Friedman IR-J - Amp-in-a-Box meets Tube Screamer - gearnews.com

Friedman IR-J: Amp-in-a-Box meets Tubescreamer · Source: Friedman

The new Friedman IR-J gets you that Friedman sound of the beloved JEL-100 and JEL-20 models. But you’ll also get Tube Screamer style boosts for each voicing. Ozzy Osbourne’s long-time guitarist Jake E. Lee worked together with Friedman to create the ultimate amp-in-a-box.

The IR series seems to have been quite the success story for Dave Friedman and his company. With the IR-D combining Dirty Shirley and Twin Sister voicings and the IR-X with two 12AX7s, Friedman went a little further with the IR-J. You also get the sound of two 12AX7s, but there is more.

The Friedman IR-J comes with two fully independent, foot-switchable voicings. These are derived from Friedman’s famous JEL-100 and JEL-20 amp designs, both of which were based on Dave’s modified Marshall 800/PLEXI circuitry.

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What sets this model apart from the IR-X and IR-D is the ability to assign two independent Tube Screamer-style boosts to each channel. With separate volume and tone controls, you can fine-tune each boost to your sonic preferences. There is also an effects loop and midi I/O.

Just like the IR-X and the IR-D, the Friedman IR-J includes Friedman’s advanced DSP-IR cabinet/power amp simulation technology. With it, you can emulate a miked speaker sound in extreme detail and with added flexibility. Whether you’re working in the studio or playing live, this DSP-based IR simulation delivers a professional sound without the hassle of microphone selection and placement. 18 IRs are included.

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In terms of I/O, you get the usual input and balanced output, an additional mini-jack headphone output, a MIDI in, a USB-B connection and an FX loop. I’m really hoping Friedman will move to USB-C in future IR models, as this is becoming much more common among pedals. And this smaller jack form seems here to stay for a much longer period than USB-B.

With the worrying news of Jake E. Lee being shot in Vegas yesterday, our thoughts are with him and his loved ones. The reports indicate a serious but non-life-threatening injury. Get well soon, Jake!

The Friedman IR-J is available at Thomann for $598.00 / £553.00 / €649.00.

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