Behringer V-Amp 2

I upgraded from my V-Amp so no problems as far as this is concerned. I already had everything figured out. The basic editing is dead easy, but becomes somewhat more difficult to select reverb type or cabinets if you don't have a list to work from. Also no On/Off switch.

My setup is currently a Stage Acoustic/Electric, Epiphone Les Paul Standard, Squier MIM Strat, Peavey Studiopro 112 and Digidesign Pro Tools Free. The only problem I have is through the computer but that is not the V-Amps fault. I don't find it overly noisy, if you find it too much so, adjust the noise gate and you are fine. The effects are decent, no problem for the average live situation. Dialing in sounds is quick and easy.

Plastic case, be careful with it. No problems at all and don't expect any, but if you beat it around, put it in the included gig bag and leave it there. The pedal is great. At this price, why would you not have a backup??

This is great, an affordable (and possibly better) version of the POD. If you have the chance, try this out next to the POD, I think you'll be surprised.

It's easy. The shift functions are the hardest part.

VERRY NICE. Keep the master Volume under 8 and it's awesome.
Clean and nice.

Seems good so far

This is a real jewel. I play acoustic gigs and was looking for good chorus, flange, reverb, delay and knobs for real time adjustment.
Sounds great. The best is that there is a clean tube simulator in the amp model section. It's sweet on acousic guitar. For the money this is a must have.

Ich finde es die reinste Freude, mit dem V-Amp zu arbeiten. Durch die Endlosdrehregler in Verbindung mit dem LED-Kranz, hat man sofort einen fantastischen Uberblick. Es ist schier unglaublich, wie gut sich der V-Amp bedienen la?t. Ich bin nebenbei auch Synthi-Spieler und habe mir bereits einiges an Equipment gekauft. Aber: nichts ist auch nur annahernd so perfekt in der Bedienung wie der V-Amp. Im Synthi-Lager werden Endlosdrehregler mit LED-Kranz bisher meines Wissens nur von Clavia geboten. Das dies bei dem Preis des V-Amps von Behringer moglich gemacht wird, ist einfach fantastisch. Trotzdem ein Wunsch: Manchmal will ich das Ding mit einer Hand bedienen und dann nervt es, wenn man den Tap-Button gedruck halten mu? um die zweite Parameterebene zu erreichen.

Ich spiele eine Fender-Mexico-Fatstrat. Der V-Amp klingt einfach genial. Die Vielseitigkeit der Presets ist beeindruckt. Von wunderbaren lebendigen cleane Ampmodellen bis zum ultimativen High-Gain-Sound wird alles geboten. Ich mag mir wirklich nicht uberlegen, ob irgendwelche megateuren Rohrenamps besser klingen. Ich habe definitiv keinen Bock solche Teile zu besitzen. Sie sind mir zu schwer, zu teuer, zu wartungsintensiv, produzieren atzende Nebengerausche und sind nur bei gehorschadlichen Lautstarken wirklich uberlegen. Es macht auf jeden Fall totalen Spa? die Sounds des V-amp zu spielen. Man hat immer das Gefuhl einer direkten Ansprache und das ist mir wichtig. Die Effekte sind ebenfalls ziemlich gut. Wirklich hervorragend sind Auto Wah und Tremolo. Die Anschaffung des V-Amp lohnt sich alleine schon wegen der Effekte, zumal jetzt die Amp-Simulationen auch auf Bypass gestellt werden konnen

Da ich den V-Amp erst eine Woche habe, wei? ich naturlich nicht viel uber dessen Haltbarkeit. Die Verarbeitung macht einen sehr guten Eindruck. Das Teil sieht "in Echt" noch viel besser aus als auf Bildern. Die Potis laufen schon gleichma?ig. Der Fu?taster ist absolut stabil und sieht ebenfalls klasse aus. Es stort mich uberhaupt nicht, dass das Ding aus Plastik ist. Metall ist etwas schwerer und im Ubrigen nicht unbedingt haltbarer. Ich bin grundsatzlich ein vorsichtiger Mensch, der seine Sachen selten an die Wand schmei?t.

Ich habe den Behringer-Support schon einmal wegen meiner Patchbays bemuht und zwar deshalb, weil die Dinger nach 4 Wochen noch irgendwie eklig rochen. So etwas ist schon eine kleine Prufung fur die Freundlichkeit. Erstens ist zu sagen. Inzwischen haben die Dinger aufgehort zu stinken und zweitens hat Behringer den Test gut bestanden.

Ich mag sehr unterschiedliche Sachen und mochte mich nicht auf einen Sound festlegen. Mir kommt die Vielseitigkeit des Gerates sehr entgegen. Fur mich war ursprunglich klar, dass ich mir einen POD2 holen wurde. Allerdings war ich dann doch beim Antesten im Laden ziemlich enttauscht. Ich fand das Ding ziemlich steril und indirekt. Die Effekte einfach grauenhaft. Die Bedienung nur ma?ig. Irgendwie habe ich es nicht fertiggebracht das Ding zu kaufen. Ich habe so ein kleines Boss VF-1 Effektgerat mit COSM-Amsimulationen. Das ziehe ich im Zweifel dem Pod noch vor. Ich hatte dann die Chance im Geschaft ausgiebig POD2 und V-Amp im Direktvergleich zu testen. Es hat mich definitiv umgehauen. Die Sounds des V-Amp haben mir auf Anhieb eine Gansehaut uber den Rucken gejagt. Gar nicht steril, richtig lebendig. Einfach gut. Wenn der Behringer V-Amp sagen wir 450 Euro kosten wurde, ware ich noch immer begeistert und hatte auch dann keinerlei Schwierigkeiten gehabt, mich fur den V-Amp zu entscheiden. Zu diesem Preis kann man aber nur sagen: Herzlichen Gluckwunsch zu einem herausragenden Produkt zu einem sensationellen Preis.

