IK Multimedia ToneX One

My main unit is a Quad Cortex and I also have an Ampero as a backup, so I am well familiar with multi-fx modellers and capturing.

I like the general idea of having an amp with a cab/IR or a capture of a pedal in such a small footprint. At first glance it seems, IK Multimedia has it all figured out, so I thought.

Positive:
It's easy to wire up and the pedal even powers via USB-C, which I figured out by lucky accident.
I plugged my guitar into the pedal's input and my Audio Technica ATH50 headphones into the pedal's output and I got a sound immediately.

Negative:
All my criticism is basically about the software.

Installation
In order to get the ToneX Software Editor, you need to install the IK Multimedia Product Manager
In order to get the IK Multimedia Product Manager, you need to create an online account and provide all kinds of annoying details like your birthday, for instance.
In order to get access to the ToneX SE (!) Software inside of the Product Manager, you need to register the pedal. Which has to be done by typing a serial number which is written onto a small sheet of paper inside the package.

Version Contents
You're not getting the full version of ToneX, only the SE version, which has less models and captures. Which is fair I think, because the pedal is around 200 bucks and the ToneX SE alone is 100. For example, I was interested in the Marshall Plexi models, which unfortunately are only part of the full versions.

User Experience (UX)
This has been the worst for me.
If the pedal is connected to your computer via USB-C and the ToneX Software is open, the software will recognize the pedal no problem. However, in order to change settings on the amp on the pedal, for instance, you have to first change the settings in the patch on your computer and then sync that patch to the pedal by dragging and dropping it onto the pedal in the library. Which is annoying in itself, but I couldn't even change settings in the local patch, because when I change knobs on the virtual amp shown on the screen, nothing changed. That's where I gave up.

The pedal itself: I knew the limitations of a small, one footswitch device so I am not going to complain. I just wanted to try tonex as I use Helix daily and this seemed like a good, cheap way to test it. Sounds good, a perfect way to try amps you could never afford or even play. Enough has been said about profiling so I'll just stop here.

The ugly: software. What a badly designed, unfriendly piece of junk.
Do yourself a favour and stop thinking about it as an editor for the pedal. It is NOT.

1. Even standalone it is complicated (for example getting online took me 30 minutes trying everything, as by default it starts in offline mode).

2. The process to get the software may be cumbersome (registration, even if you had a previous IK account, download manager etc) but it unfortunately a standard today.

3. But the worst bit is the pedal management: no way to live edit the presets on your pedal.

4. If you use the tonex as your interface as well (obvious choice for most) you will hear BOTH your Tonex presets and Tonex software patches simultaneously (!!!!!). Solution: use another interface (really!?) or change a few pedal settings (switch to stomp mode, bypass, switch direct monitoring) - but as soon as you click to a new preset in the librarian section it reverts back!

5. Changes to gain, EQ etc in the software are carried over / stay valid even if you switch to a new preset (!!!!!).

6. IR management does not exists

7. Input trim - discussed in hundreds YT videos yet it still defaults to +8.5dB and IK is suggesting a procedure to set it up that just not make sense (anyone who ever played with real amps will know it's a bad advice)

Yes you can learn how to get over it, use it and get good sounds. But in 2024 this should not happen and we should expect a friendly, logical application from such a major player.

And one last complaint: no phone app. For such a small pedal with no screen a BT app would be really useful, especially when new effects are added in November firmware update.

sounds like very high quality analog device 👍 to my ears.

note : the pedal can really be used as headphone amp (it can drive a Beyerdynamic dt770 80 Ohm) .

In by bass mode my natural guitar tone is respected. 👍

If you are used to install soft emulations like thu overloud you won’t be bothered by the installation process, it’s also quite similar to universal audio’s, there is a “IK manager” software, you have to register, download toneX which is about 1.2Go, create an account, login. Everything worked fine for me on macOS.

Best of both worlds, you can take your software presets onboard the pedal and go everywhere you want to play, with your same sound.

the pedal behaves like a computer audio interface when connected via usb.

using the tonex software you can browse presets, hear demos, play , tweak settings, then decide to put the preset into the pedal, which can contain up to 20 of them.

The tuner mode worked fine.

The compressor is efficient.

There is no hall reverb, only spring, room and plate.

usb or 9v power works fine.

Such a small device for such a huge sound, sensation, responsiveness.

great.

thank you Thomann, great service as usual.

I returned a Mooer Prime S1, which is completely at the opposite in terms of product philosophy , sound, and playing sensation.

great 🇮🇹 product !

The ToneX One isn't flawless, but it delivers so much, for such a reasonable price. I can't recommend it enough!

First, it's just so many things for 170€:
- If you plug it into your computer, it is a surprisingly good audio interface, although you should turn off Direct Monitor.
- If you plug it into a wall, it is a fantastic practice amp.
- If you put it on your pedalboard, it is a good enough 'Pedal X', that can be an Ibanez Tubescreamer, or ProCo RAT, or Klon Centaur, or whatever you choose it to be.
- It is also a basic tuner, if you don't already have one.

