Tone King Royalist Preamp

The Tone King Royalist MKIII, now on your pedalboard.

The Tone King Royalist Preamp delivers the unmistakable roar, punch, and harmonic bloom of the Royalist MKIII amplifier in a compact, pedalboard-friendly format.

Powered by three high-voltage 12AX7 tubes, this preamp authentically captures the evolution of classic British tone, from smooth early JTM-style warmth to Plexi crunch and full Super Lead drive. It also adds modern flexibility with MIDI integration, impulse response cabinet simulation, and a built-in zero-watt poweramp for direct recording and performance.

At its core, the Royalist Preamp features two fully independent channels, each equipped with a three-position 1964 / 1967 / 1970 voicing selector and FAT switch. The 1964 mode delivers smooth top end and vintage blues warmth. The 1967 setting introduces bold mids and aggressive bite. The 1970 mode increases gain and tightness for arena-ready rock authority. While the channels can be dialed similarly, they feature era-accurate tone stacks. The top channel is inspired by JTM45 and Super Bass circuits, while the bottom channel reflects a later-era British Lead voice, offering two distinct yet authentic flavors of classic British amplification.

Beyond its all-tube preamp section, the Royalist includes a built-in zero-watt poweramp with a genuine phase inverter circuit. This design recreates the harmonic interaction between preamp and power section, delivering the feel and dynamic response of a driven British amp without excessive volume.

For direct recording, silent stages, or streamlined live setups, the onboard IR loader provides low-latency cabinet simulation, preloaded with premium OwnHammer impulse responses. Each channel features a three-position IR selector, and the included Tone King Editor software allows access to 20 IRs, custom IR loading, filter adjustments, and up to 128 MIDI-programmable presets.

The Royalist Preamp integrates seamlessly into virtually any rig. Use it as a standalone DI solution, add two British channels to your existing amplifier via the 3-cable method, or combine it with other preamp pedals to build a modular, stage-ready system. This is the sound of British rock heritage, reborn for the modern player.

Tone King Royalist Preamp Features

• Authentic high-voltage tube preamp with three 12AX7 tubes

• Two fully independent channels with Volume, Bass, Middle, and Treble controls

• 1964 / 1967 / 1970 voicing selector per channel

• FAT switch per channel for added body and low-end response

• Era-accurate tone stacks. JTM45 and Super Bass inspired top channel. British Lead inspired bottom channel

• Built-in zero-watt poweramp phase inverter circuit for full amp-like response

• Onboard impulse response loader with 20 included OwnHammer cabinet IRs

• Three IR slots per channel, user-assignable via software

• Power amp simulation with adjustable HF Comp and filtering

• MIDI programmable with up to 128 presets for instant recall

• Stereo series effects loop, bypassable

• Dual stereo balanced XLR outputs with ground lift

• 1/4 inch headphone output and USB-C connectivity

• Power: 12V DC

• Dimensions: 7.2" x 5.7" x 2.75"