Behringer GMX212 V-Tone

I own a Behringer V-Amp2 and am pleased with the modeling sounds, so I was curious about this amp. Found a lightly used one at a local music store. The only problem with the amp was a loose input jack. The store tried to fix it, but to no avail. They suggested I contact Behringer for a replacement part. Since I am experienced in electronic repair, I asked them what they would sell it to me for as is. I took this amp home for $125...and man, it was well worth it...since it retails for $349 and it generally goes for about $250 at most music stores.

I don't have to go into all the features, since its been well described already. I don't understand some of the gripes about this amp having "no pressure". If you take the time to experiment with the settings, you'll get plenty of growl. My favorites are the British in either Hi Gain or Hot with UK speaker setting and the Tweed clean with US speaker setting. Its got very nice clean and dirty tone and is way loud enough.

Effects are OK. I'm not much into them, but there are decent sounding delays, reverbs, chorus, flanging, phasing, pitch, etc. I could live without some of them though (auto wah, magic drive(yuk!)

If I could wish for one thing more on this amp, it would be that you could have an extra switch on the footswitch to switch between the mode settings (clean/hi-gain/hot) on each channel. That would be nice to get that extra bit of gain while soloing without having to run back to the amp to switch it.

I play in a band that does everything from Merle Haggard to ZZ Top and this amp can cover all the bases well.

I use both humbucking(bill lawrence, dimarzio) and single coil(Fender noiseless)pickups with the amp. It goes from clean to ripping fairly well. I'd say that the distortion tone compares very favorably with my Marshall JCM900. My ear goes for more of a classic rock distortion tone and this amp does a great job. The clean sound sure does sound very Fender-like and works great for country and mellow rock stuff.

I haven't found it to be any noisier than other amps I've played. Of course, it depends on the situation (club's wiring, flourescent lights, etc.).

I'm taking this amp out to the Sturgis Rally this year for a 7 night engagement, so that will be the acid test. I do plan on taking my Marshall along as well, but would be taking a backup amp along anyway just to be safe. I plan on using both amps on stage.

The only problem I've had so far is the loose input jack and Behringer was super about it...(see "Customer Support").

The amp had a loose input jack when I bought it. I contacted Behringer and, at first, they wanted me to ship it in for repair. I emailed them back and told them that I wanted to fix the amp myself and just wanted a part number so I could order the input jack. They responded and said that the jack was mounted in a module and it would be easier to replace the whole thing. They said that even though I bought the amp used and it wasn't in warranty...they would send me an input jack module FREE OF CHARGE!

If that's not customer service, I don't know what is!

I've been playing guitar for over 25 years and, for my money, this amp holds its own with the big dogs at a fraction of the cost. If you're just starting out, or just want another amp to add to your arsenal, I would highly recommend the Behringer GMX-212. Its a fun little amp.

If it was stolen or lost, I'd get another one...or maybe figure out how to slave together a stack of Marshall Lead 12's....LOL

Seriously, overall this is a very nice rig. Way to go Behringer!!!

This is an update of the review I posted way back.

I think this actually roars like a JCM800, but doenst have the "pressure" in the sound.

Its a big thumping, spongy, bassy, very powerful amp.

Its more painful on your ears at high volumes than other amps.

If you have the money for THIS amp , get a marshall MG instead... frickin ace sound.


Plently of FX... they are shite. preset 97, the "british tube stack" is really painful on the ears. 98 doesnt suck so bad, gives you a big Metallica St Anger sound.

Very harsh sound. No pressure. Clean is good but ive heard better.

Distortion is not great if your a speed-metal head.

Itll do if you have a Boss ME50 or higher.

I run a DIgitech Whammy, MXR DIme Distortion, Boss F-2 Flanger and a ROcktron Metal Planet through this amp. I play a Superstrat homemade guitar. EVH style.

Still dont like the sound, even with these boxes infront of the amp

Its okay... hasnt crapped out on me yet.

Just dont hold the channel button down by accident when turning it on. you will lose all modified presets, and wont be able to save new ones. The channels will both be stuck on the same presets and you cant save preferences. just a warning.

Yeah behringer responded well to an email.

Seems they do care about their customers.

This is crap. Dont buy it. Get a Marshall MG or Line 6 or something. anything but this.

