Friedman releases Jake E. Lee signature IR-J tube preamp pedal

October 17, 2024 · 2 sources

Friedman Amplification released the Jake E. Lee signature IR-J, a dual-channel tube preamp pedal, on October 17, 2024¹. The maker describes it as "an entire Friedman rig in a compact pedalboard-friendly package"².

The IR-J runs two 12AX7 preamp tubes at over 300 volts and has two independently footswitchable channels based on Friedman's JEL-100 and JEL-20 designs². Each channel carries Volume, Gain, Bass, Middle and Treble controls, a Boost Volume control, a three-position Bright switch and a three-position cab/IR select switch; Channel 2 adds a two-position gain switch². Each channel also has its own Tube Screamer-style boost circuit, which the maker calls a first in its IR line². MusicRadar describes the arrangement as effectively four channels¹.

A digital section handles impulse responses and power amp simulation, with software control of Presence, Thump and a low-pass filter per channel². The unit ships with 18 Friedman IRs, and the onboard IRs can be switched off to run the preamp into another IR loader². The editor software also stores settings across 128 MIDI presets². Connections include a TRS balanced output, a headphone output, a five-pin MIDI connector and USB MIDI, plus a bypassable series effects loop². Friedman lists the pedal at 5.5 by 6.5 by 2.3 inches and 1.5 lbs, with a three-year limited warranty and a 12V power supply included².

The two sources give different prices. Friedman's product page lists $499.99²; MusicRadar reports "available now, priced £/$599"¹. Friedman lists the pedal as in stock and available for backorder².