With the release of the recent 4.0 firmware update, all Headrush Prime, Core and Flex Prime boards now come with a license for Revalver 5 and Amp Cloner. With the Amp Cloner software being able to make Superclones of amps, many users have been asking if it is possible to make this setup happen with their own Headrush units. In this article we're going to go over what boards are compatible for doing so and the process for completing this.


TABLE OF CONTENTS


What boards are compatible for Amp Cloning?

Much the same as the standalone Amp Cloner built into Headrush boards, 2 separate, route-able inputs and outputs are required for using the amp cloner. This includes the Headrush Prime and Core; but not the Headrush Flex Prime nor previous line models like the Gigboard, Pedalboard, or MX5. The reason for this is that while there is the FX Return input, that input mixes back into the guitar signal in a loop. Likewise, the Looperboard only has the ability to send a single, stereo input into your computer, so it will also be unable to clone. If you are using one of these boards, you will need to use a separate interface.


What is the process for connecting up the Amp Cloner?

First, let's go over your physical connections:

  • Guitar into the 1/4" guitar input on your Headrush
  • 1/4" output into the amp/pedal
  • 1/4" out of the amp/pedal into the Combo-Z jack where you’d normally have a mic/guitar 2(usually this is your Amp's FX send. Do not send from Speaker Output port if you have one. This is powered and will cause a problem!)
  • Headphones(Or XLR out. You are only monitoring from this port.)
  • USB into your computer


For the audio setup, turn on the Headrush and make a Dual Straight Guitar Path Rig( it is on the same menu you’d use to make a Guitar/Vocal path rig, just with 2 guitars). From here, go into the Menu and tap Global Settings and into the Audio tab, then scroll down to guitars- Guitar out 2 to XLR ONLY. Guitar Out to 1/4" Only 1/4" Level to Amp


Next, you will want to turn up USB Audio Mode and make sure you are using Reamp mode within the settings.


Now to your computer. Go through the Amp Cloner as you would normally- You will eventually see a diagram with 4 sections. Select Headrush (Product) ASIO for driver output device, then select the following connections on your pedal.



Click through chug, sag etc. These can be changed later for the board. Please be sure to set the knob gain on the back like you would using your standalone cloner on the board to avoid clipping. 


Begin cloning process. The cloner will take care of the rest.


Can I drop the clones/superclones I make directly onto my Headrush?

Yes! But to do so, you must finish cloning and then turn off USB Audio mode in the global settings, then activate file transfer mode in the menu. This will open up the Headrush hard drive to the computer, allowing a direct export.


Do I need a reamp box?

No, the Headrush itself is taking care of the level conversion.


Do you suggest using TS or TRS?

For the most part, TS cables will deal well with any instrument inputs, but we do suggest TRS for the Amp back into the Headrush's input.