Back to results

Tone King Imperial Tri-tube Preamp and DI Pedal

Name: Tone King Imperial Tri-tube Preamp and DI Pedal
Brand: Tone King
Rating: 4.5 (35 reviews)

Stereo Tube Preamp Guitar Pedal with 2 Channels, Attenuation, Power Amp Simulation, Tremolo, Reverb, IRs, MIDI, USB-C, FX Loop, Headphone Jack, and Tone King Editor

Write your review

Item ID: ImperialPre

Tone King Imperial Tri-tube Preamp and DI Pedal

In Stock!

Add to Cart

Ask An Expert

Our expertly trained Sales Engineers are ready to help!

(800) 222-4700

What is a Sales Engineer?

Tone King Imperial Tri-tube Preamp and DI Pedal

In Stock!

Add to Cart

Add to list

Most Popular Accessories & Related Items

Back to navigation

This article was Written By

Our Product Research Team

Get to know them!

A Pint-size Imperial Packing Boutique Tube Tone

Powered by a trio of 12AX7 tubes, the Tone King Imperial Preamp condenses the essence of Tone King’s beloved Imperial MKII amplifier into a pedalboard-friendly package. This pedal is uncompromisingly faithful to its amplifier inspiration, boasting the exact preamp and phase-inverter circuitry as the full-size Imperial MKII along with tube-powered stereo convolution spring reverb and stereo tremolo. Two valve-fueled channels are on tap, covering black-panel ’60s shimmer, biting 1950s Tweed tones, and even British crunch via an intuitive control section that mirrors the feel of dialing in an amp. Both channels come equipped with a plethora of sound-shaping enhancements, including independent Attenuation knobs and three configurable IR slots per channel. Still, these impressive features don’t cover half the cutting-edge capabilities packed in this pedal, which include power amp simulation, 128 MIDI-switchable presets, expanded editing parameters, IR control via the Synergy-powered Tone King Editor, and much more. It’s all finished with dual XLR outs, a stereo series effects loop, a headphone jack, MIDI in, and USB-C to access the editor. Whether you’re plugging straight into the PA, recording into your audio interface, pairing up with a cab/power amp combo, or elevating your amp with additional channels, the Tone King Imperial Preamp grants you boutique tube tone right from your pedalboard.

Precisely replicated Imperial MKII circuitry

It’s no exaggeration to claim that the Tone King Imperial Preamp perfectly captures the sound of its bigger Imperial MKII siblings for one simple reason: it is an Imperial MKII, at least as far as its circuitry is concerned. In fact, this pedal’s preamp and phase-inverter sections are identical to the full-size Imperial MKII amplifier, harnessing the power of three 12AX7 tubes running at proper high voltage. Moreover, these tubes also drive the Tone King Imperial Preamp’s stereo convolution spring reverb and stereo tremolo for full vintage-inspired sonic authenticity. To top it all off, the pedal’s phase-inverter section sports a “0-watt power amp” engineered to precisely emulate the harmonic depth and dynamic character of the Tone King Imperial MKII amplifier’s power amp — a cutting-edge feature that ensures an authentic, front-to-back Tone King Imperial experience.

Black-panel chime and Tweed-style bark

Sweetwater’s many ardent Tone King Imperial devotees were pleased to learn that the Tone King Imperial Preamp boasts two Fullerton-inspired channels, just like its full-size predecessor. First, the Rhythm Channel captures the clear, glassy voice made famous by the black-panel Fullerton amplifiers of the 1960s. This mid-scooped sound delivers sparkling clean tones in spades, with a sizzling breakup tone when pushed into saturation. In stark contrast, the Lead Channel favors the barking, mid-forward sound of Fullerton’s 1950s-era Tweed amplifiers. Finally, these two classic California flavors are augmented by a Mid-Bite knob — a control that transforms the Lead Channel’s Tweed character into a rock-ready, British-inspired crunch.

Elevate your direct sound with onboard IRs

Whether you pair it with a cab and power amplifier or use it to increase your amp’s versatility via the effects loop, the Tone King Imperial Preamp is ready for anything. If you prefer to go straight in and keep your stage rig as portable as possible, then this preamp’s robust IR section and power-amp simulation ensure ultra-authentic direct tones. Fifteen OwnHammer-made IRs come loaded in the preamp right out of the box, with 12 more IRs to choose from via Tone King’s Synergy-powered Editor software. You also get a robust I/O section, including balanced stereo XLR outs, an onboard effects loop, MIDI in, a headphone jack, and USB-C. Last but not least, you can even completely disable the preamp’s IR section if you prefer to use your own IR loader or plug it into a powered cabinet with onboard IRs.

