Tone King Imperial MKII User's Guide

Introduction

Vintage tone for modern players.

From a spanky blackface-style voice to ‘50s-era tweed grit, the Tone King Imperial MKII combo amplifier offers iconic tube tones. Featuring modern appointments like an onboard power attenuator and tube-driven effects, the Imperial MKII serves as an ideal platform for contemporary musicians.

Neural DSP has partnered with Tone King to create this plugin, which includes a Wah pedal, Compressor and Overdrive pedals, the fully-controllable Imperial MKII amplifier, Graphic EQ, and Stereo Chorus, Stereo Delay, and Reverb pedals. A Cabinet Simulation section, featuring carefully recorded impulses designed by Neural DSP, is also included.

Getting Started

Basic Requirements

To use Neural DSP plugins, you will need:

• A computer capable of multitrack audio processing (Mac or PC).
• An audio interface.
• Supported host software (DAW) for recording.
• An iLok User ID and the latest version of the iLok License Manager application.
• A Neural DSP Account.

Important: An iLok USB dongle is not required to use Neural DSP products, as activation can be done directly on your computer.

Our latest plugins require AVX support, a feature introduced with Intel's "Ivy Bridge" and AMD's "Zen" generations. Processors like Pentium or Celeron may not be compatible, regardless of generation. Please refer to the system requirements.

Supported Operating Systems

• OS X 10.15 - 12 (64-bit)
• Windows 10 - 11 (64-bit)

Supported Host Softwares

To use Neural DSP software in plugin form, you need audio software. We officially support the following 64-bit only software:

• Pro Tools 2021.12 (macOS & Windows): AAX Native
• Logic Pro X 10.6 or higher (macOS): AU
• Cubase 11 (macOS & Windows): VST2 - VST3
• Ableton Live 10 or higher (macOS & Windows): AU, VST2 & VST3
• Reaper 6 or higher (macOS & Windows): AU, VST2 & VST3
• Studio One 4 or higher (macOS & Windows): AU, VST2 & VST3
• FL Studio 20 (macOS & Windows): VST2 & VST3
• Reason 11 (macOS & Windows): VST2 & VST3
• Cakewalk by Bandlab (Windows): VST2 & VST3

A standalone version (64-bit only) is also included and does not require additional software.

Support is provided for these operating systems and software platforms. Plugins may function with other DAWs; download the demo to test compatibility with your system.

For more information, visit the FAQ page: https://support.neuraldsp.com/help

iLok User ID and iLok License Manager

If you do not have an iLok account, you can create one here.

Demo Product Activation

After installation, an activation window will appear. Click the "Try" button. If it's not visible, close and reopen the plugin/standalone app.

Note: The iLok License Manager software will be installed on your computer. Your trial period expires after 14 days.

Full Product Activation

Neural DSP and iLok are separate accounts. Full licenses are delivered directly to your iLok account. Ensure your iLok account is created and linked to your Neural DSP account before purchasing.

• Verify that the latest iLok License Manager app is installed and running (https://www.ilok.com/#!license-manager).
• Log in to your iLok account within the iLok License Manager.
• Navigate to the “All Licenses” tab, right-click the license, and select “Activate”.

To obtain a full license, visit the Neural DSP website, select the desired plugin, add it to your cart, and complete the purchase. The license will be deposited directly into your iLok account.

After purchase, follow these steps:

• Ensure the latest iLok License Manager application is installed and running (https://www.ilok.com/#!license-manager).
• Log in to your iLok account in the iLok License Manager.
• Go to the “All Licenses” tab, right-click on the license, and select “Activate”.
• Install the plugin using the installer: https://neuraldsp.com/downloads/.
• Rescan your plugins within your DAW and restart it. The standalone version can also be run.

