Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI 

Comments about Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI:

Gets a good sound to record bass lines for most of the music I do every one who records must have one .

Comments about Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI:

Had it about a week and it's given me some nice tones. Really compresses the signal as well and the wav sits pretty well in the mix without much fussing around w eq. My only concern is the unit generates a good amount of hiss, which is easy enough to remove when recording, but I anticipate using this in a live setting soon and I'd rather not have all the hiss coming through the PA.

Another pro is that the manual is excellent and gives tips on how to achieve certain sounds (ie Bassman, SVT, fat tube) as well as gives you templates to write your own created sounds down right in the back of the manual. much appreciated!

Comments about Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI:

No matter how good or bad your bass amp is this thing will make it sound worlds better! Super crisp clear and punchy tube modeling.

Comments about Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI:

PA systems have come a long way but that's a good thing for bassists. Instead of a backline of refrigerator-sized cabinets, it's entirely possible (and usually preferable) to rely on this little unit fed directly into the mixing board, exempting you and your bandmates from the volume wars. Obviously a good monitor is a must but setup and tear-down is so fast and easy it's like stealing. The sound men will thank you for the quality of your tone and for the simplicity of your 'rig.'
The promise of technology that can reduce or eliminate cumbersome equipment such as heavy tube amplifiers, cabinets, etc. is rarely met by the reality of such technology. It seems that modelers and the like always involve a trade-off: simplicity means compromising sound quality. Most musicians aren't willing to make such a trade and for good reason.

As someone who has hopped the fence countless times between bleeding-edge new and old reliable, I approached the SansAmp with the usual leavening of skepticism, especially given that bass is often as much about raw physical presence (the thud) as it is musical expression. Could a box the size of two decks of cards deliver the sound(s) of a amplifier/cabinet rig? The short answer is....yes. The long answer is yes...and it sounds much better than the equipment it replaces!

The features and controls are detailed elsewhere but suffice it to say that there is as much variety as quality on offer. Some products are renowned for doing one thing well...but only that one thing. This unit provides for a nearly unlimited tonal palette as well as the often-overlooked ability to adjust the mix of the 'magic' with the straight dry signal. True, most will keep the blend knob at max but at least the option is there if so desired.

The switches for power source/ground, line/inst etc. further increase the flexibility and usability since one size rarely fits all in a live or studio setting.

Did I say studio? Oh yes...beyond the fantastic sounds this little box produces it's also a top-notch DI for recording. It easily eclipses my GK 1001RB head for tone and ease of use. No cabs, no endless trial-and-error mic placement. Edits such as overdubs and punch-ins, including those long-after-the-fact fixes that require an identical tone (obviously) are a snap.
A powder-coated metal box with rubberized, solid-feeling pots and enamel labels - this unit can take a pounding. Design has remained unchanged since Tech 21 introduced it, which should be evidence enough of its real-world durability and satisfactory feedback from users.
Two bills is the pain threshold for many buyers when it comes to mere 'pedals' but when you consider what this unit is capable of doing then the price appears very reasonable indeed when compared to the potential time, money and effort you might expend in going through a variety of amp heads, cabinets, combos, preamps, etc. in order to nail down the tone you've been seeking.

Comments about Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI:

This pedal costs a little more but it's the floor version of the rack mountable one and is probably worth four times the price.

I have always played solid state (Marshall and Ampeg) because of funds and not wanting to carry around 90 pounds worth of head.

I always wanted that warm, buttery smooth tone that only comes with tubes. Wow this pedal may not have tubes but if you were blind you would never know the difference. This pedal is killer smooth and loud. I took it to practice and the guitar player immediately noticed the killer tones and loved it. Me too and that's why I call it my "Million Dollar Pedal. "
I can't think of another feature you would need packed into this incredible pedal.
So far incredibly reliable. I use a One Spot so no need to worry about batteries. Pedal works every day - no worries.
For what you get the extra cash is well worth it believe me (or not) but this thing is incredibly impressive. Like a tube amp weighing about one pound - unbelievable.

Comments about Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI:

I would recommend this for all bass guitar players, even if you already have an entire setup for your bass. This is a game changer and you'll see a huge difference in the sound!
The different knobs allow you to dial-in the tone you're looking for, whether it's for high gain for a rock venue, or kicking lows for jazz. And you can change settings on the fly depending on the song.
This peddle is built to last.
It's a little pricy, but well worth the money if you don't have such a great bass.

Comments about Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI:

I decided to wait off on a review untill I got a good grasp of this Sansamp. It takes a little while to get used to and find your sound with it but once you have, you'll never play without it. It pretty much lets you add almost anything you feel your sound is missing. It definitely achieves that warm tube amp sound and can totally reshape your tone to how you want it. My favorite thing about it is you can use it as a recording interface which made my bass tracks sound near studio quality. I run it into my Ampeg PF500 which is then ran into my computer's sound card via XLR cable. I'm completely satisfied with this product and I honestly think every bassist should have one due to all its abilities. I haven't been able to gig with it and use it to DI my bass right into the P.A at a show but I'm 100% certain the outcome will be positive. The only thing I dislike about this is that they didnt include a DC power supply for the unit, if you shell out some extra money you can buy one made by Tech 21. I'll probably be ordering one soon since the SABDDI is now a crucial part of my rig.

Comments about Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI:

stop shopping for a new guitar or amp. buy this pedal and watch how much your tone improves. I promise.
Best pedal on the market. I have been a bassist for 7 years now and this is was one of my most prized posessions. I no longer have it because my vocalist spilled water on it at a show, but... it was amazing! it can make a cheap bass rig sound like a nice one and make a nice one sound as if God himself set your tone.

Comments about Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI:

Glad I bought it. If you want to further expand your tonal options; get it.
I already play through a vintage Fender bass amp, so the tones I was already able to get were nice. The Sansamp Bass Driver DI expanded those options. It enables you to get some variations of the tones your amp already produces, and I feel like it's a very worthy addition to the tone pallett.
It's built like a small tank, and is definately able to stand the road tours.
Very good value for your money.

Comments about Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI:

This is an amazing pedal. I run a fairly simple signal chain, with this beast at the end just before my amp. I run through an Ampeg b2-re with a 4x10. If you shut your eyes, you'd think it's an 8x10 with an SVT. Until you' honestly need to be running a huge pro rig, get a trusty solid-state, this sansamp, and rock it.