What's the Deal with Behringer?
Introduction
If you've spent any time at all searching for new guitar pedals, you've definitely come across the Behringer line of effects. For better or for worse, this is a brand we’re all familiar with, by name if not by reputation. And let me start off by saying: this is not an article where I’m going to defend (or dispute) the ethics of mass-producing replica pedals.
I’m just not. Sorry.
“But, Josh, you’re a boutique pedal maker.” Eh, that’s up for debate. Regardless, I’m not here to nail Behringer to the wall, so if that’s the kind of article you’re looking for, I’d look elsewhere.
What I want to do here is walk you through Behringer’s most popular units. We're going to compare the original pedal to the Behringer replica. We’re going to explore the pros and cons of each. And we’re going to do so in a calm and civilized manner.
SURGEON GENERAL’S WARNING: If you're a gear snob and highly emotional, get your Kleenex out, because this may get messy.
The History
Behringer started in 1989 with a guy named Uli Behringer. Since then, the Behringer gear company has grown tremendously and is now underneath a larger umbrella corporation called Music Tribe. Music Tribe also covers other companies that Uli either acquired or started including TC Electronic, Turbosound, Midas, Clark Technic, and many more.
The company has grown to the point that they actually have their own city in China called Behringer City.** They not only manufacture products but in most cases they actually make the components used in those products. For a company in the audio industry, this is extremely unique historically. Behringer owns so many pieces of equipment and has such extensive facilities that other gear builders often buy parts from them directly, including the BBD chip-sets like I use in my Panther Cub and Emperor (originally found in vintage analog delays) reissued by another of their companies, Cool Audio.
**Think Cloud City from the Empire Strikes Back with guitar gear, and you’ve got a pretty good picture.
The main reason that Uli can make these pedals so cheaply is because of these facilities and his massive infrastructure. He has a direct sales force in over a hundred countries. Long story short: this company has a totally different approach to making their products. When you buy a JHS, a Wampler, or an Earthquaker, you're dealing with a guy like me in a city with a few employees making everything by hand. That's definitely not the case here. This is a big honkin’ company, and you've got to have that perspective when you're looking at these products.
At the end of the day, these are as anti-boutique as it gets, and maybe that's not a horrible thing? Or maybe it is? Like I said, that’s not the question I’m trying to answer here.
Here we go.
CL9 Ultra Compressor Limiter Pedal
VS.
The Ibanez CP9 Compressor Limiter
First up is the CL9 Ultra Compressor Limiter Pedal. Compared to the Ibanez CP9 Compressor Limiter that it’s based on, the color's right, the knob labelings are right, and the circuit is almost the same. In addition, this actually has a better bass response than the OG that I enjoyed. I hate saying I like this more than the real vintage black label run of this pedal, but I honestly like the low end response of the Behringer version.
That said, if you’re going to invest in a long-term pedal, I’d go for the vintage unit, which is definitely going to last you longer. And the vintage unit is always going to hold value, while the Behringer is not.
Ultra Octaver UO300
VS.
The BOSS OC2
Ultra Octaver UO300 is a slightly tweaked BOSS OC2. You'll notice there's a switch on the side that has a range of high, mid, and low, so it's a little bit of a modification on this old classic. Since the Boss OC2 can get pricey, this is a really cool way to try that sound and see if you like it.** Coincidentally, it works great on bass guitar as well.
**Please wait to throw those rotten tomatoes at me until the article is finished.
Ultra Tremolo UT300
VS.
The BOSS TR2
The Ultra Tremolo UT300 is a three knob tremolo. The original BOSS TR2 is a three knob tremolo, very similar labelings, with almost identical sound. There's a lot of these kinds of pedals out there. This is one case where I'd say just buy the Boss version, because it'll last forever, but if you're in a pinch, the Ultra Tremolo UT300 is a good solid pedal and simple to use tremolo.
Digital Reverb DR600
VS.
The BOSS Digital Reverb RV5
When you compare the Digital Reverb DR600 and the BOSS Digital Reverb RV5, the controls are the same. They're both stereo and they're labeled identically, but something's a little off.
Yeah, I said it.
I've discovered that in this line of Behringer pedals, when it's an all analog circuit it's pretty dead-on, but in a few of these cases where they're copying digital circuits like this reverb, it's quite off to me. It doesn't mean it's bad, but I can't get the same sounds out of the Behringer as I can out of the RV5.**
**Gear snobs, rejoice!
The high end frequency is very interesting. It's a completely different feel and response than the BOSS unit. The tone control in some positions feels almost inaudible even though this product has a huge range of tone control.
Basically, I like both but I would not say that they're all that similar.
Vintage Delay VD400
VS.
The BOSS DM3
I’ve actually used the vintage delay VD400 in previous episodes of the JHS Show. The original is a BOSS DM3, which originally came out in the mid-eighties and it is a true bucket brigade delay. Honestly, this unit holds up really well and these aren't too expensive, so if you have a little extra cash, I recommend this or the new BOSS Waza DM2W analog delay by BOSS.
