The Tone King Imperial MKII—now on your pedalboard!
The Tone King Imperial Preamp delivers the rich, touch-sensitive tube tone of the Imperial MKII amplifier in a compact, pedalboard-friendly format.
With three high-voltage 12AX7 tubes, this preamp authentically captures the amp’s vintage American voicings, lush spring reverb, and smooth tremolo, while adding modern features like MIDI integration, impulse response cabinet simulation, and a built-in zero-watt poweramp for direct recording and performance.
At its core, the Imperial Preamp offers two distinct channels. The Rhythm Channel delivers pristine blackface-style cleans with a dynamic, edge-of-breakup response—perfect for players who love the feel of a vintage combo amp. The Lead Channel, inspired by classic tweed circuits, offers everything from warm, articulate cleans to a mid-forward British-style crunch, with a Mid-Bite control that shapes the low-end response while adding top-end presence.
Beyond its all-tube signal path, the Imperial Preamp features stereo convolution-based spring reverb and tremolo, assignable per channel, for added depth and movement. Its built-in phase inverter circuit accurately replicates the amp’s power section, ensuring harmonic richness and dynamic response—even without a speaker load.
For direct recording and silent stages, the onboard IR loader provides studio-quality cabinet simulation, featuring 15 OwnHammer impulse responses, selectable per channel. The Tone King Editor software enables deep parameter customization, while MIDI control allows instant recall of up to 128 presets.
The Imperial Preamp integrates seamlessly into any setup—use it as a standalone DI preamp, add its two channels to your existing amp via a series effects loop, or combine it with other preamp pedals for a modular, pedalboard-based rig. This is the ultimate fusion of vintage tube warmth and modern flexibility.
Tone King Imperial Preamp Features:
• Authentic high-voltage tube preamp with three 12AX7 tubes.
• Two channels: Blackface-style Rhythm Channel and Tweed/British-inspired Lead Channel.
• Built-in zero-watt poweramp phase inverter circuit for full amp-like response.
• Stereo spring reverb and tremolo, assignable per channel.
• Onboard impulse response (IR) loader with 15 OwnHammer cabinet IRs.
• MIDI programmable with up to 128 presets for instant recall.
• Stereo series effects loop, assignable per channel.
• Direct XLR outputs, headphone output, and USB-C connectivity.
• Expandable with external amps and preamps via 3-cable method.
• Power: 12V DC (adapter included).
• Dimensions: 7.2" x 5.7" x 2.75".
Specs
| Type | Preamp |
| Condition | New |
| Power | 12V DC |
| Current Draw | 800mA |
| Power supply included | Yes |
| Manufacturer Warranty | 5 years |
| Country of Origin | United States |
FREE SHIPPING
- Free shipping within Canada.
- Free shipping to the USA.
- Free shipping on international orders over 520$.
Visit the Shipping page for more.
Fast Delivery
- Canada : 1 - 2 business days
- USA : 1 - 2 business days
- Rest of the world: 3 - 5 business days.
Hassle-Free Returns
You have 45 days to test your new gear. If you choose to return it, we’ll send a full refund. It’s that simple: no bogus restocking fees or charges.
Visit the Returns page for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How can I tell if an item is in stock? +
Each product page shows an availability status.
• In stock items are ready to ship.
• Out of stock items are currently unavailable.
You can enter your email to be notified when an item is back in stock.
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Where are you located? +
We’re based in Blainville, Quebec, Canada.
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When will my order ship? +
Orders placed before 12 PM EST ship the same business day.
Tracking details are sent shortly after purchase.
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How much does shipping cost? +
Most orders ship free to Canada and the US.
International orders ship free on purchases over $520 CAD.
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Which shipping methods do you use? +
Orders ship via UPS Expedited by default.
For faster delivery, you can select UPS Express Saver at checkout.
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How long does shipping take? +
Typical delivery times are:
• Canada: 2–3 business days with UPS Expedited, 1 business day with UPS Express Saver
• USA: 2–3 business days with UPS Expedited, 1 business day with UPS Express Saver
• International: 3–5 business days with UPS Expedited, 2–3 business days with UPS Express Saver
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Which payment methods do you accept? +
We accept all major credit cards and PayPal.
Financing options are available through Klarna and RBC PayPlan.
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Do Canadian customers pay sales tax? +
Yes. Sales tax is applied based on your province of residence:
• Alberta: 5%
• British Columbia: 5%
• Manitoba: 5%
• New Brunswick: 15%
• Newfoundland and Labrador: 15%
• Northwest Territories: 5%
• Nova Scotia: 14%
• Nunavut: 5%
• Ontario: 13%
• Prince Edward Island: 15%
• Quebec: 14.975%
• Saskatchewan: 5%
• Yukon: 5%
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Do USA customers pay import fees? +
Yes. Starting August 29, 2025, all US-bound shipments will be subject to duties, taxes, and brokerage fees.
These charges are determined by US Customs and collected by UPS at delivery.
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Do international customers pay import fees? +
Yes. International shipments may be subject to duties and taxes.
These charges are set by the destination country’s customs authority and collected by UPS at delivery.