IRX vs IRD vs IRJ

[@BigHairyGuitars]

QUICK NOTE: • All sounds were using the same IR - "OH BE-412 M6402" found in the Firmware 2.0 of each unit. • The Thump, Presence and LP are all set to the middle position. • The IR-D has two identical channels, that's why I only demonstrated one channel. • Same guitar for everything Shabat Lion (Tele type, 2 HB), Lollar Imperial pickups

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

I can only trust the sound 100% if you do it on your orange Warmoth build. 😀 That guitar rips. 👍 🔥

[@Mutley58]

BE 50 DLX owner here. The IR-X has the same character: smooth, slightly compressed and capable of a VERY wide range of tones. A great all-arounder especially for rock players. To me it’s a more modern sound and sounds produced with minimal knob turning. I bought an IR-D which sounds and feels very different: rounder, warmer and with more dynamic response. Pushed with a boost or OD it really sings. A 70’s to early 80’s rock/hard rock machine. The clean & edge of breakup sounds are great. If you’re doing classic rock & power blues this is your tool. The IR-J seems brighter, stringier and more in yer face. The sounds fits Chronologically between the IR-D and the IR-X ranges in my mind. To me it sounds like a perfect hair metal era amp.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Ah! I'm NOT crazy! They DO sound and feel different! 🤣👍

[@MKRISING75]

@@BigHairyGuitars The IRJ seems less gainy than the other two unless you crank the gain and use the boost. I would have figured the IRX would have been what I was looking for it sounded great but to the IRD can do the higher gain as well as the IRX. The IRD is really impressive with a lot of different tone options and is smoother than the IRX. I’m an 80’s kid so VH to Metallica I think the IRD could handle. I love the thought of having the IRJ but it is very different from the other two options. I want to play late 70’s and 80’s hard rock and metal 🤟🏻

[@Mutley58]

@BigHairyGuitars Crazy? Of course you are. But we love you anyway. 😉

[@luckyjones22]

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this! I kinda want one of each now.

[@Mossy5150]

"Michael, which Friedman preamp should I get?" "Yes."

[@BigHairyGuitars]

🤣 haha

[@3J_Music]

The video we've been waiting for...from the guy who we've been waiting for to do it

[@BigHairyGuitars]

🙏

[@j_dot_m]

I actually watched the first video yesterday and I do feel like this one shows the tone of each pedal really well. Now I literally want all threee. Thanks a lot!

[@johnpierson8398]

For me, the IRJ in the Plexi mode had the best clean to slight breakup tones. All three are great!

[@audiobrainiac]

Much better showcase of all three in this video. It gives the brain time to hear each tone established. It’s the IR-D for me. It’s got a fatter, hairier bottom, which I like to use a Friedman Golden Pearl in front of for lead. Plus I love its slightly broken up tones a bit more. It has more piercing highs. I miss the BE sound too though. Gonna have to get the IR-X.

[@Marius_1985]

Dave Friedman should release a IR-Steve Stevens model

[@sheatanner9935]

This 1000%

[@steelwarrior105]

Or a 20w version of the SS channel

[@kevinlong4657]

I have the IR-X and love it, bit I wish there was a Fender and Dumble tube product like it too

[@Robstafarian]

The Synergy OS module could be a starting point, but it would have to be based on a revision with the ZWreck module's faux-phase-inverter circuit because all of Dumble's designs were dependent on his various phase-inverter tweaks.

[@deanbibb3680]

This is one of the videos that helped me chose the IR-X to run with my HX Stomp XL. I have been using the Helix HBE models anyway (Placater Clean and Dirty) so it was an easy choice to add the IR-X into the system. It’s in a loop block inside Stomp and it’s controlled via MIDI or bypassed when absolutely necessary, say for acoustic parts. But the Stomp was meant to be my backup rig… so now I need an IR-X to pair with my Helix Floor!

[@MRxr400]

I have the IR-D. this video to me confirms i made the right choice for my ear. would love to hear them in a mix of one of your really cool full band tracks.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Thanks, I'd done a tune for each of them. IRJ - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nILcc5ePn5adesU. IRD - kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6qxand-ms17fc0. IRX - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXikaoepfaZ3sLM

[@alguitarchristie]

IRX sounded the smoothest. But i loved the IRD I wasn't expecting that. I would love to try them all.