File Locations

Neural DSP plugins install to default locations for each format (VST, VST3, AAX, AU), unless a custom location is chosen during installation.

macOS

• AU: Macintosh HD/Library/Audio/Plug-ins/Components/
• VST2: Macintosh HD/Library/Audio/Plug-ins/VST/
• VST3: Macintosh HD/Library/Audio/Plug-ins/VST3/
• AAX: Macintosh HD/Library/Application Support/Avid/Audio/Plug-ins/
• Standalone App: Macintosh HD/Applications/Neural DSP/
• Preset Files: MacintoshHD/Library/Audio/Presets/Neural DSP/Tone King Imperial MKII/
• Manual: Macintosh HD/Library/Application Support/Neural DSP/Tone King Imperial MKII/

Tone King Imperial MKII is available in 64-bit only.

Windows

• 64-bit VST: C:/Program Files/VSTPlugins/
• 64-bit VST3: C:/Program Files/Common Files/VST3/
• 64-bit AAX: C:/Program Files/Common Files/Avid/Audio/Plug-Ins/
• 64-bit Standalone: C:/Program Files/Neural DSP/
• Preset Files: C:/ProgramData/Neural DSP/Tone King Imperial MKII/
• Manual: C:/Program Files/Neural DSP/

Tone King Imperial MKII is available in 64-bit only.

Uninstalling Neural DSP Software

To uninstall in macOS, manually delete the files from your respective plugin format folders. For Windows, run the uninstaller from the Control Panel or run the setup installer again and click "Remove".

Plugin Sections

The Plugin

• Wah Pedal
• Compressor Pedal
• Overdrive 1 Pedal
• Overdrive 2 Pedal
• Tone King Imperial MKII
• Cabsim
• Graphic EQ
• Chorus Pedal
• Delay Pedal
• Reverb Pedal

Wah Section

Wah Pedal

• ROCKER PEDAL / POSITION KNOB: Adjusts the peak response of the frequency filter up and down.
• ATTACK KNOB: Sets the time it takes for the auto-wah filter to fully open.
• RELEASE KNOB: Sets the time it takes for the auto-wah filter to close.
• SENSITIVITY KNOB: Determines the level at which the auto-wah effect is engaged.
• AUTO-WAH SWITCH: Click to activate/deactivate the auto-wah.
• BYPASS SWITCH: Click to activate/deactivate.

Stompbox Section

Compressor Pedal

• COMPRESSION KNOB: Sets the amount of gain reduction.
• VOLUME KNOB: Adjusts the output level.
• BLEND KNOB: Controls the amount of compressed signal added to the original dry input signal.
• GAIN REDUCTION LEDs: Indicate the amount of gain reduction.
• SPEED SWITCH: Determines the attack speed of the compression.
• BYPASS STOMP SWITCH: Click to activate/deactivate the pedal.

Overdrive 1 Pedal

• DRIVE KNOB: Adjusts the amount of drive.
• LEVEL KNOB: Adjusts the output level.
• TREBLE/BASS KNOBS: Control the amount of high and low frequencies of the overdrive, respectively.
• BYPASS STOMP SWITCH: Click to activate/deactivate the pedal.

Overdrive 2 Pedal

• DRIVE KNOB: Adjusts the amount of drive.
• LEVEL KNOB: Adjusts the output level.
• TREBLE/BASS KNOBS: Control the amount of high and low frequencies of the overdrive, respectively.
• BYPASS STOMP SWITCH: Click to activate/deactivate the pedal.

Amp Section

Lead Channel

• VOLUME KNOB: Controls the volume of the Lead channel.
• TONE KNOB: Controls the amount of high frequency contour.
• MID-BITE KNOB: Transforms the basic tweed tone to a crunchier rock tone as the MID-BITE control is increased. This is achieved by simultaneously tightening the bass, reducing high frequencies, increasing gain, and developing a pronounced upper midrange peak.
• CHANNEL SWITCH: Channel Selector (Lead/Rhythm).

