Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Step into a world of limitless sonic possibilities with the Audio Assault Head Crusher, a versatile distortion plugin designed for musicians and producers who crave that perfect blend of aggression and warmth. This plugin is your go-to tool for adding character and depth to your mixes, whether you're looking to enhance your guitar tracks or give your drums the punch they deserve. With its unique analog modeling algorithm, Head Crusher captures the essence of classic hardware units, offering a range of distortion flavors from subtle saturation to full-blown fuzz.

Whether you’re working on rock, metal, electronic, or any genre that demands a gritty edge, Head Crusher provides the flexibility and precision needed to achieve your desired sound. The intuitive interface allows for easy navigation and manipulation of parameters, enabling you to sculpt your tones with precision. Its dual distortion engines offer both American and British flavors, while the mix knob lets you blend the dry and wet signals for more nuanced control.

Designed with the modern musician in mind, the Head Crusher also includes a dedicated filter section that ensures your sound remains focused and fit for any mix. The powerful post-distortion EQ section allows you to fine-tune the frequency response, ensuring that your tracks sit perfectly in the mix.

Key Features:

  • Unique analog modeling algorithm for authentic sound
  • Dual distortion engines: American and British flavors
  • Mix knob for blending dry and wet signals
  • Dedicated filter section for sound shaping
  • Post-distortion EQ for precise frequency control
  • Compatible with major DAWs and platforms
SOUNDTRICK

SOUNDTRICK

AUDIO ASSAULT / HEAD CRUSHER TEST DEMO

Video thumbnail for AUDIO ASSAULT / HEAD CRUSHER TEST DEMO by SOUNDTRICK

AUDIO ASSAULT / HEAD CRUSHER TEST DEMO

SOUNDTRICK

SOUNDTRICK

Video thumbnail for Head Crusher | Saturator from Audio Assault (discontinued) by Andrei Martinez Agras

Head Crusher | Saturator from Audio Assault (discontinued)

Andrei Martinez Agras

Andrei Martinez Agras

Video thumbnail for Audio Assault's Headcrusher - 1 Plugin Mix by Phil Zeo (One Wall Studio)

Audio Assault's Headcrusher - 1 Plugin Mix

Phil Zeo (One Wall Studio)

Phil Zeo (One Wall Studio)

Video thumbnail for Audio Assault - Head Crusher - detailed demo - metal by Johan Lund

Audio Assault - Head Crusher - detailed demo - metal

Johan Lund

Johan Lund

Video thumbnail for Head Crusher (VST Plugin Analyser) by Audio Assault by Sound Universe

Head Crusher (VST Plugin Analyser) by Audio Assault

Sound Universe

Sound Universe

Video thumbnail for Audio Aussalt Head Crusher V1 vs V2 | Which sounds better? #flstudio #vst #shootout by Sonic Labs

Audio Aussalt Head Crusher V1 vs V2 | Which sounds better? #flstudio #vst #shootout

Sonic Labs

Sonic Labs

Video thumbnail for Saturating Bass In A Dancehall Mix | Using Distortion | Audio Assault "Headcrusher" Plugin AAX by Eldoh Rado TV

Saturating Bass In A Dancehall Mix | Using Distortion | Audio Assault "Headcrusher" Plugin AAX

Eldoh Rado TV

Eldoh Rado TV

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Audio Assault Head Crusher.

Comparisons

  • Head Crusher is noted for its convolution approach, whereas Decapitator emulates five distinct circuits, suggesting a potentially different sound profile.

    Source
  • Head Crusher offers less distorted low-end frequencies compared to Decapitator when cranked, providing a unique tonal option for users seeking cleaner bass saturation.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Head Crusher offers multiple modes ranging from subtle effects to intense audio destruction, with a user-friendly GUI and effective controls.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite owning various distortion plugins, users frequently choose Head Crusher, indicating its practical appeal even among extensive plugin collections.

    Source
  • Effective on guitar and synth for an aggressive sound, works well in combination with plugins like Little Radiator or Decapitator.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The full version of Head Crusher, initially available for $5, is considered a good deal, especially due to its usability and feature richness compared to the free version.

    Source
  • Despite owning pricier distortion plugins, some users still favor Head Crusher for its unique sound, highlighting its value in diverse collections.

    Source

User experience

  • At higher mix and drive settings, the sound can become digital and less authentic, recommending low settings for a more natural tone.

    Source
  • Some owners report Head Crusher is 30-50% more CPU efficient than Decapitator, making it a practical choice for those concerned about processing power.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Users on Catalina must customize the Head Crusher installation by omitting the 'presets' option; Audio Assault provides presets separately to resolve this compatibility issue.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
alex_hart_merithius

Unique and Wonderful

I know a lot of folks and have turned a lot of folks on to this saturation plugin. It is wonderfully colored and has a versatile sound and control.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how AJRBrothers uses Audio Assault Head Crusher

AJRBrothers

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

Can be seen being used at 5:33 , they have the free version.

See how Miavono uses Audio Assault Head Crusher

Miavono

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

in the mixer at 2:02 in the mid left it says headcrusherfree

See how Tip D'Oris uses Audio Assault Head Crusher

Tip D'Oris

Music Producer

...

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Audio Assault Head Crusher, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

More Audio Assault Distortion Plugins

Community setups

Similar

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    cirino
    cirino

    Gear IQ 824