Description
Tone King Imperial Preamp Pedal brings the full preamp experience of the Imperial MKII amplifier into a pedalboard-friendly format without sacrificing the feel or response that made the original amp so respected. Built around three real 12AX7 tubes running at proper high voltage, this pedal is designed for players who want authentic boutique amp tone whether they are running direct to FOH, recording into an interface, using a power amp and cabinet setup, or expanding the channel options of an existing amp rig.
The Imperial Preamp uses the same preamp and phase inverter circuitry as the full-sized Imperial MKII amplifier. The Rhythm channel delivers the glassy, mid-scooped American clean tones associated with classic black-panel amps, while the Lead channel leans into a more aggressive Tweed-style voice with stronger mids and earlier breakup. The Mid-Bite control pushes the Lead side further into British-inspired crunch territory. Stereo convolution-based "spring" reverb and tremolo are onboard, alongside built-in power amp simulation designed to recreate the feel and harmonic response of the Imperial MKII's output section when running direct.
For modern rigs, the flexibility is extensive without becoming overwhelming. The onboard IR section includes 15 OwnHammer cabinet IRs with additional loading and management available through the Tone King Editor software. Players can store and access up to 128 MIDI-switchable presets while fine-tuning reverb behavior, power amp simulation, cabinet responses, and additional parameters through USB-C connectivity. Stereo balanced XLR outputs, stereo effects loop connectivity, headphone monitoring, MIDI input, and amp integration routing make this equally useful for studio sessions, fly dates, silent practice, or full touring setups. We like that Tone King kept the feel and responsiveness of a real tube amp intact while giving players a practical direct solution that still behaves like an actual amplifier under the fingers.
Specifications:
- Type: Tube Preamp and DI Pedal
- Finish: Black and Cream
- Channels: Rhythm and Lead
- Tubes: 3 x 12AX7
- Controls: Gain, EQ, Mid-Bite, attenuation controls, reverb, tremolo, IR and preset parameters
- Amp Voicings: Black-panel American clean, Tweed-style overdrive, British-inspired crunch
- Effects: Stereo convulation-based spring reverb, stereo tremolo
- IR Section: 15 onboard OwnHammer IRs, additional IR management via Tone King Editor
- Presets: 128 MIDI-accessible presets
- Switching: True Bypass
- Inputs: 1 x 1/4" instrument input, 1 x 1/4" from amp, 2 x 1/4" stereo returns
- Outputs: 1 x 1/4" send, 1 x 1/4" to amp input, 1 x 1/4" to amp return, 2 x XLR balanced outputs
- Effects Loop: Stereo series effects loop
- MIDI: MIDI In
- USB: USB-C
- Headphone Output: 1 x 1/4"
- Software: Tone King Editor
- Power: Included 9-12V DC power supply
- Current Draw: 1A at 9V, 750mA at 12V
- Dimensions: 7.2" x 5.7" x 2.75"
- Weight: 1.9 lbs
Sku: TK-IP
