Behringer V-Amp 2

The user interface is one of the best of any amp modelling products, mainly thanks to the LEDs round the rotary controls, which show the current patch's most important settings. This has the added benefit of being educational, as while you are playing a preset you get to see at a glance how it was set-up (unlike my previous unit which required you to delve deep into sub-menus to get at the parameters for a patch).

Its easy enough to navigate the patches, and the included footswitch is very useful for live performances. Its a shame that it doesn't cycle round from patch E to A though. The tuner is good and easy to use.

Modifying a patch also couldn't be easier - just turn the rotary controls. There are some features that you need special key combinations to get at, but a quick read of the manual will get you up to speed. The important one to remember is how to set the output mode to match what you have connected it to.

The freely downloadable Windows software for patch editing is excellent, and it allows you to audition patches downloaded from their website. It gives you greater control over the effect parameters than you actually have on the unit itself.

Although it features a wah effect, you can only make use of this if you buy a MIDI controller board (eg FCB1010). It is a shame that the V-Amp doesn't feature a simple expression pedal input, as this would allow the Wah effect to be usable without paying out the price of the unit again.

There are 125 patches, which means that there is plenty of room for you to keep your live and studio patches without overwriting your favourite presets.

I use a Yamaha RGX-321 guitar with 2 humbuckers and a single coil. When I use it live, I connect into the power amp input of my Marshall 1080. The unit's strength is in the direct recording category though.

There are 32 amp models, and 15 cabinet emulations (that's 480 combinations). I found about 4 or 5 of the amp models became my favourites, with the others rarely being used. The very high gain and the clean models work best for me, with the ones in between often sounding a bit too digital. The Marshall emulations are sometimes good, but they totally override the tone from your guitar.

There is a generous helping of effects, and the quality is adequate for most uses. There is quite a restriction on what combinations can be used (although the software can compensate somewhat for this - you can actually combine compression with other effects).

As with all amp modellers, it will take some effort to get it sounding good through a guitar amp. The V-amp has a variety of output modes and some feature a 3-band EQ to help you match your amp. It also features an input level to match guitars with high-output pickups. If you have the patience to experiment with these settings, you should be able to find something that works reasonably well with your amp and guitar. Some patches will require tweaking the noise gate to ensure silence when you are not playing. I found that turning reverb off completely helped tremendously when playing live through an amp.

I used to own a Boss VF-1 which features the Boss COSM modelling. There are some good sounds I miss from that unit, but on the whole V-Amp has a comparable selection. As with the VF-1, I found that I got the best results using my single-coil pickup instead of humbuckers.

Although the power supply connector does seem rather flimsy, as others have pointed out, the fact that Behringer have bundled a gig bag free with the unit should go a long way to extending its life.

I haven't dealt with them, but the website providing software and patches adds a lot of value to this product. There are also a number of lively V-Amp discussion groups about, so if you have a problem you should be able to get advice from fellow users.

This unit gets a high overall rating for its excellent value for money. At this price, the inclusion of a footswitch and gig bag is incredible (and I notice it has dropped another 25% since I bought it). Some of the amp models do need some enhancements, but most people will find at least a few models that they like.

This unit's greatest strength is how easy it is to tweak a patch to your liking.

Pros = you can use 14 different cabinets with each amp. Some modelers ( digitech ) are tied to one cabinet, very versatile. Footswitch, power supply and case are included. Price is right.

Cons = delay in switching amps or cabinets. Drop in volume when effects are added. Noisy when using effects only and using your amps distortion. Even through an effects loop and the noise gate on. Maybe it?s my Randall 100 watt head? Foot switch only goes through 5 banks unlike some 80-channel petals out there.

This is an informational update to my review from before.

Manual is not bad at all, EXCEPT they don't mention the backup battery.

Not rating this, as I already have, but this unit is STILL great sounding. I can get LOTS of fantastic sounds out of it, I use it in recording all the time up until it started getting flaky (simply due to internal backup battery going flat, not a problem with the actual unit) and then I was more involved in my band and practice, so I didn't use it that much til lately when I decided to try and fix it.

