Imperial Bundle Impulse Library: Recreate Vintage Guitar Tones with Ease

If you’re a guitarist or audio engineer searching for authentic vintage sounds, the Imperial Bundle impulse library is a game-changer. This innovative collection is designed to emulate the classic tones of nine distinct cabinet types, focusing on low- to mid-gain profiles inspired by iconic American and British gear. Perfect for use with the renowned Tone King Imperial Tri-Tube preamp pedal, this library includes officially licensed ‘Boutique’ mixes as the default impulse response (IR) and cabinet section. In this guide, we’ll dive into the features, cabinet options, and unique mixes that make the Imperial Bundle a must-have for tone enthusiasts.

Unveiling the Cabinet and Speaker Collection

The Imperial Bundle offers a meticulously curated selection of cabinet and speaker configurations, each crafted to deliver specific tonal characteristics. Whether you’re aiming for the warmth of vintage American combos or the punch of British stacks, this library has you covered. Below is a breakdown of the available options:

1×12 Cabinet Models

• 112 Deluxe: Inspired by a classic American 1×12 combo, featuring a 1967 Oxford 12K5 speaker for rich, dynamic tones.
• 112 Imperial: Modeled after the Tone King Imperial combo with multiple speaker variations, including:
  • FN-AXA (inspired by Fane AxA-12)
  • Gold (based on Celestion T5471)
  • J12BB (modeled after Jensen Blackbird)
  • M65CB (inspired by Celestion T5864)
  • TK33 and TK1660 (custom Tone King speakers by Eminence and Celestion)
  • TK-Mix (a unique blend of TK33 and TK1660)
• 112 Thiele: Based on a Mesa Thiele 1×12 cabinet made of imbuia hardwood, loaded with a 1989 Electro-Voice EVM12L for powerful projection.
• 112 Tweed: Reflects a 1961 American 1×12 combo with a Jensen P12R speaker for that classic tweed-era sound.

2×10 and 2×12 Cabinet Models

• 210 Vibro: Captures the essence of an American Vibrolux 2×10 combo with 1968 Jensen C10Q speakers, ideal for shimmering cleans.
• 212 Bog-OS: Inspired by an oversized Bogner closed-back 2×12, equipped with 2003 Celestion T1221 speakers for robust lows.
• 212 Class-A: Modeled on a British Class-A 2×12 combo with 1963 Celestion T530 speakers, delivering vintage warmth.

4×12 Cabinet Models

• 412 Basketweave: Based on a 1960B British 4×12 cabinet with 1971 Celestion T1221 speakers for iconic rock tones.
• 412 Pinstripe: Reflects a 1982B British 4×12 loaded with 1967 Celestion 25W (paper former) T1281 speakers, perfect for vintage grit.

Microphone Options for Precision Sound Capture

To ensure versatility in tone shaping, the Imperial Bundle impulse library includes a range of microphone emulations modeled after industry-standard gear. These options allow you to fine-tune your sound for recording or live performance. The lineup includes:

• C87 (inspired by the Neumann U87)
• C414 (based on the AKG C414-B ULS)
• D7B and D7V (modeled on Shure SM7B and vintage SM7)
• D57 (inspired by Shure SM57)
• D69 (based on Beyerdynamic M69)
• D421 (modeled after Sennheiser MD421)
• D906 (inspired by Sennheiser e906)
• R121 and R160 (based on Royer R121 and Beyerdynamic M160)

Custom Mixes for Every Scenario

One of the standout features of this library is its collection of custom mixes, tailored for various applications. Whether you’re practicing at home, recording in the studio, or performing live, these presets offer a starting point for crafting your ideal tone:

• FOH (Front of House): Optimized for live performances, practice sessions, or home use.
• HG (High Gain): Designed for recording heavy, aggressive tones.
• LG (Low Gain): Perfect for clean or subtle overdrive in recording settings.
• MG (Mid Gain): Balances clarity and grit for versatile recording applications.
• SL (Solo/Lead): Enhances lead lines and solos during recording.
• Boutique Mix: The signature mix integrated into the Tone King Imperial preamp pedal.
• Summary Mix: A balanced, middle-of-the-road tone for general use.

Why Choose the Imperial Bundle for Vintage Guitar Tones?

The Imperial Bundle impulse library stands out for its dedication to authenticity and versatility. By combining meticulously modeled cabinets, speakers, microphones, and custom mixes, it offers an unparalleled toolset for recreating vintage guitar tones. Whether you’re dialing in tones for the studio with the Tone King Imperial pedal or experimenting with different setups, this library provides endless creative possibilities.

Ready to elevate your sound? Explore the Imperial Bundle today and unlock the timeless essence of American and British guitar tones. Share your favorite setups or mixes in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!