Friedman IR-D Dual-Channel All-Tube High-Voltage Preamp

zZounds Gear Experts Say...

Dive head-first into premium Friedman tone with the IR-D. This two-channel preamp pedal recreates the rich, complex sounds of a tastefully modified JTM45.

Overview

The Friedman IR-D dual-channel tube preamp is an entire Friedman rig in a compact pedalboard-friendly package.

IR-D boasts two fully independent identical foot-switchable channels which are based on Friedman's legendary Dirty Shirley/Twin Sister designs. This Dave-modded JTM45 circuit delivers the signature British tone for which Friedman is known for.

Powered by two high-voltage 12AX7 preamp tubes, each channel delivers the harmonic richness and touch response of Dave Friedman's finest designs. DSP IR cabinet/power amp simulation sends a studio-quality mic'd-up tone to your DAW or Front-of-House. The IR-D provides easy-to-use controls without complex menus and 100-page manuals.

Friedman Firmware Update Friedman Amplification is happy to announce the Friedman 4.0 Editor Software and 2.0 Firmware, powered by Synergy, for the IR-X and IR-D tube preamp pedals. With these updates, you'll receive:

-New Dynamic Power Amp Modeling simulation (AI captured model from a Friedman EL34 loaded power section into a 4x12 v30/GB mix)

-3-way selectable Low Pass filter (software)

-5 New IRs by OWNHAMMER

-DSP engine resolution upgraded from 48khz to 96khz

-The extraordinarily low latency further reduced by 1/3

-Switching time further reduced

-MIDI CC: CC 24 CHANNEL 0 - 127 - toggle

CC 25 BOOST 0 - 127 - toggle

CC 26 LOOP BYPASS 0 - 127 - toggle

CC 27 IR BYPASS 0 - 127 - toggle

CC 28 IR 0 - 1 - 2

CC 29 PRESENCE 0 - 1 -2

CC 30 DEEP 0 - 1 -2

CC 31 LP 0 - 1 -2

Instructions for… read more receiving the firmware updates:

Download the new 4.0 Editor Software using either one of the links below:

https://friedmanamplification.com/shop/pedals/friedman-ir-x/
https://friedmanamplification.com/shop/pedals/friedman-ir-d/

Open the new 4.0 Editor and connect the IR-D or IR-X using the provided USB cable. The unit automatically download the latest 2.0 firmware. DO NOT UPLUG THE UNIT WHILE THE FIRMWARE IS BEING UPDATED.

Features:

- All-tube HIGH-VOLTAGE preamp - DI
- 2 x 12AX7 preamp tubes
- Two independent identical channels + boost
- Based on Friedman's legendary Dirty Shirley/Twin Sister designs
- MIDI programmable features:
- Channel select / Boost
- IR select
- Thump and Presence - three-way switch per channel
- Effects loop ON/OFF
- Boost Lock
- Power amp simulation with software editable Presence and Thump (per channel)
- Low latency Impulse Response cabinet simulation (bypassable)
- Three position CAB/IR select switch per channel (programmable via software)
- 13 free Friedman IRs or load your own
- Boost Volume and Gain controls (per channel)
- Volume and Gain controls (per channel)
- Full EQ consisting of Bass, Middle, Treble (per channel)
- 2-way Bright switch (Per Channel)
- 3-way Structure switch (Per Channel)
- Three multi-function foot switches
- Ultra-transparent series FX loop (bypassable)
- TRS balanced output
- Headphone output
- MIDI 5 pin standard connector and USB MIDI
- USB software editor - powered by SYNERGY
- Limited 3-year Warranty
- Universal 12V Power Supply Included
- 6 Foot USB2.0 A Male to B Male cable Included
- Dimensions (Including Knobs): 5.5" (D) x 6.5" (W) x 2.3 (H)
- Weight: 1.5 lbs.

ALL-TUBE FRIEDMAN TONE
IR-D isn't simulating a Friedman tube preamp. It is one. While many available preamp pedals utilize tubes to 'warm up' their digital or solid-state circuit, two glowing hot 12AX7 preamp tubes, running at the proper high voltage, are this pedal's beating heart. A genuine preamp in every way, IR-D delivers all the tone, response, gain characteristics, and harmonic complexity you expect from a Friedman design.

DUAL INDEPENDENT BOOSTS
Both channels feature their own independent and highly tweakable Boost circuits. This essentially gives you four channels, accessible with the tap of your toe.

IMPULSE RESPONSE CABINET AND POWER AMP SIMULATION
All great tube amps need a great speaker cabinet, and whether sending your signal straight to the board or silently playing through the onboard headphone output, IR-D gives you a selection of Dave Friedman's favorite IRs. Select the IR per channel using the 3-way mini toggle switches or load your own quickly and easily via Friedman's editing software. You can even disengage the onboard IRs entirely to use IR-D's tube preamp with another IR loader.

13 Friedman Cabinet IRs Included: The Friedman Editor software includes 13 free Friedman IRs to choose from. The first three listed below are the ones which are factory set to the hardware.
- 6402 57 121: Dave Friedman's favorite 4x12 cab in bare wood. This is Dave's primary workshop cab and has been used to voice his amplifiers since the very beginning. It's fitted with four 6402 Greenback speakers and was captured with an SM57 and R-121 for a nice balance of cut and body.
- 1960 GREEN 5757121: This cabinet IR is the classic 1960B cabinet from the 80's. Fitted with 20w British Greenbacks. It has a distinctive sonic signature that sings 80's to modern rock tones. Captured with a pair of SM57 on two speakers, along with a R-121 to help fill out the body of the sound. These were fed into a set of API preamps with a touch of EQ to enhance the presence.
- DS112 57 1973: The Friedman Dirty Shirley 1x12 open back speaker cabinet with a G12-50GL features a detailed top end with an airy bass and mid response. A perfect choice for clean tones or if you're looking for a more bluesy sound. Captured with an SM57 and a Soyuz 1973 into API preamps.

