Much like Optimus of the Transformers world, the HeadRush PRIME aims to be the head honcho of floor modellers and multi-FX units. And just like the giant and sentient shape-shifting robot, the PRIME can transform your tone – and your voice! – in a vast multitude of ways.
But just how good is it? We’re taking a deeper dive with our in-depth HeadRush PRIME review, so you can decide if this fully loaded piece of high-end kit is the missing link in your rig.
In a hurry? Here’s our verdict
The HeadRush PRIME is utterly comprehensive. It provides a staggering array of amp models, cabinet IRs, and effects to paint virtually any tone imaginable. Even better, you can profile your own gear or rig to replicate your signature sounds anywhere, anytime!
Together with its fantastic user-friendly features, the PRIME makes both live performance and home practice a breeze. Throw a developed suite of vocal FX into the mix and the PRIME is ready for any task you can throw at it. It really is the complete experience; watch our video at the end of the article for a closer look!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Supports virtually every feature a guitarist and bass guitarist could need | Massive and bulky size takes up a lot of stage or studio real estate; not quite as portable as slimmer modellers |
| Built-in cloner can capture your signal chain, letting you take your signature sound out on the road | |
| Huge array of footswitches, connectivity options, and expression pedal with hidden toe switch | |
| Built-in WIFI and Bluetooth make loading new IRs or backing tracks seamless and easy |
Headrush Prime review
Initial thoughts
Out of the box, you’ll notice the PRIME is big – like seriously big. This chunky unit certainly makes its presence known on stage or in your studio, so if space is at a premium then its smaller CORE brother might be a better option.
That said, the PRIME’s impressive bulk affords you a generous array of footswitches, a built-in expression pedal, and a clearly visible LED screen to give you an easily manageable workflow when performing or recording.
Speaking of the screen, it’s super clean and highly responsive with no input lag. Navigating the menus is a cinch, and building your own rig from scratch is an intuitive and fast process of tapping between organised sub-menus.
And once you’re all set up, the colour-coded footswitches and bright OLED panels make it easy to see your current settings and manage your patches on a dimly lit stage.
Layout and usability
A direct result of the PRIME’s larger size is an ample amount of space for multiple footswitches and knobs to accompany its bright 7” screen.
Moreover, the screen itself is not just for show; its large size and clarity make it easy to navigate through various settings and view your entire signal chain at a glance. The drag-and-drop functionality of the touchscreen further simplifies modifying your sound setup, allowing you to rearrange effects, amps, and cabinets with ease.
On the left are adjustable level controls for your mix, headphone output, and aux input for quick volume tweaking. Next to those is the selector knob and push control that you can use in place of the touchscreen. Similarly, the three knobs on the right-hand side can adjust parameters if you’d rather not use the on-screen sliders.
Beneath all this lies two banks of six footswitches which are all highly customisable and easily adjustable to switch between rigs, “songs”, or to stomp individual effects on and off.
Realistic amp cloner
A true standout feature of the PRIME is its fully functional amp cloner, a mode that can replicate your favourite head, stack, and pedals with a few pushes of a button. Unlike many of its competitors, the PRIME can accurately capture fuzz circuits and nail the biting, crushed tone that can make lead lines sting.
Accessing and using the cloner is a breeze, selectable from the main menu on the touchscreen. From there, you can create new clones or tweak your existing profiles, if you choose to clone a new piece of gear, the on-screen instructions are easy to follow.
Once the PRIME has captured your amp, you can A/B the model and your amp/pedal to fine-tune the clone, adjusting sliders to get it as true to life as possible.
This powerful cloner will benefit travelling musicians the most as it’ll spare the hassle of hauling around heavy gear, and prevent expensive or rare boutique pedals from being damaged while on tour.
Even if you’re a hobbyist who just likes to record at home, having your favourite rig a few button presses away can save time on getting things connected and set up and let you focus on the recording.
Effects
The PRIME supports a dizzying number of effects inspired by real-life pedals; with all the highlights you’d expect from each category.
I’m a sucker for octa-fuzz and pitch shifters, so I was suitably delighted at the inclusion of accurate JH-OC1 and Digitech Whammy shifter models. Both are lifelike emulations of the real things, with no discernible artefacts or weird digital glitches.
They’re not all based on famous stompboxes though, as plenty of the FX models are inspired by HeadRush’s own plug-ins or original creations. All in all, it’s a fully equipped loadout that won’t leave you wanting more.
Connectivity
The number of connectivity options on the HeadRush PRIME is befitting of a high-end floor modeller, as it’s equipped with every in and out option you’d expect.
There’s a vocal microphone input with gain adjustment and phantom power, auxiliary inputs, guitar inputs, expression pedals, toeswitches, FX loops, stereo TRS outputs, stereo XLR, MIDI, and headphones. Deep breath. We’re not finished yet, because there are USB types A and B on the back too, one for audio interface use and the other for loading files, IRs, or software updates.
Another understated benefit is the IEC power cable, meaning you aren’t tied to a proprietary power brick and can easily replace the cable if it gets lost or damaged.
HeadRush Cloud app
The PRIME allows you to browse and download other users rigs and amp clones within the HeadRush Cloud – all on the multi-FX itself!
Thanks to the PRIME’s built-in WiFi you can connect to InMusic’s cloud service without having to use a phone, tablet, or computer. While using the Cloud, you can quickly preview user-created rigs and clones, allowing you to taste-test a variety of patches to find your next tone.
FAQs
What effects are in the HeadRush Prime?
The HeadRush PRIME offers a vast array of effects, including reverb, delay, modulation, distortion, and vocal processing tools like Auto-Tune and Vocal Harmony.
Can you use the HeadRush as an amp?
The HeadRush PRIME contains many amp models and can be used to clone your own amplifier. However, you’ll need to connect to a powered speaker or use a power amp pedal if connecting to a speaker cabinet.
What company makes HeadRush?
HeadRush is manufactured by inMusic Brands, a company known for producing innovative digital audio and music technology products.
Final thoughts
If there’s anything our HeadRush PRIME review has shown us, it’s that this unit offers a whole lot of FX and functionality at a price that sits below many of its competitors. If you’re looking for a true “all-in-one” floor modeller unit, this has to be top of your list. From singer-songwriters to touring metalheads, the impressive power and ease of use the PRIME offers will satisfy every type of guitarist.
Comment below if you have any questions about the PRIME or check out our Fender Tone Master Pro review to see what the competition offers!
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