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= TONEX =

'''TONEX''' is a capture, modeling, playback, and tone-sharing ecosystem developed by IK Multimedia for guitar and bass equipment.

TONEX uses IK Multimedia's '''AI Machine Modeling''' technology to create digital models called '''Tone Models''' from real amplifiers, pedals, cabinets, and complete signal chains.

Tone Models can be created using [[#TONEX Modeler|TONEX Modeler]], played in TONEX software, transferred to compatible TONEX hardware, integrated with AmpliTube, and shared through IK Multimedia's ToneNET service.

== Overview ==

A TONEX workflow can include four distinct activities:

# Capturing real equipment
# Training a Tone Model
# Playing and editing Tone Models
# Sharing and transferring models and presets

The TONEX ecosystem includes dedicated software for these functions as well as hardware designed to run Tone Models without a computer.

== AI Machine Modeling ==

IK Multimedia refers to the technology underlying TONEX as '''AI Machine Modeling'''.

The system analyzes the relationship between a known input signal and the response produced by the equipment being modeled.

A simplified capture path is:

'''TONEX capture signal → audio interface → reamp/capture path → device under test → audio interface → TONEX Modeler'''

The captured data is then processed to create a Tone Model representing the behavior of the equipment.

Like other data-driven capture technologies, TONEX differs from conventional component-by-component algorithmic amplifier modeling.

The objective is to learn the behavior of a particular physical rig or device at the configuration used during capture.

== Tone Models ==

A '''Tone Model''' is the modeled representation created by TONEX.

Tone Models can represent different portions of a signal chain, including:

* Amplifiers
* Amplifiers and cabinets
* Combo amplifiers
* Pedals
* Complete rigs

Supported pedal targets include nonlinear devices such as:

* Overdrive
* Distortion
* Fuzz
* Boost
* EQ

Multiple pieces of equipment can also be captured as part of a combined signal chain.

See [[Capture Types]].

== Snapshot nature of Tone Models ==

A Tone Model represents equipment in the configuration used when it was captured.

For example, an amplifier captured with particular settings for gain, tone controls, channel, switches, and master volume represents the behavior measured at that configuration.

Controls available during TONEX playback can modify the resulting sound, but they should not automatically be interpreted as recreating the complete physical control circuitry of the original amplifier.

Different operating points can therefore be represented by separate Tone Models.

== TONEX Modeler ==

'''TONEX Modeler''' is IK Multimedia's dedicated application for capturing and training Tone Models.

Capture and training were originally integrated more directly into the TONEX software workflow. The current architecture separates model creation into the dedicated TONEX Modeler application.

TONEX Modeler guides the user through:

* Instrument and Tone Model type
* Audio configuration
* Rig connections
* Input level
* Send level
* Return level
* Capture
* Training
* Model comparison
* Metadata
* Finalization

The resulting Tone Model can then be used throughout the TONEX ecosystem.

== Capture and training are separate stages ==

The current TONEX Modeler separates the physical capture from neural-model training.

This has an important practical advantage.

The physical equipment can be captured once and the resulting capture data can be trained later.

A user can therefore:

# Connect and configure the physical rig.
# Record several captures.
# Disconnect or change the equipment.
# Train the captured data afterward.

Training can also be performed on a different computer.

This is useful when the machine connected to the studio equipment is not the fastest available machine for neural-network training.

== Portable capture files ==

The current TONEX Modeler stores capture data as portable WAV files with embedded metadata.

This allows capture sessions to be:

* Archived
* Moved between computers
* Trained later
* Batch processed
* Preserved independently of the finished Tone Model

Preserving original capture data can be valuable as training technology evolves.

The physical equipment does not necessarily need to be recaptured merely because a newer training implementation becomes available.

== Batch processing ==

TONEX Modeler supports batch workflows.

Multiple rigs or settings can be captured during one session and trained afterward.

This is particularly useful when creating collections containing:

* Multiple amplifier channels
* Several gain settings
* Different pedals
* Different cabinet configurations
* Multiple complete rigs

The time-consuming physical setup can therefore be separated from the computational training process.

