Tone King IMPERIAL Tri-Tube 12AX7 Preamp, DI, IR & Cabinet Simulator 50's Tweed & 60's Blackface

Powered by a trio of 12AX7 tubes, the Tone King Imperial Preamp condenses the essence of Tone King’s beloved Imperial MKII amplifier into a pedalboard-friendly package.

Two valve-fueled channels are on tap, covering black-panel ’60s shimmer, biting 1950s Tweed tones, and even British crunch via an intuitive control section that mirrors the feel of dialing in an amp.

Both channels have independent Attenuation controls and three configurable IR slots. Power amp simulation, 128 MIDI-accessible presets and expanded editing parameters in the Synergy-powered Tone King Editor support live and recording setups.

Dual balanced XLR outputs support direct PA or audio-interface recording. A stereo series effects loop, headphone jack and MIDI input expand the connection options, while USB-C connects to the Tone King Editor. You can also use a separate power amp and cabinet, or add channels to an amplifier with a 100% series effects loop.

Precisely replicated Imperial MKII circuitry

The Imperial Preamp uses the Imperial MKII’s preamp and phase-inverter circuitry, powered by three 12AX7 valves running at high voltage. Its phase-inverter section forms a “0-watt power amp” stage that reproduces the amplifier’s harmonic and dynamic response. Digital stereo convolution spring reverb and stereo tremolo are assignable to each channel.

Black-panel chime and Tweed-style bark

The Rhythm Channel offers 1960s black-panel-style cleans and touch-sensitive breakup, with Bass and Treble controls. The Lead Channel provides 1950s Tweed-inspired midrange and drive. Its Tone and Mid-Bite controls shape that sound, with Mid-Bite adding British-inspired crunch.

Elevate your direct sound with onboard IRs

The Tone King Editor provides 15 included OwnHammer IRs for the pedal’s six slots, with three slots per channel. Use onboard IRs and power amp simulation for direct PA or interface recording, or a separate power amp and cabinet. The effects loop, MIDI input and headphone output support different live and recording setups; USB-C connects to the Tone King Editor. You can disable the onboard IR loader when using a separate IR loader or a powered cabinet with its own cabinet simulation.

Synergy-powered Tone King Editor

This preamp’s Tone King Editor software allows in-depth fine-tuning of all the pedal’s digital parameters. From assigning reverb and tremolo to the preamp’s channels to dialing in the HF comp and lowpass filters of the power amp simulation section, Tone King Editor grants you complete control over your tone. And once you’ve precisely sculpted your preferred sound, the Editor provides 128 MIDI-accessible preset slots.

• Packs the sound and circuitry of Tone King’s Imperial MKII amplifier platform into a compact pedal form
• Powered by three 12AX7 preamp tubes along with preamp and phase-inverter circuitry that exactly matches the full-size Imperial MKII
• Rhythm Channel replicates the lush, glassy tone made famous by the black-panel amps of the 1960s
• 2-band EQ on the Rhythm Channel to precisely sculpt your sound
• Lead Channel captures the grit and bark of 1950s Tweed-style amps
• Lead Channel sports a Mid-Bite knob, which transforms its Tweed-style tone into hard-hitting British crunch, and a standard Tone knob
• Each channel features an Attenuation control that allows you to easily send your sound into true tube saturation
• Robust IR section includes six slots (three per channel) with access to 15 included OwnHammer IRs
• USB-C gives you access to Tone King Editor to select IRs, modify parameters, and save up to 128 MIDI-accessible presets
• Tone King Editor unlocks in-depth parameter adjustment, from reverb trails to power-amp simulation, with editable HF comp and LP filters
• Phase inverter comes equipped with a “0-watt power amp” to authentically capture the dynamism and harmonic depth of the full-size Imperial MKII
• Digital stereo convolution spring reverb and stereo tremolo provide vintage-inspired ambience and modulation
• Extensive I/O section, including two balanced XLR outs, MIDI in, a stereo series effects loop, USB-C, and a headphone out
• Excels in a wide variety of setups, whether you’re going straight into the PA, elevating your amp’s versatility via its effects loop, or rocking an outboard power amp/cab
• Ground-lift switch to cut out unwanted noise

Imperial or Royalist?

Imperial combines blackface-style cleans and tweed-inspired drive with onboard reverb and tremolo. If your priority is JTM45, Plexi and Super Lead-inspired voicings, compare the Tone King Royalist Preamp. Both models offer tube preamp circuitry and cabinet simulation for direct setups; their amp voices and controls are the key distinction.