All user reviews for the Tech 21 SansAmp PSA-1

ho comprato il sansamp dopo aver letto in giro parecchio, prima di costruire un sistema rack da usare principalmente in casa. L’ho abbinato con un rocktron velocity 120, tc-g major prima serie ed un dbx 131s, un loudspeaker v30 su cassa thomann.

PRO
ha tantissimi suoni, i puliti molto belli e le distorsioni credibili. Garantisce una gamma di suoni veramente ampia e tutti utilizzabili.
La facilità di utilizzo è una delle sue carte vincenti, il midi ed il loop serie/parallelo fanno il resto, al prezzo di un pedale....anche se vecchio ancora valido, poi dipende da che uso se ne fa. Non è un modeling-amp! È qualcosa di diverso ed unico

CONTRO
non ha la dinamica ed il tocco di un valvolare ma reagisce bene al volume della chitarra. se si vuole maggiore fruibilità bisogna aggiungere un equalizzatore. Sansamp consiglia di non usare power amp a valvole, infatti uso rocktron velocity 120. Anche per questo un loudspeaker FRFR dovrebbe essere abbinato per una migliore resa

OVERALL
suona bene ed è divertente da usare, bisogna metterlo nelle condizioni di suonare bene...se lo si trova come me a 200€ vale sicuramente la pena provarlo. Fra i migliori preamp in giro a questo prezzo e la sua fama per me è guadagnata. Lo consiglio

The characteristics of this preamp was quite detailed in previous reviews, I think it is useless to go on it. So I'm going to say what I think ... But I put a 8/10 for the general characteristics of this rack because it is very comprehensive, serious and well made, but I am not the maximum score for 2-3 little things that annoyed me. I explain it further ...

UTILIZATION

The configuration is very simple, and you do not really need to limit the manual. The presets are pretty good too, except for a handful of them that are fairly anecdotal. But the presets are often very useful as a starting point when looking for a sound. I use it exclusively in my studio, never live. And this is my first review that is: no on / off switch which in my opinion is essential in the studio, all the rack generates a hum (probably the transformer) quite audible and unpleasant. Otherwise the connection bloated and quite pro is more than welcome in the use of studio ... I put 7/10 because of the switch and the noise!

SOUNDS

The possibilities are many, almost infinite ... But usually we see still some "signature" sound everywhere. Is not it more embarrassing, because anyway the sound output is good, especially as I use it in conjunction with a formidable speaker simulation (Redwirez) which changes the situation quite a bit (or complete rather ...). Everything that goes crunch to heavy distortion is downright perfect, amazing even. However, I am not completely satisfied with this rack to make her beautiful clear, is a real amp is miles ahead. Or not completely convinced to use the beast with low also because it lacks a certain je-ne-sais-quoi to illusion, I much prefer in this case use a real bass preamp with real lights in (an Ampeg in my case) ... Otherwise he likes with all kinds of guitars (he has seen dozens ...), do not worry on that side then. I put a 9/10.

OVERALL OPINION

I received this rack as a debt there are more than 10 years! It was not new when I gave it, but in a state of nickel. There has never been a failure, although these days it tends to be a bit lazy (knobs and presets inactive for a few minutes after powering up, then everything falls into place ... weird). I put a 8/10 still missing due to the switch, noise and clear sound that could be better ... I would do surely experience, as it is now equipped with an on / off switch, but the question is if not a little outdated, and as the competition is tough and its price is not cheap, I would certainly listen competition before making a decision ...

All analog FET.
Side connection is complete:
- Two input jack, a front panel and a rear panel with the possibility of attenuation 10 dB
- An effects loop one input and two outputs with a switch to mix 50%
- Two output and two XLR jack with switch attenuator 10db
- A jack for a footswitch
- Taking Midi In and Out / Thru
There's also the next settings of the world
- Preamp Drive and saturation levels for the preamp and amp
- Buzz, Punch and Drive to define the grain (Marshall, Fender others ...), each of these settings acting on a specific frequency range.
- Low and Hight to refine
- Level

What more?

