FRIEDMAN IR-D - The Ultimate Portable FRIEDMAN AMP!

in today's video, Paul Drew and Lee Abraham check out the new Friedman IR-D
Paul and Lee tried out the Friedman IR-X pedal when it came out and were not too impressed, so they are hoping the Friedman IR-D is the ultimate portable FRIEDMAN
To Check out the IR-D click the link below.
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The Studio Rats are core band members Paul Drew on guitar/production/mixing, drummer James Ivey and Dan Hawkins on bass. They collaborate with singers and musicians to produce radio-ready songs.

[@mul500]

I hope yiz have got Lee on the payroll because he's an integral part of the channel now and brings in the views.

[@LA.Guitar]

I’m more of an annoying neighbour that keeps poking his head over the fence…..

[@ernieb3626]

Lol

[@timp.9582]

Wilson!​@@LA.Guitar

[@TheStudioRats]

@@mul500 what wait, there’s money? Where?

[@nabilcharbel4136]

Great fun demo, would love to see future demos with Lee whenever it's feasible possible, keep them coming awesome Rats, cheers.❤

[@nekkon1989]

I like how at 12:00 the Strat miraculously turns into a Les Paul for no reason at all 😂

[@TheStudioRats]

Doesn’t your Strat do that, I’d check if it’s defective.

[@Terrysoddy]

Yea that’s crazy, lol

[@yikelu]

FWIW, I got an IR-X recently and have been stacking analog drive pedals into it and it sounds really damn good, especially on the clean channel. The drive channel is great on its own, and I use those analog drives for "more push" but they don't really change the flavor of the drive channel that much.

[@fuzzymuppet1990]

Mid gain tube amps/preamps are so great at everything, dial in a mid crunch sound, then roll the guitar volume knob for cleans, and boost or 2 in front for the chugs or leads. There's so much more range and dynamics this way.

[@clydebillingsworth8574]

Lee comes in and brings the scientific wildcard approach. I dig it. And i'm loving that he is feeling more natural on camera.

[@florisvanlingen]

Got to love Lee for surprising you with a blind test for the IR-D

[@TheStudioRats]

Lee’s the man.

[@TheRodge2112]

Lee is all of us.

[@willdenham]

It sounds better than any plugin or modeler I've heard.

[@Adventuresingearland]

Classic Lee! We were talking about buying an amp, so I got another pedal. 😂 Sounding good lads.

[@heyitsmekid]

Sounds great! Loved the video format. However, I love my IR-X so much. It is probably the most versatile tool I own and sounds amazing. I bought it to use with headphones when I was in Costa Rica for a couple months. When I got back to my studio, I used it to track guitars direct guitars for two very different songs and I was super impressed with the tones and versatility. It never sounds thin to me and fits in the mix no or minimal eq needed. I almost always mic cabs because I love cabs, mics and mic pre amps too much! Now, I have it in a loop switcher on my studio board to add two additional channels to my Dirty Shirley and it is incredible! It's like having a dirty shirley and a small box at once! Into a Marshall 412 with greenbacks and 75s covered in mics, I can pull up any tone I want in seconds. My other amps aren't getting used.

[@TheStudioRats]

Nice one!

[@jasonkerr931]

Best sounding demo of this pedal so far! Honestly, one of the best sounding tones I've heard on your channel. I think you found the Tonex replacement!

[@keithmulcahy3417]

Lee is brilliant keep him on the channel

[@shorerocks]

Honestly, that's the way to do it. It cannot get more honest. And demoing it, you are not biased, with all you know, about a certain company or product.

[@daievans2637]

This sounds great , how did you hook it up ? would it be best in front of the amp ? or in the loop , just using the power section ?

[@archelo69]

Have to say your videos sound amazing on top of the killer player you are. Great job!

[@chrisharbin623]

I picked up one of these aboutr 3 weeks ago, I'm a tad on the fence about keeping it. It sounds great, but not like it does in this/other vids. Not sure what that is about, I'm a pretty good player. My number one complaint is there is no bypass. This is annoying for someone like me who also plays bass through the audio unit. You have to unhook it when doing that (unless you want dirty). But it's really well built and very flexible. I'm not a huge fan of IR's though, I find using the Blackstar or THU cabs has a better tone. Overall, it's a great unit, but I wanted to mention that in case someone else is looking into it.

[@marctamtonthat]

The problem with Friedman IR D in the GT1000 Core FX loop is that there will be a lot of white noise introuced in the signal. GT000 Core has a big issue there due to digital to analog conversion in the send part of the fx loop.

