Tim Hooper
August 2, 2007

Rating: 7/10

Having used a volume pedal for years to remove the attack from my guitar lead lines I was intrigued to see if the SM200 could do the job for me; the answer is a partial yes. To begin - what does this pedal do and how does it sound? Basically it removes the first moments of the sound signal put through it. It's the equivalent of hitting the guitar strings and then turning up the volume knob from zero. Whay would you want to do this? Simply to create a more 'bowed' effect as if you were playing the guitar with a violin bow. It is also a similar effect to an Ebow. As I say, this is usually done wither with a volume pedal or with guitar's control knob but this little box of tricks does it for you.

As with all Behringer pedals, it's so cheap you can afford to buy purely to experiment. You have to ask why do other manufacturers charge so much for their products by comparison? I've gigged with Begringer pedals extensively and have never had any problems. The plastic bodies are more than up to the job of live work and the signal is clean and strong.

The only thing to watch is that 'gate' stays open unless you damp the strings straight after playing them - i.e. if you want to put together a run of faded notes, you will need to stop the signal after each note. It just takes practice and is no big deal.

The SM200 is easy to control, and while you don't get the subtle variations of a volume pedal it is more than adequate. Combined with a chorus and delay pedal, it produces some truly lovely 'cello like sounds. Of no use to the Thrash / Shred brigade but a lovely little controller for those of us with more sensitive natures!