Headrush Prime - The Ultimate Do-it-all Pedalboard

Shop Headrush Prime Guitar Multi-effect/Amp Modeler/Vocal Processor Unit 👉 sweetwater.sjv...
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More videos like this Headrush Prime demo 👉 • Guitar Demos & Reviews )
From solo acts to guitarists pulling double duty on vocals, finding the right balance between quality gear and a concise, portable rig can be a real headache. Fortunately, Headrush’s latest offering, Prime, is a cutting-edge, tour-ready powerhouse that packs everything from amp cloning and emulation to vocal processing, onboard Antares Auto-Tune, and so much more into a single, multi-FX dynamo. Join Mitch Gallagher as he details everything you need to know about this heady, all-in-one unit. Take a look!
After you watch, check out Sweetwater.com today for all your music instrument and pro audio needs! 👉 sweetwater.sjv...
#Sweetwater #Headrush #Prime #Demo #MitchGallagher

[@sweetwater]

Armed with an extensive FX suite, built-in Auto-Tune, onboard amp/effect cloning, versatile vocal processing, and so much more, the Headrush Prime is a tour de force in solo studio and stage performance. How would you integrate one into your setup? Let us know in the comments, and check out more Headrush gear here 👉sweetwater.sjv.io/Headrush

[@sweetwater]

To make it even better, we made a Headrush Prime Setup Guide 👉 sweetwater.sjv.io/HeadrushPrimeSetupGuide 🙌

[@jpconques]

Every demo I've watched is all about the guitar sounds and the editing process. Nobody has said a single thing about the vocal effects aside from "it has vocal effects".

[@steveclark9934]

Yeah I'd really like to see some more info on the vocoder / talkbox that's included❤

[@avispasentuass]

I'm the old school kind of guitar player always trying to avoid this units,but now i think this new headrush prime really got my atention ❤❤

[@im58woody]

Easily the best looking product out there for the physical layout and UI. I am waiting to see a demonstration on how vocals sound.

[@MotownGuitarJoe]

Thanks for the demo, Mitch! Was just at Sweetwater (Ft Wayne, from Detroit) this past Saturday. Love that place! Can't believe all the different license plates in the parking lot. It's a real pilgrimage for people.

[@HarmonicInventions]

Love the UI enhancements! Nice to see the real world pedal representations on the main screen.

[@DaveTadros]

This thing is wild. They need to partner with pedal manufacturers to replicate their pedals and get more options; this would be all anyone ever needs.

[@nobrains6107]

...or add VST support...

[@grenade.turtle]

Until the next thing comes out next year

[@1mnoddity811]

​@@nobrains6107VST support would be the next level

[@hunter37334]

I LOVE my Kemper Profiler but this interface has my attention!

[@HeartcoreMitRA]

It feels kinda like when POD X3 came out and you could set up flexible chains with guitars, basses and vocals. Glad to see really thought out unit.

[@ThyFinalPain]

And it sounds like a POD as well.

[@MichaelMoore-nx5ue]

It’s nice to see the slightly distorted sounds demoed here that’s a real indicator of the quality of the device

[@agingerich95]

This is great to see! I was concerned when I saw they took the original pedalboard of theirs off the market and I thought they were done as a company! I love my original pedalboard the UX/UI IMO is way easier to navigate than any other options on the market. And of course it sounds just as good!

[@agingerich95]

I will say they definitely missed the mark not having there be multiple guitar inputs. So many people love the Quad Cortex because you can run a full band through it.

[@distortionclubla]

i miss the old days when we actually had time to enjoy our new gear b4 something new came out.. the industry is just rolling out products like its giving out candy.. this unit here is just crazy ❤❤

[@lasu7712]

Prime seems to be "complete" but looks too big for my need; Core's size is more useful for me but I am not sure if they both have exactly the same audio/sounds engine/quality/capability. Anyone can share such info? I prefer the Core's size, trade-off on buttons and controls/pedal, but don't wish to loose on quality and sound capability. Thanks.

