With an effects box line up like that, I believe no one could call Sir Dingo a Behringer basher or even doubt his sincerity about his observations. I guess Virtual Pro is good for some things.
But really, other than, "It should not sound, 'thin, thinny, harsh, metallic', and it should sound, 'lush, thick, spacioush, natural' has anyone really established objectively what latitude of the controls for the parameters it need to modify or the latitude of the presets it provides and extent of the sound as the controls are modified (or as one steps through the presets) , for an effects box of this nature should sound like, other than these subjective descriptions? As we all know, our results could be tainted by many other empirical factors.
Since this thread started, I learned (thanks to you and this board), of TC Electronics MC300 and Roland SRV-3030. Emphasis on the Correct parameters to be set and seems like they were designed by the vocalists or guitar player themselves who ever wished they have a third hand to manipulate the controls while they were singing and playing. The reviews I hear online on both of these items are great (but that doesnt tell me anything except in the manner you presented them here as how you use them, not in their perception, as you know, we read rave reviews on both Behringer Virtualizer Pro and Lexicon MPX 100 also, although there are some bashers on both.) It seems people tend to rationalize or validate their choice of the box they bought. Most reliable are people like Sir Dingo who owns several, and has no validation to worry about himself.
Too late for me. Wanting to improve upon by vocal treatment by Virtualizer Pro, based on peoples attitudes about Behringer from this board, I went ahead and bought Lexicon MPX 100 at ebay for $125. It should arrive soon. As soon as it gets here, I will put it through its paces for the purpose I need to use it. Move from one parameter or preset and compare them to VP. I will let you know my results. But then again, I am clueless of how a great one should sound like since I don't have a line of of expensive effect boxes like Sir Dingo. I did, however, got involved with one album whos studio was overseas. I couldn't remember what the brand it was but it definitely wasn't the same ones we are familiar with. I do have the album though and it sounds great. I you want to hear the MP3, I just might convert it and post part of it here.
