Tone King Imperial Preamp

The Tone King Imperial Tri Tube Preamp brings the unmistakable sound of the Tone King Imperial MKII amplifier directly to your pedalboard. In a compact and portable format, it encompasses the entire preamp section, Phase Inverter, Reverb, Tremolo, and attenuator, delivering a sound rich in harmonics, dynamic, and alive under your fingers.

It is powered by three high-voltage 12AX7 tubes, just like the original amp, ensuring the same response and interaction with your guitar and effects. It also features an IR Loader system (one for each channel), headphone output, full MIDI compatibility, and ease of integration into your rig, bringing these vintage tones into the modern era.

The two channels faithfully replicate the American sounds of the '50s and '60s: the Rhythm Channel is inspired by the bright and dynamic cleans of Blackface amps, while the Lead Channel evokes the creamy and compressed grit of Tweed amps. The latter also includes a Mid-Bite control for more precise sound sculpting, adding presence and British-style Gain.

The Phase Inverter circuitry is the same as that of the Imperial MKII, ensuring the harmonic push typical of a tube power section, but directly in the pedal.

Classic effects such as Spring Reverb and Tremolo are available, assignable independently to each channel. Both are in digital form but retain all the "old-school" character of the original model.

The integrated IR simulation and Power Amp allow for direct connection to an audio interface or live mixer, with 15 OwnHammer-signed IRs already included. Each channel has three selectable IRs via switch, while additional ones can be loaded through the Tone King Editor software. Among these are the Tone King 1660 speaker, Celestion Blues from '63, and G12M-25 from '71, all captured with high-quality microphones and preamps.

Through the Tone King Editor (software developed by Synergy), you can adjust every digital parameter, load your favorite IRs, manage effects, and save up to 128 MIDI presets. This makes the Imperial Preamp not only a powerful pedal but also extremely flexible for those using digital systems or working in the studio.

MIDI support opens the door to complete live control, allowing for instant sound changes via pedalboard or laptop. Additionally, the pedal can be used in a 3-cable setup with other amps equipped with effects loops, transforming it into an alternative front-end or integrating with other pedalboard preamps. It is also possible to assign the Imperial’s Reverb and Tremolo to other preamp channels.

Perfect for live recording, silent playing, enhancing an existing amplifier, or building a super pedalboard rig, the Imperial Preamp is a perfect combination of vintage tube tone and modern control.

• High Voltage Two-Channel Preamp – DI
• Three 12AX7 tubes for the preamp
• Zero Watt integrated power amp - Phase Inverter circuit
• Two channels with independent controls for Volume and Attenuation
• Rhythm Channel: American Blackface combo sounds from the '60s, with Bass and Treble controls
• Lead Channel: American Tweed combo sounds from the '50s and British rock, with Tone and Mid-Bite controls
• Spring reverb with Reverb and Dwell controls, assignable independently to each channel
• Digital tremolo with Depth and Speed controls, assignable independently to each channel
• Stereo FX loop, in series (bypassable)
• MIDI programmable, saves up to 128 presets for instant recall via external MIDI switcher
• Integrated Impulse Response (IR) technology with low-latency cabinet simulation (bypassable)
• 3-position CAB/IR selector per channel (programmable via software)
• 15 OwnHammer IRs included
• Power amp simulation with HF Comp and Low-Pass filters adjustable via software (per channel)
• Balanced stereo XLR outputs
• ¼" headphone output
• Stereo effects Send and Return
• Standard 5-pin MIDI connector
• USB-C connector for use with Tone King Editor software
• Jack To Amp In, From Amp Send, and From Amp Return – to add the Imperial channels to your amplifier or preamp
• Included: 6' USB cable, universal 12V power supply
• Dimensions: 183 x 145 x 70 mm
• Weight: 0.86 kg