Synergy Imperial MK II Tube Preamp Module
For nearly two decades, Tone King has been synonymous with premium American tube tone, and no amplifier better defines their legacy than the Imperial MKII. From the glassy spank of vintage Blackface cleans to the gritty breakup of the best Tweed tones, the Imperial delivers the touch-sensitive dynamics and sweet harmonic complexity that have made Tone King a revered name among boutique amp aficionados. Now, through a collaboration with Synergy, the Tone King Imperial experience has been brought to the groundbreaking modular preamp format.
The Imperial module mirrors the two-channel design of the flagship Imperial MKII amplifier, offering independent Rhythm and Lead channels, complete with intuitive controls and the unmistakable feel of a handwired American classic. With a powerful, dynamic voice and inspiring responsiveness, the Tone King Imperial module puts decades of vintage tone at your fingertips - now with all the flexibility of the Synergy platform.
VINTAGE AMERICAN TONES REIMAGINED
The Rhythm channel of the Imperial module captures the shimmering highs and round low end of a great Blackface-era amp, perfect for crisp chords, blues-inspired leads, and lush clean textures. The Lead channel is voiced after a mid-‘50s Tweed amp pushed into glorious overdrive, offering a thick, harmonically rich, and touch-sensitive breakup that can rival even classic 100W heads. Each channel features independent tone shaping, Volume, and Attenuation controls, giving you the ability to precisely fine-tune both your clean and driven tones.
BIAS TREMOLO - THE HEART OF VINTAGE AMPS
One of the hallmarks of the original Imperial MKII amplifier is faithfully captured here: a vintage-style true analog bias tremolo. This bias-modulated tremolo delivers pulsing, organic movement that breathes life into your playing. The effect can be assigned to either or both channels and is carefully tuned for musical consistency across all settings.
DUAL-CHANNEL TUBE PREAMP
The Synergy Imperial module offers two independent channels that recreate the classic Tone King amp experience with stunning authenticity.
- The Rhythm channel features a classic layout of Volume, Bass, and Treble controls, with a dedicated Attenuation control (Master Volume).
- The Lead channel offers Volume, Tone, Mid-Bite, and Attenuation controls, allowing you to sculpt your drive tone with precision.
The Imperial module ensures every note you play blooms with rich harmonics, dynamic feel, and the unmistakable responsiveness of an all-tube design.
POWER AMP TONE AND FEEL - ZERO-WATT POWER AMP
At the heart of the Imperial Preamp module lies Synergy’s innovative “Zero Watt Poweramp” technology. This feature incorporates the exact phase inverter circuitry from the Imperial MKII amplifier. By utilizing one of the 12AX7 tubes, the Imperial MKII module replicates the harmonic and dynamic characteristics of the original amp’s power section, and ensures that the Imperial MKII module responds with the same blooming harmonics and dynamic nuance as its full-sized counterpart. Whether you’re playing through a recording interface, a live PA system, or integrating it into your existing amplifier setup, the “Zero Watt Poweramp” is the missing ingredient to providing an authentic vintage like tube amp experience with a preamp system.
MID-BITE CONTROL - SCULPTING YOUR OVERDRIVE CHARACTER
A standout feature of the Imperial module's Lead channel is the proprietary Mid-Bite control. More than just a midrange EQ, the Mid-Bite adjusts the amp’s overdrive structure. As you increase the Mid-Bite, it tightens the low end, boosts upper-mid presence, and introduces additional gain. This shifts the tone from warm, articulate cleans to a more aggressive, British-flavored rock crunch. The Mid-Bite gives players seamless access to a wide range of tonal textures, from vintage Tweed grit to modern, punchy overdrive - all within a single channel.
ATTENUATION & HF COMP
The Attenuation controls mimic the Iron Man II attenuation found in the original Imperial MKII amplifier and function as adjustable master volume controls per channel. The HF Comp switch is the treble cut control found on the original amplifier to soften high end frequencies.
