Killer feature IMHO that keeps getting missed by most reviewers is that the MX5 looper can save any loops and recordings you make to its storage, which can later be transferred to your computer. I doin't know of any other multi-effects unit that will do that. This is priceless for saving song ideas when you don't have your computer connected.
Yeah...thanks for bringing that up Jason. One of the reasons why I want to buy a unit like these two is to make videos and been able to record the audio on the unit is awesome. Thanks again!!!
Leo Gibson, your videos are EXCELLENT, very extremly detailed, you really helps us to decide what we need! Thanks for this... I want to make a suggestion, I know it´s not your style but you can do it without problems. Many of the people interested on this kinda stuff are metal musicians, also the Hi-Gain and "Djenty" settings are an important characteristics to take notice. If you can include on your videos a little section where you test the more extreme settings in a context of metal, will be great for many of us. Thanks for all!
Thanks for this comparison. I feel like the touch screen is actually a disadvantage because it is a point of failure on the unit. I loved the sound comparison, it's something I never could replicate comparing the two on my own. I feel like the pc interface is such a huge advantage and so is the lower price. This is by far the most informative review I've seen online. Thank you.
Congratulations on your videos Leo. I think that in this case there are some important aspects of the Mx5 that you have not mentioned, such as the possibility of using two amps at the same time (with the last update even 4), or of using an effect as many times as you want, which with nux can't do it. You can also save your Loops on the computer and although it does not have a drum machine, you can put a drum track as the base of the looper. You can also use two cabs or two ir's at the same time, different or the same, for example to use two different mics with the same cab, more interesting than moving the position of the mic.
Honestly I love your takes, opinions and all the information you provide. Your channel is always my first choice on info, all others are second. Hope you're able to do this channel happily for a long time!
@@LeoGibsonGtr cheers Leo, look forward to more reviews and playing, planning on selling my Firehawk for the MX5, while the FH is excellent it's big and heavy and editing is limited to a Bluetooth connection, the MX5 is ideal for a no amp setup.
Thank you as always Leo - great comparison! If I can say, the production values of your videos is really top, top class! Ive noticed over the past few videos that everything seems to be getting better and better quality, so thank you for the hard work!
Thank you so much, your feedback is super important for me...I try to improve little by little ... so it is very important that you noticed it! Thank you once more!!!
A great comparative review (as always). Ok, each unit has pro's and con's, but i'd be happy with either. It is amazing what a (relatively) small outlay will buy you nowadays...
Great comparison video as usual Leo. It's a pretty close call between each unit in terms of functionality but I think that the price of the MX5 in Europe will mean that the NUX will be more popular here in my humble option. By the way, it looked like you were really enjoying playing the Les Paul in the demo song!
Thank you!!! Yes, the low price of the MG 30 is an advantage...expecially if you don't need stereo fx loop, midi in and balanced out. And yes...I really love my LP R9...😊👍🏻 Thank you once more!
Now this is how a shootout is done. Very nice! I am more a live player, so the outputs of the MX5 make it more appealing. If I did more recording, I would go with the MG 30. The question I have - MX 5 or Pod Go? Graci!
Than you, this is a great compliment! Thank you for sharing your opinion! Well, as regards the MX 5 vs the POD Go...subscribe and hit the bell...I'm working exactly on that comparison...I need time...as these videos are really time consuming... Thank you once more!
Leo big fan here! One thing that in my humble opinion you should mention in your comparisons regarding the looper, is whether it can be enabled both post and pre fx. That makes a huge difference in the quality of the loop itself. For instance, the NUX looper only works in Post, meaning that if you want to change your sound after you recorded you cannot and you have to do it all over again. Cheers and keep up the great work!
Sono molto contento di aver scoperto il tuo canale. Sei un chitarrista bravissimo e attento ai minimi dettagli e poi rispondi a tutti, ciò che fanno in pochi.. Bravo
Grazie Giovanni, il tuo commento mi fa veramente super piacere!!! Cerco di rispondere a tutti, cercando di valorizzare i vostri commenti, che alla fine solo il vero valore aggiunto del canale!!! Grazie ancora...il tuo supporto e apprezzamento significano molto per me!!!
Ended up ordering an MG-30 because of your videos. The ability to organize the signal chain in parallel and double up effects was the selling point, as Im using the 4 cable method with a THR30II for my amp tones, into this unit, then into the effects return of my old H&K Vortex half stack! I also like that the unit is more focused, with fewer, but IMO higher quality effects. Thanks for making these videos, it really helped!