[@Scott__C]

This looks and sounds great. Still would like them to have a computer editor. You'd have to either have it on the desk or keep leaning down to set up the rig and make adjustments. With Bluetooth onboard, they could have a phone app as Boss does for the GT. This is really the only thing that would keep me from buying it.

[@Myoldnameiscringy]

Interesting that this seems to bridge the gap between a "Modeler" and a "Profiler". I don't think this makes me want to trade in my Helix just yet, though. I would love to see something from Headrush in a rack form factor to work with rack power amps and power conditioners. I see the primary advantage of this type of unit being the UI / touch screen for people not used to working in Helix. Also, they're definitely going to need to do some kind of editor software. What processors is it running?

[@emailchrismoll]

helix better come out with a new update that ads autotune!

[@Myoldnameiscringy]

@@emailchrismoll I’m not really sure I agree. I think the auto tune as being a nice to have gimmick. I do think the Helix UI is severely lacking as compared with almost all other modelers, this one included. They should make the UI be more like real amps and pedals with knobs, not faders. It’s weird to me to be able to profile an amp, and then be able to add a virtual eq or boost. I guess if it sounds good, it is good. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@JesusArmasOficial]

You and me both brother. I’m on the fence for a Helix Rack and while this new HeadRush seems to be very great and it’s packed with some interesting features, I’d love to have a rack form factor of it.

[@neoharryeden]

Now I want to see a comparison of its tones with the others modelers/profilers. The old one didn’t sound as good as the others, for my taste. Maybe they got it better now.

[@jawsxx8683]

This sounds like what I wanted the original board to be. I'm glad I just sold it, now I can get this one.

[@bobbym.1367]

Are you happy with the new one? I just bought it. Sold my old as well

[@pauljosse]

Headrush always sounds so good on youtube, but people say they not Good.. I think its the right unit for me, i still love my helix. The trick with modelling is use a bbe sonic maximizer its the difference!!!

[@ricktheexplorer]

I want one, and if I had the money, I would buy this right now, literally.

[@89ji76]

The real standout feature here is the vocal processor built in but no one wants to sing in their demos apparently 😂

[@periloustactic]

I purchased my first guitar in 1980, a Carlos acoustic, which I still have I might add. However, I don't practice consistently. I did recently start to practice a minimum of one-two hours a day now since I purchased the MX-5. I've mostly been playing a popular PC guitar game from 2014 that claims it will help you learn to play guitar. It will, if you spend enough time on it. However, the game automatically adjusts for the guitar effects needed for each song. That's not bad... and it works great since the whole purpose of this game to learn guitar, not effects. Fast forward, what got me was the fact that I had no experience with using effects since the 2014 game did it all for me. I felt lost and now years later I've learned nothing in that regard. So, in short, I purchased the MX-5 which gave me a whole new outlook of guitar effects and scenes. A game changer..................... Now some 30± days later I discovered the Headrush Prime. OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want it. In fact, I ordered it tonight. This Prime board from all the videos I've watched in the last few weeks is the answer to all my concerns and questions. For what it's worth, I do purchase ALL my music products from Sweetwater. I am NOT affiliated with Sweetwater in any way. Sweetwater has my business because of the customer service I've received. I love the fact that if I'm not happy with my purchase, I can return it. No questions asked. I have have done so several times already.

[@frankprogrammer]

GAS, the Final Boss.

[@OD_green7]

😂😂

[@mello2029]

You’re not kidding! I just bought two other modellers recently and already considering this one. 😐

[@mikevenus4117]

This is like having a Studio at your feet! 😳🤯 I had the looper broad but this is that plus more!

[@ssm445]

Too many bees in distortion

[@iann8733]

​@Mel Lo I literally just got a fractal fm9 turbo 2 weeks ago and then now I am wanting this

[@k5elevencinc0]

So glad I held out on a pedalboard! Yesss!

