Behringer V-Amp 2 User manual

Version 1.1 January 2002
User’s Manual
ENGLISH
V-AMP®

2
V-AMP 2
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts
you to important operating and
maintenance instructions in the
accompanying literature. Read the
manual.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove
thecover(orback).Nouserserviceablepartsinside;
refer servicing to qualified personnel.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not
expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
DETAILED SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS:
All the safety and operation instructions should be read before the appliance is operated.
Retain Instructions:
The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
Heed Warnings:
All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
Follow instructions:
All operation and user instructions should be followed.
Water and Moisture:
The appliance should not be used near water (e.g. near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a
wet basement, or near a swimming pool etc.).
Ventilation:
The appliance should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation.
For example, the appliance should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block the
ventilation openings, or placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the
flow of air through the ventilation openings.
Heat:
The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
appliances (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Power Source:
Theapplianceshould be connected to a powersupplyonly of the type described intheoperating instructions
or as marked on the appliance.
Grounding or Polarization:
Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not defeated.
Power-Cord Protection:
Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed
upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords and plugs, convenience receptacles and the point
where they exit from the appliance.
Cleaning:
The appliance should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer.
Non-use Periods:
The power cord of the appliance should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of
time.
Debris and Liquid Entry:
Care should be taken that debris and/or liquids do not enter the enclosure through openings.
Damage Requiring Service:
The appliance should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
- The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
- Debris or liquid has entered the appliance; or
- The appliance has been exposed to rain; or
- The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance; or
- The appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
Servicing:
The user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that which is described in the operating
instructions.All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.
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alerts you to the presence of
uninsulateddangerousvoltageinside
the enclosure—voltage that may be
sufficienttoconstituteariskofshock.

3
V-AMP 2
FOREWORD
Dear Customer,
Welcome to the community of BEHRINGER users and thank you for the trust you have shown us in buying
the V-AMP 2.
It gives me particular pleasure to write this to you because, after months of hard work, our engineers have
achieved a highly ambitious goal: to improve on what is already an excellent virtual guitar amp whose highly
developedsoundandremarkablearrayoffunctionsoffers you maximum flexibilityandperformance.Naturally,
the task of developing our new V-AMP 2 was a great responsibility. At all times the focus was on you, the
discerning user and musician. Meeting these demands meant a lot of effort and late nights for us—and a lot
of fun, too. A development project of this kind always brings a lot of different people together. That makes it
all the better when everyone involved is proud of the result.
Giving you a share in our enjoyment is our philosophy. That‘s because you are the most important member
of our team. It is your competent proposals for new products that have helped to shape our company and
make it a success. In return we can guarantee you uncompromising quality, excellent sound and technical
features at very reasonable price. All of this enables you to let loose your creativity, without the price getting
in the way.
We’re often asked how we manage to produce equipment of this quality at such incredibly low prices. The
answer is very simple: you make it possible! A large number of satisfied customers means high production
volume. High production volume means that we can get better purchasing terms for components, etc. And
isn’t it only fair to pass on these benefits to you? After all, your success is our success too!
I would like to thank all of those who have made the V-AMP 2 possible. They have all made their personal
contributions, starting with the designers and including the many other employees in our company (many
thanks to Volker, Thomas, Jan and Oliver).
Friends, it was worth it!
Thank you,
Uli Behringer

4
V-AMP 2
V-AMPV-AMP
V-AMPV-AMP
V-AMP
V-AMP®
Virtual guitar amplifier with tube simulation and digital multi-effects processor
VAuthentic virtual guitar preamp with 32 amp and 15 speaker simulation models
VDedicated selectors for amp models, speaker cabinets and digital effects
VTransparent user interface with direct display of all essential settings
V32 simulations of popular guitar amps, ranging from clean to crunch to tube distortion sounds
V15 speaker simulations directly selectable and freely combinable with any amp model
V24-bit high-resolution stereo multi-effects processor with first-class algorithms like chorus, flanging,
phasing, rotary, auto-wah, echo, delay, compressor and various effects combinations
VAdditional effects parameters now directly accessible on the unit
VNew preamp bypass function allows use as a stereo effects unit without amp model
V125 presets, including 50 original artist presets, organized in 25 banks for easy editing
VDedicated reverb control adds 1 of 9 stereo reverb types to any amp, speaker or effects setting
VSeparate wah-wah effect can be controlled manually or via MIDI and is available in addition to any other
effects combination
VEffective 3-band EQ with amp model dependent characteristics
VNew presence control adjusts a high-frequency filter, simulating the negative feedback of tube amps
VExtremely low-noise—S/N ratio now 90 dB
VAdjustable stereo aux input for line-level signals (CD, drum box, sound card, MIDI backing etc.)
VStereo line output with virtual speaker simulation for recording and live applications
VFive new, practical configuration modes for various studio and live applications, some with additional
global 3-band EQ
VMaster volume control and stereo headphones output
VExtensive MIDI implementation allows complete real-time remote control and automation, data transfer
and access to additional parameters
VBuilt-in auto-chromatic tuner
VTap-tempo function allows real-time adjustment of effects speed parameter
VProfessional noise reduction system on board
VGig bag and dual footswitch for preset selection and tuner control included
VThe V-AMP is protected by US patents No. D444,169 and D444,493
VManufactured under ISO9000 certified management system

