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Friedman Amplification

FRIEDMAN IR-X Dual Tube Preamp


The Friedman IR-X dual-channel tube preamp is an entire Friedman rig in a compact pedalboard-friendly package. Powered by two high-voltage 12AX7 preamp tubes, each channel delivers the harmonic richness and touch response of Dave Friedman’s finest designs. DSP IR cabinet/power amp simulation sends a studio-quality mic’d-up tone to your DAW or Front-of-House.

IR-X isn't simulating a Friedman tube preamp. It is one. While many available preamp pedals utilize tubes to 'warm up'  their digital or solid-state circuit, two glowing 12AX7 preamp tubes, running at a proper high voltage, are this pedal's beating heart. A genuine preamp in every way, IR-X delivers all the tone, response, gain characteristics, and harmonic complexity you expect from a Friedman design.

TWO FULLY INDEPENDENT FOOT-SWITCHABLE CHANNELS

Like the famed Friedman flagship amps, channel one takes your tone from bluesy, British-voiced cleans to a muscular Plexi-style roar. Engage channel two for the Friedman signature higher-gain voice and all the percussive punch, note clarity and singing sustain that comes with it.

DUAL INDEPENDENT BOOSTS

Both channels feature their own independent and highly tweakable boost circuits. This essentially gives you four channels, accessible with the tap of your toe.

IMPULSE RESPONSE CABINET AND POWER AMP SIMULATION

All great tube amps need a great speaker cabinet, and whether sending your signal straight to the board or silently playing through the onboard headphone output, IR-X gives you a selection of Dave Friedman’s favorite IRs. Select the IR per channel using the 3-way mini toggle switches or load your own quickly and easily via IR-X’s editing software. You can even disengage the onboard IRs entirely to use IR-X’s tube preamp with another IR loader.

IR-X SOFTWARE EDITOR

IR-X gives you astounding tonal control, but its included Friedman IR-X Editor software takes it to a new level. With it, you can tweak each channel’s power amp simulation via the thump and presence controls, load your favorite IRs, activate the Boost Lock feature, select loop ON/OFF and save it all to 128 MIDI presets.

IR-X FEATURES:

  • All-tube HIGH-VOLTAGE preamp - DI

  • 2 x 12AX7 preamp tubes

  • Two independent channels + boost

  • Channel 1 (Top channel) clean to gritty

  • Channel 2 (Bottom channel) high gain drive

  • MIDI programmable features:

    • Channel select / boost

    • IR Select

    • Thump and Presence – three-way switch per channel

    • Effects Loop On/Off

    • Boost Lock

  • Power amp simulation with software editable Presence and Thump (per channel)

  • Low latency Impulse Response cabinet simulation (bypassable)

  • Three position CAB/IR select switch per channel (programmable via software)

  • 12 free Friedman IRs or load your own

  • Boost Volume and Gain controls (per channel)

  • Volume and Gain controls (per channel)

  • Full EQ consisting of Bass, Middle, Treble (per channel)

  • 3-way Bright switch (Channel 1)

  • 2-way Tight switch (Channel 2)

  • Three multi-function foot switches

  • Ultra-transparent series FX loop (bypassable)

  • TRS balanced output

  • Headphone output

  • MIDI 5 pin standard connector and USB MIDI

  • USB software editor - powered by SYNERGY

  • Dimensions (Including Knobs): 5.5” (D) x 6.5” (W) x 2.3 (H)

  • Weight: 1.5 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Based on 6 reviews
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T
Thommo
Real valve tone from rock to metal.

Versatile, easy to use. It’s got all the tricks and then some. Get that cranked hot rodded marshall tone recorded with just a pedal. Glad I never wasted money on all that digital junk that sounds and feels nothing like valves. Was worth waiting for. Thanks Dave Friedman!!!
Tone Tone Tone.

P
Peter Zlateff
Friedman IR-X ROCKS

I was looking to put together a practice rig and something to record ideas and demos. This does the trick. I can play anytime of the day and night and not piss off my neighbours or get arrested.
I’m using high quality headphones and an amp, since the headphone output isn’t exceptional. I mean it’s okay but if using good headphones you’re better off using a good headphone amp.
I now have a rig that fits in an efx case, which comes in handy. Plug into a PA and you’re ready to rock.
This sounds like my Smallbox 50 and I’m using the IR of greenbacks provided. Dave knows how to build amps and Synergy does the digital IR backend to match.
You can’t go wrong.

J
Jason Byrne
Monster tones in a pedal.

I'll start this by saying I own a Friedman Smallbox and a Runt 50. The IRX absolutely nails that Friedman sound. I have tried some recording with the IRX and so far I'm absolutely blown away by how amp like it sounds. Its a big amp sound with none of the setting up, pretty incredible really. 100% recommend.

A
Anon
Everything it’s cracked up to be

I’m a digital denier but i’m sold on this platform. I didn’t even know what an IR was but have earned quickly this is no gimmick. I’d be surprised if all other brands don’t copy and paste this format. I demo’d it for my fellow guitarists straight into a Mackie 15” powered PA bin and he was flawed (the man does not subscribe to any digital trickery). PS load an Ampeg or Sunn IR in there and you have a killer bass sound too. I wouldn’t believe this review if I read it so the best I can do is tell you to get to the store and try one. There is no muddy overtones and plastic sounding distortion at high gain, just clean, real tube tones.

As for Deluxe Guitars this was my first purchase with them and the thing turned up before it was due. You can’t ask much more than that. They’ve made my (very short) short list of sellers.

B
Ben M.

I recently had the pleasure of purchasing the Friedman IR-X pedal and I was absolutely blown away by its performance. Let me share with you my positive experiences.

First and foremost, the Friedman IR-X pedal offers an incredible range of realistic and high-quality impulse response (IR) options. The built-in IR library is extensive, providing a wide selection of iconic speaker cabinets and microphone placements. The accuracy and authenticity of the tones produced are impressive, making it feel like I'm playing through a premium amplifier and speaker setup.

The versatility of the IR-X pedal is another standout feature. With its intuitive controls and comprehensive EQ options, I was able to dial in my desired tone effortlessly. Whether I wanted to shape my sound for a soulful blues solo or crank up the gain for a heavy metal riff, this pedal delivered every time. The level of control it offers over both the tone and the response is simply exceptional.

Additionally, the build quality and durability of the Friedman IR-X pedal are top-notch. It feels solid and well-constructed, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of gigging and touring without any worries. The compact size also makes it easily portable and fits perfectly on my pedalboard.

Another aspect worth mentioning is the seamless integration of the IR-X pedal into my existing rig. Whether I used it in front of my amp or plugged it directly into the effects loop, it consistently delivered superb tone, without any unwanted artifacts or signal degradation. This allowed me to maximize its potential in various setups, making it extremely versatile for any performance situation.

In conclusion, the Friedman IR-X pedal is an exceptional piece of gear that truly delivers on its promise of realistic and high-quality impulse responses. Its extensive IR library, versatile controls, and outstanding build quality are just a few of the reasons why I highly recommend this pedal to any guitarist looking to elevate their tone. It's a game-changer that will undoubtedly enhance your playing experience and inspire your musical creativity.

The purchase experience via mail order was a breeze and was well packed.

Thanks to the team at Deluxe Guitars!