The VAMP 2 is very easy to use. As repeated in every review, the lighted 'pots' are excellent and give you the exact position for each ingredient in the preset you are on. People familiar with the Line 6 POD will jump right in, knowing that the TAP button is also used to access the secondary functions of the various buttons. New users will fumble with it a bit until they swallow their pride and read the manual or get someone to help them sound out the words. Overall very straight forward. The descriptions of the amplifiers in the manual is very helpful, though the preset descriptions don't really tell you much. You are better off listening to these for yourself.

I am currently using a PRS Santana SE and an Ibanez RG220 while i'm rebuilding my 78 Les Paul Custom. I am running this through either a Marshall G15RCD when the wife and kid are around or though a CrateGX40D when I can. The Crate delivers a much less flavored sound, and thus lets the VAMP shine through. For the purpose of this discussion,though, I'll refer to the PRS/Crate setup. First off, without really thinking about the problem, I thought the thing was noisy as hell. Previously I was running a Zoom GFX707, and had no noise at all. However, the PRS and the VAMP were both new-so, start eliminating. PRS into the Crate = dead silence. OK, well, at least it wasn't the expensive part of the equation. Now, new cables, PRS and/or Ibanez through VAMP to either amp: NOISE (i'm speaking about high gain recto presets ). So I cranked up the noise gate on the few presets I was using to test, and found that to get noiseless or close to it, you ended up truncating notes prematurely. Then it dawned on me: this thing is emulating whatever amp you want, right? Looking at the presets, the VOLUME was CRANKED on all of them. Turn down the volume, up the MASTER, and suddenly a new world. I spent 10 minutes going through balancing the thing out and damn, I was getting the most incredible sounds. Put headphones on and it even sounds like it's sucking air ala' Dimebag. Problem definitely solved and consumer definitely happy. Moving around a bit through the presets, then overwriting the weirder ones at the upper end, I soon found very convincing old Randy Rhoads tones, newer Zakk Wylde tones come out perfectly, Metallica, subtler stuff like Santana and Led Zep on my own. Easily, accurately and impressively. Just adjust the volumes down so you aren't CRANKING your virtual amp. I.E. set it like you would set the real thing, and the sound will be there.

The included pedal is a nice, simple metal stomper that seems strong enough to take a Doc Marten upside the head, however, I wouldn't drop the main unit, keep it in the gig bag if you are moving around alot or getting stupid. As for the huge warning about plugging the cord into the unit after plugging it into the wall, I screwed up once already and did that to no effect, so I think it may be a bit more reliable than Behringer says, though I won't repeat the experiment.

I've not used customer support, however, the web site is decent, there is a good bit of information, and unlike Line 6, upgrades are free.

I mostly play heavy metal, with lots of Zakk Wylde type harmonics and James Hetfield muted gallop riffs, along with fingerpicked creepy chorusy clean interlude and intro parts. This unit can cover any sound I want, and not even begin to dip into the scope of sounds available. If it were lost or stolen, I'd be on the net ordering a new one that day. If Line 6 is Pepsi, this Baby is RC. Tastes way better, you get more for your buck, but the advertising and shelf space just isn't there. It's a shame. I played POD 2.0 extensively before buying, then came across the VAMP-went to the web site, heard a couple of mp3 samples, and ordered it. Yes, it does need an on/off switch, but a switched surge protector between the VAMP and the wall does the trick. Since I've gotten this unit my playing has improved tremendously, my songwriting as well, simply because it is such a pleasure to play and listen to, sounding exactly like I want to sound.

It's easy to get a good sound because it has 125 factory preset channels. What's next, 10,000 channels? Why not I say, why not. How about connecting to the web and call up any song ever recorded to get that guitar tone. A large variety to choose from without making your own. Storing edits was difficult to understand in the manuel. I wish they had a list in the manual of all the parameters for each of the 125 channels. It would be easer to search for something your looking for. My dream has come true with the lighted dials. Way to go. And it's cheap. Not like the Yamaha with motorized pots. A good idea but too expensive. These V-Amp rotory encoders are the way to go.

I play into a Line6 Flextone amplifier set for Black Panel. I found I like the mode using the speaker simulater. The Master volume control makes too much noise when you turn it up to higher levels. I like the effects better that the Line6 Flextone. With 32 amps and 15 speaker cabnets to choose from that's 540 different combinations. How much time would that take??? Hummmmmmm. Get a life man. Sound quality is bitchen.

The lighted dials are really cool. To me, their worth the full price of this unit. I'm not lost like I am with the Line6. The gig bag is high quality and very usefull. The foot switch is good but only lets you switch between the five channels in one of the 25 banks at a time. You can't switch between banks. I've tried comprable Digitech products and this is way better. If the Line6 Pod costs $299, this should sell for $599 but it only costs $129!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This thing kicks major butt. Just do it.

