IK Multimedia TONEX Board: Dual-Path AI Guitar Processor

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IK Multimedia has released TONEX Board, a new hardware floor unit for guitar and bass. It is the most fully featured hardware release in the TONEX line so far, and it centers on a dual signal path that can run up to four AI-captured Tone Models simultaneously. As a result, players can configure setups such as two modeled amplifiers with two modeled drive pedals in front of them, all within a single device.

Dual Paths and Flexible Routing

The two independent chains support stereo, dual-amp, parallel, and wet/dry configurations. In addition, effects can be placed across split and merged paths, which makes complex routing possible without extra hardware. Up to 12 effect slots are available per preset, drawn from a library of 76 effects across 9 categories: 51 effects from AmpliTube, 15 TONEX effects, and 10 new processors developed specifically for TONEX Board. Moreover, VIR cabinet technology is included, alongside custom impulse response loading.

Controls and Preset Management

Control relies on a 5-inch color touchscreen and six push-rotary encoders: a Volume knob, a Browse knob for preset recall, and four Parameter encoders mapped to on-screen controls. Four footswitches (A, B, C, and CTRL) operate in Preset, Scene, and Stomp modes, and they can be set to react on press or release. Meanwhile, 1,440 onboard preset slots are organized into 12 setlists, 40 banks, and 3 presets per bank.

Connectivity

The effects loop can run as a single stereo loop or as two independent mono paths. Furthermore, the unit supports the four-cable method for use with traditional amplifiers. I/O covers stereo inputs, balanced XLR main outputs, a secondary balanced TRS output pair, 5-pin DIN MIDI In/Out, dual TRS EXT Control sockets, a 3.5mm headphone output, and USB-C. A 4-in/2-out class-compliant USB audio interface function is planned for a future firmware update.

Included Tones and Software

TONEX Board ships with 2,000 premium Tone Models drawn from the TONEX MAX library, plus the TONEX ONE+ Signature Edition, TONEX Board exclusives, and captures from Tone Partners. In addition, 230+ factory presets are included (120+ guitar, 50+ bass), and access to 60,000+ Tone Models is available via the ToneNET platform. Bundled software includes TONEX Modeler, TONEX Software, the TONEX Board Editor, and AmpliTube 5 MAX with 400+ gear models.

Features

  • AI Machine Modeling; up to 4 Tone Models running simultaneously
  • Dual independent signal paths: stereo, dual-amp, parallel, wet/dry
  • 76 effects in 9 categories; up to 12 effect slots with split-and-merge routing
  • VIR cabinet technology and custom IR loading
  • 5″ color touchscreen, 6 push-rotary encoders, 4 footswitches
  • 1,440 preset slots across 12 setlists, 40 banks
  • Stereo or dual-mono effects loop; four-cable method support
  • XLR/TRS outputs, MIDI DIN, expression control, headphone out, USB-C
  • 4-in/2-out USB audio interface (via future firmware update)
  • 2,000 premium Tone Models included; 230+ factory presets
  • Includes TONEX Modeler, TONEX Software, TONEX Board Editor, AmpliTube 5 MAX

Price
999.99 $/€ (tax excluded)

Pros

  • Runs up to four AI Tone Models simultaneously across two independent signal paths
  • Comprehensive I/O including MIDI, dual output pairs, and four-cable method support
  • Includes 2,000 premium Tone Models and AmpliTube 5 MAX software

Cons

  • USB audio interface function only available via a future firmware update
  • Relatively high price compared to simpler single-path TONEX hardware

More info: IK Multimedia | TONEX Board