CATHODE SELECT FUNCTION
Like all Synergy modules, the Imperial includes a three-position Cathode Select switch on its PCB, allowing you to tailor the input tube’s bass response and feel. The module comes preset to Tone King’s preferred setting, optimized to capture the warm, expressive character of the Imperial MKII, while still offering flexibility for players who want to explore alternative voicings.
TONE KING IMPERIAL MODULE FEATURES
- All-tube preamp module based on the legendary Tone King Imperial MKII amplifier
- 2 x 12AX7 preamp tubes ensure rich harmonic performance
- Two independent channels capturing classic Blackface cleans and Tweed-like overdrive
- Built-in “Zero Watt” power amp section with phase inverter and transformer
- True analog bias-modulated tremolo recreated from the original amp design
- Rhythm Channel: Volume, Bass, Treble, Attenuation
- Lead Channel: Volume, Tone, Mid-Bite, Attenuation
- HF Comp treble frequency cut switch
- Cathode Select switch for input tube voicing options
- Easy to install and remove from Synergy preamp docks
Synergy hardware and interchangeable preamps are protected under US patent.
Chicago Music Exchange
Payment Terms - Orders Internet orders may be paid for using the following methods: VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and PayPal. For phone or mail orders you may pay money orders and cashier's checks by mail. Just call us at 773-525-7773 to place your order. All non-credit-card orders are subject to a 10-business-day hold. We do not accept international credit card or PayPal payments from international accounts. For international security reasons, please call the store to arrange a Bank Wire: +01-773-525-7773.
Shipping Charges - Taxes and Title Separate charges for shipping and handling will be shown on your order form. As a security precaution, initial orders and orders shipping to alternate addresses may be held for extended verification. We reserve the right to make partial shipments, which will not relieve you of your obligation to pay for the remaining deliveries. All items purchased from Chicago Music Exchange are made pursuant to a shipment contract. This means that the risk of loss and title for such items passes to you upon our delivery to the carrier. The published rates are for US domestic shipping only. Contact us directly if you wish to place an international order. For more information on our shipping policies, including rates, delivery times, and delays, please visit our website at chicagomusicexchange or call us at: 773-525-7773. If applicable, a separate charge for taxes will be shown on the invoice. We are required to collect sales tax on all orders shipped to Illinois.
3-Day / 15-day Return Policy If you are not completely satisfied with any product, return it for a full refund of the product purchase price, full credit, or exchange of your choice. We give you 3 days from the shipping date on Vintage instruments, and 15 days on New instruments. Credit card returns are issued a credit for purchase price. Refunds are made for product value only, excluding shipping and handling charges. New, Unopened items: You may return most NEW, untouched, unopened items within 15 days of delivery for a full refund. if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.) we'll also pay the return shipping costs. AmEx credit cards: Note that if your order was paid using an AmEx card we may pass on a 3.5% fee of the purchase price to process your refund. Vintage, Used items: We have to evaluate vintage and used guitars, amps, and other items on a case by case basis. We spend a lot of time with you and the item before your purchase to try to avoid any surprises after your purchase. AmEx credit cards: Note that if your order was paid using an AmEx card we may pass on a 3.5% fee of the purchase price to process your refund. You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, we strive to issue your refund sooner. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days). Send your return to: Chicago Music Exchange 3316 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60657 The following items are returnable only if defective OR unopened or unused: strings, harmonicas, microphones, cleaners, polishes, and polishing cloths. Software/soundware, cassettes, CDs, DVDs, and videos may be returned for credit only if they are in their original, sealed packaging. If defective, these items will only be exchanged for the same product. For complete details on our guarantees, shipping, and return policies, please contact our Customer Service Department at 773-525-7773; fax us at 773-525-2775; visit our website at www.chicagomusicexchange.com, or write us at Chicago Music Exchange, 3316 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657.