Next-Gen Practice & Performance Tools with New Drum Machine and TIDAL Integration, Plus New Amps & FX
CUMBERLAND, R.I. (December 2, 2025) – HeadRush®, a leader in next-generation guitar and bass multi-FX and amp modelers, today announces the release of the HeadRush 5.0 Firmware Update for the HeadRush Prime, Core, and Flex Prime. This major free update delivers powerful new creative tools including an onboard Drum Machine and TIDAL streaming integration. The update also adds three new amp models, two boutique overdrives, and upgraded pitch effects—all designed to make practicing, jamming, writing, and performing more inspiring than ever.
The new Drum Machine draws from the world-class sample and sound-design pedigree of Alesis Drums and BFD, providing professional studio-grade grooves with dynamic footswitch control. TIDAL integration brings 110 million songs directly into the Practice Tool, allowing users to set loop points, adjust tempo without affecting pitch, and transpose songs—making it easier than ever to learn new material and jam along with favorite tracks.
"Firmware 5.0 enhances the Prime, Core, and Flex Prime into true all-in-one creative partners," said Walter Skorupski, HeadRush Senior Product Manager. "With the new Drum Machine and TIDAL Integration, guitarists and bassists of all skill levels can jam, write, rehearse, and perform with tools that feel natural, are easy-to-use, and sound incredible."
Session guitarist and producer Duncan Andrews agrees: "The onboard Drum Machine sparks creativity and makes performing and songwriting even more inspiring. Whether you want to add rhythms to your solo gigs or just jam on new song ideas late at night, the Drum Machine is ready when inspiration strikes."
NEW FEATURES DESIGNED FOR MODERN GUITARISTS
Drum Machine: Your New On-Call Drummer
A headline feature of Firmware 5.0, the new Drum Machine brings a responsive, customizable drummer directly into the pedal:
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16 professionally crafted drum kits and 134 styles spanning 15 genres, professionally created by world-class sound designers at Alesis Drums and BFD
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Footswitchable fills, variations, transitions, accents, and mute for expressive live control
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Deep shaping tools including Mix, EQ, Timbre, Length, Drive, and Reverb
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Intensity and Groove controls to adapt each style to different feels
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Seamless integration with the built-in Looper for layered loop performances
TIDAL Integration: Jam with Over 110 Million Tracks
HeadRush users can link their TIDAL Account with DJ Extension Tier and stream music directly to their Prime, Core, or Flex Prime:
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Browse playlists, genres, moods, or your own collection
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Loop tricky sections for focused practice
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Slow down fast passages without affecting pitch
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Transpose songs without changing tempo
Whether jamming along with their favorite songs or learning new material by ear, users can rehearse faster and more musically than ever.
New Amps & Boutique FX
Firmware 5.0 expands the HeadRush tonal palette with new amp models and effects:
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25 ON-1 Amp Models (Clean, Crunch, Lead): A custom redesign of a legendary high-gain amp, the ON-1 comes complete with matched cab IRs that deliver refreshing modern tones.
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Jimmy OD — Transparent Overdrive: Jimmy OD delivers everything from subtle breakup to rich saturation while preserving your amp's natural voice.
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Palace OD — Vintage-Inspired Overdrive: Palace OD provides warm, mid-focused drive perfect for expressive leads and classic rock tones.
Enhanced Pitch Effects
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UpTune shifts guitar pitch up (+1 to +12 semitones)
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DropTune has improved tracking and now extends down to –12 semitones
Quality-of-Life & Workflow Enhancements
Firmware 5.0 includes thoughtful improvements requested by HeadRush users that streamline real-world use:
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Direct HeadRush Cloud access inside the Wi-Fi Remote Editor for easier rig browsing and sharing
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PIN-based authentication for secure wireless pairing
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Auto-Engage expression pedal mode based on position or inactivity for switch-free bypass
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Block Mix (wet/dry blend) parameter added to individual blocks for precise tone sculpting
- Improvements to Vocal Harmony tracking and tone, plus other minor UI/UX and DSP improvements
AVAILABILITY
The HeadRush 5.0 Firmware Update is available December 2, 2025 as a free download for all HeadRush Prime, Core, and Flex Prime users. An official Overview Video is available now.
To learn more about HeadRush 5.0 Firmware, please visit headrushfx.com for firmware details, downloads, and technical support. Join the conversation by following @headrushfx on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and X.
