Tone King ROYCE Preamp

High Voltage Tri-Tube Preamp Pedal

The Sound of AC Chime Reimagined

From the British Invasion to modern music genres, few amplifier designs have inspired more players than the classic AC combos.  Their shimmering highs, rich harmonic content and dynamic touch response, have become some of the most sought-after tones in guitar history.  The ROYCE tri-tube preamp pedal authentically captures that legacy sound with the depth, feel, attack and chime of the original AC circuit, enhanced by the unmistakable Tone King experience.

Running on three 12AX7 tubes at high voltage, the ROYCE preamp brings the dynamic response and three-dimensional feel of a world-class 1906’s tube amp.  Two independent channels, each featuring Normal and Top Boost modes, stereo reverb & tremolo, per-channel IR loading, MIDI, Tone King’s legendary attenuation and comprehensive routing options for integrating ROYCE with your existing amp or preamp make it an exceptionally versatile tone machine for modern rigs.

Two Classic AC Voices

A NORMAL/TOP BOOST mode switch is featured on both identical ROYCE channels, providing a wide array of tonal configurations.

NORMAL mode delivers bold, powerful clean tones with exceptional punch and harmonic depth. Inspired by the original Normal channels of vintage AC amplifiers, this mode offers a thick low-end, warm top-end response and the dimensional character this circuit is known for.

TB (TOP BOOST) mode introduces additional gain, enhanced chime and greater harmonic complexity. Notes leap from the speakers with rich overtones and articulate attack, delivering everything from edge-of-breakup sparkle to soaring lead tones.

Built-In Zero-Watt Power Amp

The ROYCE tube preamp includes Tone King’s acclaimed Zero-Watt Power Amp, driven by one of its three 12AX7 tubes.  This genuine phase inverter stage recreates one of the most important and overlooked ingredients of great amplifier tone: the way a preamp, phase inverter and power section push against and interact with each other.  Notes compress naturally, chords bloom with complexity and the pedal responds to pick attack and guitar volume changes with the same organic behavior as a great tube amplifier pushed into its sweet spot.

Stereo Reverb & Stereo Tremolo

A lush stereo reverb and expressive vintage tremolo deliver the spacious, dimensional effects that have become inseparable from many of the most iconic clean and edge-of-breakup tones.  Whether adding subtle ambience, vintage pulse, or expansive stereo depth, ROYCE delivers inspiring effects without the need for additional pedals.

Features for the Modern Guitarist

An extensive I/O section makes ROYCE equally comfortable on stage, in the studio, or as the centerpiece of a sophisticated pedalboard system.  Dual balanced XLR outputs provide professional direct connectivity, while MIDI support enables preset recall and system integration.  A stereo series effects loop handles time-based and modulation effects, and the USB-C connection provides access to the SYNERGY Editor software for deep control and customization.  For silent practice and recording, a dedicated headphone output delivers the full ROYCE voice - tubes, cabs and effects included.

Expanding Your Rig

The ROYCE tube preamp pedal is equally at home on stage, in the studio or integrated with your favorite rig.

Add Channels to Your Amp:

Use the 3-cable method with any amp that has a series effects loop to instantly add the two ROYCE channels, IRs and effects to your existing rig.

Combine with Other Preamps:

Link multiple effects-loop-equipped preamp pedals to build an ultimate hybrid system. Assign the ROYCE’s IRs and power amp emulation to other preamps or route its reactive output into a separate power amp and cabinet for the real-air experience.

Impulse Response (IR) Cabinet & Power Amp Sim

The ROYCE tube preamp carries Tone King’s low-latency IR and power amp simulation engine, allowing direct connection to front-of-house systems, recording interfaces, powered monitors, or headphones. Each channel includes a dedicated three-position IR selector switch, providing instant access to three cabinet configurations without menus or software.