5
V-AMP 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................6
1.1 The new functions of the V-AMP 2 ................................................................................................. 6
1.2 Before you begin ............................................................................................................................ 7
1.2.1 Serial number....................................................................................................................... 7
1.3 Control elements ............................................................................................................................ 7
1.3.1 User interface....................................................................................................................... 7
1.3.2 Connections on the V-AMP 2 side panel .............................................................................. 9
2. EXAMPLES OF USE/CONFIGURATIONS ............................................................................10
2.1 Selecting CONFIGURATION modes .............................................................................................11
2.2 Standard set-up with guitar, footswitch and external playback .......................................................11
2.3 Recording..................................................................................................................................... 12
2.4 Live set-up with an external guitar amp ........................................................................................ 12
2.5 Live set-up with P.A. system and your own monitor amp on stage................................................ 13
3. V-AMP 2 PRESETS................................................................................................................13
3.1 Calling up presets......................................................................................................................... 13
3.2 Editing presets.............................................................................................................................. 14
3.3 Storing presets ............................................................................................................................. 14
3.4 Discarding an edited preset/recovering a factory-programmed preset ......................................... 14
3.5 Restoring all factory-programmed presets.................................................................................... 15
4. AMP/SPEAKER SIMULATION ..............................................................................................15
4.1 Amp descriptions.......................................................................................................................... 15
4.2 Speaker descriptions .................................................................................................................... 17
5. EFFECTS PROCESSOR .......................................................................................................18
5.1 Effect descriptions ........................................................................................................................ 19
Reverb and delay algorithms ........................................................................................................ 19
Modulation effects ........................................................................................................................ 19
Combinations of effect algorithms (multi-effects programs).......................................................... 19
Special effects .............................................................................................................................. 20
5.2 The separate reverb effect ........................................................................................................... 20
6. TUNER ...................................................................................................................................21
6.1 Tuning your guitar......................................................................................................................... 21
6.2 Setting reference pitch “A”............................................................................................................ 21
7. INSTALLATION ......................................................................................................................22
7.1 Audio connections ........................................................................................................................ 22
7.2 MIDI connections.......................................................................................................................... 23
7.2.1 Sending/receivingMIDI-Sysex data.................................................................................... 23
8. APPENDIX .............................................................................................................................24
8.1 MIDI implementation .................................................................................................................... 24
8.2 Default cabinets/amp models ....................................................................................................... 25
9. SPECIFICATIONS..................................................................................................................26
10.WARRANTY...........................................................................................................................27
CAUTION!
Please note that high loudness levels may cause permanent damage to your hearing. Turn the
VOLUME control down all the way before switching on the equipment. Be sure to keep the
volume at an appropriate level.