Rhythm Channel

• VOLUME KNOB: Controls the volume of the Rhythm channel.
• TREBLE KNOB: Controls the amount of high frequencies.
• BASS KNOB: Controls the amount of low frequencies.
• REVERB SWITCH: Mix control for the Spring Reverb.

Tremolo

• SPEED KNOB: Sets the modulation speed. Lower settings produce a smooth, floating sound; higher settings produce a rotor-like effect.
• DEPTH KNOB: Sets the intensity of the Tremolo effect.
• POWER LED: Click to bypass/enable the amplifier section.

Back View Controls

• STANDBY & POWER SWITCHES (Linked): Click to bypass/enable the amplifier section.
• RHYTHM CHAN SWITCH:
  • BYPASS: The attenuator is bypassed when the rhythm channel is selected, allowing full power to the speaker regardless of the ATTENUATION knob setting. The attenuator becomes active again when the Lead channel is selected, reducing volume based on the Attenuation knob value.
  • ENABLE: The attenuator is always on, regardless of the selected channel.
• ATTENUATION (dB) KNOB: Determines the signal attenuation level (up to -36dB).
• HP COMP SWITCH: Compensates for high-frequency loss caused by the attenuator. This switch has no effect when ATTENUATION is set to 0 dB.

EQ Section

The high-fidelity Graphic EQ allows graphical control over nine different frequency bands.

• EQ BANDS: Nine control sliders to boost or cut frequency bands.
• POWER LED: Click to activate/deactivate the EQ section.

Clicking the dB labels allows custom gain value input via the keyboard.

Cab Section

The cabinet simulation section includes 8 microphones with various positions and two different speakers.

• IMPULSE LOADER SELECTOR BOX: Drop-down menu for selecting factory microphones, speakers, or loading custom IR files. Navigation arrows allow browsing through IRs.
• POSITION KNOB: Controls microphone position relative to the cone's center (disabled when loading external IR files).
• DISTANCE KNOB: Controls the distance between the microphone and the cone (disabled when loading external IR files).
• MIC LEVEL KNOB: Controls the level of the selected impulse.
• PAN KNOB: Controls the output panning of the selected impulse.
• ON/OFF BUTTON (ROOM): Enables or disables the room microphone.
• ROOM LEVEL KNOB: Controls the level of the room microphone.
• ON/OFF BUTTON: Enables or disables the respective IR loader section.
• Ø PHASE INVERTER BUTTON: Inverts the phase of the loaded impulse.
• DRAG TO POSITION: Microphone position and distance can be controlled by dragging the microphone icon. Values reflect on the Position and Distance knobs, and vice versa.

Post FX Section

Chorus Pedal

• DRY/WET KNOB: Controls the amount of chorus effect added to the original dry input signal.
• RATE KNOB: Controls the speed of the chorus effect.
• DEPTH KNOB: Determines the intensity of the chorus sound, controlling pitch-shifting and time-created delay.
• BYPASS STOMP SWITCH: Click to activate/deactivate the pedal.

Delay Pedal

• MIX KNOB: Controls the amount of delay effect added to the original dry input signal.
• FEEDBACK KNOB: Sets the amount of delay returned to the input, controlling the number of repeats.
• HIGH/LOW PASS FILTER KNOBS: Control the frequency range of the high-pass and low-pass filters.
• TIME L/R KNOBS: Set the delay time in milliseconds or musical subdivisions (100ms to 1100ms and 1/64T to 1/1D).
• MODE SWITCH: Toggles between mono and stereo modes.
• TIME TYPE SWITCH: Toggles between milliseconds and musical subdivisions.
• SYNC SWITCH: Determines if the delay time is set by the plugin/DAW tempo or manually. When Sync is Off, time can be set via keyboard input.
• TAP TEMPO STOMP SWITCH: Controls delay time by clicking. The time is the interval between the last two clicks.
• ENGAGE STOMP SWITCH: Click to activate/deactivate the pedal.