UTILIZATION

The configuration is simple, but given the number of knobs and large operating ranges there is a way to spend time.
The manual is clear, but there is a priori in English ..
The factory presets are excellent.
Easily obtained dozens of good sounds!

Only downside for recording the simulation HP is a little light so I complete a Palmer "The IDPs Junction".
At the same time the fault is probably the quality that allows it to be equally at home plugged into a power amp with HP.

SOUNDS

I use it with my Epiphone Les Paul, 50's wiring and pickups Classic 57.
It is perfect for my style of music (Blues, Rock and Hard Rock), but also many other styles I'm sure.
Very nice clean sounds Fenderien changing a little factory presets (less successful than the Marshall and Mesa I think)
Next we will crunch the more subtle, which manages the attack, more cantankerous with a range of impressive grain.
Being focused on little big distos I will not pass judgment the above but there obviously what it takes ...

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for a month, and I tried kilos of gear (amps, pedals, numerical simulators, software) before finding my happiness.
What I like the most? Everything!
What I like least? the absence of on / off switch but ...
Used for € 220 the price is unbeatable, if I had the choice again I would not hesitate one second

Bought to satisfy my versatile needs. £460 UK (ex-shop demo)

This is a one unit guitarbass pre-amp with 49factor presets and 49 user presets. The psa is described as a 'tube emulator' but it is of such qaulity that I see it as an amp in it's own write. Unlike the popular 'Amp Emulators' (Pod etc) this unit is not made up of an amp select, cab select, drive and eq controls. It is made up of all parameter controls which are tweaked to make it sound like you want it (like another well known amp for instance) there for it is extreamly versatile compared to other emulators out there.

Err i like everything thats there, but to add bad points id have to say:

The lack a detachable power chord is a minus and also in-built reverb would be nice

The PSA is built like a really well built err...thing. Shallow 1U rackmount

I have no bad opinions of what IS there just the lacking features i mentioned. If this was stolen, id have to replace it ASAP.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

Purchased from the Rock -n- Rhythm department of The Woodwind and the Brasswind (http://www.wwandbw.com) for approximately $550 in summer 1997. I wanted to divorce my sound from dependency upon tubes, and the PSA-1 had the best sound among the available non-tube pre-amps.



Stores 98 MIDI-switchable presets. Very easy to edit & store. Exceptionally good tone. The device is a pre-amp which emulates various tube amplifiers (e.g., Fender, Marshall, Mesa), both in their pre-amp and power amp characteristics. Even tube enthusiasts are stunned to discover that the PSA-1 has no tubes.



The effects loop is either 100% in or 50% in. I would prefer a continuously variable mix control. In practice, however, I can control the overall effects mix from one of my other processors.



Very sturdy, single rack unit device.



I have never been disappointed with this purchase. I still think it is the best sounding pre-amp I've encountered.



This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

Pr amp 19 "guitar with 50 presets and 50 factory mmorisables, no lamp, and controllable via MIDI and / or switch (loop presets only).
Complte connection: 2 sortires jack and XLR with attnuation, effects loop, 2 inputs Guitar, Midi complete, more pedals to switch between a.

UTILIZATION

Config ultra simple .... Drout at beginners but enough, you really get used to:
Many paramtres house as Buzz (roundness, bass boost), the crunch ("dirty" sound), the drive (this is the classic distortion), the pramp (signal more or less' powerful in between), the punch. but also a serious boost and ague (frq fixed) and a level.
English manual (s'font no shit!).
Boring stuff: backups in a notch in the pre amp, with mdiator (not super convenient when you want to go fast on scne eg).

SOUNDS

The saturation is good for the trs mtal but also (if only one hack!) For rock and blues. For clean sounds, I'm a little more is not really warm Reserved.

OVERALL OPINION

I have 3 years, and I'm pretty telling, but I have been slow sound that suits me. Even if some presets are worth, you really have to torture the pre amp to get what you want.

Of transistors fair and robust, with a power unmatched at this price, for simple adjustments and effective without going through menus and submenus sub-menus often encountered on the preamps Concur.

UTILIZATION

Getting started could not be simpler and the result is the appointment.