The V-Amp 2 has an intuitive interface out of the box. The dials should be self-explanatory to anyone who has used a guitar amp and effects pedals before. Some of the other functions may require you to read through the manual, which is pretty well-written. If you use the MIDI interface with the V-Amp Design software (which is available at www.v-amp.com), all of functions are right in front of you which is very helpful (no navigating by sequences of button pressing). You can download patches, name, or modify them. This makes the V-Amp simple to use, especially if you record from your computer. The names of the patches are in front of you which is easier to remember than a 'A2' or a 'B3'. The only reason I give it a 9 is because it lacks a power switch, which is more features-related than of ease of use.

I am using it with a Squier Standard Strat, which plugs into a Midiman Audiophile 2496 sound card in my PC. The V-Amp 2 is more than enough quiet for my purposes, which is mainly beginning home recording. Most of the effects are excellent. Although I'm not an amp connoisseur most of the ones I've heard are reproduced pretty faithfully in the V-Amp 2. The main reason I bought it was because I was having trouble a getting a good mic'ed sound from my Vox Cambridge. Mainly for someone like me who wants to plug in without learning the intricacies of amp mic'ing, it was a perfect solution. I replaced my amp and pedalboard with this amp and I admit it has done a better job. It doubles as a multi-effects pedal with the preamp bypass, but since my one and only amp is gone I haven't been able to try it out.

Although the V-Amp 2 is made out of plastic, the footswitch has a metal casing which looks solid enough for gigging (just make sure you keep the main unit out of harm's way). Like the POD and J-Station I would consider the V-Amp more of a recording tool than for live use, but it could be used for both without any problems, I think.

Haven't dealt with them.

The only things I would add to the V-Amp is a power switch and a digital (S/PDIF) output. I think I would rather have those than the included gig bag and footswitch, which are nice in themselves. For the price ($130 US), though, nothing matches its versatility (except maybe the J-Station which is $20 more). I can't see why anyone would pay more than twice as much for a POD 2.0, except for the name and reputation. The V-Amp is a well-thought out piece of recording equipment with an outstanding value.

You should be able to have a good knowledge of how this thing works within 15 minutes or so. Editing is pretty easy. The manual could have been easier to understand, but it's helpful. Just play with it and figure it out.

I've been playing it through my Peavey and Fender amps. I use a strat and 335 guitar. The V-Amp is not noisy. It sounds really good, actually. I have no complaints about the effects. But I admit I haven't tried them all yet. I've only had this thing for about a week. I bought it mainly for the amp sounds. The effects are an added bonus.
As far as amp sounds, it sounds great! I also tried the POD2 and liked the V-Amp better. But I'll be editing and putting in my own sounds. Some of the pre-set sounds are great, some are good, and some are really bad. But if you make your own, they'll all be great.

Only had it a week.

Don't know. Never dealt with them.

I play blues and light jazz. With the distortion sounds, I can rock out now and then. I can get a good Larry Carlton or Robben Ford sound. And the clean sounds are very prestine. I've been playing for about 35 years. The V-Amp allows me to get just about whatever amp sound I want without having to buy a couple of dozen amps.
For the price, it's way better than the POD2. I would not hesitate to get it again if it were lost or stolen. I pretty much like everything, but an On/Off switch would have been nice. And a better footswitch would have been good. But for $129, I can't complain.

Much easier to set up, tweak, and use than anything of this type I've spent any time with (Roland VG-8, POD, Yamaha DG, Oberheim Gm 400, various Digitech and Korg products) Almost everything is obvious from the labeling, and its easy enough to remember the few things that aren't just going through the manual once... The manual is pretty good. The LED display and tuner are a cut above.

Overall, I really enjoy it. I am particularly impressed with the clean sounds and the Class A type amps - I use the Black Twin a lot too. The signal to noise ratio is very good - and I am really picky. The effects are fine - I tend to salt lightly, however, if you like swimming in reverb, I'm not sure how it stacks up. It gives a satisfying tube like feel when run into a full range amp like my Carvin AG100 or a decent monitor. Running it into a guitar amp requires more finesse. The eq controls and cabinet modeling allows you to tweak your sound just so and the flexibility of configuring the output so one line out has cabinet modeling & the other doesn't really extends its utility.The V-Amp 2 sounds great through headphones and actually makes it possible to practice for extended periods at reasonable volume without the ear fatigue or sounding gutless like most gear on the market.

I popped the hood and its very solidly built, good assembly and components. Three knocks against it are: 1- The case doesn't close real tight near the MIDI connectors, 2- the the less than robust nature of the power supply connector ,and 3 - the lack of a On/Off switch. It would be more convenient to use if it were rackmount or at least if the cords all ran out the back. Backup? It is my backup. A lot lighter than another amp & you can use it as effects only if you want.

Don't know

I play a range of world music with sounds ranging from Freddy King to Ali Farka Toure. Ibanez AF 120 & a Strat. Tend to use whatever amp's around, mostly Fenders. My friends mostly worship Mesa Boogies, yet even they are mildly impressed by the high gain models on the V-amp - they actually live there in high gain land and know better than I. I am quite pleased with it. I had a DG Stomp - nice though it is didn't give me the kind of clean and saturated sounds I prefer, and I just can't hang with the Boss GT or the Digitech line - not organic enough. I learned a lot with my POD, and it has been a great asset for trying new sounds and recording. The V-Amp 2 is a step up - a lively sense of shimmer with the clean sounds, and the drive character of Class A amps has a satifying flex to it that really lets me go on a tear with the Stat. It comes with a bag, a footswitch and you can even use it with a Midi controller - $129! what a deal - its worth that just for practicing through headphones

The v-amp2 is incredibly easy to use. After an hour or so of fiddling and maybe five minutes with the manual I was ready to exploit all of the features.

