Don't let the larger-format guitar effect look of the new Friedman IR-X fool you—it's actually not a pedal at all. This powerful beast is instead a truly all-tube, high-voltage amp-in-a-box with cab simulation.
As David Friedman himself explains in the video above, most of the tone of a Friedman amp is generated by the amp's front end. So, for the IR-X, Friendman replicated one of their amp's front ends and placed it in this pedal format, married to a digital back end for the best of both analog/digital worlds.
The signal path is exactly the same as one of my amplifiers' would be," David tells us. "So, in other words, this is a high-voltage, full-tube preamp. Not one tube—it actually has all the circuitry of the tube amp. Nine volt DC comes into this pedal, but then it's stepped up to 200-and-some volts. That's super important, for all of the dynamics and everything come from the high voltage."
The top row knobs on the IR-X control the amp's cleaner channel, loosely based on the Plexi sound. This channel features two three-position switches—one for bright and one for IR. The bottom row of knobs controls the IR-X's higher-gain, more classically "Friedman" channel carrying the tonal aspects the brand is known for. This channel features a two-position tight switch.
The right-most footswitch on the IR-X is labeled "boost" and can be engaged regardless of which channel you're using. Not only does it boost your front end, but also switches to a separate master volume which makes it great for lead-playing. On the side of the unit are two gain knobs, one for each channel.
Be sure to watch the video above to hear what the new Friedman IR-X is capable of. The Friedman IR-X is available now as a standard production unit. Exclusively on Reverb, you can also find a Custom Shop version of the pedal, which has been signed by Dave Friedman. The Custom Shop version is limited to just 100, so act fast while supplies last.