The Behringer HM300 is a compact heavy metal distortion pedal built around ultra-high gain circuitry. Behringer describes it as giving "rude and rowdy distortion for the fiercest rhythm chops and searing leads, with virtually endless sustain," and the pedal's four dedicated controls are aimed at shaping a metal rhythm or lead voice from a single stompbox1. It sits in the distortion family alongside other Behringer high-gain boxes such as the Behringer HD300 and Behringer Ultra Metal.
What it does to your sound
The HM300 is a distortion pedal in the high-gain metal mold: Behringer's product page leads with its ultra-high gain circuitry and the promise of virtually endless sustain for rhythm chops and searing leads1. Where many distortion pedals offer only a tone knob, the HM300 splits the tone shaping into Low and Mid controls, so the midrange can be pushed or pulled independently of the bass. Behringer presents the Distortion, Low, Mid and Level controls as the way to "sculpt your own trademark metal tone"1.
The pedal's enclosure is pink, which Behringer itself acknowledges with the line "Don't let the pretty pink color fool you"1.
Where it came from
The HM300's lineage points clearly at the Boss Heavy Metal HM2. Writing about Behringer's pedal range, Josh of JHS Pedals said of the HM300: "I would say the Behringer is definitely inspired by this and has the same basic sounds, but there's something quite diff"3. In other words, the same basic high-gain territory as the HM2, with a midrange character of its own.
Controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Distortion | Sets the amount of distortion1 |
| Low | Dedicated low-end tone shaping1 |
| Mid | Dedicated midrange tone shaping1 |
| Level | Sets the output level1 |
Power and bypass
The HM300 runs from either a 9 V battery or Behringer's PSU-SB DC power supply, and Behringer notes that the PSU-SB is not included with the pedal1. Behringer also states that the pedal's top-quality on/off switch maintains signal integrity in bypass mode1.
The PSU-SB power adapter is not included, so plan on a 9 V battery or a separate supply if you are adding the HM300 to a powered pedalboard.
What reviewers said
In an April 2025 buying guide, Gearnews's reviewers gave a short verdict on the pedal: "The HM300 will get you into very evil metal territory quickly."2 Gearnews listed the pedal at $65.00 USD at that time, alongside £58.00 in the UK and 69.00 euros in Europe2.
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Questions
Does the Behringer HM300 run on a battery?
Yes. Behringer says the HM300 can run from either a 9 V battery or the company's PSU-SB DC power supply. The battery option makes it easy to try on a small board or plug straight into a guitar, though a pedal used regularly is usually better off on a supply.
Does the Behringer HM300 come with a power adapter?
No. Behringer lists the PSU-SB DC power supply as not included, so you supply your own 9 V adapter or run the pedal from a 9 V battery.
Does the HM300 have a mid control?
Yes. Alongside Distortion, Low and Level, the HM300 has a dedicated Mid control. Behringer describes the four controls as letting you sculpt your own trademark metal tone, and the midrange sweep is a big part of how the pedal is voiced.
How much does the Behringer HM300 cost?
Gearnews listed the HM300 at $65.00 USD in its April 2025 buying guide, alongside £58.00 in the UK and 69.00 euros in Europe.
Sources (3)
- HM300 | Behringer, Behringer
- The Best Distortion Pedals in Every Price Range, Gearnews (www.gearnews.com), 2025-04-14
- WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH BEHRINGER?, JHS Pedals
