"This seems like the missing link for anyone who uses an amp modeler at home": Headrush FRFR-Go speaker cab review

What is it?

It's no secret that multi-effects and amp modelers are becoming increasingly diverse and popular. And most of us play guitar and bass at home. So why has nobody done the logical thing to connect the two and made a small desktop FRFR powered speaker specifically for using with modelers? Well if it's taken a while, at least Headrush has now taken on the task.

The UK company has been developing both multi-fx pedals and powered cabs for them long before the competition like Kemper and IK Multimedia got on board. So it's logical Headrush is ahead of the curve here too and we're pleased to welcome the FRFR-Go's arrival.

But let's reverse the van a little first. What is this FRFR thing?

Full-range flat-response powered speakers mean the sound you're hearing back isn't coloured by anything other than the source – in this case a modeling and multi-fx unit with its own impulse responses that model mic'd traditional guitar cabs.

The FRFR cab's output is clean, neutral and reliant on the source as it faithfully reproduces the modeler's audio signals across the frequency range. They can work with any instrument too - including keyboards and bass.

However as 'flat' as they try to be, FRFR powered cabs aren't all the same – the speaker type, size, angle can all play their part in slight variations. But not nearly as much as a traditional guitar cab. These tend to offer more choices in size, speaker type and configuration and open / closed back options that affect the character and response.

Traditional guitar cabs also tend to be passive and powered by an amp head to drive them rather than having an independent power supply like FRFR cabs.

Specs

• Launch price: $149/£149
• Type: Full-range flat-response powered speaker
• Origin: China
• Output: 30 watts (2x15W) via mains power, 25 watts (2x12W) via battery power
• Speaker: 2 x 3" custom designed
• Controls: Bass, Treble, Input Volume, Main Volum, Bluetooth pairing button
• Connectivity: 1/4-inch input, stereo 3.5mm aux in, 3.5mm stereo headphone out ((22Ω impedance), Bluetooth 5.0 (up to 13 hours battery life for streaming), headphone input
• Weight: 7.4 lbs/3.35kg
• Power: C7 power cable (45-watt power consumption), rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• Dimensions: WxDxH 320 x 150 x 184 mm
• Contact: Headrush

Build quality

Build quality rating: ★★★★★

I've already encountered Headrush's build standards on previous FRFR models and here it's maintained at a smaller scale. There's a durable rubber handle in place of its larger siblings' integrated design, an enclosure of vinyl-wrapped MDF, a sturdy grille and Marshall-esque gold-topped metal control knobs with a satisfyingly smooth and measured taper.

The cab feels solid and tidy with the dimensions around a fifth smaller than a Positive Grid Spark 2 despite the FRFR-Go's speakers being an inch larger. You may need to clear some superfluous items from your desk to give it the space it needs, but it won't look out of place.

A black and gold color scheme certainly never harmed that aforementioned UK amp brand, and it doesn't here.

Usability

Usability rating: ★★★★½

No apps, no manual required: The FRFR-Go is simplicity defined… mostly. Juggling levels will be something familiar to anyone who's skipped between presets on multi-effects and amp modelers – as well as the gritted teeth of sound engineers at gigs. The input volume control here is important to set up in conjunction with your modeler's own output level to avoid clipping, but it's a pretty straightforward process by ear.

The onboard tonestack via the Bass and Treble controls are an excellent means to finetune sound to taste without altering your original presets, but some players may prefer a completely uncoloured experience – leaving that side to their modeler. Those players can roll teh Treble and Bass off but I liked bringing them in according to the modeling source I was using.

User case will also affect how important the battery option here is, but I really think it opens a lot of possibilities – especially for Nano Cortex users who can run their unit on a battery pack for a fully mobile capture rig (street musicians take note!). But a lot of amp pedals don't have that option, but while they're tied to the power supply it's nice to know your speaker doesn't have to be and you can position it with added flexibility because of that. And for music playback it's equally handy.

