HEADRUSH CORE - Is It Worth Buying??

What does it sound like and how easy is it to use? Follow along as I use it for the first time!
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SOLI DEO GLORIA!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

First time ever using a Headrush! link/info: sweetwater.sjv.io/baQD9M Enjoy!

[@DoctorMcFarlandStudios]

Been using Headrush for years. You will love it. Trying the Black MINI amp for a great clean to edge of break up tone.

[@marclevesque4710]

I've been using a Headrush Gigboard for several years and love the versatility of it for studio recordings and live gigs. Tons of choices with regard to amps and effects and regular updates from Headrush with software updates and new gear choices. I've used other modelers in the past and I feel the Headrush is the most practical and enjoyable to use.

[@PocketDelicious]

It's good to hear that they are good about pushing out updates. Thanks!

[@checkitout611]

Don't have this unit ... but certainly like the LCD layout showing you nice graphics of what you are using and how fast and easy it was to put a chain together. I also like the fact that there is plenty of space between the buttons so you can't accidentally click the wrong thing live. So many good choices out there and looks like another good one to consider. Seems like it's priced just right as well. Thanks Darrell. Always appreciate your reviews. 👍

[@flybybaby8008]

Darrell- As usual, another fantastic video of yet another incredible piece of gear! Hopefully my family will understand why we are going without heat for the next few months, but being cold has never before sounded so good! Thanks for another fantastic review!

[@pclindholm]

I think Headrush has an underrated, open and dynamic sound to their amps. Very nice.

[@martinkrauser4029]

What does that mean? What's an open sound?

[@pclindholm]

@@martinkrauser4029 - life like or not excessively compressed. I did an A/B test with Headrush and Helix and found Headrush to feel and sound the most realistic.

[@Return2TheLiving]

@@martinkrauser4029it doesn’t sound digitally compressed

[@keithb5612]

Nice to see this unit getting a review. Cheers

[@waynemorrison5792]

IR's and Scenes take this to the next level! You should play with those! I do love the simplicity of the interface.

[@d3w4yn3]

This seems just too good to be true! But yet, you walked us through it in real-time, no hidden pain and suffering! I'm sold on it man!!!

[@Fret-knot]

1st time I've seen this unit being demoed. Seems like a great bit of kit. The drag and drop element and gui seems super intuitive. 👍🏻

[@lukesteverything627]

I bought this about 3 weeks ago and I love it. It cane very simple to use or you can delve a bit more for tweaking all sorts of things. I love it.

[@LivinginLosAngeles-re5yx]

It's a great unit for sure.

[@paulsallie5013]

I have the headrush pedalboard and I love it and I'm a old school amp and pedal guy. All of the headrush units are easy to navigate

[@dankers12]

I like that you are looking at something like this. I think they are great addition to a modern musician's toolkit.

[@TheJimboe11]

Fantastic review and demo. I’m sold. Unit ordered and coming tomorrow. Your videos are top notch buddy. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@ultramaster.]

Here to enjoy Darrell"s playing, so good

[@dougworden4248]

I am glad to see your demo. This is a great product for home, studio and stage. I have a HeadRush gigboard and the core. They are both great. You cannot beat the average 90 seconds it takes to clone amps and drive pedals.

[@fawkesandhound]

I have the Headeush MX5 and I love the touchscreen and the amp tones and IR’s. People shouldn’t sleep on Headrush.

[@ernieb3626]

im always overwhelmed by these things at 53 years old, but this one looks tempting . great video Darrell thank you ,

[@TheJeffwithaG]

I’m 51 and know how you feel! But I went ahead and pulled the trigger on one, and it really is as easy as he says! To me, it’s easier than a bunch of pedals. Only other things I have on the board now is my Virtual Jeff Pro (Before the Headrush), my Hotone Soul Press (expression pedal) and a small power supply. So clean and easy!

[@brianphelps1183]

Just got one of these recently. Really like it so far

[@eliascruz9685]

I have a Pod go but this vid helped me understand a bit better how lead tones work ❤ God bless you

[@johnrolavs6794]

I have an old school headrush pedalboard. Fantastic unit, I got it refurbished from Sweetwater for $600. I've had it half a year and I'm still learning a ton of tricks with it.