Reverb Pedal

• DRY/WET KNOB: Controls the amount of effect added to the original dry input signal.
• PRE-DELAY KNOB: Sets the time between the original dry sound and the reverb's first reflection.
• DECAY KNOB: Sets the duration of the reverb decay envelope.
• HIGH/LOW PASS FILTER KNOBS: Control the frequency range of the high-pass and low-pass filters.
• BYPASS STOMP SWITCH: Click to activate/deactivate the pedal.

Plugin Features

Global Features

• INPUT AND OUTPUT GAIN KNOBS: Adjust input gain to control signal level fed into the plugin and output gain to control signal level fed out. Meters indicate clipping (input or output) with a gray indicator for three seconds.
• GATE KNOB: Attenuates the input signal below the threshold.
• INPUT MODE SWITCH: Processes mono input signal. The Stereo switch allows stereo input processing, ideal for stereo bass tracks or stereo sources.
• PRESETS MENU: Allows saving, loading, importing, and exporting presets as XML files.

Standalone Features

• COGWHEEL ICON: Accesses the audio settings menu for selecting audio interface, input/output channels, sample rate, buffer size, and MIDI devices.
• MIDI PORT ICON: Opens the MIDI Mappings window for mapping external devices. Refer to MIDI SETUP instructions (Page 19).
• PITCHFORK ICON: Activates the built-in tuner.
• METRONOME ICON: Opens the metronome interface. Right-click to start/stop playback (Page 17).
• TAP ICON: Controls global tempo by clicking. Tempo is the interval between the last two clicks.
• TEMPO VALUE: Adjusts tempo via arrows or double-click for numerical input.
• RESIZE BUTTON: Resizes the plugin window to one of four sizes.

Metronome

The metronome provides a steady pulse for timing, measured in Beats Per Minute (BPM).

• MUTE BUTTON: Mutes the beats.
• VOL KNOB: Adjusts metronome output volume.
• PAN KNOB: Controls metronome output panning.
• TIME SIGNATURE MENU: Select from 21 time signatures, including compound and complex variations, to change beat order and accents.
• SOUND SET MENU: Choose from 5 metronome sounds.
• BEATS: Toggleable beats with visual feedback for tempo, subdivisions, and accents.
• BEATS PER PULSE BUTTON: Determines beats heard per pulse.
• BPM VALUE: Sets tempo from 40 to 240 BPM.
• UP/DOWN ARROWS: Adjust BPM by 1.0 or 10.0 increments.
• TAP TEMPO BUTTON: Controls metronome tempo by clicking.
• START/STOP BUTTON: Controls metronome playback. MIDI assignable.

Last used settings are remembered after reopening the standalone app.

Presets

This functionality allows users to save, load, import, and export presets, which are saved as XML files.

• SAVE BUTTON: Saves the current configuration as a preset.
• DELETE BUTTON: Deletes the active preset (irreversible).
• LOAD PRESET: Loads presets from other locations (XML files).
• PRESETS FOLDER SHORTCUT: Opens the Neural DSP preset folder via the Magnifying Glass icon.
• DROPDOWN MENU: Lists presets categorized by factory, artists, and user creations.

Preset Locations

• Windows: C:/ProgramData/Neural DSP/Tone King Imperial MKII
• Mac OSX: HD/Library/Audio/Presets/Neural DSP/Tone King Imperial MKII

Custom Folders

Users can create folders to organize presets within the main directory. The dropdown menu updates upon reopening Tone King Imperial MKII.

MIDI

MIDI Setup

Tone King Imperial MKII supports MIDI. Follow these steps to assign MIDI controls to plugin parameters/UI components:

Mapping MIDI note event to Buttons:

• Enable MIDI Learn from the right-click menu.
• Click the desired component.
• Press and release a MIDI note on the MIDI controller.
• Disable MIDI Learn from the right-click menu.
• The mapped MIDI note will now toggle the parameter value.

