Behringer Tube Ultragain MIC200

(Originally written by SlapKid/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
Very convenient, when it works.

Especially for electric guitars like in my case.

Phantom power required with my red Behringer DI (the model with speaker cabinet simulation). You get every function you need and the format is very convenient.

Preset EQ also very convenient and all the more so as it has a neutral position...

UTILIZATION

Very easy to use and very versatile. In my case:

1. Between my distortion/FX and a characterless amp (e.g. Valve Junior) via the red ULTRA-G DI. It's like night and day, the sound becomes warm and spicy (valve preset). With the same configuration but with a power amp instead you get a master volume and the presets become very useful.

2. In a passive FX loop before the amp with distortion. The goal is to keep the signal as pure an clear as possible (it passes straight through) and to get the distortion of my choice with the MIC200. So the MIC200 only works in distortion mode. It doesn't really affect that much but enough to give most distortions more presence and warmth, especially if you use digital distortion pedals.

SOUND QUALITY

Until now I haven't noticed any noise with guitars, it only enhances the sound and I've been owning it for 4 years.

But its small knobs begin to generate noise and I will have to spray them... But I guess that's normal after 4 years.

I bought a second one which only worked 3 weeks... Typical Behringer!

So buy it in a real shop near you because the price difference could turn into a quick profit...

OVERALL OPINION

Advice: don't think it's a guitar distortion because it's not conceived for that. The input impedance doesn't match a guitar signal (a DI box is required) and the preamp is pure solid-state and "heated up" in a second stage. I guess...

I like this unit very much. It's very useful for my needs but next time I will buy something from a more serious manufacturer. And I will probably choose a stereo one even if it's more bulky.

This MIC200 is a nice little beast.

(Originally written by efabric/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
Tube/modeling hybrid technology.

No effects.

You can boost the signal until it starts to distort, and change the EQ.

Compact and transportable unit (not for rack).

I use it with a Bass V-amp, a powerblock and a Vox 2 x 12" speaker cabinet.

UTILIZATION

Very easy setup.

Easy editing and short user's manual. I would have liked more precise descriptions of the limiter section, the low-pass frequencies, the modeling, and the amplifier stages. In which stage the tube actually works, etc.

SOUND QUALITY

The sound of the instrument is faithfully reproduced but the modeling is not versatile enough. Sometimes the selector generates some noise when manipulated.

Sound coloration is very evident! It's not comparable with a solid-state amplification system! In the beginning it's quite subtle, but as soon as you play a solid-state preamp you feel the difference.

You can boost the effect until you get distortion. The sound is good with moderate settings otherwise I don't like the effect. I'll make some new tests when the unit is hot and do some comparisons with modelings. The unit doesn't clip except when you boost the instrument's signal or when you pick up the sound of a speaker with a mic for example.

I haven't tried out every combination but it's true that the limiter reduces the dynamic range greatly.

Review update:

With a bit more experience now I find the saturation sounds good, and when you increase both gain and volume settings you can enhance the signal of a guitar.

The limiter effect is strange: I connect my bass and get a strong sustain.

When I attack a string hard the limiter rapidly decreases the volume. Normal!

On the contrary, when I let the string ring, the volume increases again after 1 or 2 sec. before the note fully fades out!

It's a strange effect like an ADSR filter... However you can use the limiter (with low settings) for phrases with short notes.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using it for 2 days.

It's has no power on/off switch. So use a multiple socket outlet with a switch.

Pro: the tube warmth! Con: the modelings, especially with the limiter.

It's my first tube gear.

Very good value for money.

It colors and enhances every sound source very subtly. I recommend it even though my experience with it is rather short.

Review update:

With more experience I find this unit is essential. It's great with a multi-FX processor!

It's ideal for guitar or bass recordings if you don't have a DI box but only a mixer!

Preamp tube or di computer with phantom power, several types of settings, bass guitar, vocal, valve, piano, etc.. With or without lamp and limit.

UTILIZATION

Very simple to use, but it should be understood that any effect requires some research and according to the goal we want to achieve. I used fx effect on a mixer.

SOUND QUALITY

I could compare by using the pre-amp and pre-amp without recording and listening with all my ears that will give a clearer sound and a slight distortion near the old tube amps that I used in my youth.

OVERALL OPINION

Since 2010.
I had a pre-amp Art, but I prefer the Mic 200, which is more to my needs and the color of the sound I'm looking for, I said it especially useful for the voice and the setting that suits me is vocal / warm.
What I like most is that it brings clarity and dynamics, for the price you can not ask for the moon, but set is a good tool for a home studio.
I would do this choice without hesitation. You can listen to recordings or I use this link: https://mourad.bandcamp.com/album/sur-la-route-des-d-cibels