[@lanceday13]

I've had a Gigboard for a couple of years and have never had to open the manual, it's so easy to use. A lot of other brands need you to live & breath the gear every day just to remember basic operation.

[@patrickaskey1965]

I just picked up the Headrush pedalboard a few weeks ago. I was able to get a closeout for $499. I use it daily and getting better tones as I learn more about it. I also have the Tonex pedal. You get a lot more better sounding amps with the Tonex pedal. I use the Amplitube 5 software and the Tonex software together and get get great results. I find both to be very useful.

[@arrondaniels358]

Great video Darrell. I currently have a quad cortex from Neural DSP, but if I was in the market, I would seriously consider this. I appreciate your work!

[@scoresandflames]

I use the Headrush Gigboard as well since early 2021 and it still sounds great. In my setup it is connected to my Denon receiver, this is then driving Wharfedale hi-fi speakers. So this way I can set all the kinds of tones I want, and I don't need any extra speakers for my backing tracks (as I would if I were to play back a backing track over a guitar cab - these sound always way too colored) or my fav music either.

[@manospepinidis1180]

I have headrush gigboard and I love it. The core is an improvement, in graphics, general usable and antares add on,I thing. If I could afford the price....I will buying it!!! I am a big fan of Headrush. Thanks a lot Darrell!!!

[@ludoFernandes]

Great review, sure got a headrush just watching the video. Real dream😊❤

[@reptalien_music]

I have the original HR Pedalboard. The Soldano is model is probably the most useful patch for me. Might grab one of these for a backup.

[@mikestroud9969]

Oh. My I have a Head rush now 😂😂✌️✌️. I like the Bigger screen display. Good video as usual DB 👍👋💯🎸🎸

[@alderoth01]

I've got tye headrush gig board with the frfr112 and it works for guitar, vocals, and bass. I love it.

[@stephenreese9841]

I like how you modulate between the actual tones of the device..

[@davideoverman]

Great Tones👍

[@chrisstout8451]

The input (In) which is the first permanent block in the chain has a noise gate built into it. You can double click on it and set the guitar gain, threshold, activate time and the noise filter. Placing a gate right after this is redundant. You would place the second gate after the amp to cut off any amp gain noise. The input gate has a nice 60Hz hum reducer.

[@blackforestghost1]

No, it isn`t redundant! I would not recommend to use the permanent gate in the Inputsection, since then, you have it that way in all presets, whether you need a bit more sensitivity to string sounds and response or not, which you are killing by setting the permanent gate at the input point (depending what styles you are playing, of course). Using a gate per preset which special settings to this patch is much more individual and useful, especially when hardly using a compressor. Makes a big difference to the dynamic of a sound...try it out! A noisegate AFTER the amp whatsoever (remember this is an amp MODELER, not an actual physical amp) doesn`t make much sense.

[@CarlosRenfroe]

I've run a Head Rush Gigboard for years. I always like the nterface.

[@NostalgicGuitar]

im using their gigborad and its great! very warm tone

[@golds04]

Crazy how sophisticated and beautiful these electronics are- yet still nobody has created a realistic pedal to make a guitar sound like a saxophone, trumpet or an old Gibson acoustic. Great demo 🙏

[@clemkelly2159]

Looks amazing

[@Furtheronmusic]

Excellent demo

[@pedraw]

I haven't paid close attention to the Headrush line but it looks to be very easy to navigate and quality tones. I have a Helix LT that until it craps out I doubt I'll replace it.

[@williamvelez6522]

That's a cool set up., I'm going to look into...

[@olaf2170]

That looks like its a lot easier to learn than the helix system. I like how it tells you how much dsp you have left. I'm guessing just like the helix you want a good frfr or studio monitor for neutral tone. Is that wifi in and out or just for pumping in backing tracks?

[@honolulu3d]

The cerberus cabinet simulator is incredible, you need to use your computer to modify it but, tones on sound, it's incredible !

[@BOMBEIRINHO1]

Nice video brother, to me the HEADRUSH is the best pedal board out there, I have the HEADRUSH PRIME, I love it, I also bought the Headrush FRFR-112 2000-watt 1x12"

[@delbert9357]

I like it, I have all analog MXR stuff on a pedal board but this thing sounds amazing. The only negative for me would be how long will it last for 1000.00. Great video man it sounds great!!

