does anyone do this?

southshoreconor · #1 04-17-2008, 08:36 PM

i think i'm going to start using my sansamp DI for a distortion pedal, through my 400+. i typically play with a little dirt in my sound, but for a few parts i need an over-the-top drive, without adding much or any volume. does it make sense to do this?

Mark Olson · #2 04-17-2008, 09:03 PM

Well, typically what I want in a drive pedal is something transparent, just something to add drive and make my sound bigger, not a complete reworking of my tone. I like continuity between my clean and overdriven tones. The sansamp colors the tone too much to make an on and off drive thing for me, it's much better as an always on thing.

But you should try it and see what you think of it, though the Sansamp isn't exactly capable of what I would call "over-the-top drive".

niftydog · #3 04-17-2008, 09:29 PM

I'd be more inclined to let the 400+ do that for you. Set up one channel for a little grind and the other for mega-crunch and switch between them. Seems criminal to emulate tubes when you've got a 400+!!!

Colonel Monk · #4 04-17-2008, 09:39 PM

I have used my SansAmp Bass DI as a boost or overdrive in the past.

Look, it ain't no clean boost, but that's not what you're looking for, right? It's going to color your tone, but I think most pedals do. One thing about the SABDI, is that you have control over level, blend, treble, bass, drive, and presence.

So you can choose wet/dry mix, tone, and how much dirt/OD you get.

Follow the maxim of many: if it sounds good, it IS good.

out

southshoreconor · #5 04-18-2008, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by niftydog

I'd be more inclined to let the 400+ do that for you. Set up one channel for a little grind and the other for mega-crunch and switch between them. Seems criminal to emulate tubes when you've got a 400+!!!

how can i do this? i play passive basses, so i plug into the 2nd channel. the first channel has much less gain. it would be ideal to just use my amp for everything. but short of buying a 2nd tube amp (think; tim commerford's set up), i can't think of how to set this up.

JanusZarate · #6 04-18-2008, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by southshoreconor

how can i do this? i play passive basses, so i plug into the 2nd channel. the first channel has much less gain. it would be ideal to just use my amp for everything. but short of buying a 2nd tube amp (think; tim commerford's set up), i can't think of how to set this up.

Mess with the active channel so you can get the dirt you need for your basic tone - crank the gain until you get what you're looking for. Then use the passive channel for your heavier, more overdriven stuff.

But given the simplicity of the controls, it might be difficult to get the gain you need AND keep the volume balanced. So...

Try a boost pedal or more transparent overdrive pedal as an alternative solution. In other words, bring some dirt from a less "colored" source or push your tubes harder to get more overdrive. IMO, a boost pedal might be the best solution.

niftydog · #7 04-20-2008, 05:05 PM

I was thinking of an AB switch to switch your signal between the channels, but for some reason I thought there was a master per channel, but there's not!

So yeah, volume matching will be hard. Worth a try though, plug into the passive channel and dial up a bit of crunch, then see if you can get the same volume without the overdrive out of the active channel.

You could combine some ideas and build an AB switcher with a boost built into one of the channels - but again, would take some futzing with the controls to get levels to match.