In my opinion the mg30 has the closest sounds to the original and the additional footswitch makes it even better for live use. Plus there are your presets, Leo, and it costs a lot less ... so for me it's the right choice than the mx5.
I purchased the NX 30 as an alternative to my Helix LT. The Helix is huge and heavy and not easy to use in the studio because of its footprint and weight. I also am not a fan of the OS. I purchased the Nux because of an earlier demo you did of it. You make it sound great! I have found the ambience sounds are nowhere near as beautiful as the Helix. I am looking at Headrush products now because of the ease of onboard editing but honestly, it does not sound better than the Nux MG 30 to me. In the end, I end up using the Amp sims in my UA, especially the Fuchs/Dumble sim by Softube. I wish something like the Boss ME 80 existed with hipper sounding IR’s and amp Models. It is the age of menus I guess. We older guys don’t adapt well to that. Great Video! Thanks.
Great review and demo song. I'll stick with my POD Go for now. Maybe a video head to head with the POD Go? Both sounded very good though. God bless and rock on 👍😎🎸
As anyone who worked with modelers knows, the CAB IR is more important to the sound/tone than the amp model. So focus on what you can do with those. It will make all the difference.
Leo, Cheers from the USA! Thank you for your videos; I am finding them very valuable! I have subscribed and clicked the bell, and look forward to studying your video catalog! Keep up the great work!
Thank you, this is a great compliment and your subscription really means a lot to me! I really hope that you will enjoy the videos...there are same playlist that you can use, for instance, to check out my pedalboards comparisons or my pedalboards reviews. Here I would put the link to a playlist of songs of mine that you may want to check out: ru-vid.com/group/PL5d6_Yq6oCrwnnNHTA0KoVX-H6L1Jo134 Thank you once more!!!
Very well done Leo! If there were 2 thumbs up I'd give them to you :-) ! Really like your (almost scientific) approach for the comparison... (and your guitar playing isn't so bad as well (actually I'm gonna ritually burn my guitars after seeing your demo and playing....no hope left) And..lastly...your accent makes me smile everytime! (can you reveil what accent I am hearing (as non native English speaker hard for me to tell). So...long story short: EXCELLENT!
PS: the MX5 also has the ability to store your looped songs into the unit itself . But considering the price and the PC-program connectivity: the NUX is the winner for me!
Leo you do awesome videos bravo! And you are very original, everybody says don’t forget to hit the bell, but I love yours, “don’t forget to eat the bell” 😜
No, thank you for your awesome reviews on different effects. You don’t have to work on your pronunciation it sounds great the way it is, besides that makes you unique!! By the way thank for taking the time to answer my comments
I have the MG-30 which I purchased as a smaller alternative to my Helix LT. I believe the MX5 sounds fuller and warmer due to its more accurate frequency response. This and it’s balanced outs make it a more professional option in many situations, quieter and hotter signal for both Live and studio if you are going DI. I would like no hear a comparison of the effects quality. In a “all in one” box, the effect quality is a major factor.
Fantastic video and playing as always. I love Headrush touch screen and interface. I haven’t read any instructions. It’s just logical. It mimics a real rig. That’s for me. Sold my HX Stomp. Hated all fiddling in menus and scrolling and scrolling. HeadRush is for analog men like me. But good IR:s is the key to good sound. The presets suck.
Thank you so much, I'm super happy that you like the video!!! Thank you also for sharing your opinion and experience...and I do agree...good IRs are very important!!!
Yaaaaaaaa, still to buy the nux ,so glad we have a competitor in the running before i purchase having now watched, it's still the Nux for me, if price were more similar, might have had 2 think, but as is, am not tempted to hike up the price ladder, thanking U:)
Beautiful playing as always and I thoroughly enjoy your detailed descriptions and applications on both units. Of the two which do you prefer sonically in a live or recording setting? Thank you.
