IR-X Dual Tube Preamp & DI

After the success of the brand's effects pedals, Friedman launched the IR-X Dual Tube Preamp and attacked the market for very popular pre-amps with integrated IR. Please note, here, not everything digital but a hybrid machine, powered by 2 12AX7 pre-amplification tubes and an output section equipped with a DI and a module allowing you to load your favorite Impulse Response. With the IR-X, Friedman promises you the harmonic content, response and dynamics of its tube amps, all in an ultra-compact package, loaded with studio-quality IRs.

When handling, the IR-X is light, very compact and can fit on any pedalboard . On the program, two channels with independent 3-band EQ, Volume, Gain and Boost. Also 2 mini toggle-switches Bright and Tight. On the side, there are also 2 trim pots to adjust the amount of default Gain on channel 1 and Boost on channel 2. On the rear panel: 1 input, 1 DI output, an effects loop, a ground lift , a headphone output and MIDI / USB connectors. We will prefer to power the IR-X with 12VDC.

So how do you hook it all up?

• Directly to your MAC or PC to record or play on monitors On a console to send to a sound system
  
• On active speaker(s)
  
• As an insert on your amp to use it as a pure preamplifier (the IR part will be replaced by the power section of your amp).
  

Test carried out on a console + QSC speakers, we start with Channel 1 which is dedicated to clean sounds / crunches. With everything at 12:00, the least we can say is that there is some down and compression! No doubt, we are at Friedman's. We have a big, very punchy attack and you should be able to wake the dead at 11:00. The EQ is very responsive but reacts very differently to a tube amp. The mids are very pleasant, the controls very progressive. The highs are present, they sparkle more than on a classic tube system with a more marked presence. Of course, the interaction with the EQ will change completely depending on the IR you use. The gain knob is REALLY progressive, we can sweep through a lot of styles by adjusting this one, but, Friedman obliges, his area of ​​predilection is big sound! We therefore leave for Canal2 which propels us directly into sounds close to a BE Deluxe. We feel the inspiration. Lots of gain on this Channel 2, without reaching the level of a BE-100. There's something to rock in all styles from Blues to big Metal. It's fat, dense, brutal, everything you expect from a good Marshall boosted to the maximum.

Let's talk a little about on-board IRs: There are 3 of them.

• 6402 (Mic SM57 R-121) - the one on the left is the roundest, with the most base and a little more recessed treble.
  
• 1980B V30 GB - the middle position , more open with a very Marshall midrange, very forward.
  
• V30 Stock Friedman 4×12 closed-back cabinet - the position on the right is less “tight”, higher perched, more Hendrixian in its rendering.
  

You are free to load your own IRs into the Friedman IR-X.

Note, the clean preamp is on the volume knob and the boosts are very effective, as are the mini-toggle switches. We also appreciate the integrated loop which will allow you to insert any effect with comfort. We won't hesitate to use pedals to work on the preamp with excellent dynamics (it's as tight as you want!) in the same way as the Strymon Iridium (for example).

Finally, the software part is not left out. MAC / PC compatible, you can go even further in the settings (Presence, dynamics, etc.) and create your presets, load your IRs via the free downloadable software. Dave Friedman offers us an ultra-easy to use preamp that sounds great and offers great versatility. Are you a fan of the Friedman sound and want to take it everywhere? The IR-X Dual Tube Preamp is made for you!