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Average Price: $39

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$200

$501+

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Description

Guitar Amp Modeler/Direct Recording Preamp/DI Box. Analog guitar modeling preamp/stompbox with DI recording output. This Behringer product has been designed to compete head to head with leading products on the market. Authentic V-TONE modeling technology for 3 classic guitar amps, 3 gain modes and 3 mic placements for a total of 27 configurations. Easily achieve the most sought-after tube amp sounds from clean, crunch to super-fat distortion. Provides a truckload of great amps in a single stomp box—simply choose your favourite sounds with a flick of a switch. Precise level and drive control plus musical 2-band EQ for ultimate sound. Dual DI mode for either direct recording output with speaker simulation or standard active direct injection box in bypass mode. Output available on ¼'' TS or balanced, gold-plated XLR connectors. Ground lift switch eliminates typical ground loop problems. Runs on 9 V battery or the Behringer PSU-SB DC power supply (not included). 3-Year Warranty Program. Designed and engineered in Germany.

Product specs

Brand Behringer
Model GDI21 Guitar Amp Modeler Preamp DI
Finish Standard
Year 2010s
Categories Preamps

FAQs

What types of guitar tones can the Behringer V-Tone GDI 21 emulate?

The Behringer V-Tone GDI 21 can emulate a variety of classic amp tones, including clean, crunch, and lead sounds. It offers a range of tonal possibilities suitable for different music genres, from blues to rock.

How does the Behringer V-Tone GDI 21 connect to an amplifier or PA system?

The GDI 21 features a balanced XLR output for direct connection to a PA system and a 1/4" output for connecting to an amplifier, making it versatile for both live and studio settings.

Is the Behringer V-Tone GDI 21 suitable for recording directly into an audio interface?

Yes, the GDI 21 is designed to work as a direct input device, allowing you to record guitar tones directly into an audio interface without needing a traditional amplifier.

Can the Behringer V-Tone GDI 21 be used as a standalone preamp?

Yes, the GDI 21 functions as a standalone preamp, offering amp modeling and cabinet simulation without the need for additional equipment.

What power supply does the Behringer V-Tone GDI 21 require?

The GDI 21 can be powered using a 9V battery or an optional DC power adapter, providing flexibility for different performance settings.

Ola Englund

Ola Englund

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Video thumbnail for WILL IT CHUG? - Behringer V Tone Guitar GDI 21 by Ola Englund

WILL IT CHUG? - Behringer V Tone Guitar GDI 21

Ola Englund

Ola Englund

Video thumbnail for Behringer V-Tone GDi21 Review - TheRecordingRevolution.com by recordingrevolution

Behringer V-Tone GDi21 Review - TheRecordingRevolution.com

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recordingrevolution

Video thumbnail for V-TONE GUITAR DRIVER DI GDI21 by Behringer

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Video thumbnail for Behringer V-Tone Guitar GDI 21 Amp Modeler Demo(SansAmp GT2 Clone)Fender, Marshall, Mesa Boogie... by Levent Sezer

Behringer V-Tone Guitar GDI 21 Amp Modeler Demo(SansAmp GT2 Clone)Fender, Marshall, Mesa Boogie...

Levent Sezer

Levent Sezer

Video thumbnail for Behringer GDI21 V-TONE GUITAR DRIVER DI Guitar Amp Modeler/Direct Recording Preamp/DI Box Demo by Mykola MrHardGuitar - Guitar Reviews And Lessons

Behringer GDI21 V-TONE GUITAR DRIVER DI Guitar Amp Modeler/Direct Recording Preamp/DI Box Demo

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Mykola MrHardGuitar - Guitar Reviews And Lessons

Video thumbnail for Behringer GDI21 - Tech 21 GT2 Clone #behringer #tech21 by SLÄRP

Behringer GDI21 - Tech 21 GT2 Clone #behringer #tech21

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SLÄRP

Video thumbnail for Behringer GDI21 - Just The Tweed Tones - No Talk, All Tone by Budget Pedal Chap

Behringer GDI21 - Just The Tweed Tones - No Talk, All Tone

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Budget Pedal Chap

Video thumbnail for Behringer GDI21 all-in-one pedal by vincent ryan borres

Behringer GDI21 all-in-one pedal

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vincent ryan borres

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Behringer GDI-21 V Joyo American Sound direct comparison

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Budget Pedal Chap

Video thumbnail for Good tone from a super cheap Amp Modeler?! by Rudy Bressers

Good tone from a super cheap Amp Modeler?!

