Headrush pedalboard and katana amps
Discussion
On Paper, Headrush is the most friendly - in theory, not so much. Touch screens fiddly and can be a nuisance live. UI/UX on Helix is miles ahead of any other modeler - not just saying that because I own one - but it was the main reason for owning one.
Headrush also sounds like it lacks a bit - out of the box it sounds better than Helix, but once you know how to dial the helix in it offers better tone and more flexibility - the Headrush is just a re programmed Elevenrack after all (that's not a bad thing, but something to consider, and it doesn't sound bad, just not as good if you get me). - Axe and Kemper are fantastic - the Axe is only let down by the little screen (its a product you need to have hooked up to a PC to get any type of user friendly editing) and the Kemper is a Profiler - so sounds the best out of the box out of all of them IMO - but both are very expensive.
If you're going modelling - look into FRFR. Expensive but worth it. Friedman offer great FRFR cabs that look like cabs. If you're going power amp route a nice class D transparent solid state works well, or a 6l6 base - the spider valve is surprisingly good for this. Also consider if you're around PAs, you can go direct into the desk.
Even though I've talked down the Headrush a bit, it is more than competent. I praised modelling but never made the plunge until Helix, and now I have a DR103, Matchless DC30, Divided 13 and 2204 JCM800 in an easy to carry box - plus 43 other amps if i want to go into it further, and most people blind tested won't tell the difference - I'm sure you'll get just as much happiness as me whatever route!
Headrush also sounds like it lacks a bit - out of the box it sounds better than Helix, but once you know how to dial the helix in it offers better tone and more flexibility - the Headrush is just a re programmed Elevenrack after all (that's not a bad thing, but something to consider, and it doesn't sound bad, just not as good if you get me). - Axe and Kemper are fantastic - the Axe is only let down by the little screen (its a product you need to have hooked up to a PC to get any type of user friendly editing) and the Kemper is a Profiler - so sounds the best out of the box out of all of them IMO - but both are very expensive.
If you're going modelling - look into FRFR. Expensive but worth it. Friedman offer great FRFR cabs that look like cabs. If you're going power amp route a nice class D transparent solid state works well, or a 6l6 base - the spider valve is surprisingly good for this. Also consider if you're around PAs, you can go direct into the desk.
Even though I've talked down the Headrush a bit, it is more than competent. I praised modelling but never made the plunge until Helix, and now I have a DR103, Matchless DC30, Divided 13 and 2204 JCM800 in an easy to carry box - plus 43 other amps if i want to go into it further, and most people blind tested won't tell the difference - I'm sure you'll get just as much happiness as me whatever route!
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