10 Things You Didn't Know About The X88-IR

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

The real testament to all of it. Mike has been holding it in one hand for all this time. Mike, you are either strong as hell or that thing is light enough to make us all happy.

[@michaelallen434]

I need one of these. As an 80’s teen I remember nothing more awesome than a huge rack. I’m working on it now and this would be like the crown jewel.

[@shaharbar]

I love big racks too… ugh, wait a sec, are we talking about amps?

[@michaelallen434]

@ maybe…

[@andrewraharjo]

Here’s my favorite setup 1. Connect XLR to FRFR from the X88IR 2. connect stereo output to Lexicon PCM70 (two of these) 3. Connect PCM70 (1) L/R output to a mixer 4. connect PCM70 (2) L/R output to mixer 5. The output of the mixer L/R go to Stereo Power amps (2:90 or 2150) for all your wet signals 6. You can put Two notes load boxes before go to 2:90 to direct XLR to house There you go, you have W/D/W or W/D/D/W solution with this preamp. Super simplified❤

[@Whizzinby777]

It’s dope AF. Totally digging mine. I keep it wired with both the mains and balanced outs hooked up so I can either run it like the traditional rack preamp, to a power amp and cab, or as an all-in-one with monitors. Slap a delay and reverb in the loop and it’s instant awesomeness.

[@TDenander]

Love that you’re using my old photo from Baked Potato of Luke and Landau’s racks again 🥰🙏🥰

[@JordonBeal]

If anything, the X88-IR has a bit of an edge in terms of sound, especially that clean channel. Oh my.

[@jumpbackgeno]

Think I'll grab one, looks amazing and all the reviews are 100%, thanks for this great Vid on it..

[@dagoat1]

Sounds great! What power amp available now would you recommend to use with the X88? Apart from the big Soldano one.

[@smokestackstudiosgem]

They should have motorized all 3 channel knobs and it would have been perfect. 🤘🎸

[@sunnibird]

I still don't know if I want to go this route or Fractal. Just when I think I've made up my mind a video like this crops up.

[@perjohansson2852]

I have e Fractal FM9 and still want this. But I don't know if it is justifiable to buy such an expensive product when I have the Fractal. I like it do

[@TheOligoclonalBand]

I‘m only playing at home, but for me my preamps have me a much bigger playing satisfaction than a digital solution. Maybe it‘s only imaginaey, but the analog stuff is just more fun for me.

[@jlbaxe]

I’m waiting for the next Fractalaudio rack unit to use with mine. Axe Fx 4 🤘🏻😎🤘🏻

[@jlbaxe]

I used my synergy pre amp with my axe Fx 3 for the pre tube goodness and quick dial in of the pre amps

[@nele4470]

Get Soldano!

[@scottpeters4401]

I want this,and the Friedman IR-J..speaking of the IR-J,how does it compare to the JEL50?…I have a Marshall 9005 power amp,so wondering if running the IR-J into that would be pretty much the same as the 50,or even the 20??…X88IR is definitely my next purchase,and one of the JEL variants….the built in power amp sim and IR’s is pretty great..

[@mlitkey301]

I’m assuming the headphone output also has the power amp sim and the IRs on it?

[@DLR1976]

It is my favorite setup ❤❤❤

[@sergionat6926]

😊Great Michael, great vid ...

[@Qstick333]

Great video and explanations. As someone that still hasn't gone the digital route yet, do you think the Friedman IR series is a gateway to the Soldano preamp and a reasonable idea of what you might expect?

[@tho-mas83]

Nice vid', like always Michael. I had an sp-77 in the 90s, and à bit later the custom audio 3+. Never had the chance to play with an soldano xr88 ,because they were not available anymore in Europe at this time. If i could ,i would not even hésitate to get one of these piece of cake. Come on ,that sounds so good, looks awesome and the possibilities to make some great sound with it seem endless. Fantastic pièce of guitar gear. 😊😊😊

[@JRP3music]

I am so torn over which to get the X88IR or Astro 20 now. The seperate 3 channel vs the green, blue, purple red and having shared eq is tripping me. I use my Two Notes Torpedo Cab M plus IR boxes exactly the same way the X88IR does. I could bring my rack back to life. My Rocktron gear is still operable. I ran the Replifex and Intellifex in series. I was thinking RED 7 multi stereo mixer thingy and intergrate my other fx. But, that old rack setup. Was great, but I wouldn't use the ADA MP-1 for live anymore. I was going to go Synergy setup. I love both the X88IR and Astro 20.

[@cjbmw4705]

How do you feel about channel 2 on this one? I know you had your original modded by Friedman, just curious if you plan on doing the same to this?

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Ch2 is great. It has a much wider gain range now, and the EQ feels more effective. The original X88 Ch2 (to me) felt like it was in a dead zone. I could live on the X88IR ch2 for most things

[@mendelrocks]

What would you use to switch between preamps, let's say once you have a few of them?

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Something like an RJM switcher would work. There can be a challenge sometimes with grounding if you have multiple preamps switching into the same power amp. But it can be done. Dave Friedman would be a good guy to ask, if you have a specific need

[@mendelrocks]

@ Thanks! Just planning ahead. Already have a MB Studio, a Cyclops and a bunch of heads on a KHE switcher. Keeping the ground loops out is key. But rack is coming back!

[@jlbaxe]

I find the headphones jack to be low volume

[@TheOligoclonalBand]

The only fact I need about this admittedly awesome preamp is the price, unfortunately. My SP-77 will have to suffice.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

SP77 is super underrated! Killer!

[@TheOligoclonalBand]

@@BigHairyGuitars I agree. I‘m very happy with it. I use a 6L6 power amp sim in my Torpedo CAB and get great sounds with it. Especially these Lukatheresque 90s sounds are so good.

[@veronatragedy7016]

I figured out who your voice sounds like.... if you close your eye and listen to yourself, your voice sounds like Michael J Fox.

[@antoniosaluena]

Is it as good as the old X88R?

[@JRP3music]

My Roku remote on my tv is 15ms.

[@mrnorbotron3308]

Why is the power switch on the back? That is stupid

[@veronatragedy7016]

Is your net worth more than Steve Lukather? Do you have more money than him?

[@bobbyarthur-yf3yf]

Haha odd question .. not even on the same playing board and not enough time to even hope to grab the edge …. So I guess you mean I don’t deserve one …. But wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy that bet worth even for a moment ..