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Rudy Bressers

Reviews

PROS

  • Affordable option for achieving grungey main guitar tone

  • Offers versatility with various settings for different styles

  • Comparatively adequate to more expensive Tech21 SansAmp for casual use

  • Enhances sound when paired with other pedals

  • Functions well as both an amp simulator and a DI box

  • Offers ground lift and quiet XLR output

  • Compact and responsive design

  • Provides good value for the price point

CONS

  • Generates excessive noise, making it difficult to use in some settings

  • Lacks the clarity and definition of higher-end models

  • Cabinet simulation not up to studio quality

  • Construction and foot switch made of plastic, questioning durability

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Behringer V-Tone GDI 21 Guitar Amp Modeler.

Features and functionality

  • The TM300 lacks the balanced XLR output from the GDI21, eliminating its DI capabilities.

    Source
  • Owners miss the addition of a headphone jack and DI capabilities in Behringer's newer models.

    Source
  • The GDI21 functions effectively as an active DI box when in bypass mode, providing utility beyond just amp modeling.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • TM300 is often used as a dirt pedal for British sounds, not as effective at the end of a pedal train.

    Source
  • Owners describe the pedals as essentially a ds1/rat with EQ adjustments for cabinet simulation.

    Source
  • Owners find it particularly useful for simplifying home recording setups by connecting directly to interfaces, saving time compared to swapping amp-in-a-box units.

    Source
  • The pedal is praised for its versatility in achieving different amp sounds (e.g., Mesa for rhythm, Marshall for leads) with simple toggle switch adjustments.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Zoom VAMS GM-200 offers a headphone jack and aux input, features missing on Behringer models like the BD121.

    Source
  • The Sansamp Classic is noted for having more EQ options and is preferred by some for achieving a Nirvana-like tone.

    Source
  • While often compared to the SansAmp, some users find it lacking when directly A/B tested against the SansAmp Classic, preferring the latter for superior sound quality.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • GDI21 can still be found used at a premium price on platforms like Guitar Center and Facebook Marketplace.

    Source
  • Multiple users express amazement at the value of the GDI21, particularly when acquired for under $20 during sales, noting it as an exceptional budget option.

    Source

Build quality

  • The GDI-21 is reportedly less durable compared to the Tech 21 GT2, with some owners experiencing longevity issues.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A DIY PCB clone of the Sansamp Classic, purchased for approximately $80, offers a cost-effective alternative with customizable enclosure options.

    Source

User experience

  • Several users report satisfaction with its performance for practice and demo recording, even if it falls short of high-end studio standards.

    Source
Add

3.5 out of 5

Based on 9 Reviews and 27 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
skytimesfive

too noisy

has some ok tones within it but its just way way way too noisy to be usable its insane

Genres:
mylittleeye

A Poor Man's Tech21 SansAmp GT2

For a fraction of the price, this Behringer is a clone of the Tech21 SansAmp. I use it to turn my TDK Soundcube from a punchy but clean portable HiFi speaker system into three styles of dirty overdriven guitar amp. It does a fine job for this living room rock star but the genuine Tech21 SansAmp GT2 has the edge in definition and clarity in a side by side test. Go for the GT2 if you have professional demands. For the rest of us, this behringer is perfectly adequate..

[Update]

A concern I had about this was that it seemed to quickly get quite hissy as I turned up the level/gain/treble. However using it in conjunction with my overdrive and/or distortion pedal soon demonstrated that, with everything adjusted to parity I don't actually need to turn up the gain/level into the hiss zone. Indeed, the pedals seem to enhance each other such that together they add up to more than the sum of their parts. Individually my Bad Monkey, 60's fuzz and GDI21 each sound OK but together something magical happens and my rig starts to sing! - It takes me some fiddling mind you. Incidentally the Sansamp GT2 also gets hissy - it's a feature of the circuit cloned.

hamnotthefood

My best stompbox

It’s my cheapest pedal, but it’s what I use for my main guitar tone. It’s super grungey, and it has all sorts of settings. I love this thing.

