Just because it's cheap doesn't mean it sounds bad!

[BAG]

I was at a local gig on Sunday afternoon. The bass player had the best sound that I've heard for quite some time at a cover band gig. Lots of clarity with the only issue being a bit of a low frequency burp occasionally when he really dug in and the PA was obviously being pushed hard. Their PA speakers were pretty decent mid-tier JBL 2x15 and horn.

The most surprising part was he was using a Behringer Ultrabass kickback combo amp. And the DI that he was using for his very nice sound? The built in DI from that same Behringer! Oh yeah...... It was an outdoor gig and was decently loud too.

 

[One_Dude]

I don't have any experience with that bass amp, but I have used their 8500 mics. They work very well and are highly rated by other users. Based on Behringer's early reliability issues however, I tend to research their gear extensively before I buy. It does seem that they have improved.

Thump on,

One_Dude

 

[EdO.]

Behringer stuff generally IMO is decent quality gear sound/function wise, just doesn't take abuse very well. Treat it like you treat your basses (I assume you're gentle with your instruments...) and no issue. I use a BDI21 between my bass and amp to give me some dirt and a bit more tone control, works like a charm. Paid like $25 for it versus $200+ for a Sansamp i.e. which it's supposed to be a knock off of. I'd dare the average listeners to be able to tell the difference.

 

[BAG]

I agree Edo.

I believe that most of the bad reputation Behringer has was (maybe still is to a certain extent) sure to lack of quality control in China and when you bought something from them you could be unlucky and get a lemon. On the other hand you could be lucky and get a good one like a friend of mine who has his 15" speakers and powered mixer that still works well after 16 or more years.

 

[JRA]

On the other hand you could be lucky and get a good one

i agree! and: those who rely on behringer products these days = luckier than in the past.

 

[RustyAxe]

I agree. I have a few pieces of Behringer gear around here that have held up for hundreds of gigs. They work, do what I need them to do, sound fine, and if they go toes up I can replace them without a second mortgage. For example, I bought a pair of powered speakers about 10 years ago, and use them for acoustic gigs where I don't need 120 db SPL. I've used them as mains ... and used them for monitors in bands. The pair cost me less than a single from other sources, and with a good ear for EQ sound quite acceptable (and I'm pretty fussy about my acoustic and vocal tone). I once use some of their rack gear, though, and had a less than pleasing experience. No problem, they can be re-sold to someone else who might find them to be just what he needed.

The biggest problem with Behringer isn't that they don't make a good product at a good price point, it's that IF you do have a warranty issue it's damn hard to get satisfaction without it costing as much as a new unit. So ... buy a new one. You're still ahead.

 

[BAG]

i agree! and: those who rely on behringer products these days = luckier than in the past.

Yep. They seem to be getting less and less lemons out to the public.

and if they go toes up I can replace them without a second mortgage.

Yep. For many of their items they are worth a go. If its not right for you you don't lose to much on the resale.

And I'm not just talking Behringer. As many of us know, the Indonesian made Squier Jag Short Scale is an amazing bass for very little money.

I posted this thread in the hope that some youngsters on this site might see that the constant barrage of so many on TB saying things like "You need at least a 4x10 and 500w to play outdoors and anything from China won't do it" isn't actually true.

 

[micque]

I've been using they're BDI21 for a few years now, I personaly like the sound and tone I get from it, with the tube immulator, and run with my Ampeg B200R, ( yes I actualy got one that works perfectly ) and I get the sound that I need.