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INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
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INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Please keep this instruction manual for future reference and for the
duration of owning this Friedman Pre-Amp. Please carefully read and
understand the instructions inside this user’s manual before attempting
to operate your new amp. This instruction manual includes essential
safety information regarding the use and maintenance of the Pre-Amp.
Take special care to heed all warning symbols and signs inside this
manual and those printed on the Pre-Amp itself.
WARNING!
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THE
PRE-AMP TO WATER OR MOISTURE. DO NOT OPERATE NEAR
ANY WATER SOURCE.
WHAT’S THE MEANING OF THIS?
The lightning ash with an arrow triangular symbol is intended to alert
the user to the presence of non-insulated “dangerous voltage” within
the products enclosure, and may be of sufcient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock
WHAT’S THE MEANING OF THIS?
The exclamation point triangular symbol is intended to alert the user
to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the user manual accompanying this Pre-Amp!
1. Read Instructions
– All the safety and operating instructions should be read before
this product is operated.
2. Retain Instructions
– The safety and operating instructions should be retained for
future reference.
3. Heed Warnings
– All warnings on the Pre-Amp and in the
operating instructions should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions
– All operating and use instructions should be followed.
5. Water and Moisture
– The Pre-Amp should not be used near water
– For example, a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, wet
basement, or near a swimming pool, and the like.
6. Heat
– Pre-Amp should be situated away from heat sources such
as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other Pre-Amp (including
Pre-Amps) that produce heat.
7. Power Sources
– This product should be operated only from the type of power
source indicated on the rating label.
8. Power - Cord Protection
– Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to
be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them,
paying particular attention to the cord in correspondence of plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the
Pre-Amp.
9. Non-use Periods
– The power cord of the Pre-Amp should be unplugged from the
outlet when left unused for a long period of time.
10. Object and Liquid Entry
– Care should be taken so that objects do not fall, and liquids are
not spilled into the enclosure through openings.
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11. Damage Requiring Service
– The Pre-Amp should be serviced by qualied service personnel when:
A. The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the Pre-Amp; or
C. The Pre-Amp has been exposed to rain; or
D. The Pre-Amp does not appear to operate normally or exhibits
a marked change in performance; or
E. The Pre-Amp has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
F. The Pre-Amp needs tube replacement
12. Servicing
– The user should not attempt any service to the Pre-Amp beyond
that described in the operating instructions. All other servicing
should be referred to qualied service personnel.
13. Ventilation
– Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation and
to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from
overheating, and these openings must not be blocked or covered.
14. Replacement Parts
– When replacement parts are required, be sure the service
technician has used replacement parts specied by the
manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in re, electric shock, or
other hazards.
15. Safety Check
– Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask
the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that
the product is in proper operating condition.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment
does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which
can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that
to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/ TV technician for help.
Changes or modications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
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IR-X DUAL TUBE PREAMP
Congratulations on purchasing this incredible new guitar tube
Pre-Amp designed by one of the most well-known amp designers
in the LA Music scene for the past 20 years, Dave Friedman.
The Friedman IR-X is a dual-tube,
and multi-function preamp, designed to be used in a multitude
of ways including:
1) As a stand-alone cab-less ampli er replacement, both live,
and for studio recording sessions.
2) The IR-X can also be used as a full featured guitar preamp by
connecting it into the effects loop return of an ampli er head
or combo, or into a stand- alone power amp and speaker cab.
