UM300 Ultra Metal

Remaking the Controversial MT-2

The Boss MT-2 Metal Zone is one of the most hotly debated pedals in the world. To some it’s the greatest distortion pedal ever made while to others it’s a clunky, worthless, piece of junk. Whatever your stance, it’s a very specific kind of sound, and remaking it is no task for the faint of heart.
But where others saw controversy, Behringer saw a challenge, and thus the Ultra Metal UM300 was born.

Is The UM300 Ultra Metal Worth The Price?

When it comes to Behringer pedals, it’s usually not worth asking the price, because the answer is almost always the same; really, really cheap. As with almost all their clones, the UM300 retails at around $20. For comparison, a brand new Metal Zone will cost you closer to $150.

So what are you sacrificing for that unbelievably low price?

Does UM300 Really Capture the Sound of the Metal Zone?

For the most part, the UM300’s circuit is a dead-on recreation of the Metal Zone. The controls are marginally different – the EQ is split out over four knobs rather than two concentric knobs – but the sound is almost perfect, giving you that classic Metal Zone distortion in a cheap pink case.

Which Should You Buy?

So if there Behringer sounds the same but costs so much less, doesn’t that make it the perfect choice?
Well, although they are fantastic value for money, Behringer pedals are made of plastic, and will never last you as long as their higher-quality counterparts.

At the end of the day, it all depends on how you feel about the sound of the metal zone. If you love the metal zone and are likely to use that sound in all your music, then Boss are your best bet. The UM300 is likely to need replacing at some point so you may as well go for the one that’ll last.
On the other hand, if you’re unsure about the Metal Zone, then the UM300 Ultra Metal is a great opportunity to test it out without breaking the bank.