FLEXIBLE RIG INTEGRATION
The IR-D's transparent effects loop allows you to easily integrate your favorite effects with everything from the most straightforward setups to the most complex digitally controlled rigs.

IR-D INTEGRATION
- All-In-One: IR-D's surprisingly compact size turns your pedalboard into your entire rig. Run your favorite dirt pedals and filters directly into the IR-D's input as you would with any amplifier and place your favorite time-based effects in the effects loop. Now send all that tone directly to the board with the stunning-sounding benefits of IR technology.
- Standalone Preamp: Do you want all the benefits of IR-D's all-tube preamp section but prefer a live cabinet onstage? No problem. Simply connect the effects loop Send to your time-based effects and then to your amps power section. You can still send the IR output to the console to avoid the hassles of live mic'ing the cabinet (see manual for details).
- IR-Loader: To utilize IR-D's IR technology independently of the preamp section, just plug your preferred preamp or pedals into its effects loop return. It's a great way to harness all of its power amp and speaker simulation onstage or in the studio.

EXPANDED MIDI CONTROL
IR-D is MIDI-capable. Whether pulling up presets with a pedalboard controller or switching channels with the laptop running your entire show, IR-D is ready for the job. It truly is the perfect marriage of modern control and classic tube tone.

IR-D EDITOR SOFTWARE
IR-D gives you astounding tonal control, but its included Friedman Editor software takes it to a new level. With it, you can tweak each channel's power amp simulation via the Thump and Presence controls, load your favorite IRs, activate the Boost Lock feature, select loop ON/OFF and save it all to 128 MIDI presets.

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.p65Warnings.ca.gov.

Specs

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Base Item: Shipping Weight: 2.86 lbs; Shipping Dimensions: 11 x 7 x 4 in; Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): FRIEDMAN IRD
Open Box (Very Good): Shipping Weight: 2.86 lbs; Shipping Dimensions: 11 x 7 x 4 in; Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): FRIEDMAN IRD
Open Box (Like New): Shipping Weight: 2.86 lbs; Shipping Dimensions: 11 x 7 x 4 in; Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): FRIEDMAN IRD

Documents and Manuals

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Email: friedmanamps@gmail.com
Web: https://friedmanamplification.com/contact

Reviews

(3 ratings)

Submitted February 10, 2025 by ALLAN B in Tempe, AZ

"One of the best preamp pedals I've used"

Overall:

(see rating details)

Verified Purchaser zZounds has verified that this reviewer purchased this specific product from us.

I’ve owned both the IR-X and IR-D for quite a while. I prefer them over modeling for the sound and feel, and ease of use. No menus to get lost in. They are about as close to an amp as a pedal can get. When I decided to put a new board together I knew I wanted another IR-D at the core and chose zZounds for their easy payment options.

Sound
I have used a few tube powered floor units over the last year. The IR-X, the IR-D, Two Notes Revolt, and the Bluguitar Amp1 Mercury. I prefer the tone of the IR-D over all of them. I like the gain structure and having duplicate channels works best for me. It’s a very Marshall-esque gain but without the overly present high end sizzle that puts some people off. There is plenty of gain in the pedal and it can go from slightly broken up clean to chewy classic 80’s and 90’s metal on either channel. It sits well in the mix and the built in boost can easily cut through for solos. It also takes gain pedals very well and loves TS9 and SD1’s. It responds to your guitar volume just like all Friedman amps will do. I really enjoy the tones I get from this box.

Features
There are so many great features here. I like that it can be used in the return of a normal amp and/or use the balanced out and IR to go to front of house. I love having 2 identical channels. Being able to tweak them so differently but still have the same general feel is a big plus. The individual boosts for each channel… read more is also a great feature. Depending on how you set them you can use them to push the amp a little harder, or crank the volume and use it to boost solos above the band. The only real downsides I have found is that if you want to use both an amp return AND use the IR to go to FoH you need to split the effects send out so you can insert the amp in the loop. Not a huge deal and easily overcome with a splitter. The other one is lack of an on/off switch. Sometimes I forget to shut off my power strip and it will stay on for a few hours until I realize it. Speaking of power, it runs just fine on a Cioks DC7 with the current doubler cable and Mr Friedman has said multiple times in various forums that it will run just fine off 9 volts.

Ease of Use
It’s as easy as any good tube amp. Start with everything at noon and adjust to taste. You have 3 onboard IR on each channel that you can change with the flick of a switch and they all sound good. If you want to get deeper you can use the editor software to pull down more IR and adjust the presence and resonance and even set up MIDI for programming PC and CC messages. You can switch channels, boost status, IR etc. but not any analog functions. I could see this being very handy in conjunction with a multi effect of loop switcher.

Quality
By all accounts it seems to be made very well. This is my 4th one and they withstand the abuse of life on a pedalboard pretty well.

Value
Considering what it is and what it does, I think it’s priced fair. Especially for something made in USA.

Manufacturer Support
I’ve owned a few Freidman amps and other products over the years and their support email has always been really good. The man himself has even responded back to me a couple of times. Other than questions, I’ve not dealt with any repair or warranty issues.

The Wow Factor
For $500 at the time of writing you get a 2 channel made in USA Friedman tube preamp that sounds awesome and isn’t a gimmick. These Synergy based preamp pedals from Boutique Amp Distribution are definitely becoming a ‘thing’. Anyone who wants a pedalboard based rig without the menus and deep diving modelers can bring should definitely check out one of the Friedman IR pedals!

Musical Background:
Been around the block

Musical Style:
Rock, Classic Rock, Prog, CCM

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