Really is fantastic, a great bargain.

Just a quick FYI.

After a coupel of years, my V-amp2 began acting strangely (This also can happen with the Behringer amps I am reasonably sure) in that any patch that differed from the factory preset sounded llike crap, muffled, no effects, etc. You could tweak some parameters and change it, or use the button combination to reset that one patch to factory preset, and it would sound okay, but as soon as you turned it off and on again, same problem.

Of course, I immidiately thought "bad backup battery". Strange thing is, there is no mention of battery in the manual, no battery access panel, and even asking directly Behringer if this could be the problem, they stalled, and wouldn't confirm or deny that it even HAS a battery.

Haven't been using it much lately anyway, but just got around to changing it out. Easy as pie...5 screws, lift off the back cover, little round Lithium 3v, Type CR2032 battery in its battery holder.

I changed it out, STILL (and this is important) had to reset all user patches...you do this by holding down the D & E buttone while powering on, then the display reads "CL" for clear, then you let up on the D & E, and hit the left and right arrow buttons at the same time. Now all is back to factory reset, I changed a couple patches, saved them, turned the unit off for 20 minutes, on again and voila, all is well again.


Just writing about it here to get the info out to anyone experiencing this.

They have a form on their site. I described my problem, the symptoms, and since I guessed there was a backup battery, specifically asked (note: not if this WAS the problem but if it COULD be) if it could be the battery. Instead of saying "it could be" they demanded more information, like serial number, fimrware revision, date purchased, etc, etc.

No help at all. I don't know if this is calculated (they have no access panel for battery on the unit...okay there are others that do that too, but...) but they don't even mention the battery in the MANUAL!!

That is bad.

Its pretty easy to use once u get going. can get very good tone out of it (in my opinion and ears)

Wow, for 100, this puppy is pretty good.

i havent tried it yet. it would seem very good live

never delted with em yet

wow, this is a true value for the money. i play VH, and other classic rock, and the tones u can get is pretty awesome for the price.

I have the original V-amp 1 and the upgraded V-amp 2 along with the midi footcontrol unit with the two expression pedals. I find it extremely easy to use and get live sounds out of. Editing is intuitive and easy once you get experienced with it. The manual is starightforward and easy to understand.

I use this live in 3 ways. Some gigs I run a stereo seTup through two amps, a Laney 100 Watt Head and 4by10 cab and a 100 Watt cARVIN TUBE AMP using L-2 configuration, sometimes through two behringer b-300's and sometimes directly into the board. Each of these set-ups requires a thorough sound check and extensive tweaking. If you take the time to do this and use your brains and patience, you can achieve wonderful, amazing guitar tones. This unit has no reverse reverb but believe me, if a guitar can or has made that sound, you can find it on the V-amp 2. The original unit was meant for practice and recordings, not for live performance but the V-amp 2 is meant to be used live in many different set-ups. I find everything to be amazing on this unit. The wa effect when programmed into the footcontroller(27) will change the tone of the preset to slightly tinny but if you're using other effects in conjunction with the Wa it sounds good. I have 2 side by side presets for 'Crazy Dreams' by Los Lonely Boys. The 2nd ofcourse is the wa'd lead and I've gotta tell ya, you can't tell a difference from the recording. It's that close ! Be sure that you program amp gain(12) into the 1st pedal and narrow the range to nothing (122-127) because the 1st pedal will move when your hammering away on the 2nd pedal (brains). Use American Blues amp simulation with the drive on, compression and reverb to taste. 32 bits ? It does not and I repeat does not matter. You can't tell the difference between 44 and 32 bits. To me the higher the sampling rate, the more 'digital' it sounds. This unit does not sound digital at all. For world class recordings who knows cause I somehow doubt that many people here have done that kind of recording. Ask Carl Culpepper. He's done some of the best rock guitar mixes I've heard. I'll betcha he could use this device in the studio and blow you away with it !

