Cheaper Sansamp Bass Driver alternative?

FBS1996 · #1 11-12-2011, 06:33 PM

Hey everyone

I need some a ideas for a decent quality (but fairly cheap) bass driver/pre-amp/DI pedals that I could buy. I was thinking the 30 quid Behringer Vtone BDI thing, but I've heard mostly bad things about behringer. I might just get it anyway because of how cheap it is. Is there any other options for me? I'm willing to spend more than 30 quid (probably about 60-70 tops)

Cheers.

mjl9787 · #2 11-12-2011, 07:38 PM

Used aphex bass xciter? maybe? i don't think there's much in that price range.

Savage_Dreams · #3 11-12-2011, 07:45 PM

i have the behringer to practice with at home, ive had no problems with it. ive had other behringer products too with no problems whatsoever. the only problem i can see with the behringer pedals is they are mostly plastic, i suppose that saves money there, and you probably dont want to stomp on them as hard as you might other pedals. that could be where some poeple have problems with them.

Crystalman85 · #4 11-13-2011, 01:32 AM

a hartke vxl bass attack preamp pedal would be a good choice if you can be able to save a little more than $70. it costs $90, it has a sound similar to a tech 21 bass driver, and it has hatrke's famous shape control(which is an eq boost). plus it's cased in metal just like the tech 21 bass driver.

richwood84 · #5 11-13-2011, 07:42 AM

I use The bdi for gigs ( I play mostly coffee shops ). It's definitely plastic, but does add some rich and deep color to my p bass deluxe and kala ubass2. I don't use it as a stomp though. I hit the button with my hand, just because it is plastic. As a cheap alternative to the sans amp it's well worth the $30.

bassist4dalord · #6 11-13-2011, 07:48 AM

I had a Hartke VXL Bass Driver DI for a couple months and I enjoyed it. Sold it to a TBer; I'm not sure why.. It really is a pretty cool device. I think I maybe didn't give it enough time for fine-tuning.

Definitely worth looking into, IMO.

topo morto · #7 11-13-2011, 08:54 AM

The Behringer sounds OK - it's quite a good ripoff of the sansamp. The construction is very poor.

I've not used the VXL but would like to try one. I also like the Xciter, though there's no drive section as such.

cableguy · #8 11-13-2011, 09:11 AM

Feel free to try out the Behringer, they are what they are. A value priced alternative to the Sansamp. That said, I will say the Sansamp BDDI is an excellent device that will last a long, long time and is well worth the extra cash when you can afford it. Obviously you are not in the US so I don't know what they cost for you. I have had mine since the 90's sometime and even when I don't use it I always have it in my bass case. Tech 21 makes great products.

topo morto · #9 11-13-2011, 09:18 AM

If you don't mind going digital, a second-hand Zoom B2.1u will give you a DI with XLR out and loads of different drive sounds.

RickenBoogie · #10 11-13-2011, 10:44 AM

A used MXR M-80.

Collider · #11 11-13-2011, 11:44 AM

The Behringer is an OK piece of kit for the price IMO but as others have said, the build quality would probably not stand up to much actual stomping. Not an issue for me as I use it in front of a PA and leave it switched on.

Electricblue · #12 11-13-2011, 11:54 AM

The only evident fault with the Behringer copy is the durability. I'm getting one, I will just sit it on top of my head, and tap it with my hand if I need to turn it off.

Just don't stand on it that hard. Only a lead-footed buffoon would find that challenging.

topo morto · #13 11-13-2011, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Electricblue

Just don't stand on it that hard.

Or plug/unplug the 6.3" input / output jacks too many times.

Or the power jack.

It's a shame as with slightly better engineering, it could be a bargain product. Cheap doesn't have to mean throw-away quality... but it does in this case.

SBassman · #14 11-13-2011, 12:19 PM

I think people always ragging on the durability of the Behringer BDI are just mouthing what they have Heard.

I have two of them. For many years. Never had a problem. When I look at the housing, yeah, it's not a metal tank, but I see nothing fragile about it.

It seems reasonably rugged, and with the tone you can get, it's an absolute steal at that price.

The OP was looking for a low priced Sansamp alternative. The Behringer BDI is a reasonable answer.

Kromwarp · #15 11-13-2011, 12:32 PM

I have both the BDI21 and the Bass Attack on my board. I use the Hartke strictly for High end and the Behringer only for low end, I've been extremley happy with the results

topo morto · #16 11-13-2011, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SBassman

I think people always ragging on the durability of the Behringer BDI are just mouthing what they have Heard.

Not in my case. Mine broke and I treat my pedals like delicate little flowers; The only other person I know who had one - his broke as well, and he's also the type that looks after things.

richwood84 · #17 11-13-2011, 01:11 PM

I own the bdi and I've taken it apart... The stomp switch is not a switch like other stomps (3ddp dtdp etc) but rather a contact pad like in a computer keyboard.. Would you step on your keyboard? Probably not for long.

Ive got other beheringer products that work just fine like the bdi, but they too lack sturdiness. It's the best bang for your buck IMHO.

**Faderoktopus** · #18 11-13-2011, 01:34 PM

Perhaps the Harley Benton bass driver 2000? I haven't tried it or heard any reviews yet, but it looks a lot more solid than the behringer and is probably pretty much just a cheap repackaged Sansamp. I am considering getting one just for the hell of it, these boxes are loads of fun.

Martin

truebenjaman · #19 11-14-2011, 10:34 AM

The Harley-Benton (if availiable in your area) has some added value: a mid-knob.

Haven't heard it (or the Behringer) yet, but own a Hartke, which I like.

SBassman · #20 11-14-2011, 10:46 AM

Tried to find that pedal in the U.S. and failed. If someone knows otherwise, please post a link.