Mapping two MIDI notes to a Slider/Combobox:

• Enable MIDI Learn from the right-click menu.
• Click the desired component.
• Press the first MIDI note on the MIDI controller.
• Press the second MIDI note on the MIDI controller.
• Release the first MIDI note.
• Release the second MIDI note.
• Disable MIDI Learn from the right-click menu.
• The two mapped MIDI notes can now be used to increment/decrement the parameter value.

Mapping MIDI CC event to Buttons:

• Enable MIDI Learn from the right-click menu.
• Click the desired component.
• Press and release a MIDI CC shortcut on the MIDI controller.
• Disable MIDI Learn from the right-click menu.
• Mapped MIDI CC events will toggle the parameter value.

Mapping MIDI CC event to a Slider/Combobox:

• Enable MIDI Learn from the right-click menu.
• Click the desired component.
• Move a CC knob on the MIDI controller.
• Disable MIDI Learn from the right-click menu.
• The mapped MIDI CC event will now control the parameter value.

Mapping two MIDI CC events to a Slider/Combobox:

• Enable MIDI Learn from the right-click menu.
• Click the desired component.
• Press the first MIDI CC button on the MIDI controller.
• Press the second MIDI CC button on the MIDI controller.
• Release the first MIDI CC button.
• Release the second MIDI CC button.
• Disable MIDI Learn from the right-click menu.
• The two mapped MIDI CC events can be used to increment/decrement the parameter value.

Mapping MIDI Program Change event to Buttons:

• Enable MIDI Learn from the right-click menu.
• Click the desired component.
• Press the MIDI Program Change shortcut twice on the MIDI controller.
• Disable MIDI Learn from the right-click menu.
• The mapped MIDI Program Change event will toggle the parameter value.

Mapping two MIDI Program Change events to a Slider/Combobox:

• Enable MIDI Learn from the right-click menu.
• Click the desired component.
• Press the first MIDI Program Change button on the MIDI controller.
• Press the second MIDI Program Change button on the MIDI controller.
• Disable MIDI Learn from the right-click menu.
• The two mapped MIDI Program Change events can be used to increment/decrement the parameter value.

All mentioned MIDI Events are registered in the MIDI Mapping window. Access it by clicking the MIDI port icon in the bottom-left corner of the plugin. New MIDI events can be added by clicking the "+" button.

GUI Basics

Tone King Imperial MKII features knobs and switches within its Graphic User Interface (GUI), mirroring the physical analog hardware with added control.

• To bypass a whole section, right-click or double-click on the upper icons.

Knobs

To control knobs and switches, use the mouse. Turn a knob clockwise by clicking and moving the cursor up. Turn counterclockwise by clicking and moving the cursor down.

Returning a Knob to Its Default Value

Double-click on knobs to recall their default values.

Switches

Interact with buttons or switches by clicking them. For stomps and certain switches, an LED indicator lights up to show if the parameter is engaged.

Adjusting a Knob with Fine Control

To fine-adjust knob values, hold down the “command” key (macOS) or “control” key (Windows) while dragging the mouse.

Support and Contact Information

For technical issues or problems with the software, visit the Neural DSP website. You will find FAQs, troubleshooting information, and the support email: support@neuraldsp.com. Please use this specific email for support; replies from other Neural DSP emails may be delayed.

Support Information

To assist you effectively, please provide the following information to the support team:

• Product serial number and version (e.g., Tone King Imperial MKII, Ver 1.0.0).
• Audio system version (e.g., ProTools 2021.12, Cubase Pro 11, Ableton Live 11).
• Interface/hardware (e.g., Apollo Twin, Apogee Duet 2).
• Computer and operating system information (e.g., Macbook Pro OSX 11, Windows 10).
• A detailed description of the problem.

Neural DSP 2022

Tone King is a trademark belonging to its respective owner and is used with express permission from their respective owners.

© 2022 Neural DSP Technologies LLC. All rights reserved.

Corporate Contact

Neural DSP ΟΥ.

Merimiehenkatu 36D, 00150, Helsinki, Finland.