The HeadRush Expression Pedal is an analog expression pedal built to add a second rocker to a HeadRush modeler. Plugged into a HeadRush Pedalboard, it works simultaneously with the unit's built-in expression pedal, so a player can control up to 8 FX parameters at the same time. HeadRush announced it in January 2020 at a US retail price of $149, available immediately1,1.
What it does on each HeadRush unit
The pedal connects through a 1/4 inch (6.35mm) TRS expression output to any HeadRush product equipped with an expression pedal input2. What it controls depends on the host unit:
| Host unit | What the pedal adds |
|---|---|
| HeadRush Pedalboard | A second expression pedal working simultaneously with the built-in one, for control of up to 8 FX parameters at the same time2,1 |
| HeadRush Looperboard | Control over up to 4 FX parameters of the built-in FX, plus control over looper track volume and panning2,1 |
| HeadRush Gigboard | The toe switch enables or bypasses two virtual expression FX blocks quickly, without skipping a beat2,1 |
The toe switch
Alongside the rocker, the pedal carries a built-in momentary toe switch with its own 1/4 inch (6.35mm) TS output, for use with any HeadRush product equipped with a toe switch input2. HeadRush says the switch specifically enables Gigboard users to "quickly and easily enable/bypass two virtual expression FX blocks without skipping a beat"2. On units without a toe switch input, the rocker alone does the work.
Feel, build and tension adjustment
Inside the rocker is a custom linear 10k ohm potentiometer, which HeadRush describes as delivering ultra-accurate expression2. The press release accompanying the launch said users "will enjoy a confident and precise range of control of assigned expression FX"1.
The housing is a military-grade aluminum die-cast shell that HeadRush says is "built like a tank" and made to withstand the rigors of the road, with a premium griptape surface that grabs the foot and prevents slipping2.
Rocker tension is easily adjustable using a standard hex key wrench, which is included with the pedal2. Guitar.com's report on the launch noted the same: "The tension of the rocker can also be adjusted using a standard hex key"4.
How it compares
The pedal is analog, per RockBoard's PedalPedia listing3. Other expression pedals on the market take different approaches: the PaintAudio Foot Captain Expression Pedal is a digital circuit5, while the Electro-Harmonix Dual Expression Pedal and Electro-Harmonix Single Expression Pedal are both analog6,7. The Rocktron Hex Expression/Volume Pedal uses an adjustable rocker tension screw to set the pedal action for a lighter or heavier touch, a similar idea to HeadRush's hex key adjustment8. What sets the HeadRush pedal apart is its dedicated pairing: it is made exclusively for the HeadRush Pedalboard, Looperboard and Gigboard, with a toe switch output aimed at those units' features2. For a wider look at the category, see Expression Pedals.
A manual for the pedal (in English, German, French, Spanish and Italian) is available from HeadRush's parent company3.
Videos
HeadRush FX
HeadRush FX
HeadRush FX
Questions
Which HeadRush units does the HeadRush Expression Pedal work with?
HeadRush makes the pedal exclusively for the HeadRush Pedalboard, Looperboard and Gigboard. On the Pedalboard it works alongside the built-in expression pedal for control of up to 8 FX parameters at once. On the Looperboard it gives control over up to 4 FX parameters of the built-in FX, plus looper track volume and panning. It connects through a 1/4 inch TRS expression output to any HeadRush product with an expression pedal input.
Does the HeadRush Expression Pedal have a toe switch?
Yes. It has a built-in momentary toe switch with its own 1/4 inch TS output, for use with any HeadRush product equipped with a toe switch input. HeadRush says the switch specifically lets Gigboard users quickly enable or bypass two virtual expression FX blocks without skipping a beat.
Is the HeadRush Expression Pedal analog or digital?
It is an analog pedal, according to RockBoard's PedalPedia listing. Inside is a custom linear 10k ohm potentiometer, which HeadRush describes as delivering ultra-accurate expression. The pedal itself carries no power supply or battery; it works as a passive controller plugged into the host unit's expression pedal input.
How do you adjust the rocker tension on the HeadRush Expression Pedal?
The tension of the rocker is easily adjustable using a standard hex key wrench, and HeadRush includes one with the pedal. Guitar.com's report on the launch also noted that the tension of the rocker can be adjusted with a standard hex key, so you can set the pedal action lighter or heavier to suit your foot.
Can I use the HeadRush Expression Pedal with non-HeadRush gear?
HeadRush lists the pedal as made exclusively for the HeadRush Pedalboard, Looperboard and Gigboard, and its TRS expression output is described in terms of HeadRush products with an expression pedal input. Players looking for a pedal for other gear may want to compare alternatives such as the Electro-Harmonix Single or Dual Expression Pedal or the Rocktron Hex Expression/Volume Pedal.
Sources (8)
- HEADRUSH® INTRODUCES THEIR NEW PREMIUM EXPRESSION PEDAL, FOR USE WITH GIGBOARD, LOOPERBOARD OR PEDALBOARD, MusicPlayers.com, 2020-01-07
- Guitar Pedal, HeadRush, 2026
- Expression Pedal by HeadRush, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- NAMM 2020: HeadRush launches the Expression Pedal, Guitar.com, 2020-01-08
- Foot Captain Expression Pedal by PaintAudio, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- Dual Expression Pedal, Electro-Harmonix
- Single Expression Pedal, Electro-Harmonix (ehx.com)
- Hex Expression/Volume Pedal, Rocktron, 2024-08-28
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