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All-tube HIGH-VOLTAGE preamp - DI
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2 x 12AX7 preamp tubes
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Two independent channels + boost
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Channel 1 (Top channel) clean to gritty
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Channel 2 (Bottom channel) high gain drive
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MIDI programmable (up to 128 presets)
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Power amp simulation with software editable Presence and Thump (per channel)
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Low latency Impulse Response cabinet simulation (bypassable)
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Three position CAB/IR select switch per channel (programmable via software)
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12 free Friedman IRs or load your own
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Boost volume and gain controls (per channel)
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Volume and gain controls (per channel)
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Full EQ consisting of Bass, Middle, Treble (per channel)
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3-way Bright switch (Channel 1)
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2-way Tight switch (Channel 2)
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Three multi-function foot switches
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Ultra-transparent series FX loop (bypassable)
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TRS balanced output
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Headphone output
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MIDI 5 pin standard connector and USB MIDI
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USB software editor - powered by SYNERGY
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Limited 3-year Warranty
high -voltage, multi-channel
PLUGGING IN
We recommend starting the preamp with the Bass on 6, the Mids at
around 5 and the Treble at 5. Set the gain around 6, then bring the
Master to taste on both channels. Set Boost levels located on the
side to about 5. Up = more gain when in boost mode. After plugging
in, you will notice instantly, the tight bottom end and rich harmonically detailed chords and single notes, that’s the Friedman sound. The
IR-X cleans up remarkably well with the guitar’s volume control even
with the amp on higher gain settings.
The IR-X was primarily designed as a direct recording and live solu-
tion, with that Friedman tone you have become accustomed to. The
IR-X will thrill you with all the different tones available. If you need
a great direct solution and more, the IR-X tube preamp is the unit
for you.
PEDAL BOARD AMP - DIRECT OUT
Use the IR-X as a portable pedalboard amp replacement, or with
headphones at home for practicing. You can also use the integrated
DI balanced out to directly connect the IR-X to your RECORDING
interface, monitors or PA system.
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EXTERNAL AMP PREAMP
POWER AMP AND IR CABINET SIMULATOR
When you feel the need to hear a nice 4x12 cabinet-shaking
response, connect the IR-X SEND to your favorite guitar ampli er’s
effects loop return and feel the IR-X’s re breathing capabilities.
The IR-X can go from blues to classic rock and heavy rock to metal
by simply adjusting the gain controls.
You will still be able to use the internal power amp and IR cabinet
simulation for direct recording at the same time using the IR-X
balanced out to your interface, monitors or PA system input!
If you want to use external effects on both the IR-X and an external
amp, simply connect the IR-X SEND to the input of the rst pedal,
then connect the output of the last pedal to both the IR-X RETURN
and the external power amp return/input using a passive signal splitter.
You can also use the IR-X as an IR Cabinet and Amp Simulator
– simply connect any PREAMP into the RETURN of the IR-X.
FLEXIBLE RIG INTEGRATION
Easily and effectively integrate
IR-X with everything from the most
straightforward setups to the most
complex digitally controlled rigs.
Now send all that tone directly to
the board with the stunning-sounding
bene ts of IR technology.
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FRONT PANEL CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS
• BOOST V.: This is the IR-X MASTER VOLUME when BOOST
is engaged. The more you turn it up the louder it gets.
• CAB-IR (PER CHANNEL): 3-Way Cabinet/IR Preset Selector.
• TREBLE CONTROL (PER CHANNEL): This adds or takes away
treble. Start at 5 and adjust to taste.
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MIDDLE CONTROL (PER CHANNEL): Adds or takes away
midrange. Start at 5, lower settings will scoop the mids, higher
levels will allow your audience to actually hear the guitar in the mix.
• BASS CONTROL (PER CHANNEL): This adds or takes away
bass or bottom end. As the amp gets louder you may want to
back this off a bit. Start at 6 and adjust to taste.
• VOLUME (PER CHANNEL): This is the IR-X MASTER VOLUME
when boost is NOT engaged. The more you turn it up the
louder it gets.
• TIGHT SWITCH (CHANNEL 2): 2-way Tight switch, set to the
right for a fuller and fatter sound, especially great for single
coils, set to the left for percussive and tight riffing.
• BRIGHT SWITCH (CHANNEL 1): 3-way Bright switch, center
deactivate bright for a creamy sound. (Will only work if gain
is lower than 8 on the dial)
• GAIN CONTROL (PER CHANNEL): This adds gain/distortion
to the desired channel. Adjust to taste. Don’t be afraid.