I mostly use the v-amp with my stock epi lp std with headphones, apartment life with a wife and child are less that bliss for a guitar player. Somethimes I play it through my Fender Blues Jr., with cab sim's turned off and it sounds "OK", but not as good as with headphones or direct to PC.

With headphones this thing sounds great. I can't really compare it to the "real" sound of things like a real live dual rectifier with a 4x10 because I have never in my life ever seen one closer than the pit at a show, but it really does sound good to me. I compared the clean "fenderish" and "tubish" sounds to my Blues Jr. and they are prtty good. I wouldn't give up my Blues Jr. for the world, but it is nice to have someother amp sounds to play with.

It has been dependable for me with the consideration that I have had it for three days.. as far as giggiing I guess I might use it with a decent power amp or PA if my guitar skills ever reached gigging proportions.

My only dealings with Behringer are through my on-line registration of this product. But.. the fact that these guys put the 2.0 software up for the owners of the original v-amp is awesome. Finding someone to "burn" a rom is a bitch, but at least the software waas free.

I like to try to play a lot of styles, from clean blues to dirty blues to Metallica to Nue metal to whatever. I just like to play. I havn't been playing long, less then a year. I hope that doesn't color the review for too many folks :)

My other geat include a couple of acoustics, a couple of electrics my "best" being the afore mentioned epiphone les paul std (think what you will, this "newbie" loves it) and a Fender blues jr amp (my favorite piece of equipment) and a bunch of random pedals with my fave being a marshall lil' guv'nor. The lil'guv'nor is all but retired at this point with the marhsall amp models coming out of my v-amp :)

I have to say, as a beginner, having all of these sounds in my hands is a wonderous thing. I don't have my own style or sound at this point and being able to dial in a preset and just go off is a great thing.. or dial in my "own" wounds is fun too. I really like this product and I believe in it and endorse it. If you are a beginner and don't have a bunch of dough but are interested in playing with a lot of differnet amps, check out the v-amp(2)

The V-Amp2 is very easy to use. The manual will be needed to look up what some of the hidden functions are, but for the most part it's just 'twist a knob and go!' The only reason I give it an 8 is because it's not as simple as, say, a digitech Genesis1. But it does 10 times more so thats ok. I definitally recommend getting the computer software from www.v-amp.com and hooking the unit into your computer. This makes using is SO much simpler and even better.

I use a dean EVO through this into a line6 DL4 for looping and then straight into my computer.

There are so many good sounds to be had in this it's unreal. The 32 amp models all sound different and good, and each cabinet model sounds different through each amp. So basically take 32x15 and thats how many different sounds you can get.

The eq is kindof lacking. The cabinets effect eq more than the actual eq knobs do. But thats ok, cause it sounds good.

Now the effects: excellent. Chorus, flanger, phaser, delay, all excellent. Compressor and noise gate suck, however. The noise gate works for when you aren't playing but everytime you stop when using distortion you hear some unwanted noise, and that gets annoying. And if you get the software for the computer you can use delay, modulation, and compression at the same time. Regularly you can only use 1 of those.

Well, the thing is plastic, so it is definitaly designed to sit on a desk rather than be beat up. The foot-switch is metal however. And the power plug is NOT a wall wart!!!! It also comes with a case for all this. Thats amazing to me. I give it a 9 because there is no on/off switch. Not a big enough thing to not buy it, but still I wish it was there.

never dealt with Behringer, but heard good things from those who have...

I play everything. I can't get exact sounds of my favorite artists, but I can get great sounds for all types of music. Sure the thing has some shortcomings that suck, but for 129 bucks this is the holy grail for guitarists. One thing to consider: I think Behringer made this product specifically to be recorded. When i first plugged it in i thought it sounded wierd and distant and fake, but if you turn off the cabinet models it sounds like any normal pedal. So i think this is supposed to sound for example like a recording of a mesaboogie rather than a live one. I don't know if that makes sense, but unless you can afford an expensive amp or processor than BUY THIS!!!

This unit is very easy to operate if you're used to a POD. Very similar in a lot of ways. The Vamp2 is even easier, because the LED's let you see exactly where the knob positions are for the various presets. Editing patches is as easy as storing your favorite radio stations in your car stereo. The manual is strictly business, unlike Line 6's manual, where it seems like they pat themselves on the back on every page. I swear, if I have to read how Line 6's engineers were strung out on caffiene one more time I'll puke.

Let me start by saying I currently own a POD 2.0 and the Vamp 2, and I have to say the sound quality on the Vamp is superior in every way to the POD. The sounds are much cleaner, and distortions are much more tube sounding and sponge-like than the POD. The effects are also top notch to my ears. The reverbs in specific, are very crisp and lush. I never use the reverb on my POD (It only has 2 to choose from) but now I know why. I'm using my Ibanez RG570 with stock pickups with both units, and it sounds great. My only complaint is that the distortions on the Vamp are very similar sounding, but with some minor tweaking you can get very diverse sounds. The only effect I don'y care much for is the rotary effect. I'm sure someone willfind a good use for it, but it's very subtle and thin. I mainly play hard rock/metal and this unit works very well for that style. I must say that the clean sounds on the Vamp are so good, that I've found myself messing around with a lot of the clean patches.

