe
10 T-RackS plug-ins
Ableton Live Lite
AXE I/O SOLO Control Software
FREE DOWNLOAD
ikdownloads.com/axeiosolo

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2. Connect the AXE I/O SOLO to your computer with the supplied USB cable.
3. You can connect instrument signal to the front Jack 1/4” Instrument input 1, or microphone and line level
signal to the back combo XLR input 2.
4. Connect speakers, amplifiers or other line devices to the balanced outputs on the rear panel of AXE I/O
SOLO.
5. If needed, you can connect external MIDI devices to the physical MIDI ports (Input/Output).

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2 Dedicated guitar features
2.1 Direct amplifier output & Re-Amplification
RE-AMPLIFICATION
in from MIC
Among the features that make AXE I/O SOLO the definitive guitarist interface is the Re-Amplification feature.
The “AMP OUT” is a third physical output which is independent from main Output 1-2. With this output, you can
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 reamping without the typical associated noise/hum
issues.

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2.2 JFET / PURE input (only for Instrument Input 1)
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 a bit of added warmth.
Pure circuitry results in a more linear response featuring the absolutely cleaner 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 on the Passive
position.
2.3 Pick-Up selector (only for Instrument Input 1)
PICK-UP

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AXE I/O SOLO 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
than the active counterpart, among other significant tone differences, but neither of the two is “better” or
“worse” than the other: indeed they have different behaviors. To properly couple this diversity of guitar pickups
in the most musically pleasing manner, AXE I/O SOLO offers a pickup selector that allows the artist to select
between Active (when using an active pickup) and Passive (when using a passive pickup).
2.4 Variable impedance (Z-TONE™) control (only for Instrument Input 1)
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™ front control allows you to change the input impedance
on the instrument input 1 therefore allowing for 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 never
heard before, by shaping the tone right at the source, within the pickups, instead of what is normally done with
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.
Settings start from the highest impedance value (named “Sharp”) to the lowest impedance value (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.

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Note: AXE I/O SOLO 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 Instrument input 1. 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.
2.6 External control
Connect up to two external controller here to send MIDI control messages. You can use any available
“momentary” or “sustain pedal” type foot switch that includes a 1/4 inch connector. Both normally open
and normally closed switches are supported. AXE I/O SOLO also support continuous expression pedals for
controlling realtime parameters like Wah, Volume, FX depth etc. Any 1/4” TRS connector expression pedal
will work with AXE I/O SOLO. MIDI messages associated with these controllers are freely assignable from the
“Control app”.

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3 Setup your DAW
The AXE I/O SOLO is compatible with any Windows-based DAW that supports ASIO or any Mac-based DAW
that uses Core Audio. After installing AXE I/O SOLO Control Software and connecting the hardware, you can
start using your AXE I/O SOLO with the your DAW.
It is possible that your DAW may not automatically select the AXE I/O SOLO as its default I/O device. In this
case, you must manually select the AXE I/O SOLO 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 SOLO is set as the preferred Audio Device in your DAW, all 2 inputs and 3 outputs will appear
in your DAW’s Audio I/O preferences.
4 Connecting microphones
Always connect microphones to AXE I/O SOLO with XLR-to-XLR balanced cables. This will ensure a pristine
and clean performance from your microphone with AXE I/O SOLO.
NOTE: In your audio software, select the Input 2 as the source of the track you will be recording to. Adjust the
channel gain knob until you have a sufficient audio signal without clipping.
4.1 Condenser microphones
Most condenser microphones require external 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.
4.2 Dynamic microphones
Before connecting dynamic microphones make sure phantom power is turned OFF. Check that the Phantom
LED is turned off.
4.3 Ribbon microphones
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. Please note that when 48V phantom power is turned on, it works on both channels
simultaneously.

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5 Connecting instrument
INSTRUMENT
IN
Connectyourguitar,bassoranyothermonoinstrumentstotheinstrumentinputonAXEI/OSOLOusingan1⁄4”
plug unbalanced (TS or “mono”) guitar cable.
Please refer to Section 2 of this manual for the complete description of features dedicated to the instrument
input.
NOTE: In your audio software, select the Input 1 as the source of the track you will be recording to. Adjust the
channel gain knob until you have a sufficient audio signal without clipping.

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6 Connecting loudspeakers and headphones
The 1/4” jack outputs 1/L and 2/R on the rear panel will normally be used to drive monitoring speakers. 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 compensates level when
connection is balanced or unbalanced. For this reason these outputs are also ideal for use onstage, when
directly feeding the FOH without any need for isolators or DI boxes. The AXE I/O SOLO has a solid strong signal
free from ground loops that will work perfectly in these situations.
On the front panel of AXE I/O SOLO is present one 1/4” (6.35mm) jack sockets where to connect a pair of
headphones whose level can be controlled with the headphones knob.

