V-AMP 2

Virtual Guitar Amplifier with Tube Simulation and 24-Bit Effects

  • 32 amp and 15 speaker simulation models, independently selectable
  • High-resolution 24-bit stereo multi-effects processor
  • Separate wah-wah and reverb effects
  • Effective 3-band EQ with amp-model dependent characteristics
  • Five new configuration modes for various applications
  • Balanced stereo line out with speaker simulation plus stereo headphones
  • Comprehensive MIDI implementation for real-time control, automation, data transfer and access to additional parameters
  • Dual footswitch, AC adapter and carrying bag included
BEHRINGER V-AMP 2
If a lack of money and floor space is all that's been standing between you and a roomful of vintage guitar amps and effects pedals, get ready to love the V-AMP 2. It comes loaded with 32 amp models, 15 speaker cabinet models and 16 classic effects.
Versatility

Any Classic You Like

The V-AMP 2's 32 amp models are organized into four groups: CLEAN, BLUES, METAL and ROCK. Just twist the dedicated dial to plug into unbelievably authentic simulations of the greatest British and American tube amps from the 1950s to today. You even get models of uncommon—yet renowned—boutique tube amps! When you select an amp model, a speaker cabinet model is automatically selected. But if you'd prefer a different model, just go to EDIT>CABINETS, then use the BANK UP/DOWN buttons to navigate through all 15 options.

Just like on an actual guitar amp, you've got a three-band EQ, GAIN, REVERB, VOLUME and MASTER VOLUME dials. By holding the TAP button, the TREBLE dial becomes a PRESENCE control. This enables the adjustment of a high-frequency filter that can add or remove a "shimmer" from the V-AMP 2's tone.

Audio Quality / Clarity

Top Tone—In Full Effect

The V-AMP 2 gives you flanger, chorus, compression, delay and 12 other beautiful digital effects to apply to your sound. Adjust the effect's level in the mix via the EFFECTS dial. To adjust effect parameters, you can rhythmically press the TAP button to alter delay times or LFO speeds, or hold down the TAP button and twist the EFFECTS knob to access e.g. feedback or depth. By using a MIDI pedal, such as the BEHRINGER FCB1010, you can access an additional Wah Wah effect. You can adjust the filter characteristic by entering EDIT mode, selecting the DRIVE menu and turning the EFFECTS knob while holding the TAP button.
Ease of Use

Presenting the Presets

All of these elements have been combined into 125 different presets divided into 25 banks, accessible through the BANK UP/ BANK DOWN buttons. Within each bank, you can press buttons A through E to explore its different presets. You can also create and save your own presets. Start by selecting a preset, then making any changes you wish: amp, EQ, effect, etc. The preset LED will begin to flash, indicating that the V-AMP 2 is ready to save your settings. To do this, hold the preset button down for about two seconds. Once the LED stops flashing, you have saved the modified preset. On top of all this, the V-AMP 2 also features a built-in tuner and noise gate. In essence, it's a Swiss Army Knife for the home recording enthusiast or gigging guitarist who can't seem to settle on one amp.
Recording

Stunning in the studio

The V-AMP 2 features several configurations that make it an invaluable asset in the studio. Access the configuration menu by pressing the B and D buttons at the same time. Then use BANK UP and BANK DOWN to select a configuration.

When using headphones, the V-AMP 2 will switch into Studio Mode 1 (S1). This stereo mode works well for both monitoring and recording with effects, amp and speaker modeling. It doesn't apply the additional three-band EQ to the signal, but most recording programs—like energyXT2.5— have their own EQ. In Studio Mode 2 (S2), the V-AMP 2 sends a signal with amp and speaker simulation, but only the right output has effects. You can either record both left and right outputs to separate tracks, or record the "dry" left output while monitoring the right output.

Special Feature

Stellar on Stage

The V-AMP 2 has three live configurations. When performing live with this device, you can either run it to an amp on stage, run directly to the mixing board, or both. Live Mode 1 is the best choice for running the outputs directly to the mixer, because it applies amp and speaker simulation, effects and an additional 3-band EQ.

