Most guitar-electronics firms make a direct-recording preamp, many promising to supply final distortion and overdrive through impulse responses (IR) or cupboard simulations. Dave Friedman, after all, is thought for placing his identify on high-end tube heads and combos, so when he slaps his vaunted model on an IR field, expectations rise.

The IR-X Twin Tube Preamp is a high-voltage, two-channel unit with two glowing 12AX7 tubes inside, all managed by a digital again finish.

A number of issues genuinely stand out in regards to the IR-X. First, you’ll be able to set it just like the entrance panel of a guitar amp, twiddling knobs till you discover sounds you want, after which stomp away. Channel 1 is your clean-to-dirty channel (assume Nashville twang to Aerosmith), whereas Channel 2 is dirty-to-insane (Led Zeppelin to Van Halen or Alice in Chains). There’s a 3rd footswitch for Increase, which provides added kick on both channel. Subsequent to it’s a small change, which affords three 4×12 cupboard IRs every, primarily based on Friedman’s favorites from his personal assortment. There are additionally Tight/Vivid switches to tailor the tone to style, and an results loop for time-based pedals.

In studio exams, the IR-X supplied scary-good tones. Whereas many producers provide good crunchy tones, this unit delivers the precise thump of a loud 4×12 cab. Recording right into a DAW, its captured guitar sounds had been beefy and rockin’, with every kind of EQ choices to sweeten them up. There are USB and MIDI connections so you’ll be able to entry Friedman’s simple enhancing software program and save as much as 128 presets. Nonetheless, many will use the IR-X as a primary piece of hard-rock {hardware}, turning knobs and savoring the fury of these tubes and high quality circuitry.

Irrespective of the way you apply it, the Friedman IR-X is a severe stack-in-the-box.

This text initially appeared in VG’s January 2024 concern. All copyrights are by the creator and Classic Guitar journal. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.