I have a SansAmp Bass Driver DI, is there anything point...

Matt14500 · #1 07-08-2009, 08:26 PM

I have had my SansAmp Bass Driver DI for a couple of weeks now and I really like it. I heard a demo of a VT Bass and it sounds awesome. I was wondering if there was any point in having both of these pedals in my chain or would I be wasting my money buying a VT. I don't just want to abandon by Bass Driver DI and I also don't want to spend money on a VT for no reason.

Crabby · #2 07-08-2009, 08:44 PM

The bassdriver is a great tool to have as it makes a great DI box as well as being a full fledged pre amp and a stomp box to boot. The VT bass can also be used as a pre amp but has no XLR output.

After owning both, I think I slightly prefer the tone of the VT over the bassdriver but you have a great unit there and I don't think owning both is necessary.

Matt14500 · #3 07-08-2009, 08:59 PM

Yeah, you're probably right. However, I can't shake the feeling that I made the wrong descision in getting the BDDI instead of the VT. I know the BDDI might be more versatile as having your own DI is always a good thing, but I see the VT getting much more attention and praise.

cybersnyder · #4 07-08-2009, 09:15 PM

If you don't use the DI, then I'd say that the VT is superior tone-wise. Of course my idea of tone could differ vastly from yours. I like the warmer sound of the VT.

groooooove · #5 07-08-2009, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cybersnyder

If you don't use the DI, then I'd say that the VT is superior tone-wise. Of course my idea of tone could differ vastly from yours. I like the warmer sound of the VT.

+1 if your not using it as a DI the BDDI is inferior to the VT. ive never played a VT, only heard clips, but i owned a BDDI for a while. i'm only making the assumption that the VT is better because 1. the clips sounded better, 2. it has a mid control, wich was my big problem with the BDDI

i just sold my BDDI, and im probably replacing it with either a VT, or hopefully i can find a used geminidrive somewhere.

propel · #6 07-08-2009, 10:28 PM

I switched from the bass driver to a VT bass, never regretted it. The VT bass has a LOT more versatility and is a lot more fun to tweak IMO.

Jon Kolar · #7 07-08-2009, 10:35 PM

You are not alone on that question. I have the sans amp too, but I'm in the same boat wondering if I might like the VT better.

I use the DI on the sans amp all the time though.

WildTrkey · #8 07-08-2009, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt14500

Yeah, you're probably right. However, I can't shake the feeling that I made the wrong descision in getting the BDDI instead of the VT. I know the BDDI might be more versatile as having your own DI is always a good thing, but I see the VT getting much more attention and praise.

I think a Sansamp Para-Driver would be money better spent. It has all the great tone and features of the BDDI plus a mid control. After trying the VT, I realized that this would be the better option because I love my BDDI and am so used to it. (Don't know how I lived without it!) It will be my next purchase. I KNOW what my BDDI can and can't do. The VT seems a bit over hyped on the forums for what it is. The original is the real workhorse and what made the company famous amogst us bassists. A para-driver is what I love about Tech21 and then some.

SteveC · #9 07-08-2009, 10:44 PM

Just because something is new and getting a lot of talk and praise on TB doesn't mean you should abandon what is already working for you. This happens on TB all the time. Sounds like your BDDI is doing what you need.

It also sounds like you use the DI on your BDDI. If you try a VT and like it just wait until Tech21 updates the VT to include a DI. Get an inexpensive DI and there will be plenty of used VT's for sale that day.

smo · #10 07-08-2009, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by propel

I switched from the bass driver to a VT bass, never regretted it. The VT bass has a LOT more versatility and is a lot more fun to tweak IMO.

Much easier to tweak yes - but more versatile no.
It doesn't have a blend feature, DI, phantom power etc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by groooooove

....the BDDI is inferior to the VT. ive never played a VT, only heard clips

This comment confuses and is a big reason why forums can be full of misinformation.

I've owned the BDDI, PBDDI and the VT.
Of those;
The PBDDI is the best. It has more versatility hands down, but can be a little problematic if you're trying to change the preset's in the middle of a live set.
The BDDI is easier for this reason only - you can tweak it quickly without holding up the band on stage.
NOW!
The VT is even easier for this same reason, due to the dedicated mid knob.

