Headrush Prime Close Up Review | is it REALLY worth buying?
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- čas přidán 29. 06. 2024
- Headrush Prime is yet another device that can capture amps, effects etc. but is it really worth buying? or just another also ran? Find out in this super close up review.
Contents:
0:00 Start
0:28 Intro & preamble
0:45 Unboxing
2:12 Inside the Prime
3:25 Power Supply
4:14 Main Board
5:25 I/O Board
7:41 Main Processor
9:35 Aggravation time!
13:31 Chips close up
17:23 Processor Detail
21:29 Top controls
28:04 Main I/O
33:42 Thoughts so far
34:50 Elephant in the room
39:47 Screen control
40:53 Device input
42:14 Processing power?
44:22 Effect control
45:42 Hardware Assign
47:33 Scene editing intro
49:23 Moving blocks
49:55 Choose a rig
51:05 Signal paths
57:53 Change switch modes
1:00:20 Make new presets
1:00:55 Expression pedal
1:02:06 Hands free mode
1:02:47 File browser
1:03:45 Set lists
1:06:16 Practice tool
1:08:45 Looper
1:10:24 Headrush Cloud
1:13:35 Using Windows PC
1:14:21 USB transfer
1:14:43 Re-amping
1:16:03 Amp Cloning
1:19:00 Mic Dry Out
1:20:54 Global EQ
1:21:56 Global settings
1:24:19 Tech Specs
1:25:14 Warranty
1:26:35 Summing up
1:32:55 Take note!
1:34:21 Review score
1:35:54 Manual
1:37:00 Played examples
1:38:00 Good info
1:38:09 Track 1
1:42:01 Track 2
1:45:40 Track 3
1:49:26 Track 4
1:51:45 Real JCM800
Links:
Line6 Helix Floor Pedal Review: • Line 6 Helix Guitar Pr...
IK Multimedia TONEX Review: • TONEX Amp Sim Simulat...
Patch downloads from Andrew: digital-guitars.com/headrush-...
Reviewing the Headrush Prime is not simple! there are so many features such as amplifiers, effects, speaker cabs IR's, the cloning of other products, the controls and other important things to consider. It's big and similar to the Line6 Helix in size so floor space must be considered.
For the price the Headrush Prime could be seen as a bargain, and there are many that suggest the Prime is great for gigging on stage, but there can be issues that no-one really talks about that could cause major problems when gigging. For example even we 'knocked' the power lead in the studio (that faces out) and off went the Prime immediately... what would you do in the middle of a gig?
I cover everything that the Headrush Prime has to offer, not always in ultimate depth, but if you wanted a tutorial video this review could work.
Firstly, I unbox the Prime, then show inside to example the quality of this effects processor, then I look at the controls and I/O. Moving on, you will see most features and how easy or hard they are to use, and the usability or lack of complexity becomes very important for a device that has no software to 'fall back on'.
Viewers will rush to see the cloning that the Headrush Prime supports, but don't assume that there's really much difference than many other effects processors like the TONEX and others which all have their own particular foibles in this respect. This is NOT a Kemper Amp, nor is it a Neural Networks DSP quad cortex device.
I encountered one pretty major problem on the Headrush Prime - watch the video for that, and I did report it to Headrush, but to date there has been no particular reply or fix. I did update the headrush firmware from version 3.00.00 to Version 3.00.1 (I think it was) but that solved nothing. TAKE NOTE THAT IT REMAINED UNRESOLVED.
It seems like many companies are jumping on the 'cloning' aspect just to try and be different, but sadly they will likely all do that. I have reviewed very many amp simulators over the years and I go back as far as 2011 - there's nothing really new here to see.
I discuss likes and dislikes, and I give a fair and reasonable score of the product based on my own experiences as a paying customer.
Lastly, myself and Alan Bruce play through the Headrush Prime with a few different settings and different guitars as reference of the tones that were in the unit by default in the headrush patches.
The very last track was a Marshall JCM800 Studio Tube amp just to keep things in perspective.
This video is entirely financed and sponsored by me with my own money so it's important for you to subscribe and thumbs up, ring the bell and click ALL to see more of my videos. Please do SUBSCRIBE to give my channel a boost and thank you for watching - I hope the video is enjoyable - its a week of my life!
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#headrush #prime #simulator #capture #quadcortex #guitaramplifier #effectspedal #tonymckenzie #review #mckenzie - Hudba
You nailed it - we need more real reviews. It's not about what they tell, it's about what is not mentioned. Thanks for alll your detailed videos 🙏
Thanks for the kind words etc. and for watching.
Most people don’t realize Headrush uses decade-old models and makes no mention of having ever updated or refined them 😂 same old shit in a new suit.
@@justinTime077then use the clone feature..
As always Tony gives a real review, and thats why I like watching thank you Tony for this in-depth review and for all your videos.
Thanks Ricky... really appreciated and thanks for watching.
Wow , these closups on the chips are priceless! Many thanks for these incredible details. I`m considering to buy one and what is unders the hood helps me to compare to other models on the market! Many thanks again!
Thanks and for watching too.
I would say its nice to have but does not say much about the unit, because most of the power/cost comes from the software. I mean sure it's good to know which DAC is in used, but its actually like on the Smartphone, more or less the same in the hardware but the software makes a hughe different.
Stunning review!! It’s my first time watching your channel and love your deep analysis as a real expert!!
Thanks and welcome - I'm no expert - I'm just someone that bothers to see what you might get when you buy one ;-) Thanks.
Great review Tony as usual honest and in depth,Cheers!enjoy your vacation!
Well thanks for watching...
Excellent review. Thank you!
Well thanks... and thank you for watching.
Thank you for your nerdy, techy, in depth review. You hit all the right notes for me. There are other channels to demo the features but yours covers stuff they don't. I also like the fact you are not being paid and it is not a video advertisment but a considered pro and con.
Exactly... I try hard to show the stuff none of them ever do... thanks for the post and for watching - appreciated...
I always enjoy your playing, great stuff Tony
Thanks for watching.
Top review tony as, always 😊😊loved Alan guitar skills top man
He's been practising :)
Excellent review spot on 👍
Thanks! 👍
Excited for this one
Nearly two hours...
Thanks for the honest review!
The only way... and thanks for watching.
100% the best reviewer out there. Totally honest and detailed reviews. I own the unit as a home gear and my main for recording and live I use fractal fm9 turbo. With my hand in heart prime stand up almost equally with fractal in home use.
Great comment and as a user - its always great to hear that gear works well for what it was bought for. There are no better references - always ask the user. Thanks for taking the time to post it... it will help many... and thanks for watching...
Great Review T.
What a beast that is.
Tony, I keep forgetting. Check out the Fender Mustang GTX100. Holy crap. For $600.00 you get one hell of an amp. The 100 watt unit has a great little footpedal. Fender solid state….10lbs…….amazing bang for the buck.
Thanks for the info - and I'll bear that in mind of course... it's good to see he various units out there today and how they work. Maybe the GTX100 is a great answer to the guys wanting to 'carry nothing' (well nearly) to the gigs? Post your views on that because I know you're switched on and I value your opinion too. Regards...
Wow, that is indeed a review👌🏼
Took day after day.... thanks for watching.
Excellent review !!!
Thanks and for watching too.