[@etpslick100]

Watch out! Don’t know what’s coming out tomorrow. Technology is nuts right now! But damn, nice pedal!🤨🎶👍🏾

[@ksharpe10]

@@etpslick100 Already out dated the Tonex, and it has not even been a Month. LOL.

[@etpslick100]

@@ksharpe10 Yeah!! How about that?!😕

[@ksharpe10]

@@etpslick100 But I heard a couple demos today where it did not sound very good. And it does not have the Computer workstation that the Tonex and a couple others have. Tonex on computer looks like the best one, but We shall see. NAMM is around the corner and maybe helix will show Some new Mind Blowing new Helix 2, or KEMPER 2???

[@etpslick100]

@@ksharpe10 hmm. We’ll see after the NAMM. I’m still looking @ the Boss GX-100. I’ll take a closer look @ the IK Tonex.🤨🎶👍🏾

[@urbanebicycler2173]

I watched a lot of these Headrush Prime videos and all are showing the same routing order. I'm just kind of curious about the direction of the chain. Is there any way that the setup can be changed the other way around? Possibly a dive in the settings and just simply changing it there? I mean from below going up instead of the "in" from the top left going down to the "out". I'm just used to the fact that the placement order of my physical pedals that I'm seeing right now is placed from my right going to left which is also indicated universally on all of the individual pedals on earth.

[@ksjohnson8197]

Would love have this. But as a studio user not having an online editor is a deal breaker.

[@JediMasterRick2]

Wow. They nailed it.

[@davidneily3532]

I would love to hear a demo of what you can do vocally through it. (Maybe see if Laura Clapp is available?)

[@etpslick100]

See? This is the kind of stuff that drive me nuts! So many pedal/processors out there it’s crazy. Already looking @ the Boss GX100, now THIS comes along! WTF!!!😖🎶👍🏾

[@davidfaustino4476]

Trust me.. if you like how guitars should sound.. get the Boss.

[@etpslick100]

@@davidfaustino4476 Yeah. I’m STILL leaning toward the boss. But waiting to see what comes AFTER the NAMM. Even NUX is staring to “spark” my interest. But BOSS is on the top of my list.😕🎶

[@TheManglerPolishDeathMetal]

Thnx to this guy presentation I’m buying this unit

[@kkrsnn5632]

Yep, we will see a return to classic pedalboards in some time, and then back again ..

[@1mattbutch]

Just got one today from Sweetwater and a quick play through headphones, bad latency. I'll try to figure it out...

[@geraldhartley]

To me this thing is most valuable for a Singer/Guitarist. I wish someone would spend more time going over the vocal processing abilities.

[@wadewalla1398]

I have the prior version and it's awesome. This one looks even better.

[@sega62s]

Love that man how he explains and play…🍻🍻🍻

[@chrischris7180]

NDSP quad cortex might have shat in its pant..NDSP QC still has less effects and now Headrush brings a profiler ..I might have to sell my QC now.. Just loved headrush layout and build but lack of amp was my main problem. This solves everything

[@PaulHurleyGuitar]

Looks cool and worth checking out 👍

[@lasu7712]

A question please: at 10:47, you are just improvising do you? It's not from any song? It sounds nice!

[@halohat2286]

Looking forward to that in-depth demo..

[@jonwanrocks]

3 min in. i already want it

[@OlawaleOlaleye]

Not a single tutorial on preset footswitches assignment. Could you share a tutorial on how to assign for exsmple my top 6 presets to each footswitches for easy access?

[@ChodeVFD]

OMG! They even included a PAF screen!

[@richardlewis5058]

The vocal processing looks useful but...is there not a separate output for vocals??? So in a live setting how does it split out the two signals for FOH?

[@sweetwater]

Hi, thanks for your interest! With the Headrush Prime, you can freely assign the guitar and vocal signal paths to separate outputs. For example, you could send the guitar through the balanced ¼” outs and the vocal through the XLR outs. Hope this helps a bit - feel free to contact me directly with any further questions, and thanks again! Caleb Lowrey, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1620, [e-mail]

[@ronpatterson5483]

Great review Mitch, & thanks sweetwater.

