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Friedman IR-X Dual Tube Preamp and DI

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Friedman IR-X Dual Tube Preamp and DI

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$419.00 to $499.99 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (2)

1 Review

Find out who is using Friedman IR-X Dual

4 wishlisted

12 saved

Page last updated Jul 06, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated July 6, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

4.5 (48)

$499.99 $447.00 $52.99

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5.0 (8)

$499.00 $447.00 $52.00

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4.7 (22)

Used

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5.0 (10)

$447.00 37 available New

$299.00 25 available Used

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4.0 (3)

$499.00 $447.00 $52.00

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5.0 (2)

$499.99

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4.6 (39)

$425.00 $419.00 $6.00 · All time low

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Average Price: $432

Standard/Professional

$200

$501+

Price Tier

In the Amp & Cabinet Simulators category, Friedman IR-X Dual Tube Preamp and DI is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Friedman IR-X Dual Tube Preamp and DI". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The Friedman IR-X Dual Tube Preamp and DI is the perfect solution for musicians seeking a compact yet powerful preamp for their setup. This device serves as a mini Friedman rig, fitting perfectly on your pedalboard while delivering remarkable tonal quality.

Driven by two high-voltage 12AX7 preamp tubes, the IR-X offers the harmonic richness and touch responsiveness that are characteristic of Dave Friedman’s esteemed designs. Unlike many preamp pedals that use tubes to merely "warm up" their digital or solid-state circuits, the IR-X boasts two 12AX7 preamp tubes operating at the proper high voltage, making it a genuine tube preamp.

The Friedman IR-X is equipped with two fully independent foot-switchable channels. Channel one delivers everything from clean, British-voiced tones to a muscular Plexi-style roar. On the other hand, channel two brings out the signature high-gain voice of Friedman, complete with percussive punch, clear note articulation, and singing sustain.

Key Features:

A genuine Friedman tube preamp with two high-voltage 12AX7 tubes
Two fully independent, foot-switchable channels
Each channel features their own EQ toggles for tonal versatility
Dual independent boosts, essentially offering four different channels
DSP IR cabinet/power amp simulation for studio-quality tones
Bypassable effects loop for easy integration of your favorite effects
Comes loaded with 12 free Friedman cabinet IRs, with the option to load your own custom files
MIDI programmability with up to 128 presets for integration with pro-level rigs
USB MIDI for DAW integration
3 multifunction footswitches for real-time operation
Headphone output for silent practice
Balanced TRS output

Product specs

Pedal Type	Tube Preamp
Analog/Digital	Analog (preamp), Digital (simulation)
Channels	2
EQ	2 x 3-band EQ, Bright Switch, Tight Switch
Presets	128 User Presets
Impulse Response	12 x Friedman Cabinet IRs, 3rd Party IR Support
Distortion/Overdrive	Overdrive
Tubes	2 x 12AX7
Inputs	1 x 1/4"
Outputs	1 x 1/4" TRS
Effects Loop	Yes
MIDI I/O	5-pin DIN (In), USB
USB	1 x Type B (MIDI, updates, remote programming)
Headphones	1 x 1/8"
Software	IR-X Software Editor
Power Source	9-12V DC 800mA power supply (included)
Height	2.3"
Width	6.5"
Depth	5.5"
Weight	1.5 lbs.

FAQs

What are the main features of the Friedman IR-X Dual Tube Preamp and DI?: The Friedman IR-X features two channels, a 3-band EQ for each, a bright switch, a tight switch, and 128 user presets. It includes 12 Friedman cabinet impulse responses and supports third-party IRs, making it versatile for both live and studio use.
Can the Friedman IR-X Dual Tube Preamp and DI be used with third-party impulse responses?: Yes, the Friedman IR-X supports third-party impulse responses, allowing you to customize your sound further beyond the included 12 Friedman cabinet IRs.
Does the Friedman IR-X Dual Tube Preamp and DI have a built-in effects loop?: Yes, the Friedman IR-X includes an effects loop, providing flexibility to integrate additional pedals and effects into your signal chain.
What type of tubes are used in the Friedman IR-X Dual Tube Preamp and DI?: The Friedman IR-X utilizes two 12AX7 tubes, which are known for delivering high-gain tones and rich harmonic content.
How can I power the Friedman IR-X Dual Tube Preamp and DI?: The Friedman IR-X requires a 9-12V DC 800mA power supply, which is included with the unit.

Videos

Add video

Ola Englund

FRIEDMAN IR X - METAL

Ola Englund

Friedman IR-X Tube Preamp With Cab Sim - Valve & Digital In Perfect Harmony!

Andertons Music Co

FRIEDMAN IR-X HIGH VOLTAGE TUBE PREAMP WITH IR'S!

