Behringer V-Amp 3 or cheap V-Amp 2, you decide
Want a cheap V-Amp 2 or have you been waiting for the V-Amp 3 like me?
Well, it seems like while the others are sleeping, someone was ready when the first V-Amp 3′s shipped out, but that’s not why I’m writing this.
It’s the new price on the old V amp 2 that got my attention. This is the price for a new V-amp 2
Behringer Behringer V-Amp 2 Guitar Multi Effects Processor Standard
But if you’re willing to risk it, there are second hand V- amp 2′s coming in quite regularly over here:
In Store Used USED BEHRINGER V AMP 2 Standard.
Obviously they’re not all priced that low.
If you’ve read a bit on my blog, you might realize that I already own the Boss gt pro, so why on earth would I be interested in the V-Amp 2 or 3?
Well, firstly, I used to own a V-amp. The original one with only 16 amp models.
I got some excellent sounds out of that thing and totally enjoyed playing on it, both live and in the studio, which brings me to my second reason.
I need something for my other PC which I’m setting up as a late night alternative studio. These things record very well.
The V-Amp 3 is perfect for recording, seeing as it’s got the USB option and comes with recording software. By recording software I mean an entire multitrack recording program for the computer. Kind of makes sense, seeing as there’s a usb audio interface bundled with it.
Well, to my amazement, while doing some searching around, it looks like the best price on a V-Amp 3 is 108 dollars. That’s ridiculously cheap for a guitar processor, usb interface and multitrack recording software combined. What I didn’t take into account though, is that when you add the shipping costs, it becomes a bit more expensive.
Behringer V-AMP3 Next-Generation Virtual Guitar Amplifier with USB Audio Interface And Energyxt2.5 Recording Software
If you’re buying a few more items, then maybe this is your best bet.
The standard best price at the moment is 130 dollars with free shipping –
Behringer V-Amp 3 Guitar Multi Effect Processor Standard
Anyway, this got me thinking back to the time when the V-amp was my main guitar recording gear, so I went through the list of songs I’d made backing tracks of, and I thought I’d just share an audio clip here for those who’ve never heard a V-amp before.
The following was done using an Ibanez S series Prestige guitar, and recorded straight into the desk.
The difference between the first V-Amp and the V-Amp 2, as far as I can tell, is that there’s twice as many amplifier models.
I think the V-amp 3 looks like a good deal with the extra features, but if you don’t think you need them, and you’ve got your studio recording software of choice, then maybe the Vamp 2 is fine, if you’ve got one.
What I found with the speaker cabinet models on the original V-amp, was that only one or two of them worked great for all the amplifier types, but if you sit with a recording and try emulate a particular sound, you can find other speaker and amp mixtures that get quite close.
Well, I’ve been waiting for the V-Amp 3
so I guess I should get one.
Hey Miko,
Thanks for leaving that comment. Personally, I’d go for the V-amp 3 seeing as I do a lot more recording nowadays then actual gigging. I do remember though that the original V-amp gave me a phenomenal rock sound when going through the PA system. It was a mother of a PA, so I suppose that helped as well.
I guess if you want a v-amp2 now, ebay is the only online option. They’re all sold out.
Comment by play electric guitar — October 18, 2009 @ 9:36 am
I have them Both – It’s the same sound! only 4 amps are new.
If you need it for live app’ so buy V-amp2 (comes with bag & footswitch)
For recordings V-Amp3 (comes without bag or footswitch but USB soundcard include in the package)
Comment by miko — October 18, 2009 @ 8:04 am
The V-Amp 3 looks good, but I might check out eBay for a V-Amp 2, if the price is right. The budget is tight right now
Comment by Fuzz Pedal — February 16, 2010 @ 2:53 am
I used to own a v-amp 2 + the FCB 1010 and I loved that setup, except for a few things:
1) turning on mod fx causes a huge volume drop;
2) low internal sampling makes the high frequencies sound harsh;
3) when controlling volume from the FCB, it would behave radically different between amp models – like it’s a PRE-amp-volume on some models and a POST-amp-volume on others.
I have switched to a PodXT and never looked back. If Behringer would fix those issues I’d buy a new v-amp.
Comment by Daniel Araujo — February 22, 2010 @ 6:55 pm
Hi Daniel,
I find what you say a bit disturbing. My experience with the V-amp has only been positive.
Maybe you had a dud or something.
I used the original V-amp a lot though, and only briefly had a go on the V-amp 2.
I used to get mind blowingly good sounds out of the V-amp going straight into the PA system.
I have heard a V-amp sounding bad, but that was because I lent my guitar and V-amp to a bassist who wasn’t familiar with getting good guitar sounds. He also wasn’t so good at understanding how to use the thing, mostly because he didn’t speak english and my manual was in english.
I don’t think it was the sampling rate that makes that harsh sound. I’ve heard what it is that you’re talking about, but for some reason, my own settings always gave me a good sound.
I’ve also heard a PodXT sounding great as well, but never felt the need to look into getting one.
Maybe if I had a variax, I might seriously consider it.
Thanks for stopping by.
Comment by play electric guitar — February 23, 2010 @ 3:35 am
I have a Behringer V-ampire 1×12 amp, basically a combo amp with a V-amp2 built into it, that I use as a practice amp at home. I get GREAT sound out of it, especially since I use a second cab and run it in stereo. I use a Adrenalinn-3 modeler on my stage rig, but even that high priced unit doesn’t match the sound I get with the V-amp. I looked around for a cheap V-amp2 without much luck, so I went ahead and bought a new V-amp3, which will replace my Adrenalinn-3. I’m thinking, hey, for $40 more than a used V-amp2 I get a new unit with a warranty and USB capability, and free recording software to boot (like I need ANOTHER recording software program!). For my Behringer wish list, I’d like to see something like the Line-6 PodLive pedal, a V-amp3 built into an FCB 1010, with a BIG tuning LCD screen.
Comment by Rev Taz Pengra — March 3, 2010 @ 8:21 pm