[@thelolguy007]

Love the layout and how it looks like even me (been a huge technophobe) might be able to find my way round. Kinda reminds me of the new Fender Tone Master Pro - appearance wise anyway. Definitely a lot more intuitive than others (Kemper, Axe Fx etc) I like the way this market is going

[@JohnGalanek]

Headrush has used this interface since the first generation was released in 2016. Fender definitely “borrowed” it.

[@michaelfinnegan1306]

Hey there Darrell! Thank you for the content that you put out on your channel, it is very helpful! I was going to ask you if you have any recommendations for basic amplifiers that are the best to play with a Helix multi effects board

[@ChrisCGuitars]

I'm between the Helix and the prime... now I have another to consider haha... great demo !!!

[@Flat_Stanley]

Get the Kemper

[@place_desjardins]

Nice review.

[@JoziasMiguel]

It's Amazing Bro!

[@ZAMtech1994]

Love the user interface. I love my Axe FX but I feel you need an engineering degree to use it unless you're plugged into the software on the computer

[@PeterMoore350]

Paused it at 2:10 That Valiant guitar is a stunner Cheers from NZ 😎🎸🤘

[@rhythmguru1]

I've looked at the Headrush products for singer/songwriter or 1-man-band type gigs. Guitar and vocals into the same unit and that out to a FOH speaker or two and good to go.

[@mikeaustin4138]

Had the original HR. Bought a Hx Stomp in anticipation of traveling abroad (pre-pandemic.) Liked the HR better in almost every way, but it doesn't travel well, so I sold it. You got some pretty glorious tones out of it.

[@robinr22]

The MX5 could be a good choice.

[@LAstudio8]

I like the sound of this with regard to amps much better than the new Fender Tone Master Pro. Just being honest.

[@rockinrob2004]

Another great video as usual, thanks Darrell. My question is price point of this vs the Positive Grid amp & effects that offers. Your thoughts on comparison? $$$$$ vs $$ does the HR stuff really supersede the PG stuff or can tweaking get you there for less? Thanks for answering when you have a moment, or anyone else for that matter! Cheers & \M/

[@echopoint8817]

headrush units are very underrated

[@steveclark9934]

The gate closes but the verb keeps going.❤ I'm going adopt that as a catchphrase and use it everywhere today nobody's going to understand the context. 😂

[@philipatoz]

Great review and demo - except I would really like to see more of the warmer / cleaner sounds and tones such devices are capable of.

[@georgesabitpol]

Very nice video on workflow for this pedal. Thanks! Anyone can comment on the reverbs?

[@Halfaloaf599]

Thanks!

[@user-oy6zm3cv5u]

sounded really good and love the EQ options. Hopefully it has a different gate than the MX5 (the way it un-musically gated was a turn off to me).

[@Clinthopanonymous]

dang i want one!

[@idhindsight]

As a years long pedalboard user, I just want to know if it’s a worthy upgrade if I don’t care about the vocal stuff and if I don’t have any physical amps that I’d capture myself. Edit: and if then, barring all that, it sounds measurably better?

[@mrguitarman3338]

Can’t decide between this and Boss GX-100.. Looking for a good multi fx for gigs and rehearsals

[@steveclark9934]

In regards to the core having Auto-Tune I think it actually makes sense for a guitar pedal to have it people used to be singers and songwriters that could play guitar and sing at the same time❤

[@steveclark9934]

Let me clarify I don't think the pedal needs the autotune function specifically but other options for vocalists are welcome❤

[@EDDYMAT]

Hi DB, i love your approach... bravo!. Being old, short sighted i need to see the patch Name in very big letters (like Boss GX/GT...). Is this possible wirh the Core?

[@GrandaddyJeff]

I ditched all of my pedals and amps for a Headrush a little over a year ago. Really wanting to upgrade to one of these new generation ones from this year. I would go for the Prime, personally, but I like my expression pedal and the cost of this and an expression pedal is basically the same price as the Prime with built in expression pedal. Can see getting this if you need a little smaller or don’t care about an expression pedal. Anyone thinking about getting one and going somewhere you can try it out, the presets dont do justice to the tones you can get. Also custom IRs sound WAY better than the cabs.

[@LivinginLosAngeles-re5yx]

The original HR pedalboard still rocks. I've had both and little difference, both produce great tones.

