Tone King Royalist MkII Tri-Tube Preamp Pedal

Product Description

The Tone King Royalist Preamp Pedal brings the unmistakable sound and response of classic British valve amplifiers to a versatile, pedalboard-friendly format. Based on Tone King's acclaimed Royalist MKIII amplifier, this high-voltage, three-valve preamp captures the warmth, harmonic complexity and dynamic character of legendary British guitar tones, from early JTM45-inspired cleans through Plexi crunch to the aggressive drive of a Super Lead.

At the heart of the Royalist Preamp are three 12AX7 valves operating at genuine high voltages, delivering the touch sensitivity, natural compression and rich harmonic response associated with traditional valve amplification. Unlike conventional overdrive pedals, the Royalist recreates the gain structure, tone stacks and playing feel of a complete amplifier preamp, offering an authentic valve-driven experience for live performance, recording and direct applications.

The pedal features two independent channels, each equipped with dedicated Volume, Bass, Middle and Treble controls, a FAT switch and a three-position voicing selector. The 1964 setting delivers smooth highs, lower gain and vintage warmth, while the 1967 setting introduces crisp treble response and pronounced midrange bite. The 1970 setting provides increased gain and tighter response for powerful classic rock tones.

Each channel also features a distinctive EQ circuit inspired by different eras of British amplification. The upper channel draws from vintage JTM45, Bassman and Super Bass designs, while the lower channel features a later British Lead-style tone stack. This arrangement provides an extensive range of authentic British amplifier sounds, with the flexibility to configure two contrasting tones for instant switching.

A standout feature is Tone King's Zero Watt Power Amp, which uses a genuine valve phase inverter circuit to reproduce the harmonic richness and dynamic interaction of an overdriven amplifier power section without requiring high volume levels. Combined with dual built-in Iron Man attenuator circuits, the Royalist delivers exceptional control over gain, response and playing dynamics.

For direct recording and live performance, the Royalist includes low-latency impulse response cabinet simulation and power amp modelling. Three selectable cabinet IRs are available per channel, with 20 premium OwnHammer impulse responses included through the Tone King Editor software. Balanced XLR outputs, headphone connectivity and a stereo effects loop make it easy to integrate the Royalist into a professional stage or studio setup.

The Royalist also offers extensive digital control through the Tone King Editor software, powered by Synergy. Players can manage cabinet IRs, configure effects routing, adjust power amp simulation parameters and save up to 128 presets for MIDI recall. Updated software and firmware also introduce USB audio recording, additional reverb types, expanded IR editing and improved MIDI switching.

Whether used as a complete direct guitar rig, integrated into an existing amplifier through its effects loop or combined with other preamp pedals, the Tone King Royalist Preamp delivers authentic British valve tone with modern flexibility. From expressive cleans and vintage crunch to saturated rock overdrive, it offers a sophisticated solution for guitarists who demand the feel and response of a genuine valve amplifier.

Key Features

• Authentic high-voltage valve preamp inspired by the Tone King Royalist MKIII amplifier

• Three genuine 12AX7 valves deliver rich harmonics and natural touch sensitivity

• Two independent channels with dedicated tone controls

• Three selectable British amplifier voicings inspired by 1964, 1967 and 1970 circuits

• Vintage-inspired tone stacks provide two distinctive British amplifier characters

• Individual FAT switches add body, warmth and low-end response

• Zero Watt Power Amp circuit recreates valve phase inverter dynamics

• Dual Iron Man attenuator circuits for enhanced tonal control

• From warm vintage cleans to classic Plexi crunch and saturated British drive

• Integrated cabinet IR and power amp simulation for realistic direct performance

• Premium OwnHammer cabinet impulse responses included

• Stereo effects loop for integrating external pedals

• Balanced XLR outputs for direct connection to recording interfaces and live sound systems

• Headphone output for private practice and monitoring

• MIDI control with up to 128 recallable presets

• Tone King Editor software for advanced sound shaping and configuration

• USB audio functionality for recording and monitoring

• Updated reverb options including Spring, Ambient and Room

• Flexible amplifier integration for adding valve channels to an existing rig

• Universal power supply included

Controls

• Channel Volume: Independent gain and volume adjustment for each channel

• Bass: Adjusts low-frequency response

• Middle: Shapes midrange presence and character

• Treble: Controls high-frequency response and brightness

• 1964 / 1967 / 1970 Voicing: Selects between three classic British amplifier eras

• FAT Switch: Adds body and low-end warmth to each channel

• HF Switches: Adjust high-frequency response within the attenuator circuits

• Reverb: Adjusts the onboard reverb effect

• Reverb Mode: Configures reverb trails

• CAB/IR Selector: Selects between three assignable cabinet impulse responses per channel

• Channel Switching: Selects between the two independent valve channels

• Bypass: Engages or bypasses the preamp

Specifications

• Brand: Tone King

• Model: Royalist Preamp

• Effect Type: High-Voltage Valve Preamp / Amplifier Simulator

• Amplifier Inspiration: Tone King Royalist MKIII

• Valve Configuration: 3 × 12AX7

• Channels: 2 Independent Channels

• Channel EQ: Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble

• Voicing Options: 1964, 1967, 1970

• Channel Tone Stacks: JTM45 / Bassman / Super Bass Inspired and British Lead Inspired

• Additional Channel Controls: FAT Switch

• Power Amp Circuit: Zero Watt Valve Phase Inverter

• Attenuation: Dual Iron Man Attenuator Circuits

• Cabinet Simulation: Low-Latency Impulse Response Technology

• IR Selection: 3 Assignable IR Slots per Channel

• Included IR Library: 20 OwnHammer Impulse Responses

• Power Amp Simulation: Software-Adjustable HF Compensation, Low-Pass and High-Pass Filters

• Reverb: Onboard, with Spring, Ambient and Room Options via Updated Software

• Effects Loop: Stereo Series, Bypassable

• MIDI: 5-Pin MIDI

• Preset Memory: Up to 128 Presets via MIDI

• Software: Tone King Editor Powered by Synergy

• USB: USB-C

• USB Audio: Recording and Monitoring Supported with Updated Firmware

• Direct Outputs: Dual Balanced XLR Outputs with Ground Lift

• Headphone Output: 1/4"

• Effects Connections: Effects Send and Stereo Return

• Amplifier Integration: To Amp In, From Amp Send and From Amp Return

• Power Requirements: 12V DC

• Included Power Supply: Universal 12V Power Supply

• Included Accessories: 6' USB Cable

• Dimensions: 7.2" W × 5.7" D × 2.75" H

• Weight: 1.9lbs (approximately 0.86kg)