IK Multimedia
Modern guitar tone, mobile recording and creative studio tools.
IK Multimedia is known for building innovative tools that help musicians record, practise and create music anywhere. From portable iRig guitar interfaces through to the powerful TONEX amp modelling ecosystem, IK Multimedia has become a favourite among guitarists, producers and content creators looking for flexible recording solutions.
At Colemans Music in South Melbourne, we stock a focused selection of IK Multimedia products that work particularly well for guitar players, home recording setups and mobile creators.
Whether you're recording guitar at home, streaming content, or building a modern digital guitar rig, IK Multimedia offers smart solutions that bridge the gap between studio and everyday creativity.
Popular IK Multimedia Products
Our range focuses on the IK products that guitarists and creators actually use.
IK Multimedia TONEX
The TONEX system has quickly become one of the most exciting developments in modern guitar tone. Using advanced modelling technology, TONEX allows players to access highly detailed captures of real amplifiers, pedals and cabinets.
Players use TONEX for:
• amp modelling and tone captures
• recording direct guitar tones
• silent practice setups
• compact pedalboard rigs
TONEX has become especially popular with guitarists who want realistic amp sounds without large amplifier setups.
iRig Guitar & Mobile Interfaces
The iRig series made IK Multimedia famous by allowing musicians to plug guitars and instruments directly into mobile devices and computers.
Popular models include:
• iRig HD X – high-quality guitar interface for mobile and desktop recording
• iRig 2 – simple and affordable guitar interface for practice and recording
• iRig Stream – ideal for livestreaming and content creation
These compact interfaces make it easy to record ideas, practise with apps, or capture guitar performances anywhere.
AXE I/O Guitar Interfaces
The AXE I/O range is designed specifically for guitarists who want studio-quality recording interfaces built around the needs of guitar players.
Key features include:
• Z-Tone impedance control for adjusting guitar input feel
• amp outputs for re-amping
• guitar-optimised input stages
• integration with AmpliTube and TONEX software
AXE I/O interfaces are a popular choice for players building serious home recording setups for guitar and bass.
IK Multimedia Studio Monitors
IK Multimedia’s iLoud monitor range offers compact studio speakers designed for accurate monitoring in smaller spaces.
Models such as the iLoud Micro Monitor and iLoud MTM are known for delivering detailed sound from surprisingly compact speakers, making them ideal for:
• home studios
• desktop production setups
• mobile production rigs
IK Multimedia for Guitar Players
IK Multimedia products are particularly popular with guitarists because they provide modern alternatives to traditional recording setups.
Using combinations of TONEX, AmpliTube and AXE I/O, players can build a flexible recording rig that allows them to:
• record guitar silently
• experiment with different amplifier tones
• capture or load amp models
• re-amp recorded guitar tracks
• practise through headphones or studio monitors
This type of setup has become increasingly common for home studios and digital guitar rigs.
IK Multimedia vs Traditional Guitar Amplifiers
Modern guitar recording has changed dramatically over the last decade. While traditional amplifiers remain incredibly popular for live performance, many players now combine amps with digital modelling and recording systems like IK Multimedia TONEX and AmpliTube.
Both approaches have their advantages depending on how and where you play.
Traditional Guitar Amplifiers
Traditional amps remain the classic choice for live performance and rehearsal. Plugging into a real amplifier provides the physical feel, speaker movement and interaction that many guitarists love.
Amps are ideal for:
• live gigs and band rehearsals
• players who enjoy real speaker interaction
• traditional pedalboard setups
• stage performance and volume
Many guitarists still prefer the experience of standing in front of a real amplifier on stage.
IK Multimedia TONEX & Digital Guitar Rigs
Digital guitar systems like TONEX allow players to access highly detailed captures of real amplifiers and pedals in a compact format.
Instead of carrying multiple amplifiers, players can run a single pedal or interface that contains hundreds of tones.
This approach is especially useful for:
• home recording
• silent practice
• travelling musicians
• compact studio setups
• players who want access to many amp tones
TONEX and similar systems allow guitarists to record direct into a computer or audio interface while still achieving convincing amplifier sounds.
Many Players Use Both
Today it's common for guitarists to combine both worlds.
For example:
• Recording at home with TONEX or AmpliTube
• Playing live through a traditional amplifier
• Using a modeller for practice and ideas
Modern tools like IK Multimedia gear make it easier than ever to move between studio, stage and mobile setups.
Finding the Right Setup
If you're exploring digital guitar rigs or home recording setups, IK Multimedia products provide a flexible starting point.