Hi Leo. I really like your detailed comparisons. Are you planning a MX5 vs Pod Go vid? VERY interested in that comparison if you can. Rock on, shred master!!! Lol
Hi David, thank you so much, I'm happy you like my comparisons!!! really appreciated!!! Yes, I'm working on the MX5 vs POD GO comparison...so...stay tuned...😊👍🏻
Hi Leo.. I don't like computer apps.. What's funny is that I worked in the IT industry for over 20 years.. 😛 I would buy the MX5 for live use.. I am looking at this hard and the ME90, and the GX100 from Boss.. I'm also looking at the Blues Cube Boss or Roland amp which does have a computer app to adjust things like sag, etc, but you don't have to keep doing it over and over.. Plus, with a multi effects I have to monitor someway at home to hear myself and the combo amp has that built in.. Plus, it has great feel like a real amp.. I'm also going to try the nextone amps by Boss if I can find one at a store.. If I buy something like the ME90, or MX5 then I'll probably buy the FRFR from Headrush as well to hear myself.. These decisions are hard! 😛 I love your playing style sir.. Do you play live in Italy? You remind me Leo of an Italian major I worked with in the US Army.. He was in the states on an officer exchange program. I could always know he was in the office because he would come in everyday and say "Bornjournal" or hello.. Probably spelled wrong. 🙂 I remember him fondly. He was a nice guy.. Please have a great weekend and better week coming up kind sir! Regards from the heartland . Indiana. USA Tim
Yes, it's an hard choice...anyway nowadays the quality is pretty high with all these units. Currently I play live occasionally...not consistently...composition and YT videos almost take all my time...😀 Interesting story about the major...the correct spelling is "Buongiorno"....😀. Thank you so much for your message and for sharing your story!
MX5 appears to be of better value in overall for me - touch screen and UI is so easy. Yes it lacks the editor but small enough to be on the desk. Better and longer looper. IR loader is much easier to use. Subjective but I think amp models are better on Headrush as well, especially cleans.
I think I'm getting to where I'd like to return to using hardware processors as opposed to Amplitube VSTs and things. I love the plugin sims I have, they sound great, but I realize I'm missing the toy-like, fun tactile experience I had with my L6 and Boss GT-5 boards, which I've dug out of storage recently, and they're both barely working, lol. This Nux dev look pretty interesting.
I too have been playing with Amplitube for some years but I want something that's easier to use in a live setting and I don't have faith in IK Multimedia's i Stomp. For me I'm torn between the Boss GT-1, Zoom g3xn and NUX-MG-30.
Awesome videos Leo! Very musical and detailed. You are my go to channel whenever Im looking into new modelers. I am a long time user of tube amps and analog effects but lately Ive been searching for a modeler mostly for portability, flexibility of tones, and direct recording purposes. I tried the hx stomp xl but returned it after a while because It was not very intuitive and user friendly for me, because Im not used to modelers and how to tweak them to create tones. I also tried a Boss gt1000 core. That one I liked a bit more but still something was missing. What would you recommend? I want something that doesnt sound too digital and doesnt feel too digital. Also needs to be intuitive I dont want to spend weeks reading a manual.. I like edge of breakup tones I play mostly blues, blues rock so and I like fender and vox amps so maybe something that has a nice representation of those.Thank you in advance..
Hi, if you liked the BOSS Core, you may try the BOSS GX 100, as it has a touch screen and therefore it is more intuitive. Thank you so much, I'm really happy that you appreciate the videos!!!
Tried the MX-5 now too. Well its headrush... the same as the last... can't even remember the years. To me the MG-30 sounds and feels more dynamic and more real. The touch interface is certainly a plus to handle the more complex routing. The versatile routing is definitely the plus of the MX-5. The overdrives sound good. The amp models and cabs are underwhelming to me though - not bad but also not outstanding. To be honest, not really that different to my old Mooer devices. With the NUX MG-300 and then the MG-30 there was a real change in the low budget modeler space. I don't see this with the MX-5... yet! Maybe Headrush ups their game now that they address more customers with a low budget device
Hi, thank you for sharing your opinion. I do agree that the value for money is pretty good with the new NUX pedalboard...on the other hand I really hope that HeadRush, Line 6 and Boss will bring on the table something new soon...
I already have the mx-5 and am fairly happy with it. In the past I always made sure I had a way to edit on devices from the computer but I found I actually didn't do it much anyway...
That’s good to know. I find that the editor is another step away from me playing and I spend way too much time on them. The touch screen and tones are what I want. Worth the extra money. All of the NUX gear to me sounds a bit thin and brittle, not analog.
Both sound good. For the price difference, you could get a direct box to get the balanced outputs, but then, I think all of these devices should have balanced outs once they're hitting a few hundred dollars.
Great review and demo song. I believe that you can add more than one effect of the same type with mx5 (2 delays for example) do you have the same possibilities with the Nux mg30. Other difference the looper of the MX 5 records and stores your loop. Does the m30 do that too. Tks a lot
Whats great you have added usability criteria to comparison chart. To edit the patch into the computer is a very important feature. Thank you for another great vídeo! P.s: I did buy a MG-30 due your vídeos and the Silas Fernandes videos too. I'm waiting the delivery.
Sempre forte Leo! Certo che la MG30 come qualità di suono ha poco da invidiare rispetto alle blasonate..... L'interfaccia dalla macchina è agibile? Non amo sistemare i presets a computer in quanto registro su una piattaforma hardware (tascam dp24) che mi consente un approccio ........da povero vecchietto.....