• CHANNEL 1 FOOTSWITCH: Short press: Activates CHANNEL 1,
Long press: BYPASS IR output.
• CHANNEL 2 FOOTSWITCH: Short press: Activates CHANNEL 2,
Long press: BYPASS FX LOOP.
• BOOST FOOTSWITCH: Short press - Activates BOOST.
Long press - STORE current preset on active MIDI preset
number, including CHANNEL, BOOST, LOOP BYPASS,
IR/CAB and power amp simulation. PRESENCE and THUMP
are available via IR-X editor software only.
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REAR PANEL CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS
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INPUT: Just like it says. This is the IR-X Guitar Input Jack.
Plug your guitar or the output of your pedal board here.
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SEND JACK: IR-X DRY Preamp only output. This is where you
plug the INPUT of your Effect(s) or the output of the IR-X to be
used as an additional preamp to your Guitar amp. Use a
high-quality shielded guitar cable.
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RETURN JACK: This is where you plug the OUT of your
Effect(s) or OUT of your external preamp (when using IR-X as
external CAB/Power Amp SIM). Use a high-quality shielded
guitar cable.
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BALANCED OUT: IR-X IR and Poweramp SIM output. This is
a TRS Balanced output that can be used with TRS enabled input
or readily available XLR converter.
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GND LIFT: This switch enables or disables the ground connection
on the BALANCED OUT to eliminate possible ground loops.
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HEADPHONES: Headphones connector. Always make sure to
lower master volume before wearing the headphones and
slowly increase the volume to the desired level to avoid too
much SPL (Sound Pressure Level) on your ear.
NOTE: When using the IR-X with just guitar and headphones using
a regular non-earthed power supply like the one supplied, there
will be no connection to your house earth and your guitar will likely
pickup more noise (HUM) depending on your environment.
For a noise free experience please connect SEND or RETURN or
BALANCED OUT or USB to an earthed device (AMP, Audio Interface, Monitor). Consider using an earthed power supply if this will
be your primary use case.
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MIDI IN: Midi connector to control IR-X with an external midi
device (Default channel is OMNI).
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USB: USB Connector for software update and IR-X remote
programming.
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DC INPUT: DC Input power connector, use 9V to 12V adapter
with >= 800mA current available.
NOTE: IR-X uses space saving female jack adapters, so it’s normal if
the plug does not fully plug in.
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SIDE PANEL CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS
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BOOST GAIN: This adds additional gain/distortion to the
desired channel when BOOST is active.
IR-X EDITOR SOFTWARE
Please visit www.FriedmanAmplication.com to download the IR-X software.
PRESETS
The Friedman IR-X is MIDI programmable unlocking up to 128
user-customizable presets. Each preset can store CHANNEL, BOOST
status (ON or OFF), FX LOOP status (ACTIVE or BYPASS), per
CHANNEL IR/CAB simulation (1, 2, 3 or BYPASS) and per
CHANNEL PRESENCE and THUMP (only accessible via software).
To store a preset, send the corresponding MIDI PROGRAM
CHANGE using your preferred MIDI controller, adjust the setting
on the IR-X and long press the BOOST foot switch to store it to the
selected MIDI PC.
To recall a preset, simply send the corresponding MIDI PROGRAM CHANGE.
Preset programming and recall is also accessible using IR-X Editor Soft-
ware. Please refer to IR-X EDITOR SOFTWARE section for more details.
For detailed step by step video tutorials please visit
www.FriedmanAmplication.com
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The Friedman IR-X features easy-to-use software that allows you to
upload your own IR’s, program all MIDI presets and MIDI functionalities, including selecting THUMP and PRESENCE per channel.
INCLUDED IRs
The Friedman IR-X is pre-loaded with three of Dave’s favorite IR’s.
• DFRIED 1984B V30 - A rare UK model 4x12 cab from the 80’s
rock era. This 1984B “Bass” cabinet is loaded with British
Greenback in the top and V30’s in the bottom. This blend of
speakers and careful micing create a huge tone with a massive
sound with big bottom and cutting top end.
