Tech 21 Sansamp BDDI to Power Amp

[tbass-chicago]

Hi,

I have a cabinet and a solidstate power amp. I either need to get a pre-amp for it to play live. I'm wondering: anyone plug their Sansamp BDDI direct into their power amp? How does that work for you?

I thought about getting a POD, but the Sansamp BDDI is so ubiquitous, I'm thinking that may be the better way to go.

Thanks in advance!

[BeyondFiredUp]

I use the Sansamp BDDI and love it. You can get MANY tone variations. I must say that I have followed the advice of fellow users and I dial back the Blend knob. I dial mine about halfway (12 oclock). That may be a bit too much for some, but just try it out and bend it in til it sounds right to YOU.
Also, I think the presence knob is best dialed back for an "in band" setting. If you are gonna solo, dial in more presence, but it can get very sensitive if you dial in too much. I go from the BDDI into a Carvin power amp, the 1015 dual EQ 1000 w power amp. Go for it. You'll love the BDDI, and gigging can be a breeze and "lightweight" if you need it to be!

[tbass-chicago]

>> "lightweight" if you need it to be!

That certainly wouldn't hurt!

[Exploiter8]

+1 BDDI
Just remember, if buying used, the early version required removing the four bottom screws to replace the battery. More importantly, the first version didn't have a "line/inst" switch, which boosted the output to run a poweramp.

Have FUN!

X8

[mongo2]

For several years I used a 1st generation SABDDI into a Peavey DPC-1000.

[::::BASSIST::::]

There is another thread on this very topic around here with info.

My vote is try the VT Bass. I currently use it with a dpc 1000 and it sounds VERY good. If money is an issue they are a bit cheaper new than the SABDDI. However, they do not have a DI so that is definitely a negative. If you use one of these pedals with an eq pedal you are golden.

[bthiemann80]

SABDDI + power amp is a great combination. If I ever had to look for a different setup from the one I use now, I'd go straight to a lightweight power amp and newer BDDI preamp.

[tbass-chicago]

So the first gen works? I was looking for something used, and hadn't realized there was a difference.

Thanks, guys. This is great information.

[craig.p]

> anyone plug their Sansamp BDDI direct into their power amp?
> How does that work for you?

Works great for me running right into the power amp section of my old Carvin bass head. As Exploiter8 said, you'll want to use the later version, not the earlier version, because the earlier one didn't have quite the sock needed to drive some (but not all) power amps to full output. My new/TBD stage rig for C&W will be my BDDI --> stereo power amp --> 2 cabs.

[Munjibunga]

Originally Posted by tbass-chicago

So the first gen works? I was looking for something used, and hadn't realized there was a difference.

Thanks, guys. This is great information.

I've heard the first generation does not work.

[Mr. Foxen]

Depends on the input sensitivity of your power amp. Any will do a very hot signal, but the boost might be needed for some amps to bring them to level.

[::::BASSIST::::]

Stick to the 2nd gen and you should be fine.

[mongo2]

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

I've heard the first generation does not work.

I'm glad I my 1st gen SABDDI never heard that.

[tbass-chicago]

Does the first gen allow for using an AC Adapter? I don't like running off of batteries live.

[waveman]

I am thinking about doing this as my backup rig. I primarily use a Little Markbass II for my gigging amp. I am looking really hard at the Peavey IPR for this, so it can double as my home PA amp/backup gig power amp as well.

[murphy]

Originally Posted by tbass-chicago

Does the first gen allow for using an AC Adapter? I don't like running off of batteries live.

Yes

[craig.p]

> I am thinking about doing this as my backup rig. I primarily use a
> Little Markbass II for my gigging amp.

Don't be surprised if those positions eventually get swapped.