Behringer BX1800

This amp was made 2008. Features are few and straightforward, easy to use. Low, low mid, mid, high, and -10db cut switch and mid-scoop button. There is an effects loop, headphone jack, and line in for practice. One channel. Behringer claims this amp has 180 watts, but if it does, it's subdued. There is not much mid punch, such as a Peavey or Ampeg midrange growl, but it does have a nice sound when the preamp is cranked up. I'm running a Cort Action Bass walnut with passive pickups, one P and one J. At first I hated the sound of the amp but got used to it.

As I said, P and J pickup combo on my bass. Passive. I didn't like the sound of the bass at first, but after tweaking the tone, I began to like the sound. I eventually settled on 7 for preamp, 7 for low, 7 for low-mid, 7 for mid, 5 for high, and master between 5 and 8 on louder nights. This amp has a nice tone and openess from the tweeter, but the sound gets harsh above 5 on the treble. As I stated earlier there isn't a big midrange bump but I noticed that this little amp can move a lot of low end, once it's warmed up! I actually like the sound of the amp, but I would like to own one of the Behringer 410 combos with 450 watts! I like the sound of 4-10's and 450 watts, but my back likes the weight of the 1-15"! So, yeah, this little amp puts out a nice, neutral sound.

I only used this amp for six weekends and I had the amp cranked near full on loud nights, so I was definitely pushing it. So, maybe it could stand more power, but for what it is, a $200 amp it's really worth it. The speaker is pretty good because I cranked it wide open a couple times and it never distorted. I did like the sound of this amp overdriven too. I own a complete Behringer p.a. that I've been using going on three years and it's been absolutely reliable. I've learned that if Behringer stuff is going to break down it'll happen within the 30 days when you can return it. I expect this amp will las me until I buy the bigger one! Then I'll pass it along to a younger player for a good deal. And yes, I use it without a backup.

I had questions on previous Behringer stuff I bought and I contacted the American distributor and they got back to me in a couple days, polite and knoweldgeable.

I've been playing bass for 30+ years. I've owned every well known brand and both huge and small bass amps. I'm at the age where I don't want to move large stuff anymore. So this amp is perfect size. I also have a Peavey Minx and Hartke B300 that blew the speaker within a week! When I was researching the combo I wanted, I compared with Ampeg, Fender, Peavey, and Hartke. Ampeg, too heavy, Fender, distorted, Peavey from China sucked, Hartke too much power to cheap speakers. I ended up choosing this one because it sounded good and looks great, and at the price was easily better than the other brands for the same bucks. One thing I'd like to share with the young guys. If you're good, and ambitious, buy this amp and don't let anyone put you down for using it. If a potential band judges you by your amp then keep moving and find players as good as you and recognize your talent. Don't get hung up on brand names.