If you’re thinking about getting the Behringer HM300 Heavy Metal distortion pedal and you’re not sure if it’s worth it, you’ve come to the right place! In today’s in-depth review, I’m going to take a very close look on that popular model. It’s really cheap, but is it actually good?
The truth is that Behringer HM300 is a fantastic distortion pedal. Although it’s not the best pedal of this type in the world, considering how cheap it is, it’s definitely worth every cent! It is particularly great for all amateur guitarists who love metal.
Let’s dive deeper with research to find out what exactly makes the HM300 model so good and so popular all around the world. Firstly, let’s have a look at the detailed specification of that effect. Additionally, we’ll investigate the main pros and cons of that model. Of course, you’ll also be able to hear how it sounds!
Specs & Pricing
Behringer HM300 Heavy Metal is a very cheap analog distortion pedal which is really popular among a lot of metalheads. This is actually one of the cheapest distortion pedals that you can add to your pedalboard!
The HM300 is very simple, but it gets the job done. It has four controls: Level, Low, Mid and Distortion. This actually gives you quite a lot of control over the distorted tone that this effect can produce. Surely, all fans of ’80s heavy metal will really enjoy using that model.
The pedal is made of plastic, so it’s not the most durable distortion effect in the world. It wouldn’t be a good idea to take it on a wild tour with your metal band, but it last you for years to come if you just want to practice at home.
Undoubtedly, sometimes it’s hard to believe that the HM300 is that cheap. It sounds surprisingly good! The plastic case is pretty disappointing though – it would be a killer pedal if Behringer would make it in the metal enclosure.
Here’s the sound demo – feel free to check it out below.
Who Is It For?
Behringer HM300 Heavy Metal Distortion pedal is suitable for all-level guitar players. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an advanced musician or not – you will definitely appreciate the surprisingly good quality of that effect.
However, it is a particularly good choice for anyone who’s searching for their first distortion pedal.
Although it’s mainly designed for heavy metal music, the HM300 can actually be used for other genres as well. So I’m sure that even if you’re into hard rock or thrash metal, you’ll definitely be able to use it efficiently as well.
The HM300 is also a fantastic effect for anyone who’s searching for the best value for the money.
Honestly, finding a better distortion pedal for metal at this price level will be extremely hard. It exceeds all the expectations!
Overall, I’m positive that the vast majority of metal lovers will really benefit from adding that pedal to their pedalboards. You can’t expect it to be the best distortion pedal in the world, but it’s surprisingly good.
Here’s an another sound demo.
Pros & Cons Of Behringer HM300
Just like any other distortion pedal available on the market, Behringer HM300 has its own pros and cons. Don’t worry though – the disadvantages of that effect aren’t that serious anyway.
Pros
- Very Cheap
- Pretty Good Tone
- Perfect For Metal
- Beginner-Friendly
Cons
- Made Of Cheap Plastic
- Sounds Good, But Not Amazing
The main advantage of the HM300 model is the low price. As I mentioned before, this is one of the cheapest distortion pedals that you can find on the market. On top of that, it sounds pretty good and it’s easy to use. How can you argue with that when it’s so affordable?
On the other hand, the sound of this pedal is good, but it’s not awesome. On top of that, it features a pretty basic construction made of plastic. You will have to take care of it, because otherwise it will break pretty fast. Still, it won’t be a problem if you’re just playing at home.
Overall, I’m positive that the advantages of that pedal outweigh its disadvantages. Remember how cheap it is!
Any Alternatives?
If you don’t like the sound of Behringer HM300 or you have a feeling that it’s just not made for you, that’s not a big deal! There’s still quite a few other really good distortion pedals that also deserve a lot of recognition. Still, bear in mind that most of them will bit a bit more expensive.
Here’s a few more pedal recommendations based on my own experience.
Firstly, you should definitely check out Fender Pugilist Distortion. This is a dual overdrive & distortion pedal, so it’s basically like having two versatile pedals in one simple box. It’s built like a brick and it offers an extremely high versatility, so I’m sure that a lot of you will immediately fall in love with it! The only disadvantage is the price – it’s way more expensive than Behringer HM300.
Alternatively, you can choose Behringer HD300, which is also a really good distortion pedal made by the same brand. It offers a bit different tone than the HM300 and it’s better for grunge and alternative rock. But just like the pedal from today’s article, it’s extremely affordable!
Additionally, I highly encourage you to check out my article about 8 Best Distortion Pedals Under $100. All of the pedals mentioned on that list feature a really good quality, so there’s a high chance that you’ll really like at least one of them.
FAQ
Is Behringer HD300 better than HM300?
Both HD300 and HM300 Behringer pedals offer a fantastic quality. They sound pretty similar and they are really cheap, so if you’re not sure which one to get, buy both!
Where is Behringer HM300 made?
Behringer HM300 is manufactured in China.
Where can I find out more about Behringer pedals?
If you want to find out more about Behringer pedals, check out their official website.
Summary
As you can see, Behringer HM300 is a really cool and inexpensive distortion pedal. Although it’s not perfect, it’s definitely worth the money. Surely, it will be really difficult to find a better sounding distortion effect at this price level!
What do you think of the HM300 model? Would you add it to your own pedalboard or do you think that it’s not that good? Leave a comment down below and let me know what you think, I’m really interested to hear your thoughts!
Thanks for checking out today’s review, hopefully it was helpful. If you enjoyed this article and you’re searching for more gear recommendations, you may also like:
