SansAmp RBI as an effect and not a preamp?

[1940andy]

Hey guys. I'm certainly not new to playing bass, but seeing as how gigging with my band is going to become my full time job as of next year, i'd like to learn as much as I can!

So check it out: If I get a Markbass head, could I buy the SansAmp RBI and use it exactly as I would with the BDDI, just in a rackmounted situation?

Any help is appreciated!

-A

[SpankyPants]

Yes.

[mrkreuzschlitz]

yeah, you'd run into the sansamp, then out of that into the markbass.

[DudeWheresMy182]

it even has a footswitch out on it.

[BrentSimons]

There is a gent on the ernie ball bass forum that has that exact setup. RBI into a Markbass. If you post I'm sure he will answer.
Brent
http://www.ernieball.com/forums/music-man-basses/

[Chasarms]

I'd love here comments on the pros and cons of running an RBI/RPM actually in the effects loop of an amp rather than in front of it and into the return.

I have a Thunderfunk TB550-B. I just want to fatten up the tone a bit and maybe add a little fur. I am very happy with the EQ shelving. I don't want to bypass it.

I also want a little more sparkle in the highs. Since the RBI is often noted as bright, I thought this might be a nice answer.

My thought is to simply insert it into the effects loop of the TFunk using the back input with the pad engaged.

[Revmizery]

Originally Posted by Chasarms

I'd love here comments on the pros and cons of running an RBI/RPM actually in the effects loop of an amp rather than in front of it and into the return.

I prefer it, I actually run mine after my main preamp before my power amp. I use a foot switch to turn it off and on, It gives me the sounds like the amp has an overdrive channel after the main pre section.

[Chasarms]

Well, I am the proud owner of the Sansamp RBI. I installed it last night in my rack.

My initial impressions are VERY favorable. The unit TOTALLY alters the tone of the amp. I don't know that it is a true mirror of tube tone, but it definitely has that kind of vibe about it.

I have to agree with the many observations that have been shared here about the unit. Less is more. Any of the adjustments in extreme settings are too much, but in moderation, it really fattens up the tone and a nice warmth. It also has natural compression as does a tube amp, which I like.

I installed mine within the pre-EQ effects loop of my Thunderfunk. I am very happy with this setup as you can A/B with or without the effect very easily.

In addition, using the front input on the RBI bypasses the back one, so I can also plug directly into the RBI. I did try it. Honestly, I don't think the two options sound significantly different once you adjust the gains to match.

I am glad I bought the RBI rather than the RPM. If the RPM is truely significantly darker, I don't think I would have liked it. With the TF having two parametic mid adjustments, I don't need the mid feature of the RPM. In fact, I didn't really EQ the RBI at all other than to add a little bass back in that was sucked out by the blend. That way, you can switch in and out of the RBI without losing bottom end.

I really appreciate what this thing can do. So far, I think it holds up to the hype.

Right now I am playing it with the blend at about 12 o'clock, the drive at about 11 o'clock and the presence around 9 o'clock. It is subtle, but it makes all the difference in the world to my ears.

FWIW, my cabs are Eden XLT 210s.