6
V-AMP 2
1. INTRODUCTION
Congratulations! The V-AMP 2 you have purchased is the revised version of the V-AMP—a state-of-the-art
virtualguitaramplifier that has set new standards. Our ultimate aim in developingitwastocreatetheauthentic
sound of classic amplifiers by means of “physical modeling” and to combine this with the latest DSP effects.
The V-AMP 2 has a number of decisive advantages over its predecessor, the V-AMP: the number of amp
simulationshasbeen doubled, there are now fiveglobally adjustable operating modes, and youcan also use
this device purely as an effects unit thanks to its innovative Preamp Bypass.
Once again we took up the challenge of creating a device that would still be talked about for years to come.
The V-AMP 2 is an all-purpose device that offers 32 authentic amplifier sounds—and, in fact, even special
speaker sounds—without causing you any transport problems! In addition, it has all the versatility of sound
providedbystate-of-the-art multi-effects processor technology. In short: the V-AMP2 gives you a sound tool
that has everything on a musician’s wish-list today.
BEHRINGER is a company with its roots in professional recording studio technology. For many years now
we have been successful in developing products for studio and live use. These include microphones and
19" devices of all kinds (compressors, enhancers, noise gates, tube processors, headphone amplifiers,
digitaleffectsdevices,DIboxes, etc.), monitor and P.A. speakers and professional live andrecordingmixers.
Our entire technical know-how has gone into your V-AMP 2.
Flexibility is the name of the game in the music business. A guitarist today has to be able not only to offer a
wide range of sounds, but also to adapt at short notice to different environments—home recording, studio,
live gigs. For that very reason, enormous amplifier stacks have become a thing of the past. The V-AMP 2
offers you the maximum number of features in such a compact form that you can set up and pack up in
seconds and you can master it with ease.
The V-AMP 2 will still be state-of-the-art years from now because we have equipped it with an EPROM that
can be replaced without the slightest difficulty. This means that we can keep on working on new algorithms,
taking your ideas and suggestions into account. We will then make these software updates available to you
free of charge on the Internet, thus ensuring that the V-AMP 2 remains state-of-the-art in the future too.
But enough of this talk. Nothing we say will convince you as readily as what you hear and feel when you test
your V-AMP 2 for the first time. Then you will experience a new generation of virtual guitar amplifiers with
some amazing features:
VKnock-out sound options that will blow away any conventional guitar amp.
VPerfect tube sound emulation without the typical tube amp drawbacks (short lifespan, heat generation,
mechanicalsensitivity).
VLatest DSP technology, giving you a wide range of classic and modern effects sounds.
VRugged, indestructible build, allowing you to use the V-AMP 2 in the toughest conditions on the road.
1.1 The new functions of the V-AMP 2
TheV-AMP2wasdesignedtobean evolutionary improvement on our popular virtual guitar amp, the V-AMP.
Alongside the popular features of its predecessor, the V-AMP 2 offers many new features which will make
this unit an indispensable part of your equipment:
V16 additional amp sounds—in total, 32 authentic virtual amplification models plus amp bypass available.
V5 basic configurations can be selected for different studio and live situations (see chapter 2).
VPRESENCE control can now be set for each amp.
VAn additional effects parameter can now be set directly on the device (see chapter 5).
VGlobally adjustable 3-band EQ can be set as required in the live modes to match the V-AMP 2 sounds
with different amps/combos.
VTotal preset compatibility for existing V-AMP sounds.
VEditor software available free of charge at www.behringer.com/V-AMP 2.
1. INTRODUCTION

7
V-AMP 2
1.2 Before you begin
Your V-AMP 2 was carefully packed before it left the factory to protect it from damage in transit. If there are
signsof damage on the packaging, werecommend that you immediately examinethe device itself for further
signs of damage.
In case of damage, do NOT return this device to us, but immediately notify your dealer and the
transport company, as any entitlement to damages may otherwise be lost.
Apower supply unit which meets thenecessary safety requirements is enclosedfor connecting the V-AMP 2
to the mains. When the V-AMP 2 is connected to the mains via the power supply unit it is automatically
switched on.
Never connect the V-AMP 2 to a power supply unit that is already plugged into the mains!
Always connect the V-AMP 2 to the power suply unit first and then plug it into the mains.
The MIDI connections (IN/OUT) are for standard DIN connectors. Data is transferred at zero potential via an
optocoupler. Please read chapter 7 “INSTALLATION” for further information.
1.2.1 Serial number
The V-AMP2’sserialnumberislocated on the rear side. In order to qualify for extended warranty entitlement,
please return the completed warranty card to us within 14 days of purchase, or simply register on-line
(www.behringer.com).
1.3 Control elements
1.3.1 User interface
Fig. 1.1: Control elements on the user interface
1. INTRODUCTION

