Synergy Tone King Imperial MKII 2-Channel Preamp Module

Description

From Synergy:

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.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

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.

Shipping & Returns

Free Shipping

Most orders over $99.00 ship for free inside the lower 48 states. Certain items that are large and heavy do not qualify for free shipping.

We Ship Worldwide!

For information on International Shipping, please call, email or use live chat for rates. Orders shipping outside the Lower 48 States to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico and international orders do not qualify for free shipping. Orders shipping to U.S. Military APO/FPO addresses, PO Boxes, and US territories (Guam, Virgin Islands, etc.) can only ship USPS. NOTE: Boxes over 70 lbs each cannot be shipped to these locations.

As a security precaution, orders over $200.00 will only ship to the address your credit card company has on file for you.

*Korg and Mesa/Boogie products are only available for shipment within the USA.

Returns

We want you to be completely happy with your purchase, so we offer a 48 hour approval period on most purchases (see exclusions below). The 48 hour approval period begins when your purchased item is delivered to your door. If after 48 hours you’re not happy with the item, just contact us via phone, email or live chat on our website to arrange for a return authorization (RA#) and return shipping instructions. Any package sent back without prior authorization will be refused.

Returns must be shipped back to us within two days of the RA being issued. Items must come back to us undamaged and in the same condition they were shipped out. All manuals, paperwork, cables, tremolo arms, wrenches, etc… must be included or full credit will not be issued. Any items not conforming to this policy will be subject (at our discretion) to a restocking fee of 20% of the purchase price.

Refunds will be issued minus all related shipping expenses, if free shipping was initially given, the cost we incurred to get the item to you will be deducted from your refund. A 10% restock fee will also be deducted from your refund. Restock fees will be waived for full value exchanges.

Here are exceptions to our return policy.

Custom orders of any kind are non returnable and non refundable. We often charge a deposit before we will place a custom or special order. All special order deposits are NON REFUNDABLE, no exceptions.
Microphones, Harmonicas, In-Ear Systems and any other items that come into contact with your mouth or ears.
Items labeled as BLOWOUT, are non-returnable. These are often being sold below cost and are considered “all sales final”.
Software (this may also include hardware that includes software), unless still in shrink wrap with barcode affixed.
Guitar strings, blank media, and other disposable merchandise.
Guitar or bass pickups that have been installed or used in any way.
Any item advertised as “USED” is non returnable.

*Payments for music lessons are non refundable, no exceptions.

View our detailed Return Policy here.

Early Order Cancellation

All deposits are non refundable. Lots of our products are special orders and in many cases your order has to be built for you at the factory. This is what makes a lot of our products special. Once your order is started, it's being put together just for you. For this reason we ask that you don't cancel your order after you place it with us. If for some reason you absolutely have to cancel your order with us, we will assess you a 25% cancellation charge. This amount is equal to 25% of your total order amount. Ask us before you place your order to see if what you're purchasing is considered a special order.

Damaged Merchandise

Do not accept your shipment if the package shows any signs of external damage. After the item is returned to us we will ship you a replacement. If you receive incorrect or defective merchandise, please call 781-335-0700 within 5 days for a return authorization number.