An all-tube preamp pedal with lush vintage amp tones.
The Tone King Imperial Preamp effects pedal brings the legendary tone of the Imperial MKII amplifier directly to your pedalboard. Featuring the exact preamp section and phase inverter circuitry of the original amp, this pedal delivers authentic '50s tweed, '60s blackface and British rock tones in a compact format. Powered by three 12AX7 tubes running at high voltage, it offers harmonic richness, dynamic touch response and seamless interaction with your pickups and effects. The inclusion of stereo reverb, tremolo and impulse response (IR) cabinet simulation further enhances its versatility. With MIDI capabilities and Tone King Editor software, the Imperial Preamp pedal combines vintage charm with modern functionality, making it an indispensable addition to any guitarist's rig.
Dual Channels for Vintage Tone
This pedal offers two distinct channels that faithfully recreate classic amplifier tones. The Rhythm Channel delivers pristine cleans with touch-sensitive response inspired by '60s blackface combos, transitioning smoothly into overdrive. The Lead Channel replicates the warm, articulate cleans and aggressive midrange bark of '50s tweed amps, with a Mid-Bite control for added tonal shaping. This control tightens the low-end while boosting high-end presence and gain, perfect for achieving British-inspired crunch. Whether you're dialing in sparkling cleans or gritty overdrive, the Imperial Preamp ensures authentic vintage tones with exceptional clarity and depth.
Built-In Phase Inverter for Authentic Dynamics
The Imperial Preamp pedal incorporates the exact phase inverter circuitry from the Imperial MKII amplifier, powered by one of its three 12AX7 tubes. This built-in "0-watt poweramp" reproduces the harmonic and dynamic content of the amp's power section, delivering genuine tube amp responsiveness directly from your pedalboard. The phase inverter captures the blooming touch sensitivity and subtle nuances of a traditional tube amp, making it ideal for players who demand expressive dynamics. This innovative design ensures the full Imperial MKII experience, offering unmatched tone and feel.
Stereo Reverb, Tremolo and IR Technology
The pedal features foot-switchable stereo spring reverb and tremolo effects, inspired by the original Imperial MKII amp. These era-correct effects add dimension and movement, transporting your tone to the golden age of electric guitar. Additionally, the onboard impulse response (IR) cabinet simulation includes 15 OwnHammer-made IRs, allowing you to achieve studio-quality sound directly to a PA or audio interface. With options like Tone King's 1x12 combo and vintage Celestion-loaded cabinets, the IR technology ensures precise speaker emulation for a polished performance. Combined, these features deliver a complete tonal package for both live and studio applications.
Durable Design and Expandable Features
Built to withstand the demands of gigging and recording, this pedal is housed in a rugged chassis designed for long-term reliability. MIDI compatibility and Tone King Editor software allow you to save and recall up to 128 presets, fine-tune parameters and expand functionality. Assigning effects and IR slots to each channel is intuitive, making the pedal easy to integrate into complex setups. Whether you're loading custom IRs or managing your signal chain, the Imperial Preamp offers flexible control for modern players. Its robust construction and advanced features ensure consistent performance and sonic precision.
A Compact Solution for Professional Tone
The Tone King Imperial Preamp effects pedal delivers the iconic tones of the Imperial MKII amp in a portable and pedalboard-friendly format. With its dual channels, built-in reverb and tremolo, impulse response capabilities and MIDI control, this pedal caters to players seeking authentic tube tone without the weight of a full amplifier. Perfect for gigging musicians and studio enthusiasts alike, it provides professional-grade sound in a compact and adaptable package.