Ik Multimedia Z-tone DI

A Next-Generation DI Designed to Optimize the Guitar Signal Chain

The Z-TONE DI doesn't just "convert" an instrument signal: it acts as a true control point at the very start of your chain. The idea is simple but highly effective: adapt the input to your pickups (active or passive), then shape the interaction between the guitar and what follows (pedals, amp, interface), to recover a more coherent, more usable, and often more musical direct sound.

Its "dual personality" approach allows switching from a very neutral studio DI to a more organic coloration without going overboard. All in a compact, robust format, ready to integrate into a pedalboard or studio setup. And staying true to the brand's DNA: the Z-TONE DI is designed and made in Italy.

Who Is the Z-TONE DI For?

The Z-TONE DI is aimed at all guitarists and bassists who record direct (audio interface, console, modeler, loadbox) and want a cleaner signal, better adapted, with improved dynamics and fewer surprises at mixdown. It is equally relevant for live use: sending a reliable signal to FOH while keeping your amp on stage via the Link output.

Do you play blues, rock, metal, funk, pop, or stack sensitive pedals (fuzz, wah, vintage-style)? The Z-TONE impedance control becomes an ally: it helps regain the right attack, tame harshness in the high end, or conversely add bite to tame pickups. It also works very well with keyboards, synths, and other high-level sources thanks to the built-in attenuator.

Controls, Connectivity, and Key Features

At the heart of the Z-TONE DI, you have an active/passive pickup selector to optimize input matching according to your instrument. Then choose your path: PURE for a straight, precise sound, ideal when you want the amp (or simulator) to do all the work, or JFET to add warmth and richer harmonics, particularly flattering on picking parts, leads, and bass.

The Z-TONE control (variable impedance) is the real "secret weapon": it changes how your pickups "see" the input, influencing the high-frequency response, bass tightness, and dynamic perception. Add to that a -20 dB PAD to handle stronger signals, a Ground Lift switch to eliminate ground loop hum, and connectivity designed for the field: balanced XLR to console/interface, 6.35mm unbalanced jack for other routings, and Link out to simultaneously send your signal to an amp or pedalboard.

Sound Character

In PURE mode, the Z-TONE DI aims for a transparent sound: clear attack, readable bass, clean high end, perfect for recording and digital rigs where every detail counts. This is the mode to favor if you want a DI that "disappears," delivering a signal ready to be sculpted later (EQ, IR, virtual amp, reamping).

The JFET channel brings a more "analog" feel: slight thickening, more present warmth, and harmonics that make the note feel sustained over time. Coupled with the Z-TONE adjustment, you can go from a very open response (bright, direct) to a tighter, rounder texture, useful for taming overly sharp single coils, rounding fingerstyle bass, or helping a fuzz react more controllably.

Technical specifications

Category	electric preamp	Number of channels	2
Technology	all-Fet	EQ	Tone
Format	Pedal	Headphone output	No
Effects loop	No	Color	Black

Type	preamp / active direct box	Output impedance (unbalanced)	56 ohm
Pickup selector	active / passive	Output impedance (balanced)	600 ohm
Channels	PURE (transparent) / JFET (warmth and harmonics)	Max input level before clipping	+13 dBm (48 V phantom), +9 dBm (9 V battery)
Control	variable impedance Z-TONE	Dynamic range	greater than 114 dB(A)
Attenuator	-20 dB PAD	THD balanced output (1 kHz)	0.0033% (PURE) / 0.2% (JFET)
Switch	Ground Lift	THD unbalanced output (1 kHz)	0.00055% (PURE) / 0.2% (JFET)
Instrument input	6.35mm jack	Frequency response	5 Hz to 30 kHz (-1 dB)
Unbalanced output	6.35mm jack	Enclosure	metal
Balanced output	XLR	Dimensions	158 x 137 x 45 mm
Link output	6.35mm jack (signal split to amps and pedals)	Weight	950 g
Gain range	-8 dB to +8 dB	Power supply	48 V phantom via XLR or 9 V battery
Input impedance (passive mode)	variable from 1 megaohm to 2.2 kohm	Consumption (48 V phantom)	6.5 mA
Input impedance (active mode)	approx. 20 kohm