Headrush MX5 – FX and Modelling Processor
The Headrush MX5 is a super-compact realistic-sounding guitar FX and Amp Modeller for the desktop, the studio and the stage. It features a finely-tuned multi-core processor and a 4” high-resolution touch display. Furthermore, MX5 allows you to build tones by touch, swipe and drag-and-drop operations to instantly create your perfect tone.
With a compact form factor, the MX5 is very portable and fits in most backpacks or instruments cases. Because it is an FX and Amp Modeller it essentially allows you to bring the best classic, vintage and modern tones to rehearsals, performances, and recording sessions.
Ever-Expanding Universe of Incredibly Realistic Models
The MX5 consists of an immense library with; 46x amplifier models, 15x cabinets with 10x microphone emulations, 300x impulse responses and 63x premium FX. These flawless simulations of the most sought-after vintage and modern gear also have an accurate authentic dynamic response. This library continues to grow with new models and features that will be accessible with regular firmware updates.
Unlimited Tonal Expansion with Third-Party IR Support
Out the box the MX5 ships with over 300x precision-captured impulse responses. All have been meticulously crafted in IoSR Studios with some of the world’s most revered guitar cabs. And if that’s not enough for you then you can even load in your own IR’s. Just drag and drop your new IR by connecting your MX5 to a Mac or PC via USB. The sculpting possibilities are almost endless as the MX5 has virtually unlimited storage for IRs with 1024 and 2048 sample lengths.
Gapless Preset Switching with Reverb/Delay Tail Spillover
The gapless preset-switching feature is an exclusive HeadRush MX5 addition. This essentially ensures that any reverb or delay-tails continue to ring out even after you change a preset. As a result, this spillover function helps you to blend in the fluid effects even after a rig has changed for a seamless unbroken transition.
MX5 is Easy-to-use, Stomp, Rig and Hybrid Footswitch Modes
With the 3x dedicated foot-switches on the MX5 changing models or scenes, rigs, or access setlist is easy. You can quickly switch between modes by holding down on foot-switch 1. You can also select setlists, enter hands-free mode, and lock the touch display from this menu. The MX5 allows you to build a set-list prior to performing and when on stage; access all your setting using the 3x footswitches.
When performing live you can also adjust any parameter mid-song without having to stop playing and/or bend over. By selecting the model you might need to adjust, parameters can be changed with the built-in expression pedal.
The MX5’s powerful scenes feature allows you to turn multiple models on or off in each rig. This means you can select different model presets using a single footswitch. You now have an incredibly efficient way to create and quickly access different tones in the same rig.
Fully-Assignable Expression Pedal for Maximum Control
The expression pedal on the MX5 features 2x powerful modes. A Classic and Advanced Mode that alongside a tow-switch allows you to shift between 2x banks.
In the Classic-Mode the built-in expression pedal acts in a traditional way an expression pedal would. For example, if assigning a Wah to Expression-Pedal-A and a Volume control to Expression-Pedal-B, only one effect is active at any time. This means that when Pedal-A is active, Pedal-B has been bypassed and vice versa.
However, with the Advanced settings, you can assign up to 4x parameters to each of the expression pedals. Now as you move the pedal, all the adjustments all of its assigned parameters move simultaneously. Additionally by using the toe switch will then select the other expression pedal and leave the current pedal’s parameters active and at their maximum values.
Best-In-Class Looper with Save & Load Functionality
The advanced built-in looper in the MX5 is great for layering parts during a live performance or just as an inspiration tool for songwriting. The MX5 also allows you to load in (.WAV) and (.MP3) files into the looper with the USB connection to either a Mac or PC. You can also save your own loops as well. Each loop has a maximum length of 5 minutes and can support up to 20minutes of layered audio at a time.
Instant Apply Global EQ to Sound Great in Any Room
You can further tailor your sound with global EQ features on the MX5. Fine-tune the presets for specific venues or rehearsal rooms and complement the acoustic characteristics of any environment. This EQ feature allows you to dial back on the Low and Low-Mids at a boomier venue or raise the High End for soundproofed rehearsal spaces. Whatever your space demands the MX5 allows for quickly applying some corrective EQ setting to your main outputs. Furthermore, your main ¼” outputs and all of your presets are only temporary corrected without permanently changing your actual rigs and playlists.
Quickly Organize Your Rigs for Performances with MX5
The convenient Setlists feature is aimed at organising and reordering your rigs in the case of upcoming performances. A setlist is essentially a saved collection of pre-built rigs which you can save and recall at a later time. This is a fantastic live performance tool as you can save only the rigs you need for the particular performance. This also simplifies the workload and reduces the pressure when performing live.
Record and Reamp via the Built-in USB Audio Interface
A USB connection opens the world of feature-rich intuitive recordings and re-amps when connected to a computer. This is where the MX5 becomes a 24-bit 96 kHz audio interface. You can send a signal from your DAW, into the MX5 and then record the signal back. This allows you to re-amp and further add colouration of any amp. This ultimately means you can also send existing recordings to the MX5, change the amp and re-record it back into your DAW and then use the recording as a layered track. Great for double-tracking guitars.
MX5 offers all the connections you need
Finally, the MX5 integrates seamlessly into your current rig with all the connections you need to handle any performance situation. It also unites your existing equipment while opening up a world of new sonic possibilities.
On the back of the MX5, you will find a 1/4inch Guitar input for inserting your Guitar. A 1/4-inch Expression Pedal Insert for additional control with an External Expression Pedal. An FX-Send and FX-Return for creating an additional FX loop. This allows you to integrate external pedals at any point in the signal chain. 2x ¼-inch TRS outputs that are switchable between amp or line level. A 1/8-inch output for your headphones and is great for home evening practice. A 5-Pin MIDI in/out via 2 1/8″-to-MIDI adapters. A USB for connecting the Headrush MX5 to a Mac or PC as an audio interface or updating firmware and uploading IRs/Loops.
DJ City also offers the Headrush Expression Pedal for Headrush Units.