The best feature is that once you have your presets dialed in, you can take the ToneX One with you anywhere, and always get your sound right. You only need a computer to help with the initial configuration, but once you're set, you can use it as a regular preamp or pedal. It supports USB bus power, so you don't even need to carry a 9V power supply.

This is one of the products where reading the manual is a must. There are a lot of features packed into this tiny device and each knob has at least 3 different functions, depending on the mode. You can operate a lot of the ToneX One functionality without a computer, and it can stores 20 different presets, which are really easy to access from the preset browsing mode, enabled by pressing the Alt button and footswitch at the same time.

Some people find the software (Amplitube, ToneX, ToneX Editor) awkward to use. You can get used to the weird UI/UX quirks, but there is definitely a learning curve. You do get new features and expanded functionality, delivered with free patches. Worth mentioning that the ToneX One, unlike the ToneX Pedal, comes with the barebones version of Amplitube and ToneX software. This said, most of the good presets are the ones users upload on ToneNet, so don't feel like you need to upgrade.

I think the Tonex One is the absolute best product IK Multimedia currently produces. The value proposition is fantastic, and it significantly lowers the barrier of entry into the wonderful world of electric guitars and basses. Of course, it is not for everyone, but if you have written 10,000 word essays on how Leo Fender 'got it right the first time' with the Fender Precision, and how Ampeg is the only amplifier anyone really needs, you're not the target audience anyway.

As mentioned by others, the sound is amazing. The user experience is awful. If you are a teenager who can afford to spend the time this might be for you. If you are a part-time musician with a real job you will not have the time to spend on this. You will struggle big time with the software anytime you want to change something on the software or move beyond the three initial presets. I have to go to YouTube anytime I need to change something because I am busy with my real work most of the time.

As someone else said, it is also incomprehensible that you cannot edit the presets with your phone or tablet, even though you can connect them with usb-c and use some version of toneX… this means that if you go rehearse with your buddies you better take your laptop with you…

It is interesting to compare with Positive Grid Spark Go, which is cheaper and connects with your phone via Bluetooth. Much simpler user experience and any changes you want to do you can do them remotely on your phone. So much better! So much more convenient. Even if the sound choices are a little more limited, the Spark is the one I’m using.

Finally, I paid 165CHF and now it sells for 135CHF. Not the best feeling but whatever.

For its money I am sure there isnt something out there that it can compete with it .
First of all, if you are buyning it to use it to your return of your power amp, tube amp etc dont bother. Cabin makes 90% of the sound and you will be disapointed like I did but this is not a fault of this pedal.
The FX that they have recently added are ok but again, if you buy this pedal for the FXs dont bother, there are pedals for this work that are much better.
PROS:
What I found this pedal to be amaizing at: The sounds of the amps-irs are amazing. I own many modellers and there are not even close. I use a powerbank and headphones to take it as a practice rig everywhere (it can take power from the usb no problem, no matter the power source).
I connect it directly to my speakers, and though I am sensitive to latency in general, with this unit I cant notice any. It feels like my tube amps (latencywise). Very very dynamic. It reacts to the volume knob extremly well. Generaly the best sounding digital guitar thing I have ever tried (vsts included).

"CONS":
Because of its form factor you can use two sound in a live rig, but I think you already know that. I went to a gig with this unit, connected it to a di box to sent xlr cable to the pa. It sounded amazing and everyone was shocked, but I missed my pedalpoard and the versatility.
The second is the software which isnt a big con for me for 2 reasons. First of all everything you play on software sound exacly the same on the unit if you dial the same input volume. So you can just load the sounds you made to the unit when you fine tune everything. The load proses is simless.
Secondly IK releases the editor software this month and I think this will be what this pedal is missing.

Overall an amazing product, I am thinking of buying a second one to use it just as a stomp in front of my amp and load overdrive and fuzz pedals (and yes those sound very close to the real things too! )

I’ll start by saying that I’m a medium-level guitarist who plays purely for fun and personal enjoyment. For years, I searched for a device that could deliver a guitar sound I truly loved. I went through preamp pedals, speaker simulators, and even invested in tube combos and amp heads from brands that aligned with my musical taste. After spending a considerable amount of money on my quest, I now have shelves and drawers filled with unused gear, taking up space.

When I decided to purchase the TONEX ONE, it was mostly out of curiosity—its compact size and relatively low price made it an easy test. Once I navigated the initial computer compatibility issues (which, admittedly, were there) and familiarized myself with IK’s ecosystem and interface, I found myself immersed in a world of outstanding amp and cab simulations.

Now, my setup is simple and effective: Cort KX700 → TONEX ONE → Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 → PreSonus Eris E8 XT Studio Monitors. This pedal has completely replaced all my previous gear, and I couldn’t be happier with the tones I’m getting.

If I had to point out any drawbacks, aside from the initial software hurdles, I’d say the built-in noise gate isn’t always perfect, and the reverb effect is limited to just one type per model. However, given the pedal’s size, price, and overall sound quality, these are minor inconveniences.

In short, the TONEX ONE exceeded my expectations and became my go-to solution for achieving great guitar tones with minimal hassle. Highly recommended!