Grazie Lorenzo, super apprezzato! L'interfaccia è fatta bene, ed è "agibile" per usare le tue parole. Nel sito NUX c'è qualche mini video che ti fa vedere come usare la macchina e modificare effetti ed ampli...comunque è abbastanza intuitivo... Grazie del messaggio!!!
Pretty decent demo. I will say with a caveat, I hated the sound of the real amp from the outset so there is that. That is one THIN sounding JCM800 but that is only an opinion so take it as such. In this demo, I thought both of the tweaked versions sounded better than the real amp. Of course, that is through headphones on a YT video. In real life, I purchased both of these units to try. While I was somewhat impressed by the MG-30, to me it did not sound as good as the MX-5. I like that both can handle 3rd party IR's which make a huge difference. The stereo effects loop is a big deal at least for me. I like the touch screen better than computer software driven but mostly because I use these live and it's MUCH easier to make quick changes on the Headrush. With that being said, the NUX was returned and I kept the MX-5. I've been extremely happy with it as a backup to my Kemper Stage as well as taking it to suspect gigs, ie near the lake or the beach where water and sand could possibly be a factor or when just a smaller footprint is needed. No, neither one of these can sound like my Kemper at least with me at the controls but I think they both do well with a bit of a nudge to the MX-5. I would personally choose the MX-5 over the MG-30 as I did. But if you don't need the features of the MX-5, I would certainly not be doing any tonal harm by using the NUX. I'm still amazed by how good all this stuff is getting to be.
I find that the MG-30 input is too hot in general. Trim the input down -6 to -12dB in the Global Pre EQ page and hit save. The Trim setting is the key to matching the signal hitting the modeled amps in the MG-30. Do this and the unit can run neck and neck with the other systems.
As always, Leo, great review! The Headrush and Nux both sound good. A bit of eq-ing and gain adjustment would fix any differences. But seriously, just because a modeler sounds "exactly" like the real thing doesn't mean it's better. For the money, I'd go for the Nux. It's kind of a no-brainer. Half price for the same sound quality.
I suspect they don't want to put an external software in their devices. Headrush is basically a raspberry pi turned into a floor pedal. Releasing a software is open a highway to modders and software crackers. you know what I mean.
I've waited for this video to hear new song as usual :-) As for computer app - for me it's good to have a "thing within itself" which doesn't depend on outer superstructures. Once I've had a Line6 Guitar Port which is basically a usb interface with a modelling app. For some time I was happy with it 'cause I always carried a computer with me so I always had some sound with me. But time has passed, modern computers are Win 10 and Line 6 ended support for Guitar Port soft. Now I've got a piece of plastic that's instantly lost half functionality. And I think it can happen to any app-depended device that's why I don't like them personally, while I do agree with the point that app- existence gives some additional comfort.
Hi, thank you for sharing your opinion and experience! I would just add that the computer app does not mean that the pedalboard is not usable without a computer. You can just use the phisical buttons on the pedalboard. Thank you once more!
Thank you Leo for clarification on specifying that a omputeter app doesnt render the modeler useless ,, i greatly appreciate your work thaks again @@LeoGibsonGtr
Thank you Roman, I like it!!! I have to do a video about her...I need to spend more time with her to make a full review. But I can already tell you that whit those Suhr PU I feel at home...beeing a long time Suhr player! Thank you for your message!
Hello, I think you are the right person, who should I ask this question: Imagine the line 6 M9, but with better sound quality and perhaps easier to handle. You are going to tell me that it already exists; which is the HX effects. But it is big and complex. I am looking for something like this but simpler, without amps or Ir's; only effects. So far what is most similar to it is the Boss MS3 but it seems to me that the effects are those of the Boss brand only. I say something like that but with high quality effects and not from a specific brand (something they also do with the Plethora),,,,Which is it? or does not exist? It is important that you have the possibility of building presets
Hi, may be you can check out the MOD Dwarf, that I have reviewed here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-B591YrX44io.html Thank you for your message!
I have and like the MG-30, but I take the Hotone Ampero or GT-1000 when playing out. A Headrush "something" is next on my buy list primarily because of the Set and Song list functionality. I have a ton of presets for Headrush which I can use on any of their products. The Headrush unit, whatever it is and when I get it, will be my main gigging unit. Thanks for the evaluation. Always look forward to hearing your eval. By now we all know you value studio functions a bit more than performance but always a pleasure to hear your thoughts. Take care man and have a great weekend!