SOUNDS

The most famous amplifiers are found in the PSA-1, you just make the right choice plusqu'à, Marshall, Fender, Mesa Boogie, Bassman, Hiwatt, Vox and certain sound groups or guitar legend. The simulation is excellent! Farewell to the ugly and the whole POD smala ....

OVERALL OPINION

It is best to try, but beware it is often the adoption and no longer do without it ....!!

It preamp guitar / bass programmable analog simulation with HP. format a 19 "1U.
technology? Custom circuit patent Tech21 "SansAmp", no lights
Fully noon (mapping, no ....), Write Protect Settings, only patches.
connection? facade: Input. Rear: Input with attnuation, send, return G / D with 50/50 switch to limit the signal affect 50%, Output L / R with attnuation jack, XLR Output. Between MIDI, footswitch between.
Prg 49 factory, 49 users

UTILIZATION

It is deceptively simple: the knobs to turn, a "notch" to save a afiche 2 x 7 segment to read the num prog ...
Seemingly simple as there are 9 qd same knobs that can sculpt the sound:
Preamp: level of
Buzz: Boost / saturation serious
Punch: Boost / cut / saturation of mediums
Crunch: Boost / cut / saturation of acute
Drive output level of the pre-preamp, the saturation dose global
Bass and Treble: EQ active preamp post
Level: general level.

Drout enough, the first 5 knobs are very interactive, not just dpart .. but the factory presets are well done, clean sounds rather qques Christalin, qques crunches and a lot of big sounds ....

SOUNDS

I use this preamp recently, it is possible that this opinion I see when I master it.

The preamp is able to be defined mulate the sounds of classic amps, the spresets also carry their names (as in Line 6). some are available listening su rle site Tech21. well, there are 10 preset marshamall, 10 fender, boogie 10, 10 and 10 different low ...

I do not know much about the hardware of the original but the limits regardless of the preamp sounds good to my ears. I found him a true Personal and a wide range of sounds, especially saturated, of its own or in dirty boogisien fenderien.
I Interacting with Roxanne, a junior and a Start in front of a Marshall EL84 20/20 and qques pedals in the effects loop - see my pedal board on my profile) long live the 50/50 switch, ideal for testing transparency of Multi Fx The GX is not like that ....

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 1 year (bought used on AF), the diffrence with my stuff is blatant Previous ....
I like the sound, the knobs available on the connector.
I like the least difficulty setting (although I think it sounds anyway ...)
Good quality price, but the midday light pramps not lgion ... ADA MP, Marshall JMP-1 and the recess TriAxis but that's another fee.

I had long coveted, I esay the JMP-1, that I do not versatile enough.

See below.

UTILIZATION

See below.

SOUNDS

See below.

OVERALL OPINION

Of course there will never be worth a real amp lights when den sagit get sound, but I find that the PSA-derived sen a trs well in limited while having a real personality.

One important thing to know and discovering that a long time jai: This preamp is designed to operate with power transistors Tage (Tech 21 advises) and often had actually jai loccasion plugging Marshall quipent in studios in Paris and RPET cest of the slurry (in lentre guitar like the back of the loop deffets).

JOperation the preamp connected to a head Ampeg G-410 120W (Ampeg combo rcupredun transistors of the 70 and plugged into a Marshall cabinet) and all EST on much more convincing, I served as mtal play of the pop / rock with this possibility davoir sound convincing and original (something that is rare) as in plain or saturated crunch .

We often compliment me on my end of the concert and silent wonder what this stuff and they picked me to play in my current group including through my sound.

So our answer to wash of 3prod below I would say that I do not try to compare processors modlisation today but I can not find it at all deprecated the point where the guitarist with whom I Chang is currently playing his POD XT live for a half stack Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier APRS happens in my group in order to fight (such dexemples seems to me speaking!)

