Neural DSP expands Tone King Imperial MKII X with pitch shifting, stereo width and deeper preset tools
The free X update keeps the modeled amp unchanged while adding Transpose, Doubler, 120-plus presets and a redesigned workflow.
Credit: Neural DSP (via source)
Neural DSP has released Tone King Imperial MKII X, a free update for existing owners of its Imperial MKII plugin. The modeled amplifier itself remains the foundation, but the surrounding workflow has been rebuilt with a new interface, expanded preset management and performance tools intended to reduce the number of external plugins needed around a guitar track.
Transpose shifts the input by up to 12 semitones in either direction, while Doubler creates a stereo spread modeled on double-tracked guitars. The update also adds an integrated tuner, a standalone-mode metronome, Global Lock for keeping input, gate, pitch, width and output settings fixed across presets, plus tooltips and undo/redo. More than 120 presets arrive from Jack Gardiner, Joshua De La Victoria, Rabea Massaad, Aaron Marshall and Neural DSP’s own team.
The core signal path still models the two-channel Tone King Imperial MKII, including its Mid-Bite control, bias tremolo, spring reverb and Ironman II reactive attenuator behavior. Around it sit two speaker choices, hundreds of impulse responses captured by 5x5 Studios, eight movable microphones, custom IR loading, two overdrives, compressor, wah, nine-band EQ, chorus, stereo delay and extended reverb. The plugin runs as VST2, VST3, AU, AAX or standalone software on current Windows and macOS systems.
Mixdown’s independent report confirms that the amp model has not been replaced; the significance lies in the expanded tools and navigation. For players who already use Imperial MKII, the update consolidates common tasks such as alternate tuning, stereo thickening and preset search inside one environment. New users can try it for 14 days, while the listed price at launch is €99 with a temporary discount shown on Neural DSP’s store.
Credit: Neural DSP (via source)
Why it matters
The update turns a focused vintage-amp simulation into a more self-contained recording and practice rig while remaining free to current owners.
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