Very reliable and well built. My V-amps are 5 years old and still sound the same as the day they came. Treat the devices with care and respect and you will be rewarded with years of reliable service. Use common sense. Find a stable secure place for it at the gig and keep it at room temperature as opposed to storing it in the garage or in a Vann in a cold, wet environment.

The website is world class.

Remember guitars themselves are a big part of your tone and take that into account. I play a strat with dimarzio aftermarket pickups and a fat hollow body Sammick which humbuckers as well as a Dean Exotica acoustic. You can't make a jazz guitar sound like a hot rodded strat but I can get a kick ass Eric Johnson 'Cliffs of Dover' sound out of the Sammick. Use your brains. Behringer has given you a huge gift with this product in conjunction with their midi foot controller. This is all you need in conjunction with decent amps or PA to get kick ass guitar tones that cut through the mix in any configuration. The rest is your brains and talent. It's all there for you to discover.

Not an easy unit to use as each (small) knob is multifuntional. Editing patches is pretty easy though once you accept the above. manual is great.

I use a Gibson Les Paul and a Febder Strat through this into 2 small Marshall combos. Not noisy. Factory pre-sets are useless on the whole unless you want a quirky jopke-type setting (e.g. "Monk Akka" - what's that all about?) I can't get a particular artist's sound out of it at all except a bit os U2 but that's more to do with the delay technique than the sound itself. Chorus is good, reverb is good, distortion is best avoided, delay is excellent, modulation not bad, EQ is excellent.

Very very reliable and no need for a backup. Placed in a rack its very sturdy. Placed on top of an amp its vulnerable to being pulled off by the guitar lead.

I play all styles (covers band) so its a great addition to my setup (but you need amp modelling too). I wish I could find the 2 flat shelves that bolt to the bottom of the unit so I can rack mount it properly. ANYONE OUT THERE GOT SOME THEY WANT TOP SELL? So I have to tape it to the generic rack shelf. The footswitch is great as you have 5 patches at your disposal and if you switch into 1 particular patch, 4 effects within each patch (there is no time delay for switching between effects but there is an annoying time delay between patches).

very easy to use. manual is ok.

this is my setup:

guitar(with humbucker) ->
V-Amp2 L2 mode (speaker simulation OFF) ->
Behringer Ultra-G GI100 with speaker simulation ON ->
(XLR balanced cable) ->
MIXER

this works good.

the sound is ok in this setup.

good presets are in the BANK11 and BANK 16 (for hard-heavy sounds).

ok.

ok.

ok for guitarists on the budget.
ok for home recordings.
ok for practice.

................

Boss GT-8 and Line6 Pod XT Live are much better & expensive,
not for beginners & people on the budget.

The manual isn't the clearest on how to operate the unit, but once you understand how it works, it's pretty easy. It's rather intuitive, actually; I think the manual just confuses everyone.

Editing patches is easy, make your changes and hold down the bank button for a couple seconds.

I use this with the following guitars:
Hamer Diablo USA with Dimarzio Evolutions
Fender "Roadhouse" Strat
Aria Mac-50 7 String guitar

I don't use any of the onboard effects, other than compression, or reverb occasionally, I use external units:
Crybaby 535Q wah
Akai Headrush delay
MXR Phase 90
RealTube overdrive (occasionally)

I run the unit on L2 mode into the power amp of a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe (40 watt tube amp), with an extra 12" speaker cab loaded with a Celestion Greenback. I use it as my preamp, not run into the Fender's preamp. I have not used it to record direct, or used it through a mixer into a PA.

You have to be picky on what amps you use with this unit. I don't rate the quality of it based on how accurately it replicates the amplifier, but rather how useable the sound is. Most of the sounds are useable in some form, but others are considerably lacking.

For clean sounds, I tend to stick to the Boogie Mark IIc clean or the Fender Twin. The others can sounds pretty thin, but how many clean sounds do you need anyways? Actually, side by side, the Mark IIc clean sounds really similar to the Fender Hot Rod's own sound.

