Bass DI: MXR M-80 vs Sansamp Bass Driver

[riku888]

Hello all,

I'm looking for a DI box to record bass with. (active Jazz V Deluxe into Pro Tools). I'm thinking about a MXR M-80 Bass DI or a Tech 21 Sansamp Bass Driver (or possibly the programable one).
I'm liking the fact that the MXR has a mid control, but I've heard great things about both.
Anyone have any opinions on these 2 units.
I'm trying to find somewhere near to where I live to try them out, but I live in a very rubbish part of the UK!
Thanks in advance
Rik

[Nikoubis]

The thread.

The search feature is your friend.

I can't possibly fathom any question left unanswered by all of these. BTW I have the Sansamp ParaDriver which IMO pwns both.

[ChorusPedal88]

As an owner of a SansAmp, very very reliable built like a tank, does its job well for me, I can't comment on the MXR since I have never used one, but the SansAmp, I am very happy with.

[cybersnyder]

I own both and prefer the MXR M-80. Really want to try the paradriver.

[ibnzneksrul]

If you want a super-clean modern tone get the MXR.

If you want tube emulation get the Sansamp.

[tomvelsor]

i <3 sansamp

[riku888]

Thanks for the thread link. I did try searching, but I would appear to suck at it.
Anyway ... managed to get down to London and find a shop with both the Sansamp and the MXR.
The MXR is more about being a DI with an eq and a (pretty standard) distortion. Distortion sounded ok, but really wasn't anything special.
The Sansamp is about sounding like a tube amp. Was very impressed with the tones that were coming out of it. Was not at all bothered by the lack of mid control. Will be getting one of these.
Thanks guys.

[Big Benner]

I just did a gig with my Programmable Sansamp Bass Driver using the factory default 1 position with a touch more Presence and the Sound man flip out over how good it was. OLP Music Man copy 5 string into the Sansamp into the mixing board and a line out into my SWR SM900.

The other bands had a active Fender Jazz and a real Music Man Stingray 5 string into a large rackmount Ampeg head with a DI out the back,..... and the sound man didn't comment on those guys.

I absolutely looove how the Sansamp "ALTERS THE SIGNAL WITH COMPRESSION AND TONE ALTERATION. THIS IS A PLEASANT SIDE EFFECT THAT REALLY WASN'T MEANT TO BE DESIGNED INTO TUBES".

I can not play without my Sansamp.

[chaosMK]

The Hartke VXL pedal is a good cheap alternative to the Sansamp too.

[Joe Gress]

I have a sansamp. I have not used it as a DI, but if the chance came, I would definetly use it. It sounds awesome!

[slombovia]

Easy - I've used both

- M-80 = toneless and noisy - makes great basses sound so-so

- Sansamp = less noise and WAY better tone - makes lesser basses sound better

[riku888]

I didn't find the M-80 to be that bad. It's just a DI box with an average EQ.
Anyway I've just bought a Programmable Sansamp Bass Driver from some shop on ebay US. Even with shipping and taxes it's much cheaper than buying in Europe.
I'm all excited now, but have to wait :-(

[riku888]

Bass driver arrived and it was definitely a good decision. Killer sounds and easy to use.