The Imperial Preamp puts the Imperial MKII's preamp and phase inverter on a pedalboard. Three 12AX7s run at proper high voltage, with one of them working as a phase inverter, which Tone King calls a zero-watt power amp. It gives you the dynamics of the amp's power section with no power section attached.
Two channels, as on the amp. Rhythm is the '60s blackface clean with Bass and Treble. Lead is the '50s tweed with Tone and Mid-Bite, which pushes it toward British crunch. Each channel has its own Volume and Attenuation. Spring reverb (convolution) and tremolo (digital) can be assigned to either channel. A cab simulator with 15 included OwnHammer impulse responses sends it straight to a desk, an interface or headphones, and MIDI stores up to 128 presets.
It suits the player who records direct or plays on silent stages and still wants a real tube preamp. With the three-cable method it also adds the Imperial's two channels to any amp with a series effects loop. For British voicings in the same format, look at the Royalist Preamp.
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECS
Country of Origin: China
Weight: 1.9 lbs.
Dimensions: 7.2" (W) x 5.7" (D) x 2.75" (H)
Type: Two Channel High-Voltage preamp, DI
Tubes: 3 x 12AX7 preamp tubes running at proper high voltages
Power Amp: Built-In zero watt poweramp, phase inverter circuit
Included: 6' USB Cable, Universal 12V Power Supply
CONTROLS
Channels: Two channels with independent Volume and Attenuation controls
Rhythm Channel (top): '60s-era American blackface combo tone; Bass and Treble controls
Lead Channel (Bottom): '50s-era American tweed combo and British rock tones; Tone and Mid-Bite controls
Spring Reverb (convolution): Reverb and Dwell controls, independently assignable to each channel
Tremolo (digital): Depth and Speed controls, independently assignable to each channel
MIDI: Save up to 128 presets for instant recall via an external MIDI switcher
Impulse Response: Low-latency Impulse Response cabinet simulation (bypassable); 3-position CAB/IR select switch per channel; 15 Included OwnHammer IRs
Power Amp Simulation: Software editable HF Comp and Low-Pass filters (per channel)
CONNECTIONS
Outputs: Dual stereo balanced XLR outputs with Ground Lift Switch
Headphones: 1/4" Headphone output
Effects Loop: Effects Send and Stereo Return Jacks; Stereo, Series FX loop (bypassable)
MIDI: MIDI 5-pin standard connector
USB: USB-C connector for use with the included Tone King Editor software
Amp Integration: To Amp In, From Amp Send and From Amp Return Jacks