SansAmp preamp with technology, that is to say, a circuit without lamp, built entirely with transistors but while maintaining (imitating ~ simulating) the sound of the lamps.
The réglagles are made directly by pots, no menus to enable or place, we find the following settings:

Traditional settings:
- The level of the preamp button: Pre-Amp
- The level of distortion ave button: Drive
- The active EQ on the bass and treble: Low and High
- The output level: Level

We can saturate the sound by combining the control and Pre-Amp Drive.
SansAmp specific settings to build the grain and color of sound:
- Buzz: distortion bass with a positive and negative control.
- Punch: distortion with a midrange setting positive and negative.
- Crunch: Who acts on the brilliance and harmonic sound.
The unit is fully twelve o'clock, there are 49 presets and 49 factory storage space for personal settings. There are key MIDI: midi and midi dump map. You can also program a sequence of sequence of presets. A function to lock the action of the pots to prevent maladjustment during a concert.

The connection is complete:
- Two guitars inputs (front and rear high-impedance).
- An effects loop with possible in parallel with a mixer set at 50%. The return can be done in stereo.
- Two stereo output jack classic format and the format balanced XLR for connecting a console for example.
- All outputs (loop and output) are located at the line but can be attenuated by-10dB to find a level instrument. Similarly, the instrument input can be reduced back to-10dB.
- A footswitch input.

UTILIZATION

It is simplicity itself, turn, listen, if we like it, you can save. on the other hand, at the beginning get familiar with the settings: Buzz, Punch and Crunch. But the factory settings are very well built and serve as an excellent basis for work and help to tame the beast.

SOUNDS

The advantages of this preamp is the versatility and control. The sounds are really good or excellent. As they say some, this amp is really good for large distortions, personally I bought it mainly for that test. The clean sounds are also good, but they seem a bit less efficient, or at least it takes a bit more tweaking the settings.
The advantage of this machine is versatile (it is difficult to ask for as much tube amp) and control. Once we understand the interest adjustments Buzz, Punch and Crunch, we take great pleasure to build its grain. We can then build a full sound by adding a rack effect for example.
Another highlight of the PSA is its flexibility on the connection. Unlike conventional tube preamps, it has not been optimized for connection to a power amp tube and a slap guitar quality, such as the excellent TriAxis can be expressed only the addition of a great power amp and a good slap, it's quite normal, because the philosophy of the manufacturers is that each link amp (preamp-amp-slap) brings color to the sound. With the PSA, the philosophy is different, the designers designed the preamp so that it provides a sound that is already built entirely in terms of grain and color. Thus, it can plug directly into a console, in a classic tube amp or transistors. Of course the quality of the amplification occurs, but rather in terms of transparency rather than in terms of color. As against the PSA does not have a real simulator HP configurable, therefore it must change its equalizer when changing type of amplification.
The only downside is the sound on the dynamic response that seems less powerful than an all-tube amp. Similarly, the rate control of distortion by the volume knob on the guitar is less effective than a tube amp.

OVERALL OPINION

It is now just a month since I bought it on occasion. I am completely satisfied, I'll have a lot of practice to capture all the subtleties of adjustments. What I like above all in this unit is the philosophy of the unit, we construct the basis of sound with the PSA (grain, color), he added a good rack of effects to beautify and refine the sound, partite amplification need only send the sound to our ears without distorting it. The sounds generated are really quality, only the dynamic is less convincing in comparison to that of an all-tube amp.

I do this little more Submitted pramp ...

Three things I grieve a little:
- The absence of simu HP (some would say that the paufinant rglages it is doing the recording ... I've never found a better sound than using a simu HP)
- 2-band eq's not good enough I got
- The absence of switch On / Off (corrected on the 1.1)

UTILIZATION

The configuration is very simple if we use the (excellent) factory presets

If one looks for his son ... L can spend hours ... But we rarely!

The rglages are slightly Drout (SETTING THE gain per band frequency drives: buzz, crunch and punch) in the qualizer + ... But once you feel the action of many DIFFERENT rglages on sound, no problem!

SOUNDS

I play a great majority of metal, from rock nerv well what is becoming nag!
I m'escapade from time to time on the rock type at large Led Zepp, Pink Floyd, Red Hot etc.

I play with a small Ibanez Rg321 with a Seymour Duncan SH-6, a power amp homemade base transistor (2x70W) speakers and two 1x12 "V30 om the farm.