Youll go deaf playing at any volume past 1.7

This review is for the amp as an amp, not an amp in a specific price range, just in general. This amp was bought new in 2006 from MF. It is incredibly versatile. I play by myself, and with my youth group worship band, the 10:10 band. We play a lot of rock, hard rock, and our own little stuff here and there. I needed an amp that would deliver great cleans AND great distortions. This amp DELIVERS. There are 2 channels which are identical. You can set on up as clean, one as distorted. Both channels have a Drive knob, Low, mid, high, and level kobs, as well as three switches.
Switch 1: you're choice of Cali, Brit, and Tweed modeled amps with noticeable differences
Switch 2: Clean, hi gain, or hot mode
Switch 3: US, UK, or Flat speaker modeling

Then there is the Special effects part, and there are 2 knobs: Presets and FX. Presets is where you can choose from 99 simulations including delays, chorus, phasers, auto wah, etc. as well as some different amps, like a dirty cabinet, etc. All the effects seem very useful. For something like the delay, just pick the one you want, and use the FX knob to dial in how much you want it do be mixed in: how much it will continue to repeat. You cannot set the timing for delay, or wah, but the presets are really really fun to use. There is a separate midi pedal you can buy which allows you to change stuff and has a built in volume and wah pedal, but it's not worth it to me. The ONLY negative thing about this amp is that if, and ONLY if, you set up one channel to have one effect, and the other channel to have a different one, then when you switch channels it doesn't switch instantly. The sound does NOT cut out, it just doesn't happen right away, so it's basically a learning curve where you have to know when to hit the button just on time so that it switches when you want it to.
One thing that's really cool is that if you want to have channel 1 be dirty, and channel 2 clean, but you want another kind of distortion for later on, you can go through the effects and find something like a distorted cabinet model, and set it up as the effect for your clean channel (but leave it off) then when you're playing you have 2 distortions and a clean to use without having to change anything. Oh yeah, and the effects don't have to be on, the footpedal and the controls on the face determine if they're on or off. I will be using this amp live tomorrow (hopefully) but I've really pumped up the volume already and it's amazing. It is 120 watts mono, and it can also drive other speakers (it workes as a head if you want). On the back There are RCA inputs and outputs, headphone jack, external effects jack (in and out), auxilliary jack (with level control, I think so the amp becomes a cab), Line in (L&R), and external speaker jacks (L&R). It is Solid State, but that doesn't hinder me at all. It's pretty stinkin heavy too at about 60lbs. Holding in the channel switch button (either on the face, or the pedal) turns on a built in SILENT tuner, which works well.

I use an Oscar Schmidt OE30 semi hollow with HH, and a Washburn WI64 Idol solid body with coil tap. This thing can go from Fender cleans, to an overdriven chuck berry, to bone crushing Mesa-like all out distortion, and everything in between. It's plenty loud enough on it's own for a gig. There is some minor hum on some of the FX settings, but you can always turn them off when you're not playing. Sometimes with the wah, you can hear it "wah-ing" the slight hum when you're not playing, kinda funny actually. All the effects sound good, and function just like they should. The clean channel is interesting, because on my own preferred settings (Cali, clean, UK speaker) it is fairly quiet even with the level all the way up, but just turn the drive knob up a little and it's quite a boost, but still very clean, so that's great. Like I said, the distortion can do pretty any distortion I want, and the amp modeling is SUCH a plus! Also the FX are very useful, because not all of them are plain "special effects" some of them are models of other kinds of amps and distortions. you can get any clean or muddy or fuzzy distortion you want, but it's more geared away from fuzz. I'm taking off 1 point here for the very very slight annoyance of the effect's hum, but it's hardly anything, and unnoticeable while playing. But I'm reviewing this amp as an amp, not a "price range" amp, just an amp compared to any other amp.

It seem incredibly solid, and really heavy 60lbs. It's pretty new to me, and yes I would use it on a gig without a back up because it's the only amp I have, but at youth group there are some other amps I could use if need be, like the tech 21 I've been using. This baby puts it to shame. It has metal corners, very useful, and solid tolex (I assume) covering. It is open back, so that might bother some people.

I called both Musicians Friend and Behringer a few times to check with them about different features and options, and also to ask about the theoretical "effects pause". Both were extremely helpful and answered my questions accurately and correctly. I think the warranty is one year, and there is a local repair center.

I've been playing for a little over 3 years. I have a few guitars. If it was stolen I would be pissed, so I plan on keeping an eye on it. I love that it does everything I wanted to do and more. I researched for ages and this was apparantly the best amp for the job. I love it. Go behringer.

Made in 2005
It is sufficient for home use.

PLay with 8 different axes, every major pickup combo 1 coil 2 coil etc)
This thing sucks. When the at 50% volume on a hard edge effect, it just craps out. Buzzing, seems like it isn't tuned correctly (see: amplification vs. range).

Since I don't like it, hardly play it, therefore it is very reliable. I basically use it as a stand for my Line 6 2x12 amp.

Never called.

I just don't like it. Can never find a sweet spot.