As everyone here's already stated, the Vamp has a plastic case. I really like the POD's metal case, but I guess if you were to drop either of them something would break either way, but it just gives you a little better peace of mind knowing the POD's a little heavier duty when it comes to construction. I've never had an issue with realiability on my Vamp yet, and mine's been on 24hrs a day since the damn thing has no on/off switch.

I e-mailed Behringer twice upon hearing about the Vamp2 release, and each time I recieved a response from my server that it was rejected. Maybe thier email handler was down or something, but I used a link right from thier site. From what I hear they're pretty easy to work with once you get a hold of them. So far I can't comment, but I'll give them a 7 for their email response.

I only bought my Vamp as an alternative to new sounds to record other than my POD. I really didn't expect much for the price but I have to say that I'm truly blown away! This unit sounds MUCH MUCH better than the POD. Although the POD was the first on the scene, there came a time when I just got tired of the sounds the thing made. The effects on the POD were all thin and lifeless. I only used it for one distortion, and even that got old after a short while. Every time I use the Vamp I'm finding new sounds. I really like the auto-wah effect, and find that you can really sound like you're using a wah pedal based on your picking dynamics. I've used other (Boss) auto wah's before, but this one sounds better to me. I really wish Behringer would come out with a rack mount version, or come out with a mount bracket like the POD. In fact, I really wish Behringer would just make the unit in a more conventional shape, as my only real complaint (Other that the on/off switch) is that the shape of the unit makes routing wires a real mess. I would really contemplate using this live, but finding a way to mount it somewhere close, but not making it an eyesore is nearly impossible. The power cord is not a standard 9 volt type, so if you loose it it would appear you're screwed. One last gripe, like the POD, if you want to access different cabinets, effects, and amp models you have to hold down a key while you press others. At least on the POD you can push the Tap Tempo and Manual buttons together and then go about you're business. Why don't either of them just make a "Shift" key that you hit once a forget about it? If this unit was stolen I would beat the bastard with his own blah, blah, blah...ad nauseum. At the price these are sold at I have really thought about getting another one as a backup. For $129 you get a unit that sonically blows away any other multi-effects unit made right now, you get a footswitch, and a carrying case!!!!!Anyone who gets a POD instead of this thing is a fool with a lot of money.

This thing is really easy to figure out. Spend 5 minutes tinkering, and 5 minutes more with the manual to explain what you missed in the first 5 minutes. The manual is pretty weak on effect parameter explanation, but ultimately your ears will be your guide anyway.

The "guitar" shape is kind of cheesy, and it has the unfortunate effect of spreading out your inputs & outputs all over the unit. The case is plastic so there is not much weight to hold the thing down on a desk - which becomes a problem when your guitar, headphones, l/r outputs are all tugging on the unit. Drop at your own risk.

The footswitch is in a metal case - go figure.

On the plus side - the LED rings around the knobs are great - they even show up as two lights when you're at a xx.5 setting. Reverb is separate from the rest of the effect mix which is also great. I HATE TAP TEMPO for setting chorus,phase and flange rates!

First of all let me say that I'm spoiled by my Line 6 AX2 - which the v-amp2 is not. I bought it primarily to take along with a cheap guitar to practice with when boredom encroaches into vacation time. I plan to record some with it also.

After twisting and turning and experimenting with several guitars, the v-amp can be made to sound decent. The classic clean (JC120 model) is very nice, and some of the high gain models are good for soloing. I have yet to find a model that rings with true tube-like sounds for rhythm work though. I'm no tube snob - my AX2 NAILS the high gain marshall sound for rhythm. It seems the high gain amps have just a little too much of that zoom505 buzzy-guitar-thru-a-kazoo quality about them. Time will tell.

Oh and I almost forgot, It's kind of obvious, but because the v-amp is primarily a headphone/recording unit you WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET THAT WONDERFUL MELODIC NOTE DECAY FEEDBACK that you can get with a "real" amp w/speakers. I miss it already. (my dog does not)

Have not dealt with them yet.

I play some Rush, various & sundry 80's metal, & some original stuff. Been at it off and on for 20 years. For lead & clean this little gem is worth the bucks. Maybe after more experimentation the rhythm "sound" will surface.

The packaging is first rate - nice little bag with room for the footswitch, adaptor, and a small pair of headphones, if you cram 'em a little. No power switch on the unit though, which makes you plug in the adaptor to the v-amp and THEN into the wall. The manual says doing otherwise could damage the unit. Hope I don't forget....

First of all, realize that some reviewers have not even read the instructions and don't know how to use the Vamp2, so they of course get a bad sound. Some seem to have plugged the unit into their guitar input on their amp without bypassing the amp modeler in the Vamp2. This is sort of like running a Marshall Stack through a Marshall stack(or any other amp). Of course it sounds muddy! Also, the presence control is off on some of the patches for some reason and this needs to be on with the presence control turned up all the way to get the most in-your-face sound. Otherwise, it will sound muddy. The Vamp2 can be used for other things, but it is designed mostly for recording and with a good pair of headphones, it sounds unbelievable. For the price, the sound you get is so close to sitting in a studio control room, monitoring a $2,000 amp, miked perfectly, it really is rediculous. This stuff didn't exist even 5 years ago, so take advantage of it and stop "nitpicking" and looking for problems. Yes, it is imperfect. Didn't you notice, so is everything else in the world, including high end tube amps!