[@ROKZLEON]

Can definitely hear the difference and mojo each one imparts. So, many good tones across all three.

[@robertmessinger6053]

“Set all the knobs to five” appears to be the point of buying the IR-X. It sounds incredible without a lot of tweaking.

[@blackroyaltoni]

Great comparison, thank you! IR-X is still my favourite and what I use but I might get a IR-D for those lower gain sound.

[@eskemeldgaardkrogh4145]

Lesson of the day: play well and the gear sounds great! Personally, I think that if yoy pan an IR-J and an IR-D left and right you’re golden.

[@zerolight9420]

Thanks Michael. I liked the IR-D best. Sounds great clean and dirty. As an 80s hard rock fan I expected to like the J or X more, but they both have a sound I notice in other Friedmans, something in the upper mids that some might describe as snarl, but to me is more harsh honk. The D does not have that, it just sounds thick - it would be a D for me.

[@florianhaider9382]

"snarl, but to me is more harsh honk" ... couldnt agree more... thats why back in the days i returned the IR-X. Now super happy with the IR-D

[@svetloba13]

I have all of them. IRD is my favorite

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

What do you like about it over the others and what kind of stuff you play ?

[@wheresallthezombies]

Wow, this is the first time I’ve heard good clean tones come from these. I play post rock and post metal, so the clean channel needs to be equally as good as the distortion channel.

[@K707OR30]

All of them sound great, which isn’t a surprise. Personally I think the IR-D doesn’t get enough love. IR-J is probably top of my list but IR-D is definitely second.

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

It had a cool sound and I’ve heard other demos where dudes put some ODs in front of it. It can hang.

[@Guttalaser]

Hi Sensei Michael!!! I can't believe it! I asked you to do it... and you did it! TNX 1thousand... THIS IS my reference video for take my decision about the best companion for my IR-J in a full stereo dual-amp set! And... that said... well... lot and lot of guitar-KZbinrs... we all know the names... BUT ... only ONE is a fenomenal guitarist and a great music producer that really really know the "behind the scene how to" of a guitar/amp/cabs/fxs tone... alone and in the mix... and talks for everybody pros and not-pros and is friendly talking... just like the guitar friend that knows some thing and triks more of you and can teach you... and really interact with his audience and followers (I still remember that lovely backing track you sent me some time ago Man). Ok... that mix... make you THE BEST on YT! TNX again Man!

[@michaelwade379]

Have had the IR-X for a year and love it. The IR-D has been on my list for a while now and I really want to test drive it.

[@Wyldwulf]

PSA on running this through FX return on a small amp. I did a lot of experimenting the last couple of days running this to an old Randall SS combo's return. While it's not self evident, I get an appropriate heft using the balanced out and including the IRs. So balanced out, to the combo's FX return. This is compensating for the tiny 1x12 combo and not what you'd want with a head and large cabinet. I'm also running the time based effects through the Friedman's own fx loop. Further, I am putting a JHS LBAB in between the balanced out on the Friedman and the amp return to manage volume...I feel like the IR-X is performing much better with its own volume cranked and on this combo at least, bypassing the front input I get 0 vol control on the amp itself.

[@Henysipper]

That clean riff reminds me of December from Collective Soul.

[@steveymoon]

Michael, I adore your channel and your videos... but is there any gear you don't own? 😆

[@jeffsperandio8551]

Thank you for last weeks video and doing this one a week later. To compare how similar they are then how different they can be.

[@BobGuido]

Waiting for the IR-VX

[@Mr.Goldbar]

Bought the IRX almost a year ago and I'm so in love with it! With that said, I find that for the state of my career I'm building as a session musician that the IRD might suit me more for that. On the IRX I find I've used only the clean channel for professional gigs I took since buying it, with the boost on max gain giving me Plexi tones, whereas I do use the high gain channel a lot in my own music as a glam, prog and djent guy. I will definitely get the IRD in the future as I progress in my career

[@BigHairyGuitars]

super cool!