I also like that I can charge the battery while plugged into the mains and using the FRFR-Go for uninterrupted use. It may seem like a small thing, but in day-to-day playing it's one less thing to worry about. Bravo, Headrush.

The Bluetooth side is excellent in my experience too, though there's no separate volume control on the cab, so you'll have to do that via the source e.g smartphone. Once paired reconnection is very efficient. So much so you can forget and suddenly hear your Spotify playlist coming out of the FRFR Go – which is what happened to me when I took the unit in for its review photoshoot!

I found that the only potential source of frustration might be the power switch on the rear, which isn't ideal on a desktop speaker but unless you have the FRFR-Go up on a shelf permanently, I think it will be less of an issue.

A 3.5mm aux-in may seem a bit antiquated in this age of wireless streaming but here it serves a different purpose for modelers, if players want it to. I used my own TRS cable with a 3.5mm adapter for the cab input to use the Nano Cortex's stereo outs and take advantage of the stereo aux-in on the FRFR-Go.

Now, the distance between these 3" speakers obviously limits the panning effects for delays and reverbs, but some players won't want to go back once they've tried it. It brings a fresh sonic girth to the FRFR-Go experience that belies the small cab. Again, it's good to have the option.

Sounds

Sounds rating: ★★★★★

It was interesting for me to switch to the FRFR-Go from using small modeling amps like the Positive Grid Spark in a flat mode with all modeling turned off. Beyond the choice of using the onboard tonestack, there's no digital processing here so what you're hearing is based on the source. And what really hit me was just how much more detail I was getting compared to my previous small amp workarounds.

Finally, I had a home version of my much larger Line 6 Powercab 112 and with something like a UAFX Dream '65 that can equate to a tabletop Deluxe Reverb, or a mini Mesa/Boogie with a C+ capture via a Neural unit. And it's a treat to behold.

I was impressed at how much low-end the FRFR-Go can handle and enjoyed switching to my Squier P-Bass with it. The maximum SPL of 109db is easily loud enough for the home too – playing with a drummer not so much. But that isn't what this is designed for.

If anything home users are frequently heading in the opposite direction – how quiet can you play and still sound good? This is where modeling can really benefit the home environment; simulating cooking valves at family-friendly levels. Yes, I know it doesn't sound very rock n' roll, but in the suburban realities a lot of guitarists find themselves in, the FRFR-Go more than earns its outlay. Just run a UAFX Lion '68 amp pedal through this and tell me a mini Plexi isn't a great idea!

Verdict

The FRFR-Go is difficult to fault as a release with a huge practical appeal, so why bother? It fills a mystifying gap in the guitar market and it does it very well. A different approach to stereo integration or a designated XLR input would likely raise the price, especially when the former can still be achieved fairly easily and the latter doesn't really feel like a home cab feature anyway. So at it stands, I highly recommend this.

It won't be loud enough for anything but intimate small live performances, and maybe some street musician scenarios but this is a cab designed for the home, and it really offers excellent clarity and detail for your amp and cab modeling sounds that may give you some a new appreciation for them when you're hearing them so close.

I actually ended up tweaking the go-to preset on my Dream '65 pedal after testing, so it could be a great way to audition and edit your tones before heading to the rehearsal room, stage or recording scenario and playing with a larger cab or direct.

Headrush saw a big gap in the modeling market for a little cab and have delivered in a big way for players here with the FRFR-Go. This seems like the missing link for anyone who uses an amp modeler at home

Guitar World verdict: The FRFR-Go accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do, and it does it very well. If you need a desktop cab for your amp modeler with the flexibility to go anywhere with you, this is an excellent option at a good price.

Hands-on videos

American Music Supply

HeadRush FRFR-GO 30-Watt Rechargeable Bluetooth Amp | Just Say GO - YouTube

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Andertons

HeadRush FRFR-Go - The Little Amp That Multi FX Guitar Players Probably Need! - YouTube

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