Friedman launches IR-D twin-channel tube preamp pedal

April 25, 2024 · 2 sources

Friedman Amplification launched the IR-D, a dual-channel tube preamp pedal, on April 25, 2024, according to MusicRadar¹. The pedal follows the IR-X that Friedman released in September 2023¹, and Guitar Pedal X reported that the two share a near-identical control layout².

The IR-D runs two high-voltage 12AX7 preamp tubes¹². MusicRadar reported that Friedman describes it "as a genuine preamp in every way" and that the tubes are not there to warm up a digital or solid-state circuit¹. The pedal is built around the circuit of Friedman's Dirty Shirley and Twin Sister amps, which MusicRadar described as modded JTM45 designs¹. Guitar Pedal X placed those amps in "respectively JCM800 and Plexi type territory"².

Each of the two identical channels is footswitchable and has its own footswitchable boost, three-band EQ, Volume and Gain controls, a two-way bright switch and a three-way structure switch¹². Mini knobs on the side set the boost gain¹. MusicRadar noted that with the boosts, the pedal can be treated as a four-channel preamp¹.

The IR-D ships with 13 onboard cabinet IRs, and players can load their own through Friedman's editor software¹². Each channel has a three-way CAB/IR switch, and the IRs can be bypassed for use with a third-party loader¹. Each channel also has Power and Thump power amp simulation, editable in the software¹². Connections include a balanced line out, a 1/8-inch headphone output, USB, a five-pin MIDI connector and a series effects loop¹². Guitar Pedal X listed MIDI control of channel and boost selection, IR selection, Thump and Presence, effects loop on/off and Boost Lock².

MusicRadar reported the price as $499¹, and Guitar Pedal X listed $499². Guitar Pedal X gave dimensions of 165 x 140 x 58 mm and a weight of 0.7 kg, with a universal 12V power supply included and power consumption of 800mA². MusicRadar reported the IR-D was available at launch¹.