Don’t think of Tone King’s first pedal offering as just another pedal. It’s basically a Tone King Imperial amplifier that has been stuffed into the confines of a pedal case, which is quite awesome! Set to emulate their classic Imperial amplifier, this solid unit delivers authentic tube driven tone thanks to three 12ax7 preamp tubes running at full plate voltage. And while this tube preamp in a 1.9 pound box may be the closest you’ll get to having a vintage tube amp on your pedalboard, its feature set leaves nothing on the table.
| Category | Value | Rating |
| Features | 20% |  |
| Usability | 25% |  |
| Sound | 25% |  |
| Documentation & Support | 10% | |
| Price | 20% |  |
| OVERALL RATING = 3.7 Stars, which earns it a WIHO Award! 3.6 stars or better: Outstanding, WIHO Award 3 stars or better: Worth considering 2 stars or better: Suited to specific needs 1 star or less: Not recommended |
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Features
The Tone King Imperial, two channel, high-voltage preamp pedal pairs vintage tone with modern versatility, powered by three 12AX7 preamp tubes running at proper voltage levels—unlike so many preamp pedals that feature a single 12AX7 not even running at full plate voltage. Its two independent channels offer unique tonal options including: the Rhythm Channel (based on a ‘60s-era, American blackface combo) which features Bass and Treble controls, and the Lead Channel (‘50s-era tweed and British rock tones) features Tone and Mid-Bite controls.
Both channels feature assignable Convolution Spring Reverb and Digital Tremolo effects, with adjustable controls for both the Reverb (Dwell and Level) and the Tremolo (Depth and Speed). With onboard impulse response (IR) cabinet simulation, the preamp includes a 3-position CAB/IR switch, and offers full MIDI programmability for saving up to 128 presets. It also includes a stereo series FX loop, dual balanced XLR outputs, and a USB-C connection for Tone King software integration. Additional features like low-latency IR simulation, preamp software-editable filters, and the included OwnHammer IRs round out a powerful, flexible, and user-friendly experience for musicians of any skill level and previous experience tweaking pedals.
The pedal gives you full control over independent power amp simulation via the editor with Attenuation, High Filter Compensation and Low-Pass filters for more tone shaping options than you’ll find in most other preamp pedals. The 15 included, high-quality OwnHammer IRs are a welcomed addition since all 15 have usable settings across both channels. You can easily load and manage your own IRs as well, assigning them to any of the six available CAB/IR slots (three per channel). Additionally, the software editor lets you toggle reverb tails, effects loop bypass settings, and more.
You can easily integrate the Tone King into your existing setup thanks to its expansive I/O options. The manual walks you through direct setup, integration into your pedalboard, four-cable method via the FX Loop, and much more.
Usability
While we go in depth over the usability in the partnered video, it’s worth restating that the pedal can be edited from the front panel without needing the manual or software. Each section of the pedal is clearly labeled, and with the ability to save presets you can easily recall previous tones at the click of a button. Setting up the pedal is as easy as plugging your guitar into it, then using the appropriate output based on your rig desires (Combo amp return, direct, headphones etc.).
Sound
The sounds of this pedal are covered in depth in the partnered video, but it’s important to clarify that this pedal aims to recreate the Tone King MKII amplifier’s ‘50s tweed, ‘60s blackface, and vintage British rock tones in a compact, pedalboard-friendly format. It features the exact preamp section and phase inverter circuitry of the Imperial MKII amp.
This built-in “0 watt power amp” authentically provides the harmonic and dynamic content of the Tone King power amp section, giving you one of the most authentic tube-amp experiences we’ve heard from a guitar pedal.
Documentation and Support
The included manual covers everything you’d possibly need to know about the pedal. A digital version is also available on the website next to the editor software. Special shoutout to Tone King for providing a manual this in-depth. The illustrations and commentary are as good as you’ll find with any musical instrument product, and if you’ve owned gear from companies like Mesa/Boogie or Synergy, you know what we’re talking about when it comes to creating truly meaningful documentation that musicians will want to read.
Price
The Tone King Imperial Tube Preamp Pedal sells for $599.99.
For the money, this pedal packs plenty of punch in terms of delivering a variety of vintage guitar tones with great input/output options for live or studio setups. Of course, at this price there are several modeling units that offer a technically wider range of amp and effect choices. But if you’re after real analog tone, those just aren’t the same thing. If you crave old school rock tones, the Tone King Imperial is the closest you’re going to get to the sound of a true vintage amplifier in a floor-based unit, and it gives you all the modern connectivity options to work with any modern guitar rig on stage or in your studio.
Contact Information
Tone King
www.toneking.com
