IK Multimedia Z-TONE Buffer Boost

IK Multimedia Z-TONE Buffer Boost – an active instrument preamp and DI in stompbox format for guitars and amplifiers. 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.

Input impedance as a tonal variable

The 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.

Studio and stage routing from one box

Two 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.

KEY FEATURES

• Variable input impedance: 1 MΩ – 2.2 kΩ (Z-TONE knob)
• Three input topologies: PURE (transparent), JFET (Class A, harmonic enhancement), ACTIVE (for active pickups)
• Footswitchable +10 dB boost with independent level control
• Input gain adjustment: ±8 dB
• XLR output: transformer-balanced, 600 Ω, galvanically isolated, Ground Lift switch
• 1/4" output: buffered unbalanced, 56 Ω, true bypass
• Link jack — wired in parallel with instrument input
• Dynamic range: better than 114 dB(A) on both outputs
• Frequency response: 5 Hz – 30 kHz (±1 dB)
• Power: 9V battery / 9V DC / phantom +48V via XLR
• Includes: AmpliTube 5 SE

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Input impedance: variable, 1 MΩ – 2.2 kΩ
• Output impedance: 600 Ω (XLR, transformer), 56 Ω (1/4" jack, buffered)
• Dynamic range: >114 dB(A), both outputs, gain at 0 dB
• THD, XLR output, 1 kHz, +4 dBm input: 0.0033% (PURE) / 0.2% (JFET)
• THD, 1/4" output, 1 kHz, +4 dBm input: 0.00055% (PURE) / 0.2% (JFET)
• Max input level before clipping: +13 dBm (48V phantom) / +9 dBm (9V battery)
• Frequency response: 5 Hz – 30 kHz (±1 dB)
• Boost: up to +10 dB (adjustable), footswitch-activated
• Gain control: ±8 dB
• Power: 9V battery / 9V DC center-negative / phantom +48V
• Enclosure: aluminum, made in Italy