[@digital-guitars-uk]

I did the same back in 2018 when I bought the first Headrush (pedalboard). All 100% digital now. Best wishes 🎶🎶🎶🎶😎😎😎😎

[@tousifahmed871]

Can you review a Digitech GNX4 please.. please. It's withe old but still one of the bests out there. However, pretty hard to dal in good tones. Would love to see you playing with one.

[@yourguitarist]

Great video as always. Thank you Darrell! My concern about these modelers is reliability. I am concerned with this being a computer etc... how common are glitches or even crashes? Is it susceptible to viruses?

[@martinkrauser4029]

It's not a computer any more than any other digital effect pedal, multifx or otherwise, is a computer. It doesn't run a general-purpose operating system. Nobody is going to go out and write malware for this specific thing. Even if they did, it'd have to target your regular computer first to then get through to this. I've never heard of anything like that. Software on embedded devices like is going to be a lot more stable than your PC apps. The reasons are that the sound processing app is the only thing running on the system, the software is targeted for this exact platform and doesn't have to try and run on an exponential number of hardware combinations, and the app can be in complete control of the system, something you don't have with an app running over an OS. These make testing for stability a breeze compared to what goes on in something like DAW development.

[@teleuser]

Waiting for delivery of the Headrush Core hope it is not to difficult to learn how to use.

[@fongy200]

Impressive.

[@joemiller9856]

I have the HR Prime board. It’s great but monstrous in size. Core looks much more manageable. I wish they had a built in power supply with a standard power cable though. You can get some great tones but it does take tweaking. Support and updating frequency with firmware is not as good as fractal and line 6. I’m trying to wait until the the next generation of all in one modelers come out before making another change…

[@guestguide2544]

Have you reviewed the Fender ToneMaster Pro? Would be a good comparison shootout for someone whose become familiar with both, Wondering if one stands out superior or if they're fairly evenly comparable.

[@digital-guitars-uk]

currently have both but the tone master pro is pretty good but the Headrush has the edge on the tone master at the moment. Best Wishes 🎶🎶🎶🎶😎😎😎😎

[@alan6six6]

Thinking to migrate from stombox to mfx. I used pod hd 500 before, but too complicated for me. (long time ago) cant unlock the potential. Now im thinking to get fm3 and hr core. I really like how easy to tweak core. Fm3 looks complicated. For those who know, pls advise on the sound wise

[@davitavares6998]

Thank you for the video. Does someone know about how often updates are released? I cant find this information anywhere. Also in the website I cant see what exactly was changed in the last update and there is no update log available...

[@claudiajay8291]

Seems very versatile and saves on the cost of lots of pedals …very pricey at $999. Not very intimatingand not too much downloading of patches would make this a great way to learn how to get your own sound .

[@lynoj777]

Is there a separate output for microphone from the guitar out that can go to the PA system ? So you can play and sing simultaneously on live performances. Thanks

[@SammyJohns-jw5ru]

I like it and I want one of them but I'm afraid to give me a headache to run it are keep up where I'm at anyway

[@stickman55100]

Is there a way to combine the best features of the Line 6 Helix Floor and the Headrush?

[@williyG70]

Hi, do you think you could add a in ears system connected to the Headrush and have my own mix vocals/ guitars?

[@liquidsmokemustang1537]

Hey Darrell, Have you had an opportunity to check out Fender’s new ToneMaster unit like this? I’d like to see how they compare to each other.

[@JohnGalanek]

Something to consider is ongoing support for patches. Fender jas historically had abysmal support for older and legacy products. Headrush OTOH still supports its original 2017 released hardware.

[@liquidsmokemustang1537]

@@JohnGalanek Yeah, I’ve thought about getting the Headrush system. Both are good. The HR cabs are plastic though where Fender are plywood which I think might give better performance for mid to low freq’s.

[@marekgitarzysta5193]

to be precise the EQ you showed is a typical graphic EQ not a parametric one ;)

[@glh1956]

I’m in a cover band - is it easy to use live switching from patches for the songs -ie one patch per song

[@tripod4482]

Take my money Headrush!

[@heikohesse4666]

Wow, that all sounds good - doesn't the Headrush have the same "harshness" problem as the Line6? Based on your sounds, I also think the EdgeOfBreakup tones are much better - what do you think? And thanks for the cool video

[@JohnGalanek]

“Harshness” is caused by frequencies above 8-9k, people unfamiliar with modelers don’t think to set the global EQ like Daryl mentioned.