• DFRIED 6402 57 121 This is Dave’s iconic bare wood cabinet.
Dave acquired this cab from a 70’s rock icon, and it was already
dressed in its iconic nude look. The cabinet is resonant and lively
and is tted with four rare 1990’s 6402 Greenback speakers.
This is the cab that has been by Dave’s side since the beginning
and has been part of the recipe for voicing his amps. Captured
with an SM57 and R-121 for a nice balance of cut and body.
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• DFRIED V30 The Friedman 4x12 is a closed back cab with Baltic
birch, tongue and groove construction. It’s a perfect balance of
tight bottom and, big midrange, and a balanced top end.
Since its release, the Celestion® Vintage 30 sound has been the
ubiquitous with modern guitar sound. Set in this cab, it has
p
ower, thump, and just the right amount of cut. Captured with a
single SM57 and API preamp for a pure punchy sound.
TOP PANEL CONTROLS (SOFTWARE)
•
CONNECTED status indicates the connection status of the IR-X IR.
• PROGRAM CHANGE selector lets you navigate through all the
128 storable MIDI PROGRAM CHANGES available (0 -127)
and it’s relative settings. This will actively interact with the
connected IR-X and switch presets on the device as well.
• BOOST LOCK button will let you select the BOOST behavior
when foot switching between channels: when BOOST LOCK
is not active the BOOST status will be deactivated when
switching to a different channel. When BOOST LOCK is active
the BOOST status remains unchanged. Programmed MIDI boost
will not be affected.
FIRMWARE UPDATES
IR-X Software will automatically checks for device
rmware update using internet connection.
DO NOT DISCONNECT OR POWER DOWN IR-X DURING
A FIRMWARE UPDATE TO AVOID ANY DAMAGE.
• MIDI CHANNEL selector will program the MIDI INPUT
channel the IR-X will use. Default is OMNI mode
(IR-X will listen to all channels).
• CHANNEL toggle selector toggles bet ween CHANNEL 1
and CHANNEL 2.
• BOOST toggle selector activates or deactivates BOOST.
• FX LOOP toggle selector toggles between active and
bypass FX LOOP status.
• IR BYPASS toggle selector toggles IR Cabinet simulation
to enable using external simulations.
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SIDE PANEL CONTROLS (SOFTWARE)
• STORE button will store all the changes made to all presets
inside the unit. MAKE SURE TO STORE ANY CHANGE before
powering down IR-X.
• PRESENCE (PER CHANNEL) is a 3-way toggle selector to
program the amount of presence for the power amp simulation
in the DI output.
• THUMP (PER CHANNEL) is a 3-way toggle selector for
programming the amount of thump resonance to the power
amp simulation in the DI output.
• IR SELECTOR (PER CHANNEL) lets you select one of 3
pre-loaded IRs for the selected channel.
• IR LOADING (PER SLOT) The Folder icon lets you load your
preferred IR by simply navigating to your IR le location and
selecting it. Supported formats are WAV 44.1K to 96K.
• ADDITIONAL INCLUDED IR SELECTION (PER SLOT) The Plus
(+) icon will open the IR selector window. Scroll through the
additional IRs preloaded within the
software by clicking the arrows before or after the IR name.
Pressing the Plus (+) icon opens the IR selector window. Press
the SELECT button to use the current IR, or press AUDITION to
automatically load while scrolling the list.
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Press the plus (+) icon to exit/close the IR selector window once
you’ve made your selection. Repeat these steps per available IR slot.
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FRIEDMAN 3-YEAR WARRANTY
Thank you for choosing Friedman. Friedman manufactures some of the world’s most
reliable and innovative guitar products. Friedman takes great pride in an extremely
thorough testing procedure, which is implemented on each product prior to shipment.
In the unlikely event tha t you have a problem with your Pre- Amp, please refer to warranty
below. Friedman stands behind our produc ts like no other and we’re here to help you!