(I tried several other guitars, PRS Santana SE, LTD Mh400NT etc.).

THE FIRST silent approach flattering but a little of what j'esprais dea ... I read everywhere that silent trs metal or even too much for some, and what n'tait not my printer! It sounded too got my medium. So I'm buying a Boss GE-7 with which I have corrected the bump medium of my hardware (in large part of my V30 I think)

And l. .. This is the drama ...

THE ultimate slap! C'tait the only thing missing this pramp!
Before, c'tait well with the EQ is excellent! You can have a relatively dry and the edge like a big fat heavy sound and you palm mute with the dboutonner caleon ...
What I like most is his ct natural incomparable face of the tribe POD ... Same recording, I prfre my current sound (compare my old POD 2, albeit aging). I think it lends itself pramp both use a studio, that a good use RPET or live. That's cel Whereas I do not really like a device modlisation, but more like a hand pramp Entire.
I am not convinced that simulates well the Mesa, Marshall and others but what it sounds! It has a clean personality while having a range of extremely large!
The cleans are beautiful, crystalline, slamming wish. And all that is out of saturation Relva standards: p (j'exagre sentence)
Without EQ: 8 / 10
With EQ: 12/10
Rating: 10/10

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for about 4 months

What I like most is the distortion, although it is perfect RULES!
I believe that with a transistor power amp is the best way to get big sound at home down the volume. I have not tried it with a power amp lamps, so I can not tell if he is doing as well. That, to me, the cream of all transistor, dominated only by the right amp lamps.

I tried everything that is done in the modlisation (or so), I possdais a POD 2.0 before ... See NOTHING! : P

I pay 350 used, it can be found by searching prs 300-well, I would do without hsiter this choice!

I hte to add to it a multi (or Rocktron TC) to complete my set!

Amplification Type: 100% prampli transistor.
Connections: complte
- 2 inputs (front and rear) with slecteur level (0dB,-10dB)
- An effects loop (mono send, return Stereo) with slecteur mix (50%, 100%)
- 1 output jack Stereo 1 / 4 "with slecteur level (0dB,-10dB)
- 1 x XLR Stereo (never used) with slecteur level (0dB,-10dB)
- Ports MIDI (In, Out / Thru).
Rglages: y 'has a herd ...
- PRE-AMP -> saturation of prampli (roughly simulates 12AX7)
- BUZZ, PUNCH CRUNCH -> roughly rglage rate low, mid and treble in their level of saturation (Premire gives color to the sound, but it is not an actual equalizer) ,
- DRIVE -> saturation of the "Days of Power" (well, of the formulation)
- LOW and HIGH -> 2-band equalizer,
- LEVEL -> ben is the output volume
- Slecteur patch DOWN and UP
- Backup Button (prvu to click with a mediator)

UTILIZATION

Configuration: To put it in a rack. In this rack, have taken a multi-rack with on / off, because the PSA1 there's no on / off button. MIDI programming has the benefits of its inconvnients. It RSID in "you sound RULES, and you click two times." When one changes the rglages a patch exists, by two small blinking LED indicates the remoteness from the rglage in memory. When we changed several rglages is a little mess in the flashing, but it is
In "mode I switch my patches and I play hard", disable the rglages (inhibit the knobs). With the vibrations, a knob can "just move" and change the sound dramatically Anyway, I know many who mucking their sound in the middle of a set
Sound: Ben rings. Honntement, to understand a little about how the walk portards and APRS, we get sounds fabulous. Compared to the new simulators, I have not had the opportunity to try. It makes me not want to try other ... The factory presets are good, and are a good starting point for a sound (the opportunity to learn to use the knobs).
Trs good or good clean sounds, crunch, saturated, but as with any simulator unexceptional
Remember that all simulators as they are, this will never be REAL amp lamps. And it's not a few hundred dollars that will s'quiper with 12 million potential amplifiers. But does his office.
Manuel: It is clear, complete, but in English. He would have earned be in French.