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7 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 required to process the audio. Since
this delay can be distracting, AXE I/O SOLO 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.
When Monitor is set to DIRECT, make sure any software monitoring option for direct (or “low latency”)
monitoring is disabled. Disabling low latency monitoring prevents “double-monitoring” of input audio signals
when using the Direct Monitoring feature. When “double-monitoring” occurs, there will be an increase in volume
and an undesirable “phasing” sound. For more details about its monitoring function, refer to the documentation
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.
8 Control software
This is a macOS and Windows applet that controls all the functionalities for the AXE I/O SOLO, also presenting
additional information from the status of AXE I/O SOLO. From this applet you will have extended and
comprehensive metering, have control over output levels, sample rate, MIDI setup, and other important AXE I/O
SOLO options.
To open the Control software:
After installing the Control software on your computer (refer to section 1.1 of this manual for more information)
click the icon on your desktop to launch it.
Assuming that your AXE I/O SOLO interface is connected to your computer with the USB cable, the Control app
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 SOLO interface is connected and properly working.

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8.1 Interface view
INTERFACE view:
Configuration section:
State:
This LED shows when an AXE I/O SOLO unit is connected and active.
MIDI IN, OUT: these LEDs shows when there is MIDI activity on the AXE I/O SOLO physical MIDI ports.
Sample Rate:
Here you can set the working sample rate for the AXE I/O SOLO unit, from 44.1 to 192 kHz.
Remember than 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 to go back to its previous state when
you attempt changing it.
Direct Monitoring:
Here you can determine how the two input channels are mixed on the Direct monitoring path.
“Mono” means that both channels are mixed to mono. This is the most useful setting when you want to monitor
one channel per time as this way the input channel will be monitored on both channels of your monitors or
headphones.
“Stereo” mean that channel 1 will be routed to the left side of your monitors or headphones, and channel 2 on
the right side. This is the most useful setting when you need to monitor stereo sources.
“Channel 1” makes only input 1 channel to reach the direct monitoring path on both L and R sides.

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“Channel 2” makes only input 2 channel to reach the direct monitoring path on both L and R sides.
These are useful when only one input is normally used and you don’t want even the slightest amount of noise
coming from the other channel to be mixed into the monitoring path.
TO AMP OUT:
When activated, this button routes the Instrument Input 1 to directly to the Amp Out with zero latency so
guitarists can easily record both a clean DI signal and their amplifier simultaneously, without the need for splitters
or other external gear.
Audio Input section:
Here you can see the input channels active source (Instruments, Mic or Line) and monitor the level on high
precision peak meters.
You can also switch 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.
Amp Output 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 SOLO 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, in case you hear some buzz or noise when connecting an high
gain guitar amp, try switching off the GND LIFT.

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8.2 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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9 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-B receptacle. USB 2.0 (High Speed).
Line Outputs 1-2 (Monitor)
Configuration: Electronically balanced and floating, automatically compensates level when connection is
balanced or unbalanced, tip hot.
Output impedance: 150 Ohms balanced, 75 Ohms unbalanced
Output Level: 0 dBFS corresponds to +13.5 dBu
Frequency response: From 1 Hz to 46 kHz within 0.5 dB (96 kHz sample rate)
Dynamic Range: 113 dB(A)
THD @ -1 dBFS: 0.001%
THD+N: -103 dB(A) at -1 dBFS
Channels 1-2 crosstalk: 112 dB(A)
Output 3 (Amp output)
Configuration: Unbalanced, floating, with selectable ground lift
Output impedance: 75 Ohms
Output Level: 0 dBFS corresponds to -3 dBu
Frequency response: From 20 Hz to 42 kHz within 0.5 dB (96 kHz sample rate)
Dynamic Range: 106 dB(A)
THD+N: -93 dB(A)
Headphones Out
Output impedance: Virtually ideal source (zero Ohms) until clipping
Maximum Output level: +9 dBu into 50 Ohms load (approx 95 mW)
Frequency response: From 1 Hz to 42 kHz within 0.5 dB (96 kHz sample rate)
Dynamic Range: 111 dB(A)
THD+N: -102 dB(A)
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 +12.5dBu 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 6 Hz to 42 kHz within 0.5 dB (96 kHz sample rate)
Dynamic Range: 117 dB(A)