The Friedman IR-J is a dual-channel tube preamp and DI pedal from Friedman, built as a signature model for guitarist Jake E. Lee, formerly of Ozzy Osbourne's band1. Friedman describes it as "an entire Friedman rig in a compact pedalboard-friendly package": an all-tube preamp section feeding a digital engine that handles impulse-response cabinet simulation and power amp simulation, so you can plug straight into a PA, an interface or headphones without an amp2.
At its core are two 12AX7 preamp tubes running at over 300 volts, which Friedman calls the IR-J's "beating heart"2. The two foot-switchable channels are based on Friedman's JEL-100 and JEL-20 designs, which the maker traces back to Dave Friedman's modded '800 and Plexi circuits2. It launched on 17 October 2024, priced at $599 in the US and £599 in the UK1; Friedman's current list price is $499.992.
The two channels and their boosts
The IR-J has two fully independent foot-switchable channels, and each one carries its own Tube Screamer-style boost circuit with dedicated Tone and Volume controls, a first in Friedman's IR line2. MusicRadar's Jonathan Horsley summed up the practical result: "Each channel has its own Tube Screamer-style boost, effectively giving you four channels"1.
Each channel gives you the same control set:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Volume | Sets the channel's output level2 |
| Gain | Sets the channel's preamp drive2 |
| 3-Band EQ | Bass, Middle and Treble2 |
| Boost Volume | Level for the channel's TS-style boost2 |
| Boost Tone | Tone for the channel's TS-style boost2 |
| Bright switch | Three-position bright control per channel21 |
| CAB/IR select | Three-position IR select per channel, programmable via software2 |
Channel 2 adds a two-position gain structure switch2. Per Horsley, that switch "presents two complementary takes on Lee's signature sound," with the lower-gain setting described as "a classic crunch inspired by the JCM800"1.
Friedman's own description of the two voices: Channel 1 "takes your tone from bluesy, British-voiced cleans to a muscular Plexi-style roar," while Channel 2 is the Friedman signature higher-gain JEL voice with "percussive punch, note clarity and singing sustain"2. Horsley heard the same split, describing Channel 1 as home to "Marshall-esque foundational British blues guitar tones" that flex Plexi muscle as the gain rises, and Channel 2 as the higher-gain JEL voicing1.
"those muscular, articulate rock tones were the tones I always sought... that's what this preamp does"
IRs, software and connections
The IR-J's DSP section is what Friedman calls a "SYNERGY powered, state of the art, ultra-low latency" IR cabinet and power amp simulation that sends a studio-quality mic'd signal to the outputs2. Each channel has a three-position CAB/IR select switch, and those positions are programmable via software2.
Editing and preset storage work through the pedal's USB connection:
- Friedman 4.3 Editor Software runs on Apple macOS 10.15 or higher or Windows 7 64-Bit or higher2
- 128 MIDI presets store your channel settings, boost states, effects loop on/off and IR selections2
- MIDI connections: standard 5-pin MIDI connector plus USB MIDI2
- Outputs: TRS balanced output and a headphone output for silent playing and recording2
Three multi-function foot switches handle channel and boost switching on the pedal itself2.
How the IR-J differs from the IR-D
For more on this category generally, see preamp pedals.
Who it is for
Friedman positions the IR-J as a "Simple All-Tube Direct Solution": a pedalboard-friendly preamp for players who want a full tube front end and cabinet simulation without carrying an amp2. At 5.5" deep, 6.5" wide and 2.3" high including knobs, and 1.5 lbs., it is built to sit on a pedalboard rather than a stage floor2. The headphone output and TRS balanced output make it usable for silent practice, home recording and direct-to-PA setups2.
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Questions
What tubes does the Friedman IR-J use?
The IR-J uses a pair of 12AX7 preamp tubes, running at over 300 volts, which Friedman describes as the pedal's beating heart. The high-voltage operation is intended to give the pedal the feel and response of a tube amp preamp section rather than a typical low-voltage pedal circuit.
Does the Friedman IR-J have MIDI?
Yes. The IR-J has a standard 5-pin MIDI connector and USB MIDI, and it stores 128 MIDI presets. You can save channel settings, boost states, effects loop on/off and IR selections to those presets, and edit everything over USB with the Friedman 4.3 editor software.
Does the IR-J have a headphone output?
Yes. Alongside a TRS balanced output, the IR-J includes a headphone output, so you can practice or record silently with the tube preamp feeding the onboard DSP cabinet and power amp simulation instead of a real speaker.
What is the difference between the Friedman IR-J and IR-D?
Both are dual-channel 12AX7 tube preamp pedals in Friedman's IR series with boosts, IRs and MIDI, but they are voiced differently. The IR-D is based on Friedman's Dirty Shirley and Twin Sister designs, while the IR-J is a Jake E. Lee signature model based on the JEL-100 and JEL-20 circuits, rooted in Dave Friedman's modded '800 and Plexi amps.
Can you load your own IRs into the Friedman IR-J?
The IR-J's three-position CAB/IR select switch per channel is programmable via software, and the pedal connects to a computer over USB for editing with the Friedman 4.3 editor software, which runs on Apple macOS 10.15 or higher or Windows 7 64-Bit or higher.
Who is the Friedman IR-J signature pedal for?
It is a signature model for guitarist Jake E. Lee, formerly of Ozzy Osbourne's band. Friedman describes it as a simple all-tube direct solution, aimed at players who want Lee's muscular, articulate rock tones in a pedalboard-friendly preamp that can go straight to a PA, interface or headphones.