8
V-AMP 2
1
TheMASTER control determines the overall volume of the V-AMP 2.
Apart from the AUX LEVEL control this is the only “conventional” control on the V-AMP 2.
All the other controls are encoder-type rotary controls.
2
The VOLUME control is for the volume of the selected preset.
3
The BASS control in the EQ section is for raising or lowering the low-frequency range.
4
The MID control is for raising or lowering the mid-range frequencies.
5
TREBLE controls the high-frequency range of the activated preset.
If the TAP key is down, theTREBLE control changes to a PRESENCE control. This enables
you to boost/cut a high-frequency filter tuned to whatever amp model is active, thus simulating
the frequency-sensitive coupling of tube amps.
6
The GAIN control determines the distortion level.
7
The AMPS control is for selecting one of 32 different amplifier simulation models. The control is
surrounded by a ring of 16 LEDs. Each LED corresponds to two types of amplifier. The first 16
simulations can be selected by turning the AMPS control (marked on the housing in: white).
To select the simulation models 17 - 32 (marked on the housing in: gray), press down the TAP key
while making your selection by turning the AMPS control.
The LED “17 - 32” in the bottom left-hand corner of the DISPLAY indicates that one of the
simulation models 17 - 32 has been selected.
Inadddition you can activate a PREAMPBYPASS by pressing the key combinationTAP and TUNER.
If PREAMP BYPASS has been selected, none of the LEDs on the AMPS control lights up.
8
These five keys are for selecting a preset (A - E) within one bank.
InEDITmode(activatedbysimultaneouslypressingthearrowkeysdescribedin ) the keys perform
the function printed directly above them:
VA: Accesses the MIDI functions. Use the arrow keys to set the MIDI channels for transmitting and
receiving (1 through 16).
VB: Selects the DRIVE function. This noticably raises distortion and volume. Use the arrow keys to
switch DRIVE on and off. The DRIVE function is wired before the GAIN control.
While editing the DRIVE function, you can also activate and adjust the wah-wah effect by turning
the EFFECTS control. The LEDs surrounding the EFFECTS control indicate the position of the
pedal. If none of the LEDs lights up, the wah-wah is bypassed.
VC: This key activates the CABINETS mode. Use the arrow keys to select the type of speaker or
combination of speakers you want. You can also switch off the speaker simuilation completely (“-”).
For further details, please refer to chapter 4.2 “Speaker descriptions”.
VD: Use this key to select the REVERB function. The arrow keys can be used to select one of nine
different types of reverb in addition to the multi-effects processor. For further details see chapter 5.2.
VE: Here you can activate the NOISE GATE function. Use the arrow keys to adjust the noise reduction
level.
CONFIGURATION: If you press the B and D keys simultaneously in Play mode, you can select
the V-AMP 2’s general operating modes allowing adjustments to different studio and live
situations (see chapter 2).
9
If an effect has been selected via its part of the overall sound can be set using this EFFECTS
control. If you select the “Compressor” effect, you can use the EFFECTS control to adjust the
compression intensity. If you turn the control to the left until all the LEDs are off, the effect is disabled.
This is known as an effect bypass.
By pressing the TAP key you can set a second effects parameter using the EFFECTS control
(see tab. 5.1).
1. INTRODUCTION

9
V-AMP 2
10
Thiscontrolisforselectingan effect or a combination of effects. This encoder-type rotary control is also
surrounded by a ring of 16 LEDs. Each LED corresponds to one specific effects preset.
11
Using the REVERB control, you can add the reverb content of your choice to your overall sound. By
turning it to the left until all the LEDs are off, you deactivate the reverb. To fade out the original signal,
turn the control to the right until only the last LED lights up.
TheLED rings around the VOLUME, BASS, MID,TREBLE, GAIN, EFFECTS andREVERB controls
each have nine LEDs. On each ring either one LED or two neighboring LEDs will light up at a
time, indicating a total of 17 different positions.
12
The TAP button performs three functions:
VTap the rhythm of a piece of music on the TAP button and the selected effect automatically adapts to
the tempo of the piece of music.
VHolding down the TAP button, you can use the TREBLE control to change the PRESENCE setting of
the amp simulation model you’ve selected.
VYou also can access the second effects parameter set by the EFFECTS control by holding down the
TAP button (see tab. 5.1).
13
The TUNER button is for switching on the tuner. In addition, this button can also be used to leave the
EDIT mode.
14
Use the two arrow keys to select a different bank (BANK DOWN and BANK UP). You can skip banks
by holding each of the keys down. To activate the EDIT mode, press both keys simultaneously. If you
press one of the keys A - E ( ) in that mode, the arrow keys can be used for setting parameters.
15
TheDISPLAY shows you what preset bank you have selected and gives youinformationonparameter
changes when you are editing. In TUNER mode the DISPLAY shows the pitch of the instrument
connected to the unit. If the amplifier simulations 17 - 32 have been selected, the LED in the bottom
left-hand corner of the DISPLAY lights up.
1.3.2 Connections on the V-AMP 2 side panel
Fig. 1.2: Connections on the V-AMP 2 side panel
16
Connectthe stereo jack plug of your FS112V footswitch to the FOOTSWITCH socket.This will enable
you to recall the presets from one bank. To switch on the tuner, hold down the DOWN button on the
footswitch for more than two seconds. You can also switch the tuner off again using the same button.
17
The V-AMP 2 has MIDI inputs and outputs to which you can connect a MIDI foot pedal, e.g. the
BEHRINGER MIDI FOOT CONTROLLER FCB1010 or a PC.
1. INTRODUCTION