Use Live Mode 2 to run the V-AMP 2 into the effects return inputs of 2 different guitar amps. This configuration does not feature speaker simulation, allowing the amplifier's natural speaker sound to go unaltered. In this scenario, the amps would be mic'd on stage to get the sound to the house speakers, and having a dedicated monitor would be less important. In Live Mode 3, you can send the left output to an amp's effects return for onstage volume, while the right output sends signal to the main mixer for inclusion in the main house mix. Also note that you can press the TAP key while turning the GAIN knob to adjust the input sensitivity to match the output of your guitar's pickups. If the CLIP LED lights, the input's sensitivity should be reduced.

MIDI

Veni, MIDI, Vici

The V-AMP 2 comes fully equipped to fit right into a MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) setup. It can be controlled in real time from a computer, or via a MIDI foot controller during a live performance. Its MIDI connectors are international-standard 5-pin DIN connectors. You will need dedicated MIDI cables (not included).

The MIDI IN jack receives MIDI controller data. It can be adjusted in EDIT mode by pressing the A button and then using the arrow keys. MIDI OUT/THRU sends data to a computer. You can transmit both preset data and parameter changes. Some people even use the V-AMP 2 as a remote control for parameters of their DAW or VST instruments, which is more handy than using the mouse alone. If set to MIDI THRU, the V-AMP 2 does not send its own MIDI information, but passes on the signal received at the MIDI IN connector.

Value

So Much Sound, So Little Hassle

It's hard enough finding another virtual guitar amplifier with this much versatility, let alone one as economical as the V-AMP 2. This go-anywhere, do-anything wonder will leave you reeling in your own creativity, with cash to spare for other gear you'll need along the way to becoming a sonic titan both live and in your home studio.

Please click here to view software options from third party vendors:

VST-Amp (free VSTi plug-in):

http://mokafix.chez-alice.fr/vst/vstamp.html

iVAMP

A Mac OS X editor for V-AMP 2, V-AMP PRO, V-AMPIRE, BASS V-AMP or BASS V-AMP PRO products.

V-amplio Pro

A Mac OS X editor for V-AMP2, V-AMP PRO and V-AMPIRE products.

______________________________________________________

BEHRINGER V-AMP 2 Community:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/V-AMP

Brad's V-AMP pages with his POD2VAMP patch converter:

http://home.swbell.net/bfalch1/

BEHRINGER V-AMP 2 Community Brasil:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/V-AMPBR/

 

 

Reviewed

Rob Tognoni

September 2006

Review: Rob TognoniHere is an mp3 demonstrating the V-AMP 2. The unit's sound quality is excellent for direct computer recording. I also have no hesitation using it live direct to PA. The models used were the "Brit Classic" and the "Brit Class A" with their standard preset cab sims. Some Reverb and "Ping Pong" Delay was also dialed up. (The effects were exaggerated slightly in places so you could hear them) For the Bass, I accidently hit a factory preset patch (3E) using the "Tweed Combo" model…I liked it…it's really dirty sounding!

Music Mart

November 2003

Title: V for Victory – It’s new, it’s blue, but does it have the guitar sounds for you?
Review: Music MartThe BEHRINGER V-AMP 2 is a pretty impressive little box. In place of deep and complex editing functions, it offers ready-to-go amp and speaker models – which simulate the effect of hours spent struggling with alternative amplification and mic’ing setups, then splashes on fairy dust in the form of easily accessible reverb, delay, chorus, auto-wah and other effects.
For many recording and stage applications, and many more in the future as its software is updated, the V-AMP 2 is going to be an indispensable aid to remixers and keyboardists as well as to studio engineers and guitarists.
High Notes: - affordable; - well designed; - great amp simulations and effects;

What Guitar? (UK)

April 2004

Review: What Guitar? (UK)

In the bloody battle for amp modeler supremacy, there can be only one winner. Seconds away, sound one…

Crucially, we’ll be answering the question: can a modeler that costs half the price of its competitor really hold its own?

The deciding factor in this head-to-head, was the extent to which the V-AMP 2’s models convinced. Starting with BEHRINGER’s American Blues setting […], we were impressed by the V-AMP’s bite and detailed sound quality […]. The Brit Blues setting […] nails the Bluesbreaker tone convincingly. […] This model felt less clinical, boasting the rich-but-ragged quality and great response we were after. […] This is an accomplished performance at an unbeatable price.

Incredible value and an accomplished performance—highly recommended.