== Training ==

TONEX Modeler analyzes the captured response and creates a Tone Model.

The current Modeler is optimized for modern NVIDIA GPUs and Apple Silicon systems while also supporting CPU-based training.

IK Multimedia states that the current Modeler substantially reduces training time compared with its previous training workflow.

Actual training time depends on factors including:

* Computer hardware
* Capture complexity
* Training process
* Model requirements

The Modeler can automatically stop training when its analysis determines that the model has reached its optimum result.

== Comparing the model with the rig ==

TONEX Modeler provides a final comparison stage where the resulting Tone Model can be evaluated against the original captured rig.

This is an important part of the process.

Successful completion of training does not eliminate the need to listen critically.

Compare:

* Gain
* Distortion
* Dynamics
* Attack
* Frequency response
* Sustain
* Low-frequency behavior
* High-frequency behavior

Where possible, comparisons should be level matched.

See [[Troubleshooting Captures]].

== Phase alignment ==

The current TONEX Modeler is designed to create phase-aligned models.

This is particularly useful when Tone Models are combined with parallel signals.

Examples include:

* Bass DI combined with a modeled amplifier
* Stereo rigs
* Parallel processing

Phase and latency differences can cause cancellations when multiple versions of related signals are mixed.

Maintaining predictable alignment therefore has practical value beyond ordinary single-path guitar playback.

== Capture levels ==

Correct levels are important when creating Tone Models.

TONEX Modeler includes dedicated stages for:

* Input level
* Send level
* Return level

These should be treated as distinct parts of the capture chain.

A level problem at one stage should not automatically be corrected by changing an unrelated stage.

For nonlinear equipment, the level presented to the device affects the behavior being captured.

See [[Gain Staging and Calibration]].

== Reamping and TONEX Capture ==

Capturing conventional guitar amplifiers and pedals normally requires an appropriate connection between the audio interface and the device being modeled.

IK Multimedia offers the '''TONEX Capture''' accessory for this purpose.

TONEX Capture provides the signal-routing and level-conversion functions needed to connect audio equipment to amplifiers and pedals during the modeling process.

A TONEX Capture device is not required in principle if another correctly configured capture/reamp solution performs the necessary functions.

The important requirement is a suitable and correctly configured signal path.

See [[Reamping for Capture]].

== Capturing amplifiers ==

An amplifier can be captured without its physical cabinet response.

This produces a model that can later be combined with:

* TONEX cabinet processing
* VIR cabinet processing
* A custom IR
* A physical guitar cabinet

This provides flexibility because the amplifier and cabinet portions of the signal chain can be changed independently.

== Capturing complete rigs ==

TONEX can also model a signal chain containing the cabinet and microphone.

For example:

'''Capture signal → amplifier → cabinet → microphone → interface'''

The resulting Tone Model includes the characteristics of the measured return path.

Depending on the capture configuration, this can include:

* Amplifier
* Speaker
* Cabinet
* Microphone
* Microphone position
* Microphone preamp

Additional cabinet processing may therefore be unnecessary.

See [[Cabinets and IRs]].

== Pedal captures ==

TONEX can create Tone Models of supported nonlinear pedals.

Typical examples include:

* Overdrive
* Distortion
* Fuzz
* Boost
* EQ

A pedal Tone Model can then be combined with an amplifier Tone Model or other processing during playback.

Capturing the pedal independently provides more flexibility than capturing the pedal and amplifier together.

Conversely, capturing both together may preserve the particular interaction of that combination.

Neither approach is universally preferable.

== TONEX Player ==

'''TONEX Player''' is the primary desktop environment for discovering, organizing, editing, playing, and recording with Tone Models and presets.

It can operate as:

* Standalone software
* A plugin in a DAW

The current TONEX 2.0 Player introduces a redesigned workflow with:

* Smart Search
* Dedicated gear browsers
* Custom folders
* Favorites
* Recently used content
* Enhanced ToneNET integration
* Expanded signal-chain editing

As of September 2026, TONEX 2.0 Player is available as a '''public beta''' to existing TONEX users.