vinnyborres

Great tone from this DI amp simulator

Bought this because I dont have a decent amp so I thought that this amp simulator/DI box will solve the problem and to my surprise not only that it's a good DI Box, it is also a very nice stomp box. Better than other cheap distortion pedal out there. It can't replace a proper amp but for rehearsals and emergency situation, I think it can save you. Also it's very handy for recording.

das_biswajit

Versatile, Compact and Responsive

it is Versatile, Compact and Responsive.This pedal also has a xlr output . So it can be sent to your amp out of the 1/4 output and a PA send out of the XLR. Probably the best 'bang for buck' modeler (remember the price you are paying for). The only prob i found is the casing and the foot switch. Which is made of plastic.

teodozjan

Maybe good DI box

Maybe it is ok as DI box or amp sound changer but cabinet simulation is not studio quality. It is possible to set it quite good but it will still give some fuzz

It is great to have ground lift and XLR. XLR very silent but it is quite common for di boxes

flagellumdei

Thanks for your commens.

I just want to buy that product but I wonder its quality cause of you said "it is ok as di box". Can you compare with other boxes if you use some?

I need an amp simulator and a di box. Do you think it is eligable for both?

teodozjan

I don't have any other DI boxes to compare. I use it mainly as amp sim through jack out for playing on headphones through my amp that has no cab sim at all. Amp simulation is fine but cabinet sim is quite fizzy. I wonder whether it differs from TM300

Tweed model is the only that can be set clean without rolling volume knob on guitar all other all walls of overdrive

flagellumdei

TM300 and GDI21 are same as amp modeler, I guess. Thanks again.

joris_van_dorpe

ok

Has alot of versatility, with alot of mediocre to decent sounds. This one is fun to circuitbend though, you can get like a sub-octave type distortion out of the box this way.

dom_vitor

Nice equipment

Good pedal. It´s a perfect simulator of a lot of amps... Cool!

M

destroying the mks

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Brian Eno uses Behringer V-Tone GDI 21 Guitar Amp Modeler

Brian Eno

Singer, Keyboardist

David Bowie (band)

...
Verified via Photo

In an image from this blog detailing the recording of Karl Hyde and Brian Eno's collaboration on the album Someday World, we see Eno's GDI21 laying across his guitar.

See how Ola Englund uses Behringer V-Tone GDI 21 Guitar Amp Modeler

Ola Englund

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

Six Feet Under

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "WILL IT CHUG? - Behringer V Tone Guitar GDI 21," Ola Englund demonstrates the Behringer V-Tone GDI 21 Guitar Amp Modeler, showcasing its capabilities.

See how jomal linao uses Behringer V-Tone GDI 21 Guitar Amp Modeler

jomal linao

Guitarist

...
Verified via Facebook

In a Facebook photo, Jomal Linao is seen using the Behringer V-Tone GDI 21 Guitar Amp Modeler, located in the upper left corner. This suggests its role in his setup before he upgraded to the Mooer Brown Sound 005.

See how Russell John Manaloto uses Behringer V-Tone GDI 21 Guitar Amp Modeler

Russell John Manaloto

Guitarist, Composer

Faspitch

...
Verified via Photo

"Workhorse Board A (top). Board B (bottom) for the more traditional plug, play, and brutal gabas gabas chuggachuggadjentdjentpurrpurrkuhk ka- kuhk (it's a metal thang) #workhorse #pedalboards #teamNMG #faspitch #cablesandspace #curbside"

Album Usage

The Behringer V-Tone GDI 21 Guitar Amp Modeler has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Behringer V-Tone GDI 21 Guitar Amp Modeler, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Show yours
zaza_3121

zaza_3121

Gear IQ 476

ugur_kozbey

ugur_kozbey

Gear IQ 227

antonio_marcos_d_avila

antonio_marcos_d_avila

Gear IQ 176

gff

gff

Gear IQ 204

andres_sobral

andres_sobral

Gear IQ 67

tattoofred

tattoofred

Gear IQ 132

3 alternative and related items for Behringer V-Tone GDI 21 Guitar Amp Modeler, curated by the Equipboard community.

Tech 21 SansAmp GT2

$219.00 - $261.00

similar sound high-end alternative

The Behringer GDI 21 is pretty much a clone of the Tech 21 SansAmp GT2 with an added DI output.

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