[@dustinparker9456]

Damn it. I just got the Headrush board. Now this is out.

[@anwaypradhan6591]

Great pick up. Keep it up. Great processors. 👍❤️✌️🤘

[@mcarthneylaron8582]

I might buy this but how does it stack up against the helix?

[@DansMesCordes]

That looks dope, but still no PC editor?

[@beenay18]

It it possible to use it as a looper in live setting to play whole song such that I can kick in intro, verse, chorus, bridge, outrow etc whenever needed?

[@kodyalta4699]

Insanely cool!!!

[@smoothsavage2870]

I wish I'd have done more research and done more comparisons before buying a Multi-FX unit now. I have the Line 6 Helix and I like it, but this one is hundreds of dollars cheaper and has a better UI and almost everything else the Helix has. I think the Helix is still a nice product, but after seeing this, i can't get over feeling like i played myself 😩😅.

[@BassGods]

Now I wish I had of waited, after seeing this Demo. Oh well

[@JangYounghwan]

Hey what did Mitch use to put the pedal on? Was it a kind of table? TBH multi-effect processors have too many things to control and it's quite not easy to access the touch screen or knobs.

[@exploredominica]

My guys thank you @headrush you guys are just always making my life so easy I won’t play any other pedals

[@CL_Audio_Tuning]

Great looking product, no software app, why? I dont get it.

[@seaworthy5533]

amazing demo Mitch!

[@ameliorateband]

Hi Mitch! I've got a question. Taking into consideration that you've tested both the Quad Cortex and Headrush Prime, which one would you pick? I've been wanting to buy a new equipment (wanting QC since it came out) and the QC and, now, the prime are the two things I am considering. Which one is better overall in sound quality?

[@nellycameron]

I'm using. a headrush looperboard and there's things I wish they would fix. Having IOS/android be a great shout and also having a graphic EQ would be a lifesaver. Good rigs though, they getting there.

[@MusicWeaponsFood]

How would someone run this thing? Does it need a power amplifier to power it? What would a standard rig look like? What are some various different rigs?

[@sweetwater]

Hi, MusicWeaponsFood. There are a few different ways to run one of these. The simplest would be to just run it directly into a PA system and then hear it through whatever you use for monitors. You could also run it into a powered cab like the Headrush FRFR108. Another option would be to run the output to a power amp (such as the Seymour Duncan PowerStage) and from there into your favorite guitar amp cabinet. All of these work great so it just depends on your situation and personal preference. Thanks for your interest! Charlie Davis, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1320, [e-mail]

[@Jojopal333]

You slowed your presentation down. So much easier to follow. You’re a great presenter. Thanks

[@hybridjohn1]

opening riff sounds 100% like modeling/plugin

[@ssm445]

Like modeling from 20 years ago to be a bit more accurate

[@flixsymmetry]

I’ve had my Helix since 2017. The FM9 is now on my list but perhaps I can pick this one up and try it while I wait. Could try cloning some of my EVH stuff for fun.

[@satarello]

surprising product. I hope that they will make something like MX 5 PRIME :)

[@jaimebarrera0218]

Does this pedal have a app so that I can control and change the sounds through a computer

[@marcink.9256]

This thing is insane.

[@kevduff7416]

I want one and I want it now

[@kaysalientes1927]

Woooow,,i cant wait to release here in the phillippines😍😍😍

[@travislangford1432]

Anyone else think that Avid is getting this out before Winter NAMM in April because they know some other manufacturers………Line 6……have something awesome scheduled to come out and they want to beat them to market?

[@Scott__C]

They're not Avid. They're part of the inMusic group.

[@dementisband]

No pc editor?

[@bondhenrymusic]

Can you use this with acoustic guitars?

