Behringer VD400

Having heard many good things about this particular model of Behringer pedal, I decided to give it a shot myself. Initially I was rather surprised by the build quality. Having heard it was entirely plastic and felt rather cheap, I was amazed by how much heavier it was than I expected. Of course, the majority of the weight is in the base metal plate, but overall it doesn't feel like it'll break too soon on. Although, the fact that the switch is fundamentally an SMD button on the PCB doesn't spark a sense of ultimate durability over the very long-term (although quite repairable if you know a bit about soldering etc).

Playing with the pedal results in a very fun few options as to how the sound can be adjusted. A maximum delay of 300ms is quite short compared to many other options, but if you're willing to do so, a potentiometer modification is possible to increase the delay time which increases the options it can offer (I haven't personally done this, but it is a rather simple and common modification). Every function does as expected, repeat rate, echo and intensity are all responsive and definitely do make a difference to the output signal.

The retail packaging was excellent, all it came with was the pedal and some manuals, don't expect any fancy cables or anything.

I personally powered the pedal using a 9V battery, which I must admit was quite convoluted. The pedal feels incredibly fragile when changing the battery, and the entire mechanism it uses for that does not strike me with confidence that it will do well in the long run. I highly recommend only using a 9V AC adapter to ensure the pedal will last longer. I will also be doing this from now on.

I paired this particular pedal with my Harley Benton TE-20 (ultra cheap Telecaster clone). Sound quality is perfect, only a slight hiss is added in my particular setup (which could be a variety of different things, not necessarily the pedal).

Here are some TL;DR points (pro's & con's):

Pro's:
- Excellent sound quality
- Construction is fine for the price
- Good packaging
- Very inexpensive
- Knobs/dials are totally fine!
- Very obvious power/battery light

Con's:
- Battery compartment and mechanism is very fragile
- Switch/button in the long run will likely need repair if abused
- Obviously a bit plastic-y, but that's to be expected for such a low price

It really is a bargain of a pedal. If you're looking at any Behringer pedals (or even more expensive delay pedals) I would really give this one a shot. It really is an incredible pedal for the price. You really can't go wrong with it.

The Behringer VD400 is an affordable and versatile delay pedal that aims to capture the vintage analog delay tones of yesteryears. As part of Behringer's line of compact stompboxes, the VD400 promises to deliver warm, rich, and expressive delay effects without breaking the bank.

First impressions of the VD400 are positive. The pedal feels solid underfoot and can easily withstand the rigors of live performances and studio use. It's straightforward to operate, featuring three control knobs: Intensity, Echo, and Repeat Rate.

The Intensity knob allows you to adjust the overall effect level, from subtle ambiance to a more pronounced delay effect that will be highly noticeable in your sound. The Echo knob controls the delay time, giving you the flexibility to dial in short slap-back echoes or longer, spacey delays. The Repeat Rate knob alters the number of delay repetitions, allowing you to create beautiful cascading echoes or more pronounced and rhythmic patterns.

When it comes to sound, the Behringer VD400 excels in delivering warm and analog-like delay tones. It does a commendable job of replicating the vintage character found in classic delay units. The delay effect is musical and organic, adding depth and dimension to your sound without overshadowing your original tone. Whether you're playing clean arpeggios, soaring solos, or distorted power chords, the VD400 enhances your playing with its timeless delay sound.


In conclusion, the Behringer VD400 Vintage Delay Pedal offers an impressive combination of affordability, vintage delay tones, and overall versatility. With its easy-to-use controls and warm analog sound, it's a fantastic entry-level option for musicians looking to experiment with delay effects without breaking their budget. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, the VD400 is a valuable addition to your pedalboard that will inspire creativity and elevate your playing to new sonic landscapes.