Behringer GI100 ULTRA-G

I didn't expect this from a behringer piece of gear (let's be honest, they're nowhere near top of the line) but the cabinet emulation is great. It takes all the typical "digital" and harsh sound you get from an overdrive/distortion pedal or a multieffects board (non-emulated of course) and it suddenly sounds like an actual amp+cabinet through the PA. It can also give you all the attenuation you will probably ever need with 2x -20dB pads. Finally as advertised, it can handle amplified signals as well so it can go between your amp and cabinet if you wish a separate signal to the PA for some reason, while still having your actual cabinet blasting. It would be even greater to have some kind of trim control so you could set a lower level for the physical cabinet than the XLR output, but that's probably a bit much to ask at this price. So...5/5 for features.

As a DI, it's certainly not the best out there and certainly it's not totally transparent soundwise, but in any case, it's not something that you can't work with. 4/5 for sound.

I didn't have any problems with mine so far but it needs some time to prove it's reliability. The chasis looks sturdy but the XLR output feels kinda cheap. On the other hand, it's quite inexpensive anyway, so you could probably even have a spare around. I would say it's ok-ish qualitywise so 3-3,5/5 for quality.

Bought this little box to record my guitar, connecting it to a USB interface.
This is probably the cheapest and valuable piece of equipment I have ever bought. This is how my rig is connected: guitar - effects - preamp (solid state, no valves!) - Ultra-G XLR output - USB Interface XLR input. It just sounds so good!!! All analog (no digital) cab simulator is top quality, it is really like your are playing through a 4x12" cab. Forget about that sterile tone and sound, this delivers the "real" feel. There is no need to be afraid because this behringer product is sturdy, very well constructed and the quality is on par with other costier brands. I just can't recommend this DI enough! TOP!

For smaller gigs, or where a PA and monitor are provided, this saves hoiking amps and cabs about. Good alternative for mic'ing too.My main use is as an insert in the speaker line, cab emulation on and into my mixer for recording ideas. As I use transistor amps, I can just hook it to the speaker out and not use a speaker, then into the mixer, monitor using headphones and silentpractice with all the goodness an amp brings.
I've tried just using my preamp, but there is a slight, but annoying hum. Guitar direct?, more hum.It seems to like to see the high output of the amp.
For recording and gigging, well worth having. The cab emulation is quite good. Certainly more realistic than most software ems.I always use phantom power, but I have tried 9v. No noticable drop off or improvement either way, but phantom power doesn't die suddenly.
Worth having.