Alright, so here’s the deal. You’re thinking about getting these Behringer pedals, wondering if they’re worth the buy, right?
You might’ve heard the usual stuff: “They’re plastic,” “They’re cheap,” or even “You get what you pay for.”
Some of it it’s true, but here’s the thing… if you’re like me, you don’t always need top-of-the-line gear. So here’s my subjective list of the best Behringer pedals out there 😉
Best Behringer Pedals – Quick Rundown
For those of you in a hurry, here’s a snapshot of the top contenders:
- Overdrive/Distortion – Behringer OD300
- Ultra Stereo Chorus – Behringer UC200
- Heavy Metal Distortion – Behringer HM300
- Super Fuzz – Behringer SF300
- Dual-Phase – Behringer Dual-Phase
- Tremolo – Behringer UT300
- Digital Reverb – Behringer DR600
- Tube Overdrive – Behringer VT999
Alright, now let’s look at these things individually. (Spoiler: They’re not half bad.)
Behringer OD300 Overdrive/Distortion
Alright, the OD300. It’s kind of like a moody teenager; it can’t quite decide between overdrive and distortion—so it just does both. Wanna go smooth? Cool, that’s the overdrive side. Need a grittier, dirtier edge? Distortion’s got you.
Key Features
- Two modes: Overdrive or Distortion
- Controls: Level, Tone, Drive, and Mode
- Blue LED status light (important stuff, right?)
- 9V battery or power supply (not included… shocker)
Why I Like It
Look, it’s cheap. But for a simple practice session, the OD300 does the trick. You won’t mistake it for a high-end boutique pedal, sure. But for a little bite to your tone without breaking the bank? Not too shabby. Especially for bluesy or classic rock sounds. For the price? It’s worth a try.
Behringer UC200 Ultra Stereo Chorus
Now, if you’re into that lush, dreamy chorus effect, the UC200 might catch your eye. It’s got a stereo output, which gives you a bit of that “big room” feel without actually being in a big room. (Trust me, you’ll notice the difference.)
Key Features
- True stereo output
- Controls: Level, Tone, Rate, and Depth
- LED for status (love me some blue LEDs)
- Standard Behringer plastic shell
Why I Like It
For something you can nab for the price of lunch, the UC200 actually does chorus really well. It won’t give you every nuance of a high-end chorus, but it’s great for beginners or anyone who just wants to mess around with that 80s sound. If you’re into dreamy soundscapes, this is a solid starting point.
It’s pretty good for indie and 80s rock. But if you’re an indie lover like me, I recommend checking out this guide on the best pedals or indie rock!
Behringer HM300 Heavy Metal Distortion
Look, this one’s obvious. The HM300 is for those who want to go hard. And I mean hard. Metalheads, this one’s all for you. Heavy, crunchy, and loud. Pretty much everything you’d expect from a pedal labeled “Heavy Metal Distortion.” Not subtle, but who asked for subtle, right?
Key Features
- Lots of gain and distortion
- Controls for Level, Low, Mid, and Distortion
- Footswitch for bypass
- 9V battery or power supply option
Why I Like It
Okay, you’re not getting a pristine, studio-level sound, but if you’re out to rattle the walls, this thing absolutely shreds. Don’t take it to a fancy studio, but for a good ol’ jam session? It’ll do fine. At the price, it’s perfect for the heavy rockers who don’t mind a little extra buzz now and then.
If you love metal and you want something better in your pedalboard, this guide on best metal pedals may be what you need.
Behringer SF300 Super Fuzz
The SF300 is just pure fun. Three different fuzz settings let you get all kinds of crazy. It’s not a one-sound pony, which is great because… fuzz. There’s a lot you can do with it if you’re after that raw, classic fuzz sound, or just want to go a little nuts.
Key Features
- Three fuzz settings: Classic Fuzz, Grunge, and Gain Boost
- Gain and level controls, plus a 2-band EQ
- True bypass
- Built like… well, a plastic pedal
Why I Like It
It’s a fuzz pedal that gives you lots of fuzz options without a whole lot of fuss (see what I did there?). Honestly, this one is just fun to mess around with. Put it on Classic Fuzz and you’re instantly in another decade; crank up the Grunge setting, and hello 90s. If you want something versatile, you could do a lot worse than this.
Behringer Dual-Phase
Throwback to the 70s with this one! The Dual-Phase pedal gives you that rich, vintage phase-shifting sound. You’ve got two separate sweep generators, which means you can get pretty wild with it. It’s a bit like a lava lamp for your sound. Groovy? Maybe. Useful? Definitely.
