Tech 21 SansAmp RPM Rackmount Preamp 

Comments about Tech 21 SansAmp RPM Rackmount Preamp:

I bought the Sansamp RPM to use as a bass preamp into my Axe-Fx II. I have NEVER had better bass tone than I'm getting with the RPM. It's easy to dial in most any tone you could want, and has absolutely superb analong warmth, tone, punch and presence. I've been using digital for so long, that I had literally forgotten how completely awesome bass sounds through an analog preamp. If you want great bass tone, look no farther.

Comments about Tech 21 SansAmp RPM Rackmount Preamp:

There is nothing better! Every tone is achievable. The RPM is suited for every situation.

I'm probably going to buy another RPM and biamp my rig to double the sweetness!
I would have rated it 9.5 if it let me, or 10/10 if the RPM had another XLR out. Other than that, the I/O options are pretty versatile.

The cut/boost +/-12dB, sweepable 170Hz-3.0kHz mid controls are a must for bass! FYI, the product description doesn't mention the specs on the bass or treble frequencies, but they are cut/boost +/-12dB at 80Hz and 3.2kHz, respectively.

The Drive control gets very edgy past 12 o'clock, but simulates a nice dirty tube sound between 9 and 11 o'clock.
The unit is well-built at about 8lbs. The removable power cable fits securely with no wiggle. All the jacks are smooth, yet snug. The pots have smooth action, too. The red jewel light and chrome toggle switch are nice finishing details and a great vintage homage!
The only other product that can acheive the same sound as the RPM is the SansAmp Para Driver DI (basically, the RPM in pedal form), except the RPM has more I/O options.

I spent over $400 in various pedals to get a sound that's still not quite as good, versatile, or convenient as the priced-well-under-four-hundred-dollar RPM! Since I've got the RPM, I don't use those other pedals anymore.

Recording and/or live sound to the house mix is awesome. If you already have a bass amp with a built-in preamp and effects loop, run the RPM through the loop and mic your cab, then run the two to different channels for a nice biamp effect.

Comments about Tech 21 SansAmp RPM Rackmount Preamp:

I am a professional audio engineer and can honestly say that this is one of the best bass preamps I've ever heard. Very fat sounding. I dont use bass cabs anymore! Buy it, you WONT regret it.

Comments about Tech 21 SansAmp RPM Rackmount Preamp:

This is the best sudio preamp I have EVER used on recordings!

Comments about Tech 21 SansAmp RPM Rackmount Preamp:

I've been using standard bass amps with built-in preamps for a long time and never realized the possibilities of dedicated units until I tried the Sansamp RPM.I decided on pairing up the Sansamp RPM with a Crown XLS 802D and I don't regret making the change. The drive knob (for my taste) is typical set around 10 o'clock. This gives me plenty of gain without breaking up into a full-on distorted signal (I have pedals for that!). So, with this setting it gives my bass protruding canine fangs. Pushing the drive higher creates some brutal, punishing distortion...which is quite beautiful.On the front of the unit, there's a "Active" push button to activate or bypass processing. Yet, the signal is still buffered by the unit in bypass mode...so I'm not sure if it's "true bypass." Toggling the unit is easy with this button to see the dramatic difference between wet & dry signals.The mid sweep (Mid Shift) is tremendous! It alters the tone dramatically with the slightest tweak. The active tone adjustment knobs (Mid, Mid Shift, Bass, Treble) are very musical, and the circuitry is optimized to produce aurally-pleasant tonal combinations so they aren't just raw, traditional tone knobs which cut on the signal. The guys at Tech 21 really did their homework on this one!I caught wind of the RPM because Geddy Lee uses it exclusively and prefers it over the RBI Bass Tube Amp Emulator. CONS: I gave this review a 4.5 for Features because the RPM lacks dual XLR output. It does have a 1/4" phone jack output, but XLR is preferred. Since it's a rackmount unit, the signal path utilizes the only XLR out for the power amp input...no room for another XLR output to send to the mixer. Other than that, I have no complaints whatsoever!

Comments about Tech 21 SansAmp RPM Rackmount Preamp:

I just received the SansAmp RPM today and it is a very great sounding amp. It gives you a lot of distortion and punch, and my basses sound great through it. Also, I looped the SansAmp RPM to my SansAmp RBI and they both sound great together, and you get a lot of control of your sound. Great product, I highly suggest buying this.

Comments about Tech 21 SansAmp RPM Rackmount Preamp:

I got the sansamp RPM because of the parametric mid control. That knob is priceless. I use this and a power amp as a bass head and there is more EQ changes in slight adjustments of that knob than in most 10 band EQ's. Also the tube sound of this thing is right on, I never thought I'd use anything but tube heads but this thing sounds as good or better then my tube heads. Good job Tech21 no wonder Geddy Lee uses this thing.

Comments about Tech 21 SansAmp RPM Rackmount Preamp:

I've had the RPM for about a year now and here are the pros and cons. First: my set up is the RPM through a MXR 10 band eq through a rocktron velocity through a vox 2x12 v12bn through (guitars) PRS Mira, 85 blue flower strat, j. mascis jazzmaster.PROS: One of the best straight up distortions I've ever played or heard. I just bought the Fulltone Ultimate Octave and it just doesn't compare. Though it is a fuzz/distortion. The mid shift is what is most impressive. (There are guidelines in the manual but) For a Fender tone: Mid shift about 400hz. A nasty Vox tone about 550hz. For a Marshall about 1000-1500hz and the SVT around 2300hz. The drive makes these things setting work. With that said what tones can't you find on this thing? I would NEVER trade or sell it! Effects loop, second input 0db to -20db (nice when recording to the board) dry feed, ext out, and XLR sansamp or direct. It actually cuts and boost bass and treble from 12:00 (80hz bass, 3.2khz)CONS: no reverb or any effects (buy yourself some good pedals) Other than that its one of the best investments I've ever made!

Comments about Tech 21 SansAmp RPM Rackmount Preamp:

I replace my old Sansamp RBI with this one bacause the RBM has the midrange controls. This bad boy is awesome, You can dial in any tone you looking for in no time. If you're looking for something to help your amp with getting that live sound you can do it with this one. I have been using Samsamp for over five years now and will not gig without one, I keep the smaller one in my gig bag for went I don't have to bring my rack gear. It's a must for every bass player that looking for a warm piano sound without that Hifi tone. Beware once you use the Sansamp RPM you'll never going to be without one. Just great...

Comments about Tech 21 SansAmp RPM Rackmount Preamp:

I have this preamp as well as the RBI, and if I had to pick one, I would choose this one over it's more popular brother. Contrary to popular belief, it's not an RBI with a parametric mid control. The gain and EQ structure are quite different. This unit is darker sounding than the RBI and has a lot MORE gain available if you want it to. Even with the blend at full, the tone is not nearly as scooped as the RBI, and it doesn't have the excessive high end clank that the RBI is prone to if you turn up the presence at all. The mid control is great and really helps the unit cut through the mix. Glad to see it back at this site. One heck of a preamp for the price, very flexible connection options.