Sansamp GT2 vs. XXLB

*insertcoolname · #1 09-06-2010, 12:57 PM

Basically what the title says, anyone ever use them both? Right now I'm running an XXLB and it's pretty good but I really wish it had better onboard EQ since the one tone knob isn't enough for me. I know that the GT-2 has bass/treble and since it's also a Tech 21 gain pedal that has a lot of distortion on tap I figure it might be a good upgrade over my XXLB.

Who has used one? Is there enough low end with the bass knob dimed? Is it worth picking up? Anyone have any clips on bass?

Thanks a bunch!

Paul

vegas532 · #2 09-06-2010, 01:06 PM

The GT-2 is one of my main drive tones, actually. There is a lot possibilities in this little box, but there are also a plethora of low end sucking tones. I'd give one a whirl if you can. I liked it way more than the XXLB, but it's not going to be for everyone (the Mesa settings are friggin' BRUTAL on bass!).

Crystalman85 · #3 09-06-2010, 03:08 PM

There are sound samples of the tech 21 xxl bass edition distortion pedal on the website basstasters.com. here's the link.

http://www.basstasters.com/effects/Tech21_XXL.html

Voss451 · #4 09-06-2010, 04:20 PM

That's the kind of problem I usually run into when trying different drive pedals. Guitar pedals tend to lose a lot of low end when running a bass through them. The best one I've had so far has to be the Dano Transparent OD. It probably helps that it has both Treble and Bass knobs whereas most only have a 'tone' knob.

At $40 it's a total steal and worth a go if you're having trouble finding something that works.

*insertcoolname · #5 09-06-2010, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crystalman85

There are sound samples of the tech 21 xxl bass edition distortion pedal on the website basstasters.com. here's the link.

http://www.basstasters.com/effects/Tech21_XXL.html

I'm quite aware of what the XXLB sounds like, I own one

My question is in regards to the GT2 and how it compares.

vegas532 · #6 09-06-2010, 05:33 PM

The GT-2 is lighter on the lows overall, but is a lot more versatile IMHO. I tried the XXLB, but the GT-2 gave me more of what I'm after. Keep in mind, however, that I use for the sound of playing my bass through a cranked guitar amp (with more lows). Some good reference points for the sound I'm talking about can be found in Tool (H., Jimmy, Vicarious) and NIN's music.

Crystalman85 · #7 09-06-2010, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *insertcoolname

I'm quite aware of what the XXLB sounds like, I own one

My question is in regards to the GT2 and how it compares.

I've found a youtube clip of the sansamp gt2 demonstrated on bass. here's the clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DteOhHC3CUw

Crystalman85 · #8 09-07-2010, 06:15 PM

If you want another choice for a tech 21 pedal, check out the tech 21 oxford pedal. it sounds pretty cool on bass. check out this clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgKLgKJQV_g

The bass clips are at 0:14 and 0:30. I personally like how the clip at 0:30 sounds. I totally dig the smooth grinding sound that it provides.

TimmyDX · #9 09-07-2010, 07:32 PM

I've used the XXL original and GT2 and the GT2 has the sound i love. But they are both really different creatures, because the GT2 isn't so much a distortion pedal as a tube amp simulator its going to give you awesome amp like distortion tones as vegas said.

The XXL on the other hand is more of an effect pedal because its a lot more fuzzy sounding imo.

*insertcoolname · #10 09-07-2010, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimmyDX

I've used the XXL original and GT2 and the GT2 has the sound i love. But they are both really different creatures, because the GT2 isn't so much a distortion pedal as a tube amp simulator its going to give you awesome amp like distortion tones as vegas said.

The XXL on the other hand is more of an effect pedal because its a lot more fuzzy sounding imo.

Coupla questions for you if ya don't mind:

1) Can this pedal get really nasty? Like lots of distortion if need be?

2) Can it go the other way and get less crunch and more definition?

3) Assuming that you know how to work the pedal's controls, is loss of low end a problem?

Thanks!

vegas532 · #11 09-07-2010, 10:04 PM

1) The GT-2 will get Mesa Triple Rectifier on the edge of blowing up nasty.

2) You can do a nice polite SVT or Bassman with it.

3) Loss of low end isn't a major problem once you get used to the EQ.

*insertcoolname · #12 09-07-2010, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vegas532

1) The GT-2 will get Mesa Triple Rectifier on the edge of blowing up nasty.

2) You can do a nice polite SVT or Bassman with it.

3) Loss of low end isn't a major problem once you get used to the EQ.

Great!

You're not helping my GAS however...

vegas532 · #13 09-07-2010, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *insertcoolname

Great!

You're not helping my GAS however...

At your service! Maybe I can get rratajski or oldironsights to chime in on the tone I use that pedal for...subtle it isn't!!

vegas532 · #14 09-07-2010, 10:20 PM

If I'm not mistaken, I seem to recall Sonny (El President de Sanford and Sonny Audio Weapons) told me in a conversation that he preferred the GT-2 to the XXLB, also. I'll suffice it to say that I acquired and flipped an XXLB in a weeks time, yet I've had the same GT-2 since '95 or '96.