That said, this is a really affordable way to try a true bucket brigade analog delay if you’ve got thirty bucks to burn and not much else.**
**Because we’ve all been there, right?
The Filter Machine FM 600
VS.
The Line 6 Auto Filter
The Filter Machine FM600 is Behringer’s answer to the Line 6 Auto Filter from the Tonecore series. They're both purple. They both have the exact same knobs, switches, and layout. The Behringer version is a little off, though, because again…it's a digital circuit. It's really hard to copy algorithms and code and get the same feeling. After I tweak these two pedals, the sound is close, but if I put the knobs in the same position I can tell that there's something slightly different.
Not better or worse, though; I can honestly say that I don't prefer one over the other except for the fact that the Line 6 model could survive World War 3 and the Behringer? Not so much.
With that being said, if you want to try a really versatile and fun envelope filter on the cheap, the Filter Machine FM600 is a good way to go. If you want to get more serious about that, I do recommend the Line 6 Auto Filter or even a Q-Tron by Electro Harmonix.
Graphic Equalizer EQ 700
VS.
The BOSS GE7 Equalizer
The Graphic Equalizer EQ 700 is a seven band EQ. Could it be the GE7 Equalizer by BOSS? Honestly, yeah, it basically is. It's an EQ pedal and works the way it’s supposed to. It's a replica of the BOSS version, so if you need a cheap EQ, why not?**
**A cursory Google search for ‘Behringer replica opinions’ can give you a few reasons why, but I digress.
Ultra Vibrato UV 300
VS.
The BOSS Vibrato VB2
This Ultra Vibrato UV 300 is possibly my favorite pedal out of the whole line, if only because I used it for a couple of years on my own board when I could not afford the original BOSS VB2 that it replicates. The BOSS Vibrato VB2 is Japanese made, has a cult following, and is highly collectible. But guess what? They are sonically identical.
#sorrynotsorry
When I say identical, I mean that the sound is dead-on, so I encourage you to try this. A lot of people do not understand how amazing the VB2 circuit is, because it is really expensive and hard to find. It's the kind of pedal that you have to play in person to fully understand its magic. Watching a person demo on YouTube is basically pointless IMHO; you just don't feel the subtle effect and its 3D imagery.
They did rerelease this in the Waza craft series as the VB2W, but that might still be hard for some people to afford. As a guitar player, I would say that you've got to try this circuit, and this is a good way to do it.
Ultra Metal UM300
VS.
The BOSS MT2 Metal Zone
This is a fun one: the Ultra Metal UM300, which is basically the BOSS MT2 Metal Zone.
Here's what's great about this: let’s say you love the Metal Zone and it's already on each of your five separate pedal boards. You just adore it, but you want another one on each board. This raises two main problems: 1.) that can get expensive and 2.) people judge you because you have too many Metal Zones. The solution? Buy this. Your bandmates, your wife, your family, your mom, they say, “Oh, you've got a different pedal. Good for you.”**
But did you really? Nope. More metal zones.
**This is one example of mass production working in your favor. Just sayin’.
Heavy Metal HM300
VS.
The BOSS Heavy Metal HM2
The Heavy Metal HM300 compares surprisingly well to the cult classic BOSS Heavy Metal HM2. The original is an old Japanese made BOSS that's very collectible, even iconic. With the controls dimed this circuit has a very distinct tone that basically created a genre of music.
If you've ever wanted to try the BOSS and didn't want to fork out the money for the rare and elusive vintage unit, this is a really good option. I would say the Behringer is definitely inspired by this and has the same basic sounds, but there's something quite different in the mid range. I would always encourage buying the classics because the resale is great and they're super collectible and fun, but if you’re purely in this to save money, the HM300 is a great way to try a Boss Heavy Metal.
The Noise Reducer NR300
VS.
The BOSS Noise Suppressor
The noise reducer NR300. They turned one of the knobs of the BOSS noise suppressor into a switch and it suppresses noise.
I don't know what else to say. Fairly straightforward pedal here, folks.
The Ultra Chorus UC200
VS.
The BOSS CH-1 Super Chorus
The Ultra Chorus UC200 is Behringer’s version of the BOSS CH-1 Super Chorus circuit. The original BOSS is blue and the Behringer is yellow. Honestly, that’s the main difference between them, not the sound.
Will the UC200 last forever? Definitely not. But this is a classic chorus at a cheap price point if that’s the kind of thing you’re into.
Vintage Tube Overdrive TO800
VS.
The Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer
The vintage tube overdrive TO800 is a play on…(everybody take a guess)...yup, you guessed right: the Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer. The specific version I played it against was the late 70’s “first year” edition 808 black label Japan, highly sought after, super expensive, and super snobby.
My takeaway in comparing the $1,200 Ibanez pedal against the $30 Behringer alternative? They are sonically identical.
