A truckload of bass rigs in a single rackspace!

The Tech 21 Sansamp RBI Rackmount Bass Tube Amp Emulator puts all of the preamp tone-shaping and fattening control of the popular SansAmp Bass Driver DI in a single rackspace and adds a host of new features: a dedicated mid control; individual level control for the XLR out to optimize your amp's output relative to the PA; effects loop; Mix 50/50 switch; 2 XLR outputs, one with level selection and a buffered unaffected XLR for running a dry signal to another channel. It also has 2 footswitch inputs: on/off and an output for chaining and toggling between 2 SansAmps.

Tech 21 SansAmp RBI Rackmount Bass Tube Amp Emulator Features:

• Puts all of its predecessor's preamp tone-shaping and fattening control in a single rackspace
• Dedicated mid control
• Individual level control for the XLR out to optimize your amp's output relative to the PA
• An effects loop
• Mix 50/50 switch
• 2 XLR outputs, one with level selection and a buffered unaffected XLR for running a dry signal to another channel
• 2 footswitch inputs: on/off and an output for chaining and toggling between 2 SansAmps

One piece of gear that can make your old amp sound like a million bucks. Buy it today.

Tech 21 SansAmp RBI Rackmount Bass Tube Amp Emulator

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Average of 30 User Ratings

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Top tone, great flexibility, outstanding value

Posted by Ken - from Washington DC/Baltimore corridor on Aug 18, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Semi-pro for 30+ years

Reviewer's Play Style: Modern and classic rock, Motown, blues, funk

In the decades I've been gigging I have used a lot of different gear including boutique tube preamps, but the SansAmp RBI has been in my number one gig rig for years now. My only complaint is that it is missing a few features such as a mute switch and ground lift for the DI, but neither is a big loss for me. The beauty of the RBI is that it gives harmonically rich tube tone without the weight of an all-tube amp -- and I used vintage SVT amps for many years. In fact the RBI has an advantage over the classic SVT in that I get the sound of a tube amp run in the "sweet spot" at any volume, whereas the SVT would be too clean for me at low volume, and too dirty on those rare occasions I pushed it too hard. I don't hesitate to use the RBI in any situation, from aggressive modern rock to mellow Motown and blues.

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What you want, when you want!

Posted by AaronProch from Gouldsboro, PA on Mar 13, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Active Musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Alternative

I just recently bought this amazing unit used, but I have no clue why someone would want to sell an RBI. I have never liked the tone coming from any bass amp alone, except from my friend's Mesa Fathom. Since they don't make those amps anymore, I picked this up. This preamp puts any tone I could want at my finger tips. With the 50/50 mix switch enabled it gives you the perfect balance of you're raw bass mixed with the effects from the SansAmp. I plan on adding a SansAmp RPM to my rig soon. If you can get one of these, don't think about it. Just buy it!!!

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This is what I was missing...

Posted by Keinlan from New York on Oct 15, 2008

Experience w/product: I have used it

Reviewer's Background: Active Musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Punk / Pop Punk

We've all been there... you find a bassist or guitarist with tone you love, find out what gear they have, get it yourself, and... what? Why doesn't this sound even half as good? I was playing a Stingray through an SVT4Pro and an 810e, getting no where near the tone that I've heard from the same rig used by a bassist I like. I tried this out the other day and bought it on the spot! Turning it on and off was essentially flipping a switch between the tone I had and the tone I wanted. Top notch!

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RBI Rules!

Posted by Eric G from St Louis on Sep 14, 2008

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Active Musician 20+ years

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock, Country, Blues

I hardly ever think a product deserves 5 stars across the board, but this is a truly deserving product. The best thing anyone can do for their tone - hands down. I bought the RPM model 1st and that really rocks with the parametric mid-sweep & more available OD/Distortion it offers. A few months ago I pickuped up an RBI and run them both. Together, they absolutely dominate! It's a formidable, cutting, growly tone, I can't believe how much time & money I've wasted over the years trying to get what these units bring to my sound. Either rule individually, but together is where it's at!

Overall

Quality

Features

Value

RBI Rules!

Posted by Eric G from St Louis on Sep 14, 2008

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Active Musician 20+ years

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock, Country, Blues

I hardly ever think a product deserves 5 stars across the board, but this is a truly deserving product. The best thing anyone can do for their tone - hands down. I bought the RPM model 1st and that really rocks with the parametric mid-sweep & more available OD/Distortion it offers. A few months ago I pickuped up an RBI and run them both. Together, they absolutely dominate! It's a formidable, cutting, growly tone, I can't believe how much time & money I've wasted over the years trying to get what these units bring to my sound. Either rule individually, but together is where it's at!

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Tech 21 SansAmp RBI Rackmount Bass Tube Amp Emulator

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