SOUNDS

For my music, it gives me (with the help of some friends) the sounds I want. I use it (attention, has become complicated in the effects loop of a Marshall JMP1, itself in the loop of a GX700 (multi effects Boss), which attacks a Marshall 9200 (2 x 100W ). and rang. It is unconventional as to fawn, but I use the 2 pramps (in SERIES). The JMP1 gives it a nice color supplmentaire. It is said that should not the bulbs plug into an amp that sounds a dgueu (supposedly by the manufacturer), well be changed ear ...
I get good sound, they are clear, jug or saturated, I play standard tuning or LA ...

OVERALL OPINION

I use it almost since it came out. As JMP1. RPET, concerts, studio, he told me never lch.
What I regret is the lack of on / off switch, but still anecdotal.
I just tried JMP1 before, but I took the PSA1. Since even if I use it with a PSA1.
As I said above, for a few hundred euros, are acquired "almost" a list of legends amps. And that price is an excellent qualitprix.
With the same budget, I think I do it again this choice. But with the budget adquate, I'll see all of the heads of ct lamps, high-end (so much as trs)

Prampli a transistor which despite its price is really high quality trs of mine must have between fifteen and twenty years he has served under all of the amps slipped and fell on sc or I do not know what else msaventures together ...... not a single potentiomtre not spit or no contact dfectueux!
The output level is lev it never grows to a full-stroke potentiomtre certainly in use guitar amp.
the connection is complte trs: - faade Input / Input 2 (back) / three outputs 4 db,-10db, with a trim XLR / Footswitch / and a bypass loop that allows INTERESTED cr e line with other effect that begins when it is cut pramp sharper than just a bypass can not play too pedals live and practice it pro. It is also equipped with a switch-LIVE-probably a phase inverter but the sound is compressed ........ trs is effective.
On the line of control rglage found that I could do without:
PREAMP-to amplify the inter / BUZZ-PUNCH-CRUNCH for saturation respectively mdium bass and treble of the (very effective!) / LOW-HIGH for eq / LEVEL for output.

UTILIZATION

The config is very simple and the sound is right now, you just learn to assay the guitar distortion, especially low beyond a certain level they are ..... but it is invasive vritablement not a problem.
But pramplis in practice is not limited at all the guitar and I recommend it widely trs gnral for the studio.
For my part I use it wherever I need pramplifier a mono signal is perfectly usable in clean and offers many variations of grain and tone in distortion. The careful handling of its rglages can do without compressor.

SOUNDS

Sound or music plutt grains are large and deep drawing as well as compact and tight .... etc.
RSID principle in the division into three channels of parallles pramp for the Bass and Treble Mdium.
The good ide to 21 tons of tech cre pramps 3 trs diffrent texture to these three records:
The Buzz is very serious, it produces a distortion type Subfuzz whose nickname Defines the texture perfectly ..... a serious buzz on the guitar to the keyboard via voice and especially the bass.
PUNCH is the guitar above all, distos hendrixiennes or AC / DC as the guitar or if you play in the registry is made clear trspchus jazzy sounds that build on the buzz pais ... a marvel.
For other instruments it will have on hand lgres rglage which efficiently compresses the saturation ... but hey we do what we want to even when.
The CRUNCH is the top of the spectrum that we can simply delete or inject carefully to give the outline and then we lche you push a bottom and there electrocution guarantee .... the sound is a bestial scream every instrument Tolra pramplifier not be at this point in this spectrum must be sources of good quality. A telecaster is well balanced rgale of such treatment, the rhodes and sparkles with a microphone sm57 basic type by cutting the buzz is made of the votes Lo-Fi grain electric and exhilarating ...... In short I love it.

OVERALL OPINION

I purchased about 13 years ago for 1300 Francs in the era dpart becaufe I had a bad amp and can not afford to do better so I think that to have a good pramplis allow myself to have her around ...... the bte went much further than a.
It is a set trs homogne and effective, it lacks a single BMOL SETTING THE medium in the EQ for the guitar does not pose a problem that is why n 'there are no other sources but with it t would welcome.
The report qualitprix is ​​just incredible and I looking for a second Stereo inshallah ....