Software status should be checked against IK Multimedia's current documentation because this will change when TONEX 2.0 reaches its production release.

== Tone Model versus preset ==

A '''Tone Model''' and a '''TONEX preset''' are not the same thing.

The Tone Model represents the captured equipment.

A preset can contain the Tone Model together with additional TONEX configuration and processing.

A preset may therefore include:

* Tone Model
* Cabinet configuration
* EQ
* Compression
* Noise gate
* Modulation
* Delay
* Reverb
* Other TONEX settings

This distinction is important when sharing tones.

Two presets using the same underlying Tone Model can sound substantially different.

== Tone shaping ==

TONEX provides additional processing around the captured Tone Model.

Depending on the current software or hardware implementation, this can include:

* EQ
* Compression
* Noise gate
* Modulation
* Delay
* Reverb
* Cabinet processing

These effects are not necessarily part of the original captured model.

They form part of the playback signal chain.

When evaluating the accuracy of a Tone Model, distinguish the model itself from additional processing in the preset.

== VIR cabinet technology ==

TONEX includes IK Multimedia's '''VIR''' cabinet technology.

VIR provides adjustable cabinet and microphone processing that can be combined with amplifier Tone Models.

TONEX also supports custom impulse responses.

This allows a direct amplifier Tone Model to be paired with:

* VIR cabinets
* Custom IRs
* Other appropriate cabinet processing

See [[Cabinets and IRs]].

== Custom IRs ==

TONEX software and compatible TONEX hardware can load custom cabinet IRs.

This allows users to combine a direct Tone Model with cabinet responses created outside the TONEX ecosystem.

Before adding an IR, determine whether the Tone Model already contains a cabinet.

Applying another cabinet response to a complete amp/cab capture may produce unintended double cabinet processing.

== ToneNET ==

'''ToneNET''' is IK Multimedia's online community platform for sharing and discovering tones.

TONEX integration allows users to browse, search, audition, download, and share Tone Models and presets.

The current TONEX ecosystem provides access to tens of thousands of community-created Tone Models and presets.

ToneNET also distributes commercial and curated content including Premium, Signature, and Tone Partner collections.

Because the library continually changes, exact model counts should be treated as time-sensitive rather than permanent specifications.

== ToneNET model sharing ==

A creator can upload a Tone Model to ToneNET so other TONEX users can discover and use it.

Useful model information includes:

* Equipment manufacturer
* Equipment model
* Capture type
* Amplifier settings
* Pedal settings
* Cabinet
* Microphone
* Capture notes

Good metadata is especially valuable in a large community library.

A model called only "Marshall" or "High Gain" provides considerably less useful information than a documented capture.

== TONEX Editor ==

'''TONEX Editor''' is a standalone application for managing and editing compatible TONEX hardware.

It provides access to:

* Hardware presets
* Tone Models
* IRs
* Computer library
* ToneNET
* Global hardware settings

Tone Models and presets can be transferred between the computer and supported TONEX hardware.

The Editor also allows models stored on the computer to be auditioned through connected hardware.

== Hardware ecosystem ==

TONEX Tone Models can be used in several IK Multimedia hardware products.

The current ecosystem includes products such as:

* TONEX Pedal
* TONEX ONE
* TONEX ONE+
* TONEX Plug

These products serve different roles and have different storage, control, connectivity, and preset capabilities.

The important common feature is the ability to use TONEX Tone Models outside the desktop computer environment.

== TONEX Pedal ==

'''TONEX Pedal''' is IK Multimedia's larger dedicated TONEX floor pedal.

It provides hardware playback of Tone Models together with preset management, cabinet processing, effects, MIDI, USB audio, and live-performance controls.

Tone Models can be transferred to the pedal using TONEX software.

== TONEX ONE ==

'''TONEX ONE''' is a compact TONEX hardware pedal.

It can store Tone Models and presets for pedalboard use and includes cabinet processing and effects.