There are 20 IRs to choose from in the included SYNERGY Editor software which are easy to swap in and out of the pedal's six available slots.  You can also disengage the onboard IR loader entirely for use with an external IR loader or external power amp.  Additional IRs can be loaded and managed in the SYNERGY Editor software.

The default IRs on the ROYCE are:

OH 112 Imperial TK1660: Tone King 1660 speaker in a Tone King Imperial 1x12 combo by Kevin Rowe of OwnHammer captured using a Shure SM57, a Neumann U87, and a Royer 121 through '70s API 312 preamps.

OH 212 Class A Blue: Celestion Blues from 1963 in a Vox AC30 2x12 combo by Kevin Rowe of OwnHammer captured using a Shure SM57, a Neumann U87, and a Royer 121 through '70s API 312 preamps.

OH 412 Basketweave M25: Celestion G12M-25 speakers from 1971 in a basketweave 1960B 4x12 cabinet by Kevin Rowe of OwnHammer captured using a Shure SM57, Telefunken MD421, and Royer 121.

SYNERGY Editor Software - Deep Control, Modern Flexibility

The included SYNERGY Editor software unlocks deep editing capabilities. Save and recall up to 128 presets via MIDI, assign IRs per channel, fine-tune HF and LP filters, and configure reverb, or FX loop assignments - all in one simple to navigate and intuitive interface.

Savable Parameters:

• Channel switching and bypass states
• Easily load your own IRs and manage your IR library
• IR bypass and power amp simulation options
• HF Comp and Low-Pass filters
• Access all 20 included OwnHammer IRs
• Assign any of your IRs to the pedal's six available slots (three per channel)
• Reverb, reverb tails, and effects loop bypass routing
• Save these settings to up to 128 presets for instant recall via MIDI

The Sound of British AC Heritage, Reborn for the Modern Player

From the club stages of the ‘60s to the arenas of the ‘70s, the sound of AC chime has defined generations of guitar tone. Now, with the ROYCE tube preamp pedal, that legacy lives on - delivering the dynamics, chime and harmonic richness of this legendary amplifier in a compact, high-voltage, pedalboard-ready design.

Features & Specifications

• Two-channel high-voltage tube preamp pedal with DI
• 3 x 12AX7 preamp tubes
• Built-In zero-watt power amp - phase inverter circuit
• Each channel features - Attenuation, Cut, Treble, Bass, Middle & Volume Control
• Top Boost Switch Per Channel

• Spring Reverb (convolution)
  • Level and Dwell controls
  • Independently assignable to each channel
• Stereo Tremolo
  • Depth and Speed controls
  • Independently assignable to each channel
• Stereo, Series FX loop (bypassable)
• MIDI programmable
  • Save up to 128 presets
• Dual built-in IRONMAN attenuators
• MIDI programmable
• Save up to 128 presets for instant recall via an external MIDI switcher.  Presets save:
  • Channel selection
  • Master bypass setting
  • IR selection
  • IR bypass setting
  • Effects loop bypass setting
  • Reverb bypass and tails settings
• Onboard Impulse Response (IR) Technology
  • Low-latency Impulse Response cabinet simulation (bypassable)
  • 3-position CAB/IR select switch per channel (programmable via software)
  • 20 Included OwnHammer IRs
• Power amp simulation with SYNERGY software editable HF Comp, Low-Pass and High-Pass filters (per channel)

Connections

• Dual stereo balanced XLR outputs with Ground Lift Switch
• Headphone output
• Effects Send and Stereo Return jacks
• MIDI 5-pin standard connector
• USB-C connector for use with the included SYNERGY editor software
• Comprehensive routing options to add ROYCE channels to your existing amp or preamp (Bypass Send, Bypass Return and Main Out)

Included

• 6’ USB Cable
• Universal 12V Power Supply

Weight, Dimension, UPC

• Dimensions: 7.2” (W) x 5.7” (D) x 2.75” (H)
• Weight: 1.9 lbs.
• UPC code: 763815135090