[@Chillnote]

Which one is the best for Malmsteen type tones?

[@michaelmitchell5909]

All 3 are bad ass...

[@Wyldwulf]

There's a lot under the hood too with varied settings for presence, low pass, thump and the IRs. Not sure if these are all shipped and demoed with the same IRs and presets? Let us know Michael! I just picked up the X used, and am getting great tones with balanced out to DAW but sounded really bright with regular send out to my amp's fx return. Maybe eq is in order.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

I used the same IR for each of them, and used the middle position of thump and presence and low pass for everything.

[@200elbonito]

Great demo! Now I'm wondering if the IR was disabled and you ran these into an EL34 power tube section if these Idifferences become even more pronounced? I guess with the fryette rig you have you did that already... curious to know if that had any difference.

[@rangerdoc1029]

LOVE the IR-X

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

Gibs us the Jerry Cantrell IR. 🎸

[@Sam_Gowman]

Greetings! I came here after watching your video on blocking off guitar tremolo with coins. Can I know how long it held without the stacked coins coming out of the space?

[@jerryleokirkman9460]

IR D has what I call,it, tone monster, they definitely all sound different, I have the IR X, cool for what it does

[@riverstone5994]

Hanging out for the JJ

[@riheg]

Maybe they’re gonna do preamp versions of all the signature amps 😊 One can dream

[@lovesongsound1]

People suck sometimes thank you big hairy Michael I so want the Jake Lee but all sound great

[@omrizer1391]

Personally, I will prefer the IR-J, best for old thrash, this one with overdrive in front of it, will be very fitting

[@Robstafarian]

The IR-J's built-in boost is a Tubescreamer-style, solid-state circuit.

[@kempman9811]

How do they sound with an frfr? Have 2 rcf nx 10 sma. My kemper sounds great with these cabs, curious how the ir x will sound

[@MKRISING75]

Is the IRD channel 2 the same as channel 1 since you didn’t show that one? Great demo 🤟🏻

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Exactly. I probably should have pointed that out. The IR-D has identical channels for 1 and 2

[@Umbral_Heavy_Metal_Band]

@Michael Nielsen, the IR-x sounded the heavier, thickest, Is that also your impression?

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Heaviest yes. The IRD is the thickest and has a lot of gain, but it's really thick. The IRX has a lot of gain, and is tighter, but not SO tight... it's still thick.

[@MKRISING75]

@@BigHairyGuitarsthat’s why I’m liking the IRD to the IRX because it’s thicker even though the IRX maybe heavier I think the IRD is just as heavy maybe?!🤟🏻

[@tryston2022]

I love all 3. Settled on the IRX for now, and I do plan on buying a Friedman head for sure. I'm just not sure which one yet.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

NICE! hard to settle on a head. He makes some of the best ever.

[@planetsab]

I was pretty certain about the IR-J (Voodoo Highway is def my style) but you made the IR-D sound really nice. I need the 2203 and a great clean. But the IR-D is on sale, the IR-J not…

[@planetsab]

damn, an now I saw a B-Stock IR-J.... you'd think one wouldn't spend so much time thinking about his...

[@nobodyimportant76467]

I would really like it if BAD were to make a version of this based off the 6505. I would not be able to buy it fast enough Yeah, I know it’s not likely but it’s almost Christmas and I’m making a wish

[@josephestes7076]

Its so subjective but if i had to chose, i think i like the ir-x. They definitely all have a unique vibe. Is there a big feel difference?

[@CorNigrum]

Thanks, good job man. Would still pick the rawer IR-J for most purposes. The IR-X might have the most gain, but it's too polite maybe. Comparisons are tricky and... risky. People are always willing to be offended about anything on the internet.

[@evan2757]

Of course all three sound great but the Jake does it best and I'd assume would sound way better in a mix. I like the IRX but I think all that bottom end would get muddy.

[@TavaresProject]

You can't win Michael. People will comment and say why didn't you do it this way. It's a hard thing when contemplating a comparison video. There are definite differences for sure. IRJ for me

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Thanks! I think you're right. All good.