The Vamp2 is fairly easy to use. You have to hold down the tap button and rotate a knob at the same time to access some additional amps and controls. That is a bit awkward. There are really a lot more patches than you need, but that is generally a good thing unless you spend more time creating cool sounds than playing guitar! The factory settings are good in general. To listen only to the amp with no reverb or effects, simply turn those dials to 0 and then add to that after you find your sound. The manual is adequate but not perfect.

I use a Yamaha SG700S into a MAudio Omni Studio with Sony MDR-V600 headphones for recording into my computer. I use a Hughes & Kettner Tour Reverb half stack amp for a live sound with the Vamp2 going through the effects loop. It does have a delay when switching patches, and can be a problem if you have to have two different amp sounds in one song when playing live. The unit is pretty noisy when using high gain settings and even with the noise gate turned all the way up, you can still hear the noise for a split second after playing a dirty sound and then muting the strings. I returned the origanal Vamp because it did this and then found out the POD and POD Pro

($600!!) also do this. But it really doesn't matter for me anyway. I can edit it out after recording it on my computer anyway. The main thing is it gets a a huge, awesome tube amplifier sound. The effects are usable and pretty rich sounding. For $130, it is a 10. I prefer it over the POD 2.0 regardless of price. The POD Pro is still better though, especially with the digital outs, but don't waste your $ unless you're rich. And don't get a J-Station or Genesis 3 because of their digital outs. They still sound tiny and flat compared to POD's and Vamp's.

Seems reliable, and since it is so cheap, buy another one so you can have a backup and still spend less than on a POD. There is no on/off switch, and that annoys me. The manual warns to NEVER plug the cord into the wall first and then into the Vamp2 because it could damage it. That seems like a bad design....

I have no experience with Behringer customer support.

I play alternative/modern rock and I like big, lush sounds(not just loud). The Vamp2 gives me a ton of huge, musical sounds. Try some of the different reverb setting with the reverb turned up all the way. That is NOT the sound of a $130 guitar proccessor! Yes, I would buy another one and I plan on getting another one anyway to be able to play two amps at once(the Genesis 3 does this, but those are stil 2 crappy amps at once!). When I stop playing with all the dials and just rock out, I can really be inspired because of the sound it produces. The bottom line is, the Vamp2 is second only to the POD Pro and if it had digital outs, it would be very close. So if you can, stop reading my babbling and go to a Mars or Guitar Center or whatever you have and compare how it sounds to the others. It is a big difference.

It's pretty easy to use if you know whatkind of sound you want, just turn the knobs.

I have Jackson PS-6t guitar, Ibanez Smash Box and Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet head.

The sounds on this thing are great... except the High gain modellings. When I first got it I thought they were amazing, but after a while I noticed that they are a bit muddy if you play with an amp, if you use a PA (or perhaps a decent power amp) it sounds ok. The biggest problem why I can't use it live is that it has a short delay when you change the patch. Live I'm planning to use V-Amp2 only as an effects unit, bypassing the preamp. It works fine that way and doesn't have a delay when changing the patch.

Well no reliability problems from my point of view...

I play nu-kinda-metal, so I was dissapointed when the High gains didn't work for me. The other models rock! I love it when I wanna play some rock, punk or blues. If you want good tube models buy this, if you want high gain distortion, try something else.

This unit is very simple to use. I pulled it out of the box and plugged everything in. I was editing my own sounds within 10 minutes. Everything is marked pretty well and the manual seems to be pretty easy to understand.

So far I have mostly used this with headphones. It actually does a pretty good job of making them sound good. Anybody who has ever owned a rockman or any similar unit can tell you that it is very hard to get a natural amp sound with headphones. I tried it plugged straight into Carvin X60 1x12 combo and it sounded like crap so I tried plugging it in stereo through two amps and it still sounded sorta processed. I then tried plugging it through the effects loop of both amps and suddenly it sounded killer. This unit is aimed at recording or listening through headphones which both pretty much try to reproduce a flat frequency response. If you run it through anything that colors the sound it will affect the quality. I don't think this is really a drawback but if you want the best sound it is definitely worth some tinkering. The speaker simulater does quite a good job of changing the sound of the models but it doesn't really sound like the speaker size that it emulates. It is still very useful for getting a variety of sounds though. The effects aren't very adjustable but they already sound more professional than your average stomp box that costs more than this whole unit. The sound is not perfect but this thing costs about 130.00. I don't see how anybody could complain about anything on it for that price. I started playing about 16 years ago. My first amp was a 10 watt gorilla with an 8 inch speaker. I had to buy a boss distortion pedal just to make the sound bearable and even then it sounded like a buzz saw.(which at the time I thought was a good thing) It really amazes me that even beginning guitarists can have a professional sounding peice of equipment for around the same price as my first amp.

I haven't had it long enough to know if it is reliable or not. I have heard other people say that they wish it was made of metal like the POD but in my experience with metal units, they don't look good for very long. I actually prefer the plastic. I wouldn't use anything for a gig if I didn't have a backup because anything can and will happen if you aren't prepared.

I've never dealt with the company before. I would guess that them being so far away could present some problems but I can't say for sure.