Our team at Colemans Music can help you decide whether a TONEX system, AXE I/O interface or traditional amplifier setup is the best option for the way you play and record.
What is IK Multimedia TONEX?
TONEX is a modern guitar tone system that allows players to capture, load and play realistic models of real guitar amplifiers, speaker cabinets and pedals.
Using advanced modelling technology, TONEX recreates the behaviour of real gear by analysing the way an amplifier or pedal responds to your guitar signal. The result is a highly detailed digital version of that tone which can be used in software, recording setups or hardware devices like the TONEX Pedal.
For many players, TONEX offers a way to access the sound of classic amplifiers without needing to own or transport large amplifier rigs.
How TONEX Works
TONEX works by capturing the response of real guitar equipment using a specialised process.
This process analyses how an amplifier, pedal or cabinet reacts across a wide range of input signals. Once captured, the tone can be saved and used inside the TONEX ecosystem.
Players can then:
• load amplifier captures into the TONEX pedal or software
• record direct guitar tones into a computer
• build compact digital pedalboard setups
• practise silently using headphones or studio monitors
Thousands of tone captures are available, covering everything from classic vintage amplifiers to modern high-gain rigs.
TONEX for Recording Guitar
One of the biggest advantages of TONEX is how easily it fits into modern recording setups.
Instead of miking a loud amplifier, guitarists can record directly into an audio interface such as AXE I/O and use TONEX to recreate the amplifier sound inside their recording software.
This allows players to:
• record guitar silently at home
• experiment with different amplifier tones after recording
• create consistent tones between sessions
• build compact studio rigs without large amplifiers
For many home studios, TONEX has become a powerful alternative to traditional amplifier recording.
TONEX Hardware and Software
The TONEX ecosystem includes both software and hardware options.
TONEX Software
Runs inside recording software and allows players to load and manage tone captures.
TONEX Pedal
A compact pedal designed for live performance or pedalboard rigs, allowing players to bring their favourite amp captures to gigs.
Together these tools allow guitarists to move seamlessly between studio recording, home practice and live performance.
TONEX vs Kemper vs Quad Cortex
Modern guitar modellers have become extremely powerful, allowing players to recreate the sound of real amplifiers, pedals and cabinets without needing large stage rigs. Three of the most talked-about systems today are IK Multimedia TONEX, Kemper Profiling Amplifier, and the Neural DSP Quad Cortex.
Each platform approaches amp modelling slightly differently.
IK Multimedia TONEX
TONEX focuses on capturing and recreating the sound of real amplifiers using advanced modelling technology. The system is designed to be flexible, allowing players to use tone captures inside software or on dedicated hardware like the TONEX Pedal.
Players often choose TONEX because it offers:
• highly detailed amp captures
• compact pedalboard-friendly hardware
• affordable entry into professional modelling
• deep integration with recording software
• access to a large library of tone captures
TONEX is particularly popular with guitarists building home recording setups or compact gigging rigs.
Kemper Profiling Amplifier
The Kemper Profiling Amplifier was one of the first major systems to allow players to profile real amplifiers and recreate them digitally.
Kemper units are widely used by touring musicians and studios, and they remain a respected option for players who want access to large libraries of amplifier profiles.
Kemper systems are known for:
• detailed amp profiling technology
• strong reputation among professional touring players
• large online profile libraries
• stage-ready hardware units
Neural DSP Quad Cortex
The Quad Cortex combines amp modelling with powerful multi-effects processing inside a touchscreen-based floor unit.
It is designed as a full all-in-one guitar rig capable of replacing both amplifiers and pedalboards.
Quad Cortex systems are popular with players who want:
• a complete modelling and effects platform
• powerful routing and signal chain flexibility
• touchscreen editing and control
• extensive amp and effect models
Which System Is Right for You?
Each platform offers its own strengths depending on how you play and record.
Many players choose:
• TONEX for compact rigs and home recording setups
• Kemper for established touring rigs with large profile libraries
• Quad Cortex for all-in-one modelling and effects systems
For guitarists who want realistic amplifier tones in a compact, affordable format, TONEX has quickly become one of the most popular options available today.
IK Multimedia at Colemans Music
At Colemans Music we focus on IK Multimedia products that offer practical solutions for modern players and creators.
If you're exploring amp modelling with TONEX, building a home recording setup, or looking for an easy mobile guitar interface, our team can help you choose the right gear for your setup.
Looking to buy IK Multimedia gear? It’s available now at Coleman's Music in South Melbourne or online with fast shipping Australia-wide. We're a proudly independent, family owned Australian music store that knows gear and backs it with great service.
