{"product_id":"ik-multimedia-z-tone-buffer-boost","title":"IK Multimedia Z-TONE Buffer Boost","description":"\u003cdiv lang=\"en\"\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIK Multimedia Z-TONE Buffer Boost\u003c\/strong\u003e – an active instrument preamp and DI in stompbox format for \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/wrdtunes.com\/collections\/guitars-and-amplifiers\"\u003eguitars and amplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e. The unit transplants the variable impedance Z-TONE circuit from IK's AXE I\/O interface into a dual-footswitch pedal, adding a signal buffer, switchable input topologies, and a +10 dB footswitchable boost. The aluminum enclosure is Italian-made; power options cover a 9V battery, 9V DC supply, or phantom +48V drawn through the XLR output.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3\u003eInput impedance as a tonal variable\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eThe Z-TONE control sweeps input impedance continuously from 1 MΩ down to 2.2 kΩ, directly altering how a pickup interacts with the front end of the signal chain. At the Sharp (high-impedance) end, the response tightens and opens up — comparable to feeding a standard high-Z interface input. Reducing impedance toward Bold progressively thickens the low-mid body, an effect particularly audible on single-coils and low-output vintage humbuckers. The result is functionally similar to what different amp input impedances do to a guitar's pickup response, but repeatable and session-recallable. The Passive\/Active switch adjusts the input circuit for active pickups, removing unnecessary gain stages from the path and keeping the signal as direct as possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3\u003eStudio and stage routing from one box\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eTwo outputs work simultaneously and independently: a transformer-balanced XLR (600 Ω, galvanically isolated) with Ground Lift for direct feeds to consoles and interfaces, and a buffered unbalanced 1\/4\" jack (56 Ω) with true bypass for the amp or the rest of the pedalboard. The Link jack, wired in parallel with the instrument input, allows the impedance-processed signal to feed an amp while the XLR goes to a recorder — simultaneous amp and DI capture without a splitter. PURE mode measures 0.0033% THD on the XLR output and 0.00055% on the jack — transparent enough for uncolored DI recording straight to a DAW track. JFET Class A mode adds subtle harmonic content and slight midrange focus for sessions where the DI needs character without an amp in the room. Dynamic range above 114 dB(A) and a frequency response flat within ±1 dB from 5 Hz to 30 kHz rule the unit out as an unintentional coloring agent anywhere in the chain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3\u003eKEY FEATURES\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eVariable input impedance: 1 MΩ – 2.2 kΩ (Z-TONE knob)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eThree input topologies: PURE (transparent), JFET (Class A, harmonic enhancement), ACTIVE (for active pickups)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFootswitchable +10 dB boost with independent level control\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eInput gain adjustment: ±8 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eXLR output: transformer-balanced, 600 Ω, galvanically isolated, Ground Lift switch\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e1\/4\" output: buffered unbalanced, 56 Ω, true bypass\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eLink jack — wired in parallel with instrument input\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eDynamic range: better than 114 dB(A) on both outputs\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFrequency response: 5 Hz – 30 kHz (±1 dB)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePower: 9V battery \/ 9V DC \/ phantom +48V via XLR\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eIncludes: AmpliTube 5 SE\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3\u003eTECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eInput impedance: variable, 1 MΩ – 2.2 kΩ\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eOutput impedance: 600 Ω (XLR, transformer), 56 Ω (1\/4\" jack, buffered)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eDynamic range: \u0026gt;114 dB(A), both outputs, gain at 0 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eTHD, XLR output, 1 kHz, +4 dBm input: 0.0033% (PURE) \/ 0.2% (JFET)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eTHD, 1\/4\" output, 1 kHz, +4 dBm input: 0.00055% (PURE) \/ 0.2% (JFET)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMax input level before clipping: +13 dBm (48V phantom) \/ +9 dBm (9V battery)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFrequency response: 5 Hz – 30 kHz (±1 dB)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eBoost: up to +10 dB (adjustable), footswitch-activated\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eGain control: ±8 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePower: 9V battery \/ 9V DC center-negative \/ phantom +48V\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eEnclosure: aluminum, made in Italy\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"IK MULTIMEDIA","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53649350820177,"sku":"51808","price":151.26,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0729\/8741\/0769\/files\/IKMultimediaZ-TONEBufferBoost1.jpg?v=1777534278","url":"https:\/\/wrdtunes.com\/en-fr\/products\/ik-multimedia-z-tone-buffer-boost","provider":"Wired Tunes","version":"1.0","type":"link"}