All user reviews of 4/5 for the Tech 21 SansAmp RBI

Tech 21 in one of the most resourceful companies on the market today They have products in the hands of amateur musicians and professional musicians around the world. They have successfully provided the industry with pedals and effects that have been used to accompany many players rigs and clubs. They have successfully developed one of the most used power amps on the market today. This bass preamp is one of the most used on the market.

This rack unit allows you to:

* Show up at any studio with just a SansAmp RBI and plug directly into the board for premium tones without miking.
* Gig with the SansAmp RBI directly through the house PA without using a separate amp.
* Go to a gig with a SansAmp RBI, a Bass Power Engine 60 and run directly through the house P.A. system.
* Take a more traditional set-up to a gig with a SansAmp RBI, power amp and speaker cabinet, and run directly through the house P.A. system.

UTILIZATION


Tech 21 SansAmp RBI Features:

* Drive adjusts the overall amount of gain and overdrive.
* Presence brings out the upper harmonic content and attack.
* Blend allows you to mix the direct instrument signal with SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation circuitry.
* Active Bass and Treble controls cut or boost ±12dB.
* Dedicated Mid control, cut or boost ±12dB.
* Individual Level control for the XLR out to optimize your amp's output relative to the P.A. system.
* Effects Loop.
* Mix 50/50 switch to configure the Effects Loop in series or parallel.
* Quarter-inch rear input and XLR output with selectable levels.
* Buffered uneffected XLR output to run a dry signal to a separate channel.
* Footswitch input to engage unit.
* Footswitch output to chain and toggle between another SansAmp RBI.

SOUND QUALITY

The preamp rack unit is a remarkable piece of gear. This has preamp has the ability to serve multiple function whether it be direct or in unison with a power amp. The tone of this amp is fantastic. You get a warm tone even for a none tube bass amp. This thing still sings great warmth with ease.

This unit works well going direct in a house pa system and even if you want it to go into a power amp into a speaker cabinet it will sound equally as refreshing. The drive control in great for getting those dirty bass tones that hang with the drummer with feel and style. The presence knob is amazing too which allow you to dial it in better when using the normal configuration of power amp and speaker cabinet and felling out the room sound. This knob will give you a better control over how the amp performs and fills the air as rooms change if you are gigging in different places night after night.

OVERALL OPINION

At new this preamp come in right at around $329, which is a great price for how good this thing sound. It does top the performance of the foot controllers from Tech 21. This does present a better overall tone and feel compared to the Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI Programmable and the bigger brother the Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver Deluxe. Those units are great for what they do but they are no match for the tone and clarity of this rack bass preamp.