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Friedman Amplification IR-X preamp
All-tube Friedman sound
The Friedman IR-X two-channel tube preamp is a complete Friedman rig in a compact, pedalboard-friendly package. Driven by two 12AX7 high-voltage preamp tubes, each channel delivers the harmonic richness and pick dynamics of Dave Friedman’s best designs. The DSP IR speaker/power-amp simulation sends studio-quality tone with microphone voicing to your DAW. The IR-X offers easy-to-use controls without complex menus or thick manuals.
The IR-X does not simulate a Friedman tube preamp. It is one. While many preamp pedals use tubes to “warm up” their digital or solid-state circuitry, two glowing 12AX7 preamp tubes run at proper high voltage are the beating heart of this pedal. The IR-X is in every respect a true preamp and delivers the tone, response and harmonic complexity you expect from a Friedman design.
The IR-X features two fully independent, foot-switchable channels. As with Friedman’s famous flagship amps, the first channel ranges from bluesy, British-tinged cleans to a powerful Plexi-style tone. The second channel delivers the Friedman-typical high-gain sounds with punchy attack, tonal clarity and singing sustain. Both channels have their own independent and highly configurable boost circuits. That effectively gives you four channels at the press of a footswitch.
Impulse Response speaker and power-amp simulation
All great tube amps need a great speaker cabinet, and whether you send your signal directly to the desk or play quietly via the built-in headphone output, the IR-X offers a selection of Dave Friedman’s favourite IRs. Choose the IR per channel with the 3-way mini toggle switches or quickly load your own via the IR-X editor software. You can even disable the built-in IRs completely to use the IR-X tube preamp with another IR loader.
The IR-X software includes 12 free Friedman IRs to choose from. The first three listed below are set on the hardware by default:
- 6402 57 121: Dave Friedman’s preferred 4x12 cabinet. This is Dave’s primary workshop cab and has been used since the beginning for the sound of his amps. It’s equipped with four 6402 Greenback speakers and was recorded with an SM57 and an R-121 to achieve a nice balance of brilliance and fullness.
- V30: Closed Friedman 4x12 cabinet, equipped with four Celestion Vintage 30 speakers. Recorded with a single SM57 and an API preamp for a powerful, punchy sound.
- 1980B V30GBA: A rare British 4x12 cabinet model from the rock era of the ’80s. This 1980B “Bass” cabinet is loaded with British Greenbacks (top) and V30s (bottom). This speaker mix and careful mic placement create a massive tone with chunky lows and a cutting top end.
Flexible integration
The IR-X’s transparent effects loop lets you easily integrate your favourite effects into setups of any complexity, from the simplest to the most elaborate digitally controlled rigs. The surprisingly compact size of the IR-X turns your pedalboard into your entire rig. Plug your preferred dirt pedals and filters straight into the IR-X input as you would with any amp, and put your favourite modulation effects in the effects loop. Now you can send all those sounds direct to the desk — with the convincing sonic benefits of IR technology.
Do you want all the advantages of the IR-X’s all-tube preamp section but prefer a live cab on stage? No problem! Simply connect the effects-loop send to your modulation effects and then to your amp’s power section. You can still send the IR output to the mixing desk to avoid miking the live cab. To use the IR-X’s IR technology independently of the preamp section, simply plug your preferred preamp or pedals into the effects-loop return. This is a great way to use the full amp and speaker simulation on stage or in the studio.
MIDI connectivity and software
The IR-X is MIDI-capable. Whether you recall presets with a pedalboard controller or switch channels from the laptop running your whole show, the IR-X is ready for the job. It’s the perfect combination of modern control and classic tube tone. The IR-X gives you amazing sonic control, which is taken to the next level by the included Friedman IR-X Editor software. With it you can fine-tune the power-amp simulation of each channel using the Thump and Presence controls, load your favourite IRs, enable the Boost-Lock function, choose Loop ON/OFF and store everything in 128 MIDI presets.
- Battery powered: Does not run on Battery power
- Boutique Effect: yes
- Controls: Boost, Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, gain per channel
- Country of Origin: USA
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 140x165x58mm
- Effect Type: Preamp
- Housing size: Medium Size
- Includes: 12 V mains adapter, USB 2.0 adapter cable
- Mono / Stereo: Mono In, Mono Out
- Power supply: 12 Volt DC Center negative
- Special Features: Amp simulation for electric guitar
- Switches: Boost, Channel 1, Channel 2, Bright, Tight, Cab/IR Switch
- Weight: 0,7 kg
- 2 Channel Amp in a Box with High Voltage Tube Preamp
- suitable for studio: yes
Friedman Amplification built guitar amplifiers for the signature sound of guitar greats like Eddie Van Halen. At session these hand-built amps are available to you with free shipping. Buy now!
For over 25 years Dave Friedman has been the man that star guitarists trust. Eddie Van Halen, Steve Stevens and Jerry Cantrell are just a few of the heroes for whom Friedman has built, modified and repaired guitar amplifiers, significantly contributing to their unmistakable sound. With his innovative developments and his eye for detail, Dave Friedman has gained friends and fans all over the world — it is still considered an honour to have him modify your amp to your own individual tonal preferences. From now on, even the average guitarist can get the real Friedman sound — receiving, alongside the cult tone, a high-quality product that has been hand-wired in the USA using only hand-selected components.
