Here we go again… badly suffering with GAS right now. I was ready to pull the trigger for the Zoom B6, and doing the final research, I crossed by a video on the HeadRush Core Multi-FX Amp Modeler and Vocal Processor.
Like most of the Multi-FX pedals, I could only find reviews and demos for guitar. The manufacturer and reviewers mention it works for bass, too, but that’s all.
So, has anyone tried or owned this beauty and used it with a bass? I’m okay with paying an extra $300 (B6 $499, Core $799) if it is worth it.
Thank you so much for your attention and participation.
Chiming in here from the sidelines: as far as I understand, those two are not (foremost) multi-fx units, but profile/IR loaders/modelers (where some of the models might include effects, and where extra effects can be added).
Correct, but I’m pretty sure they also have models for common effects chains into amps and you can also model any gear you want yourself of course. And then things like the Quad Cortex are a hybrid.
This is what still baffles me with these things. I don’t think it’s that straightforward - I think you need to “re-amp” with the effect (chain) to create the profile. Most people wait until someone does this more professionally and then buy the profile.
But, yes, you can probably get a lot of effects profiles as well (other than modulation effects).
For ToneX, it’s in IK’s ecosystem so unless I am mistaken (@Paul would know) I believe this is already available for many amps and effects from them. I had thought it also shared Amplitube’s models but I could be wrong. They also set up a sharing system for users to upload their own.
I was looking at all of these options for the last 2 hours. I believe I should get the B6 because it looks like that’s the only one with a drum machine. My real goal is to eliminate my interface, my Boss RC500, and all the other pedals (Comp, Oct, EQ, Tunner, Overdrive) that I use for fun and practice.
Definitely, the Core has so many things that I’ll not use, but adding the playback feature and being able to load everything I need to play in one place without carrying a laptop for backtracking is wonderful. Experimenting with new sounds, clone pedals, and shaping different sounds and tones with the amps is part of what I wanna do, too.
I am a bit undecided at this point, but I am leaning mostly toward the B6.
I think that’s likely correct, I don’t think the Helix has that either; they are more tailored for pro usage where the assumption would be the drums were handled by something much better suited, either a drummer, real drum machine, or drum plugins.
You are correct sir. Maybe the next version lets you combine effect and amps separately. Can’t remember if you could share the models, I thought so too.
I got the smaller Headrush, the MX5, as a Christmas gift. I’ve only had it a few weeks, but it’s definitely more geared toward guitar (I don’t think it has any effects that are designed for bass), but it works fine for bass. It has some built-in bass presets, a couple of them are fine. The fun one is called “Synth bass” with a phaser and bit crusher.
I think the most important thing to know about it is that Headrush does not have any kind of desktop software - you have edit the presets on the device itself. Which means either doing it on the floor or putting the pedalboard on your lap or table. Pretty much every other multi-effects board has some kind of desktop software, so it’s unusual.
A thing to note: the way it comes out of the box is that all of the presets have a noise gate that is set really high. This can really swallow the signal from passive single coils. I edit the “Input” profile so the noise gate accommodates the signal from the instrument I am playing.
I think the most useful part of these things is the looper with a bunch of layers. Makes it very easy to play along with yourself - using it has made me really appreciate the skill of people who build songs with loopers when they perform.
I just pulled the trigger on the HeadRush Core. I did a lot of research about it, and @brian2, you’re right. This is a product designed for guitar, 99%. So, most of the information found was for the guitar.
There are many features that can be found on both units (Zoom B6 and HR Core), such as a looper and the DI, but here are the reasons that made me choose it over the other ones:
1 - Large screen: A 7” touch screen was essential for me as my eyes don’t work as well as before;
2 - No computer needed: As mentioned by @brian2 , there’s no computer software, and I think that’s great. Some boards in that category require a computer to take full advantage of programming. The very intuitive software the HeadRush has, and the large screen makes it a one-device solution. I’ll not be distracted by the computer and will focus more on setting the tones how I want to play. It will be closer to a standard pedal board.
3 - Clone Capability: The HeadRush Core me can clone amps, pre-amps, distortion pedals, overdrive pedals, and most fuzz pedals. That means most bass pedals and amps can be cloned into the unit;
4 - Practice Tool: Can stream songs to the unit via wi-fi. Once loaded, you can slow down the speed without pitch change and loop sections of the song;
5 - Plenty Switches: With five stomp switches, it is a lot easier to operate the board without having to learn combinations;
6 - Better Processor: HeadRush’s quad-core processor is likely more powerful and suited for more demanding processing tasks. I don’t know if I will need it, but just to be safe;
7 - I play guitar too: Not as much as I play the bass, but it will be a 2-in-1 tool if it works well for the bass.
I got it from ZZSounds as a Warehouse Resealed and paid $719 (reg $799), so it’s a good deal for me.
It should arrive tomorrow, and I’ll be exploring features and trying to get the tones right for the bass. If it comes out short of what I expected, I will return and will try the Zoom B6.
that’s over $1000
