Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI user reviews ( 8/10) - 23 user reviews

• 05/20/10

  moosers's review

  Characteristics

  Tech 21's Sansamp Bass Driver DI is an awesome little box that offers both the flexibility of a direct input box, and the sound and control of a pedal. This is an analog piece of gear that has 1/4" connections for an input and two parallel outputs, and it also has an XLR output. It can be powered by a nine volt power supply and isn't rack mountable as it is controlled by your foot.

  Utilization

  The make up of the Tech 21 Sansamp Bass Driver DI definitley makes it quite a flexible piece of gear. It can be used for live shows or in the studio, but I've only used it in the recording studio. As far as parameters go, it's got knobs for level, blend, treble, bass, drive, and presence, as well as a switch for phantom/ground. It then has a switch to engage or disengage the parameters. A manual shouldn't be necessary for most users.

  Sound Quality

  Both as a traditional DI box and as a pedal, the Tech 21 Sansamp Bass Driver DI excels when it comes to sound quality. I love the sound of this when used as a simple DI box, but when paired with it's ability to be used as a pedal, the palette of sounds increases exponentially. You can definitely get a good sounding drive with this for when you might be looking for some more crunch and not just a clean DI signal. I've only used it with bass guitar - a Fender P Bass, and since it is designed for bass I don't think that I'd recommend using it for anything else. Although Tech 21 does make other similar devices for non-bass instruments.

  Overall Opinion

  The Tech 21 Sansamp Bass Driver DI is really the perfect combination of a DI box and an in depth bass pedal with a lot of control over your sound. I'd recommend that every bass player look into this, as it will definitely add a lot to both your live rig and in the studio. Studios should also consider having one of these around, as its the perfect one stop shop for recording bass guitar direct. All in all, deifnitely a reliable piece of gear with a great sound and a lot of flexibility.
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• 03/15/09

  Audiofanzine FR's review

  Characteristics

  (Originally written by Thom_bass/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
  
  DI with analog preamp in pedal format. Compact and sturdy product.
  
  
  
  Very comprehensive connections.

  Utilization

  Very easy configuration. You'll quickly get interesting sound results.
  
  
  
  I only miss a mid control.
  
  
  
  Clear and comprehensive user's manual.

  Sound Quality

  The device is effective.
  
  
  
  I used it with a 4-string passive bass and a 5-string active bass.
  
  
  
  I mainly used it to add a preamp between my Fender JB RI62 and my Mesa. Unfortunately the sound didn't match my needs.
  
  
  
  This pedal is mainly a DI box with a speaker simulation function. But you won't need it if you already have a good bass and a good amp.

  Overall Opinion

  I used it some weeks and sold it: I didn't really need it, besides it added a sound color I didn't like.
  
  
  
  I previously had a PSA1.1 and I wanted a pedal again. But this product doesn't sound like the PSA (it's more like the RBI). I just couldn't find the sound of my PSA with the BDDI.
  
  
  
  I never tested the RBI until now.
  
  
  
  Average value for money: it's a good pedal but it's rather expensive.
  
  
  
  If I buy something in this price range again I will go for the Sadowsky preamp/DI.
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• 11/03/08

  Audiofanzine FR's review

  Characteristics

  (Originally written by crrcrr/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
  
  
  
  In general, I am very satisfied with the product's sound and connection options!

  Utilization

  The SANSAMP makes wonders with every cheap amp.

  Sound Quality

  It immediately makes every low/mid/top-range amp sound great. I had been playing with a Warwick Streamer bass + Little Mark F1 amp + Ampeg 4x10" speaker for years and the SANSAMP made wonders. But I changed my whole setup (Spector NS JH5 bass + EBS FAFNER amp + 4x10" EBS speaker) and now I can see its limitations so I don't use it anymore. The sound is a bit muddy, less dynamic and not accurate enough. But.. I plugged it into a Fender BXR200 combo and rediscovered the enchanting sound that motivated my purchase 4 years ago.

  Overall Opinion

  It sounds awesome with low and mid-range gear but there's no use for it with top-range systems. You should check if it's worth it for your setup before you buy it.
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• 09/06/04

  MGR/Golem's review "Tech 21 Bass Driver"

  Characteristics

  Utilization

  Sound Quality

  Overall Opinion

  $89 used at Guitar Ctr Albany NY.
  
  
  
  Had gone to one of their clearance
  
  sales and was just browsing around.
  
  
  
  I knew Tech 21 NYC stuff is very OK
  
  because I'm already using their Bass
  
  Compactor, a compressor with EQ.
  
  
  
  It is both tube simulator and a DI box.
  
  
  
  I know what my Fender Bassman tube amps sound like, and know their limitations.
  
  The Bass Driver is a decent mimic, not
  
  quite 100% fool-your-ear, of the Bassman
  
  sound, but it can produce that tone over
  
  a much wider range of volume levels and
  
  at any level of drive-effect you choose.
  
