IK Multimedia ToneX One+

First Look: The ToneX One+ in Use

The IK Multimedia ToneX One+ enters the market as a compact floor unit designed for guitarists who want powerful amp modeling, seamless wireless editing, and full MIDI integration without sacrificing precious pedalboard space. Building on the foundation of previous ToneX pedals, the One+ distinguishes itself with real-time wireless app control, deep preset management, and extensive routing capabilities, all in a housing measuring just 94 x 48 x 53 mm and tipping the scales at a mere 0.16 kg.

Features and Connectivity

At first glance, the list of features is impressive for a pedal in this size and price class. The ToneX One+ provides:

• 240 included tone models with over 20 amplifiers and more than 10 pedal simulations
• 15 integrated effects, 2 types of delay, chorus, flanger, tremolo, phaser, rotary; 6 reverbs; a compressor; and a noise gate
• 20 user presets onboard, fully editable via the Tonex Librarian and mobile app
• Bluetooth connectivity for wireless control from both smartphone and tablet via the dedicated Tonex Control app
• MIDI in/out on 3.5 mm mini-jack (Type A), enabling external switching and deep parameter control
• Audio interface capabilities via USB-C
• Line and stereo output via 6.3 mm jacks
• Selectable direct output, but no aux-in or headphone output (contradictory manual text; tested: no true headphone amp)

The pedal can be powered by a standard 9-volt center-negative supply or USB-C, with the caveat that certain USB power sources may introduce noise at higher gain settings.

Wireless Editing and Tone Management

The strongest point for many users is the wireless editing workflow. The Bluetooth link with the ToneX Control mobile app is robust on phones, making it easy to edit, manage, and organize presets as if using the full desktop software. You can tweak amp, cab, gain, bass, mid, treble, compressor, reverb mix, and gate parameters directly on the fly, with no need to fumble with tiny hardware knobs during a set.

The colored RGB micro-buttons are a thoughtful touch for quick effect identification. Three assignable preset slots support dual mode (A/B preset switching) or stomp mode (engage/bypass), making live use flexible despite the pedal's miniature format.

Sound Quality and Effects

IK's amp and stompbox models are the centerpiece. The captures included are up to date (as of the v2 firmware), covering classic amp flavors and drive pedals with notable fidelity. The pedal ships with the ToneX SE software and unlocks additional premium packs, such as the Royal 45 pack, granting access to some of the most sought-after British amp tones available in ToneNET.

In practice, the ToneX One+ excels at capturing the essence of real amplifiers for both clean and high-gain applications. Effects are serviceable: the delays, reverb, and modulation are solid for basic coloring, though the range is limited. This mini pedal is not for complex effect chains or ambient textures; you'll want external pedals for shimmer, granular delays, or intricately layered modulation. The inclusion of seven assignable pre- or post-effects, however, does increase routing flexibility.

MIDI Implementation

The MIDI spec on the One+ is a step above most pedals in its price segment. Not only can you switch presets and toggle effect blocks, but every effect parameter, including amp controls, can be adjusted via MIDI CC. This opens up advanced real-time control scenarios with multi-footswitch setups, MIDI controllers, or integration within a larger pedalboard system.

Several users report integrating the One+ with controllers like the Luminite Graviton or Line 6 HX Stomp XL without issue, enjoying smooth preset changes and parameter automation.

Workflow, App, and Usability Issues

Despite all the flexibility, the editing ecosystem is not flawless. While wireless sync is fast and reliable on phones, the app interface feels cramped or lacking on tablets (especially iPad), with limitations in preset organization. Users point out the absence of a convenient preset browser, the inability to reorder presets within the 1-20 slots, and missing filters (e.g., view only IK or v2 models). There's also a minor learning curve in syncing content across the mobile app, ToneX Editor, and ToneNET. Improvements to the app's preset management are a recurring request.

One workflow quirk is the automatic saving of changes: any tweak to a preset is immediately committed, making A/B comparisons or undoing mistakes impossible without a dedicated save/undo mechanism. Without a display, it's easy to lose track of what got changed. This approach is divisive, as it streamlines live use at the expense of safe editing. The Safe Mode option protects against accidental live changes, but it does not resolve the lack of an undo function.

Bluetooth MIDI is not implemented, so wireless MIDI controllers (such as the Hotone Ampero Control) cannot connect, which feels like a missed opportunity in an otherwise wireless-centric device.

Conclusions: Pro-Grade Sounds, Pocket Size

The IK Multimedia ToneX One+ delivers authentic amp modeling, essential effects, and deep MIDI functionality in a pedal that's smaller than a typical drive box. Its greatest strength is the combination of realistic captures and an intuitive, wireless editing experience via the mobile app. The device fits modern pedalboards where space is at a premium, and the ability to power it over USB or DC supply is a plus (as long as your power source is clean).

Main drawbacks are related to software housekeeping, organizational quirks, limited in-app browser options, and an all-or-nothing preset save method. Effects are basic but usable. The MIDI implementation and app-based editing give it a future-proof edge compared to rivals, and ToneNET integration unlocks a massive library of tones beyond the stock presets.

The ToneX One+ suits players needing premium amp tones and effective MIDI control in a streamlined package. If your workflow centers on flexible presets, compact form, and rapid tweaking, it's a compelling mini-solution that rivals larger modelers, just keep an eye on app updates for improved preset management.

• Best for: Amp modeling, wireless editing, MIDI-based rigs
• Consider alternatives if: You need elaborate effects, full undo, or tablet-optimized editing