Synergy-powered Tone King Editor

This preamp’s Tone King Editor software allows in-depth fine-tuning of all the pedal’s digital parameters. From assigning reverb and tremolo to the preamp’s channels to dialing in the HF comp and lowpass filters of the power amp simulation section, Tone King Editor grants you complete control over your tone. And once you’ve precisely sculpted your preferred sound, the Editor provides 128 MIDI-accessible preset slots.

Tone King Imperial Preamp Features:

Packs the sound and circuitry of Tone King’s Imperial MKII amplifier platform into a compact pedal form
Powered by three 12AX7 power tubes along with preamp and phase-inverter circuitry that exactly matches the full-size Imperial MKII
Rhythm Channel replicates the lush, glassy tone made famous by the black-panel amps of the 1960s
2-band EQ on the Rhythm Channel to precisely sculpt your sound
Lead Channel captures the grit and bark of 1950s Tweed-style amps
Lead Channel sports a Mid-Bite knob, which transforms its Tweed-style tone into hard-hitting British crunch, and a standard Tone knob
Each channel features an Attenuation control that allows you to easily send your sound into true tube saturation
Robust IR section includes six slots (three per channel) with access to 15 included OwnHammer IRs
USB-C gives you access to Tone King Editor to select IRs, modify parameters, and save up to 128 MIDI-accessible presets
Tone King Editor unlocks in-depth parameter adjustment, from reverb trails to power-amp simulation, with editable HF comp and LP filters
Phase inverter comes equipped with a “0-watt power amp” to authentically capture the dynamism and harmonic depth of the full-size Imperial MKII
Tube-powered stereo convolution spring reverb and stereo tremolo instantly take your tone back to the golden age of tube amplification
Extensive I/O section, including two balanced XLR outs, MIDI in, a stereo series effects loop, USB-C, and a headphone out
Excels in a wide variety of setups, whether you’re going straight into the PA, elevating your amp’s versatility via its effects loop, or rocking an outboard power amp/cab
Ground-lift switch to cut out unwanted noise

Resources

Best Guitar Preamp Pedals

Oct 29, 2025

Tone King Imperial Tri-tube Preamp and DI Demo

Apr 9, 2025

Warranty Info

Sweetwater's FREE 2-Year Total Confidence Coverage Warranty

Extra peace of mind at no extra cost.

Save money with FREE parts and labor
Get back to making music with the industry's fastest turnaround time
Fix it the first time with our award-winning, factory-certified Service Department

Learn More about Total Confidence Coverage

Back to navigation

Tech Specs

Pedal Type: Preamp and DI
Analog/Digital: Digital
Channels: 2
Form Factor: Pedal
Amp Modeling: Yes
Impulse Response: 15 IRs, IR Library management
Tubes: 3 x 12AX7
Inputs: 1 x 1/4" (instrument), 1 x 1/4" (from amp), 2 x 1/4" (L/R return)
Outputs: 1 x 1/4" (send), 1 x 1/4" (to amp in), 1 x 1/4" (to amp return), 2 x XLR (balanced)
Effects Loop: 2 x 1/4"
MIDI I/O: In
USB: 1 x USB-C
Headphones: 1 x 1/4"
True Bypass: Yes
Software: Tone King Editior
Power Source: 9-12V DC power supply (included)
Power Usage: 1A (9V), 750mA (12V)
Height: 2.75"
Width: 7.2"
Depth: 5.7"
Weight: 1.9 lbs.
Manufacturer Part Number: Imperial Preamp

What Makes Our Sales Engineers Great?

Sweetwater Sales Engineers are a world-class team of experts dedicated to you. Hand selected from across the globe, each brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the world of music gear to provide you with unparalleled service completely free of charge. Friendly relationships, real trust, and the right gear are only a call or a click away!

(800) 222-4700

Contact Your Sales Engineer

Back to navigation

Reviews

4.7

Customer Photos & Videos

So, like a lot of guitar players, we are doing worship on the weekends, small combo for gigs when available. Silent stage where I play at church, with the luxury of miking a Princeton off stage. My board is rigged for stereo, but I had only doing mono at this point. Ive been using a couple drive pedals, compressor, and an HX Stomp for delays, effects. Went this route because I was always trying to dial in an amp/cab sound with the Stomp, and never satisfied. Always tweaking, not playing. The Stomp is great for their snapshot mode, as well as building a song and moving between them. Ive gotten use to it, and like the feature. Future- going stereo, so lead guitar doesn't get buried in the mix. Ive done that before, and using IEM's, it's a game changer. So... I added the Tone King to do this. Running Tone King Pre Amp after my drives, and before the Stomp. The Stomp goes stereo out to FOH.

