Sansamp BDDI's Overdrive vs. Fulltone Bass Driver

OshKoshJoash · #1 11-15-2007, 03:06 AM

Whats up guys.

For any of you who have played through both, I'm wondering how the overdrive sounds compare with each other. I was planning on picking up a Sansamp BDDI since I needed a DI anyway and I hear lots of good things about it, but the fact that its a tube amp + cab emulator concerns me. On the other hand, the fulltone has lots of great reviews everywhere I look. If i go this route, I can just get a radial jdi or prodi later.

As far as sound quality, characteristics, and versatility go, what do you guys think?

Thanks,
Joash

arbitrary · #2 11-15-2007, 04:05 AM

I find the fulltone to be more usable for me. With the fulltone, you're able to control the overdrive a lot more. The BDDI adds a lot of color to your sound.

Dragonlord · #3 11-15-2007, 08:12 AM

Had both, kept the fulltone. The BDDI changes the tone too much, as arbitrary said, which may be wonderful if you don't like your sound, but I do.

EricF · #4 11-15-2007, 09:54 AM

It largely depends on the sound you want and how you're intending to use it. I find the SABDDI tremendously helpful for simulating the sound of my Ampeg SVT amp in situations where I can't haul the real thing around and mic up a cab (primarily in my home recording setup). For me, the SABDDI is a very useful tool.

Using the Fulltone with a JDI (an excellent DI, by the way) is certainly do-able, if that's the sound you're looking for.

icarussmicarus · #5 11-15-2007, 10:16 AM

I'm just gonna put it our there, but if you are choosing between them based on their overdrive sounds - there is no choice, the fulltone all the way. It is actually a dedicated overdrive/distortion whereas from personal experience the sansamp is light overdrive done lamely. If you want a tube emulator and a DI then get the sansamp.

bassman251 · #6 11-15-2007, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arbitrary

I find the fulltone to be more usable for me. With the fulltone, you're able to control the overdrive a lot more. The BDDI adds a lot of color to your sound.

Turn the blend knob down

infect · #7 11-15-2007, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassman251

Turn the blend knob down

+1. I always have the blend between 25% and 40%.

arbitrary · #8 11-15-2007, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassman251

Turn the blend knob down

Usually @ 30%. The color of the sansamp adjusts as you adjust the blend. But, its just one of those things, if you like the color it adds, then you love the sansamp.

But yeah, for overdrive, the fulltone is one of the better units I've tried.

assboglin · #9 11-15-2007, 01:36 PM

If all you want is overdrive, definitely go with the Fulltone. I consider it to be THE standard in bass overdrives. I don't consider the Sansamp a decent overdrive effect, because it does a lot more than that (colors your signal A LOT) whether you want it to or not so that there's no continuity between it's sound and your clean tone. But if you want a completely different sound, if you're not happy with your clean tone, the Sansamp may be the thing for you.

Other than that, because the Bass-Drive is a dedicated overdrive unit, it has a lot more control and versatility with it's overdrive, especially the newest version the Bass-Drive Mosfet. Also because the Sansamp is meant to get the sound of a slightly overdriven tube amp, there is a lot more gain and sustain available with the Bass-Drive, from slight grit to full on distortion. I've had more or less luck with the Sansamp's overdrive with different gear, but at it's best it's overdrive is capable of a nice growl compared to the bark or roar I get with the Bass-Drive.

bassman251 · #10 11-15-2007, 02:04 PM

I think with the Sansamp, it gets more of a natural sounding overdrive, but with only one type of sound. The Fulltone is more versatile. To me it seems the fulltone gets more gain with the boost channel engaged compared to the Sansamp.