For just a little bit of grit, the options open up quite a bit. Again, the Fender Twin sounds pretty good, and the V-Amp "Crunch" is great, it has a nice full bottom end. The Fender Bassman is ok at low gain settings with a Tubescreamer to make up the difference in gain. I have a feeling this is how most people are using it anyways.

And, finally, the distorted tones, where I spend most of my time. I play every Sunday in church, and the Boogie Mark IIc dirty channel is perfect for this with my humbucker guitars. Warm, with a lot of character, but tight enough that fast leads don't run together. Nice.

I also enjoy the various rectifier sounds it has, particuarly Behringer's own "Ultimate V-amp". I actually use this sound for worship sometimes, if it's a kind of upbeat song. Great bottom end, scooped mids, and plenty of gain. Sounds best palm muted. The two Mesa Boogie rectifier sounds are pretty good, but lack that fizzy, buzzy top end that the real thing has. I guess that's alright, that's usually what everyone hates about them anyways. The regular Rectifier setting is good for Dream Theater style prog rock. Neck pickups sounds really fat and round for alternate-picked solos, and the bridge pickup is nice and acticulate.

The Soldano model is great for Van-Hagar era sounds, or just about anything 80's or shred-rockish.

I also really enjoy the VoxAC30 sound, although I realize it sounds almost nothing like the real thing, the simulation is much darker, but I find it quite useful for a Trey Anastasio kinda sound. Turn the gain way back, mids up, and add a little compression, and you're golden.

I don't usually use effects too much, so I don't want to steer anybody wrong there. But I do prefer my external pedals to the built in ones. I just use a touch of compression here and there, and it's not enough that anyone would hear a significant sound differece between one or the other.

It find the sounds great for everything I play, which is worship/praise, prog-metal, blues, classic rock, and fusiony jamming.

I will also add that if you go into configuration mode (by pressing the "B" and "D" buttons together) and adjust the input gain back, the unit sounds much better when used as a preamp. My pickups tend to be pretty hot, and I was getting a digitaly breakup when I would play hard or use a lot of gain. Turning this back cleared that up.

Also, when in any of the "L" modes, you have post EQ available. Make use of it! It can really help when using this thing live.

Others have complained about a delay when switching between sounds. Using "L2" mode helps to eliminate this. Also, you'll find that if you don't change amp model, there is NO delay at all, so if you can find an amp simulation with a decent rythym and lead sound, this shouldn't be any problem.

So far, it's been reliable, but I've only had it a few months. I use it every Sunday for worship at church, though, and God hasn't let anything happen to it yet :) I also play everyday through it.

The knobs, as well as everything else, are plastic. And not "It's ok to drop me" kinda plastic, like a Tonka truck, more like "If you look at me the wrong way, I'll crack" kinda plastic. Because of this, I always keep it in the padded case that comes with it. The input and output jacks make me nervous because they seem very "grabby", and I'm almost afraid that I'm going to rip it out.

I play regularly without a backup for it, although I'm considering moving to the V-AmpPro so that there's less chance of an accident.

Haven't had the pleasure, although their website seems rather useful.

As stated before, I play worship, prog-metal, blues, classic rock, and fusiony jamming stuff. It fits the bill perfectly, and when I monkey around with it, I hear other sounds that are familiar in other styles that sound good.

I've been playing about 8 years seriously, but first picked up the instrument 14 years ago. This is my first amp modeler, but as far as gear, I also have or have owned the following:
Ovation Ultra GP solidbody
Strat copy, customized with two Dimarzio humbuckers, sperzel locking tuners, and Wilkinson trem (under construction at the moment)
Behringer Ultrafex sonic enhancer
Akai shred-o-matic (actually, I liked it so much, I bought two!)
Ibanez tubescreamer
Original Crybaby
MXR Dyna-Comp
Dunlop Fuzz Face
Boss Ds-1
Halifax Buzztone (vintage fuzz)
Arion flanger
Korg Toneworks Digital Delay (the best delay I ever owned)

I admittingly have not tried any other similar products, other than breifly using a PODXT live for about half an hour. I've tried several modeling amps, though, for a few hours each in music stores, and this at least sounds better than the first amps that Line6 sold!