Bottom line- the Tone King is amazing. The ability to dial in that beautiful clean tone, and adding a bit of gain on the rhythm side to give it the tweed sound, is huge. I've tried a Strymon, Helix, but there's been nothing that's sound, feels, and reacts like the Tone King Pre-Amp. Ive not been as pumped about a solution since I sold my Peavey and started playing through pre- CBS Vibrolux Reverb. Don't hesitate, get one.

If you're playing direct to front of house or on a silent stage and want to avoid a million menus, this may be the best solution on the market. With dual XLR out, and a flawless onboard tremolo and reverb, you can get amazing stereo tones for clean or lead without another pedal...

or...

You can easily pair it with the Friedman IR series (or other similar amp pedals). In my case, I'm able to use the Friedman IR-D channels, but keep both the reverb active from the Tone King AND get stereo XLR out; which was the biggest drawback to the IR series for me. Additionally, it takes pedals like a champ, and a multi-effect unit into the effects loop and you have an absolute dream rig.

For all of the people saying there is too much bass, I've never had that issue. I typically am playing a Les Paul and have a Browne Protein in front. I can easily dial out any mud with the EQ on either the Tone King or my drives. My Telecaster and Gretsch sound great as well. I will say that even at home, I'm using it through PA speakers and studio monitors only. Maybe in the loop of an amp or with an FRFR the bass is more difficult to tame.

In the world on modern day amp modelers, this is the one to get. It simply sounds amazing! The UI is amp-like that one can easily achieve lush blackface or barking tweed tones without having to menu dive. The I/O allows for so much capability, and is what truly sold me to this unit (headphone out, stereo fx loop, xlr DI outputs). The IR's that are loaded a great but if you want to load your own, you can (I personally think the OwnHammer IR's that are loaded sound awesome). It's everything the UA Dream 65 wishes it could be (I'm glad I sold it and i'm never looking back)!

I have used an original 1968 Princton Reverb amp for years at our Church. We recently went to "no amps" and I tried various amp simulators, with poor results. This pedal changed everything. I have removed my strymon flint, as the reverb is wonderful on this (as is the tremelo). The pedal also has cut down on my usage of the Analogman KOT. It sounds as close to the PR as I could have hoped.

I bought this partly out of curiosity. I own a Bartel Sugarland head and cabinet (though I tend to use only the head in the studio, with a Fractal Audio X-Load LB2 and as UAFX OX Stomp). It was a special run Mark Bartel did for Chuck Levin Washington Music Center. It's a gorgeous 12W multi-voice amp, able to produce a very wide range of tones using unconventional dialing of the knobs to get them. It's a delicious hand-wired miracle machine, and I love it. I later learned that Mark Bartel is the mastermind behind the original Tone King, and that he designed the original Tone King Imperial and the Imperial II. (He left Tone King a few years ago, and now designs and builds Bartel-branded amps in Maryland.) When this pedal showed up on the radar during winter NAMM '25, I was super-curious. The few demos I heard on YT by people at NAMM sounded great. Also, knowing that this was part of the Synergy ecosystem, and owning another product from that ecosystem (Soldano X88-IR stereo rackmount tube preamp), I had confidence it would be useful in the studio. As soon as this pedal showed up in the Sweetwater catalog, I placed my order.

My first impression: with all tone-shaping knobs at noon, it favors a Strat-style guitar or at least more "thin"-sounding pickups. However, the more I used with other guitars, the more versatile it seems. I laid down solos to a song this week as an hired gun, and used the Tone Kind Imperial Tri-tube preamp pedal exclusively for all solo parts. This included Eddie-style rippers sandwiched between Brian May-style harmonies, played on my custom shop LP custom. On the pedal's lead channel, I adjusted the tone by turning the bass knob counterclockwise to around 9 o'clock, and the mid bite & treble all the way up clockwise. I used a stock IR, with the IR switch all the way to the right (it's a three-way toggle; not sure which cab that represents). I also used a neutral boost in front of the pedal to provide a tiny bit of umph. Wow, just great guitar solo sound. Very inspiring.

The cleans are also fantastic. The rhythm channel straddles Fender / Dumble territory, depending on the tone and gain settings. It has a great long sustain Dumble-y vibe, especially with my Harmony Jupiter Thinline Cherry guitar, and the rhythm channel dial in slightly dirty. The feel and tone are very satisfying.

It's a great pedal. Highly recommended!

(Kudos to my sales rep Ashton Vaudt!)