Behringer V-AMP 2 Review

 The Behringer V-AMP 2 is an amp modeler that is comparable to Line6′s POD 2.0, but aimed to undercut its price. I purchased this modeler three years ago at a local music store because of the 50% discount being offered. However, it was just lately that I discovered how it comes close to the amp and cab models it features, not to mention its built-in effects. The V-AMP 2 is a reasonable buy at a price you won’t regret. Although there are some disappointments about this thing, there are also many features that you would love with this machine.



Here is the list of features of Behringer V-AMP 2:
• 32 amp models
• 15 speaker simulations which can be selected independently of amp models
• 24-bit, studio-quality stereo effects include chorus, tremolo, compression, noise gate, delay, and many more
• Separate, manually or MIDI-controllable wah and 9 stereo reverbs
• 2 effect parameters which are directly accessible
• Chromatic tuner
• Tap tempo function for realtime adjustment of effect speed
• Adjustable stereo aux input
• Stereo line output with speaker simulation
• 3-band EQ
• Master volume
• Adjustable headphone output
• MIDI interface which enables realtime remote control, automation, data transfer, and access to additional    parameters
• 125 onboard presets organized into 25 banks
• 50 presets by renowned guitarists
• 5 practical configuration modes
• Presence control simulates negative feedback tube amps
• Preamp bypass lets you use it as a stereo effects unit
• Improved gate and noise-reduction circuits produce an impressive 90dB S/N ratio
• Dedicated controls for all essential settings
• Dual footswitch for preset selection and tuner control
• AC adapter
• Carrying bag

The Behringer V-AMP 2 is designed whether you play live, record, or just jam at home. However, many users complain when they plug it directly to the amp’s input. Take note that this is an amp modeler. So, what you need is a monitor speaker to sound the way you want it to be. In my opinion, if you will use it on an amp, it would sound great if you run it through the effects loop. In this way, it will bypass the volume and tone controls of your amp and would bring out this unit’s amp and cab model. The V-AMP 2 may not be the easiest thing to use, but you can’t expect any amp modeler to just plug and play. The tone you get from an amp simulator relies on other factors also. These include the very fingers of the musician, the guitar, the cables, the modeler itself, and the amp or speaker that it’s connected to. This means that the presets may not work particularly well relative to the user. You need to do some tweaking to bring out the best in it. For an easy tweaking of its patches, there is a free downloadable editor for the V-Amp 2. Just connect it through its MIDI interface to your PC and every function is right in front of you. Meanwhile, V-AMP 2 does great in recording. You can plug it directly to the PC or through a mixer. You will appreciate more of this unit when you hear its sounds captured in a recording. From super thick crunching distortion to ambient leads, to crystal clear shimmering clean, the V-AMP 2 can do it all.

As it is an affordable product, you would also expect some drawbacks. One of these is the absence of a power switch. Another one is the delay of about a half second between program changes. When recording, this poses no problem but in a live setting, it is noticeable. This tends to be noisy also especially in a live setting and when you increase its volume. Its construction is made out of plastic and the knobs tend to break easily.

On the other hand, its available effects are very warm and not fake-sounding as compared to other processors. These include chorus, tremolo, compression, noise gate, delay, auto-wah, a MIDI-controllable wah and 9 stereo reverbs. But what this unit is more capable of is its amp modeling and speaker simulation. Almost everything you need is already there from a full-stack Marshalls to an 8" practice amp. With this, you can select the amp and the speaker cabinet simulation independently. However, it might sound close but just don’t expect to be exactly the same as those being modeled.

Overall, Behringer’s V-AMP 2 is a great unit for the beginner to intermediate guitar player who is looking to explore new sounds on a budget. This works well also if you are looking for something for use on the desk. It can provide you with various decent tones at an affordable price. But if you are interested in a live setting, try to consider other options.