Finally a Great video of this unit
Thanks. And I hope that it showed you what you wanted to know. Thanks for watching too.
Thanks was going to pull the trigger on it
Might go a different route
Great vid like always
Glad I could help a little hopefully. Thanks for watching.
Now THIS is a review! Cheers!
Hard to make for sure. Thanks for watching.
Great Stuff. Looking for to watching this Tony. 😊😊👍👍👍👍🎶🎶🎶🎶
BTW I put your link in the text for the headrush presets and a little bit just before the playing on screen. And thanks for the link, I'm sure that many guys will take a look. Thanks.
Have to say I thought this was a great review and honest no it's a lot of money to be honest and Headrush will probably throw another update out soon to fix a few bugs. I had the original since 2018 but I recently trade this in for a new guitar. Great playing and also by the Bass player. Thanks for sharing this with us and thanks for the shout out. All my best mate 👍👍😎😎🎶🎶🎶🎶
Note that the larger USB port is used to connect to PC for data transfer and to use as a USB audio interface, and the USB-A (smaller) USB port is for adding storage by way of USB storage drives.
Great video!
Thanks for posting that... and of course for wqtching.
This box reminds me of an iPad with I/0 connections, some switches and an expression pedal... I would never trust something like this for serious touring. It was pushing things a bit when I was using the Kemper powered rack, which did the job fine before I feared it being broken/stolen. So I went back to my trusty if not very heavy 5150 head and a couple of pedals. I'm sure this unit is great fun, would pass a few hours messing with it, and very good for home practice 😊
I did say that basically that this unit somehow is very reminiscent of a consumer device and that professional musicians might not bee too happy with it.. ythat's just an opinion of course but 3.5mm jacks on some items are so consumer focused. Thanks for the post and for watching.
@@tonymckenziecom yep, I absolutely agree with you, 'Tone' and that's a hard thing from a Yorkshireman to someone from your side of't Pennines 😂 x
I sold my headrush about a year ago.
I bought lots of analog stuff. Some beautiful amps. Pedals. Etc.
Sold it all. Now I just picked up the HRPrime…running it through two Line 6 powercabs 112+ for stereo…and it sounds amazing. Perfect even.
So to do that in stereo you just have two outputs going into your amp inputs?
@@jasonl1942 correct. I have two Powercab 112+’s
Sounds like you landed exactly where you wanted to be, that's killer awesome.. I kinda know how you must feel, I've been seriously Jonesin for a HR Prime..
Perfect is a powerful word indeed... but so subjective really. I do like the Prime and while I did have some crazy issues with it, I'm sure that sooner (or later) they will solve those.
I hope you’re happy, but Fractal truly sold me on modeling and *regularly* refines their amp models.
I wanted to buy this Prime device, but it’s occurred to me that the company doesn’t ever-ever-ever mention any amp model updates, like it’s not a priority to them at all.
…so do you feel like it sounds different than your first experience? Or is it-only-because it has profiling now? Because tonex does it at least as good [if not better] for less.
señor, excelente su video!!!! saludos desde Argentina
Gracias por sus amables palabras y por ver a mi amigo ...
Great review. Do you recall what chips were in the mx5 ie is it newer or the same? Btw did you notice the latency with clones? I measured it in my studio and it was as high as 14-15msec. If you had a cloned drive it bumped it to 23+!
Here: czcams.com/video/WzV3BQNywko/video.html and scarily similar... Latency can be an issue I agree... on this one the processing muscle seemed a bit like it had not eaten its spinach today... ;-) Thanks and be surprised about those other chips.
Interesting to have that look inside…
Nice review, in depth and technical.
Heres an idea for future reviews:
Try to measure the latency of signals going through, with different configurations, like; dry signal, with a few effects, with a external loop, etc.
And try to compare the sound of the direct signal, vs going through the pedal. Is it the same, does it loose something? Gets compressed?
Anyway, the pedal seems feature packed, but doesn’t seem to have much more power than previous models.
It would have been very cool to have a comparison to the original headrush pedalboard, to see if anything changed at all, besides the obvious.
As to my thought of the IR/amp cloning, i would imagine the quality of the mic pre and converters becomes more important.
I got an gigboard myself, always been happy with sound and usabilty, but gigging with it had me wishing for more than 4 buttons.
And yes, a desktop editor software i am missing sometimes…
Note that the processing power seems the same as MX5. This review took a week to create and honestly further time is not for me. I have seen enough of it to last, well at least a week :) Thanks for the info and I'll bear that in mind and thanks for watching.
Thanks for the video, good job. We keep forgetting how much work these videos are
Its $2,199 in Australia :( As always another gret overview of the product. It's great to see those Fracktal guys haven't scared you off doing this things.
Glad you liked the review. No the 'FAckers' (a new name for the nasty ones) did not scare me from making reviews. My ultimate review that included masses of info of the company, the makers, the shipping methods and much more I still have and I'm sure they would not like it out there. I have made many reviews since back then and do I care about that gear? Not at all, it is in my opinion over priced, over complicated, and made over there in China for the most part really. Thanks for watching.
Good review. Happy to say that all consumer products in the EU have a minimum of 2y warranty.
Well they might (if you can get someone to listen) but the warranty doc said 1 year. I have found over the years depending on the legislation (or those that are supposed to uphold it) is sometimes fraught with aggro... but great point and I should have mentioned that. BTW, you will know that with consumer rights in the UK (at least) that you can get a 'reducing' warranty through the courts for up to 6 years. Basically they 'take away' the % of use from the original cost etc. Thanks for the post and for watching .
Hi Tony, thanks for the accurate review, I just bought the unit had I seen this I would have probably waited for better reissues. I've noticed that there is a battery cr 1220 inside can you give us some pointers in opening up the unit to replace this battery when the times comes? Thanks again.
Walt
Ha its a bunch of screws underneath, but the sides have to be removed too. The concerning bit is that the cables are all connected and easy to snag them. There was no instructions that I could see anywhere re the batteries purpose or indeed the changing of it for ordinary users. Thanks for watching too.
Regarding the plastic input jacks: Maybe the solution could be to use a dedicated I/O box where the outputs of the box are permanently connected to the Prime. This way plugging in & out would only affect the I/O box. Another piece of gear to bring along but it might save a lot of money down the line.
Great point... thanks for watching.
Lol, what a fucking joke. Not only are you then buying ancient 11 rack amp models that are not updated or refined as far as anyone knows, questionably worse-yet-more-expensive profiles than TONEX or NAM, and you’re buying more gear to make sure your piece o shit doesn’t break. Haha!
46:15 No, the modes classic and advanced for the expression pedal aren't related to how the pedal appears on screen, it's about how the expression pedal affects the parameters of the blocks. In advanced mode you can control several parameters at the same time.
Thanks for the correction I know of a couple of slips throughout so not really too bad I hope :).... thanks for watching.
While I completely ‘get’ why software is expected in a unit like this - seeing that most of the competition offers software suites with their MFX units - I’ve personally never used the desktop software on any of my digital gear more than once…and I’ve owned a Digitech RP500, HX Stomp, POD Go, Hotone Ampero, Zoom G11 and multiple Boss Katanas…once I do some initial ‘deep tweaks’ on my PC, I invariably find myself going straight to the units themselves to make any future changes. And with the touchscreen convenience the G11 and Headrush, the need to use external software diminishes even further!