  
  
  The Bassman itself increases the drive
  
  sound linked to increases in volume that
  
  are not always appropriate for the venue
  
  or the audience. The Bass Driver solves
  
  this dilema and I find the trade-off [of
  
  very slightly \"inauthentic\" tube sound]
  
  to be well worth the greater flexibility.
  
  
  
  It has a 2-knob EQ [bass & treble] but I
  
  find that the \"mid\" knob of any 3-knob EQ
  
  is my most valuable control. This is not
  
  really a limitation if the bass that I am
  
  playing has a midrange EQ control; and if
  
  the bass in use has only a single passive
  
  tone knob, then even the 2-knob layout is
  
  an upgrade in tone control.
  
  
  
  Like all Tech 21 stuff, rock solid. USA
  
  built with heavy metal exterior, solid
  
  punch-button type of foot switch, very
  
  quiet [super-low background noise].
  
  
  
  Has a 9v DC input, or runs from Phantom
  
  Power when using its XLR output jack, or
  
  runs from internal battery.
  
  
  
  Also has 1/4\" output, plus another 1/4\"
  
  out for dry [bypass]. The 1/4 and XLR
  
  outputs of course carry a user-dialed
  
  mix of wet and dry controlled by a blend
  
  knob. There are also knobs for overall
  
  output [dry bypass jack not affected],
  
  for drive intensity, and knobs for bass,
  
  treble, & \"presence\". Presence adds a
  
  lot of finger noise if you dial it above
  
  the 1/3 position [with roundwounds].
  
  
  
  Clean overall gain is less than from any
  
  other pre-amp that I\'ve tried [Fishman,
  
  Baggs, and Aguilar] since this is really
  
  a DI box and not a pre-amp. However with
  
  a medium amount of drive, and some boost
  
  on the bass, it\'s about the same level as
  
  an outboard pre-amp.
  
  
  
  This is a very useful, flexible device.
  
  That comment despite my general attitude
  
  that effects are for losers!! I don\'t
  
  care for anything that masks or that even
  
  transforms the instrument\'s voice. But
  
  in truth, even your choice of amplifier
  
  somewhat transforms the voice of your ax.
  
  
  
  Before you trade your light-weight solid
  
  state amp for some monster tube amp, you
  
  owe it to yourself to see if this box is
  
  all you really want or need. Do be aware
  
  that it might shred a cheezy speaker, but
  
  it can turn a decent rig into a great one.
  
  
  
  This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com
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• 12/22/03

  MGR/George Pallotta's review "Tech 21 Sans Amp Bass Pre-Amp Stomp Box"

  Characteristics

  Utilization

  Sound Quality

  Overall Opinion

  If I was allowed only One Stomp Box Effects formy Bass Guitar, the Tech 21 Sans Amp would be it. This little Box blew away all the other Mono and Multi-Effects Modules I hooked my Bass into. It is very versitile, it allows you Funk and Fwap to R&B and Jazz and Drive Home the Bass line in a Heavy Metal Song with the "drive" knob. Turns your Average Bass guitar into a High End Bass with Rich, Full, and Solid Bass tones.
  
  
  
  Paid about 170.00 at an Online Musicgear site.
  
  
  
  nothing
  
  
  
  Solid, Light Metal Contruction.
  
  
  
  It is simply the only Bass Effect Stomp Box you need to own!
  
  
  
  This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com
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• 12/03/02

  MGR/vinnyp's review "Tech 21 Sans Amp Bass Driver DI"

  Characteristics

  Utilization

  Sound Quality

  Overall Opinion

  Great DI and love the active option (sounds great!)!! I wish the 1/4" output(to run effect into my rig or mixer) was on the outside, instead of in the middle of the XLR and power supply(on front panel?). When using 90 degree 1/4" patch cables it get's a little in the way if you use the XLR at the same time. It has a input and parallel out in back, but using the parallel out doesn't give the effect to my rig (which sounds great).
  
  
  
  Almost everything
  
  
  
  Placement of unbalanced 1/4" output.
  
  
  
  Excellent
  
  
  
  Good Buy @ $170
  
  
  
  This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com
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• 12/20/12

  Mikabail's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Very good and durable!"

  Characteristics

  Everything has already been said it!

  Utilization

  No better

  Sound Quality

  In overdrive or clean tone, it sounds serious! It turns my combo rotten (my first Peavey 60 watt 96) more honest combo (it does not work miracles but still not!). My bass is an entry-level 96 ditto Transfer on which I had mounted Bartolini pickups JB replacing original. Ben and the BDDI sounded roughly the better! This is stunning! On my stack (always with Preamp Peavey Tmax, 1 box 1 * 15 2 * 10) with the same combo ben ...

  Overall Opinion

  How long have you been using? 16 (cow already!)
  
  Did you try many other models before buying it? No, it was all about control, confidence on the seller as well as ducks Mag Bass style 'and Guitar & Bass!
  
  What is so special that you like most and least? most: the sounds, longevity (concerts in bars from 96). Cons: it is not coffee.
  
  How do you rate the quality / price? good.
  
