New release · 3 September 2026
TONEX Board: The New All-in-One Amp Modeller and Multi-FX
IK Multimedia has turned the TONEX ecosystem into a compact, dual-path floor processor with a touchscreen, 76 effects and serious stage routing.
Release details, specifications and Gsus4 availability verified 4 September 2026
Quick verdict
TONEX Board is the first TONEX hardware that can credibly replace an entire digital pedalboard without asking another multi-effects unit to finish the job. Its standout combination is simple: up to four Tone Models, two independent paths and twelve effects slots in a 1.6 kg footprint.
The new release in one minute
The original TONEX Pedal proved IK’s AI-captured amp and drive tones could work onstage. TONEX Board expands that idea into a complete guitar or bass processor.
Announced on 3 September 2026, the Board can run up to four captured Tone Models at once: one amp and one stomp on each of two paths. Around those captures sit 76 effects across nine categories, split between 51 AmpliTube processors, 15 TONEX effects and 10 new designs. Split and mixer blocks let the two paths run in series, parallel, stereo or wet/dry configurations.
4
Tone Models at once
Run a captured stomp and amp on each of two independent signal paths.
76
Studio-grade effects
Drive, modulation, pitch, EQ, filter, reverb, dynamics, delay and utility.
1,440
Preset locations
Organised across 12 setlists, 40 banks and three presets per bank.
The hardware remains unusually compact for this class: 235 × 184 × 72 mm and 1.6 kg. A five-inch high-resolution touchscreen handles visual editing, while Preset, Scene and Stomp modes change what the A, B, C and CTRL switches do. MIDI in/out and two expression or external-control inputs are there when four onboard switches are not enough.
Why four Tone Models matter
A captured amp is only one part of a rig. TONEX Board lets captured drive pedals and captured amps coexist on two paths, then surrounds them with conventional effects.
Input
Mono, stereo or two independent instruments
Process
Split into dual paths; place Tone Models, effects and FX loop
Output
Independent XLR and TRS stereo pairs, plus headphones
This is useful for more than dual-amp spectacle. One path can feed front of house with a cabinet model while another sends a cabinet-free signal to a real amp return. Guitar and bass can use independent inputs and processing. A stereo effects loop can be placed anywhere, or divided into two mono loops for two external pedals.
Capture workflow: one important distinction
TONEX Board plays and edits Tone Models, but the capture itself is created with the included TONEX Modeler software on Mac or PC. That differs from processors that perform the full capture routine directly on the floor unit.
Touchscreen editing, without abandoning knobs
The Board is designed to be edited from the hardware. Tap a block, then use the corresponding physical encoders for the parameters shown on screen.
- Preset mode: A, B and C recall complete presets; bank navigation is available through switch combinations.
- Scene mode: change several settings inside one preset without building a separate rig for every song section.
- Stomp mode: assign individual effects to the switches for familiar pedalboard-style on/off control.
- CTRL switch: cycle operating modes, or hold it for tap tempo; B+C opens the tuner.
What ships now—and what is still coming
The launch hardware is already capable, but two computer-integration features are scheduled after release. It is worth separating those from day-one functionality.
Available now
Complete standalone rigs
Four Tone Models, 76 effects, dual paths, custom IRs, scenes, MIDI, two output pairs and movable effects loops.
1 October 2026 target
USB audio + preset sharing
IK says a firmware update will enable the 4-in/2-out USB audio interface with direct monitoring; TONEX Player 2.1 is also planned to add ToneNET Board-preset sharing.
Q4 2026 target
Real-time computer editing
Full real-time editing from TONEX Board Editor is planned later; current software already handles transfers, updates and library backups.
Roadmap timing is based on IK Multimedia’s 3 September 2026 launch announcement and may change. Buy for the features available now; treat scheduled functions as future additions.
TONEX Board vs other flagship floor modellers
All four can build professional direct rigs. The real differences are how they create tones, how much control they put underfoot, and how much floor space they occupy.
| Model | Tone approach | Screen / switches | Effects loops | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TONEX Board | Software-created AI Tone Models plus AmpliTube/TONEX effects; up to four Tone Models at once | 5-inch touch; 4 footswitches | 1 stereo or 2 mono | Compact capture-based rigs, dual amps and wet/dry routing |
| Neural DSP Quad Cortex | Algorithmic models plus onboard Neural Capture V1; higher-resolution V2 is cloud processed | 7-inch touch; 11 stomp/rotary controls | 2 mono or 1 stereo | Flexible grid routing and more direct foot control in a still-compact chassis |
| Fender Tone Master Pro | Curated Tone Master amp/effect models and 6,000+ Fender IRs; no user profiling system | 7-inch touch; 10 footswitch/encoders with LCD strips | 4 total | Players prioritising Fender models, large touch editing and extensive external-pedal integration |
| Line 6 Helix Stadium Floor | Agoura component models plus cloud-based Proxy cloning | 8-inch touch; 12 touch-sensitive footswitches | Up to 2 | Deep Helix workflows, show automation and the largest editing surface here |
Comparison verified 4 September 2026 from current manufacturer product pages and manuals. “Best fit” is Gsus4’s practical interpretation; hardware facts are manufacturer specifications.
The clearest TONEX Board trade-off
It is dramatically smaller and lighter than many full-size floorboards, but it also offers fewer dedicated footswitches. Players who want many effects visible underfoot may prefer scene-based switching or add a MIDI controller. Players who value a small carry-on rig may see the same decision as the Board’s main advantage.
Three rigs the Board makes practical
Workflow 01 · Direct stereo rig
One board to front of house
Main path: Guitar → TONEX Board input → captured drive and amp → stereo delay/reverb → XLR outputs → mixer or FRFR system.
Alternate output: Send Outputs 3/4 to stage monitors, a second recorder or another destination with its own global EQ.
Setup warning: Confirm whether each destination expects mic, line or instrument level before soundcheck.
Workflow 02 · Four-cable method
Use a real amp preamp and TONEX alternatives
Signal: Guitar → Board input → pre-effects → Board send → amp input → amp FX send → Board return → post-effects → Board output → amp FX return.
Practical use: Keep the real amp preamp for core sounds, then change presets to a captured amp path when a completely different voice is needed.
Setup warning: Disable cabinet simulation on the signal feeding a traditional guitar speaker unless that result is deliberately wanted.
Workflow 03 · Two instruments or wet/dry
Make the dual paths earn their keep
Two-instrument option: Guitar to Input 1 and bass to Input 2, each with its own captured rig and destination.
Wet/dry option: Keep one path focused and immediate, then build ambience on the second path and blend at the mixer block.
Setup warning: Test summing and phase behaviour whenever parallel paths or external loops rejoin.
The biggest TONEX release is also the most practical
TONEX Board keeps the captured feel that made TONEX popular, then adds the routing, effects and hands-on control needed to build a whole show around it. Choose it if compact size, dual captured rigs and the TONEX library matter more than having a dozen switches underfoot.
Sources and verification
Product facts and roadmap dates were checked against current official sources on 4 September 2026. Firmware plans and specifications can change; confirm the latest documentation before relying on a future feature or finalising a complex rig.
- IK Multimedia launch announcement — release scope, included content and staged software roadmap.
- IK Multimedia TONEX Board — signal paths, effects, control modes, library and routing.
- TONEX Board specifications — conversion, I/O, dimensions, weight and power.
- Neural DSP Quad Cortex and current manual — capture workflow, display, controls and I/O.
- Fender Tone Master Pro — models, display, footswitch encoders, IRs and effects loops.
- Line 6 Helix Stadium and current manual — Proxy cloning, display, switches, I/O and show workflow.
Leave a comment