[@j-man9457]

Really cool unit! You forgot to mention that for us Canadians this thing costs $1399 plus taxes so over 1500 dollars and it doesn't come with a carrying case at that price either 😖!

[@daveredfern8258]

I'm in Australia, so the same in regards to price. But this is way cheaper than the flagships, fractal, Kemper, helix. But, you get what you pay for. Fractal fm3 is the only best sounding unit in the market in my view.

[@j-man9457]

@@daveredfern8258 Hmmm interesting. Thanks for sharing!

[@sunburstshredder]

The only problem I can see with modelers (for me) is if you want to switch from a clean to an overdriven tone mid song. I could be wrong, but it seems there's no way to do that without a delay, unless there's an option to switch from an amp models channels

[@dougworden4248]

With the HeadRush units you can add a clean amp chain in the same screen and do a pedal assign very easy as a scene.

[@heikohesse4666]

I saw in another video that you can use two different amps and cabs in a parallel path and switch between them without delay

[@sunburstshredder]

@@dougworden4248 Good to know! I just might consider this unit

[@JohnGalanek]

Do it old school and turn down your guitar volume. Seriously, I’ve been using HR since 2020, they’re very dynamic and respond as a tube amp would to input volume changes.

[@Plextortion]

Seems like you would put the gate right after the amp but before your delays and reverbs instead of right at the front of the chain. How does the gate at the front tame high gain noise and hiss from the amp?

[@chrisstout8451]

The Input block (which is permanent) has an adjustable noise gate already so there is no need for another noise gate. And, if needed, I usually stick another noise gate after the amp to clamp it down.

[@Terrysoddy]

I didn’t quite understand about how to use the global eq to eq the whole unit

[@AngelMartinez-qs3cf]

I have the Headrush MX5 and I love it! I don't whether to upgrade to this Headrush Core or the Headrush Prime. Is it worth spending the extra $200 to add an Wah Pedal and the ability to use the clone feature.

[@Riders_oftheworld]

realize its a month late, but I just picked up the core at guitar center on sale for 200 less. the The core has the cloning feature too. if you need a wah later, headrush sells an expansian pedal for this that plugs in the back.

[@Josh-ne7qy]

You should do something with tyler from music is win

[@jasmith85]

Returned mine after a week, I hated it just not my cup of tea, I actually preferred the Valeton-GP200 or Bias-FX 2 but thats because I preferred simplicity this was way OTT for me.

[@willman100]

Love your videos and you make the HeadRush sound pretty good, but when the chords ring out under high gain, I can hear that kind of harshness fizziness. I wonder if that’s just the way the HR is or can it be dialed out?

[@JohnGalanek]

Yup, dial out frequencies above 8.5k with the global EQ

[@kdrc]

Does anybody have the tab for 18:52? Sounds like something from the Final Fantasy 7 soundtrack.

[@SeventhSalute]

It's multi-instrument unit. Just most people that use it, uses it for guitar.

[@patlav3848]

It s good to present presets factory first....

[@zeppo20]

At 17:43 it is Graphic EQ, not Parametric.

[@mokshathrumusic3277]

Does anyone know if there is a PC/MAC editor from Headrush for their MultiFX boards ? Thanks.

[@JohnGalanek]

Yes, just released the revalver software. You can create and edit rigs there the.n transfer them to the unit via headrush cloud (wifi), dropbox (wifi) or via USB.

[@wealthfinder192]

Can you Bluetooth it to an iPad or android so you have the screen up on your desk and the switches at your feet? Or even usb to a pad somehow? I would prefer to clip something onto my mic stand rather than be bending down every 5 minutes to adjust things.

[@mjusick42]

No, unfortunately that is not possible.

[@wallysef5653]

Reliability has been the most concern of Headrush products. Any improvement for this "CORE" ?

[@JohnGalanek]

I’ve been using HR since 2020, first with the pedalboard and now with prime, never had a single issue.

[@donald-parker]

Does it have software support or PC or phone for backing up pre-sets or downloading them or controlling things on the fly?

[@scoresandflames]

These Headrush products use a file system, eg if you connect them to a PC, you can download or even replace all files (files being IRs, patches, sets of patches) or only the selected. So very versatile.