In summary, the lack of a software suite on the Headrush Prime wouldn’t be a deal breaker at all for me. If it’s all easily accessible from the unit, I’m fine with that.
Personally re hardware the G11 was excellent and the operation of it was superb. That G11 was one of the easiest and friendly units I ever tried. The Prime seems a bit over priced and you're right most others have software. On the Helix for example, that software really is useful, as it is on the Kemper too. Thanks for watching.
I really like my HeadrushGigboard, main advantage is good sound at very low volume levels, so I can play at 2AM in my badroom. But as substitute for real amp? Not really, Ill take any small valve amp and 1x12" any day. Combination with power amp and 4x12" could be interesting for live gigs tho ;)
Interesting stuff and thanks for the post. And for watching the video.
Headrush Prime is a very good effect. Its sound quality often exceeds "first league" effects.
Well at review time there seemed a firmware issue re internet, but that is long fixed :). I liked the CORE too. Thanks for watching.
Hi Tony😊What do you think about Simplifier DLX and Simplifier MKII ??? Did you test any of them??? They are both analog amp pedals so the question is how far they can go with tube organic feeling and being good alternative for traditional tube amps??? Not everyone has a room space and conditions to buy and keep traditional tube amp + cab.
Sadly to date I have NOT seen those (sheltered life) yet. But I'll bear that in mind and if I get some they will be on my channel... thanks for watching.
You are absolutely correct Tony. Amp Cloning, Profiling, or whatever term one wants to use....is silly. Its not replacing the actual amp. Like all things there are tradeoffs. Headrush seems to give as many features as possible, but I personally care about quality rather than tons of options. Anyway, thanks for your terrific review.
This one took me a long time to create. I do think the JCM played last really has the edge over the second to last track (jcm800 simulation) and the real amp is far more inspiring than the simulation IMO. Others might disagree with me, but that's OK. We all have our own opinions of course, but for me that inspiration when playing tube amps far outweighs the aspects of the digital gear and what those devices bring to the table. In any case thanks for watching and to post too!
FM9 is best.
That's all fine but at 60 and bars paying shit I'm not hauling my Marshall's outs
I don't know why anybody thinks you're going to replicate an actual cranked tube amp? Just use it to create your own sound. That's what I do.
@@FortessofShred I've played with an amp plugin and it was definitely fun to try and craft a different sort of tone. Good point Keith.
Hello tony awesome revieuw, what is in your point of vieuw the best sounding and most versatile modeler for studio live and home application? thank you
I do rate te Kemper still, (and have one) and I owna Line6 rack too. But I have many of the smaller simulators also. It's all down to what you want from one... that will in many ways determine what you buy - think of the GT-1000CORE for example, a small unit, that has nigh on 24 devices in the sudio path - for some that is very important, as is the size for example if you gig... I'm about to review the Kemper 'player' a $700 device that can be used for play back of Kemper tones (I'll call them that) and small enough for gigging, but Kemper tones are used in studios, on the road, in bedrooms and probably anywhere else you could play... so that device is a certain 'take a look' device. My review will be extensive... remember though that ALL REVIEWS from anyone are subjective and often I see a 'flurry' of reviews at launch and then little or nothing afterwads on many simulators. The Tonex BTW would NOT be my first choice because their software and infrastructure did not seem professional and failed to install with a 2 year old bug... that says a lot. I hope this little note helps... and thanks for watching.
I have a helix and now i have Hr prime, should say its worth it.
This device not perfect as everything , but it very comfortable to use HR for practice, even more liked then helix, have no idea about realiability of prime.
Sound quality is pretty good. Captures in cloud are pretty good. Well that battery inside and warranty for 1 year , is a bit scary , but be honest helix is 2 years of warranty , works fine after 3 and half year.
Thanks for the post... Not sure if theres a battery in the Helix (there might be but its years since I looked inside :) and thanks for watching.
Another fabulously detailed review Tony. I agree that there’s nothing quite like the experience of playing with a great valve amp. However, i’m rarely allowed to play with with an amp in the kind of gigs I play. I often play with an orchestra and so stage noise has to be minimised. With a floor processor of some sort I can be sure that great tone is being sent to the sound desk. It’s just the way it is. I have the tonex and agree the software is hideous. But I don’t really care about capturing tones etc, there are some fabulous tone captures to be had that feel and sound very good indeed through in ears on stage. So I can use the tonex for basic clean, crunch and lead tones and my HX Stomp for FX. I don’t need much. Some modulation, delay and reverb. A unit like Headrush prime or the Helix is total and complete overkill. I could never trust a thing like that to be reliable. At least with a couple of cheaper units I’m covered. Saying that, could I really trust a valve amp not to die on me? Anyway, I love your reviews, including what’s going on in the inside……keep them coming.
FM9 is all you need.
@@UTAH100 I find with all these ’high end’ units that the reverbs are never quite as good as a separate reverb unit. Always just a little disappointing.
I get the points you have made! and I'm OK with whatever works for someone. For me the Tonex was too much trouble re software problems one thing or another, and I really did try and get there... to this day that software still does not run on the Windows 10 installation for me. I see no fix. I also have a Helix, and a Kemper amp and they are pretty cool (with GOOD software) and sound OK to me. But they are still not quite a tube amp. In fact your idea of effects, delay, reverb, and I like a wah and some drive and that's basically it. What I find on near enough every single simulator type of digital product all the presets as supplied have very many effects and lots of the effect applied and I do feel that is INTENDED to cover up a number of things re tones. But again its just an opinion... no one is right or wrong really. This review took a week of my time literally and they are harder to do than many might think... but I think it is a fair representation of what I found as a customer - and a paying one at that!. Thanks for the info and for watching.
@@dykeneuk Quite the opposite on the FM9- lush, rich, high definition true stereo reverbs and many of them. You can combine them nicely with numerous other effects that Fractal is well known for.
Is it better than the GX 100 ? which I got after you sang it praises 😊 it’s weird it still doesn’t have software when all the other modellers do
The GX100 is a pretty good device - and just FYI I still have mine (and I actually bought it too!). The choice? I would keep the GX100 and sell the Prime personally... which I will in fact do. There should have been software - but no one tells little old me - and if no one tells me, they don't tell customers... and that's something to reflect on with them all. Thanks for watching and the info, I'll dig a bit re the GX100...
Tony, I have a question - can practise tool track be played thru different output than the guitar or the microphone?
I would have to go back and check... sorry I missed that in the review... T
I bought a Prime a while ago. Software updates have made a lot of things better - most notably there was a bug with the unit shutting off when WiFi was enabled, that got fixed. There were also some UI improvements and a couple of changes to how amp-cloning works.
I'd still say they *really* should have a desktop rig-builder at least. The unit is clearly designed to be on the floor and stay there, it's too heavy to be picking it up all the time, and while there is a handsfree way to edit a rig's parameters with the expression pedal, you'd still have to bend over to build rigs or change device settings. If you're like me and you're over 30 with the back-problems to match, it's just not cricket.
Great post and highlights some good points... and thanks for watching.
As far as the battery goes, I had one in my korg A3 effects processor from the 80s. It was for the display screen. The lights will get dimmer as time goes on and if replacing the battery, you would have 2 minutes to install the new battery or you would lose all the code. Wonder if this is the same tech as back then.