Is the VT better tonally?
Well - that's gonna depend on your idea of tone.
I like the VT - but I can get the same tone I like from the BDDI.
And the character knob is interesting, but tonally doesn't add a huge difference to the tones achievable to the BDDI.

The VT does not have a blend feature - which can be useless to some, but crucial to other's.
I currently use the VT on my board as a pre-amp, but I honestly can't see a huge difference between the tone offered by the VT and the BDDI.
The VT is much easier to get THAT tone in your head, but after a little trial and error, the BDDI can get the same tones, provided you're willing work at it, it can be a tricky pedal to get right without a dedicated mid.
I do like the way they've centered the frequencies though, the bass is just where I like it on the VT.

For me, the whole VT vs BDDI is all about ease of use, 'cos tonally they're quite close.
But I do choose VT.

::::BASSIST:::: · #11 07-08-2009, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveC

Just because something is new and getting a lot of talk and praise on TB doesn't mean you should abandon what is already working for you. This happens on TB all the time. Sounds like your BDDI is doing what you need.

It also sounds like you use the DI on your BDDI. If you try a VT and like it just wait until Tech21 updates the VT to include a DI. Get an inexpensive DI and there will be plenty of used VT's for sale that day.

Exactly. I've been around long enough to know that TB hype is fun and amusing, its not 100% accurate.

Another idea... buy a VT from GC and use the 30 days return to compare it to your BDDI. Dont like it? Return it and keep the BDDI.

jufros · #12 07-08-2009, 11:40 PM

If I were you I'd probably put the money towards a tubescreamer type overdrive instead of the VT. I use the Sansamp RBI and like you, was worried that I had missed out by opting for the VT. I tried the VT with the RBI and returned it the very next day. Definitely too redundant. On the other hand, I had great luck running my Sparkle Drive (soon to be an MI Audio Blue Boy Deluxe or Humphrey Badder Monkey) into my RBI. I worked some miracle tones with the Gemini Drive -> RBI combo as well.

danjerl · #13 07-09-2009, 12:13 AM

I have both pedals on my board. No matter what I decide to do, whether I reconfigure my board, sell my current pedal and buy new ones, the BDDI and the VT will always be on my board. I consider them my 'bread & butta' because they both are extremely versatile. I can dial in the BDDI for one tone and dial in the VT with another, such as an SVT. I almost always have two basses with me when I gig. Sometime even an upright. I don't always have the luxury of time to change settings.

I bought the BDDI first. Didn't regret it one bit. Then I bought another cause the GAS was killing me. Then I sold it because the VT came out and that GAS was even worse!!! So I got one. Yeah, maybe I could have made do with having just the BDDI and used the $$$ I got from selling the other BDDI. But because I hate saying 'what if...' I bought the VT with the intention of using it in tandum with the BDDI.

If $$$ is an issue, try to find one used on eBay or Craigslist. If you're worried about not liking it because it is worse than the BDDI, or because it is better than the BDDI and you're hating yourself fo buying the BDDi in the first place, get it anyway. It might be worth it in the long run.

Remember, us here on TB play so many different styles. So what sounds awesome to one bassist, may sound like crap to another. Tasters choice.

Let us know 1) what you decide to do and 2) if you do buy the VT, post some clips of the different settings you find "tasty".

My $.015936427...this recession is killing me!

JimmyM · #14 07-09-2009, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WildTrkey

I think a Sansamp Para-Driver would be money better spent. It has all the great tone and features of the BDDI plus a mid control. After trying the VT, I realized that this would be the better option because I love my BDDI and am so used to it. (Don't know how I lived without it!) It will be my next purchase. I KNOW what my BDDI can and can't do. The VT seems a bit over hyped on the forums for what it is.

So a ton of people that love it is considered "over-hyped" these days? That reminds me of those music discussions I used to have with indie snobs..."Well they're selling tons of albums now so they suck." "I liked them better back when I was the only one who knew about them." Whatever. I don't really care who likes it and who doesn't...a great product is a great product. And for my money, the VT is the best product Sansamp makes and possibly the best pedal ever made. Call it hype or whatever...I gain nothing by hyping a product...it's my honest opinion.