Behringer FX2000 3D FX Processor

1. Introduction

A few years ago I used to rock a Roland MV-8800 production studio. It used to have only 3 effects slots (1x reverb, 2x delay/chorus, 3x multi-fx). When I needed more effects or wanted to do some crazy processing using the multi-fx processor I had to resort to re-sampling. To avoid it I had to find a stand-alone multi-fx processor which would allow me to have more effects without the need to re-sample. As usual I had a hundred in my pocket waiting to get a bang for my buck (or pound :) and this is how I met the Behringer FX 2000 processor.

2. Build Quality

Really sturdy metallic chassis (some of the edges are "razor" sharp so watch out, don't cut your fingers). Plastic knobs feel a bit cheap and wiggly at first but you get used to it and after 2 years I can't complain. Connectors are all of decent quality and fit nicely.

3. Features

You get 100 presets and you can alter them in unimaginable ways and store in another bank of 100 user presets. There are 8 master effects groups (Reverb, Delay, Modulation, Dynamics, Psycho Acoustics, Filter/EQ, Distortion/Amp and Special FX) within these groups you get certain sub-types and even effect combos such as REV+DLY etc. Each effect has 8 tweak-able params (knobs EDIT A through EDIT F + EQ LO, EQ HI). FX bypass push button and compare are nice to quickly skim though and preview the effects. Some effects require MIDI input to set tempo and such. MIDI in/out connectors allow you to recall a preset or to dump them to a PC using the MIDI SysEx. I really enjoyed the ability to recall stored presets using MIDI messages. All you have to do is to record a valid preset change event somewhere at the beginning of your track and the unit will react promptly.

4. Verdict

Lets start with the price. I dare you to find more a affordable multi-fx processor with such a wide selection of effects. Moving on to sound quality. It's acceptable, don't expect too much from reverb as presets sound quite average. The unit is simple in setup and easy to work with, produces nice sound and gives plenty of presets to chose from. For the price, definitely get it, you can't go wrong.