Behringer BX1200 Review

History:

Purchase: I purchased this amplifier from Musician's Friend for $249. This was a replacement for a much larger combo amp that I didn't really need.

What I Like About This Unit: Let's start with its physical characteristics. First, the tilt-back design is very convenient and it allows me to hear myself clearly on stage. There is a sound hole/vent in the back of the speaker cabinet, a quality that technically enhances the lower frequencies. This amp is also very portable. It's covered with black carpet-like material that's found on other amplifiers, so I can slide the amp right into my trunk without having to worry about scratching it. It is definitely light enough to carry (and throw in your trunk) with one hand. It does not take up a lot of room on the stage, either. Regarding sound, the aluminum speaker can accomodate a lot of different tones and with 120 watts, it cuts through on stage. The amp has several sound control selections. The shape feature is pretty interesting in that it allows you to blend your sound, resulting in either a clear, punchy tone on one end to a more prominent "muddy" sound on the other. I think the 4-band EQ works best in the upper and lower midrange areas. The bass and treble adjustment sounds are average, but the shape feature can bring out either of these settings. When I run my Digitech BP50 through, it brings the amp to an even higher level. The EQ in the pedal does a good job in complementing the amp's sound. Placing the pedal's bass setting in the (+) category and utilizing the Ashdown amp model (6-9 setting) really helps that 12" speaker move some air...It really does sound and feel like you are playing a 15" speaker, no kidding! Try it! The amp has a ton of inputs/outputs in the back. I like the XLR output the best (it's post-EQ).

What I Do NOT Like About The Behringer BX1200: The Dynamizer is more like a octadivider gizmo rather than a feature a bass player can use consistently. I will most likely use it on occasions when I need to accent a driving, single-note bass line. Maybe the funk players can use it more often...It has a synth sound to it. I wouldn't characterze the Dynamizer as a total negative, just over-hyped. Yes, as mentioned in other reviews, it does cut in and out.

BX1200 Quality: Although I want it to keep looking new for a while, this thing can probably take abuse. It's a working combo amp and it's made to be dragged around just about anywhere. The black carpet-like covering will protect it well and the rubber stops on the bottom(s) of the amp will keep it in one place. It has large plastic corner protectors. The construction is sound.

Summary: Great value, great price. I've played plenty of 12" bass combos before and this one is hard to beat. I purchased this amp for its versatility, portability, power, punch, and extendability. It has not disappointed me in any of these areas. P.S. As an accessory, I recommend purchasing the Digitech BP50 or other amp modeler w/an EQ to compliment the BX1200. You really can take advantage of the tone capabilities of the speaker with this setup.

Rating of this product: 5

This Behringer Bass Guitar Amplifiers Review Submitted By: Perez5

Date: 2003-11-26