PRE-AMP: Friedman of fers a limited 3 (three) year warranty to the original purchaser
that this Friedman Pre -A mp will be free from defect s in material and workmanship. A dated
sales receipt will establish coverage under this warranty, PLEASE KEEP YOUR PROOF OF
PURCHASE TO USE YOUR WARRANT Y. This warranty does not cover ser vice or parts to
repair damage caused by accident, neglect, abuse, normal & wear, disaster, misuse, abuse,
over- powering, negligence, inadequate packing or shipping procedures and ser vice, repair
or any modications to t he product which have not been authorized or approved by
Friedman in writing.
ANY MODIFICATION TO THE PRE-AMP WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY.
If this product is defective in materials or workmanship as warranted above, your sole
remedy shall be repair or replacement by Friedman as provided below.
CAUTION: Do NOT attempt to repair, modif y or service your Pre-Amp by yourself!!!
Please read the instruction manual for all safety notications, war nings and instructions.
This Friedman Pre -Amp has extremely high voltages that can cause serious injury or death.
Do not remove the chassis from the Pre- Amp. All repair and service work must be
performed by Friedman or an authorized service center of Friedman.
ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPAIRS WILL VOID YOUR WARR ANTY.
TUBES: Friedman warrants the original purchaser that the spec ic tubes used in Friedman
will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 90 days from the
original date of purc hase. A dated sales receipt will establish coverage under this warrant y.
This tube warranty will automatically terminate 90 days af ter the original retail sales date.
This tube warranty is in lieu of all other expressed warranties. If tubes fail within the 90 - day
warranty period, your sole remedy shall be replacement of tubes as provided below.
RETURN PROCEDURES: In the unlikely event that a defect occurs please email us at
friedmanamps@gmail.com. In most cases we can help you diagnose the problem over
the phone. If a product must be sent to us, please follow the procedure outlined below.
• Defective product s must be shipped, together with proof of purchase, freight prepaid
and insured to the Authorized Friedman Service Center or directly to Friedman.
• If a product must be returned to Friedman for warrant y replacement/repair, a Return
Authorization Number must be obtained from our Customer Service Department prior
to shipping the product.
• Please contact Friedman Customer Service Department for the Authorized Friedman
Service Center nearest you.
• Produc ts must be shipped in their original packaging or its equivalent; in any case,
the risk of loss or damage in transit is to be borne by the purchaser.
• The Return Authorization Number must appear in large print directly below the
shipping address.
• Always include a brief description of the defect, along with your correct return
address and telephone number.
• When calling to inquire about a returned produc t, always refer to the Return
Authorization Number.
If Friedman determines that the unit was defective in materials or workmanship at any time
during the warrant y period, Friedman has the option of repairing or replacing the product
at no additional charge, except as set forth below.
• All replaced parts become a propert y of Friedman. Products replaced or repaired
under this warranty will be returned via ground shipping within the United States
or Canada - freight prepaid.
• Friedman is not responsible for costs associated with expedited shipping, either to
Friedman or the retur n of the product to the customer.
All warranty repairs outside t he United States and Canada must be direc ted to the dealer
or dis tributor from which you purchased the product.
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGE: In no event will Friedman be liable for
any incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use of any
Friedman product, even if a Friedman dealer has been advised of the possibility of such
damages, or any other claim by any other party. Some states do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of consequential damages, so the above limitation and exclusion may not apply
to you. This warranty gives you spec ic legal rights and you may also have other rights
which may vary from state to state.
FOR YOUR PROTECTION: Please complete and send in the completed warranty registration
card to: Friedman Amplication, care of Boutique Amps Distribution, 5300 Harbor Street,
Commerce, C A 90040. Please send within (10) ten days of the date of purchase so that we
may contact you directly in the event a safety notication issued in accordance with the
1972 Consumer Produc t Safet y Act.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT: Our dedicated and friendly staff is ready to help you with any
warranty or product questions you may have. Please email us at friedmanamps@gmail.com
Thank you again for choosing Friedman and we look forward to a long relationship.
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www.FriedmanAmplification.com
Printed in USA
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