Video: David Friedman Debuts New Friedman IR-X

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."


Standard Friedman IR-X.
Signed Custom Shop Friedman IR-X.

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.

"This article is part of a paid partnership with Friedman. From time to time, Reverb partners with trusted brands and manufacturers to highlight some of our favorite products we think our community will love."
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