I play alot of classic rock and 80's metal. It sounds great for either and from playing around with the presets I see that it could be used for alot of different styles. I have been playing for 16 years and I have used alot of gear. I have had several tube amps and for me I think they are highly overrated. I bought my first Marshall half stack and couldn't wait to get home only to find out that it sounded like shit and needed a good pedal in front of it. More recently I have really gotten into the modeling amp fad and I have to say that I can't bash any of the equipment I have tried. I now have a Line 6 half stack and a Jonnson Millenium and they are both excellent. I would have to say that the Behringer does a very good job of competing with both of them and it costs 10 times less than either of them. If it were lost or stolen I would definitely get another one just for recording. I think I have already said all the things I do like about it but there are some things that I don't like. Why on earth didn't they add an on and off switch? How hard would it have been to add something simple like that. I would have figured that this being the second version of the V-Amp that they would have heard enough complaints the first time. Also, I know they wanted to compete with the "POD" but I would like to see a rackmounted version of the V-Amp. Small complaints aside, I have to say that it is impossible to compare it to anything in it's price range because it totally obliterates anything close to it's price.

It doesn't get any easier than this. Everything is well labeled and configured. The lights for position indicators is priceless... way better than my POD2. Not much you could do to make it easier other that a large display with names for the cab sims and reverb types instead of numbers you need to look up.

First off let me tell you what pre amps I have used in the past so you have a good idea of my comparisons. I have had a 2101 artist, Carvin Quad (tube), POD2, and currently a Tech21 PSA-1 (great unit). This Vamp2 is a great sounding unit. I bought it (from Guitar center) because I needed a cheap solution for quick recording and have some of their other equipment which I really liked. I expected it to work OK. I was blown away buy the sounds that come out of this unit. The amps sims are really good the cab sims do a great job of changing the sound like you think they might, and the effects sound great. This is by far the best $129 I have ever spent. This thing is way better than the POD on many levels. Let me list them for you: Price... half as much and twice as good, the indicator lights are the way to go, you not only have independent reverb but you can also choose from 15 different types, the effects sound way better, the amp sims are at least as good and in may cases better, etc. Now for the cool stuff the POD doesn't even offer: Multiple configurations which are super useful... you can set it up to be just an effects processor, send one dry signal and one wet for recording, one for monitors one for the board, more. It has an auxiliary in with volume control for head phone jamming with your favorite CD. A nice case and footswitch. Obviously I am happy with my purchase.

Don't know

Don't know

As you can see I really like this unit. It is easy to use, has some great features and flexibility and sounds great. Much more than I expected for $129. It is kind of like going to a movie you didn't expect much from and coming away really liking it. As with the other Behringer gear I have bought there is a lot of bang for the buck here.

Let me start out by saying that Behringer has done what other companies should have been doing all along... offering free updates and upgrades for their products. I have upgraded my original V-amp to the V-amp 2. Because Behringer posted the firmware update for free on the web, I was able to find someone to program me an updated chip for $10. I was able to install the new chip with no difficulties, and I am VERY pleased with the new sounds. Also, you can download an editor for free from Behringer so you can program, store, and share presets. Behringer is definitely a class act, and has truly fulfilled the meaning of customer service.

Most of the essential parameters have their own knob, and most sounds can be simply dialed in without looking in the manual and scrolling through parameters.

A 10 you say? Yes, I'll give it a 10! While nothing is perfect, this V-amp delivers more than it's 130 dollars worth.

I bought the V-amp for recording purposes. In this role, the V-amp works terrific. All of the amp presets have a distinctive sound, and are useful. Depending on your style, you may not use all of the different amp models, but it is nice to have 32 to choose from.

I really did not care for most of the presets that came preprogrammed on the V-amp, but I was able to quickly dial in my own settings, and save them. I usually don't use much in the way of effects, but the effects on the V-amp are useful.

One feature that I really love is the fact that the reverb is totally separate from the effects. The reason for this is not totally obvious to some people, so I'll explain why this is such a great feature. EVERYTHING you hear on CD's, TV, and the radio has reverb. Reverb is absolutely necessary, without it, NOTHING you record will sound right. In my book, reverb is not an effect, it's an essential. Getting the reverb you want is much easier when you can simply twist it's own knob, without having to punch a button and scroll through parameters.

I have had no problems with my V-amp, and the upgraded chip has worked fine. Only time will tell...

I have already told you how much I like Behringers approach. Manuals, upgrades, and sofware are all available online for free. Also, for the 130 bucks, they include a gig bag and footswitch. I've had no troubles with my V-amp, or the upgrade, so I can't comment on their repairs. I can tell you this, if it works for a year and then fries, I will have gotten my money's worth out of it. If it were stolen, I would buy another one.

The only complaint I have about the V-amp is it's guitar shaped case. It looks really groovy, and is fine for the studio, but it is a real hassle when playing live. The cords stick out of it from every direction, and there is no way to mount it in a case. One could make a bracket to mount it to a mic stand, but it would still be cumbersome. It would be nice to see a rack mount version, or maybe a footpedal style version.

All in all, you won't find a better value than this $130 dollar V-amp. Considering that the updates are cheaply and easily done, you won't feel cheated when the V-amp is updated. The included footswitch and gigbag are icing on the cake.

Thanks Behringer!

Its very easy to get great tones from the VAMP2.I was initially dissapointed because I coudn't find tones that I liked but after changing cabinet models,I was in heaven!The default cabinet model on almost all the patches seems to be the Custom V Amp 4X12 cab.And that sounds a little harsh to my ears.

Editing is pretty easy.Once you get the hang of it,you'll be able to change things around real quick.

The manual isn't too good however.Everything you need is in there but I felt that they could have made it a lot better.

I'm using a Strat style guitar and an Ibanez RG570.The amp models are extremely realistic.

