HeadRush’s popular multi-effects and amp modelling systems have just received a firmware update that introduces some significant new features. With the new HeadRush 5.0 Firmware installed, the HeadRush Prime, Core and Flex Prime all gain a powerful new set of tools that include a built-in drum machine and Tidal streaming integration.
The new Drum Machine module kits the popular pedals out with an onboard virtual drummer powered by Alesis Drums and BFD technology, while the Tidal integration makes it possible to stream songs directly to the systems’ Practice Tool and allows users to set loop points, adjust the tempo and transpose songs. The update also delivers three new amp models, two boutique overdrives and some upgraded pitch effects.
What’s New?
Drum Machine
A headline feature of Firmware 5.0, the new Drum Machine builds a responsive, customisable virtual drummer directly into the pedal.
- 16 professionally crafted drum kits and 134 styles spanning 15 genres, professionally created by world-class sound designers at Alesis Drums and BFD.
- Footswitchable fills, variations, transitions, accents and mute for expressive live control.
- Deep shaping tools including Mix, EQ, Timbre, Length, Drive and Reverb.
- Intensity and Groove controls to adapt each style to different feels.
- Seamless integration with the built-in Looper for layered loop performances.
Tidal Integration
HeadRush users can now link their Tidal Account with DJ Extension Tier and stream music directly to their Prime, Core or Flex Prime units.
- Browse playlists, genres, moods or your own collection.
- Loop tricky sections for focused practise.
- Slow down fast passages without affecting their pitch.
- Transpose songs without changing their tempo.
New Amps & Boutique FX
Firmware 5.0 expands the HeadRush tonal palette with an array of new amp models and effects.
- 25 ON-1 Amp Models (Clean, Crunch, Lead): a custom redesign of a legendary high-gain amp, the ON-1 comes complete with matched cab IRs that deliver refreshing modern tones.
- Jimmy OD — Transparent Overdrive: Jimmy OD delivers everything from subtle breakup to rich saturation while preserving your amp's natural voice.
- Palace OD — Vintage-Inspired Overdrive: Palace OD provides warm, mid-focused drive perfect for expressive leads and classic rock tones.
- Enhanced Pitch Effects
- UpTune shifts guitar pitch up (+1 to +12 semitones).
- DropTune has improved tracking and now extends down to -12 semitones.
Other Enhancements
Firmware 5.0 includes a range of other improvements requested by HeadRush users, including:
- Direct HeadRush Cloud access inside the Wi-Fi Remote Editor for easier rig browsing and sharing.
- PIN-based authentication for secure wireless pairing
- Auto-Engage expression pedal mode based on position or inactivity for switch-free bypass.
- Block Mix (wet/dry blend) parameter added to individual blocks for precise tone sculpting.
- Improvements to Vocal Harmony tracking and tone, plus other minor UI/UX and DSP improvements.
"Firmware 5.0 enhances the Prime, Core and Flex Prime into true all-in-one creative partners. With the new Drum Machine and Tidal Integration, guitarists and bassists of all skill levels can jam, write, rehearse and perform with tools that feel natural, are easy-to-use and sound incredible." - Walter Skorupski, Senior Product Manager, HeadRush
Availability
The HeadRush 5.0 Firmware Update is available now as a free download for all HeadRush Prime, Core and Flex Prime users.