Pr-amp transistor 100% analogue

Connections: complte
- 2 inputs (front and rear) with slecteur level (0dB,-10dB)
- An effects loop (mono send, return Stereo) with slecteur mix (50%, 100%)
- 1 output jack Stereo 1 / 4 "with slecteur level (0dB,-10dB)
- 1 x XLR Stereo (never used) with slecteur level (0dB,-10dB)
- Ports MIDI (In, Out / Thru).
- Possibility of Midi mapping (basically call her on 32 pdalier can match any of pRSET pramp)
- Slecteur patch DOWN and UP
- Backup Button (prvu to click with a mediator). This button accder to special functions (mapping, dsengagement of potentiomtres, reversing mill sites / users, etc.).

Trs not simple (as a bit rough at the display) but the manual is very well done.

UTILIZATION

Setup is simple, the programming ease.
Again: Refer to the manual.

The factory presets are well done trs (mention spcial sounds Boogie & Marshall), and are the basis for user presets.

The name and function of potentiomtres can Drout, but once understood philosophy (thanks to the manual, dcidment ...) it's pretty simple.

SOUNDS

Ideal for live, but also for saving models (used in recording all that evidence).

It is also powerful in big crunch that trs saturations (Try the riff Sludge Factory (Alice in Chains) in Dropped D on preset 24, you tell me the news !!!), and allows ventail sound variation on a pretty amazing (the old to Boogie JCM). The clean sounds are a little behind, but with a good amplification lamps high volume, the ct attnue a little "bridquot;.

Try the riff Sludge Factory (Alice in Chains) in Dropped D on preset 24, you m'endirez news!

I personally use a Mesa Boogie Fifty / fifty and Quardaverb GT for effects, and all registers around (Hard Rock, Blues, Funk, Pop), the prampli proves extremely efficient. I jou before on JMP1 well, but much less versatile.
My Mesa Boogie Studio sounded much better in clean, but had neither the flexibility nor the versatility of the Sansamp.

Unlike what I read sometimes it fully respects the grain of the guitar (my strat diffrent, my Les Paul Jr. or my Sheraton), and very well gre volume knob at the crunch.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 10 years now ... and I see no reason to change!
The Sansamp is the most versatile prampli I used good, just the derrire Triaxis, which is typical even a notch above.

The report qualitprix is ​​unbeatable.

If you have a choice, turn plutt to version 1.1: an on / off switch, headphone jack and more. I have not changed because mine is a limit SERIES ... Pink!

This is a pretty nifty preamp rack that I got from a friend, pure solidstate but 100% analog circuitry. It is not discontinued and been replaced with the PSA 1.1, the biggest differences being an on/off power switch, 128 presets as opposed to 99, a master volume control, an XLR ground lift switch, phantom power, midi output and a dedicated headphone out.

Specs (front panel):

Input, Preamp, Buzz, Punch, Crunch, Drive, low, high, Level, down/up for preset switching.

(back panel):

Midi thru/out, Midi In, footswitch, Output Left/Right with -10db pad XLR, output Left/right 1/4" Line with -10db pad, Effects loop with 50/50 Mix, Input 2 with -10db pad.

I should note that this preamp is designed for ONE instrument at a time. Although it has 2 inputs, the 2nd input is not meant for simultaneous instruments. The manual says input 2 is actually disconnected if plugged into input 1 on the front panel. Input 2 is cleaner, and has the least amount of distortion, meant mainly for rack and patch-bay applications. So if you were plugging this in, in a straightforward fashion without extra signal processors just to a power amp or head/combo, input 1 is what you'd want to use.

There are 99 total presets. 49 of which are already made by tech 21 and cannot be erased. The other 49 are for you to store/save/tweak etc. There are many ways one can use this preamp; traditionally with a head/stack or combo, or direct through to a PA or mixer or right to your computer's preamp. The preamp has a built in speaker emulation for direct recording, which gets rid of some of that fizziness found in other preamps.

There are no special effects, just clean and dirty. With the amount of settings available, you can tweak your distortion sounds to go anywhere from breaking up to high gain uber metal. I'm not a huge rack guy so i like the layout, it's one of the simpler preamps I've dealt with. Guitars AND Bass can go into this unit.



