Tone King ROYCE Tube Preamp Pedal: Classic AC Chime Reborn

The legendary sound of the British Invasion returns with modern versatility in the new high-voltage ROYCE tri-tube preamp pedal, featuring Tone King technology and premium IRs.

For tone-chasing guitarists, the shimmering highs, rich harmonic content, and dynamic touch response of classic British AC combos represent the holy grail of amplifier design. Now, that highly sought-after sound has been faithfully captured in a pedalboard-friendly format.

Introducing the ROYCE tri-tube preamp pedal—a comprehensive tone machine that brings the depth, feel, and attack of the original AC circuit straight to your rig. Enhanced by unmistakable Tone King engineering and SYNERGY software integration, this hot new release bridges the gap between vintage tube warmth and modern touring convenience.

High-Voltage Tube Tone and Two Classic Voices

Unlike solid-state emulators, the ROYCE preamp is driven by three genuine 12AX7 tubes running at high voltage. This delivers the authentic, three-dimensional feel and dynamic response of a world-class 1960s tube amplifier.

The pedal features two independent and identical channels, each equipped with a Normal / Top Boost (TB) switch to cover a massive spectrum of tonal configurations:

• Normal Mode: Delivers bold, powerful cleans with incredible punch. Inspired by vintage AC Normal channels, it provides a thick low-end, warm top-end, and incredible dimension.
• Top Boost (TB) Mode: Introduces aggressive gain, heightened chime, and complex harmonics. Notes leap from the speaker with articulate overtones, handling everything from edge-of-breakup sparkle to soaring, saturated lead tones.

Both channels feature independent controls for Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, and Tone King's signature Cut and Attenuation.

The Secret Weapon: Zero-Watt Power Amp

What truly sets the ROYCE apart from standard preamp pedals is its built-in Zero-Watt Power Amp. Driven by one of the three 12AX7 tubes, this genuine phase inverter stage perfectly recreates the interaction between a preamp, phase inverter, and power section. The result is natural compression and blooming chords that respond organically to your guitar's volume knob and picking dynamics—the exact behavior of a cranked tube amp in its sweet spot.

Adding to the authentic amp feel, the ROYCE includes Tone King's legendary dual IRONMAN attenuators, allowing players to dial in pushed tube characteristics at any volume level.

Lush Stereo Effects and Unmatched Connectivity

The ROYCE isn’t just a preamp; it’s a complete rig replacement. It features lush, independently assignable convolution Spring Reverb (with Level and Dwell controls) and an expressive vintage Stereo Tremolo (with Depth and Speed controls).

For modern gigging and studio work, the extensive I/O section ensures seamless integration:

• Dual Balanced XLR Outputs: Professional direct connectivity with a ground lift switch for noise-free FOH or recording interface patching.
• Stereo Series FX Loop: Easily integrates your favorite time-based and modulation pedals.
• MIDI Compatibility: A standard 5-pin MIDI connector allows for saving and instant recall of up to 128 presets via an external switcher.
• Dedicated Headphone Out: Enjoy silent practice with the full ROYCE voice—tubes, cabs, and effects all fully engaged.

Premium Cab Sim and SYNERGY Editor Software

Running direct has never sounded better thanks to the onboard low-latency Impulse Response (IR) cabinet and power amp simulation engine. Each channel includes a dedicated 3-position IR selector switch for instant access to three cabinet configurations without menu diving.

The pedal comes loaded with 20 premium OwnHammer IRs, meticulously captured using high-end studio microphones and '70s API 312 preamps. The three default IRs include:

1. OH 112 Imperial TK1660: A Tone King 1660 speaker in an Imperial 1x12 combo.
2. OH 212 Class A Blue: 1963 Celestion Blues in a Vox AC30 2x12 combo.
3. OH 412 Basketweave M25: 1971 Celestion G12M-25 speakers in a 1960B 4x12 cab.

Via the included SYNERGY Editor software (accessed via a USB-C connection), players can dive into deep editing. You can manage your IR library, assign IRs to the pedal's six slots, toggle power amp simulation, fine-tune HF/LP filters, route reverb tails, and save your 128 MIDI presets with incredible precision.

Seamlessly Expand Your Rig

Whether you are building a fly-rig, recording an album, or augmenting a traditional amplifier, the ROYCE offers flexible routing options (Bypass Send, Bypass Return, Main Out):

• Add Channels to Your Amp: Use the 3-cable method with any amp featuring a series effects loop to instantly add the ROYCE channels, effects, and IRs.
• Combine with Other Preamps: Link multiple effects-loop-equipped preamp pedals to create a massive hybrid system.

Full Technical Specifications

• Format: Two-channel high-voltage tube preamp pedal with DI
• Tubes: 3 x 12AX7 preamp tubes
• Power Amp: Built-in Zero-Watt power amp (phase inverter circuit)
• Channel Controls: Attenuation, Cut, Treble, Bass, Middle, Volume, and Top Boost Switch
• Effects: Independently assignable Spring Reverb (Convolution) and Stereo Tremolo
• Attenuators: Dual built-in Tone King IRONMAN attenuators
• IR Technology: Low-latency, bypassable cab sim with 3-position switch per channel; 20 OwnHammer IRs included
• Software Control: SYNERGY software for deep editing (HF Comp, Low-Pass/High-Pass filters, IR loading)
• Connectivity:
  • Dual stereo balanced XLR outputs (with Ground Lift)
  • Headphone output
  • Effects Send and Stereo Return jacks
  • MIDI 5-pin standard connector (128 programmable presets)
  • USB-C connector
• Included Accessories: 6’ USB Cable, Universal 12V Power Supply
• Dimensions: 7.2” (W) x 5.7” (D) x 2.75” (H)
• Weight: 1.9 lbs.

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