New from Friedman....

[chrisharbin]

Friedman IR-D - Friedman Amplification

Dual Tube Preamp & DI - Simple All-Tube Direct Solution ALL-TUBE PREAMP, IR TECHNOLOGY, COMPACT SIZE 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...

friedmanamplification.com

I wonder if this might be the thing that gets me out of the box......

 

[chrisharbin]

I often wonder if it's that much better than a plug. I had a Helix, and I hated it. I could do better with plugs. But man, the demos sure sound nice.

 

[Matt Hepworth]

I can't tell what it's based off of (if anything), as far as the preamp section.

 

[chrisharbin]

I can't tell what it's based off of (if anything), as far as the preamp section.

Dirty Shirley from what I understand.

 

[shatzer]

I have the Friedman IR-X (Which is based off the BE-100) the IR-D is Dirty Shirley.
The IR-X is absolutely the best amp in a pedal format I've used/heard.

 

[Matt Hepworth]

Ah, now the 'D' makes sense. Thanks!

 

[chrisharbin]

I've got a ton of Craigslist stuff either sold or up for sale to pay cash, but again, I just don't know if it will really outdo plugs. These guys who demo this stuff online ALWAYS get better tone than I ever can. Plus, I just bought the THU again.......ugggggg, I've really got to stop spending.

 

[chrisharbin]

All you know I'm going to try it......

 

[chrisharbin]

It'll be here Friday. Geee, I hope it's not noisy. Anyone know routing options in a DAW with this kinda stuff if any? Would be nice if I could use a plug for extra drive and gate, but I have no clue if you can (Luna or Logic Pro)

 

[klasaine]

It has all the standard amp pedal ins and outs plus USB, midi and an FX loop. In Logic, I assume you could use it as a hardware insert. Luna, no. Most of these "amp in a box" pedals are designed to go in front of your interface.

 

[chrisharbin]

It has all the standard amp pedal ins and outs plus USB, midi and an FX loop. In Logic, I assume you could use it as a hardware insert. Luna, no. Most of these "amp in a box" pedals are designed to go in front of your interface.

Figured as much. If I like it, I'll likely need a gate. So many to choose from.......

 

[chrisharbin]

Oooooo, it's going to be here tomorrow! I'm not used to that kind of service from MF (Sweetwater though, yes)

 

[chrisharbin]

There are a few vids, this one kinda stood out though he is using his own IR.

[video]

 

[chrisharbin]

Well, even though my sinuses/ears are not super kosher, first impressions are excellent. Really responsive.....but we'll have to see. Pleasantly surprised it's not very noisy. PLENTY of gain, some made it out to be not so much in that department, not the case PLENTY.

 

[chrisharbin]

You know, this is my first tube anything since I was a kid. It's true, there is definitely more life with this unit. I've been in the box so long, been missing out for certain. Haven't used the editor yet. The built in IR's are....ok. BUT, the THU cabs sound fantastic with this unit! Really lively. Plus I love the tactile feel, REALLY tired of mousing around all the time (tweak, tweak, tweak )

I really am glad that MF (and others if I would have gone that route) had it in stock. Usually with new units you have to wait a while before they are available, and the overnight shipping was very reasonable (less than 20 bucks from KC)

 

[chrisharbin]

I forgot I have a BUNCH of Celestion IR's, fun day ahead.....

 

[chrisharbin]

After a few days, I'm just not sure about this. It really sounds best with lower gain. It has plenty of gain, but I'm still getting a fizzy tone after playing with it for a while. Have to wait until the overdrive pedal gets here. The neighbor across the way has a TON of pedals, maybe he'l let me use one if he has an overdrive. Pisses me off that it never ends. I dunno. I hate when you get something and really like it, and then after a while, you are like "do I really need this". Ugggg.

 

[MaxTwang]

The IR-D pairs well with OX Stomp, especially OX's "Honkin Silver". I like the Friedman IRs with the IR-X but prefer something fatter with the IR-D. These Friedman's and UAD's Lion are about the best Marshall in a Box pedal's I've found. Either Lion or one of the Friedman's would be enough.

 

[chrisharbin]

Well, I've got it plugged back in I'm just not sure, right now it's SLAMMIN'. (THU cabs)

 

[chrisharbin]

There are a couple of things for a potential buyer that at least, irritate me. First, no bypass switch. So if I'm working on something where I'd rather use a sim, I either have to unplug this and go through that nonsense, or use the other input which means I have to set the daw to that. Really annoying. Second, there is no off switch, so if I'd like to give the tubes a rest, I have to unplug it. It's not a huge thing as I have a Furman and have it plugged into the front, but still.

Other than that, it's mostly a joy. I've gone back and forth with "gee, do I really need this" to OMG this is the greatest thing ever since I got it. Still, in the back of my mind, it was only 6 mo. no interest and that extra 100 clams a month to make sure it's paid off isn't the greatest when I have such nice amp sims. But that tube goodness, tough to match.