One major complaint I have is that some of the high-gain models are noisy as hell.Turning the noise gate up cuts the noise but you tend to lose responsiveness.

I listen to all kinds of music but for the most part,I'm into jazz,fusion and progressive rock.Some of my favourite lead guitar tones are - Greg Howe,Allan Holdsworth,Scott Henderson,Brian May,SRV,Yngwie Malmsteen,Blues Saraceno,Richie Kotzen.

Its possible to get very close to these tones if you fiddle around with the amp,cabinet and eq.

The eq. is kinda weird because its not independent of the amp model.So if you select a Fender Bassman,the eq. for that acts very differently from that of a Mesa MarkIIc.Also,the presence control greatly affects eq. response.

The FX are very good.I generally stick to just a little reverb and delay just to flesh out the sound a bit.I also use some chorus and echo for my "80s ballad" songs.

I don't know about the reliability.I think there are some problems with the knobs on my unit.Some of them turn very smoothly while others are kinda stiff.Also theres some noise when I turn the knobs.

I haven't personally dealt with behringer before.I bought this unit from www.8thstreet.com and their service is excellent

This product is definitely inspiring.You have so many great tones to play around with and once you get going,you lose track of the time.

This is an update to my previous posting.

After spending more time with this unit I was able to get some exellent clean tones as well as superb rock sounds. In fact I was able to get better note definition than on any other digital equiptment I've owned.

Some of the effects are not that great to my ear,like the auto-wah, however I feel if you get a few exellent tones that's about as good as it gets---It's better to have one great sound than ten mediocre ones. And besides this thing is very inexpensive!

As for Joern, who had a problem with noise when using reverb, maybe it was his unit as the reverb on mine is fine. In fact I use the ultimate room reverb and turn it from half to three quarters up on most stuff.

I originally rated the sound an eight but after jamming more with it I must upgrade it to a nine. This is thru headphones(as that's what I bought it for) I have a bunch of those practice CDs with backing tracks for guitar and must say with one of those plugged in you can Rock with this Box!

You might be able to spend ten, or thirty times, as much on other modeling/effects units but I doubt you are going to get all that much better tone.

Buy this unit, practice your chops, and save up for a nice tube amp for ultimate live tone.

Fairly easy to use, about right actually--with some digital stuff it's
too much work and you spend a lot of time and still can't achieve the sound you want.

I am using a Les Paul with Dimarzio super Distortion in the bridge. Some of the factory presets have the noise gate set a little too low so there is some noise, however if you raise the gate and then store your new setting it should be fine. I was able to eliminate most noise and still sustain a note for over ten seconds.

I bought this as a practice tool to use through headphones and that's how I am reviewing it. I ran it into my tube amp and it was a little thin but still quite useable. However for rocking along with a CD, ran ran in the adjustable Aux. imput, it sounds good. I was not able to get as good of clean sounds as Distortion but I don't play clean much anyway. It was fairly easy to tweak in a decent classic rock tone.

Now if you expect this little $129 unit to sound like a great tube amp well it ain't gonna happen. In fact there are people who complain about their Eventide and Lexicon digital guitar amp sims and some of those units run into the thousands of dollars.

Have not tried recording it yet so can't say about that.

Have not owned it long enough to say.

I have owned the upper end digital stuff by Digitech, Johnson, Line 6 ect. and just tried out the Hughes and Kettner Zentera. I think anytime you digitize a signal you lose a little punch and sizzle. However as a practice tool I think this is a pretty good unit and think most people should be happy with the V Amp 2 if they have realistic expectations. Also comes in a nice carry bag and with a foot-switch.... not bad for $129.

Using the V-Amp 2 is a piece of cake. Very easy, the lighted knobs are very useful. I'd say, anyone who needs more than 5 minutes to deal with the major functions must be quite dull.

The sound is very good, as long as you don't use reverb. When i got it, i plugged in my guitar and played. Well, at about every 10 seconds i heard a noise growing and fading, like a train coming through. Very annoying and quite loud. Well, at first i thought maybe my cable is broken or my pickup wich i haven't used for quite a while had a failure. But the noise didn't disappear when disconnecting the guitar. What i found out is, that the noise comes and goes with the reverb. I asked my dealer about that, as i thought my device was faulty. The answer i got, was that all of the V-amps have noise problems. So i instead of exchanging it, i returned it. Too bad, cause if there wasn't that noise, the v-amp would be a very nice tool...

Maybe Behringer better had used better parts it V-amp 2. It is a cheap device, but if there is such a noise, it worth nothing at all. I would pay 50 EUR more, if i could get a V-Amp 2 without noise.

This unit is the best thing on the market, and very reasonably priced. The documentation is good, and in many languages. Cabinet and effect quality are both hot!

Complaint:It needs an on/off switch

I have a few different tele's and strats. I use it mostly with headphones or direct into the computer.

For most settings, the only noise comes from the single coil pickups. Some settings (triple rectifier, ultimate V Amp), have some noise, but thats the style that you might want. Outstanding.

Setup is outstanding. I like these settings: D-5, D23, D20, C12, C3, C2, B1, B17, B21, A13, A6 and A2... but your mileage may vary.

It is VERY easy to get U2 like delay. It is a piece of cake to get sounds from dozens of artists. There is a users group on Yahoo with over 1000 users, they also have a ton of presets, free software, etc.

The unit has ONE drawback - no on/off switch. That is kind of picky... but

Never needed customer support. It should be fine.

I am very impressed. It is a great deal. It is much nicer than version 1.