There is absolutely no info about the battery existence or its use. And its a bit of a strip down to get to it with trailing wires... not the best answer I thought. Thanks for watching and the post.
Can it store more than one loop? Like intro, verse, chorus, bridge, outro so that i can kick in whichever loop is needed at whatever time.
I did not cover the loop much in the review... sorry but thanks for watching.
an absolute corker of a video. thank you tony you excelled once again. i know its not for everybody and it has its advantages and disadvanteges but hey that,s life. personally apart from all the recording stuff you can do on it. i think a few pedals and a decent amp could match any sound you could get out of it. i might be missing the point with it. but if it goes down its gona cost a fortune to replace. if a pedal breaks well its just a couple of hundred or whatever your pedal costs. but sound wise i would imagine there is a pedal board out there that could match every sound in it. and there is the amount of faffing around with it that just takes time away from actually playing the guitar trying to find the right tone. its just to many options. nice to have but overkill. saying that i would love to try one. but its like flying a plane lol. prehaps im to old these days. anyway thank you for taking the time to do the review tony as always you make a good point and a good video. thank you take care out there.
Well it's not its operation that I found bothersome really. It's relatively easy enough to get to grips with. The point of the cost for repair is exactly right and I saw the 1 year warranty as a problem in that respect. I also felt that the inability to connect to a very proven TP-Link device was also problematic and the support did not seem there. In fact it still does not connect as I reply. Good points you made and while it is an 'interesting' device, this one will be sold. Thanks for the kind words and for watching...
Love your revues. A question generally on all this music gear that relies on editing software and updating drivers.
I wonder with these modelling amplifiers that rely on software updates. What happens when they either stop making the product or the company goes out of business. I have some old bits of hardware from 10 years ago and the Atomic Amplifier from 6 years ago that they stopped making that you cannot get updated drivers and software for(some old products you cannot find any drivers or software for at all), so cannot for example run it on Windows 11 and the only way you can edit them is using old software on old operating systems as they stopped updating the software and will not run on the latest computer systems. That means items like the expensive Kemper if they stop making it and don’t update the software and drivers will become useless and of no value. There is no guarantee when you buy these products how long they will update the software especially as the technology keeps changing. It's also can be a marketing ploy as you may be happy with a piece of music gear but if you can't update it and run it on the latest operating system then you are forced to replace it. More recently I bought an RCF M18 digital mixer, great item but I think they have stopped making it . There have been no updated drivers/software in over year. What happens when because it can't be updated I can't run the crucial software to operate it on android?
I agree. Editing software is nice to have, however you must be able to edit fully on the device itself in case there are changes to operating systems. I purposefully run a Mac with Mojave rather than later iterations because alot of the software/plug ins simply won't run on new versions. I have old Lexicons from the 90s that are a pig to program but at least I still can.
Excellent post and the truth is, if it's out there today with either firmware, cloud storage/retrieval/software or anything else like it then sooner or later it often becomes a tragedy - yep it will unlikely be the last either. I tend to think that recessionary pressures will have an effect on lots of stuff inc. the software, and if the sales take a dip the real question is would they sit there continue developing the software etc. if the unit sales drop and don't justify the updates. Also there is the obsolescence of the main chips in these things, they all have shelf life and what happens after? Kemper since 2011 anyone? I could bet those old chips are long in the tooth. Thanks for the post and for watching.
I've been back and forth with processors and can't make up my mind. I like the Boss GT-1000 but many like the Helix. I tried the Head Rush Eleven and it was nice but it had limitations that prevented me from getting the sound I want. The Gt-1000 has no limitations but has less foot switches. I'm almost convinced to try the Prime but I keep hearing how heavy it is. I currently use the old Boss GT-8. (Over 20 years old.) It does the job but I want to upgrade. Any suggestions on which would be best out of all that is out there with a built-in expression pedal?
I do think the Helix is better than the GT-1000. The Prime for my review did have a few funnies on it. Personally? Helix... I own a rack version with the foot switch and thats pretty good by most standards. Thanks...
@@tonymckenziecom Thank you, I will try the Helix LT. It might be bulky but it will be worth it if I truly like it. I enjoy your reviews and they are also entertaining.
The "tracks" at the end remind me of those "so and so shreds" (Eric Clapton, slash, etc) parody videos.
Drat :)
Tony WAS THE last bit on the vid a real amp or the headrush?
The very last track was a JCM800 Studio - but heres a caveat... I downloaded that from a video I made a while back and used that same footage as example here - so be aware that it was thrown through the mill twice by YT and compression abounds... The shorter track before the last one was an Headrush example. Thanks.
I prefer a computer editor than doing it on the device. If it's rack mount, it'd be ok, but not if it's on the floor. I don't personally care if it's touchscreen or not. I'd like on those units to turn off the touch part of the screen.
Was your Wifi using WPA3 for its encryption and the wifi chip in the unit doesn't support it? Just a thought.
Thanks. I believe it was wpa2... but they did say there was going to be an update recently... Thanks for the info and for watching.
By the way....why are the indicator lamps blinking? Is your electricity not stable or is it just the pedal?
Its the camera sync and a common occurance when you create video. Thanks.
I had the prime. I cloned a couple of amps from a kemper and it sounded the same. I was very happy with the clone of a Bogner Uberschall. It sounded veeery well in my amp+cab. BUT...the unit powered off for no reason, i realized that i had to press twice a footswith recalling a scene in order to get the correct volume, readed about guys having resets, random shut downs... And headrush support is crap. Their official forum is dead and abandoned and feels like you are on your own after purchase de unit. Luckily enough, i was in the 14 day window to return the unit, so that is what i did. Returned and i won´t ever buy headrush product again. They are absolute idiots with this kind of behavior just after relaeasing its flagship.
Something I'm not sure I mentioned in the review. When we were doing the playing section, I happened to walk past the front of the unit when Alan was about to play, and the unit went off because the power cable did not seem the tightest on the block so to speak. At a gig that would be bad. Other gear I guess could be similar, but many use remote power supplies where the mains cable seems bulky and prone to knocking. Thanks for the post about your experience of the unit too... and for watching.
That's why i sent mine back as well: hung up on me several times that you coufn't even shutdown anymore - needed to pull the power lead................................
Dang i ordered mine :D I hope it gona be fine if no gona return back and keep my helix LT/
I actualy discovered random shut down are bug if u whole time set wifi online.
Idk need time.
I sold my HR Pedalboard when this came out because HR deliberately withheld features from it to sell this one... The greed was over the top and turned me off...
Tony McKenzie - the little youtube channel that has the power to call you on your bullshit. I was interrested in this...I made myself a little ampless rig with a UA Dream and analog pedals....but this seemed like a cheaper buy (in the long run - I have expensive taste). I'll be passing, I think....this has promise...but not yet.
I try hard just to tell it how I find things as a paying customer... and try very hard to be fair. If I find an error I will always correct it - check the recent eventide H90 when I did exactly that. I agree that the unit is 'not bad' really, but I only just (yesterday from this post) received a reply from Headrush that indeed they 'will' be fixing the Wi-Fi issue I reported. At least thats one good thing and they did feedback that to me - I'm just an ordinary customer and I guess my experience is what anyone would find... thanks for the post and for watching.
Hello! Do you know whether Headrush going to make a smaller version of Prime such they did Gigboard (smaller version of Pedalboard)?