[@Utube-s8m]

Lee this is 5 days late. The smallbox I think is for you. I went yrs ago with a store here that has a special spec’d out smallbox with extra gain. It’s a micro amp kindve 3rd setting. Great master volume. No loadbox. We’re in an apt. Another good one is the Bogner Goldfinger. Remember Paul at GuitarGuitar? If I had to do it again I may have gone the synergy because these amps are big and more power than I need. But the Friedman I believe when it was made Dave actually handwired it. It was before boutique amps distribution. And he’s a genius. Friedman’s first. Synergy wasn’t out yet when I bought these. Plus, it took yrs to save up trade up and deserve it. I do have a quad and it’s feel and sound are great but I still love my amps and a great pedal. It looks like you already bought the Friedman box. Still always great if it’s a Friedman.

[@TheStudioRats]

The Smallbox is possibly my favourite Friedman amp.

[@SlinkyT82]

Sounds great! And man oh man, every time you play that strat it sounds so good. Killer guitar/player.

[@ogmakefirefiregood]

My new mini-rig: Wampler Pantheon dual drive pedal... Friedman IR-D... Eventide H90.

[@willdenham]

I like that metal version of 'Start Me Up'.

[@JuddLofthouse]

Great stuff 😂you two are like hinge and bracket very entertaining 👍👍cheers

[@TheStudioRats]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@thomasminchew2705]

just bought one, love it!!!

[@TheStudioRats]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@ChristopherM5]

I own both and kinda like the IR-X a little bit better, but it’s close. Great video.

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

I’m not arguing your preference but in the demos I’ve seen the X sounds kind of thin versus the IR-D. Is it like that in person ? I like the way the Friedman BE-OD pedal sounds as a reference point.

[@AndrewsRRaOS]

I'm having a similar dilemma. I have the IR-X and just bought the IR-D. I planned to sell one but having a hard time deciding which I prefer!

[@shaharbar]

Lee, try the Driftwood Purple Nightmare pedal, it will fucking floor you!

[@francescodamico7903]

​@@AndrewsRRaOSkeep them both and use them in parallel !!

[@JohanFransen]

Sounds Great!

[@TheActressAndBishop]

Very cool vid .. Really enjoyed this ..

[@dreamscuba]

Great video. The amp/pedal sounds great and I think Lee’s setup with this is a great solution. The n sure it sounds killer. I live in a small apartment and for recording and practicing, combo amps do not work for me unfortunately. This is a great approach for such circumstances.

[@TheFunkyman68]

I see your Videos a long time ago and i will say Thank you for your great Work!!!! I use your GT K Core edge of Brakeup Sound mostly. Thanks for that. Youre fantastic. Greets from Germany, Carsten

[@ChrisAdkins1985]

Man I love my IR-D. Had been using the UAFX Ruby as my direct rig. And it pales in comparison to this thing. It’s thiccccccc

[@swardmusic]

How about responsiveness compared?

[@garywaddell6309]

Paul is the man of suspended chords 😊 love that bright crisp strat tone but the pedal sounds a tad fuzzy for my liking

[@frankcrack777]

Great idea and another great vid... because of Lee 😉

[@TheStudioRats]

I keep telling him to start a channel

[@frankcrack777]

@@TheStudioRats yes yes yes! Great idea!

[@billcaldwell395]

It would be helpful to know what you are putting this through and what you listen to in the room.

[@willdenham]

I'm away from my amps on weekends. I used to keep a small head where I go and just take my CaptorX and guitar with me. I can't keep the amp there anymore so I need something portable that I can put through headphones that is amp like while trying to avoid going totally digital. I'm wondering if this is the answer. Although I'm weary because of your review of the first one.

[@GreenD]

Love youre T-shirt Lee 🤩Pedal is awesome 🤘

[@mrnorbotron3308]

12:00 the silent guitar switch XD

[@kiljoy3254]

Would it work running this into stereo effects like the Ventilator rotary pedal, or stereo phaser? Would it make much difference not going through effects loop?

[@petmoxey2177]

Personally, I just came here for the dog in the background 😎

[@TheStudioRats]

Digby is starting to get a little pretentious with his new fame. He now wants to two walks a day and extra ear tickles.

[@MRxr400]

i think the flexibility of these units, where you can go DI, or to a power-amp and v30 speaker cab on stage, or frfr.

[@emdblues]

I don't have an option to go straight into my power amp. Can I unplug the speaker and plug it into IR-D and use it like a amp head? Is frfr a good option? I've heard it can sound hifi, sterile, not like a real guitar speaker. I'm thinking of downsizing my rig for gigs but don't know what to do. UAFX Lion into an frfr would be cool I suppose. Then I was thinking of getting Victory V4 Sheriff small amp and going into a cab. That's probably a better sound but a lot more expensive.

[@MRxr400]

@@emdblues this is essentially a pre-amp. you need a power amp to drive a speaker box like a V30 mentioned. there's lot of power amps that can do the job, but usually i would go for a valve power amp. this is not a small set up etc. another option, if you have one, is to go into an fx return of an amp, the boss katana seems popular. yes, live, i prefer a full blown amp behind me, but it's overkill alot of the time too. the frfr idea is compact, use it as a fold back wedge, of scrap the powered specker and go in ear monitoring. there are so many options nowadays. personally, in ears give me a headache and subtract from the experience and feel i need from a band to play my best.

