IK Multimedia Z-TONE DI Active DI Box with Variable Impedance

The Z-TONE DI from IK Multimedia is an active DI box and instrument preamp that lets guitarists, bassists and keyboard players shape their tone before it reaches the mixer or audio interface. It brings the variable-impedance Z-TONE circuit from IK’s AXE I/O interface into a rugged, Italian-made metal box for the studio and the stage.

What Variable Impedance Does to Your Tone

A passive guitar or bass pickup sounds different depending on the impedance of the input it plugs into. The Z-TONE control lets you sweep that input impedance continuously from 1 MΩ (the SHARP end, tight and detailed, similar to a typical Hi-Z input) down to 2.2 kΩ (the BOLD end, thicker and darker, closer to plugging into a lower-impedance vintage pedal or amp input).

In practice, the extremes are not where most players end up. Sound On Sound found the 1 MΩ end slightly thin and the 2.2 kΩ end quite dull, with the sweet spot somewhere in between, where bass gained warmth and a Strat sounded more solid and less glassy. Start at SHARP, play, and turn the control slowly until the pickup sits where you want it.

Two Preamp Flavours

A switch selects between two input stages. PURE is a very clean, transparent path for an accurate recording of the instrument. JFET uses a discrete junction field-effect transistor that adds gentle harmonic colour; the measured distortion rises from 0.0033% in PURE to 0.2% in JFET on the balanced output, which is enough to add warmth without sounding like an effect. A gain control from –8 dB to +8 dB sets the output level.

Active Pickups, Keyboards and Hot Sources

For active pickups, the ACTIVE setting bypasses the Z-TONE control and uses a fixed input impedance of about 20 kΩ. A –20 dB pad, which also bypasses the Z-TONE control, handles hotter sources such as keyboards, synths and drum machines without distortion.

Outputs: Record the DI and Your Amp Together

The balanced XLR output uses a transformer for galvanic isolation and has a ground lift switch to remove hum caused by ground loops. A separate electronically buffered 1/4″ unbalanced output gives extra flexibility. The Link out on the front is wired in parallel with the input, so you can send your guitar to an amp or pedalboard while the XLR sends a clean DI to the desk. Record both at once, and you can re-amp or use amp-simulation software on the DI track later without asking the player for another take.

Power

The Z-TONE DI runs on +48V phantom power from your mixer or interface, drawing it through the XLR output, or on a 9V battery for portable use. Phantom power gives more headroom: the maximum input level before clipping is +13 dBm on phantom and +9 dBm on battery.

Who Is It For?

• Guitarists and bassists recording direct who want more control than an interface’s Hi-Z input.
• Players using amp simulators who want a better-sounding DI signal going in.
• Live bassists sending a DI to front of house while keeping their amp on stage.
• Keyboard players needing a quiet, balanced feed to a mixer.

It is not essential if you are happy with your interface’s instrument input. If you need footswitches or a boost on your pedalboard, look at the Z-TONE Buffer Boost instead.

Z-TONE DI vs Z-TONE Buffer Boost and AXE I/O

The Z-TONE Buffer Boost puts the same variable-impedance circuit in a pedal with footswitches, a +10 dB boost and true bypass, and it can also run from a 9V DC supply, so it suits a pedalboard. The Z-TONE DI has no footswitches or boost but is built as a dedicated DI box for desks, studios and stage DI positions. The AXE I/O is a full USB audio interface with Z-TONE built into its instrument input, for players who want the circuit and the interface in one box. Browse more DI boxes, or pair it with one of our audio interfaces.

Key Features

• Z-TONE variable input impedance, 1 MΩ to 2.2 kΩ
• PURE and JFET input stages
• Gain control, –8 dB to +8 dB
• Active/Passive pickup selector (Active: approx. 20 kΩ fixed)
• Switchable –20 dB pad
• Transformer-isolated balanced XLR output with ground lift
• Buffered 1/4″ unbalanced output
• Link out, wired in parallel with the input
• Powered by 48V phantom or a 9V battery
• Rugged metal housing, designed and made in Italy

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Z-TONE DI need a battery?

No. It can run on +48V phantom power from your mixer or interface, which also gives more headroom. A 9V battery is an option for portable use.

Does it work with active pickups?

Yes. Set the selector to ACTIVE, which uses a fixed input impedance of about 20 kΩ and bypasses the Z-TONE control.

Can I use it with keyboards or synths?

Yes. Engage the –20 dB pad for line-level sources such as keyboards, synths or drum machines.

Can I record my amp and a clean DI at the same time?

Yes. Plug your amp or pedals into the Link out and send the XLR output to your interface or desk.

What is the difference between PURE and JFET?

PURE is a clean, transparent input stage. JFET adds subtle harmonic warmth from a discrete JFET circuit.

How do I stop hum from the DI?

Use the ground lift switch, which disconnects the ground on the XLR output to break a ground loop.