They tell me nothing! Literally.
The HeadRush MX5 is a smaller version without the Re-amping. It's less than $400 and has the same processor as the Prime. I've had mine for 4 months and I really like it. I use it through a HeadRush 108 FRFR speaker. Sounds great. The user interface is really easy to use and figure out. Low learning curve. I know fractal is the top of the line in FX modelers with the most advanced processor and the highest learning curve and price by far. Professional bands can afford people to program their FX modelers but for simple gigs and playing at home, the HeadRush MX5 is hard to beat for the money.
The RK3288 is used in many cheap Chinese retro video game consoles. (under 100 USD)
Thanks for the info... and for watching.
When it is hooked up to one Router/AP it stays on that Even though you have a stronger signal from another. I think you have remove already connected network and reconnect. It is that way with computers, and think think Headrush is just a computer in this case as well.
I get that for sure… I come from IT since 1981! Interesting to note the core went on first go and never failed on the same network… but thanks for the post and for watching
Good, detailed review.
IMHO, one would be FAR better off taking this money, adding a few more bucks and investing it in a Fractal FM9 Turbo. You can trust this tip. In fact, it is not even close. FM9 is far better. Don't get distracted by touchscreens and a few other features. If TONE including world-class effects is your priority, there is no comparison. Many top bands use Fractal live. No top band I know of uses a Headrush. That should tell you all you need to know. Gold knobs also looks cheesy. This unit will not age well. I could literally sell my FM9 today for more than I paid for it. Once you waste money on this, you will lose about half as soon as you take it out of the box. Also, cheap, built in expression pedals are a well known failure point.
Well I have not used the FM9 or reviewed it (after the last debacle with their minions) but if you have one then that's great. The Prime for me IS new and you do have to take that in to account re any issues. But somehow I felt that it was actually too big and over priced here (£1000) for what it is. I also had that feeling of a bit of under power somehow, and changing presets fast (with those knobs) was strange. The add on expression pedal is actually from what I see very good, but also expensive as many are. Thanks for the info and I'm sure that many will read those... and thanks for watching.
As for me, the sounds I hear in this and other vids are by far good enough. I know there are tons of guitar sound purists out there, but many users prefer touchscreens and decent ui's with good and nice sounds over no UI and perfect sounds. If the device had perfects sounds I'd ruin them anyway by playing.
@@emvdhout For the price this is an epic FAIL. For $199 I bought a MG30. I will use it for a year or so until Fractal updates their UI on the FM9 (which I had and loved but could not deal with that 80's display.) The tones were there though which is the most important thing. It is clear that is what they focused on during development. That is nice and all but at some point, they have to catch up to the competition. Even sub 500 units now have nice, easier to navigate touch screen UI's. Their online editor is pretty good at least. Anyway, I did not lose a dime in selling it so I have that money to play with once the "big announcement" happens. That is my plan anyway. In the meantime I have 4 amps and nearly twice that many guitars. Like you, now I just have to learn how to play the darn thing. 😀
Just a few points of hopefully constructive criticism on the review. If you are going to do a comparison ie the JCM 800, use the same settings, backing track, guitar, microphones/ positioning and cab/IRs otherwise its pointless exercise. ( I'd also tune the guitar as the SG was out). I personally won't be buying a Headrush, but I do think other manufacturers can learn thing or 2 about UI from it.
Well these reviews are hard to create especially like I create them. The 800 was just a throw on at the end really. Some will like it and some won't. But at least its there, where other general reviews qould never include it. Out of tune :) that's the story of my life :) but I seem to get by... I'm not perfect as you see, but this really IS a genuine review whereas... how many have you watched that are simply sales videos? And that's the point really. I even bought this one :). Thanks for watching
What do you thing about the BOSS ME-90?
Looks interesting - I have yet to try one though... Thanks.
Digitech had mic inputs on some of their pedal boards. (12 or more years ago)
Thanks for the info I did not know that... and thanks for watching.
That was a superb review. It's another cyber mock up.
If you took that or anything like that to say, Abbey Road studios, they would tell you to take it back home. It's another modern day toy for the bedroom boys. All this modern day gearis the same. It's like like looking at a photograph and saying "that sounds good" hmmmn? It's no wonder that music is dead nowadays
Thanks for the kind words David. and absolutely much of this type of gear varies just by price ;-)
This is a very interesting detailed review, but a lot of your negatives aren't negatives.. I should say I'm a user of the original Pedalboard and I'm not upgrading to the Prime because I have no interest in cloning/profiling, they didn't upgrade the processor, and you can only split the vocal/guitar path 50/50 so you only have 7 guitar blocks, which is silly, a 4/10 split would be better or any kind of user split other than 50/50! in other words without the features I don't need it's the same as my OG board :)
But to your negatives.. it won't reach your wifi? Tether it to your phone, There's "no software"? That's the whole point of it, you can edit anything on the fly at a gig easily.. I agree a desktop editor would be nice, but it's not essential. The knobs don't move on the graphics of the pedals? it's a picture of a pedal, that's all it is.. why would the knobs move? Have Headrush replaced 3 year old products out of warranty? yes they have, even used ones, is their customer support hard to reach? Yes, phone them up, it works. And finally the software is on 3.0.1, Headrush typically update every 3 months, the previous version of this Pedalboard went to 2.6 just as the Prime was released and 2.7 is in the works, so not only are they updating the Prime, they are still updating the older units.. And the final reality is all modern boards sound great, as great as a real amp? in a mix yes.
P.S. Your website's down. "This site can’t be reachedtonymckenzie.com took too long to respond."
Hi and thanks for this post - very good. However the Wi-Fi... I did mention the mobile path, but note that HeadRush confirmed a problem and are going to solve that (they say) so my point IS correct. Some people actually don't own mobile phones! On the graphics... yes its just a picture? So why even bother with that? Everyone knows what a TS is right? It's purely aesthetics that the buyer is paying for and pretty much useless really. On the 'warranty' I followed their procedures. The result was less than what I would expect for a device costing £1000 ($1250 minimum) in England. On the 'sound the same' thing, ordinary audience will agree. But ask the musician about that all important 'feel' and you will find a difference. The digital 'feels' different and is clinical most often. Tube amp? Plug in, turn on and go, no software, no wi-fi, no phones, just perfect tones AND the feel... and you know what, I can buy an amp like that for about £400.00 - less than half the price of the Prime. Please don't assume I'm just another nut :) that is 'old, decrepit and a tube amp guy' as some might suggest... I have owned a Kemper since 3 months after launch in Jan 2012, Used most digital gear and I still keep an open mind about it all, but there remains differences for sure and when I create a truthful review, the content is actually from the perspective of a CUSTOMER that has actually bought the gear, rather than being given it as most of those other boys benefit and create shall we say reviews that only show the good points. My website you mentioned is wrong... it is www.tonymckenzie.com and thanks again for the post... and for watching. BTW I liked the Prime better than some I could name that cost over twice the price....
No argument, tube amps sound better in a room with a cab pushing air. Unfortunately many venues have gone to a "silent stage" approach including the one I play at every weekend. That being said In your opinion how does this stack up with the competition? I've been using a Kemper toaster and now a Stage, but having issues after the latest software update. And to be honest the Kemper display feels 20 years outdated.