I just wanted to stick my 2 cents in after owning one of these for two years now. I'm continually amused and amazed at the Pronouncements From On High about gear of all kinds. "You WILL BE sadly disappointed"; "this is the BEST thing out there"; "its metal tone SUX", "its metal tone is BITCHIN", etc. Reminds me of the car review I saw recently where the idiot was pissed off because his Ford Fiesta wouldn't do 0-60 in 5.5 seconds.
That said---I really CAN'T gig with this thing; despite it's medium-loudness (mine--I repeat, MINE---seems to be putting out about 25-30w per side, according to my SP meter; I don't know about YOURS), the power amp is too noisy at high vol on dirty settings to be usuable. I also foound the digital noise from the effects to be increasingly hissy and annoying as the vol went up. BUT---I've been using it at lower vols for teaching AND recording, and I'm VERY pleased with it from that standpoint (BTW, if you want a GOOD, FAT clean tone, kick the MODE sw from "clean" to "hi-gain" and crank your drive knob DOWN to between 1.5 and 3, depending on your pickups----VERY nice and ballsy).
Personally I like some of the dirty/hard/deathmetal tones I've gotten---but as I said, I don't know about YOURS. I accept what most of you say about your own amps, and I HAVE heard some buzz about quality control, so perhaps all GMX212s are NOT created equal!

1978 IBZ Artist, Gibson V, Tele, Charvel Fusion, Aria TS 500, Aria Herb Ellis jazzbox.

I've only taken it to rehearsals and cranked it, and had the issues mentioned above with noise. It hasn't broken down.

Can'T get 'em to respond to an actual question!

40+ years. Got Geritol?

Mine was made in 2005.
It is very versatile. I play instrumental rock. Satriani, Petrucci, Marty Friedman, Vai, Metallica...

Two independent channels.
Interesting feature - evey channel offers the same possibilities, which are 27 different modelled sounds. Two gain channels? No prob.
Effects loop, headphone jack and a handfull of inputs/outputs for recording, mixing external signals, midi control... See Behringer website for more info.
External speaker output - disconnects internal Bugeras.
Footswitch (included) control over FX on/off (set manually and remembered for each channel), tuner (integrated!) on/off (quietens the amp) and channel selection.
Overall presence - very useful. Does it's job very well. Master volume, seperate volumes for both channels.
Integrated TUNER - brilliant, bloody brilliant. Used it a dozen times.
120W RMS - enough for rehearsals and playing live in clubs.
Solid state. Digital are only the effects.
Stereo - the effects are stereo.
Effects - nothing more but 99 presets of choruses, reverbs, delays and combinations of those. Also - rotary, compressor, expander, pitch shifter... You can't change the effect parameters, so there are few delays, few reverbs... Just hope to find a proper sound.

Generally - it can do much, very much for the price.

OLP John Petrucci/DiMarzio FRED, stock neck pickup
Ibanez SZ320BK/Seymour Duncan JB, Jazz

The sounds are more than proper. You can complain, but for a price that low you get a very versatile combo.
I used it for hi-gain type of stuff. Scooped mids? OK! Boosted mids and smooth solo? OK!
Hot rod, boutique sounds are quite convincing!
Clean is decent!
Basically i bought this thing for a decent clean with a bit power.
I was going to use some stomp boxes... No need to do that. I like to keep things simple. One amp, does everything i need it to do.

Naturally, it doesn't sound fantastic, very deep (it has, however, a nice low end). It sounds a bit sterile, on some settings flat. Still i think the sounds it has to offer are more than proper and convincing.

For the versatility in tone and character, for the value... I give it 9.

Will do for playing heavy without stomp boxes. Will do for blues, modern rock...

Effects - sound a bit cheap. Takes time to find something fine.

Fantastic. Had it for almost a year. Not a single problem.

Customer support is fine. My friend had a problem with a Behringer product, the problem was fixed immediately. No problems.

I've been playing for 9 years. I had a chance to play this and that.
I bought it just to have an amp for rehearsals.

What i did't like... Looks nice, however... I would change the knobs. I didn't like the DSP effects. Sound cheap.

Overall - good value.
Fantastic features. Built-in tuner... Very useful.

This is a 2 channel amp with 99 preset effects, also has amp modeling. This amp has a ton of inputs and outputs on the back(which I use few of but could come in handy in the stuido maybe) Pretty much a standard 2x12 combo in my eyes.

I use a Fender MIM strat with a Duncan Hot Rails in the bridge, and it sounds great with it. The distortion is heavy without being deaith-metalish. I like it alot. It does have alot of noise which has been getting worse and worse with time since i bought it about a year ago. It also seems that the sound gets a lil better as you crank it, only up to about 8 or 9, but this amp is loud enough to the point where i dont think you would ever need it that high anyway. The effects on this amp are awesome!!! I use them frequently. But i'm currenty going to sell this amp b/c the noise is just unbarable, to me and my band.