Despite its small size, it can represent:

* Pedals
* Amplifiers
* Complete rigs

and can load custom IRs.

== TONEX ONE+ ==

'''TONEX ONE+''' extends the compact TONEX hardware concept with additional control and connectivity.

It includes MIDI capability and works with IK Multimedia's TONEX Control mobile application for wireless editing and tone management.

Hardware capabilities should be checked against current IK specifications because the TONEX hardware family continues to evolve.

== TONEX Plug ==

'''TONEX Plug''' is a portable TONEX headphone amplifier and USB audio interface.

It stores TONEX presets and can be controlled wirelessly using the TONEX Control mobile application.

Its inclusion in the ecosystem illustrates the portability of Tone Models across different forms of playback hardware.

== TONEX Control ==

'''TONEX Control''' is IK Multimedia's mobile application for compatible TONEX hardware.

It provides functions including:

* Preset editing
* Tone Model browsing
* ToneNET access
* Tone transfer
* Preset management
* Hardware control

The application is available for supported iOS and Android devices.

== Integration with AmpliTube ==

TONEX also integrates with IK Multimedia's '''AmpliTube''' ecosystem.

Tone Models can be used as part of larger virtual guitar and bass signal chains containing other modeled equipment and effects.

This allows capture-based Tone Models and conventional software effects/modeling to coexist in the same production environment.

== TONEX and NAM ==

TONEX and [[Neural Amp Modeler]] both use machine-learning techniques to reproduce the behavior of real audio equipment, but they are separate technologies.

A TONEX Tone Model is not a ''.nam'' model.

The systems have different:

* Model formats
* Training implementations
* Playback engines
* Software ecosystems
* Hardware ecosystems
* Distribution systems

A model created for one system should not be assumed to run directly in the other.

They can nevertheless be used to model the same physical equipment and can be compared as alternative capture technologies.

== Closed and open ecosystems ==

A major architectural difference between TONEX and NAM is ecosystem control.

NAM provides an open model format and open-source playback implementation that third-party developers can implement independently.

TONEX is an IK Multimedia technology whose model creation, playback, hardware integration, and ToneNET distribution are built around the TONEX ecosystem.

This does not by itself determine modeling quality.

It describes a significant difference in how the two technologies are developed and distributed.

== Preserving captures ==

The current TONEX Modeler's ability to preserve captured responses separately from final Tone Models is useful for long-term model creation.

A good archive can include:

* Original capture WAV
* Equipment settings
* Capture signal chain
* Cabinet and microphone information
* Interface settings
* Modeler version
* Finished Tone Model
* Notes

Preserving the original measurement can make future retraining or investigation possible without reconnecting the original equipment.

== Troubleshooting ==

If a TONEX capture does not reproduce the expected sound, investigate the complete capture chain.

Check:

* Input level
* Send level
* Return level
* Interface routing
* Reamp/capture path
* Clipping
* Unwanted processing
* Cabinet configuration
* Model comparison
* Playback preset

If a Tone Model sounds correct in TONEX software but different in hardware, also check:

* Preset processing
* Cabinet/IR settings
* Input trim
* Output configuration
* Global cabinet bypass
* Hardware firmware
* Monitoring system

See [[Troubleshooting Captures]].

== Official resources ==

* [https://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/tonex/ TONEX official website]
* [https://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/tonex/index.php?p=modeler TONEX Modeler]
* [https://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/tonex/index.php?p=editor TONEX Editor]
* [https://www.tone.net/ ToneNET]

== See also ==

* [[Capture Technologies]]
* [[Neural Amp Modeler]]
* [[Capture Types]]
* [[Creating a Capture]]
* [[Capture Signal Chain]]
* [[Gain Staging and Calibration]]
* [[Reamping for Capture]]
* [[Cabinets and IRs]]
* [[Troubleshooting Captures]]

'''[https://namforum.com/ Discuss TONEX captures, Tone Models, hardware, and workflows on NAMFORUM]'''

[[Category:TONEX]]
[[Category:Capture technology]]
[[Category:Commercial capture systems]]

TONEX - Revision history

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