I think the Prime is 'OK' but personally I would not buy one to use myself. The Kemper and Helix I own too, and you rightly tell it the way it is on the Kemper (I still like it) but it is 12 years old and there must be (no doubt) another new design in there somewhere. I agree with you re Kemper and wonder what Christoph is doing? Thanks for the post and for watching.
I've ordered it to try it out. Did any body else notice any above average (compared to other digital units) latency with this unit or is it just me?
Seemed OK to me at the time....
Depends how you look at it. Nobody is lugging Marshall heads anymore. They take a Headrush, Fractal, Helix, that can approximate any amp in history, and any effects in history, to perhaps 95% approximation. Tube amps are cool, but wildly impractical anymore. Would I ever sell my 69 Superbass.....no, but I also realize it's place is at home in my home stereo. For gigs, it's units like this today. Time marches on.....
Here's a question, where can I see ANY survey of who takes what where? You might be right of course, but I see nothing that actually confirms that. Anywhere. You raise a great point and I really would love to see factual based evidence rather than anecdotal info. I know people that use amps? Thanks for the post and for watching.
Metallica and Def Leppard take AxeFX on tour and they can well afford to pay people to lug their amps. It's about consistency from venue to venue.
Please take apart the UA pedals Golden and Starlight. And the Meris LVX. And the Fractal FM9 Turbo- that would really stir up some sh-t.
Sadly I am not really prepared to spend all that money on digital gear... but thanks for the suggestion... maybe one... next time I need someone to threaten me again.... ;-) and thanks for watching.
@@tonymckenziecom Oh no did Fractal threaten you... I bet they did... Been watching your video all morning here in the Midwest USA.
@@user-zv7lm8uk7h Back in the day they told me they had a trade mark of FractalAudio. I owned (and still do) fractalaudio.co.uk - so they threatened me because it was 'theirs'. Sadly for them I checked the trade marks registered and there is no way that they ever could register 'Fractal Audio' as a trade mark. Just one of many things I could mention but frankly I don't have a lot of time for people that lie. Thanks.
This guy …
really knows how to party!
This was a VERY funny post and I let it through because you DID make me laugh. Thanks... I nneded it ;-)
Wow I thought the Zoom G11 was much more tastefully designed on the inside with less kinda off the shelf throw-ins. As you mentioned here it looks like that “Rockchip” sub system board was purchased off the shelf and then programmed by the headrush people…..
It certainly is interesting, but others do the same... thanks for watching.
@@tonymckenziecom What I found to be a bit of a question was even if HeadRush designs their own innards. I could be wrong of course, but that internal design smacked of a turn-key sort of transaction where the InMusic Conglomerate turns to a company like ROckChip and has them do the entire design minus the fluffly external Industrial Design - where they have some "expert" "creative" design the look - in this case they took the knobs right off of a Marshall amp then, didn't they? They are co-opting the look of the Marshall....and they might even be having the turnkey do the firmware....and that might explain why no software application
Tech 21 flyrig looks a better bet to me . The new one has an fx loop . Stick a tc plethora 3 in it and your done . Into the mixer and portable .
No it’s not perfect , analogue though and it doesn’t claim to replicate amps which isn’t possible .
The Tech 21 stuff is VERY good and for that money are brilliant - sound good too depending on which model you get... Thanks...
I had an original version and trying to go direct with it was a little harsh on the high end. They generally make good products though.
Your money would be better spent getting a tone x and a hx stomp and connecting them together to use the stomp for effects, with some decent irs that’s the best sound you’ll get for like £800
Well it might suit some guys, but I have used both of those others and to be honest the biggest shortcoming with the Tonex is the software that crashes often and when I used it for review would not even install on win10. It's things like that which will generally dissuade many people towards honest, and generally operable without other interferences (like software and faffing about) that will help make the 'real deals' hang around IMO. I certainly get the point. I found the technology side of things lacking a bit though and it tends to be in the 'feel' aspect when you play a tube amp compared to the digital stuff. There are many that 'knock' that view, but having used most digital stuff out there, and after selling it I have no doubt personally that the tube amps win in that respect. Had I cranked it etc. it certainly can be inspiring. Thanks for the post... and for watching.
It is worth mentioning that the $400 Hotone Ampero II has an online editor/software. $400. The tone was decent, especially the cleans but it was lacking. Like my FM9 way more. The touchscreen was fun though. Looper was awesome except I could not overdub using a different patch without changing the original. That was a big deal breaker so I returned it. IMHO the Ampero III, when it comes out will be a very decent back up unit for under $500.
I agree and I did review the Ampero II on my channel in a similar way to this unit. Thanks for watching and that important post.
Is RK3288 the only CPU in this thing and it does all the signal processing? If so, I think it's much more reasonable to buy a good laptop and audio interface + midi pedalboard controller. That's a "cellphone in a big box" and the UI looks Android based too. Sure, it's convenient, but think about fixing it when it stops working. And it it's just a software emulation so why not to try neural modeling for free (NAM fanboy here 😃).
Yes I understand the 'fixing' aspect, and that's one reason for showing what you are really buying. This pedal though, I do have to say, is a very easy pedal to use and it was surprisingly good at that... some others are much worse and some are 'harnessed' with so much faffing around I wonder who actually uses them. Thanks for the post.
Great review and content as always. I think we are just getting to a price where you might as well buy a laptop and software and external midi device. MOORE's law continues to prevail in the market.
Good point. After a while of reviewing these types of devices they get more and more like 'the same' as each review with the same features generally, VERY similar tones, same old chips and even the same old warranty. Only thing that differs is the price... usually upwards! Thanks for watching.
IT seems to be an upadated Headrush Pedalboard which sold for $1000 USD ( when I bought mine in December of 2021). The Prime is selling for $1299 USD. I got two of the FRFR 108's (one was a freebie when I bought the board),to use with mine , however, I tend to use mine with 2 Ceriatone 50 watt amps( a Chupacabra and a Plexi 51 All Access), in stereo... as a pedalboard only.... but it is nice having the 108's, for when I don't want to drag the amps around for an impromptu jam session with a few friends. I love mine, extremely user friendly. I also bought the Looper board, as well... for music creation on the fly.
Thanks for the post and your experience with this stuff... very useful to many guys I'm sure. And thanks for the USA price - I could have found it I guess, but this review took so long to create. Thanks for watching too.
headrush prime how to connect it to the PC to use it as a sound card?
You should be using the USB to stream to the PC? Likely drivers on Headrush site to download as you will need them - drivers not needed for the MAC. Thanks.
@@tonymckenziecom thanks I solved it, just go to global setting and then on USB audio put on, but it doesn't remain stored, every time you turn off the machine you have to go to global setting and put it back on
This to me seems like overkill. All I need is a fender tube combo, a few boss pedals and my tele or strat and I’m good.
:) who am I to disagree :). Thanks for watching.
sounds really good though.
It sounds reasonable, but the feel is certainly different as shown in the last playing where the JCM800 Studio was used... Thanks for watching...
@@tonymckenziecom it's not meant to have a feel, it's modelling from the microphone not from the amp ...
The Router Problem is a Driver Problem inside the Headrush Board, I believe so!
Or you are able to switch the connection type for the wireless connection from „WEP“ to „WPA“ or „WPA2“!?
When the Headrush Board has only „WEP“ as connection type, it is a old nevermore used standard!
Today Standard is „WPA2“.
