Acoustic Pre
Headrush Dynamics & EQ

Acoustic Pre

Inspired by HeadRush® Original

It is a preamp/EQ dedicated to acoustic instruments, designed to:

  • acoustic guitar
  • piezo pickup
  • amplified string instruments

Main Function: Shape the tone + optimize the signal before mixing

GENERAL FUNCTION

  • 3-band equalization
  • Phase control to eliminate acoustic problems

Optimized for:

  • live (feedback control)
  • piezo (harshness correction)

Control Parameters

BassdB
  • Typical range: approximately −12 → +12 dB
  • Frequencies: ~80–200 Hz

Function:

  • controls the low frequencies

Effect:

  • negative → less “boom” / cleaner
  • positive → more body

Useful for:

  • Reduce live rumble
  • give depth to subtle sounds
MiddB
  • Range: approximately −12 → +12 dB
  • Frequencies: ~400 Hz – 1.5 kHz

Function:

  • check the averages (most critical area)

Effect:

  • negative → less “nasal”
  • positive → more presence

Fundamental for:

  • make the guitar stand out in the mix
  • remove annoying frequencies
TrebledB
  • Range: approximately −12 → +12 dB
  • Frequencies: ~4kHz – 10kHz

Function:

  • controls the high frequencies

Effect:

  • negative → hotter / less harsh
  • positive → brighter / defined

Useful for:

  • add attack and air
  • correct piezos that are too sharp
PhaseNorm / Inv
  • Norm: normal phase
  • Inv: phase inversion (180°)

Function:

  • fixes problems with:
  • live feedback
  • phase cancellations
  • interference with monitor/PA

Pro Tips

  • Too much Bass → feedback and “mud”
  • Too Mid → nasal sound
  • Too much Treble → harsh digital
  • Phase does not change the direct tone, but interaction with the environment

When to use Phase Inv:

if the sound becomes:

  • fuller → leave it like this
  • thinner → back to Norm

Rule of thumb:

  • choose the option that sounds fuller and more stable

Quick Reference

  • Bass (dB): low frequencies
  • Mid (dB): medium (presence/nasality)
  • Treble (dB): high frequencies
  • Phase: phase inversion

Setup Examples

Natural acoustic sound

Bass+2 dB
Mid−2 dB
Treble+2 dB
PhaseNormal

Balanced and open

Eliminate “nasal”

Bass0
Mid−4 / −6 dB
Treble+2 dB

Cleaner sound

Live anti-feedback

Bass−3 / −6 dB
Midslight cut
Phasetry Inv

Greater stability

Piezo harsh correction

Bass+2 dB
Mid−3 dB
Treble−2 / −4 dB

More natural sound