The Behringer VIRTUALIZER 3D FX2000 is a rack-mountable effects processor aimed at keyboard, bass, guitar and vocal signals. Behringer says it delivers 71 algorithms, including what the company calls true studio-grade stereo and 3D effects that add a new dimension to your sound both live and in the studio1.
What it is and how it works
The FX2000 is outboard gear rather than a stompbox: it sits in a rack and processes whatever signal you send it, which is why Behringer markets it to keyboards, bass, guitar and vocals alike. Its 71 algorithms cover single effects and paired combinations, and Behringer describes the range as including true studio-grade stereo and 3D effects1.
Editing is per preset: Behringer states you are free to edit up to 7 parameters per preset, then save them for future use in the 100 provided memory locations1.
Reverbs
Several of the FX2000's algorithms are reverbs, each modeled on a different space or behavior1:
| Reverb type | What it does |
|---|---|
| Concert | Recreates the sound reflection of a small theater or large hall1 |
| Stage | Well suited for dissipating the sound of a keyboard or acoustic guitar1 |
| Spring | Simulates the sound of the classic spring reverb1 |
| Reverse | Reverb envelope is reversed, so the sound slowly gets louder1 |
The Concert and Stage programs cover conventional room and hall sounds, while Spring and Reverse are the character options: one for the twang of a traditional spring tank, the other for the backwards-reverb effect heard on vintage recordings1.
Effect combinations
Beyond single effects, the FX2000 offers paired FX combinations that run two effects at once. Behringer lists eleven:
- Chorus & Reverb
- Phaser & Reverb
- Flanger & Reverb
- Chorus & Delay
- Leslie & Reverb
- Flanger & Delay
- Pitch & Reverb
- Pitch & Delay
- Delay & Reverb
- Tremolo & Delay
- Tremolo & Reverb1
The pairings mostly put a modulation or pitch effect ahead of a time effect, so a single preset can handle, say, chorus into reverb without a second unit. For players used to separate chorus, phaser, flanger, delay, tremolo and reverb pedals, the combinations are the FX2000's way of packing several of those roles into one rack space1.
Other algorithms
Two further programs round out the picture:
- Ultra Bass: a sub-harmonic processor combined with a bass Exciter and Limiter1
- Speaker Simulation: adds the sound of a variety of loudspeaker configurations1
The Speaker Simulation program overlaps with what players know from speaker simulation pedals, letting the unit stand in for a cabinet sound when recording direct1.
MIDI
The FX2000 carries what Behringer calls extensive MIDI capability, so it can be integrated into a MIDI setup, and it can even save your data via SysEx1. In practice that means preset changes can come from a MIDI controller and edited presets can be backed up outside the unit, which matters in a rack shared with other MIDI gear.
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Questions
How many presets can the Virtualizer 3D FX2000 store?
The FX2000 provides 100 memory locations for saving edited presets. Behringer states you can edit up to 7 parameters per preset and then save your changes for future use, so you can build a bank of custom sounds alongside the factory programs.
Does the FX2000 have MIDI?
Yes. Behringer says the FX2000 features extensive MIDI capability, so it can be integrated into a MIDI setup, and it can even save data via SysEx. That makes it possible to store your edited presets externally as part of a larger MIDI rig.
What reverb types does the Virtualizer 3D FX2000 offer?
Among its 71 algorithms, the FX2000 includes several reverb types: Concert, which recreates the sound reflection of a small theater or large hall; Stage, suited to dissipating the sound of a keyboard or acoustic guitar; Spring, which simulates classic spring reverb; and Reverse, where the reverb envelope is reversed so the sound slowly gets louder.
Is the Behringer Virtualizer 3D FX2000 rack-mountable?
Yes. Behringer describes the FX2000 as a rack-mountable FX unit, so it is designed to sit in a standard effects rack rather than on a pedalboard, alongside other outboard studio and live gear.
Sources (1)
- FX2000 | Behringer, Behringer