Behringer Spectral Processors

Paid $149 at Misicians Friend. I was shopping for a new Bass Amp, and despite the fact that I liked the versatility of the SWR SM-900 as well as the Thunderfunk TFB420, I prefered the vintage sound of the Ampeg Pro 4. But even with its Graphic EQ, it might be tricky to compensate for room accoustic problems. That's when I've found the relatively cheap TUBE ULTRA-Q. It's a 2 times 4 bands fully parametric EQ that can be used in serie as an 8 bands. What I like the most about it is that each single bands can be bypassed and also both low ans high can be set as shelved. So you can set: 0-40Hz +4DB, 250 -6Db, 800Hz +3DB, 2200 Hz +3DB and 6000-2000Hz +6DB and there is 3 other bands left. You can turn on and off any of these bands as well as the upper ore lower group as you whish. Most important and non existing on any Bass Amp, is that you can also ajust the bandwidth ( or slope on shelving mode) of any frequency. There is also some knobs to control the amount of tube drive "enabling you to selectively add tube warmth to the EQ’d signal" as they say. I cranked them up completely in combination with the Ampeg Pro 4 compressor to generate a slight tube distortion without loosing any punch. As I said earlier, I've choosen an Ampeg amp because I mainly wanted Ampeg sound. but with this unit, I can easily get SWR, Thunderfunk or GK sound (without the nasty GK background noise and much sweeter high's) or any other modern Bass Amp sound...And I can always live with any room accoustic problem now. Lots of Chinese parts I believe. The knobs are very sensitive to humidity, and makes noize when spinned while there is a signal. The switches are not aligned properly (they lay left or right), due to quick assembly. The warmth meter display is funny to look at byt between you and I it's not very usefull. In general, the construction is very acceptable for a $150 unit. Generous doughnut style power supply. There is no toes underneath, so it may generate ground problem if resting directely on the Amp. Two 12AX7 made im China I presume. It doesn't add that much color, but it really add a bit of transparency, and it doesn't screw up the low end. I like the light tube sound however. Comes with both Balance XLR and unbalanced jack in and out connectors. That EQ is supposed to used as a stereo PA EQ. However, I recommand every bass player in quest for new tone to get this unit before getting a new amp. It is a great unit and Musicians Friend return policy is very easy. It's a versatile, comprehensive and relatively good sounding device for a ridiculous price. My only hope is that it will last. I have no clue of Behringer quality in general. However, at the moment I'm very happy with the unit and I might be tempted to try their compressor, and small mixer (to mix clean and Blue Tube signal). This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com