Digital amp modelers simply DON’T do this

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PRODUCT LINKS
Friedman IRX Pedal:https://friedmanamplification.com/sho...
Friedman IRD Pedal: https://friedmanamplification.com/sho...
Friedman IRJ (Jake E. Lee Signature) Pedal: https://friedmanamplification.com/sho...

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Hey everyone! If you've been following my channel for a while, you probably know that I'm a huge fan of tube gear. There's just something about the feel and response of tube amps that digital modeling can't quite replicate. While I acknowledge the convenience of digital amp modelers and modeling amps—especially for traveling musicians who don't want to lug around heavy tube amps and 4x12 cabinets—I just love the tactile satisfaction that comes from playing through tubes. It's not just about the sound; it's about the push and pull, the give and take that tubes provide.

In today's video, I'm exploring some incredible new tube-based pedals from Friedman Amplification: the IR-X, IR-D, and the brand-new IR-J (Jake E. Lee Signature model). These pedals have literally left me speechless, and I can't wait to show you why. Whether you're into electric guitars, guitar pedals, or tube amps, you'll love these tones.

Why Tube Pedals Over Digital Amp Modelers?
While digital amp modeling has come a long way and offers incredible convenience, there's still a noticeable difference in the feel and response when compared to tube gear. These Friedman pedals capture that elusive tube amp experience, providing the dynamic response and touch sensitivity that digital platforms often lack. They're an affordable and portable solution for gigging musicians who crave authentic tube tones without the hassle of heavy equipment.

Friedman IRX Tube Pedal
The IRX is a two-channel tube preamp pedal that's somewhat "plexi-ish" but not overly high-gain.
I ran the IRX directly into the FX send of my Bravado amp, bypassing its preamp and using the 6L6 power section. This setup showcases the pedal as the primary preamp, delivering authentic tube amp tones.

Friedman IRD Tube Pedal
Personally, the IRD is my favorite because it allows for different flavors of the same sound, making it incredibly flexible for live performances and studio recording.

Friedman IRJ (Jake E. Lee Signature) Tube Pedal
The IRJ is the newest addition to the lineup and brings even more gain to the table. The built-in Tube Screamer circuit effectively gives you a pedal within a pedal, offering classic overdrive tones and the ability to boost for solos.

I didn't just stop at running these pedals through my Bravado amp. I also tested them with:
Solid-State Amp (Peavey Bandit): Running the pedals into the power amp section resulted in surprisingly tube-like tones and responsiveness.
Fender Hot Rod Deluxe: Known for its less-than-stellar distortion channel, this amp was transformed when using the Friedman pedals, delivering rich, dynamic tones that were previously unattainable.

High-Voltage Tubes: Unlike many tube pedals that run at low voltages and use tubes more like clipping diodes, these Friedmans operate at high voltages for genuine tube amp feel.
Versatility: Whether you're into clean tones, classic rock crunch, or high-gain metal, these pedals cover it all.
IR Loading: The ability to use built-in impulse responses or load your own adds another layer of flexibility, especially for direct recording or live performances without a traditional amp.
MIDI Control: Full MIDI implementation means these pedals can integrate seamlessly with modern digital rigs.
Portability: Get authentic tube amp tones without the back-breaking weight of traditional tube amps and cabinets.

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:56 Overview of IR-D, IR-X, and IR-J
03:46 What’s the IR-X all about?
08:56 Let’s dig into the IR-D
12:57 Deep diving into the IR-J
14:42 The Tubescreamer circuit buried within
17:35 Why run this into a tube amp? Why not solid state?
18:21 Running these into a Solid State Peavey Bandit Amp
20:46 Running these into Fender Hot Rod Deluxe