[@sweetwater]

Hi, Bond. Technically, yes. That said, I wouldn’t think of this as a great fit for acoustic guitar. You wouldn’t typically have a use for any of the amp/cab models or overdrive emulations. Depending on the sounds you’re looking for, there are probably options available that are more directly catered towards acoustic guitars. Thanks for your interest! Charlie Davis, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1320, [e-mail]

[@Worlds_Worst_Guitarist]

Just ordered mine -at Thomann/Germany (sorry, but that's my country)- and can't wait to get my hands on it. But again: from what i've read no PC-Software again? I mean................................ And again its available in Germany way later than in the US - like the new PRS SE Models, still not available in Germany for still some months 😭😫

[@prajwalshekarmusic]

If they don't have pc software at this point, idk what are they even thinking giving these many options

[@yuudee3132]

如果内置了全部的操作功能，就不需要连接电脑了。看看usb a port

[@prajwalshekarmusic]

@@yuudee3132 for you maybe but name any processor right now apart from headrush that doesn't have a pc software to edit. Even the cheapest ones have them

[@Run_Deep]

This seems like a very good board, and it seems that it can do a lot and is very versatile. There is only one big problem! Whenever a new pedal board comes out no matter who makes it all the of these people that make the demos for these boards seem to think that the only kind of guitars that are played are electric guitars. 30 to 40 percent of us play ACOUSTIC GUITAR. WHY DOESN"T ANYONE DEMO THESE BOARDS WITH AN ACOUSTIC GUITAR. This always infuriates me! It's given that these boards are going to do a lot for electric guitars but none of these demos ever add a showcase as to how to dial in an acoustic guitar. We are always left out. The amps and IR's that are demoed are always for electric guitars. Why can't you include acoustic guitars patches in your demos. It was the same way when the HELIX came out. The Helix works with Acoustic guitars very well, but no one showcased how to dial in an acoustic rig until it was on the shelf for months. You can't just spend 3 or 4 hours in a music store to check how a board is going to work with your acoustic for a few reasons. One you would have to completely know how to run the board before you went in to try it out. Another reason is that most music stores are not going to let you set there and try it out for hours and then not buy it. I study a product inside and out before I buy it, always, but a good acoustic demo done at the same time as an electric demo would be an advantage and catch a much larger customer base. When it's getting harder and harder every day to sell products that only appeal to a specific kind of person (aka guitar players) and not the general population why would you not give yourself the sharpest edge to make a sale. Come Mitch let's get on the stick. Stop leaving us acoustic guitar players out in left field all the time with only electric guitar demos.

[@mjusick42]

After initial enthusiasm about the versatility of this device, I watched many demo videos here. I didn't hear a single really good sound. Somehow it all sounds very unnatural, sterile and thin to me compared to a real amp. But I'm not sure whether other modelers can do it better. I also tested TONEX, TH-U and a few others. Somehow always the same: Hours of tinkering with different captures, virtual effects and IRs but never a really convincing result. But that would be too good to be true...

[@molotulo8808]

I love Bluetooth. Is this unit utilize Bluetooth? My Tascam Model 24 only has one duel channel that is Bluetooth. I wish i could assign Bluetooth to every channel... I'm 65, so get to work on that... I hate wires!

[@molotulo8808]

I want one, but money is getting tight. I'll have t talk to my rep, Cameron. He rocks.

[@christopherlee5456]

If I can get Dimebag's guitar sound on this... I'll buy it!

[@che2335]

PRIME time!

[@davenewman6747]

and announced before NAMM. With all the capture stuff...you would think Line6 would update the helix....or a version of it....and QC might change some things.

[@Scott__C]

People go crazy about that and it's a nice feature, but not a show stopper for me.

[@bobbarry1001]

hi Sir.. is there a "snapshot" feature in this prime like in helix?

[@waytospergtherebro]

How long before the screen cracks?

[@Scott__C]

Depends on how much you're dropping stuff on it?

