Description
Compact Design with Professional Touch
The Friedman IR-D Dual Tube Preamp & DI immediately caught my attention with its pedalboard-friendly design. Weighing just 2 pounds and with dimensions of 4 x 7 x 11 inches, it fits snugly into my setup without feeling cumbersome. The black metal casing exudes durability, and I’ve already had it survive a few accidental bumps in my studio. What really stood out to me right away was the inclusion of two 12AX7 preamp tubes, which aren’t just for show—they genuinely enhance the tone. It’s like having a compact Friedman amp at my feet, delivering those signature British tones Friedman is famous for.
Key Benefits
- Two independent, foot-switchable channels for seamless tone transitions.
- High-voltage preamp tubes that provide rich harmonic detail.
- Compact and rugged design, perfect for both studio and stage use.
- Simple controls that eliminate the need for complex manuals.
Versatile Sound Quality with Dual Channels
As someone who loves experimenting with tones, the dual-channel system on this preamp is a dream. Each channel is based on Friedman’s Dirty Shirley and Twin Sister designs, offering a classic modded JTM45 circuit. I found that the clean tones are incredibly warm, and when cranked up, they morph into gritty, vintage overdriven sounds. The harmonic richness and touch response genuinely feel like playing through a larger amp.
The boost option on each channel is a fantastic addition, particularly for live performances. Switching between clean and overdrive, with an extra kick when needed, meant I didn’t have to rely on external boost pedals. It felt seamless and reliable.
DSP IR Cabinet Simulation: A Game Changer
One feature that blew me away was the DSP IR cabinet and power amp simulation. While I’ve tried DI boxes and other preamps before, none delivered the same studio-quality mic’d-up tone as this one. Connecting it directly to my DAW was effortless, thanks to the 6-foot USB cable included in the box. The Presence and Thump controls are software-editable, which added an extra layer of customization. For someone who records a lot, this feature saved me hours of mic placement struggles.
I tested it live as well by sending the signal straight to the front-of-house, and the sound tech couldn’t believe how polished and consistent the output was. The power amp simulation truly replicates the depth of a real amp, making it ideal for both recording and live scenarios.
Good Aspects
- Studio-grade DSP IR cabinet simulation for direct DAW and live use.
- Presence and Thump controls for customizable tone shaping.
- Universal 12V power supply included for convenience.
- Seamless integration with existing pedalboard setups.
Less Favorable Aspects
At the same time, there were some areas for improvement.
- The software editing for cabinet simulation could feel a bit unintuitive initially. A better user interface would be welcome.
- The lack of a headphone output is a minor oversight, especially for late-night practice sessions.
- While the foot switches are responsive, they felt slightly cramped for someone with larger feet.
Competing Brands
When comparing the product to other compact tube preamps, I found it stands strong against brands like Strymon and Two Notes. For instance, while the Strymon Iridium offers excellent amp modeling, it lacks the real tubes that the Friedman IR-D boasts. On the flip side, Two Notes’ Torpedo delivers slightly more flexibility in terms of cabinet simulation options, but it can’t match the straightforward usability and tactile response of this unit.
Another contender worth mentioning is the Boss GT-1000, which provides extensive multi-effects capabilities, but it doesn’t replicate the authentic British tones that Friedman’s preamp delivers. What sets this apart is its focus on quality over quantity—it doesn’t try to be everything at once but excels in its specialized field of tone shaping.
Price to Quality Ratio
Looking at what this unit offers, the price performance is impressive. While it might seem like an investment at first glance, the dual-channel functionality, real tube warmth, and direct recording capabilities justify the cost. I’ve spent more on units that didn’t deliver half of what this does. If you’re a guitarist who values authentic tone, this is definitely a smart spending choice.
In summary, the Friedman IR-D Dual Tube Preamp & DI is a powerhouse in a compact form. It’s perfect for recording artists, gigging musicians, or even hobbyists who want a taste of professional sound at home. The British-inspired tones, coupled with its studio-ready features, make it a standout product in its category. However, a few tweaks, like a headphone output or more intuitive software, could elevate it even further.