SansAmp RPM or RBI

xsrossiter · #1 11-20-2008, 01:26 PM

Hi,

I have been looking for something to help me range around tone wise within the huge genre of classic / prog rock and the SansAmp RBI and RPM units from TECH 21 seem to be good answers. I called them to find out the difference between the two and the rep was not too sure other than the RBI has a Presence adjustment and was intended for bass players and the RPM had a Mid Shift and was more for guitars (although he added Geddy Lee tried both and preferred the RPM).

Has anyone had use of these two units to know if the Mid Shift is a more versatile / useful option than the Presence control of the RBI? I have seen bass players review both and they seem to like both but maybe there is some important difference a beginner like myself is not aware of.

SansAmp RBI: http://www.tech21nyc.com/rbi.html
SansAmp RPM: http://www.tech21nyc.com/rpm.html

Thanks again for the help, Steve.

gillento · #2 11-20-2008, 01:30 PM

I think the RPM has everything the RBI has got and the some....

You can use the RPM's Mid Shift to do the same that the Presence on the RBI does. But the other way isn't true.
The RPM is way more versatile.....

AndrewShirley · #3 11-20-2008, 01:41 PM

Don't forget to check out the VT Bass

- Andrew

xsrossiter · #4 11-23-2008, 01:56 AM

I emailed support at TECH 21 and this is how he describes the difference between the two models.

Quote:

There's only a small difference between the RBI and RPM with bass... the RBI always has a mid-scoop, and the Presence puts an "edge" on the tube emulation and overdrive. This can be subtle, as in "note-articulation and definition", or pronounced, as in that trebly "click". The RPM obviously has more midrange control, but a slightly "mellower" overdrive (without the Presence control). So, if you need the "angry white-boy band", aggresive "grind" of a vintage Ampeg SVT, the RBI's the one. But if you simply need the warm, perhaps "growly" tube amp tone of say, an Ampeg B15 (heard on millions of pop and Motown hits), the RPM's a great choice.

ihateusernames · #5 11-23-2008, 04:48 AM

Thanks for posting that message. Truth is, you'll most likely be happy with either one, but a VT bass, according to all reviews, should get you similar tones at a much lower price point.