If it were lost or stolen, it's quite possible I would buy it again, although I would be more likely to make a more informed decision first. I bought this on a whim when I aw it go on sale.

I would like to include some hot tips to assist new users trying out the Vamp 2 for the first time. Having owned a Line 6 Pod previous and various digital multi-effect units I found programming to be quite simple once I understood how the manual is constructed. If you are looking for a step by step manual this isn't it. If you scored high in reading comprehension this manual is for you.

But editing is now a snap. To save a preset you simply hold down the appropriate channel (A-E) within the bank for 2 seconds. The light will turn steady and that particular patch is saved. If you have owned a Pod previously then programming will be much the same.
To enter edit mode simply press both arrow keys. To enter preamp bypass mode simply press the Tuner+Tap keys. The Tap key is also used in conjunction with the Gain, Cabinet models, Effects knob, etc..

And of course the most important feature is pressing the B and D buttons togethor to select one of 5 appropriate modes. S1, S2, "L1",L2, L3. Noticed I placed L1 in quotes because most likely you will be using this feature live. I purchased the Vamp-2 to return to testing direct playing live and based on the sound quality of last night's gig, I will be persuing the Vamp Pro rack mount along with the Behringer midi controller. For those of you who struggle to get a good sound and bash cabinet emulation products remember, you need to understand the appropriate modes for Live use and only use your Effects Return or preamp in for monitoring your sound.

The whole object is to run a direct feed to the board and carry less equipment. And one other thing, Keep it simple, if you only play through one amp in the night, then select the best combination of amp and cabinet, create a clean sound, save the setting across all 5 channels then slowy increase the gain and drive for each channel respectively. Thus creating a multiple effect, multiple channel direct signal. This also corrects the delay problem when switching patches. I chose the Dumble head with cabinet model #14. (4X12 cabinet tilted). My Les Paul Studio came to life, the band was quieter and the mix was cleaner.

I am currently playing a Les Paul Studio, Audio Techna wireless, Vamp-2 in L1 mode, Left channel using a TRS balanced to XLR cable to the main console, and right channel patched to the Effects Return of my Peavey Transtube. I am currently using the supplied 2 button foot controller but will soon purchase the Behringer midi controller.

My distortion's have never been cleaner. (yes, there's such a thing), the flange and autowah or somewhat weak. I substituted Phaser for Flange and use chorous on another patch. My Patch selection is as follows:

A-Clean Chorous
B-Clean Compressor (with drive=1)
C-Clean Compressor (with drive=1 and gain)
D-Clean Compressor (with drive=1 and more gain)
E-Clean Phaser

I'm not really trying to capture sounds of my favorite artist. I just like good tones, no matter what combination of equipment or guitar. Plus playing 6-11 times a month, I have been striving for reducing my setup time to nearly nothing. Currently 10 minutes.

I noticed the Vamp 2 is made of plastic unlike the POD. I am not sure if Behringer really intended for this device to go on the road or not but for $99.00, with a foot switch and a very nice carrying bag, power supply included this is the best value I've ever purchased as regards to effects. I paid myself back in one gig. I currently set the Vamp 2 on my old Pod bracket on top of my amp. I keep every piece of equipment in either some type of carry case, original box, etc.., If you place this within your pedal board then you might be cautious.

Once I purchase the Vamp pro and add it to our rack I'm certain reliability will not be an issue.

The knobs are plastic, but realize these are digital knobs. LEDs indicate the location of the selected position. I'm giving it a 10 because, I take care of my equipment. If this device crapped out tommorrow then I would'nt hesitate to purchase the Vamp pro. I will like having both because, for small gigs that only require a combo power/mixer, I can just use the Vamp 2.

I have'nt dealt with customer support and hopefully don't need too. A brand new music store opened within a mile of my house and carry's Behringer equipment at magazine prices. They can deal with any hassles.

I will comment on Behringer's website. You can download manuals, patches, and editing software which supports all products. So, I will rate their website a 10 which is where most of us get our support from anyway right?

