Tone King Imperial Tri-Tube Preamp
Professional music gear - detailed information and where to buy
Tone King
Imperial Tri-Tube Preamp
Product Info
Article Number:
612642
Brand:
Tone King
Model:
Imperial Tri-Tube Preamp
Category:
Electric Guitar Preamps
Price:
$768.90
* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.
This Tone King Imperial Tri-Tube Preamp is a seriously impressive piece of gear. It captures the vibe of vintage Tone King amps in a compact, pedalboard-friendly format. Ideal for players seeking classic amp tones and studio-quality recording capabilities without the bulk of a full amp – especially those craving that MKII vibe.
Product Description
- Tone King Imperial Tri-Tube Preamp
- Tube Preamp For Electric Guitar
- Two channels
- Tone King's legendary MKII amplifier with the tweed
- blackface and vintage British rock sounds of the 50s in a compact
- pedalboard-friendly size
- with the exact preamp section and phase reverse circuitry of the Imperial MKII amplifier as well as reverb
- tremolo and cutback
- The DSP IR Cabinet / Power Amp Simulation sends a studio-quality cab and mic sound to a DAW or mixing console
- Save up to 128 presets for instant recall via an external MIDI switcher
- Tubes: Three 12AX7
- Reverb control: Reverb
- Dwell
- Tremolo control: Depth
- Speed
- Controls for rhythm channel: Attenuation
- Bass
- Treble
- Volume
- Controls for lead channel: Attenuation
- Mid-Bite
- Tone
- Volume
- Switches: Ground lift
- 3-way CAB / IR selector switch per channel
- FX loop: Serial
- Line input: 6.3 mm jack
- Send: 6.3 mm jack
- Send and return: Two 6.3 mm jacks
- Left & right balanced output: Two XLR
- To Amp In: 6.3 mm stereo jack
- From Amp Send: 6.3 mm stereo jack
- To Amp Return: 6.3 mm stereo jack
- Headphones: 6.3 mm stereo jack
- MIDI in: 5-pin
- USB-C
- Power supply connection: Barrel connector 5.5 x 2.1 mm
- centre negative
- Power consumption: 800 mA
- Power supply with a 12 V DC mains adapter (included)
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 183 x 145 x 70 mm
- Weight: 0.9 kg
PROS
- • Three 12AX7 tubes deliver rich, dynamic, and harmonically complex tones.
- • MKII preamp circuitry authentically recreates classic Tone King amp sounds.
- • DSP IR cabinet simulation offers remarkably realistic amp-in-a-box versatility.
- • Preset saving via MIDI allows for seamless switching between tones in live performance.
CONS
- • The 12AX7 tubes will require periodic replacement, adding to long-term costs.
- • The DSP IR cabinet, while good, isn’t a substitute for a high-end real-world cabinet.
- • Limited EQ controls may restrict fine-tuning for highly specific tonal requirements.
Product Video
Key Features
Channels
Two (Rhythm/Lead)
Preamp Type
All-Tube (12AX7)
EQ
Attenuation, Bass, Treble, Mid-Bite, Tone
Effects
Reverb, Tremolo, DSP IR Cabinet Simulation
Connections
1/4 in Instrument Input, 1/4 in Line Output, 1/4 in Speaker Out, MIDI In/Out, Ground Lift Switch
Weight
Approximately 11 lbs
Similar Products
Kawai K-200 ATX 4 WDB Piano
Pianos
$9,119
Piano, With AnytimeX-4 equipment, Millennium III mechanics with ABS carbon parts of...
Manuel Rodriguez Superior Anniversario 120 J-SB
4/4 Size Classical Guitars
$1,099
Classical Guitar, Special model for the anniversary of Guitarras...
Taylor 814ce Special Edition Sedona
Other Acoustic Guitars
$5,499
*Note:* Register your Taylor guitar to extend your warranty to 12 years.
Taylor GS-Mini-e Sakuraburst
Folk Acoustic Guitars
$989
*Note:* Register your Taylor guitar to extend your warranty to 12 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's remarkably good for a digital simulation, but lacks the nuance and subtle imperfections of a premium, mic'd cabinet. It’s perfect for recording or practice, but not a complete substitute for the real deal.
Absolutely. The attenuation control allows you to dial in a clean boost or a saturated overdrive tone, even at higher volumes.
Yes, the MIDI implementation is designed to handle multiple presets and parameter changes, offering a good level of control for live performance and studio integration.
