Tech 21 SansAmp PSA 1.1

See reviews on PSA1, the only difference is a button to adjust the output volume without touching the presets and the presence of an on / off switch. Memory, it seems to me that the knobs are notched so more practical than the old to find a setting.

UTILIZATION

see reviews on PSA1

SOUNDS

see reviews on PSA1

OVERALL OPINION

this is the part that interests me to post this notice. This model replaces the famous PSA1 which has been proven with many guitarists and bassists. It is sold on the manufacturer's website as an identical viewpoint PSA1 sounds to me was quite convinced. The interesting difference for me is that it has an on / off button. It is on paper ...

In reality, even if it has the same settings and presets (awesome) as its big brother, nay at the sound reproduction! We recognize his parent's leg but he has not gouache and craziness.

To objectively compare, I tested both versions of PSA1 same time with the same settings, the same low, same amp and cable. I preferred the original model without hesitation. I did this test with a friend who owned the original bassist and he was of the same opinion.

By itself, psa1.1 is not bad, far from it, but not as good as its predecessor with the manufacturer boasts its similarity to the same. Advice, pick up his older brother used.

Site notice or see other manufacturer for specifications.
Settings and comprehensive connectivity (including the benefits of PSA compared to PSA 1.1 1) functions MiDi original, uniquely designed and very useful.

UTILIZATION

Setting a bit complicated, but manual clear and sufficient.
We must spend time to find the sounds you research, (especially if you do not find them, see next point!)

SOUNDS

I play rock and pop sixties to seventies by lead guitar in an amateur group in many different styles (Shadows, Dire Straits, Hendrix, Clapton, Spencer Davies Group, CCR, Eddy Mitchell, etc. ..). On Fender Strat more, tube amp Laney LC 15R in pregnant Vox 212 (yes, my little 15 watt lamps they send!), compressor inlet and direct digital effect GForce TCE in the loop of the amp.
Preference for clean tones, crystalline, or crunch.
I have with this basis of all sounds great powers (in room or scene), the dynamics and harmonic spectrum lamps are excellent, the sounds of Strato are respected and sensitive settings.
And this is with the PSA is the big disappointment: I tried all possible settings and connections (direct input amp in the effects loop or direct input by FX return, mods and compression effects associated, etc ...) and spent dozens of hours compared with the sounds without PSA: PSA crash sound and we are left to the rank of a narrow transistor amp low end, exit the rich its lamps, even with heavily distorted sounds.
Does the poor quality of electronic components from a Chinese-made poorly controlled by Tech 21?

OVERALL OPINION

Bought new, tortured six months in length and breadth, and finally sold for very disappointed with the sound that crushes the harmonic richness of the lamps amp; result: narrow and not his fishing sounds.
Too bad because the features of this unit are excellent (rack, MIDI programming, connectivity, unique settings, mechanical fabrication).
Poor quality / price ratio in relation to the key parameter: the sound in PA (not tested in DI).
I may have fallen on a bad run, but if this is not the case, I think most can agree this preamp to play metal, but then all use a good distortion pedal.

I invested in a PSA1, it is super complete a pre-amp knob, buzz (beautiful to magnify the sound and feel to the high quality in the gut), punch, crunch, drive, low, and hight level , connate noon, 2 and 2 XLR output jack, two studio console output, very full for this line.

UTILIZATION

Operation is very simple, there is no digital programming, all done by the knob, to save a setting, double click on save, it's easy.

SOUNDS

I use it for both guitar and bass, but also insert the kick and give this monstrous big sound, the sound does not have a particular color, it is very neutral and simply embellishes I compared to my previous JMP1 and I must admit it is much more versatile and sounds much more pros.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for two weeks, I had the tps to familiarize myself with some sounds and it amazes me more and more each time, for this price it's really an extra ordinary pre-amp and I can now understand why many famous composers use it.

All transistor, a system that needs no introduction. This is a preamp modeling, say high-end.
Many connectors on the back (for Input A low-level instruments, two outputs and two XLR Jack, plus an effects loop with possibility to choose a mix of 50% between the loop and the untreated. More inputs and outputs that go twelve o'clock. In short, everything I need.
Settings: an input level (gain), a level of drive, plus 3 knobs on three different bands, plus two other knobs acting post (and low HI), making a maximum possible

UTILIZATION

Very simple configuration, turn the knobs, it records the sound and using a MIDI foot controller to select the patches.
Nothing simpler.
The sound is easy there, no problem.
However, it is leaning a little on you get sound terrible.
The manual is adequate, with a + for the sound samples proposed

SOUNDS

I use it with a bass. All types of sound can be obtained from its neo metal to the big Korn's Ampeg (for me, his specialty). A low, at least, nothing to say.
As for distortion, this is really big (I speak on bass, not test the guitar) for those who have what it takes, you can buy this amp just by way of a rack distortion, and you'll never be disappointed.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 6 months Maitenes, after having had the pedal Bass Driver DI Programmable from the same brand that had led to the plunge.
It became for me one of the best purchases I've ever done for my instrument. This amp is great for bass, the sounds are great, and the system let the BassPod XT Line 6 light years (I own both).
In addition, after testing all kinds of distortion pedals, I come to the conclusion that this preamp is one of the best bass distortion at the present time, we are looking for a sound to RATM or to Audioslave, to the most filthy Fuzz. He pushed my head no problem David Eden WT 500 in the closet, no comparison is possible (it helps me more than power amp now)
Absolutely a must have.