And I believe that is what your extender use!?
So you have to switch the Headrush Board to „WPA2“ Connection type!
But when the Headrush Board dosen’t have that Wireless Connection Type, the Headrush Board is Garbage!
I got a „Roland Fantom FA-06“, it’s from 2008 or so …it has only WEP as connection Type, but for 2008 it’s ok!
And the Roland FA can’t Connect to nothing!
So while no installed Router in your Home Network Support „WEP“, while WEP is a open connection with absolutely less security.
But a new Hardware with only „WEP“ for a Wireless Connection Type…it’s useless, no one supports anymore „WEP“ for Wireless Connections.
And a Extender only works with „WPA“ or „WPA2“
… for explanation:your Router has the Name = Network-2023
But your Extender have the Name: Extender3274521XA
Your Headrush Board find that Extender Name too, and can’t interpret that Name!
To buy a New Extender make no sense, you will have the same Problems.
What you have to do is, look the Extender to your computer, go inside the Extender Software and change the Extender Name to exactly the same name as the Router!
That will work.
The Headrush Board is not able to find the clear Name, in your configuration of your Home Network, while the Extender have an other name, as the Network you will connect to!
That is why you can connect directly in your kitchen, the Extender is not more between!
Check that out, I’m sure that is a solution.
I got the same problem with other stuff, but the problem is in the Hard and Software Driver of your Headrush Board, that is not able to interpret that kind of Network Connection Type…it’s Bad!
Thanks for the in depth comments about the Prime connectivity. For me, everything else I have (including stuff that guys bring in to the studio) all connects. Reconfiguring the studio to be honest is too much trouble. Headrush did say there would be an 'update' but did not specify when at the time. But great post and thanks for watching.
Extremely thorough review. Thanks. It’s far too big for me anyway. It’s bigger than my entire pedalboard I already use, lol.
One note on the ToneX though, saying that it’s a consumer device and not a professional one… I go to watch live bands 2-3 nights a week, and always get up close to the stage to see what pedals and gear the band uses. And in the last month, I have seen three different guitarists that were using the ToneX pedal on their boards. It seems to be used more as an alternative to something like the Strymon Iridium, but with way more amp models built in. For that use case, it makes a lot more sense.
The TONEX aggro is the software... and IMO it's so flaky - would real pro's really stake their career on something that is not too stable? That was really the point on Tonex. On the Prime, just imagine how long 3.5mm connectors might last in a pro environment? Thanks for the post, good points, and thanks for watching.
When will I be able to Elvis on the voice side?
Ha who... :) Thanks for watching.
By the way. Using possessing power just to see knobs to turn for me is silly. I think they did good about that. Why i should be concerned about this that i barely care about and see?
Yes I understand. The Prime is not a 'bad' piece of gear. I did have some issues re connectivity, but apart from that it did work as I thought it would. I did also more recently review the Headrush core and that connected and worked first go, so my guess is they fixed something re the connectivity. But both bits of gear are interesting to say the least. Thanks for the post... and thanks for watching too...
No equipment is perfect! Not amps not modelers! There just tools! 90% of people that play guitar don’t even play in a band or even gig! Get what you like! It’s all good!😁
Trust me, its NOT 'all good' as you say. I won't bother expanding on that, but simply watch my reviews and you will see in reality just 'how good' or 'how bad' the gear can be - and the price scarily is irrelevant. Thanks for watching.
I think I'll stick with my digitech rp360xp
Really...
After owning my gigboard I'll never buy another product from them again
Ouch. Want to expand your experience on here? No problem, the only way to create a fair overview of the products... and thanks for watching.
So??? Is it good or not???
Ha... it has a score on there from my review, but you watch the video and tell me if YOU think its good or bad... Thanks.
I'm POed that Headrush deliberately withheld alot of this from their pedalboard... I sold the pedalboard and I'm done with money-grubbing Headrush... ☹️
Well if you tried one that's the best way to determine if its for you... Me? I'll likely sell it. Thanks for watching.
Rather than connect to your TP-Link, connect to your phone in hotspot mode.
I could have. But sadly, then the equipment I bought (the Prime) did not do what it's supposed to do. Remember it was a review and I would not have made a real review had I hidden that info from the cameras... just a thought, but thanks for pointing it out and for watching too.
For future reviews, could you please carry out your functional test, BEFORE you tear the unit apart to see what it's made of. Maybe the Wi-Fi has an issue; maybe it doesn't. We can't tell from your experience, because, assuming you didn't edit out of sequence, you voided the warranty before you experienced any functional problem. I can't use that result.
If you think that the review is cr*p and I'm lying like maybe a paid review, then go watch them sort of reviews. You either accept what I say or not, and if my integrity is questioned as in fact you did, then to be honest, go buy one and enjoy.
Would it have received an 8 or 9 if the WiFi had worked?
Well there were a few things, but I relate it like this: If you check out the Headrush CORE review I completed recently here: czcams.com/video/xfUbBmxhmKs/video.html and bear in mind they are 'similar' and see that the CORE I gave a 10/10 score here: czcams.com/video/xfUbBmxhmKs/video.html?si=Yz4lJR7XwFW64omH&t=3403 so I think that given a bit of time the Prime may have improved, but there are other things like the large size that might not be for everyone (including me). Hope that helps and thanks for watching.
$1300 usd...crazy
Thanks for that....
It seems your very cynical regarding new technology. Why is that? Interested to know what your recommendations would be for the home guitarist who just wants to have a good sound with enough variety to play about anything thats been done over the last 60 years.
I can tell you why... I have seen that much digital type gear that says one thing and then does another. I've seen programs released half baked, applications where makers go bust and you no longer can use them, if you can think of it then likely I've seen it and scarily I've had to pay for the privilege! Personally I have been in technology since 1981 so you could say I've had a bit of experience. To date since 1971, on the 'amp' front I've had two amps cause trouble... one was a Diezel hagen that the tube lit up like a light, and the other one was a Marshall TSL100 well known for a problem board until the last release that fixed everything on that amp. The life of digital gear is often not really that long and with some companies it's pretty bad value. On the hardware, I have seen companies that make digital equipment basically lie about their hardware and related to the actual hardware costs that are often substantially different than quoted by the maker. I have seen CE certification abused, claimed the gear is CE approved while in reality it is not only not safe, but also not actually approved. I could go on. You may know 'better' than me, who knows, but as far as what I talk about I for one don't tell lies. Thanks.
The mic inclusion is not strange at all, I’m baffled more people don’t see the value there. Sadly it counts for nothing when the amp models are the same tired trash.
Thanks for te post. It's pretty uncommon on the gear I have tested to date, its not a 'bad' thing, but just uncommon. Well the tones are the tones... and I'm reviewing that new one presently... wait to see it... it will be in proper depth. Thanks for watching.
ehmmm.... Actually, I would never ever connect to wifi during a gig. Why the h***should I want to? At a gig everything is set up on the device. Period. As for the software. Most software is lacking and clumsy and even buggy. I very much prefer a decent ui on the device itselves instead of a dreaded rushed piece ofsoftware that most of the time even is written for devices or operating systems I don´t use, like Apple stuff, or Windows.
Did you notice any serious latencies like several nowadays claim?