Pete Thorn

NEW Friedman IR-X : Best Guitar Preamp Pedal Ever? | Thomann

Thomann's Guitars & Basses

Friedman IR-X: 2-channel Tube Preamp Power for Your Pedalboard

Sweetwater

Friedman IR-X Official video

Friedman Amplification

New Friedman IR-X Deep Dive with special guest Michael Nielsen!

Tone-Talk

Friedman IR X - All Tube Direct Goodness And More!

Shawn Tubbs

The Definitive Tube Amp in a Box? Friedman IR-X

Joe Gabaldon

Friedman IR-X Dual Tube Preamp & DI

Nitro Guitars

Reviews

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PROS

Realistic tube amp sound and feel, even when used direct
Versatile tone, from pristine cleans to heavy metal grind
Responsive to guitar volume changes for dynamic play
Easy to use, intuitive design without unnecessary digital effects
Compact and portable, ideal for gigging musicians
Compatible with external IRs for expanded tone shaping
Takes pedals well, enhancing setup flexibility
Low noise level, high build quality
Inspires musical creativity and play

CONS

Limited clean channel output, struggles to achieve crunch
Tone controls lack range for mellow tones
IR switches and boost/overdrive adjustments awkwardly placed
Potentiometer knobs too close, easily mishandled
Volume reserve on Channel 1 insufficient for some applications
Cabinet selection can be random upon startup
Lacks professional features like XLR output and bypass option for more versatility

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Friedman IR-X Dual Tube Preamp and DI.

Comparisons

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The IR-X is compared to the MOOER JCM900 pedal, with some preferring the latter when paired with Les Paul guitars and Duncan JB pickups.
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While the Friedman IR-X provides the BE sound efficiently, it doesn't match the physical impact of full Friedman or Marshall amps.
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A user prefers the tonal quality of a $95 MOOER JCM900 pedal over the IR-X when paired with a Les Paul and Duncan JB pickups.
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Users find the IR-X offers better treble sparkle and a more lively, "3D" clean tone compared to the Dream 65 rig.
Source

Features and functionality

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The pedal's boosts have adjustable settings on the side, which can be used to dial in specific tones, particularly useful on the BE channel.
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The IR-X's Plexi channel is favored over Mesa's clean channel, due to its superior volume balance and lack of sound quality drop-off.
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The IR-X can be controlled via MIDI for enhanced flexibility, allowing users to switch between multiple settings like a 4-channel amp setup.
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The pedal includes independent boost and master volumes, allowing for both gain and volume boosts, suitable for gigging musicians.
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The IR-X uses a non-grounded power supply to prevent ground loops, but a grounded setup can reduce noise when using headphones only.
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The IR-X is noted for its versatility, providing a range of tones from clean to high-gain Marshall crunch, suitable for cover bands playing various genres.
Source

User experience

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Some owners would prefer a larger, possibly rackmount design, as they find the current layout cramped, particularly with small switches near the knobs.
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Some users find the stock IRs weak, suggesting that upgrading them significantly improves the amp-like sound quality.
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Some owners experience high noise levels on Channel 2, even with gain settings as low as 1:30 or 2 o'clock.
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Build quality

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The power cable is noted to be basic, lacking a grounding plug, which some users feel limits its roadworthiness despite no immediate noise issues.
Source

Use cases and applications

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Users find the Plexi channel excels in delivering authentic Marshall-esque tones, especially when paired with a Mesa power amp into a 2x12 Mesa rectifier cab.
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Ideal for those seeking the classic Friedman BE sound in a compact package, though it may lack the versatility of a full amp setup.
Source

Setup and maintenance

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Users recommend connecting the IR-X to a grounded device like an audio interface to reduce noise when using headphones.
Source

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

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pepislang

over 2 years ago

Another great Friedman product

Sounds great DI, also used with power amp and in front of my modeler using only its effects. Here is a vid on the link below, where I use it w/ my Small Box 50 amp.

https://youtu.be/xViXc-AFvRw?si=mk_oZ9ySn3wrT90d

Artist usage

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Jack Kays

Singer, Guitarist

Verified via Photo

Jack Kays' pedalboard can be seen in this post on his Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/p/C76squbuC8P/?hl=en

Ben Hosterman

Guitarist

Dead Metal Society

Verified via Photo

Ben Hosterman, a guitarist, has been documented using the Friedman IR-X Dual Tube Preamp and DI. This is confirmed by a photo and caption shared by Hosterman himself on Instagram with the text, "Trying something different tonight. Friedman IR-X," showcasing the gear in question. This evidence provides clear proof of Hosterman's experimentation with this specific piece of musical equipment.