If your looking for a cheap tube pre, this is good option. I actually like it better then the similar ART unit. It is kinda noisy with the gain cranked up, but at normal acoustic guitar / vocal / cab micing levels its pretty quiet. If you are having noise issues make sure your inputs are set to +4db, not to -10db; -10db inputs will produce a constant buzz. Iv found this to be pretty consistent with most pre amps Iv used, not just this unit, they need to be set to +4db. I would also suggest ditching the stock no name tube for something better, like a JJ's or Ruby's.

When I first got this thing, it was perfect. No noise and nice and full tone, full frequency, everything they claim.

Like clockwork, right about a year comes along and it starts making this loud static noise, like your tv does on a horrible signal. Constantly running, at difference loudnesses on each setting. The electric Guitar setting had it the lowest, but it still came through, even when I gated it to death. I threw it out yesterday. Garbage. Plan to purchase a new one within a year. Your best bet is, if you're using your computer to record with, just get the Line6 studio port with the phantom built on. Their's has NO sound (quieter than this) and plenty of presets and effects to play with.

I bought a Tube Ultragain MIC200 for use primarily as a DI box. The unit initially worked fine, though I could never quite hear the difference when switching to different "voices" on the preamp. Controls were not as obvious as one would think, especially compared to competitors units. After two years of very light use the unit failed. Unfortunately this Behringer unit only has a one year warranty. The ART Tube MP Studio is nearly identical to the MIC200, with easier to understand controls and a longer warranty.

I use the Behringer MIC200 as a pre-amp to record my bass guitar before plugging directly into the line level input of my Creative Labs Audigy 2 ZS sound card of my computer. I also needed a 1/4" female mono to 1/8" male stereo plug adapter that I bought here also(Planetwaves), so that I could hear and record in both left and right channels at once.

I haven't tried any other instruments, or microhpones with it. But this tube pre-amp is amazing sounding for my bass! Besides bringing your levels up to line level to record, it really does add a nice character to the sound. Warm and punchy. I'm glad I spent the tiny bit of extra money for this model rather than the MIC100. As I like the different pre-amp modes. I use the "Valve", "Bass" (without the limiter), and the "Neutral" setting. They all sound different and nice, depending on what application you need. The "Valve" setting is very tube sounding. It's the warmest/thickest/gooyest of the three, and what I use the most so far. The "Bass" setting is more solid state sounding, but the lows sound slightly boosted, with the highs slightly rolled off. The "Neutral" setting is like the "Bass" setting minus the E.Q. shaping. Very open sounding.

I haven't had any problems with noise with this unit. You do have to understand how to properly set the gain and output to achieve a clean hot signal. I also noticed that I was having some intermitent crackling when I first started using this pre-amp. It turned out to be my input cable that was the culprit. I guess a good hot signal will reveal any defects in cables.

I bought this product while doing a gig in Augusta, GA. A tubed electric guitar amp I used got busted while in the trailer. All we had was a solid state Fender but couldn't get the right tone. I went to a local music store and bought this Tubed Pre-amp and ran it in front of the solid state amp for more body, warmth, and crunch. I have been absolutely amazed at what this little puppy puts out. DEFINITELY worth the money, I still use the "Pre-amp before solid state" sometimes when playing, it brings a really unique tone. It's a little bit noisy when used in the studio, but still works great and adds a lot. Don't waste your bucks anywhere else. Buy one