IK’s Tonex software works using a bespoke analysis procedure to capture the behaviour of real guitar or bass amplifiers as a Tone Model, rather than using the more familiar modelling approach. This was followed by the much anticipated Tonex pedal (reviewed in SOS June 2023) which could run these Tone Models, making them accessible for live use without the need for a computer. But if you tend to use just one or two amp models live, it was arguably overkill — and the new and very affordable Tonex One reviewed here might appeal. It takes up minimal pedalboard space and could prove a very practical backup in case of an amp failure. A 120mA, 9V PSU is required (none is supplied). A copy of the AmpliTube 5 SE software is included, along with a USB‑C cable, a nice touch being a rubber bung that protects the pedal’s USB port from dirt (and beer?).
While the Tonex One has a smaller preset capacity than its larger sibling, it can still hold 20 Tone Models, and there’s a huge choice available via IK’s ToneNET and Tonex SE. Alternatively, you can capture your own amps or load your own speaker IRs (or IK’s VIR cabinets) using the included macOS/Windows Tonex SE software. However, there are so many meticulously crafted Tone Models available that, unless you have very specific requirements, you may never need to capture your own. Tonex One works with guitar amps, PA systems or flat‑response amps. The cab emulation can be switched off globally if going through an amp with a guitar speaker/cab emulator. Plugged directly into the effects loop return of a guitar amp with the speaker emulation turned off is a practical way to work if you don’t want to go directly into the PA.
As shipped, the preset slots are pre‑loaded and include 13 bonus Tone Models taken from Tonex Max. Any two of the presets can then be loaded into the A and B slots, which are toggled via the footswitch, and you can load a third preset into the Stomp mode slot. Using three very small knobs and one large knob plus an illuminated Alt button, the current Tone Model can be adjusted using amp‑like controls covering Gain/Volume and three‑band EQ, plus control over a noise gate, compression and stereo reverb. Any changes to the control knobs for the current preset are automatically saved. By using various combinations of button presses and knob turns, you can browse the 20 onboard presets for loading into the A/B and Stomp slots and also change global settings. The coloured knobs also act as a readout for the built‑in tuner, which steers you to the nearest semitone with good accuracy.
The input is mono, though the output can be mono or stereo/dual‑mono if you use a TRS cable. The footswitch can be used to either bypass the pedal (Stomp mode) or alternate between two presets. All three of the small, transparent knobs have coloured LED backlighting with a choice of custom colours (or off) that can be assigned to your presets for visual identification during live performances. A safe mode can be used to protect against accidental parameter changes during use. The Tonex One also functions as a class‑compliant USB‑C audio interface, in which case its TRS/stereo output can feed headphones or active studio monitors.
The Tonex One doesn’t disappoint when it comes to sound quality or core features.
I have to say that the Tonex One doesn’t disappoint when it comes to sound quality or core features. Library functions, preset handling and editing are all covered by the bundled software, and Tonex SE can also work as a standalone app or plug‑in, so please refer to our original Tonex review (SOS January 2023: www.soundonsound.com/reviews/ik-multimedia-amplitube-tonex) for more details about that side of things. Yes, the Tonex One format demands some compromises — there are fewer physical controls, fewer preset slots and no bank mode for switching beyond the two A and B presets you’ve loaded without first going into browse mode. But if you really need to use three presets while performing, you could always leave browsing mode on, then use the footswitch to cycle around the presets you loaded into the three active slots. Because of the pedal format, the three illuminated knobs really are very small, and I’d also recommend you keep a print‑out of the relevant manual pages to hand for making global changes or changing the loaded presets, as these detail the various permutations of knob/button/footswitch operations required.
As for the effects, I often add a little of the compressor to clean sounds, just to give them a bit more body and sustain, while the noise gate can be useful if you need to clean up really high‑gain tones. The factory presets (which you can adjust for EQ, drive and volume) cover everything from cleans, via bluesy break‑up to full‑on rock and beyond, all with good touch sensitivity, so if you don’t like using software, you don’t need to. A hint of the reverb can also take away the dryness of the DI’ed sound, which can be especially useful when playing in a space with little or no natural ambience.
In summary then, the Tonex One is a very practical and ultra‑compact alternative to a two‑channel amp, it sounds just as good as its big brother, it provides a natural playing response and there are Tone Models to suit just about any taste. At less than the cost of many overdrive/fuzz pedals it is something of a bargain.