HeadRush Core Live Tone Build: AC30 2x12 Pedal-Driven Clean to Edge-of-Breakup | Stream-Ready Guitar

This tone is designed for:
YouTube Live / rehearsal streams
Americana / roots-country / heartland rock
Clean rhythm → edge-of-breakup lead without changing patches
Pedal-driven dynamics rather than amp distortion
Mix-safe tone that sits well with vocals and acoustic instruments

The emphasis is pedal interaction, touch sensitivity, and clarity under compression (streaming).

Core Amp & Cab Foundation
Amp: AC30 TB (Top Boost)
Cab: 2x12 Blue Alnico (stock Vox-style)
Amp Settings (starting point):
Gain: 3.8 – 4.2
Bass: 3.5
Mid: 5.0
Treble: 6.0
Presence: 5.5

Master: To taste (don’t clip HeadRush output)
This keeps the amp clean but responsive, allowing pedals to do the work.

Pedal Chain Order (Critical)
This order mirrors a professional pedalboard and behaves correctly with an AC-style amp.

1. Input → Compressor
Type: Optical or Studio Comp
Placement: FIRST
Settings:
Sustain/Ratio: Low–Medium
Attack: Slow
Release: Medium
Mix: 60–70%
Level: Unity or +1 dB

Why: Tames pick attack, evens strums, and prevents live-stream compression from exaggerating spikes.

2. Low-Gain Drive (Always-On)
Type: Timmy / Morning Glory / Bluesbreaker-style
Settings:
Gain: Low (9–10 o’clock)
Tone: Neutral
Level: Slight boost
Why: This creates the edge-of-breakup feel without dirtying the amp. Think “glue,” not distortion.

3. Mid Push / Lead Drive (Optional Footswitch)
Type: Tube Screamer / Klon-style
Settings:
Gain: Very low
Tone: Rolled back slightly
Level: +2 to +3 dB

Why: For melodic fills and solos. Pushes mids without flattening dynamics.
4. EQ (Optional but Recommended)
Placement: After drives, before amp

EQ Moves:
High-pass: ~90–100 Hz
Slight dip at 3–4 kHz (harshness)
Small lift at 1.6–2 kHz (note clarity)\

Why: This is where you future-proof the tone for streaming + PA.

Modulation (Minimal by Design)
5. Subtle Modulation (Optional)
Type: Tremolo or Chorus
Placement: Post-amp, pre-delay
Settings:
Barely audible—movement, not effect.

Time-Based Effects (Post Amp)
6. Delay
Type: Analog or Tape

Settings:

Time: 1/8 or dotted 1/8
Feedback: 15–20%
Mix: 15–18%
High cut engaged
Why: Adds width without stepping on vocals.

7. Reverb (LAST IN CHAIN)
Type: Plate or Room (NOT Hall)
Settings:
Decay: Short–Medium
Mix: 12–18%
Pre-delay: Slight
Why: YouTube compression exaggerates reverb. Keep it controlled and professional.

Output / Global Considerations
Output level: Conservative (avoid digital clipping)
If streaming direct: slight global high cut (~7–8 kHz)
Monitor on studio headphones AND speakers before going live

What This Tone Is For (Explicitly)
Live streaming with vocals present

Americana / country rock rhythm guitar
Dynamic playing with volume knob control

Minimal patch switching
Pedal-driven expression over amp distortion

What it is NOT for:
High-gain rock

Ambient wash tones
Song-specific effect tricks
Footswitch layout (clean / push / lead)
Snapshot vs stomp-mode logic
Stream-safe gain staging for OBS
Matching this tone to single-coils vs humbuckers