UTILIZATION

Tech 21 has basically nicknamed the basic EQ controls to more confusing ones, I don't know why. But if you read the manual or play around with it a little bit you can get to understand it a bit more. Buzz controls the bass. Punch is like a mid control. Crunch is like the treble. Drive controls the amount of gain. The Low and High are like to extra boost/cut options. And Level controls the overall level of the outputs on the rear panel.
The footswitch option is good too, you can connect something like a momentary single button footswitch to step through the presets. Or you can hook up a midi moose or any other midi controller to select presets.

Generally it's very usable. Though not the all-in-one sort of package. FX loop, midi, Footswitch, -10db pad. 50/50 Mix knob is cool too. But then, I mean 99 overall presets of just clean and distortion seems excessive. And no on/off switch? Everything has an on/off switch!

SOUNDS

Let me first say, that I am NOT a tube snob. Though I DO prefer tube amps majority of the time. I also like good sounding solidstate gear if they sound great. So most of my judgements are NOT comparisons to tube amps. They are simply a matter of what sounds good to me or doesn't.
For Direct Recording:
The manual has a few suggested settings that you can try, most of which I found were way too fizzy and trebly for a standard tuned 6 string guitar. I've tweaked with the controls quite a lot and experimented using impulses, other preamps, EQs in the loops etc etc. All of which can sound pretty decent if the end result is mixed in with drums and bass etc. The thing about recording is that it's like looking at something with a microscope, everything is picked up and heard. And this unit is fizzy and fuzzy in general. It DOES require a lot of tweaking and external equipment to get it to sound GREAT in a mix. By itself, it sounds average.

The cleans are quite good in general they can get quite chimey.

As for distortion sounds for most genres that require medium gain, or low gain or even high gain but standard tuned metal, it's too buzzy.

HOWEVER, with the type of music out there now a lot of heavy metal/death metal etc bands are using super detuned guitars and 8 string guitars. With that type of genre and those super low frequencies, this preamp SLAYS!!!! It's like instant Meshuggah!!! And since it sounds awesome with downtuned guitars, it sounds great for bass also!! Cleans and dirt! The distortion in general is a stiff sounding distortion with no power-tube sag. Though it's all analog it's still fizzy even with the speaker emulated out.

For Live use:

This is where it shines. It sounds great in a live mix with a full band, all the fizz is gone and the tweakability is nice to have. Depending on what poweramp you're using, it'll sound slightly different. The basic sound is great. Does it sound like a tube amp? There's two ways to think, first: I'd say, with a band, and a crowd of people, playing live on stage. YES definitely. Second: with just the guitar rig, and beside it, another full tube rig. No. This is one of those things most guitar players go through with the mindset. You only really notice the difference if you have something to compare it to. But if you use it in it's context, you'll be takin off!!


OVERALL OPINION

Overall, after owning this for nearly a year and using it nearly everyday I've found the pros and cons for the unit which I will sum up here.

PROS:
- Great cleans for guitar or bass
- AWESOME METAL distortion for downtuned/8string guitars or bass live OR Direct -- better with Impulses
- Reliable construction.
CONS:
- Horrible distortion sounds for any guitar in any genre other than downtuned metal. Way too fizzy.
- Wish it had at least an on/off switch like the upgraded version. (Sort of seems like they just forgot when they released the first version)
Overall, it's a good unit for certain things and not so great for a lot of other things. Live use is always simpler and therefore sounds great. Also, most of the reviews are dated! Majority of them aren't comparing things to today's new solidstate stuff that sounds better for cheaper. So I can see why a lot of other revews are high. But for recording, and for this day and age with so much new technology and improved solidstate gear. This unit is average at best BY ITSELF. Since it requires, at least for me, a LOT of external equipment to start sounding decent. The old manual still has it's old price, of back when this model was first for sale, $795. And nowadays a used one is at most $300. This unit does not stand the test of time. It's only ok for what it is. Therefore, I'm rating this unit a 5.