What style of music do you play? Is this a good match? I play 50's dance, country, southern rock and funk. I am a basic 4 patch guy and I was able to emulate my 4 previous patches. So yes,

How long have you been playing? What other gear do you own?
25 years. Vamp-2, Les Paul Studio and some Teles, Peavey Transtube.

If it were stolen or lost, would you buy it again or get something else? Vamp Pro and Midi controller

what do you love about it? What do you hate? What is your favorite feature? It's portable, but efficient. Don't want to hate it. Favorite feature=The same A/D engine in the Vamp, VampPro, Vampire, makes patch editing easy.

Did you compare it to other products? Which ones? Why did you choose this one? For only needing a few basic patches and can emulate or come close to the sound of a 4X12 or Tweed you just can't beat the price.

Anything you wish it had? Yes, like the Pod I wish it had a foot switch with a button per channel.

Does it help you make music, or does it get in the way? It has to help make the music, because we are a 4 piece band with only 3 instruments, (drums, bass, guitar )and loving it.

Anything else you'd like to share? Yes, I value the rating system on this website and anytime I consider buying a piece of gear I come here first looking for ratings above 8. I value the input of musicians that are in the same boat I'm in. Weekend warriors gigging in their local area, fan base, roady their own equipment, and look for ways of centralizing their rigs while producing quality sound.

And finally, yes their is a delay if you switch between "different amp/cabinet models" You noticed earlier I mentioned an average joe only use's one type of amp in the night unless you play professional in arenas, with 18 wheelers pulling your load. Press B+D arrow to L1, press Tuner for Exit and program all your patches using the same type of amp/cabinet model. You will not have any delay problems what so ever. Behringer previously designed the device to load the emulations in memory thus the delay when switching between programs. Remember it's digital.

Secondly, keep it simple. Create your base sound, save it, copy it(by holding each channel for 2 seconds) then add your gain and effects for your taste.

Thirdly, you have now entered into the world of direct. You are no longer mic'ing your amp, just using it as a monitor. Your tone is now supplied by the Vamp. So remember, to use your Effects Return or Power amp in. You may need to select L1, L2 or L3 based on your situation. L3 has two seperate channel mixes.

Fourthly, if you have owned a Pod previously then you know the importance of balanced cables. Purchase a mic cable, then cut off one end and solder a stereo 1/4" cable (a schematic is included in the manual). This is a TRS to XLR balanced cable.

Feel free to email me for questions, or how you are using your Vamp2.

Tweaking is easy... just dial up the amp, cab, effects that you want and push one button to save. Easy to adjust during live performance. What usually happens with effects units is your distortion at home is either too loud or not enough, so just dial the saving volume down when out live and save, nothing to it. You have 5 places to save in one bank so you can save, say a rhythm level in one, and a lead level in another, then use the foot switch to toggle between the two, and have 3 more for jumping to clean or whatever.

I have a vox tonelab that I gave over 6 bills for, and the sound of this is as good in some ways, better in others. The Vamp won't distort on the clean settings, which is a problem I have with the Vox. I think the distortions sound great. You can tweak it to a real heavy metal distortion, or tone it down for a warm blues sound. The delay's are real good. The autowah is the only thing that could be a little better, but hey for the price, I can afford an external wah unit, but it's pretty good.

I've had it a few months,so far, so good. The gig bag it comes with is ok if you are just going to carry it in your car, of course you may want to get something more durable to carry it in a packed situation. It's plastic, but seems to be pretty tough. I dropped it on a concrete floor once and it's still working.

Have'nt had to yet!!!

I play classic rock, 50's to the 90's, country, & blues. I play a solo gig with a sequencer and I'm getting the V-amp Pro rackmount version because I keep everything racked and next to me during solo gigs, and I"ll use this one for a back up.
I love that the cleans are real clean and the distortions are what they should be. It's light weight and easy to carry, so making it a back up will be easy.
For the money I cannot imagine anything being better. If you want a true comparison to the line 6 products I'd suggest finding a dealer that sells both products and trying them side by side, take your amp and axe with you for nothing else will tell you.