HeadRush Pedalboard now available | SM Mastering

Visual context for HeadRush Pedalboard now available.

The evolution of digital guitar processing has reached a significant milestone. Originally teased around Winter NAMM by InMusic (the parent company of Akai Professional), the wait is finally over. Great news for live performers and session players alike: the highly anticipated headrush pedalboard now available worldwide is set to change how we approach tone generation. Combining massive quad-core DSP processing with the legendary Eleven HD Expanded engine, this unit delivers an astonishing array of ultra-realistic amp models, cabinets, and studio-grade effects that integrate seamlessly into both live rigs and professional studio environments.

From an audio engineering perspective, the hardware layout and DSP headroom are incredibly impressive. The unit features twelve individual footswitches, each equipped with its own mini OLED display to dynamically show active functions. This prevents the classic “tap-dance” confusion during intense live sets. Furthermore, the integration of a massive 7-inch touch-sensitive screen brings modern smart-device gesture controls to the floorboard, allowing users to drag-and-drop entire signal chains with ease.

Why the HeadRush Pedalboard Now Available is a Game-Changer

For years, guitarists and producers had to choose between high-end rack units requiring complex MIDI foot controllers or simpler, less powerful floor multi-effects. With the headrush pedalboard now available, guitarists no longer have to compromise on CPU bottlenecking during complex signal paths. Built on a dedicated quad-core processor running exclusive Eleven HD Expanded software—originally engineered by the creators of the highly-acclaimed Pro Tools Eleven plugin—this unit delivers class-leading responsiveness. Much like the premium emulation techniques used by industry giants such as Universal Audio, the physical modeling of power tube sag, cabinet resonance, and microphone placement here is exceptionally detailed.

Additionally, one of the most significant technical achievements of this board is its “gapless” preset switching. Traditional modelers often suffer from a brief moment of silence or digital drop-out when switching from a heavy rhythm tone to a delay-soaked lead. The HeadRush DSP architecture allows delay and reverb tails to spill over naturally during preset changes, ensuring a seamless acoustic transition that is vital for maintaining mix continuity in both live tracking and broadcast situations.

Technical Specifications Overview

Below is a breakdown of the key specifications and features of this powerful new hardware processor:

Practical Studio Workflow and Re-amping Tips

For studio owners looking to upgrade their direct-recording capabilities, having the headrush pedalboard now available offers an immediate improvement in tracking workflow. Integrating this unit into your DAW setup allows for highly efficient production techniques:

• Dual-Channel USB Audio: The HeadRush functions as a 24-bit/96kHz audio interface. When tracking, you can record a fully processed stereo signal on one track while simultaneously capturing a dry DI signal on another.
• Effortless Re-amping: Send your dry DI track back through the HeadRush via USB to tweak amp settings, swap microphones, or change the cabinet model in real-time without requiring your guitarist to replay the performance.
• The 20-Minute Looper: With up to 20 minutes of record time and unlimited overdub layers, you can build complex soundscapes and harmonic backdrops directly on the unit before exporting them to your DAW.
• Custom IR Loading: The pedalboard natively supports third-party Impulse Responses (IRs). This allows you to load your favorite studio-captured cabinet profiles directly onto the hardware for consistent acoustic characteristics.

If you are interested in optimizing your mixes for commercial distribution or want to learn more about how modeled guitar tracks behave in a stereo master, feel free to explore our collection of guides on SM Mastering Audio Articles.

Conclusion and Final Verdict

We are thrilled to see the headrush pedalboard now available as it bridges the gap between hardware tactile response and digital plugin flexibility. The combination of an intuitive 7-inch touch interface, robust quad-core DSP, and seamless preset transition makes it an incredibly strong contender in the high-end modeler market. Whether you are running it directly into a front-of-house PA system, connecting it via the 4-cable method to a tube amplifier, or using it as a dedicated studio processor, the HeadRush delivers premium, mix-ready tones right out of the box.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes the HeadRush Pedalboard different from previous Eleven Rack systems?

While the sounds are powered by the core DSP heritage of the Avid Eleven plug-in, the HeadRush features the newly upgraded Eleven HD Expanded engine. This upgraded architecture leverages quad-core processing power, enabling much higher fidelity cab simulations, dynamic response, and complex dual-amp configurations that were impossible on older hardware.

Can I load my own custom Cabinet Impulse Responses (IRs) into the unit?

Yes, absolutely. The system supports standard WAV files for third-party Impulse Responses. When connected to a computer via USB, the HeadRush appears as an external drive, allowing you to easily drag-and-drop your custom IR files directly into the active user directory.

Does the unit support gapless switching between different presets?

Yes, one of the signature features of the HeadRush DSP design is its gapless preset switching. This ensures that any active reverb and delay tails carry over naturally when you switch presets, preventing any digital dropouts or sudden audio silences during performance.

Written by SM Mastering

Official content on sound engineering, mixing, mastering, and advanced electronic production by SM Mastering.