Headrush FRFR-112 Powered Monitor

107
november 2018 Guitarist
review
LINE 6 POWERCAB 112 PLUS & HEADRUSH FRFR-112 LINE 6 POWERCAB 112 PLUS & HEADRUSH FRFR-112
programmed to shine in different colours,
to let you know which speaker model is in
use. The Powercab Plus can also be edited
from a computer using Line 6’s Powercab
Edit software, which allows loading of up
to 128 user IR files (although you may find
all you need with the default Line 6 Allure
pack that comes pre-loaded). This is a cool
feature for Helix users, because it lets you
offload some of the Helix’s processing
power, making space for other things.
Verdict
So, two different solutions for the same
problem. The HeadRush is a great choice
for bigger stages and all kinds of modellers,
including HeadRush’s own. It’s particularly
good for metal, thrash and modern rock and
also relatively inexpensive, so you get a lot
for your cash. No speaker simulation means
you’re relying on the built-in cab and mic
sims of your modeller, but that’s what most
of us do anyway.
Helix users owe it to themselves to see
what a Powercab Plus can do – it’s the
accessory many have been asking for and
much more besides. While it costs a lot
more, it’s worth it – if you’re a Helix owner.
Non-Helix players would do well to check
out the standard Powercab. Either way,
powered cabs like these give you back your
volume knob, so turn it up!
HEADRUSH FRFR-
112 POWERED
MONITOR
PRICE: £299
ORIGIN: Designed in USA, made
in China
TYPE: Powered monitor
SPEAKERS: 1x 12” LF, 1x 1.4” HF
MAX OUTPUT: 2,000W peak
INPUTS: 2x XLR/Jack combi
OUTPUTS: 1x XLR
FREQUENCY RESPONSE:
50Hz-20kHz
DIMENSIONS: 605 (w) x 354 (h) x
350mm (d)
WEIGHT (kg/lb): 16/35
CABINET: Polypropylene
CONTROLS: 2x volume, contour
switch (3dB low/hi boost),
ground lift
ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Can be
pole mounted
OPTIONS: None
RANGE OPTIONS: None
LINE 6 POWERCAB
112 PLUS
PRICE: £799
ORIGIN: Designed in USA, made
in China
TYPE: Powered monitor with built-in
speaker emulation
SPEAKERS: 1x custom-design
co-axial 12”
MAX OUTPUT: 250W peak
INPUTS: 2x XLR/Jack combi,
1x Line 6 link/AES digital
OUTPUTS: 1x XLR, 1x Line 6 Link/
AES digital
FREQUENCY RESPONSE:
70Hz-20kHz
DIMENSIONS: 567 (w) x 462 (h) x
305mm (d)
WEIGHT (kg/lb): 16/35
CABINET: Plywood
CONTROLS: Volume, edit/select,
save, home
ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
Loudspeaker modelling (6 models),
128 presets, impulse response
support, USB audio in/out, MIDI in/
out/thru, editing via Line 6
Powercab software, retractable
kickback stands, ground lift and
bass cut switches
OPTIONS: None
RANGE OPTIONS: The standard
Powercab 112 does away with
presets, MIDI, USB digital in/out
and IR, but retains basic speaker
modelling, for £622
PROS Massive power, headroom
and clarity at a very affordable
price point
CONS The cabinet isn’t so portable
because of its shape, but there’s not
much else to fault at the price
PROS Top-quality sound from the
custom coaxial driver, brilliant
onboard speaker modelling; a
perfect partner for the Helix
CONS It’s expensive, though there
is a stripped-down version that
retains the speaker modelling
7
8
6. The HeadRush has
two separate inputs,
each with individual
volume controls
7. Always a good thing
to have on this kind of
monitor, the ground lift
is sometimes needed
to stop excessive hum
caused by ground loops
between pedal and amp.
The contour switch adds
a 3dB lift to highs and
lows, improving the tone
at lower volume
6
7
GIT439.rev_l6_hr_cabs.indd 107 03/10/2018 16:27