Hey Leo another great video and playing . Does the Nux mg 30 come with any pre loaded IR s besides the AC and Bass....how many for the guitar amps?? Thank you for any info you can provide.
Hi, the MX 5 comes with 20 cabs (excluding the IR for acoustic guitar) each one with three positions...therefore is like having 60 IRs, as I think that each cab and position is done with a specific IR. Thank you for your question and I'm happy that you like the video and the playing!!!
One more time, excellent review. Thanks a lot. I really enjoy your videos. ABOUT MY OPINION… To be honest, I couln´t agree more with you in all the aspects. But, one of the more important thinks for me is, as you say, the possibility to adjust my presets in my computer. So… Uhmmm… I think I´d buy the NUX. But, OF COURSE, both ot them are excellent and very practical tools. See you, friend. Grazie mille. ✌✌✌💯💯💯🏅🏅🏅
Hi Nicola, thank you so much, I'm really happy that you like the video!!! I'm from Italy...and judging from your name ... you are from Italy too...😊 Thank you once more!
Sorry Leo for asking too many questions but i have a question that is depending on whether am gonna buy it or not...Can i use the NMP-2 footswitch to change the presets like bank 1,2,3,4 ????
Thank you so much...I'm really happy that you like the content!!! ... mine are just suggestion...but obviously the task to define which one better suit your needs...is not easy... Thank you once more...and if you want, please share your final decision...
@@LeoGibsonGtr Cheers, I absolutely loved that you reamped both units and gave the most apples-to-apples comparison I've ever seen! Also, the way you made both units sound like the real amp was absolutely impressive! I've been thinking about the units, and in my specific use case I *can't* use the PC app. That + the frequency response/replication of the mx5 skew me towards the headrush solution. ...However it is more expensive, and right now there are shortages in the market, so I'd have to wait a fair bit to get it (same for the MG30 for that matter). Anyway, cheers, and again, thanks for the great content!
Thank you, your feedback and appreciation is really important for me! Thank you also for sharing your final decision....and I hope that this chip shortage will end soon...
I would even give my opinion, but I'm completely biased because since I bought the Nux MG-300 (influenced by Mr. Leo Gibson, by the way) and especially after I upgraded to the MG-30, I've become a legitimate fanboy of Nux digital pedals.
Hi, thank you so much, I'm really happy that you like the video!!! Well, as regards the sound, a video comparison with the pod go is coming soon, therefore I would kindly ask you to be patience and check out that video (POD GO and HX Stomp should not sound exactly the same, but you should be able to make an idea). As regards the feature, both these units has a more flexible signal chain than the one of the HX, for instance offering parallel effects, etc. So if you need it, these are better vs HX. Thank you for your message!!!
I'm thinking of selling my Nux mg 30 and buy a Headrush MX5. A little voice in my head is telling me that is not a good idea. I should add 300€ for a tiny improvement: what do you think? I just play at home (Scarlett 2i2 and monitor or headphone) and not in live situation but a good tone is always in my dream. Thanks for your videos. They are very helpful
My ears say the MX5 sounds much closer to the real amp. The touch screen is awesome and a joy to tweak with. Not needing a PC is great for me. . I have a *HEADRUSH Gigboard* on its way to me. Hopefully tomorrow. I can’t wait! I chose the *HR Gigboard* because of its larger screen and the ability to remotely switch amp channels on real tube amps. Otherwise I would have gone with the cheaper MX5. I got an HR expression pedal with the Gigboard in a bundle for $94.00 off. So I get all of those extra features. I’m going to be in gear heaven! 🤣
Thank you so much for sharing your opinion and you final decision...In my opinion your final choices and the relevant reasons are a really very valuable thing to share! Thank you once more!
To my ears, the Headrush MX5 sounded more realistic and “high quality”. The touchscreen on the MX5 also allows one to easily change preset setting on-the-fly using the foot pedal while the unit is on the floor. So for me, the MX5 is the right choice.
Hi, thanks for the content. I use the 4 cable method in my amp, but I noticed that the output mode equalization greatly influences the sound. Is there any way to turn off the output equalization? Even without any effects, the sound is very different and bad,no matter how much I adjust the EQ Thanks PS; I'm using de output mode Stack front and theres no preamp active
Hi Renato, thank you, I'm happy that you like the content. Which of the two units are you using? the MX5 or the MG30? in any case be sure that not only the preamp/amp is deactivated, but also the cabinet section.
@@LeoGibsonGtr Hi, thanks for the response. I'm using the MG 30 and even disengaging the preamp and the cabinet the sound is not good. The output mode equalizes the sound and makes too bass e treble, i dont if theres a way to turn off this equalization.