The IK Multimedia AXE I/O ONE is an entry-level audio interface with unique features that set it apart from its competitors. It follows in the footsteps of the original AXE I/O but with a streamlined feature set and an attractive price point.
Bundled software
- AmpliTube 5 SE – Well-established amp modelling software with effects and practice tools.
- TONEX SE – Profiling software similar to Kemper, offering highly accurate amp snapshots with basic effects.
- Ableton Live Lite – A nice addition, though an odd choice of DAW, given its focus on launchpad integration, EDM, and live sample triggering.
Build quality and design
The first thing that struck me about the AXE I/O ONE is that it's light, making it ideal for mobile recording or, in my case, integrating into a teaching rig. I love that the controls are positioned on the top of the unit, away from the various inputs and outputs. Since they're out of your direct eye line, in a typical rig, you can ‘set and forget’, allowing you to focus on making music rather than being distracted by blinking LEDs.
I find the inclusion of old-school DIN MIDI in/out ports a little unnecessary, considering the target audience – many modern guitar products now transmit MIDI over TRS mini jacks instead. However, a game-changer for many guitarists is the inclusion of expression pedal inputs, which somewhat mitigate the need for MIDI ports. Without needing any programming knowledge, a guitarist can simply plug in a passive expression pedal or switch and control AmpliTube. Just right-click the parameter you want to control (for example, a wah pedal), select ‘MIDI Learn’, move your expression pedal, and that's it!
A standout feature at this price point is the dedicated Amp Out, allowing guitarists to send a dry recorded signal back to an amplifier for re-amping. More adventurous users could even use this for profiling their own amplifier collection.
The AXE I/O ONE supports 24-bit/96 kHz recording with a 108 dB dynamic range, ensuring clean, high-fidelity audio. What impressed me most was the latency – I own much more expensive interfaces that don't perform as well with guitar plugins. I tested the unit with the included software, plus Guitar Rig and Helix Native, and it is safe to say this will now be my go-to for practising and recording guitar.
JFET input and Z-Tone impedance control
The AXE I/O ONE sets itself apart from standard audio interfaces with a selectable JFET input stage, adding harmonic richness and warmth to the guitar signal. The difference between the two modes is noticeable, especially when pushing the input into clipping – the JFET mode sounds richer and more rounded. Many pedal manufacturers use JFET transistors to replicate valve-like characteristics in circuits, so this result makes sense.
The Z-Tone control adjusts input impedance from 1MΩ (high) to 2.2kΩ (low), influencing how passive guitar pickups interact with the preamp. Lower settings create a darker, rounder tone, while higher settings preserve brightness and attack.
Limitations and considerations
While the AXE I/O ONE is well-equipped for guitarists, there are a few limitations to consider:
- Single input – unlike the full AXE I/O, there's only one input, making it unsuitable for recording vocals and instruments simultaneously.
- No onboard DSP – all effects processing must be done in a DAW or software like AmpliTube. This is not an issue for most users, but a limitation for those who prefer onboard effects.
- No loopback – you can't easily capture or stream the processed guitar signal in real time to software like OBS or video conferencing apps.
- Drivers – to access the correct audio driver, you need to download an extra product manager application and go through a registration process. I wish the drivers were available directly from the IK Multimedia website.
Conclusion
If guitar is your primary instrument, I highly recommend giving the AXE I/O ONE a try. I've never had a more enjoyable experience using my software. Everything not only sounds better but also feels better to play. I believe this is due to the ability to run at low latency without artefacts, combined with the JFET preamp and variable impedance control. The AXE I/O ONE is highly affordable, and the included software only makes it more appealing.
IK Multimedia AXE I/O ONE
£96.00