10
V-AMP 2
18
Connect the enclosed power supply unit via the AC IN socket.
19
ThebalancedLINE OUT 1/4"socketsprovidetheaudiosignalfrom the V-AMP 2 in stereo, forexample,
for recording purposes.
You can connect the LINE OUT outputs with balanced or unbalanced jack plugs. The left line
output of the V-AMP 2 can be used to route the audio signal to a guitar amp with a mono input.
Pleasenotethat thesignal fromthemulti-effects processorwill thennot be availablein stereoeither.
20
The AUX LEVEL control is used for determining the volume of the signal received at the AUX IN input.
21
The AUX IN jack socket enables you to feed in additional stereo signals on the V-AMP 2 and play with
a drum computer or play-back, for example.
22
The PHONES jack allows you to monitor the V-AMP 2 audio signal with standard headphones.
When you connect your headphones, the V-AMP 2 automatically activates studio mode 1 (S1).
If the current preset or setting does not have a cabinet model, the V-AMP 2 will also select a
defaultspeaker simulation automatically, as soon as youplug in your headphones.The standard
cabinet simulations are shown in tab. 8.2. However, you can intentionally change or deactivate
the simulation when using headphones by selecting “-” in the CABINETS mode.
23
The INPUTsocket is the V-AMP 2’s 1/4" jack socket for your guitar. Please use a standard 1/4" mono
jack cable.
2. EXAMPLES OF USE/CONFIGURATIONS
To adapt the V-AMP 2 best to different studio and live situations, you have a choice of five modes
(CONFIGURATION). Regardless of the settings on the unit itself, these modes determine from where the
V-AMP 2’s output signal is taken. And the left and right output signals can be used differently at the same
time, too. One look at the following table will clearly show that you can optionally take the signal with or
without speaker simulation or sound control at the V-AMP 2 output. The effects signal at the output does not
necessarily have to be present on both sides either:
LINE OUT L
LINE OUT R
Studio 1 (S1) VV-AMP 2 as practice amp, e.g. with headphones.
VRecording situation: (V-AMP 2 is connected to stereo
line channel on the mixing console).
Studio 2 (S2)
Left
(dry signal, only
compressor plus
auto-wah).
Right
(with modulation,
delay and
reverb effects).
VRecording situation: with the left channel connected to the
recording device. The right channel is used for monitoring
only (with effect). Advantage: while recording, you don't
have to specify the effect used during the mix-down, but
can still monitor wet signals.
Live 1 (L1)
VV-AMP 2 connected to a guitar amp with stereo input. The
additional EQ (BASS, MID & TREBLE controls) allows you
to match the sound to the amplifier used. The additional
EQ does not affect the settings of your presets.
Live 2 (L2)
VHere, too, the V-AMP 2 can be connected to a guitar amp
with a stereo input. The additional EQ (BASS, MID &
TREBLE controls) allows you to match the sound to the
amplifier used. However, since no cabinet simulation is
enabled, the speaker sound is determined by the combo/
cabinet used.
Live 3 (L3)
Left
+ additional
3-band EQ with
modulation, delay
and reverb
effects, but without
cabinet simulation.
Right
with cabinet and
modulation, delay
and reverb effects,
but without
additional
3-band EQ.
VV-AMP 2 as a stage amp, with the left output connected
to a line input on the monitor amp. The additional EQ
(BASS, MID & TREBLE controls) allows you to match the
sound optimally to the monitor amp. The right channel (DI
Out) is connected to the mixing console or stage box and
is used for the FOH mix.
Stereo operation
+ additional 3-band EQ
(adjustable in
CONFIGURATION mode).
Stereo operation
+ additional 3-band EQ,
but without cabinet simulation.
Operating mode Function Applications
Stereo operation with selected
effects and speaker simulations.
Tab. 2.1: V-AMP2 modes with examples of use
2. EXAMPLES OF USE/CONFIGURATIONS