[@ernieb3626]

Favorite video in a long time don’t get me wrong. I love your videos every time. I’m gonna go check the price on this. I may have missed that. Always value your guys opinion. I’m a tube amp guy, but been wondering about this.

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

I think this one sounds way better than the IR-X. However, I am holding out hope for a Jerry Cantrell and Jake E Lee version.

[@chrisw5742]

Jake E Lee version would be awesome

[@felinekaiju4517]

A JC edition and my quest is over!.

[@japhygoldman8856]

What would you play this through live? I am not a lover of FRFR cabs, and have a few of them. Maybe it's the modeling I don't like or maybe its the FRFR side...or both.

[@japhygoldman8856]

@@Sorbzski99 I would rather go into the return of a tube amp, going to FOH is convenient but you are totally reliant on the monitor mix for hearing yourself and your stage sound. I personally hate that

[@felinekaiju4517]

Great video guys!. How well do you think it'll take fuzz pedals?.

[@TheStudioRats]

I’ll check next time Lee is over.

[@arielista]

So what do you guys think compared to the Tonex?

[@gsep1056]

Did you even play through the second channel? I was curious to see what you thought it would be as a live unit.

[@TheStudioRats]

As far as I know, The second channel is exactly the same. It’s so you can set up 2 different tones.

[@thesash7063]

@@TheStudioRatsthis! The two channels are exactly the same. You can dial them into two different sounds.

[@gsep1056]

@@TheStudioRats Thank You! I have the IR-X I assumed it would be the same with a higher gain 2nd channel.

[@waynedoherty7758]

What are you using to play it through at home: Studio monitors, fender FR-12, something else?

[@TheStudioRats]

We went straight into an interface

[@OrangeMicMusic]

How many watts this one has?

[@Tone-Quest]

Oh no, I think we have lost “looking for a deal” Lee and he slowly turning into Premium Paul. Lee bought a Suhr, now he has bought a Friedman IR-D… Lee is just a couple purchases away from a Two Rock Amp…😆😆😆 Just kidding fellows. As always I enjoy the insight to different gear and Lee’s musical journey!!!

[@Funkybassuk]

Gentrified Lee 😂👍🏽

[@jayl5941]

I may have missed it but did they say what the reverb used is?

[@TheStudioRats]

It was a UAD lex224

[@thesoundresidence]

what ownhammer IR where used?

[@KennethMackessy]

I challenge all you gear heads to have a small gear setup for electric and acoustic guitar. After all there is only so much gear anyone can use. Why do all these social media people have the contents to fit out a shop. What do you use all the time and why? Are the gigs these people claim they continuously do, in their dreams. I am not envious, while we all have some odds and ends gathering dust, I would love to hear your feedback and see a video on this. After all, who needs 20 starts, 10 Les Paul's and every amplifier created over the last 60 years. If Rory Gallagher could have a career with a strat, vox amp and treble boost, other people can too. It's time craft, music discipline and persistence is discussed over excessive gear. After all there's only so much delay U2s Edge can use and most people are not millionaires and play in the odd wedding band or the occasional pub gig. Discuss???

[@LA.Guitar]

I do about 150 gigs per year, a mix of local, national and international with 4 different bands. One of them is in about 2 hours time and I’ll be using the IR-D demoed here. They’re definitely not all in my head!

[@BlueberryStinkFinger62]

Hey Rats!!

[@DBroce]

Lee Sucks!! Making me want to buy more gear!! I don’t need this, but I want this.

[@neastguy]

i know everyone hears stuff diff.. but this doesnt sound very organic ( for the lack of better words) maybe its my speakers.. but its raspy and digital to me... not that good...

[@duaneadam]

It's the built in IR chain which can sound edgy. If you bypass them and add better ones later or go to an amp/speaker this can sound superb.

[@mattpearce79]

Completely off topic but the wide angle camera makes you both look like you have one really skinny arm 😂😂

[@LA.Guitar]

I don’t have skinny anything !

[@mattpearce79]

On a serious note I’ve got one of these and play though a two notes opus for more IR flexibility as well as a Boss GX 100 for pre and post fx. Great bit of gear and sounds great through a Fender FR 12 cab.

[@michaelhawkins6149]

OMG another video with single coils🙄!!! Why can't more reviews be done with humbuckers showing lower gain?

[@willdenham]

I feel your pain. Seems like every youtuber is a Strat first player. Even if they have an LP/SG in hand they'll make sure to confirm they prefer Strats. I got an LP cuz' early Jeff Beck and Clapton circa Cream. Sonofab%@ch if they didn't go the rest of their careers with the less exciting option. Not that I hate single coils. I have a a Tele and enjoy playing Strats but the sound that inspired me to pick up a guitar in the first place was all humbuckers and Marshall. Especially EVH, who also was inspired by Eric in Cream.