Let the riots begin.
Vintage Tube Monster Vacuum Tube Overdrive
VS.
The Ibanez TK999 Tube King
The Vintage Tube Monster Vacuum Tube Overdrive is based around the vintage Ibanez TK999 Tube King. Although I don’t own the original pedal, I have a friend who has both. I talked to him about it and he feels like this is quite modified, but definitely in the spirit of that old Ibanez pedal.**
Basically, if you're into trying tube overdrive pedals, you can check it out. Personally, I always question a tube pedal running at nine volts, since it's starving the plate voltage and kind of pointless, but I'm not saying that's always the case. I’d still say that the Behringer pedal sounds really great.
**Think “Bohemian Rhapsody” as performed by Queen versus the 2016 cover by Panic! At The Disco. Both are enjoyable by the person who enjoys them. Just think on that for a minute.
Vintage Time Machine Delay Echo Chorus Vibrato
VS.
The Electro Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man
The Vintage Time Machine Delay Echo Chorus Vibrato looks virtually identical (right down to the same switch locations) to the Deluxe Memory Man by Electro Harmonix. Here's my takeaway: the Behringer pedal is impressive, but there are some differences.
It does sound like a Memory Man, because I believe the circuit is pretty close, if not exact. But there's one difference: the Behringer runs at nine volts and the original runs at 24 volts, so the Behringer pedal has less head room overall, which means that when the repeats come, they're a little fuzzier. The tone is also much darker.**
**Think “Babe” versus “Babe 2: Pig in the City.” Same pig, more edgy.
In contrast, when you play the Memory Man, that repeat is a lot more clear, more prestigious, and you could say a little more beautiful. It definitely has more character in the upper range. The reason? The voltage. The Behringer is darker because of lower voltage. If you're running this circuit at a lower voltage and getting noise, you need to filter that noise out, so you end up deleting the high end alongside that noise.
The fact that the Behringer is 9 volts causes some tonal differences, but it is still a Memory Man circuit, so if you've ever wanted to try one, I say go for it.
Vintage Tube Overdrive Vacuum Tube Overdrive
VS.
The BK Butler Tube Driver
The Vintage Tube Overdrive Vacuum Tube Overdrive makes an impression on me straight out of the gate. When something says overdrive twice, that means it's double good.
In this case, the Behringer pedal stacks up extremely well against the BK Butler Tube Driver. When I played the Behringer against the original pedal (graciously loaned by my friend Andy Timmon), I’ve got to say that it was pretty dead-on. Basically, it comes down to the tubes, which are virtually identical. Additionally, both pedals run at nine volts.
I’m not usually a fan of nine volt pedals, but in the case of the Tube Driver, I like it.
TM300 Tube Amp Modeler
VS.
The Tech 21 SansAmp GT2
The TM300 Tube Amp Modeler is a replica of the SansAmp GT2, and this is a rare case where I don’t own the original. The SansAmp GT2 that this is based on is phenomenal. I can't recommend that enough because it's built like a tank.
It's an exceptional circuit, and this carries over to the Behringer model. Obviously, the Behringer version is more fragile, but if you want to try out a direct input guitar signal with a cab and amps simulator, you could do worse than the TM300.**
**You could also do better.
Super Fuzz SF300
VS.
The BOSS Hyper Fuzz FZ2
The Super Fuzz SF300 is my favorite (yes, I realize I’ve already listed two favorites in this article, but I’ll quote John Locke of ‘Lost’ fame here: “Don’t tell me what I can’t do.”) This is a replica of the now sought after Hyper Fuzz FZ2, and it's perfect.
When I say perfect, it is perfect. It is a beautiful classic fuzz circuit with the high octave up, and is actually a third generation replication. BOSS replicated and modified the original Univox Super Fuzz, which sells for nearly $1,000, with their own unit that still costs a few hundred bucks. In contrast, the Super Fuzz SF300 is thirty bucks. It's basically free.
Basically, you've got to try this. There’s no excuse not to. If you've ever wanted to try octave fuzz or questioned your belief in the ability to use octave fuzz, go get this. Let me be your Mister Miyagi for a moment here and dispense some wisdom: buy this pedal.
Conclusion
Whether or not you can spend roughly $30 on a pedal and own up to it, you have to admit the Behringer line sounds good. Yes, they're made a little differently than the actual units that they're replicating. Yes, their plastic enclosures may not be super reliable, but I've used a few of these over the years and I never had one break.
Are they built to last you 10+ years of heavy use? Of course not. But you get what you pay for.
That said, one point to consider is resale value. If you go by a Boss VB2, you drop a couple hundred bucks on it, but you're always gonna get that money back. If you buy the Behringer model, you're probably never going to get your $25 or $30 back.
From my perspective, they're definitely worth buying. This line of pedals allows you to check out some effects you might not be able to afford otherwise. And if a $30 pedal inspires you and you love the guitar more, then it’s worth the investment.