Key Features
- Analog phaser for that authentic vintage sound
- 12 optocouplers, for intense, natural phasing
- Two sweep generators for different rates and shapes
- Can be hooked to CV input
Why I Like It
This one’s weird, and that’s why it’s cool. It’s got that retro vibe down pat and sounds lush for slow sweeps. Sure, it’s plastic, but it does a heck of a job for that psychedelic sound without you paying an arm and a leg for an actual vintage phaser.
If you’re a bass player, you should definitely have a look on this list of budget bass pedals!
Behringer UT300 Tremolo
For that smooth, pulsing tremolo effect, there’s the UT300. Not gonna lie, it’s nothing fancy, but it works, and sometimes that’s all you need. It gets the job done, no frills, no fluff.
Key Features
- Rate, Wave, and Depth controls for fine-tuning
- Blue LED status indicator (because why not?)
- Simple controls, easy to use
- Runs on a 9V battery or adapter
Why I Like It
The UT300 is a good basic tremolo pedal, perfect for folks just testing the waters. No, it’s not built for rough handling, but it sounds pretty good for what it is. Easy to use, decent sound, and affordable. You’re not gonna cry if it breaks, let’s put it that way.
Behringer DR600 Digital Reverb
Want to add a bit of space to your sound? The DR600 has six different reverb modes, so you can go from a simple room vibe to a huge cathedral echo. It’s one of those pedals that can add just the right amount of depth to your tone.
And yes, reverb pedals are totally worth it.
Key Features
- Six reverb modes: Spring, Plate, Gate, Room, and more
- Controls for Mode, Time, Tone, and Level
- Stereo output for a wider soundstage
- Sturdy (enough) plastic casing
Why I Like It
Look, it’s not perfect, but it’s versatile. The variety of reverb modes is surprisingly solid for such a cheap pedal. Wanna sound like you’re playing in a cave? It’ll do that. Just don’t expect it to sound exactly like a high-end reverb. Close enough for most of us, though.
For those who are looking for other cheap reverbs, have a look on these six budget reverb pedals under $100.
Behringer VT999 Tube Overdrive
The VT999 is one of Behringer’s cooler pedals, mostly because it’s tube-driven. That means you’re getting a bit more warmth in your sound than usual for a pedal this price. Adds a little “oomph” to your overdrive without going full distortion.
Key Features
- Real 12AX7 tube for authentic tone
- Gain, Treble, Mid, Bass, and Master controls
- Built-in noise gate to reduce hum
- Comes with a power supply (finally!)
Why I Like It
It’s warm, it’s got nice drive, and for a budget pedal, that’s honestly more than I could ask for. Great if you’re looking for that vintage, bluesy overdrive that doesn’t sound like it’s coming out of a tin can. One of the better “budget tube” pedals I’ve tried.
My Experience with Behringer Pedals
Let’s talk about my take on these pedals, okay? Behringer’s not aiming to be your dream pedal company. They’re not built to last forever, and sure, they’re plastic. But when it comes to sound for the price, I have zero complaints.
I’ve used these for small gigs, at-home practice, and even tossed a couple into my rehearsal bag. They’re solid for folks like me who aren’t out to impress anyone with their gear collection.
Are these the best in the world? Probably not. But come on, they’re so cheap!
- Affordable: Can’t say it enough. You’ll get a lot for what you pay.
- Not Bad Sound: Seriously, it’s better than most people expect.
- Beginner Friendly: Straightforward controls, and no tears if it breaks.
- Decent Variety: Behringer covers a lot of effects, and that’s kinda cool.
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Pros & Cons
TL;DR – here’s what you need to know about their pros and cons.
Pros:
- Price: What other pedals can you get for this cheap?
- Sound Quality: For real, they’re pretty good.
- Options Galore: They’ve got every basic effect you’d want.
Cons:
- Plastic Build: These aren’t indestructible.
- Not “Premium”: Don’t expect any fancy features.
- Limited Lifespan: You’re getting a budget pedal, after all.
FAQs
1. Do Behringer pedals hold up in live shows?
They can, but don’t stomp too hard. Treat them well, and they’ll last.
2. How do they compare to other budget pedals?
Some sound surprisingly good for the price, maybe even better than other cheap brands.
3. Do they drain batteries quickly?
Yup. Go for a power supply if you can.
4. Are they noisy?
Some are, especially high-gain models. A noise gate can help a lot.
5. Can you mod Behringer pedals?
Yep! Perfect for modding because they’re cheap.
6. Which Behringer pedal’s best for beginners?
The UC200 or OD300 are easy to use and sound decent enough for starters.
Conclusion
So, are Behringer pedals worth it? Yep. They might not blow you away with build quality, but sound-wise? They get the job done.
Perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to try new effects without breaking the bank. These pedals won’t win any awards, but they’re solid. Give one a shot—you might just be pleasantly surprised.