I get that re the Wi-Fi of course, but this is a review and it would be wrong for me to hide the problem I saw in a review. Ha Have a go at the Tonex software... really temperamental and little support. The screen on this unit is much improved since the MX-5 (I think it was called) because of size and font sizes being easier to select without the wrong one getting chosen. Well when I reviewed the Prime I did not really see latency issues. Maybe that has appeared since? maybe from new firmware etc.? But the unit re latency seems OK to me. Thanks for the post and for watching.
Yup! Another “honest” review that won’t touch the base models with a 10-foot pole! Goodness how’d I see this coming?
I don't know how you 'saw it coming' and frankly I don't care either. This is a genuine and honest review Thanks.
@@tonymckenziecom I’m sorry I wasn’t necessarily going after you. I enjoyed your thorough look at this. I’m just frustrated.
Basically every other reviewer is mentioning the models. As if they don’t exist. That’s the one *major* part they manage to overlook. It seems suspicious.
I was highly interested in the device but it seems like the writing on the wall is “Headrush isn’t marketing their models, and doesn’t let people talk about them either”
The no software bit is what kills this unit. Line 6 (Yamaha) Helix has fantastic software that is easy to use and just works. The Helix has been supported through its entire life with consistent updates. Headrush has always been crap in that respect with all of their units. The Helix is old now and I would not purchase one (New) today BUT I also would not purchase a Prime. I would wait for the new Helix as it will come. Line 6 has been doing this for far longer and they are better at it in most respects. Headrush support (More like lack of support) has always been utter crap!
I agree that the Helix is a very good unit and I own a rack one personally with the floor switcher. The Prime is 'OK', the Helix is better for the reasons you mention and the tube amp at the end was best to play... Thanks for watching.
I think Yamaha could create a whole revenue stream just licensing their UI/software for other manufacturers.
Headrush Prime Close Up Review.....(Of just talking) you need to re-name your video!
What about the Practice Tool, The Looper, Antares Vocal Processing-All you guys focus on cloning...and never state what your playing thru and totally don't even cover the main functionality of the unit!
Also-Good on you mate for showing Global Settings - the first stop "out of the box"
I believe its time to download the manual-after watching 15 videos, leaving comments and questions and getting ZERO RESPONSES!!
I hope Sweetwater has a liberal return policy!!
Well I did show so many things in this video that NO ONE SHOWS in any of those other reviews and that's for sure. BTW I did NOT focus on cloning at all... and I don't really think that the unit is the best at that stuff in any case. The manuals are worth looking at - and in reviews they really are necessary, as sometimes you get caught out because things work different than you think. I always recommend the manual to be downloaded and even printed. I always try and reply to posts on my channel, whether there are ten or hundreds as I think if someone has the courtesy to post something that it really should get a response... anything else says a lot about the channel IMO. I also reviewed the CORE which fared a little better than the PRIME in my opinion. I don't think I missed that much in the review and there is playing on there too to be fair... I don't always focus for long playing sessions in my reviews and prefer to show and tell in my inside and out reviews of what you get and what it's really like to own one from opening the box. Thanks for watching... appreciated.
@@tonymckenziecom And a most respectful and hearty "Thank You" for your response-believe me. Only way to really find out if the unit is worth it is to make the purchase and hope I can send it back! Don't really care about cloning an amp (all vids cover this) I stand corrected. Again, thank you for the response-1st one to do so. It's quite a lot of money,, so I am trying to gather all information prior to purchase.
I was about to buy this unit until I found that there's no PC software to edit your presets. HARD PASS.
It is a bit weird. Thanks for watching.
This is one large unit, probably to justify the price!
The fact that it can only communicate via Wifi is just plain daft, what is wrong with an ethernet port?
7 out of 10 i think is generous, for me it is just a very expensive paper weight.
I must be getting too old or just plain lazy these days, all i want to do is switch my amp on, plug the
guitar in and listen to my pathetic attempts to play Apache for the umpteenth, for that i just don't
need to spend over £1000.
This is a classic overpriced toy, that is not as good as it should be, they might get it right in the next
one, but don't hold your breath.🤔
Welcome in 2023.
@allanpape I was a little surprised - not by the tones etc. but rather the operational aspects (like the Wi-Fi) that I never did resolve. And the penny battery I could not find a single instance of what it was for or how to replace it. These are like strange aspects and in the course of owning a Prime they will maybe be OK or not. But my last track on there was a Studio JCM800 and there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the JCM800 within the Prime never provided that tone, or more importantly the feel. Thanks for watching and for the post...
@@tonymckenziecom Those penny batteries are often used for memory backup, but if you have no way of
knowing exactly what it is for then we can only make a best guess.
As to the WiFi i have not much fath in it, i now have FTTP internet and a high end router with 6e Wifi and despite
their clains the Wifi still truggles to reach the back of the old cottage that i live in, they must test this stuff in a modern
house with waferthin walls!
I don't think that no matter how good these box of tricks are, they still have a long way to go to sound like the original
amp.
TBH I wouldn’t understand a machine thought primarily for live scenarios, provided with an Ethernet port. It would be translated only to less space inside the chassis, instead Wi-Fi connectivity fits perfectly IMHO, also if you are outside you can ever use your mobile phone as an access point. Honestly I don’t understand all of this doubts about Wi-Fi, but’s it’s my point of view obviously.
Furthermore, all I can read from many comments here is “no way these digital things, Amps sounds way better”. I’d like to ask all of you to do an A/B test between a real JCM800 and a Fractal or a Headrush model (not talking about profiling) and distinguish the real one (on CZcams there are so many examples of A/B comparisons done by huge professionals and quite of them are still failing).
Wouldn’t be rude, it’s not a personal affair but I really don’t understand. Allan Pape, do you own the HRP actually? In the case, could I ask you why do you think it’s overrated?
“That is not good as it should be”.
Why?
@@MIkeGazzaruso I was just stating my own experience with Wi-Fi and despite owning the latest gear i still find it very patchy
in terms of a reliable fast connection.
In a live situation you can't have cables for everything, but if as in Tony's case he was having issues with it in his own studio
then how reliable will it be in live conditions.
No i do not own the HRP, i don't need to, i have all the original amps that i need for the music i play and still obtain a good sound
without one.
My comment of "Not as good as it should be" was based on Tony's review, he is a very honest reviewer and i trust his opinions,
very few reviewers are this honest, most just hype up gear that was gifted to them, Tony has to buy this gear only to prove that
other reviews fail to mention the limitations, hence my view that it isn't as good as it should be, and i am not going to buy one
just to find that out.
It should be called head ache
I thought the Prime was not as smooth (for want of a better word) than the CORE which honestly was not really 'bad'. I liked it really for the quick and less complicated life of simulated amps etc. - thanks for watching...
STILL a RK3288 ? 🤦♂Same as MX5, 2014 chip for budget chromebooks. Unbelievable...
Man IDK... If what it can do is not enough to you, ok, but if it is, what's the difference about a 3288, germanium diodes, lo noise opamps, russian tubes, fairy dust or snake oil? It's what you hear that matters.
What that really charge us (all of them, not just HR) is the software. I guess that a sturdy cabinet counts, but mostly software.
This is life in the fast lane... until you use it ;-) Thanks for watching.
@moroboshidan7960 and do remember the 'feel' as that tends to not really exist from what I see in the digital stuff currently. Some of the tones are near(ish) but the feel always seems to be awol. Thanks for the post.