  With experience, you do again this choice? Yes, but I feels for giving me the VT deluxe! If someone has had the opportunity to try both, if he can give me his opinion ...
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• 12/21/10

  CautionHot's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Oh yeah ..."

  Characteristics

  The Tech21 American firm proposes a preamp / DI analog simulating USA made several very interesting sonoritées type (SVT, classic tube ,...) with an incredible quality.
  
  The pedal has a switch, an XLR jack, an input and output and an output parallel output. The recording studio will be little difficulty through the small switch (settings of the DI) to manage perfectly sound. Use of this

  Utilization

  SansAmp is remarkably effective through the manual (although delivered in English .. But hey, these days, which is not really bilingual?).
  
  The manual offers some examples of settings more or less interesting.
  
  
  
  Note: The setting of "Blend" is constamenent settle firmly into the
  
  Sample Hors ... this is not mandatory
  
  The

  Sound Quality

  sonoritées issued by the preamp / DI is amazing, moving from crystaline sound, very low distortion with a little fat, husky .. So the possibilities are many.
  
  
  
  There are 2 disadvantages of this pedal unfortunately:
  
  
  
  1. The lack of a midrange setting .. Who Will could push the "Holy Grail" in his last retranchement.L use a pedal (or rack) of equalization will be crucial if the key to your sound.
  
  
  
  2. Strong pronunciation of low-medium: low volume pot goes to around 120Hz, which makes the sound a bit dull and frankly not musical (the low setting would have been better if it had been made between 50 and 80 Hz).

  Overall Opinion

  I play with a Jazz Bass D'Addario ProSteel mounted with pick (sometimes not) directly into a Hi-Fi amplifier, guitar 5Watt Class A tube or directly into a PC.
  
  
  
  I did not try other models preamp / DI the amp but this pedal that simulates (Ampeg etc.) and I must admit that the sound is almost the same (different parameters taken into account).
  
  
  
  The additional use of pedals such as a limit / equalizer / compressor etc. will make the most versatile sonic possibilities.
  
  
  
  Paid 249 euro ... Made in the USA, a real preamp / DI analog ...
  
  
  
  What else?
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• 02/22/10

  motteherbeuse's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  beefy little box, analog simulations are very nice and many opportunities to find or sought SONS.
  
  Initially it's a DI with XLR and JACK choice.

  Utilization

  the manual is in English (I'm terrible) but the chart with 12 positions of my settings enough to understand.
  
  No editing is possible but all that simple.

  Sound Quality

  simulations are immediately effective and surprising.
  
  The realism I do not know, not everything in memory, but it gives very specific grains.
  
  I use it mainly with JB STD 94 U.S. and Cort NB4FL so much as.
  
  I do not use an amp on stage so direct power mixer Yamaha GF16.
  
  among the 12 simulations suggested there are 5 that I have chosen and interresting:
  
  ACOUSTIC GUITAR-
  
  AMPEG SVT-
  
  -Bassman
  
  -SLAP
  
  KING 'S STYLE (saturation)
  
  
  
  other simulations and sounds distos does not m'interressent and simulation REGGAE I find anywhere

  Overall Opinion

  Actetée used on AF 145 roros super state, and I use it for a few days (1 repeat).
  
  So about 100 roros cheaper than new.
  
  I have not tried other preamp (not found in 2 stores in Grenoble), simply followed the advice to AF.
  
  The choice is not easy at Tech 21, but being a follower of AMPEG it seemed that this model will fit well and it is certainly better vrai.Il .... but too expensive to risk.
  
  And yes the price is important, not too expensive and used for not regret and especially salable stuff and recognized, it is my principle too.
  
  So the first review Q / P: TB case on occasion, nine no opinion since not compared to other preamps.
  
  For now it's more than enough and with time I will certainly find other simulations interresting. I think when I mastered I go to resell it for programmable model.
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• 03/15/09

  VicMacKey's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  DI with prampli analogue to pedals, compact and robust.
  
  Trs connector complte.

  Utilization

  Trs simple configuration, we get sound INTERESTED trs quickly.
  
  A SETTING THE mdiums t would be welcome.
  
  The English manual is clear and sufficient.

  Sound Quality

  The PDAL is effective, for sure.
  
  I used 4 string bass with passive and active 5-string fretted.
  
  I mainly used to add a prampli derrire my Fender JB RI62 before returning to my Mesa. Unfortunately I got the sounds n'taient not the sounds I was looking for.
  
  The PDAL is primarily an ID that can serve as more amp simulator. But in the words crrcrr not need the pedals if you have a good bass and a good amp.

  Overall Opinion

  I used a few weeks, then sold: it does not need m'tait and colored just the sound of a Manir I did not aim.
  
  Before I had a PSA1.1, I wanted to return to the pedals but it is by no means the equivalent noise of a PSA (it's more than the RBI): I BDDI not found on the sounds that I had with my PSA.
  
  I have not tried the RBI at the moment.
  
  The report price is average quality because it is quite CHRE, this remains a good pedals.
  
  If I had to make another choice in this product line, try the pramp / Sadowsky DI before I DCID.
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