[@4602experience]

Friedman Synergy or Friedman IR-X….not in terms of features, just simply which sounds better?

[@NTTDaily]

It’s the IR-D for me all day, but I’m DS > BE, too.

[@MartySchalkMusic]

Love your channel , Love my IRX , But they all sound 95% the same. 😎

[@BigHairyGuitars]

ha! Thanks man! Funny when I'm using them, they just don't. But there's an argument that same player, same guitar, same IR (cabinet)... then the amp is only changing 25% of the sound anyways. 🤔

[@jeffallen3382]

I agree.

[@jeffallen3382]

​@BigHairyGuitars you forget that we are listening on KZbin... Which doesn't represent sounds 100% accurately. I'm even listening on studio monitors and they sound 95% the same.

[@_Stay_Curious]

IRJ is the way

[@JSaltyfabricator]

Would it be wrong to assume that the IR-X could get close enough to the J and D then they could get to the X? Make sense?

[@BigHairyGuitars]

@@JSaltyfabricator perhaps. The x is the most middle ground between the D and J

[@christopheranderson2158]

So…….if you could pick just one……which do you choose? Why?

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Hard to answer. I couldn't say one is better than the next, I'm just really partial to the Dirty Shirley amp. The Little Sister is one of my fav's of all time, and it's so versatile for my work. BUT, the IR-J, is more fun for the stuff I'd gig, BUT the IRX can do SO much and get into heavy territory (maybe) better than the others.

[@christopheranderson2158]

@ Welp……I guess I need all three, then! Of course, I’ll need to use your convincing and cogent reasoning in explaining this to my wife…..😉😂

[@evilsoler]

vhx demo please :)

[@bluematrix5001]

I think they sound different, but not really so much, IRD is more different than IRJ/IRX and thoose are my Favs

[@aquilarossa5191]

I'd quite like a greatly simplified one, apart from one little added complexity. Just one channel with boost that's based on a really good 2203 and maybe with a switch to bring in the most common 2203 mods. No low gain channel at all, because who the heck uses the low gain input on a Marshall? I have used midi though. That's where the complexity comes in. Money saved by ditching all those pots for the low gain channel can be put into motorized pots for unit that move to call up saved settings. I probably would not use it much these days, but if I was still out jamming and playing covers I would a lot. The 127 channels of midi thing, but really there's only a handful of ways I set up a 2203. Master wide open and gain as required is one. The master and gain on 6 or so and boosted with an OD is another. Gain on 8-10 and master about 5-6 so it stays tight is another. I'd still like the dedicated volume for when the boost is on. That's a handy feature.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

The low gain mode of Ch2 is spot on JC800, but you need to turn the treble way back. The high gain mode is Dave's gain mod

[@drewbarries]

My first thought was hmm, this is an interesting algebra problem 🤓

[@JRP3music]

I like them all....the IR-J symbol looks similar to Plankton......

[@theprisonier]

The problem with these units it’s the IR…. .

[@BigHairyGuitars]

They're great as preamps. you can run them into a power amp and into a cab. They sound excellent that way.

[@WyattScott]

These all sound like crap

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Based on the sound in your videos I can see how they don't fit your style.

[@truescotsman4103]

Don't take it too hard. I always sound the same no matter what gear I play cause TONE IS IN THE HANDS!! lol

[@steveymoon]

No, tone is not in the hands. Feel is in the hands. Tone is in the gear.

[@steveymoon]

No, tone is not in the hands. Feel is in the hands. Tone is in the gear. Play through a Soldano SLO-100 and then the same riff through a Fender Deluxe Reverb and tell me the tones are the same.

[@truescotsman4103]

@@steveymoon Not the same but tone is still in the hands. the thickness of calluses and how you pick. the pick material has a ton do with tone. How you touch the strings with your fingers and the pick are a big part of it.

[@steveymoon]

@truescotsman4103 - yeah, they're a big part of the feel. Correct. Tone is the guitar and the amplifier.

[@truescotsman4103]

@@steveymoon Tone is mostly in the hands. Pro guitarist here. I'm 60 I've been performing longer than you've been alive.