TONEX Parametric Tone Models keep captured knobs working, pedals too
A Distortion+ based drive is the lone pedal among 11 free Parametric Tone Models, coming first to TONEX Board and TONEX Player, with TONEX Pedal next.
Dist X is the only pedal in the free launch set of IK Multimedia's Parametric Tone Models, and IK says it is based on an MXR Distortion+. The idea behind the new TONEX format, in IK's words, is to go beyond an ultra-accurate sonic snapshot of a particular setting and recreate how the original gear responds as its controls change. It is coming first to the TONEX Board floor unit and the TONEX Player software.
The limits are specific. One model can hold up to six knobs or switches on an amp or pedal, each captured at up to 10 positions. IK says its neural network then predicts the sound between those positions and across combinations of controls, which it describes as going beyond conventional mathematical interpolation between snapshots.
A model loads at the settings used in its capture session, and the familiar TONEX gain and EQ controls stay available on top. Captured controls get their own symbol and a custom label. IK's examples of what can be captured are mostly amp controls, such as preamp gain, master volume, tone stack, presence and depth, and the switch option covers things like a bright switch or a mid boost.
The rest of the free set leans on amps. Ten of the 11 models are amplifiers: IK's own models based on a Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb and a Marshall JCM900 Channel B (Lead), plus Tone Partner captures based on a Friedman BE-100, a VOX AC30, a Soldano SLO-100 and a Matchless Chieftain, among others.
Existing Tone Models stay fully supported, IK says, and cabinet, microphones and recording chain still shape every parametric capture, so two models of the same amp can still sound different.
None of it is out yet. The free update comes first to every version of TONEX Player, including the free TONEX CS, and to TONEX Board. On IK's roadmap, TONEX Pedal is the next hardware in line, followed by TONEX ONE, ONE+ and Plug. A later TONEX Modeler update is meant to let players make their own parametric models, and IK and selected Tone Partners plan commercial collections after the free set.
Video: IK Multimedia, "Announcing TONEX Parametric Tone Model Technology"
The full model list and roadmap are on IK's TONEX Parametric page, and the hardware details live on our TONEX Board page.