[@matthewcoleperry3485]

My only real gripe is the lack of PR info about this product from Headrush. First you cancel your flagship line with no press to say your rebuilding it. Now that you’ve got distributors sharing demos, at least a single press statement over we’re redesigning the Headrush Pedalboard would have been nice. To save people from buying your pedalboard 3rd party or used so we would have notification to wait. The people who want this want the simple user interface, they’re willing to sacrifice 10% of tone not not fight menus of menus. And recording engineers like myself love the simple user interface. However it does feel like a rip off cause I just recently (ie january) went and bought the headrush used now just to find out you redesigned it. Like I said love the product and Ill be inclined to trade mine in for the upgrade it just seems I wasted money on the deal, for you to make a new product silently.

[@Scott__C]

Most companies want a big splash at the new product that's out, not a lot of attention on a product going away without one there to replace it. You bought it used, sell it and get the new one.

[@MichealClair]

Nice job brother! great product it seems! I am still doing the Helix and have since 2016 I will have to look into this. They need a good editor though...

[@protoolsfanatic7276]

Well fudge....I just spent 1200 on pedalboard 6 months ago. Hopefully reamp actually works on this model.

[@BucleOBERT]

How much memory storage space does the headrush pedalboard prime have to load mp3 or irig files?

[@sweetwater]

The storage of the unit isn’t something that HeadRush has published at this point. That said, aside from the internal storage, you can get even more storage through a USB thumb drive connected to the USB A port on the back of the unit. If you’re using that, you could conceivably store a pretty massive song or IR library. Thanks for your interest! Charlie Davis, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1320, [e-mail]

[@R1GAMBLER]

mutton chops looking pretty sweet Mitch!

[@mrsnakepit]

I like this.. To own it.. But i still love to use my individual guitar pedals to play live 😊

[@lespaulranger]

That heritage is wild!!!

[@sightsinging101]

Great vid but can you pls just maybe once explain an abbreviation like IR then go ahead and use the abbreviation to make the video a little more friendly. Sometimes we are buying things for the first time or buying a present. Again, nice video!

[@mikestroud9969]

Like the Display. And options 😎👍💯🎸🎸. I'll check it out. 👍💯

[@OscarMartinez-qy6qk]

No stereo send return???? No midi out message on User manual??

[@robhenry1999]

What guitar is that he is usung?

[@timothytims1384]

It is truly a remarkable piece of equipment... Get ready though, Line 6 isn't going to let them get ahead....

[@georgebyrne4708]

Does the vocal processor work off of the guitar input similar to say Voice Live 2 or 3?

[@MotownGuitarJoe]

There's a separate XLR input (with a phantom power switch) specifically for the mic. There's also two sets of outputs, one a pair of XLRs and the other a pair of 1/4" TRS jacks. Presumably one set is for guitar outs and the other for vocal outs, but I don't know which pair is for which.

[@harveylavicky4393]

I wish they would release a computer app to control user interface / save presets. A small screen on the floor isn't for me.

[@kereamohau]

I'm a bass looking for something this. But I need to know how the Octaver sounds on this unit. If anyone can give any imput that would be amazing

[@raptor74707]

I like the unit. But they need to up their game on the software update and support. Reported some serious bugs/crashes during the weekend which they have not triaged yet.

[@littlerhodyguitar2169]

This looks impressive 👍

[@mello2029]

Intriguing for sure. Potential game changer considering the vocal capabilities, Bluetooth connectivity and built in wi fi. The question is how many amp models are in it and do they have a computer or tablet editor?

[@ricktheexplorer]

Hoping it has some Marshall JCM amps.

[@d472kone]

@@ricktheexplorer I have the MX5 and the HRPB and they both have JCMs, so I think it's a safe bet this one will too.

[@kenshofalco8326]

Maybe I missed him describing an option I'd love to see, but when you have touchscreen on a foot pedal, you've got to bend down to make adjustments. There should be a touch screen on a cable so you have access to this screen while standing.

[@ckhanpe]

how's the fx routing?

[@AfterNothingsEnd]

One pedal to rule them all.

[@80Shades-Guitar]

Hahaha. It’s “my precious”