Tech 21 Para-Driver vs. RPM

[lowendblues]

I'm putting together a power amp / preamp rig, are there any disadvantages to running a Tech 21 Para-Driver straight into the poweramp (Carvin DCM1540L) vs. the rackmount Tech 21 RPM version?

[DavePlaysBass]

You may want to check out the VT-bass as well.

[bassplayarob]

Originally Posted by DavePlaysBass

You may want to check out the VT-bass as well.

+1 I use the VT all the time with a power amp setup and it sounds great.

[pbasswil]

The Para Driver is a good and useful pre. and D.I. box. The EQ is powerful, and the switching is handy.

But if you want it for the (over)drive, test it carefully. It may not turn your crank (it doesn't turn mine).
And as you dial the drive in with the Blend knob, you're also dialing in a cab simulator that has a big scoop (and probably more bass extension).

[4Mal]

I love mine. It's got a great clean and can do the 'just a bit of hair' on it pretty well. yMMV - I'm not a distortion guy so just a bit is enough for me. I never user the cab sim, the scoop is way too extreme for me. I've used it on keys and also acoustic guitar. I'm on the prowl for another one at some point. A very useful box IMO.

I do not care for the BDDI or the VT as for my taste they are too 'effecty' with the whole simulation thing.

[pbasswil]

Originally Posted by 4Mal

I love mine. It's got a great clean and can do the 'just a bit of hair' on it pretty well. yMMV - I'm not a distortion guy so just a bit is enough for me.
(...)
I've used it on keys and also acoustic guitar. I'm on the prowl for another one at some point. A very useful box IMO.
...

Yeah, I leave it on just a bit too, just enough to "de-clinicalize" the straight tone, and suck a smidgen of mids out.
But once I can actually hear the fuzz, I don't care for it. Sounds like a speaker grill pressing against a driver cone and vibrating!
So I leave Drive at or below 50%, and ease Blend up to
10 or 15%, tops.

Handy DI & EQ, fer sure.

I never user the cab sim, the scoop is way too extreme for me.

But the cab sim is hard-wired to the Blend knob. You can have scoop without Drive if you turn the Drive to zero. But if the Blend is anywhere but fully counter-clockwise you have at least some scoop. You say you use a touch of Drive; so your Blend is on at least a bit, bringing some cab sim (scoop), too.
Unless I'm totally misunderstanding something, which has happened before!

[lowendblues]

I already have the VT and will be trying it as well.

I'm just trying to rationalize the extra $$$ between the RPM and the Para-Driver.

I might even end up with the VT Deluxe.

Thanks for the comments.

[JGR]

I have both (actually the acoustic DI predecessor) and would get the RPM if you are going with a rack rig. It has more level to drive the amp and more routing options.

Just buy used. I have another one for sale BTW.

[Kael]

Originally Posted by pbasswil

The Para Driver is a good and useful pre. and D.I. box. The EQ is powerful, and the switching is handy.

But if you want it for the (over)drive, test it carefully. It may not turn your crank (it doesn't turn mine).
And as you dial the drive in with the Blend knob, you're also dialing in a cab simulator that has a big scoop (and probably more bass extension).

That's strange. I never noticed a mid-scoop in the Paradriver. I'll have to test that. Coming off of a SABDDI, when I gank the blend knob up I don't hear a bass scoop in the Paradriver like I do with the SABDDI. I fully acknowledge that there might be a bass scoop that is slighter than the SABDDI and that I am not noticing it. When I've listened really critically for such things, it has mostly been while a/b'ing those two.

Incidentally, the SABDDI mid-scoop is there but over hyped. Back og the blend and the bass/treble knobs. Mids are there.

[Session1969]

Originally Posted by JGR

I have both (actually the acoustic DI predecessor) and would get the RPM if you are going with a rack rig. It has more level to drive the amp and more routing options.

Just buy used. I have another one for sale BTW.

My experience with the bddi and the rbi was the same. I had too low of a signal to go directly into the power amp using the pedal but the actual preamp was great ! It may be the same in your case as well.

[Kael]

Originally Posted by Session1969

My experience with the bddi and the rbi was the same. I had too low of a signal to go directly into the power amp using the pedal but the actual preamp was great ! It may be the same in your case as well.

The old SABDDI wouldn't drive most power amps adequately. All the ones made in the last 4 or 5 years will do so just fine. If it has a line/instr level switch on the front, set it to line. It'll drive any power amp you can throw it at.

[lo-freq]

Another option might be one of these (though it is almost as much as the RPM):

EQ Pedal - The Empress ParaEq with Boost