I think its pretty dependable, if you can get past the noise issue. I mean, i've tipped mine over 2 or 3 times already, and it still works.(the noise started way before i did this, if youre thinking im an idiot and that is the reason for the noise.) I have gigged with this amp, and it did a pretty decent job i must say. I just miked the amp, and the mic didnt pick up much of the noise so... I didnt complain.

Never dealt with them, but my friends own alot of behringer stuff, and they have only had to deal with them a few times, but they were awesome ppl to work with.

I have only been playing for 4 years now, but I have been in 4 bands, and done sound for 3 others. And i gig regularly(once or twice a week). So I think I have a decent ear for quality. This amp woud be good for a beginner or advanced player. But for the pro, i dont think so. I compared this to crate's and peaveys, but bought this b/c of its price(got a deal on ebay). If it were stolen, i would prolly buy a Crate, or maybe a Fender. I love the effects, but overall, the noise kinda kills my love for this amp.

Cheap ass amp.
youve seen the other reviews.
this amp isnt too versatile for my liking, it can only do a good clean sound and light crunch. i suppose its ok, and has the sheer brute force that i need, but apart from that, nothing special.

2 channels, 2nd one seems to have slightly more gain and feeds back easier than the other.

99 effects presets, although most of them are crap because you dont have that much control over them, but i suppose thats what MIDIs for.

i like the slave input... very good idea, but i havent used it yet because i dont have a preamp.

its digital. i think. it certainly sounds like it (i.e. weak and not natural sounding)

it seems quite well built though.

120 watts. its all i could ask for, for the money.

I use a 1987 Fender Stratocaster, and a crap guitar i made from parts... it has a plywood body hahaha.

Doesnt really suit my style, the sound isnt tight enough, its not brutal, it doesnt have the pressure ive heard. its velveeta shit. all digital sounding bollocks. ive heard better sounds from a 30 watt marshall. i should point out that my ideal tone would be Dimebag Darrells crushing sound.

a feature i DO like is the combo simulators... presets 94, 95, & 96.
when played distorted, they sound as if you just blew up a valve of kicked a speaker through. this gets many concerned remarks from people that watch me play... i suddenly hit the effects button and it sounds apocalyptic and they panic. great!!

i dont like many other fx in this amp... the reverb and delay are good. the stack simulators sound tinny.

the sound is CRAP!!!

i would gig this without a backup

im yet to have a problem with it

i dont see any problems arising soon

it has a heatsink in the back. nice feature/

havent needed them

the websites good

i wish this amp had a excellent brutal sound. i want it to sound natural and high gainy. if you want a full distorted tone, dont look here.

Made in 2005.........This amp is the perfect package. 2 Channels, with 3 amp simulators, 3 cabs and all the effects you could ever need.
I use this baby for home and gigs in small clubs. It is plenty loud enough to cut through.

I need 2 things.......good thick distortion and a nice clean channel. luckily this amp does both beautifully!!! I have no idea why people say it is noisy.........simply not so. I wonder what amp they are using that is so quiet by comparison.....maybe single coils under a flourescent light aren't a good idea? Anyways.........

Perfect clarity at all volumes...........both heavy and clean

Never let me down....again alot of people complain of issues with breakdowns and such.........no problem here!

never had to deal with them..........a no rating in this category is better than a 10

The fact I got this for a steal........half price really helps the bang for the buck factor. But I would have paid full price otherwise. Honestly nothing else comes clsoe in price or features......no wonder all of the other vendors we so pissed with Behringer at the NAMM show..........they are all scared, and maybe a little embarrassed. I would buy another one if it was stolen for sure! My single complaint is this.....the internal speakers DO NOT WORK once the extension outputs to a cab are used. Which is so stunned, I cannot figure out why Behringer thought that was good idea. So for me a cab was not an option.

2x12, 2 channel combo with foot switch included. Built in FX.

Lots of sounds can be pulled from this amp. You just have to play with
the tone controls and the various speaker/amp simulations. If you want
an amp with 10 pre programed modelled sounds, so you don't have to do
any work buy some thing else. If you know what bass, mid, and treble
do, this amp is a bargain.

only had this amp 4 months. No problems. I gig for enjoyment with
some friends. I use this amp.

I have not had to deal with Behringer.The guy in the shop is great.
A big plug for Music Central in Nowra (Australia)He knows a lot about
most things and tells it how it is. He dos'nt bull shit to make a sale.

Great value. If I could afford a boutique all tube amp then I guess I
would never believe how good a$549.00 amp could be. I hear various
bullshit about Behringer products. Mainly from dick heads that compare
hundred dollar items to thousand dollar items. If we where all rock
gods being endorsed on world tours that would be fine. But as an
average working guy that enjoys his music, on limited funds. I thank
Behringer for making some of the best value gear on the planet.